YouSaid · the spoken record

Gueguen

lines on the record: 1,023
first: 2017-05-15
most recent: 2020-08-20
sittings or episodes: 151
sources: un-security-council

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“Mrs. Gueguen (France) (spoke in French): In View of the commitment of the French and German authorities to resolving the crisis in Ukraine within the framework of the Normandy format, this statement is made on behalf of France and Germany. The maritime incidents that occurred yesterday are serious and cause us great concern. As we have just heard, the Kerch Strait, the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov were the scene of Violent manoeuvres yesterday that have considerably increased tensions and the risk of escalation, thereby highlighting the instability of the region. Russian forces reported that they had collided with and then seized with force three Ukrainian warships that were attempting to cross the Strait. Six Ukrainian sailors were wounded. We are aware of nothing that could justify that use of force.”
2018-11-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8410 (2018) · source
“Finally, on the third issue, I would like to say a word about the humanitarian situation in South Sudan, which must continue to mobilize us. Seven million South Sudanese still need humanitarian aid and nearly half of the population is severely malnourished. The first signs ofthe positive impact ofthe peace agreement in terms of improving the food situation and humanitarian access are encouraging. It is essential that they endure over the long term. It is also crucial to do everything possible to protect humanitarian personnel, who continue to be the target of attacks, and to continue our efforts to ensure that such crimes do not go unpunished. The Security Council can count on France's ongoing commitment with regard to such issues.”
2018-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8403 (2018) · source
“The signing of the Agreement is an encouraging development, which, on behalf of France, I wish to once again commend. My country hopes that the Agreement reached will lead to a lasting and inclusive peace. That is our hope and that of millions of South Sudanese women and men who yearn for peace and a better life. We do not want peace on paper alone. The current period is crucial for the success of the peace. Now is the time to build trust among the parties, strengthen the ceasefire, win the support of the people, and make the security and institutional arrangements necessary for the implementation of the Agreement. In that regard, we welcome the holding of the first meeting of the National Pre-transitional Committee in Khartoum on 21 and 22 October. We call on the parties to continue in that direction.”
2018-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8403 (2018) · source
“The report of the Secretary-General on that subject reminds us that since 2014, more than 600 children have been victims of sexual violence (see S/2018/865, para. 54), and those are only verified violations. The actual number is undoubtedly much higher. We must act, and we welcome the fact that the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mrs. Virginia Gamba de Potgieter, has visited the field, as has the Working Group on Children in Armed Conflict, which will discuss the draft conclusions in the coming days. The second major issue that I wish to address today is the revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan, signed on 12 September. It provides for the involvement of women and young people in the peace process, which is crucial and which, I hope, will guarantee its success.”
2018-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8403 (2018) · source
“In that regard, France calls on the South Sudanese authorities to strengthen the specialized police units by ensuring women's access to them. We support the efforts of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), UN-Women and Special Representative Pramila Patten to ensure that what has been promised on paper is translated into action and made a reality. France hopes that the Committee established pursuant to resolution 2206 (2015) concerning South Sudan makes full use of the sanctions against those who commit and sponsor sexual violence. The cooperation between the Panel ofExperts on South Sudan, UNMISS and the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict is essential in that regard. The situation of children is also extremely worrying.”
2018-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8403 (2018) · source
“France shares the comments that the briefers made and is deeply concerned about the seriousness of the facts brought to light in the Secretary-General's report on conflict-related sexual violence (S/2018/250), which highlights hundreds of cases of gang rape and genital mutilation used as weapons of war, often leaving irreparable scars. France condemns in the strongest terms those criminal acts, of which women and children, because they are the most vulnerable, are the primary victims. We urge that the joint communiques and commitments be fully implemented, that those responsible be identified, tried and punished, including those in the ranks of the army and that the protection of women, as well as the investigative mechanisms, be strengthened.”
2018-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8403 (2018) · source
“Mrs. Gueguen (France) (spoke in French): I would like to thank Mr. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Mr. Sma'i'l Chergui and Ms. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka for their very enlightening briefings. I would like to mention three major issues of concern for France. First, the difficult situation and the suffering of women in South Sudan, who remain marginalized. That was the main focus of the joint mission that the briefers conducted as part of the women and peace and security agenda. I thank them for having done that. It was essential in order to highlight that common priority. It was also an important example of the joint work of the United Nations and the African Union.”
