YouSaid · the spoken record

Goolab

lines on the record: 52
first: 2019-03-26
most recent: 2020-02-27
sittings or episodes: 11
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

“As challenges remain for crossline deliveries of aid, particularly for medical assistance, we encourage the Government of Syria to heed the recommendations of the Secretary-General to facilitate a simplified, expedited and reliable approval process to enable regular and predictable deliveries from Damascus into the north-east by land. As we have stated before, the only sustainable solution to the conflict in Syria remains an inclusive Syrian-owned and Syrian-led dialogue aimed at a political solution that is reflective of the will of the Syrian people. In that regard, South Africa fully supports and appreciates the hard work of Special Envoy Geir Pedersen in working towards achieving that goal.”
2020-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8734 (2020) · source
“We note the observations of the Secretary-General and support his view that all parties to the conflict and the Security Council itself must live up to their responsibilities to ensure that the people of north-east Syria receive the assistance they so desperately need. It is vital for there to be safe, unimpeded and impartial delivery of humanitarian assistance to all those who require it. We have also taken note of the letter from the Permanent Representative of the Syrian Arab Republic regarding authorization for a World Health Organization convoy and for the transportation of medical aid via land routes. That is a positive step in addressing the humanitarian situation. We note from the Secretary-General’s report that crossline operations have improved since the Syrian Government approved the use of land deliveries.”
2020-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8734 (2020) · source
“In view of the rising tensions and the potential of a direct military confrontation between Syria and Turkey, we look towards various forums, including the Astana process and bilateral engagements between the stakeholders, to contribute to the lowering of these tensions. As the humanitarian crisis worsens, those providing essential assistance have had to work harder to meet the needs of those requiring aid. We deeply appreciate their commitment in these changing and challenging circumstances. My delegation has taken note of the Secretary- General’s report on alternative modalities for the Al-Yarubiyah crossing point, as requested by the Council in resolution 2504 (2020) (S/2020/139).”
2020-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8734 (2020) · source
“South Africa reiterates that all parties to the conflict must adhere to their obligations under international human rights law and international humanitarian law, particularly with regard to the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure. South Africa once again urges all parties to seek a non-military solution to the conflict. This would require a cessation of hostilities and a solution that upholds Syrian sovereignty and territorial integrity. In that regard, we wish to stress that external support for armed groups and United Nations-designated terrorist groups must cease immediately. External role-players should not be allowed to use the conflict in Syria as a proxy for their own interests.”
2020-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8734 (2020) · source
“Allow me to join others in thanking Ms. Ursula Mueller and Ms. Henrietta Fore for their briefings on the humanitarian situation in Syria. I wish also to welcome Deputy Prime Minister De Croo and Minister Maas to the Council. As we have heard today, the humanitarian situation in north-east Syria continues to deteriorate, with women and children the worst affected by this crisis. The increase in violence in the region has seen hundreds of thousands of civilians displaced. South Africa particularly emphasizes its grave concern regarding the attacks on civilian infrastructure and basic services, including health and education facilities. The continual violence will have long-term effects on the people, particularly the children, of Syria.”
2020-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8734 (2020) · source
“As part of such confidence-building measures to promote progress, the easing of economic measures imposed on Syria should be considered if there is progress on the political front. In conclusion, South Africa firmly believes that the humanitarian and political situations in Syria are interlinked, with credible progress in one area leading to credible progress in the other. We must do all we can to promote progress on those two tracks in order to achieve a comprehensive and peaceful settlement to the conflict. The Syrian people deserve nothing less.”
2020-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8727 (2020) · source
“External interference in that process is detrimental to its success. In order for such peace negotiations to make credible progress, the parties must have confidence in each other. In that regard, South Africa encourages all side to undertake trust and confidence-building measures. Those could include progress in the release of detained civilians, particularly vulnerable groups such as women, children, the elderly and those with disabilities. My delegation has noted the recent meeting of the Working Group on Detainees and Missing Persons in Geneva and looks forward to its outcome. We urge the Working Group to make every effort to achieve real progress on the matter.”
