YouSaid · the spoken record

Gertze

lines on the record: 230
first: 2017-01-10
most recent: 2023-10-24
sittings or episodes: 30
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“I wish to join colleagues in expressing our appreciation to you, Mr. President, for having convened this very important meeting on silencing the guns in Africa. Namibia proudly co-sponsored resolution 2457 (2019), which was unanimously adopted here today. I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate you, Sir, on your excellent presidency of the Security Council for this month. I would furthermore like to thank the Under- Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, Ms. Rosemary DiCarlo; the African Union (AU) High Representative for Silencing the Guns in Africa, Mr. Ramtane Lamamra; and the Founder and Executive Director of the African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes, Mr. Vasu Gounden, for their comprehensive and detailed briefings.”
2019-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8473 (2019) · source
“The Council has yet to fulfil the commitment made in that landmark resolution. The two-State solution must be based on the pre-1967 borders, in accordance with international law and United Nations resolutions. It is the only way to ensure peaceful relations between Israel and Palestine.”
2019-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8449 (2019) · source
“To conclude, Namibia reiterates its calls on the Israeli Government to cease its settlement expansion and destruction of Palestinian homes and infrastructure. We further reiterate the call for Israel's complete and unconditional withdrawal from the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem. We should harness reconciliation as a tool to overcome great societal barriers and work on mechanisms to address and heal the wounds caused to the Palestinian people many decades ago. Therefore, a return to the negotiations table to ensure a two-State solution, with both living side by side, is the only solution. I remind Council members that that was the decision taken by the Council with the adoption of resolution 181 (1947), which called for the creation of two States to exist side by side.”
2019-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8449 (2019) · source
“Namibia reiterates its firm support for the General Assembly resolution on the status of Jerusalem (General Assembly resolution 72/15), which states categorically that Jerusalem is a final-status issue to be resolved through negotiations in line with relevant United Nations resolutions. Global support for Palestine was reaffirmed in the General Assembly in December 2018 with the successful adoption of a resolution entitled "Comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East" (General Assembly resolution 73/89). One week ago, at its hand-over ceremony, the Group of 77 and China firmly restated its support for Palestine as it became the Group's Chair for the year 2019. We look forward to working closely with Palestine this year.”
2019-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8449 (2019) · source
“We call on the international community to continue availing the required resources to sustain the important services provided by UNRWA for the year ahead of us. In his report to the Security Council in December on the implementation of resolution 2334 (2016), Mr. Mladenov informed us yet again that no steps had been taken by Israel to implement that all-important resolution (see S/PV.8429). Settlement activity continued. During the reporting period from September to December 2018, plans for about 2,200 housing units in settlements in the West Bank were advanced or approved by the Israeli authorities. Most of them were advanced in East Jerusalem. The demolition and seizure of Palestinian properties also continued unabated. Those actions are illegal under international law and represent an impediment to peace and the two-State solution.”
2019-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8449 (2019) · source
“The United Nations was able to import fuel to operate the Gaza power plant and, as a result, the daily availability of electricity has increased to more than 11 hours, benefiting homes, schools, businesses and hospitals. I am sure that development is welcomed by all residents, after approximately two years of electricity being limited to four hours per day, or fewer. Another positive outcome is the noted 40 per cent increase in piped water supply, thereby almost fully meeting water demands for household purposes. We hope to see further positive developments as 2019 progresses. As we enter a new year, secured and stable funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) should remain a concern and a priority.”
2019-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8449 (2019) · source
“Two further major conflicts have taken place since then, and repeated outbreaks of violence have ensued. Most recently, the end of last year saw one of the worst outbreaks of violence. We once again take this opportunity to thank the United Nations and Egypt for intervening to de-escalate tensions, therefore preventing yet another conflict. Those recurrent conflicts and outbreaks ofviolence have had a devastating effect on Gaza and its 2 million inhabitants. The economic and humanitarian situation remains dire. Nevertheless, thanks to funding provided by the State of Qatar, a number of positive developments have materialized.”
2019-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8449 (2019) · source
“While we appreciate the commitment of the Security Council, the United Nations and all interested parties in helping to resolve the matter, one is left to ponder the unthinkable question: Is it conceivable that, in another 29 years, it will have taken us 100 years to not do what is right and just? We must redouble our collective efforts to work more diligently and with more determination to bring the conflict to an end and to assist the two peoples of Israel and Palestine to come together and live side by side in peace, harmony, stability and dignity. The time has come for us to move with more urgency to deliver to the Palestinian people their legitimate right to independence and nationhood. This month marks 10 years since Israel's first major military assault on the Gaza Strip.”