2018-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8403 (2018) · source
“Finally, my third point concerns the European future of Kosovo and Serbia, which was clarified last March in the European Union's strategy for the Western Balkans. In view of the merits at the heart of the European project, we emphasize the importance of the reforms needed to consolidate and to strengthen the rule of law. In Kosovo, EULEX contributes to that objective by focusing on the effectiveness, ethics and the multi-ethnic character of Kosovo's justice system. However, the primary responsibility lies, of course, with the policymakers. As we commemorate the centenary of the end of the Great War, a spirit of reconciliation must prevail. We hope that Belgrade and Pristina will be able to move in that direction and reach an agreement on normalizing their relations.”
2018-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8399 (2018) · source
“Secondly, the normalization of relations between Pristina and Belgrade also depends on the dialogue between the two leaders conducted under the auspices of the European Union. In that regard, we welcome the commitment of Ms. Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and the most recent meeting held in Brussels on Thursday, 8 November. France calls on both sides to show a spirit of compromise and political will. We encourage the policymakers ofboth States to be up to the Circumstances and to create the conditions for an agreement, which would be an essential step in the long-term stabilization of the Western Balkans and in moving towards the European perspective.”
2018-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8399 (2018) · source
“Notable efforts have been made to promote security, stability and respect for human rights in Kosovo and the region. That work deserves to be commended. France particularly welcomes UNMIK's activities in bringing together communities and in promoting the women, peace and security agenda in cooperation with UN-Women. However, as has been underlined by several members at previous meetings and again today, we must continue to be attentive to the issue of refocusing UNMIK's actions nearly 20 years after the adoption of resolution 1244 (1999), taking into account the situation on the ground, the performance of that peacekeeping operation and the initiatives led by other regional and international actors. I am thinking in particular of the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX).”
2018-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8399 (2018) · source
“Mrs. Gueguen (France) (spoke in French): I, too, would like to thank Mr. Zahir Tanin, Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Daeie, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Serbia, and Ms. Vlora Citaku, Ambassador of Kosovo to the United States of America, for their briefings. I would like to very respectfully recall that, in accordance with the working methods of the Security Council, such statements should not exceed 15 minutes, as recalled in paragraph 56 ofnote S/2017/507. In the light of the situation described by the Special Representative and the report of the Secretary-General (S/2018/981), I will briefly underline three points. The first concerns the mandate of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK).”
2018-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8399 (2018) · source
“France also wishes to fully support Iraq during its reconstruction phase, which has just begun, and will remain fully engaged with the Iraqi people in the coming months. In conclusion, I commend the role played by the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) under the leadership of Jan Kubis, particularly over the past several months. Iraq is stronger and more inclusive and stable today, and together we can all thank Jan Kubis for his crucial contribution to that progress and encourage UNAMI to stay the course in according priority to supporting governance and national reconciliation.”
2018-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8396 (2018) · source
“Iraq will be able to consolidate its institutions only if the Government moves quickly to implement the recovery and resilience programme established at the Kuwait International Conference for the Reconstruction of Iraq, which the entire international community has supported. I recall that Iraq will be incapable of rebuilding itselfif it is held hostage to regional tensions. Dissociation is an imperative both for Iraqi leaders and for external Powers. Lastly, I reiterate that France fully supports the people of Iraq in facing those challenges, which are linked to their sovereignty and unity. France has donated nearly â‚¬60 million to Iraq since 2017, in addition to a budget loan of 4306 million. That aid is based on responding to humanitarian needs and supporting the stabilization of territories liberated from Da'esh control.”
2018-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8396 (2018) · source
“I also recall the important role that the Iraqi justice system, which must be seen as exemplary and beyond reproach, must play in ensuring that all those responsible for crimes be tried with respect for the rule of law. We also encourage ongoing efforts to resume negotiations with Erbil so as to resolve pending disputes. The stability of the country requires that the Kurds be afforded their rightful place within a united Iraq that respects its own diversity. In that regard, France commends the measures put in place by Jan Kubis, which were decisive in resolving the crisis triggered by the independence referendum. The priority that we must collectively accord to the reconstruction of the country is one of the keys to its future.”