2020-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8727 (2020) · source
“South Africa welcomes the formation of the Constitutional Committee, as well as the drafting committee, as a representation of all Syrian people — the Government, the opposition and civil society — in carrying out their mandate to draft a new constitution for Syria. South Africa urges all members of the Constitutional Committee to make a concerted effort towards agreeing an agenda for genuine discussions on the drafting of a constitution that would form an essential component of a sustainable solution to the conflict in Syria. The work of the Constitutional Committee is but one aspect of the larger political process in Syria, as set out in resolution 2254 (2015), which must be fully implemented and respected by all parties. For it to be sustainable, the political process must be Syrian-owned and Syrian-led.”
2020-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8727 (2020) · source
“The severe winter conditions have given further impetus to the need to provide essential humanitarian aid, including winterization and shelter packages. Civilians must also be assured access to humanitarian corridors. With regard to the political process, the only sustainable option is the attainment, through an inclusive Syrian-led dialogue, of a political solution that is reflective of the will of the Syrian people. In that regard, we welcome and encourage the active participation of women and religious groups in such peace talks, as all groups have unique perspectives to offer.”
2020-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8727 (2020) · source
“We cannot allow external role players to use the devastating conflict in Syria as a proxy for their own interests. The increase in violence has a direct impact on the humanitarian situation in Syria, with thousands of civilians fleeing the hostilities to already overcrowded refugee and internally displaced persons camps. South Africa reiterates its call for all parties to respect their obligations under international law and international humanitarian law, particularly with regard to the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure. In addition, we call on the relevant authorities to ensure the safe, unimpeded and impartial delivery of humanitarian aid and assistance to all who require it.”
2020-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8727 (2020) · source
“Let me begin by thanking Special Envoy Geir Pedersen and Under-Secretary-General Mark Lowcock for their briefings on the situation in Syria. I would also like to express South Africa’s full support for Special Envoy Pedersen and commend his efforts to resolve the current impasse. While we recognize the right of the Syrian Arab Republic to restore its control over the whole of its territory, South Africa is concerned about the conflict in north-western Syria, particular its impact on the humanitarian situation. We urge all parties to seek a peaceful resolution of the conflict. Such a peaceful resolution requires a cessation of hostilities and a solution that upholds Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. In that regard, external support for armed groups must cease immediately.”
2020-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8727 (2020) · source
“The only sustainable solution to the current crisis is through the full implementation of resolution 2254 (2015), which calls for an inclusive Syrian-led and Syrian-owned dialogue that reflects the will and voice of the Syrian people. In that regard, we welcome the participation and representation of women, as well as the different religious groups, at the various levels of the talks in order to ensure the widest possible representation in the process.”
2020-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8708 (2020) · source
“In that regard, South Africa urges all segments and groups of the Constitutional Committee to recommit to making a constructive contribution to the constitution-building process. In addition, South Africa calls on the various parties to make every effort to work together, with the support of the Special Envoy, to find agreement on an agenda before the start of the next round of talks, to guide the work of the Committee. South Africa encourages members of the Constitutional Committee to be flexible in agreeing on an agenda, given that all issues will ultimately be on the table as discussions advance. The work of the Constitutional Committee is but one aspect of the larger process in Syria, as laid out in resolution 2254 (2015). As has been stated many times in the Council, the situation in Syria cannot be resolved through military means.”
2020-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8708 (2020) · source
“Let me begin by thanking Deputy Special Envoy Khawla Matar for her briefing on the political situation in Syria. South Africa is encouraged to hear that Special Envoy Pedersen is continuing his efforts towards finding a political solution to the situation in Syria. His ongoing engagements with all the parties are welcome, particularly during these uncertain times. My delegation also supports the Special Envoy and his Office in his work to promote confidence-building measures to build trust among the parties. Such measures will go a long way in showing the commitment of the various parties to the work and the purpose of the Constitutional Committee, which is an essential component of the Syrian political process.”