2019-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8449 (2019) · source
“I congratulate you, Mr. President, on the Dominican Republic's assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of January. I also thank you for organizing this debate on the important topic of the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question. I would also like to thank Special Coordinator Nickolay Mladenov for his comprehensive and detailed briefing. As we enter the year 2019, I wish to recall that we are now in the seventy-first year of this long- drawn-out process and the denial of the right to self- determination for the people of Palestine.”
2019-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8449 (2019) · source
“Furthermore, in the lead-up to the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000), Namibia will host the third capital-level Focal Point Network Meeting in Windhoek from 10 to 11 April next year - the first ofits kind on the continent. All Member States and civil society are invited to participate.”
2018-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8414 (2018) · source
“In the annual open debate on women and peace and security held recently (see S/PV.8382), we recognized that progress had been made in the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) since its adoption 18 years ago. However, Member States underscored that much still remained to be done. Women need to play a greater role in peacekeeping operations - in mediation and negotiations and in the post-conflict and peacebuilding phases. Namibia is playing its part. This past month, we achieved the target set by the Department of Peacekeeping Operations of 15 per cent of women participating in peacekeeping missions. In January, 15 police officers, including three women, will be deployed to the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur.”
2018-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8414 (2018) · source
“Given Africa's decision, taken at the highest level, to bear financial responsibility for 25 per cent of its peace activities, which further attests to its unflinching commitment to securing peace in the continent, and the fact that more than half of the top 20 countries contributing troops to United Nations peacekeeping operations are African, Namibia fully supports the call by the AU and the African members of the Security Council for those operations to have access to United Nations-assessed contributions, on a case-by-case basis. That would ensure sustainable and predictable financing for those operations, which is critical for their success.”
2018-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8414 (2018) · source
“President, also serves as an excellent example of successful cooperation and working relationship among the United Nations, the AU and ECOWAS, as demonstrated by the successful ending of the peacekeeping United Nations Operation in Cote d'Ivoire in June 2017. African-led peace support operations authorized by the Security Council are an essential and vital component in ensuring peace and security on the African continent.”
2018-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8414 (2018) · source
“Many delegations, including Namibia, singled out the Joint United Nations-African Union Framework for an Enhanced Partnership in Peace and Security, signed in April 2017. The Framework provides guidance for deepening peace and security cooperation between the two organizations at all levels. Numerous Security Council resolutions have also underscored the important United Nations-AU partnership in the context of peacekeeping cooperation. Delegations also mentioned the successful partnership between the organizations with regard to the African Union Military Observer Mission in Somalia and the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur. Your country, Mr.”
2018-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8414 (2018) · source
“Crucial elections will be held in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in less than two-weeks' time. Those elections will mark an important step for the country, the region and the continent. The contribution of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the region is important for the region's social and economic development. Both the African Union and SADC are actively cooperating and monitoring to ensure the successful holding of peaceful elections. The open debate held last month in the Chamber on strengthening peacekeeping operations in Africa (see S/PV.8407)highlighted the increased cooperation between the United Nations and the AU in the context of peacekeeping operations.”
2018-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8414 (2018) · source
“The workshop aimed to provide electoral stakeholders with an opportunity to explore the role of women in electoral and political processes in the SADC region and to address ways of enhancing women's participation in those processes. SADC is engaged in the electoral process in Madagascar and is looking forward to a peaceful outcome to the country's elections, which are on course for 19 December. We also look forward to the holding of additional workshops and other important discussions within our region, in the interest of peace and security. SADC plays an important role in maintaining peace and security in the region. In Lesotho, the SADC Preventive Mission has generated a stable and secure environment that now paves the way for the implementation of constitutional and institutional reforms, as recommended by SADC.”
2018-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8414 (2018) · source
“Within the United Nations framework, we are working towards holding subregional dialogues and briefings with United Nations agencies, which will allow for greater learning opportunities for the countries of the region, as well as frank and open dialogue and greater cooperation. We encourage other subregional organizations to conduct similar meetings to strengthen cooperation and coherence between subregional organizations and the United Nations. There is long-standing cooperation between the United Nations and SADC on electoral partnership initiatives. In April, the Organization and SADC successfully held a joint Building Resources in Democracy, Governance and Elections regional training workshop on gender and elections.”