2018-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8396 (2018) · source
“The primary goal of the international community - the stabilization of the country - entails assisting with the voluntary and safe return of displaced persons and ensuring security, mine clearance and restoring basic services, without which the prospects for sustainable return will remain dim. More generally, however, as France has continued to emphasize, only national reconciliation and inclusive governance serving the interests of all sectors of Iraqi society will make it possible to defeat terrorism. France is committed to helping the new Iraqi Government meet the challenges of national reconciliation and inclusive governance. I stress the importance of women's role in the political process. France calls for progress in that area.”
2018-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8396 (2018) · source
“The new Iraqi Government must concentrate without delay on the road map for electoral, economic and financial reform, as well as the reform of the security sector, all of which are imperative. Secondly, if that auspicious dynamic is to continue, much remains to be done. First of all, Iraq's stability, which is crucial to preventing the resurgence ofDa'esh in any form, is a major issue for the region and our own national security. We will remain mobilized in the fight against terrorism, alongside the Iraqi security forces, and in support for the international coalition's efforts to counter Da'esh to end that persistent threat definitively. On the ground, Iraq continues to contend with nearly 2 million internally displaced persons, who must continue to be provided with assistance.”
2018-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8396 (2018) · source
“Despite difficulties, the peaceful organization of the electoral process within the timeframe set by the Constitution - one year after the military victory over Da'esh - is testimony to the country's recovery. We welcome that progress and the appointment of new Iraqi authorities. Despite the tense regional and social environment, the formation of the Government has demonstrated a sense of responsibility on the part of the various actors during the transition period. The relevant figures who have emerged following the process, including the Prime Minister, will be solid assets for the future. We hope that the confirmation of the remaining eight ministers will take place soon.”
2018-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8396 (2018) · source
“Mrs. Gueguen (France) (spoke in French): Ijoin others in thanking Special Representative Jan Kubis for his briefing, which comes at a critical time for Iraq. I also welcome his personal commitment to doing the job that he is leaving and that he carried out with exemplary determination in difficult circumstances. I will discuss the latest developments relating to the electoral process, the remaining challenges that must be met so as to achieve a stable, inclusive and prosperous Iraq, and France's full support for those efforts and the work of the United Nations. First, as Jan Kubis just made clear, we have seen a decisive transformation in Iraq this past year. Iraq was able to defeat Da'esh militarily and meet the challenge presented by parliamentary elections and political transition.”
2018-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8396 (2018) · source
“With less than a year to go before a transition to a non-peacekeeping United Nations presence, what lessons can he draw from the Organization's efforts to strengthen the Haitian National Police, and what kind of impact will that have on the Haitian judicial system? I also have a question for Police Commissioner Abdounasir on the French-speaking world. We know it is important for Police Commissioners to be able to communicate effectively with the people on the ground and with host countries' national forces. Do the various relevant missions have enough French-speaking police personnel? Finally, I have a question for Police Commissioner Bolatolu-Vuniwaqa. She spoke of the great efforts and progress made by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan in combating sexual violence in conflicts.”
2018-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8393 (2018) · source
“Against that backdrop, we have high expectations of the Secretary-General's report on the police, which we called for last year through the adoption of resolution 2382 (2017). Now seems a perfect time to embrace the reforms that the Secretary-General has called for. We must set the United Nations Police ambitious targets. France intends to be a willing and constructive partner in that project. You have encouraged us to be interactive, Mr. President, and I therefore have some questions for the Police Commissioners. My first is for Police Commissioner Therriault. The police component clearly plays a central role in the implementation of the mandate of the United Nations Mission in Support of Justice in Haiti.”
2018-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8393 (2018) · source
“The Secretary-General's goals are ambitious but attainable. Police forces must ensure respect for human rights and equal treatment before the law for all. They must also be able to communicate with the populations they protect. Strengthening linguistic capacities suited to deployment areas is crucial in that regard. The third area I want to emphasize is the importance of placing the United Nations Police in a framework that matches the importance of their role. The police presence is there at every stage of peace operations, from prevention to consolidation. The police must therefore have the right skills, whether for planning, force generation, crisis management or leadership.”