2020-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8708 (2020) · source
“South Africa is firm in its belief that the political and humanitarian situations in Syria cannot be addressed independently of one another. The continuation of violence and hostilities has a negative impact on the humanitarian situation, which in turn also affects political progress. Similarly, progress in the political sphere will support efforts towards ensuring that all Syrians are able to live in a safe, secure and prosperous environment free of violence. In conclusion, South Africa remains committed to supporting the protection of the fundamental interests of the Syrian people and the maintenance of peace and stability in the Middle East in accordance with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations.”
2020-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8707 (2020) · source
“We have also taken note that many are seeking to leave those camps. We call on the relevant authorities to provide the necessary access to the United Nations and its partners to support those who wish to leave, in line with the principles of a dignified, safe and voluntary return. South Africa supported the adoption of resolution 2504 (2020) earlier this month, which extends the mandate of the cross-border humanitarian assistance programme. We note the upcoming report of the Secretary-General on his assessment of the impact of the closure of the Al-Yarubiyah border crossing for the provision of humanitarian assistance. It should be acknowledged that, for the comprehensive distribution of aid to all those in need, a cessation of hostilities and a ceasefire must be enacted.”
2020-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8707 (2020) · source
“We once again urge all parties to abide by their commitments under the various ceasefire agreements that have been previously agreed to. Armed groups must cease their activities, and State actors who have the ability to encourage those groups should impress upon them the need to abide by the ceasefire and comply with international law. While South Africa recognizes the right of States to counter terrorism, such actions should be in line with international human rights law and international humanitarian law obligations. In order to address the prevailing humanitarian challenges in Syria, efforts must be geared towards facilitating humanitarian assistance. We commend the various humanitarian agencies and their personnel for continuing their essential work in challenging circumstances. Tens of thousands of people remain in camps in Syria.”
2020-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8707 (2020) · source
“I thank Mr. Lowcock for his briefing on the humanitarian situation in Syria. Recent reports of an escalation of violence in the Idlib region of Syria and the resulting civilian casualties are of great concern to South Africa. That increase in violence has also forced the displacement of thousands of people since the beginning of 2020. Living under the constant threat of violence and displacement disproportionally affects the most vulnerable groups of society, including women, children, the elderly and those with disabilities. South Africa calls for the utmost restraint, the de-escalation of hostilities and for all parties to adhere to their international human rights and international humanitarian law obligations with regard to the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure.”
2020-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8707 (2020) · source
“On the third issue - the humanitarian situation and the upcoming renewal of the cross-border humanitarian assistance mandate - I would like to reiterate that South Africa will continue to work with all interested parties to find consensus on the matter. South Africa remains committed to supporting the protection of the fundamental interests of the Syrian people, the maintenance of peace and security in the Middle East region and upholding the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and the basic norms governing international relations, including respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of Syria. We call on all parties in Syria, including the political and civil society sectors and all of the Syrian people, to unite in order to stitch together a peaceful, stable and prosperous future.”
2019-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8674 (2019) · source
“As a complement to the Constitutional Committee, parties should consider bolstering that progress with confidence-building measures, including the release of civilian detainees, particularly women, children, the elderly and the sick. My delegation reiterates that the only sustainable solution to the Syrian question remains the achievement of a political solution through an inclusive Syrian-led dialogue aimed at achieving a political transition that reflects the will of the Syrian people, with guaranteed protection for all groups of Syrian society. In that regard, we welcome the representation of women as well as the various religious groups in the peace talks, and we reiterate that resolution 2254 (2015) remains the road map for the political process in Syria.”
2019-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8674 (2019) · source
“On the second issue of the political and constitutional processes, South Africa welcomes the launch and convening of the first meeting of the Syrian Constitutional Committee at the end of October. Reports show that tangible progress has been made in the work of the larger committee and that of the small group. We urge all members of the Constitutional Committee to faithfully carry out their duties in line with the code of conduct that was adopted during their discussions. We look forward to receiving regular updates on the progress of their work. While the work of the Constitutional Committee progresses in earnest, the other aspects of the implementation of resolution 2254 (2015) must also continue, including the active engagement of all parties in the continuing political process facilitated by the Special Envoy.”