2018-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8414 (2018) · source
“I congratulate you, Mr. President, on Cote d'Ivoire's assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of December and express my gratitude to you for the convening of this debate on the important topic of the role of States, regional organizations and the United Nations in conflict prevention and resolution. I would also like to thank the Secretary-General, the President of the Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU) for their insightful briefings. My delegation aligns itself with the statement delivered by the Permanent Representative of Venezuela on behalf of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries. Namibia is currently the Chair of the Southern African Development Community (SADC).”
2018-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8414 (2018) · source
“Given the new developments on the African continent, including the appointment of Ethiopia's first female President and the increasing participation of women in politics across the continent, we trust that that will lead to more countries embracing gender equality. There can be no sustainable peace, security or development without gender equality and the full participation of women and young girls. Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to remind members that, on 10 and 11 April 2019, Namibia will host, in Windhoek, the third capital-based Focal Points Network Meeting. The theme for the event will be "Women, Peace and Security: Towards Full Participation". All Member States and members of civil society are invited to participate in Namibia.”
2018-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8407 (2018) · source
“Namibia is close to achieving the Department of Peacekeeping Operations target of 15 per cent of women participating in peacekeeping missions by the end of December, as 13.3 per cent of deployed Namibian peacekeepers are women. Women played an incalculable role in Namibia's long-fought liberation struggle. That, in part, is what led us to vote in favour of resolution 1325 (2000). The resolution reaffirms that peace processes, mediation, conflict resolution and negotiations are far more likely to be successful if women are included. While progress has been made since the adoption of the resolution, 18 years ago, much remains to be done, as was highlighted during the annual open debate on women and peace and security (see S/PV.8382), held a month ago in the Chamber.”
2018-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8407 (2018) · source
“Namibia supports the call by the AU and the African members of the Security Council for predictable financing for AU-led peace support operations authorized by the Council through United Nations-assessed contributions. Namibia remains fully committed to the African Union initiative to silence the guns in Africa by 2020 as a step towards reducing conflict and war. Namibia reaffirmed its commitment to peacekeeping by endorsing the Secretary-General's Action for Peacekeeping initiative during the General Assembly high-level week. As a small country with a population of approximately 2.3 million people, Namibia has been a long-standing troop- and equipment-contributing country.”
2018-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8407 (2018) · source
“Africa has assumed its full share of peacekeeping contributions, and due recognition should be given to the contributions of African countries and for their peacekeepers who have valiantly stood in harm's way and on innumerable occasions laid down their lives for the cause of keeping peace in the world. In that regard, we wish to pay tribute to the peacekeepers from Tanzania and Malawi who lost their lives in the Democratic Republic of the Congo just last week. Their sacrifice should only strengthen our resolve to continue pursuing peace. The African Union's commitment to finance 25 per cent of its peace activities bears further witness to its unflinching commitment to securing peace on the continent.”
2018-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8407 (2018) · source
“As stated in the concept note for this debate (S/2018/1004, annex), the Framework provides guidance for deepening peace and security cooperation at all levels between the two organizations. Security Council resolutions have also underscored the important United Nations-AU partnership with regard to peacekeeping cooperation. The capacity of the United Nations and the AU to cooperate on matters of peace and security has been demonstrated. The organizations have successfully cooperated in various ways - in Somalia with the African Union Mission in Somalia and in Darfur with African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur.”
2018-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8407 (2018) · source
“Geingob, President of the Republic of Namibia, referred to peace and security as the bedrock of our collective determination to achieve sustainable development. He recognized that partnerships are key to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and that strategic partnership between international and regional bodies, such as the United Nations and the African Union (AU), are fundamental for the realization of our common objectives and desires for peace and security. There are currently eight United Nations peacekeeping operations on the African continent. Strengthening the partnership between the United Nations and the AU is key to strengthening those peacekeeping operations. In April 2017, the United Nations and the AU signed the Joint United Nations-African Union Framework for an Enhanced Partnership in Peace and Security.”
2018-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8407 (2018) · source
“This is the world we live in today, it is one where we all hate that we are confronted with what seems to be never-ending conflicts, death, destruction, terrorism, violence and threats to peace and security. It is in that real world where we, the United Nations and in particular the Security Council, now more than ever have our work cut out to live up to our obligations under the Charter of the United Nations to promote, encourage and seek peaceful means to end conflicts. My delegation therefore commends you, Mr. President, for affording us this opportunity today to reflect once again on the important topic of peace and security. At the General Assembly's recent general debate (see A/73/PV.8), His Excellency Mr. Hage G.”