2018-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8393 (2018) · source
“Collective, proactive, long-term action is needed in order to establish the indicators for evaluating police action and improving its effectiveness in combating acts of violence or transnational crime. Training issues are key, of course. The contributing countries have to train police contingents, but they must also train the police services in the countries hosting United Nations peacekeeping operations. The people must be given the policing services they need, a condition essential to successful transitions and to ensuring peacekeeping operations' orderly departure. The second area is encouraging the representation of women in police forces. I particularly have in mind ensuring increased numbers of women in contingents and police personnel, which is happening but needs further progress.”
2018-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8393 (2018) · source
“In that regard, I want to fully endorse the statements by the representatives of the Netherlands and Sweden, particularly with regard to the role of the police in enforcing the rule of law and the importance of a gender approach tailored to the protection of women. The Action for Peacekeeping reform initiative launched by the Secretary-General, which France firmly supports, must also be implemented in United Nations policing. To that end, I would like to draw the Security Council's attention to three areas. The first is improving police performance in peacekeeping operations and special political missions. Police officers must be given the means to take action at every stage of peacebuilding.”
2018-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8393 (2018) · source
“Mrs. Gueguen (France) (spoke in French): I would first like to thank you, Mr. President, for organizing this annual and always very useful meeting. I also thank Assistant Secretary-General Alexandre Zouev, who is a remarkable polyglot, the Police Commissioners here today and Ms. Reitano for their briefings, which enable us to better understand the challenges facing United Nations police forces on the ground. Like my colleagues before me, I would also like to pay a warm tribute to the men and women police officers and gendarmes, who are sometimes deployed in very difficult security conditions, for their critical work and contribution to peacekeeping and the protection of civilians. The new challenges to peacekeeping efforts also raise questions about the role and activities of the United Nations Police in peacekeeping.”
2018-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8393 (2018) · source
“In that context - and I will conclude here 4 France reiterates its call on the parties to engage fully with the Special Envoy in order to reopen the dialogue and move the political process forward. We know that only a political solution will make it possible to put a permanent end to the suffering of the Yemeni people. The search for that solution is becoming more and more urgent every day. United Nations mediation is the only way to revive discussions with a view to reaching an agreement on the management of the port of Al-Hudaydah, resuming talks, achieving a durable cessation of hostilities and defining the parameters for a political solution.”
2018-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8379 (2018) · source
“The main artery between Al-Hudaydah and Sana'a must remain accessible, and we call on the parties to do everything in their power in that regard. Finally, it is essential to intensify efforts to contain the soaring inflation of prices for food items, the collapse of the rial, and the lack of compensation for a large majority of Yemenis. There is an urgent need for progress in the negotiations led by the Special Envoy for Yemen, Martin Griffiths, with the Yemeni Government and the Houthi rebels on this topic, particularly with regard to the restoration of the Yemeni Central Bank. The work of the international financial institutions must also continue to make the recovery of the banking and financial system feasible.”
2018-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8379 (2018) · source
“First, we must protect humanitarian personnel, including those working in the rapid response mechanisms in Al-Hudaydah province and elsewhere in Yemen, who operate in a very dangerous environment. They must be able to plan their operations in advance and implement them safely. I once again convey to them the full support and admiration of France. Secondly, humanitarian and commercial access must be ensured. The ports of Al-Hudaydah and Saleef must remain open and accommodate at least as many essential commodities - including food and fuel - as they did before December 2017. A solution is urgently needed so that the World Food Programme can access silos containing essential foods for the population and then transport them to Al-Hudaydah province and the rest of the country. The same is true for fuel.”
2018-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8379 (2018) · source
“Secondly, in this extremely difficult situation, we must pursue our efforts to ensure respect ofinternational humanitarian law, the protection of civilians, and humanitarian and commercial access and delivery, as well as to promote the recovery of the Yemeni economy. Those points are included in the Council's 21 September presidential statement (S/PRST/2018/18) on the protection of civilians in armed conflict. We must implement them in Yemen. Two immediate concrete goals are to ensure the protection of civilians from bombing and artillery fire, particularly in a city as densely populated as Al-Hudaydah, and to allow civilians to move freely and safely. Civilian infrastructure must also be protected. We must continue to strive to achieve other goals often mentioned in the Council.”