2019-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8674 (2019) · source
“Regarding the first issue, South Africa expresses it grave concern at the recent reports of shelling and missile strikes in Idlib that have resulted in the injury and deaths of civilians, including children. We urge all parties to adhere to their obligations under international law, especially with regard to the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure. However, we also hope that as the Syrian Government forces move to gain further control of their territory, the threat of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Sham and other armed groups will be fully destroyed. We must also note that while counter- terrorism activities are vital to achieving that goal, those activities must be undertaken in full compliance with international humanitarian and human rights law.”
2019-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8674 (2019) · source
“Allow me to begin by thanking Mr. Geir Pedersen for his briefing on the situation in Syria. 1 would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Special Envoy and the teams supporting him in carrying out his responsibilities with dedication and fortitude. We commend the efforts of the Special Envoy towards creating an environment that is conducive towards a Syrian-led and United Nations- facilitated process to establish credible, inclusive and non-sectarian governance and set a process for drafting a new constitution and conducting free and fair elections. I also thank Ms. Sabah Al Hallak for her very informative briefing. Iwill focus my remarks on the following three issues: the security situation, the political and constitutional processes, and the humanitarian situation.”
2019-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8674 (2019) · source
“An inclusive, negotiated, political settlement is the only way to achieve long-lasting peace and security for all Syrians. My delegation supports the Secretary- General in his statement that the solution for Syria must be political. In conclusion, it is important to note that the presence of any foreign military forces operating in the country without the permission of the Government of Syria undermines and violates Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity. As mentioned previously, the presence of unauthorized external forces serves only to further destabilize the situation.”
2019-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8553 (2019) · source
“We, too, must do all we can to assist both the humanitarian agencies and those who most urgently require their support. It is essential that the access to, and delivery of, aid to all those who so desperately need it be guaranteed by all parties. In that regard, we urge the full implementation of all the relevant agreements, including the September 2018 ceasefire memorandum and the recent ceasefire brokered between Russia and Turkey, which we hope will lower tensions and de-escalate the violence. South Africa calls on all parties to adhere to the provisions set out in the ceasefire agreements. South Africa urges all parties to fully engage in the political processes currently under way, as the situation in Syria cannot be solved through military means.”
2019-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8553 (2019) · source
“Tens of thousands of children, the most vulnerable members of society, are unable to sit their final exams due to the destruction of schools, the escalation of violence and the resulting displacement. The increase in violence has severely impacted the already fragile humanitarian situation. The large number of people fleeing from one region to another further strains limited humanitarian resources. As we have heard before, Syria, the region and the international community cannot afford a full-scale military incursion, as it could result in a large-scale humanitarian catastrophe. The suspension of some humanitarian operations in the area also negatively impacts the humanitarian response, particularly for those who need it most. Humanitarian agencies are doing extraordinary work in trying to assist all those who need it.”
2019-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8553 (2019) · source
“I would also like to thank Ms. Rosemary DiCarlo and Mr. Mark Lowcock for their briefings on the situation in Syria. South Africa is deeply concerned about the ongoing violence in parts of Syria. The shelling and airstrikes that have resulted in the death and injury of civilians is unacceptable. We appeal to all parties to stop the bombings of civilian infrastructure and ensure that the civilians in the area are not used by non-State actors as human shields. We call on all parties to observe their commitments to cease hostilities and uphold their obligations to international humanitarian law. We call on all parties to refrain from any attacks on education and health facilities. Those establishments should be places of refuge and safety, and their special status under international humanitarian law must be protected.”
2019-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8553 (2019) · source
“We urge all States Members of the United Nations to identify their nationals through relevant United Nations agencies and repatriate them to their countries of origins and utilize their domestic law to deal with such individuals. In conclusion, South Africa is deeply concerned by the reports of the spread of Islamic State affiliates from Syria onto the African continent as the group seeks new areas of operation and recruitment following its territorial defeat in Syria. All possible action must be taken to ensure that those individuals are detained before they are able to incite further violence and terror.”