2018-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8407 (2018) · source
“Nine days ago, the world stood still for a moment to celebrate the hundredth anniversary of the end of the First World War. While it is indeed a moment to celebrate the armistice with Germany that came into effect on 11 November 1918, that annual day has also become a moment for the world to stand still and reflect on and commemorate the countless lives that were lost during that war and so many other subsequent conflicts. Following the recent shootings of innocent young people in a bar in California and the unthinkable attack on worshippers in a synagogue, a grief-stricken mother of a young woman cried out for people to stop sending her thoughts and prayers, for nothing would take away the pain and sorrow caused by the cruelty of violence and death.”
2018-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8407 (2018) · source
“As I have not yet had the chance to speak before the Security Council this month, I congratulate the People's Republic of China on its assumption of the presidency of the Council for the month of November and thank you, Mr. President, for organizing this open debate on the important topic of peace and security in Africa. I would also like to thank the Secretary-General and the African Union Commissioner for Peace and Security for their insightful briefings. My delegation aligns itself with the statement to be delivered by the representative of Venezuela on behalf of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries and with the statement delivered by the representative of Cote d'Ivoire on behalf of the three African countries that are members of the Security Council.”
2018-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8407 (2018) · source
“We call for Israel's complete and unconditional withdrawal from the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem, and urge all parties to return to negotiations so that the Palestinian people can exercise their inalienable rights in an independent State of Palestine, with East Jerusalem as its capital and as a rightful member of the United Nations and its specialized agencies.”
2018-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8244 (2018) · source
“As the conflict in Syria drags on into its eight year, we call on the Security Council to live up to its obligations pursuant to the Charter of the United Nations and to find a lasting solution that brings peace to Syria through peaceful means. Any unilateral action is incompatible with the Charter and risks undermining the effectiveness of the very institution created to resolve such crises. We urge Security Council members to remain united in pursuit of common justice, peace, security and stability through dialogue based on the principles of multilateralism. To conclude, we once again call on the Israeli Government to end all construction of settlements and the destruction of Palestinian homes and infrastructure.”
2018-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8244 (2018) · source
“The destruction of Palestinian homes and infrastructure in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, has also continued, albeit at a slower rate. From December 2017 to March 2018, 92 structures, including 15 that were donor-funded, were demolished. This destruction also represents an impediment to peace. Namibia remains deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation in Gaza. The electricity supply sees cuts of up to 20 hours a day. The dire situation is compounded by the recent funding cuts to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). Through its 267 schools in Gaza, UNRWA provides education to 262,000 students. Each year, an average of 4 million patients visit UNRWA's 21 primary health-care facilities in Gaza.”
2018-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8244 (2018) · source
“The recognition by the United States Administration of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel alone therefore contradicts the Council resolutions and clearly further complicates the prospect of a viable two-State solution. On 26 March, in his fifth report to the Security Council on the implementation of resolution 2334 (2016), Special Coordinator Mladenov noted that, between December 2017 and March 2018, Israel had advanced 22 plans for some 1,500 housing units in Area C settlements and that around a dozen units had been approved for construction (see S/PV.8214). These settlements are illegal under international law and are a serious impediment to the peace process and to any realization of the two-State solution.”
2018-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8244 (2018) · source
“This sustained campaign is focused on the return of those Palestinians expelled in 1948 to their country, Palestine. Since 30 March, at least 35 demonstrators have been killed and a large number have been wounded following the excessive and disproportionate use of force by Israel. On 5 April, the Secretary-General urged Israel to exercise caution in the use of force in order to avoid casualties. Civilians must be able to exercise their right to demonstrate peacefully. We fully support this statement of the Secretary-General. Namibia reaffirms its support for General Assembly resolution 181 (II) of 1947 and Security Council resolution 242 (1967). Those and subsequent resolutions affirm Jerusalem as the capital of both the future Palestinian State and the State of Israel.”
2018-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8244 (2018) · source
“We thank Peru, as President of the Security Council for the month of April, for organizing today's debate on the important topic of the situation in the Middle East, including the question of Palestine. I would also like to thank Special Coordinator Nickolay Mladenov for his comprehensive and detailed briefing. My delegation aligns itself with the statement delivered by the Permanent Representative of Venezuela on behalf of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries and with the statement to be delivered on behalf of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People. In the lead-up to the seventieth anniversary of the 1948 war, which takes place on 15 May, the demonstrations of the Great March of Return are being held every Friday at the border fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel.”
2018-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8244 (2018) · source
“We urge troop- and police-contributing countries to identify and deploy female military experts in peacekeeping missions. Finally, we demand greater consideration of the women and peace and security agenda in the working procedures of the Security Council, both country-specific and thematic.”