2018-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8379 (2018) · source
“Since our last meeting in the Council a month ago (see S/PV.8361), the situation has been exacerbated by the continued fall of the rial, the ongoing fighting in Al-Hudaydah and a decline in the amount of foodstuffs unloaded in Al-Hudaydah since September. In addition, in the south-eastern province of Al-Mahrah, there was damage caused by tropical cyclone Luban. The result, as the Special Envoy described, is a risk of widespread famine that could affect more than 22 million people, a large-scale cholera epidemic and the possibility that several generations of Yemenis will be deprived of an education.”
2018-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8379 (2018) · source
“Mrs. Gueguen (France) (spoke in French): First of all, I would like to thank the United Kingdom for having taken the initiative of convening this meeting in the extremely deteriorated humanitarian context of which we are all aware and which Mr. Lowcock has just described. His warnings and expectations are very clear, and we must all act with a sense of urgency in the light of what he told us. For months, we have seen the ongoing deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Yemen. War, extreme poverty and economic collapse have created such a high degree of systemic weakness of society and the State that we are today at the brink of catastrophe.”
2018-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8379 (2018) · source
“Too many revenue-generating projects initiated by ex-combatants have failed for lack of support. All relevant State services must therefore be mobilized to give ex-combatants the opportunity to contribute to the economic development of their country. Key elements for development and reintegration include access to land. Progress in this area in particular is anticipated following the commitments undertaken by the Government of Colombia, because it is those lands that will definitively turn the page on 50 years of conflict and testify to the commitment of ex-combatants to improving their country. The people of Colombia and their new Government, represented today by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, can count on the full and fraternal support of France in this period of building a historic peace.”
2018-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8368 (2018) · source
“It also affects social leaders, human rights defenders and those who participate in coca crop substitution programmes. Their murders must be vigorously condemned. Improving the security situation in zones previously controlled by the FARC-EP is a major challenge that the new Colombian Government must address in order to reap the dividends of peace. Although some measures have been taken in that regard, France encourages the Colombian authorities to redouble their efforts to provide public services in those areas and thereby build long-term peace. In that connection, we welcome the national pact for life and the protection of social leaders and human rights defenders, adopted on 23 August. Thirdly and finally, the successful implementation of the peace agreement will depend on the success of economic reintegration.”
2018-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8368 (2018) · source
“France has had the opportunity on several occasions to demonstrate its commitment to the pillar of transitional justice, and I believe it important to stress that the new Colombian authorities, who have shown their determination to keep Colombia on the path of peace and prosperity, continue to preserve the independence of the Special Jurisdication for Peace and to do their utmost to bolster the system ofjustice, truth, reparation and non-repetition. My second point has already been raised in previous meetings but remains relevant. I refer to the deterioration of the security situation in former conflict zones. That insecurity affects former FARC- EP combatants, who are now the targets of criminal groups seeking to extend their area of influence.”
2018-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8368 (2018) · source
“First, I want to note the Special Jurisdiction for Peace, which is the pillar of transitional justice. The independent Jurisdiction has the responsibility of giving assurances both to victims and to participants in the conflict in the framework of a comprehensive system of justice, truth, reparation and non-repetition. The ambitious choice of signatories of the agreement, which is an important innovation and could ultimately be transposed or adapted to other conflicts, requires judges to be allowed to carry out their juridical duties independently and, above all, that the Jurisidication's operational rules not be changed.”
2018-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8368 (2018) · source
“In the wake of the political changeover following the legislative and presidential elections, whose organization we have already commended, the new Colombian authorities must now continue to implement the commitments made in the framework of the peace agreement, in particular the reintegration of ex- combatants and security guarantees, as monitored by the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia. Like previous speakers, France welcomes the recent decision of the Government of President Duque to fill key positions in institutions in charge of reintegration, in accordance with the peace agreement. In the context of that the change of Administration - a sign in and of itself of the vitality of Colombian democracy, independent of the positions adopted by the political parties - I wish to make three observations.”
