YouSaid · the spoken record

Günter Sautter

lines on the record: 115
first: 2020-08-19
most recent: 2020-12-16
sittings or episodes: 17
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

“Sana Khan and her team at the Security Council Affairs Division for their fantastic support. A very special thanks goes to Ms. Tiffany Jenkins and Ms. Agapi Nehring from the German Mission to the United Nations, our two Libya sanctions gurus. They are the best.Although my successor at this time has not yet been determined, I would like to assure the next Chair of the Committee of my support in the seamless handing over of tasks.”
2020-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1258 (2020) · source
“As members of the Security Council, we share a responsibility to learn such lessons. We all know that this is not a technical matter. This implies that we need to engage again and again in serious debate on these issues, even if it may be painful at times. I firmly believe that provoking this debate, even if it is agonizing, is a key responsibility of the Chair. In closing, on my own behalf and on behalf of my predecessor, Ambassador Juergen Schulz, and my team, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Panel of Experts for its outstanding work. The Panel needs to be able to count on the cooperation of Member States. Following the arrest of a former Committee member, I have continuously emphasized the need for Member States to respect the privileges and immunities of experts on mission. I would also like to thank Ms.”
2020-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1258 (2020) · source
“This is even more important than outreach concerning sanctions implementation. It is essential to make sure that follow-up on the implementation of sanctions imposed by the Security Council is effective efficient, coherent and professional. Let me say a word on the humanitarian dimension. We have had heated debates in the Security Council on the humanitarian impact of sanctions. One thing should be beyond doubt — sanctions committees must ensure that existing humanitarian exemptions be granted swiftly and reliably. When this is not the case, the Council’s legitimacy on sanctions is damaged. It is therefore good news that the Committee has made substantial progress in this regard. In this era of the coronavirus disease pandemic, this has been particularly important. My last remark is on responsibility.”
2020-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1258 (2020) · source
“All members of the Committee should muster the courage to correct this. My third point is on decision-making. Cooperation with colleagues on the Committee has been excellent. Still, in many cases, the Committee has not been able to live up to its responsibility. I believe a key reason for this has been that all decisions can be taken only in unanimity. The work of the Committee would increase significantly if majority decisions could at least be applied on procedural questions. My fourth point is on coherence. The Secretariat and the Panel of Experts of the 1970 Committee are doing an outstanding job. Still, the institutional setup with which the United Nations deals with sanctions is simply not adequate. The Security Council needs one single sanctions secretariat in charge of all sanctions regimes.”
2020-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1258 (2020) · source
“Outreach on sanctions implementation must therefore be a key part of the Committee’s work in order to assist those who are willing but unable to implement and to encourage those who are able but unwilling. We still have not tapped the full potential of reaching out to the broader membership. I find it good news that there is general agreement on this within the Council. My second remark is on transparency. Sanctions always have a political dimension. Naming and shaming is an essential part of any set of sanctions. It is therefore vital to create transparency. This must include transparency on the violation of sanctions established by the Security Council. Unlike in other sanctions regimes, the rules of procedure of the Libya sanctions Committee do not foresee that all reports of the Sanctions Panel of Experts on Libya be published.”
2020-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1258 (2020) · source
“We also held a joint meeting with two other sanctions committees on cross-cutting issues last year and have engaged the Libyan Investment Authority to discuss the implementation of the asset freeze measure on two occasions. Germany has also contributed in its national capacity as co-penholder of the Libya sanctions file.My third and last set of points are on what we could achieve. Here please allow me to be a bit more general in my remarks. My first remark is on outreach. To have effect beyond political messaging, sanctions need to be implemented. Implementation across the United Nations membership is highly diverse — strict in some places, non-existent in others.”
2020-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1258 (2020) · source
“We initiated the update of the Implementation Notice on the travel ban and have worked on a draft Implementation Assistance Notice covering the oil sanctions. I have further initiated the process for an update of the Committee’s guidelines, which still reflect the status of the regime in 2011. That work is still ongoing, and I hope that we will soon be able to reach a consensus. The Committee is currently deliberating the listing of violators of international law and human rights. If that is approved, the Committee will have sanctioned individuals for the first time since 2018. Here, too, I am still hoping for consensus in the Council. As Chair, I convened two meetings of the sanctions Committee on the implementation of the sanctions measures, with the participation of several Member States of the region and regional organizations.”
2020-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1258 (2020) · source
“We have organized briefings of the Committee on the implementation of the arms embargo; we have encouraged the Panel of Experts to frequently update Committee members; and we have engaged the United Nations Support Mission in Libya to provide us in New York with situational updates. On the travel ban, we have closely monitored cases of non-compliance and initiated an unprecedented exemption for humanitarian reasons. On the assets freeze, we have engaged on a number of complex implementation issues with Member States. The Committee has very closely followed an attempt to illicitly export petroleum and has contributed to safeguarding Libya’s natural resources. That has indeed made a difference.”
2020-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1258 (2020) · source
“Despite the commitments made during the Berlin Conference in January and enshrined in resolution 2510 (2020), blatant violations of the arms embargo continue to this day. The Panel of Experts’ reporting on the presence of the Wagner Group and Syrian mercenaries as well as arms from Turkey or the United Arab Emirates illustrates this. My key message today therefore continues to be that everybody must implement the arms embargo. All foreign fighters and mercenaries must leave Libya. My second point concerns what we have achieved. This is much more down to earth. We have indeed come a long way, although a lot remains to be done. Still, we have made concrete progress on several points. The monitoring of the arms embargo was our key priority.”