2019-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8535 (2019) · source
“Turning to Rukban, South Africa welcomes the reports of increasing numbers of people leaving the camp, aided by the Syrian Government with the oversight of United Nations agencies and based on the principles of voluntary, safe, dignified and well- informed returns. However, my delegation also notes that so long as people remain in Rukban there is a need for humanitarian and medical assistance, which is quickly diminishing. We reiterate our call for the necessary approvals to allow additional and essential humanitarian assistance to be delivered to Rukban. It is important to note that presence of any foreign military forces operating in the country without the permission of the Government of Syria undermines and violates Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
2019-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8535 (2019) · source
“While we acknowledge the threat and violence committed by terrorist organizations, it is also necessary to state that actions taken to counter terrorism activities cannot be undertaken at the expense of innocent civilian lives, and any such action should be taken only within the parameters of international law. The situation and conditions in Al-Hol camp, in north-east Syria, is particularly distressing. The camp has expanded from a population of 10,000 in December 2018 to over 73,000 currently, of whom approximately 50,000 are children. All possible efforts must be made to assist all those who wish to return home, be they Syrian, Iraqi or third- party nationals.”
2019-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8535 (2019) · source
“We hope that they are able to take the necessary actions to allow for agencies to resume their important work. Additionally, we urge all parties to fully engage in the political processes currently under way, as the situation in Syria cannot be solved through military means. South Africa urges all parties to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law for the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure. It is also important that the signatories of the September 2018 ceasefire memorandum adhere to its provisions. Attacks on education and health facilities are particularly disturbing, as they significantly impact the lives of the most vulnerable sectors of society, namely, women and children.”
2019-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8535 (2019) · source
“I would like to thank Ms. Ursula Mueller for her briefing to the Security Council this morning, and join others in welcoming Deputy Foreign Minister Vershinin of the Russian Federation to the Council Chamber. South Africa remains deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation in Syria. We appeal to all parties to cease bombings of infrastructure in Idlib and elsewhere in the country and ensure that the civilians in those areas are not used by non-State actors as human shields. As we have previously stated, South Africa is concerned that a number of aid agencies have suspended their operations in the north-west of the country owing to the increase in violence. The large numbers ofpeople fleeing the area are adding to the already overburdened humanitarian response. In that regard, we call on all parties to cease hostilities.”
2019-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8535 (2019) · source
“It should be noted that some parties have taken advantage of the situation in Syria to advance their own interests and lay claim to territory occupied illegally. This cannot be allowed, and the United Nations, and its Security Council in particular, must honour its responsibilities and condemn such actions. In conclusion, I would like to emphasize that the international community must support a political solution to the situation in Syria as a matter of urgency as well as support the United Nations and Special Envoy Pedersen as the main channel for negotiations and mediation.”
2019-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8520 (2019) · source
“In that regard, South Africa also calls upon all parties to maintain their commitment to ensuring a 30 per cent representation of women in the Committee, as it is well established that women offer a unique perspective in matters of peace and reconciliation that cannot and should not be ignored. My delegation has taken note of the recent meeting of the Astana guarantors in Nur-Sultan and their commitment to the United Nations-facilitated political process in line with resolution 2254 (2015), which contains all the provisions necessary for ensuring a viable political solution for Syria. We hope that these discussions will aid in achieving the goals set by the Special Envoy for achieving a political settlement in Syria.”
2019-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8520 (2019) · source
“Such engagement is essential to ensuring that any political agreement reached between the parties benefits from the positions and views of all and reflects the will of the Syrian people. In that regard, my delegation would like to reiterate that the only sustainable answer to the situation remains the realization of a political solution through an inclusive Syrian-owned and Syrian-led process. In order to achieve this, the constitutional committee must be established without delay. We welcome the Special Envoy's efforts to finalize the composition of a credible and balanced committee and its rules of procedure.”
2019-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8520 (2019) · source
“Allow me to join other speakers in thanking you, Mr. President, for the able and fair manner in which you have presided over the Security Council in the month of April. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Geir Pedersen, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Syria, for his briefing today and for the work he and his team have done towards bringing about an end to the crisis in Syria and finding a long-term, sustainable political solution in the country. South Africa welcomes the continued engagement between Special Envoy Pedersen and both the Syrian Government and opposition groups in pursuing his and the international community's objective towards establishing credible, inclusive and non-sectarian governance, setting a process for drafting a new constitution and the conduct of free and fair elections.”