2017-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8079 (2017) · source
“We must also do more to prevent and condemn sexual exploitation and abuse in peacekeeping operations. The role of peacekeepers is to protect civilians, not cause more harm or distress. In that regard, Namibia signed the voluntary compact against sexual exploitation and abuse, during the General Assembly high-level week in September, and we encourage others to do the same. Namibia urges Member States to commit to nominating women for top-level positions in international and regional peace and security organizations. At the African Union, the Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security, Ms. Bineta Diop, has been raising this matter in many forums. We encourage other regional and subregional organizations to nominate women, peace and security envoys.”
2017-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8079 (2017) · source
“Another challenge is simply cultural and traditional norms that serve to promote men to positions of power, while questioning the ability of women to lead, particularly in traditionally male fields such as the police, defence services and peacekeeping. Since those traditional norms are pushed by both women and men, we must encourage a culture in which both men and women believe it is vital to support the rise of women to positions of leadership. The inclusion of women in early-warning, mediation and conflict resolution efforts are key to ensuring a successful peace and security agenda. Gender-specific provisions also need to be included in peace agreements. Much progress is still to be made in that, as in 2016 only half of peace agreements adopted contained gender-specific provisions.”
2017-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8079 (2017) · source
“Studies conducted by the United Nations on support for resolution 1325 (2000) have demonstrated that female soldiers often face different cultural restrictions than their male counterparts and are able to gain information from women and children. That ability to gain the trust of local populations should be considered a vital component of any peacekeeping operation. The challenges to the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) are many, and include a lack of awareness of the agenda, a lack of political will, compounded by entrenched biases not to promote women to positions of power, and a lack of capacity-building and financing for the agenda.”
2017-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8079 (2017) · source
“Those policies have ensured that Namibia has been deploying women to all peacekeeping missions and has had to date one of the largest female police contingents at the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur, the Sudan. We also had a women police contingent in Liberia. When one of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries, Lesotho, faced a political impasse last year, the SADC police contingent to that country was led by a Namibian woman who had previously served in Darfur. In addition, Namibia has seconded a woman to the Office of the African Union Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security. It is our belief that the significant presence of women peacekeepers in conflict and post-conflict areas has an added advantage of creating safer spaces for girls and women who have suffered sexual violence.”
2017-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8079 (2017) · source
“In Namibia, the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) falls within the national gender policy framework, which includes a cluster on gender, peacebuilding, conflict resolution and natural disaster management. Its overarching objective is to increase and strengthen women's participation in conflict resolution, promote women's contribution to peacebuilding and involve women in natural disaster management, an emerging issue that resolution 1325 (2000) overlooked. The reviewed gender policy is complemented by other national policies aimed at mainstreaming gender and holding discussions on placing women on par with men, including in the Affirmative Action Act, the Inheritance Act and the Communal Land Act, among others.”
2017-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8079 (2017) · source
“Namibia welcomes the Security Council's decision to once again discuss the issue of women and peace and security as a standing agenda item. We are encouraged by the overwhelming support shown by Member States as evidenced in the large number of participants. My delegation also aligns itself with the statement delivered by the representative of Canada on behalf of the Group of Friends of Women and Peace and Security. We would like to reiterate that Namibia, as the initiator of resolution 1325 (2000), on women and peace and security, remains committed to its implementation. We look forward to a time when women's contributions to peace processes are valued and respected equally.”
2017-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8079 (2017) · source
“Namibia firmly believes that ending the Arab-Israeli conflict will help curtail other violent conflicts in the region. We call on the Israeli Government to end all construction of settlements and the destruction of Palestinian homes and infrastructure. We once again call for Israel's complete and unconditional withdrawal from the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem, and urge all parties to return to the negotiating table to ensure that the Palestinian people are able to exercise their inalienable rights in an independent State of Palestine, with East Jerusalem as its capital, and as a rightful Member of the United Nations and its specialized agencies.”
2017-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8072 (2017) · source
“Those are all positive steps, which we hope indicate forward movement. As the conflict in Syria continues, we are encouraged by recent efforts to de-escalate the crisis following talks. However, much more work needs to be done, and we hope that the eighth round of intra-Syrian talks convened by Mr. Staffan de Mistura in Geneva will provide further positive steps. As the conflict in Yemen continues, the lives of 20.7 million people have been severely impacted. They require humanitarian protection and support, with 9.8 million people in acute need of assistance. An estimated 17 million people are food insecure. Cholera is also rife in the country. This humanitarian crisis is man-made and must be brought to an end without delay. As those conflicts continue in the Middle East region, the Arab-Israeli conflict stretches back over many decades.”