2018-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8368 (2018) · source
“Mrs. Gueguen (France) (spoke in French): At the outset, I thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Jean Arnault, for his insightful briefing today on the outstanding work of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia. I also welcome the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Colombia, Mr. Carlos Holmes Trujillo, who is participating for the first time in a public meeting of the Council on Colombia since the new President of Colombia was inaugurated in August. The implementation of the historic Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace between the Government of Colombia and the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia- Eje'rcito del Pueblo (FARC-EP) is now entering a new stage.”
2018-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8368 (2018) · source
“Given the terrible humanitarian situation, which has continued to deteriorate, France will remain fully mobilized, particularly within the Council, to work for concrete solutions that facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid and the political resolution of the conflict. That is the only way to end the suffering of the Yemeni population.”
2018-09-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8361 (2018) · source
“We therefore call on all the parties to continue to engage with the Special Envoy so as to resume the path of dialogue as soon as possible and to advance the political process, which is the only viable way to put an end to the conflict in Yemen. United Nations mediation alone can relaunch negotiations with a View to an agreement on the management of the port of Al-Hudaydah, a resumption of talks, a lasting cessation of hostilities and the definition of the parameters of a political solution for a durable, comprehensive and inclusive agreement that restores peace in Yemen and security in the Arabian peninsula and the Bab Al-Mandab Strait.”
2018-09-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8361 (2018) · source
“I state emphatically: the protection of civilians, free and unhindered access to humanitarian aid and the protection of humanitarian and medical personnel are not options; they are obligations under international law for all the parties to the conflict. In that context, it is absolutely essential to safeguard every opportunity to renew dialogue and to build a genuine political process based on confidence-building measures between the parties. The meeting in Geneva on 6 September may have been a missed opportunity. However, that does not in any way mean the end of efforts to advance the political process and should not lead to increased tensions between the parties. Let us remember that the military approach cannot bring about a solution in Yemen. The war has gone on for too long.”
2018-09-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8361 (2018) · source
“While the rial has fallen sharply, prices rise and food staples are scarce, the Security Council, and more broadly the entire international community, must support the efforts of the international financial institutions to find a solution to the economic crisis facing the country. France stands ready to act in that regard, building on the work of the humanitarian meeting on Yemen held in Paris on 27 June. The collapse of the economy and the State structures has in fact caused more deaths than the hostilities themselves. Rebuilding the State structure in a war economy is a tragic impasse that must be overcome. That requires renewed efforts by all, as Mr. Lowcock told us.”
2018-09-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8361 (2018) · source
“In addition, the humanitarian response of the United Nations must make it possible to contain the widespread cholera epidemic raging in the country. The vaccination campaigns successfully launched in recent months must be allowed to continue. The humanitarian response must also make it possible to provide Yemeni children with a future, while malnutrition makes them very vulnerable. It is unacceptable that they starve. Moreover, we reiterate that, in all situations of war, everything must be done to protect children from conflict, as required by Security Council resolutions.”
2018-09-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8361 (2018) · source
“It is crucial that the humanitarian actors, upon whom the Yemeni population relies very heavily, can plan their operations in advance and with the guarantee of being protected from attacks. Besides the situation in Al-Hudaydah, we must respond collectively to the continuing deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Yemen. Members have without doubt seen the disturbing pictures of emaciated children that have circulated on social networks and that depict a troubling reality. Civilians are the first victims of war and the consequent shortages. It is therefore important to do everything possible to ensure their protection. France reiterates its call to ensure full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access to those in need.”
2018-09-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8361 (2018) · source
“It is a matter not only of supplying Al-Hudaydah and the region but also of meeting the needs of a hinterland that covers most of the country, including Sana'a, where the vast majority of Yemenis live. The roads between Al-Hudaydah and Sana'a must be kept open to allow for the delivery of food aid and to prevent the large-scale malnutrition already affecting Yemen from becoming an unprecedented famine. Today, owing to the fighting, some of the reserves stored in Al-Hudaydah are already completely inaccessible. It must be clearly said: the conduct of military operations must in no way hinder humanitarian access. Finally - and this is my third point - the humanitarianpersonnelwhotodayrisktheirlivesworking in extremely dangerous conditions must be protected.”