2019-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8520 (2019) · source
“In order to ensure a peaceful future for the people of Syria, the international community must support every effort towards a Syrian- led and Syrian-owned settlement.”
2019-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8515 (2019) · source
“While a long-term solution needs to be found, humanitarian aid, including medical assistance, is still necessary. We therefore call for the necessary access for the provision of the essential humanitarian assistance to Rukban, particularly with Ramadan fast approaching. Additionally, South Africa reiterates its previous call for the full implementation of resolution 2449 (2018), which renews the authorization for cross-border and cross-line humanitarian access to Syria, allowing for the delivery of aid to the places that most need it. Millions of children remain at risk of undernourishment, dehydration, infectious diseases and injury. In this regard, South Africa is deeply concerned at the attacks that have struck, in particular, health-care facilities and schools.”
2019-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8515 (2019) · source
“We are particularly concerned at the large numbers of civilians that were reportedly killed during the recent reporting period in Idlib and eastern Deir ez-Zor. In addition to the increased violence, severe weather conditions, such as flooding and extreme cold, have added to the burden of suffering of the Syrian people. In this regard, we call on all parties to uphold their commitments and obligations under international law. My delegation has noted reports of people leaving Rukban to return to their homes or to their destinations of choice. This is a welcome development. However, it must be emphasized that all parties must ensure that the necessary conditions for their return are met and that these returns must be voluntary, safe, dignified and well informed. Humanitarian aid to Rukban is still necessary while people remain at the camp.”
2019-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8515 (2019) · source
“Let me begin by thanking Ms. Ursula Mueller for her informative briefing on the humanitarian situation in Syria and Ms. Nujeen Mustapha for telling us the story of her personal journey and for providing us with an insight into the reality those with disabilities are facing in the country. I would also like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to the United Nations and its various implementing agencies that provide essential, life-saving humanitarian assistance to the thousands of people who require it. Nine years into the conflict in Syria, the humanitarian situation in the country remains dire. The escalation of violence in some parts of Syria is of serious concern, particularly where such violence has resulted in the injury or death of innocent civilians.”
2019-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8515 (2019) · source
“The annexation of territory seized through the use of force is a violation of international law and must be condemned. For long-term peace and security in the Middle East region, it is vital to ensure that international law be upheld.”
2019-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8493 (2019) · source
“The recent convey to Rukban provided some relief to the people who remain isolated within the area. We call on the relevant stakeholders to ensure that the necessary approvals be granted for additional convoys of humanitarian aid. It is essential that the international community support a political solution to the situation in Syria as a matter of priority and the United Nations as the main channel for mediation. South Africa reiterates that in a complex and diverse society such as Syria there can be no military solution to the conflict. In conclusion, in 1967 the Security Council adopted resolution 242 (1967), which calls for the withdrawal of all troops from the occupied territories, including the Syrian Golan Heights. However, 40 years later, Israel continues to occupy the Golan Heights in violation ofthe Council's decisions.”
2019-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8493 (2019) · source
“We support the Special Envoy in his belief that the return of Syrians to their homes must be voluntary, safe, dignified and well informed. South Africa wishes to commend the United Nations and its implementing partners for the humanitarian and life-saving assistance that they continue to provide to millions of people throughout Syria. We mourn the deaths of hundreds of humanitarian workers who have been killed in this devastating war and call for the protection of all humanitarian personnel, in line with international humanitarian law. In that regard, it is noted with concern that many Syrians do not receive the aid that they so desperately need. We therefore call for the full implementation of resolution 2449 (2018), which renewed the authorization for cross-border and cross-line humanitarian access to Syria.”