2017-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8072 (2017) · source
“The issue of violence continues to be one of the main factors preventing the resolution of this conflict. As our Constitution clearly states, Namibia "encourages the settlement of international disputes by peaceful means". We note the deaths on both sides due to attacks - Palestinians and Israelis - with sadness and concern. We take this opportunity once again to condemn terrorism in all its forms and to call for dialogue between all parties. Despite the ongoing challenges, we are encouraged by the visit of Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah to Gaza at the beginning ofOctober, his first in two years. On 12 October, Hamas and the Palestinian Authority signed a reconciliation agreement that aims to mend the decade-long rift. It places Gaza and the West Bank under one Government for the first time since 2007.”
2017-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8072 (2017) · source
“The destruction of Palestinian homes and infrastructure in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, has also continued, albeit at a slower rate, with 344 structures having been demolished since January 2017, thereby displacing approximately 500 people. Another sad fact is that, on 3 August, educational facilities attended by 175 children were demolished or damaged. The Government of Israel said that those facilities were constructed illegally, despite the fact that building permits for new Palestinian homes and infrastructure in the occupied West Bank are almost impossible to obtain. On 26 July, an amendment to the Basic Law: Jerusalem the Capital of Israel passed a first reading in the Knesset Law Committee. Were the amendment to be adopted, it would further cement Israeli control over East Jerusalem.”
2017-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8072 (2017) · source
“Since our previous meeting, in July (see S/PV.8011), Israel has continued to increase its settlement activity at a faster rate than last year. Settlement activity during this reporting period was centred on East Jerusalem, where plans were made for over 2,300 housing units in July. According to resolution 2334 (2016), Israel has not ceased all settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, or fully respected all of its legal obligations in that regard. The settlements are illegal under international law. They are a serious impediment to the peace process and the realization of the two-State solution.”
2017-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8072 (2017) · source
“I congratulate you, Madam President, on your country's assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of October. I also thank you for organizing this open debate on the important topic of the situation in the Middle East, including the question of Palestine. I would also like to thank Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jencafor his comprehensive and detailed briefing. My delegation aligns itself with the statement delivered by the Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Venezuela on behalf of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries, as well as with the statement to be delivered by representative of Nicaragua on behalf of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People.”
2017-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8072 (2017) · source
“We encourage Member States in post-conflict situations to mainstream gender perspectives in institutional reform for the protection of women's rights and call for the incorporation of women in mediation processes.”
2017-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8006Reprise1 (2017) · source
“Namibia values the role that the United Nations Office to the African Union plays by providing technical advice on matters of capacity-building and operational support. However, further efforts to build institutional capacity would be crucial to bringing coherence to the consolidation of peace in Africa. I would like to applaud the recent appointment by the Secretary-General of former German President Horst Kohler as his Personal Envoy for Western Sahara. We call on all parties to offer their cooperation and support in order to see genuine progress and resolution of this long standing conflict. Finally, Namibia welcomes progress made in increasing the participation ofwomen in leadership roles towards resolving conflicts. Indeed, it is imperative to integrate gender perspectives into institutional reforms in post-conflict countries.”
2017-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8006Reprise1 (2017) · source
“We have noted that the organs of the Architecture are increasingly shouldering their responsibility under Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations. African mediation and rapid response efforts are two areas that rely on support by partners such as the United Nations. In order to make the African Peace and Security Architecture more effective under the current challenging economic and other circumstances, it is important to make full use of available expertise and knowledge on the ground and at regional level. It is essential that actions taken are based upon African programmes already developed at high-level forums. These programmes speak directly to the needs identified by Africans themselves, are often gender sensitive, and will never be seen as imposed from the outside, and thus not succeed.”
2017-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8006Reprise1 (2017) · source
“In the wake of the historic adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change in 2015, peace and security have to underpin the delivery of an environment in which the development agenda can flourish. The African Union has demonstrated its ability to take the lead in the effective resolution of conflicts. Over the years, the African Union member States have been able to step in promptly to help maintain peace and security. Namibia remains committed to contributing to peacekeeping operations. Indeed it is the presence of African peacekeepers that has provided international peace operations with political legitimacy on the continent. The African Peace and Security Architecture road map for the period 2016-2020 also remains essential to provide legitimacy and effectiveness on the ground.”
2017-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8006Reprise1 (2017) · source