2018-09-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8361 (2018) · source
“First, we have reiterated many times that every effort must be made to ensure that the ongoing military confrontation in the Al-Hudaydah region spares the civilian population, which has already been sorely tested and includes many displaced persons. The civilian infrastructure must also be protected and food and power supplies ensured. While the rising tensions could lead to new population displacements, civilians seeking to flee the fighting must be able to move freely and safely. Furthermore, as Mr. Lowcock recalled, it is necessary to protect the umbilical cord that the port of Al-Hudaydah represents for Yemen. More than three quarters of the humanitarian aid and commercial freight entering the country transits through the port of Al-Hudaydah, which, like that of Saleef, should remain open and fully operational.”
2018-09-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8361 (2018) · source
“Mrs. Gueguen (France) (spoke in French): I thank the United Kingdom for taking the initiative to convene this crucial meeting, which is being held at a time when the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate under the circumstances that Mr. Lowcock just eloquently described in detail. I will address three points. First, I will refer to the escalation of tensions in the governorate of Al-Hudaydah since the beginning of September, specifically in recent days, and the major humanitarian risks it poses. I will then recall the need to do everything possible to guarantee humanitarian access to Yemen and to ensure respect for international humanitarian law. Finally, I will come back to the imperative of a political solution, which must be sought immediately. It alone will bring about a lasting resolution of the crisis.”
2018-09-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8361 (2018) · source
“We must collectively respond to humanitarian challenges. We must also stand firm with regard to those who bear responsibility for this situation, which is the meaning of the sanctions adopted by the Council. And we are determined to continue along this path as long as necessary. The Council can therefore count on France's determination. It is the same determination that leads us to give our full support to the Secretary- General's recommendations to alleviate the suffering of the people, silence the weapons and move forward towards peace. In conclusion, I would like to warmly thank Special Envoy Haysom for his outstanding work over the past two years and wish him every success in his new responsibilities as the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia.”
2018-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8356 (2018) · source
“Indeed, on this point, the report of the Secretary-General is edifying: 1.8 million displaced persons, 2.5 million refugees in neighbouring countries, 60 per cent of the population in a situation of severe food insecurity and 2.4 million children unable to go to school. Behind the litany of numbers, an entire generation is being sacrificed. Dangerous intercommunity tensions are also being rekindled by poverty. In addition to this tragic humanitarian situation, there have been serious human rights violations, some of which may constitute crimes against humanity and war crimes. That is a cause of major concern for France. It is high time that the hybrid court be established and made operational. In addition to the necessary vigilance, we must also demonstrate determination and perseverance.”
2018-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8356 (2018) · source
“The next day, Saturday, 15 September, an UNMISS soldier was wounded by a soldier of the South Sudanese Army in the town of Yei, which is an unacceptable attack for which those responsible will have to face justice. In that context, I would like to express France's solidarity with UNMISS personnel. France will equally be, and we must all be, extremely vigilant about humanitarian access and the protection of humanitarian workers who go to the aid of populations to the point of risking their lives. France's unwavering commitment on that subject is well known. The humanitarian challenge is huge.”
2018-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8356 (2018) · source
“We will therefore be vigilant in ensuring compliance with the ceasefire and in protecting civilians, which is at the heart of the mandate of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), as Under-Secretary-General Jean-Pierre Lacroix has just reminded us, and is at the heart of the Security Council's concerns. As Special Envoy Haysom has just pointed out, it will also be necessary to specify the mechanisms for monitoring compliance with the commitments made. The report of the Secretary-General (S/2018/831) refers to the progress on the ground in recent months. But that progress is still far too modest. Several violent and deadly incidents have occurred. And, as early as Friday, a few hours after the signing of the Peace Agreement, the ceasefire was violated in the Central Equatoria region.”
2018-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8356 (2018) · source
“Grace John, from whom we have just heard, is the face of a fledgling South Sudanese civil society that wishes to start a new chapter. But we know that hopes have already been dashed several times in South Sudan, and we must therefore collectively be vigilant and determined. We must be vigilant, first of all, because it is on the actions taken that we will judge the progress made. The Agreement reached must be effectively implemented on the ground. No one - neither the South Sudanese nor the international community - wants peace on paper alone.”
2018-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8356 (2018) · source