2019-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8493 (2019) · source
“Turning to the dire humanitarian situation in Syria, South Africa is deeply concerned about the large numbers of civilians requiring assistance in various parts of Syria. The escalation of violence in recent weeks has only exacerbated that crisis. The situation in Al-Hol camp in northern Syria is of particular concern. In recent weeks, there has been a massive influx of people, mainly women and children, in various degrees of ill health, to the camp. We call on the international community to fully support the United Nations efforts in providing assistance to all those who require it. My delegation believes that many Syrians would prefer to return to their homes and cities in due course. However, it is essential to ensure that the necessary conditions for their safe return be met.”
2019-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8493 (2019) · source
“As stated by the Special Envoy in his previous statement to the Security Council (see S/PV.8475), resolution 2254 (2015) is a comprehensive road map for ensuring a political settlement in Syria. We call for its full implementation. South Africa believes that the only sustainable solution to the Syrian question remains the achievement of a political solution through an inclusive Syrian-led dialogue. In that regard, we welcome the Special Envoy's engagements with the Syrian Women's Advisory Board and other stakeholders to ensure that all Syrian voices be given the opportunity to be heard and to contribute to the Syrian peace process. We also welcome the Special Envoy's continued efforts towards finalizing the establishment of the constitutional committee and its rules of procedure.”
2019-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8493 (2019) · source
“Allow me to begin by thanking Ms. Rosemary DiCarlo and Mr. Ramesh Rajasingham for their briefings on the political and humanitarian situations in Syria. South Africa remains committed to protecting the fundamental interests of all Syrian people, maintaining peace and stability in the Middle East region, upholding the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and preserving the basic norms governing international relations. My delegation commends the efforts of Special Envoy Geir Pedersen, through his extensive consultations with all parties, to create a conducive environment for a Syrian-led, Syrian-owned and United Nations-facilitated process to establish credible and inclusive negotiations.”
2019-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8493 (2019) · source
“During the period under investigation, 183 protesters, including 35 children, were killed and more than 6,100 injured through the use of live ammunition. South Africa strongly condemns this excessive and disproportionate use of force by the Israeli security forces and calls on Israel to refrain from the unwarranted use of live ammunition in response to protests. In conclusion, the ongoing protests in Gaza are evidence of the dire and untenable situation of the Palestinian people. The upcoming one-year anniversary of the start of the Great March of Return is expected to see tens of thousands of Palestinians protesting Israel's continued illegal occupation of Palestine. In this regard, we call for all parties to ensure that the protests remain peaceful and non-violent.”
2019-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8489 (2019) · source
“We remain concerned that more than 40 years after the adoption of resolution 242 (1967), which called for the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the territories that it occupied after the 1967 war, including the Syrian Golan Heights, Israel continues to illegally occupy the Golan Heights and thereby violate Council resolutions. International law should be upheld in this regard, and we therefore call on Israel to respect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Syrian Arab Republic. As noted by the Secretary-General, the independent international commission of inquiry on the protests in the occupied Palestinian territory found reasonable grounds to believe that in almost all of the cases it had investigated, the use of live ammunition by the Israeli security forces against protesters was unlawful.”
2019-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8489 (2019) · source
“My delegation wishes to express our grave concern about the continued disregard for the prevailing and long-standing Middle East peace process and attempts to prejudge final-status issues, particularly with regard to the borders and the status of Jerusalem, through unilateral actions. I wish to reiterate South Africa's position in support of a two-State solution. We would also like to emphasize that the primary responsibility for peace rests with the Palestinians and Israelis themselves. The guidelines for negotiations should be based on the already established international framework, which include General Assembly and Security Council resolutions, the Madrid principles, the Arab Peace Initiative and the Quartet road map, to name but a few.”
2019-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8489 (2019) · source
“The continued expansion of settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory undermines the prospects for long-term peace; alters the conditions on the ground, putting the two-State solution in jeopardy by eroding the possibility of a contiguous and viable Palestinian State; and contravenes a decision of the Council. Such overt violations of a resolution adopted by the Security Council would usually lead to severe measures against the party responsible; however, on this issue the Council remains silent. If the Council does not uphold its own decisions, it loses its effectiveness and undermines its core mandate of maintaining international peace and security. In that regard, we once again call on all States Members of the United Nations to fully implement the provisions of resolution 2334 (2016).”
2019-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8489 (2019) · source