2020-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1258 (2020) · source
“As Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011) concerning Libya, I would like to make three points. I would like to talk about what we should have achieved, what we have achieved and what we could achieve. I will start with the first point. As members of the Security Council, we now have a unique opportunity to help make peace in Libya. We all know that one of the most important contributions of the Council is to ensure the full implementation of the arms embargo. As Chair of the Libya sanctions Committee, I have therefore used every opportunity to call upon members of the Committee and the Council as well as the broader United Nations membership to live up to this obligation. Our success has been limited.”
2020-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1258 (2020) · source
“Our approach to this is purely humanitarian, because we truly care about the people of Syria and we will continue to do so.”
2020-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1147 (2020) · source
“Whoever commits crimes against humanity or war crimes must not feel safe anywhere and will be held accountable. Without this, reconciliation and sustainable peace in Syria will not be possible. On the humanitarian situation, I would like to add a few words in my national capacity. Our support for the Syrian people will continue. Winter is coming. Germany will therefore allocate another $24 million to the Syria Cross-Border Humanitarian Fund. In 2019, Germany pledged and allocated more than $1.6 billion in support of the people in need inside Syria and refugees in host countries in the region. Since 2012, Germany has given more than $10 billion, and let us not forget that more than 700,000 Syrian refugees live in Germany.”
2020-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1147 (2020) · source
“And the Council should urge all parties, in particular the Syrian regime, to inform the families of the fate and whereabouts of the tens of thousands of missing and disappeared persons. Finally, the Council must live up to its responsibility. It must join the fight against impunity and ensure that those responsible for torture and killing in Syrian prisons and for the crimes and atrocities are held accountable. The evidence for serious violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law in Syria has been well documented in various reports, but also in the Caesar photos. Those photos have been introduced as evidence in the trial against two former Syrian intelligence officers before a German court in Koblenz. We must not tolerate impunity for the most serious crimes in Syria.”
2020-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1147 (2020) · source
“We deeply regret that there has been no meaningful action on the fate of detainees and missing persons, which would be so important for building confidence and trust among the Syrian parties. Germany continues to be convinced that the Security Council should express a unified position and request all parties, in particular the Syrian regime, which holds the vast majority of detainees, to immediately release all arbitrarily detained persons, starting with the most vulnerable. The Council should also call upon all parties, in particular the Syrian regime, to allow immediate, unconditional and unhindered access for relevant humanitarian organizations to all prisoners and detention facilities.”
2020-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1147 (2020) · source
“Let me reaffirm that there will be no lifting of European Union (EU) sanctions unless the Syrian regime changes its brutal behaviour and ends its grave violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law. Let me also make clear that Germany and the EU will only assist in the reconstruction of Syria once a comprehensive, genuine and inclusive political transition in line with resolution 2254 (2015) is firmly under way. All elements of resolution 2254 (2015) must be fully implemented. In addition to a complete nationwide ceasefire without delay, we need to see the immediate release of arbitrarily detained persons, particularly women and children.”
2020-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1147 (2020) · source
“If we look at the facts on the ground, it immediately becomes clear that it is the Syrian regime’s war against its own people, abetted by its allies, Iran and Russia, and its system of brutal oppression, together with the serious threat of indiscriminate detention, forced disappearance, torture and physical and sexual violence, that are the main reasons why millions of Syrians have fled their country. They are also the biggest obstacles to a safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable return of refugees and internally displaced persons to their areas of origin in Syria, in line with international law and the Protection Thresholds and Parameters for Refugees Return to Syria issued by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.”
2020-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1147 (2020) · source
“The political process under the auspices of the United Nations in line with resolution 2254 (2015) and the Geneva communiqué of 2012 (S/2012/522, annex) is the only sustainable way out of the Syrian catastrophe. Pretending the conflict in Syria is over and that the situation is moving towards peace and normalization is frankly absurd. This is why the recent conference on refugee returns was a cynical propaganda stunt. It is outrageous to claim that alleged intimidation by Western countries, sanctions against the regime or lack of reconstruction assistance would hinder the return of Syrian refugees.”
2020-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1147 (2020) · source
“It will not recognize the results of elections, which are not free and fair and which are not conducted pursuant to a new Constitution under the supervision of the United Nations and with the participation of all Syrians, including the diaspora. We have taken note of the agreement on the dates and the agenda of the fourth and fifth rounds of meetings of the Constitutional Committee. These meetings must at long last discuss substantial issues in order to achieve meaningful progress towards drafting a new Constitution. We call on the Syrian regime to finally engage seriously and constructively in the Constitutional Committee, and we call on Russia to use its influence on Damascus in this regard.”
2020-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1147 (2020) · source
“I join others in thanking Deputy Special Envoy Khawla Matar for her briefing. I thank her and Special Envoy Pedersen for their tireless efforts. Those efforts have been largely futile, which is not their fault. The Constitutional Committee has not produced any real progress to date. This, we believe, is due to the persistent and systematic obstruction by the Syrian regime. The aim of the regime is clear: it wants to delay and obstruct the Constitutional Committee until the presidential elections in 2021. We must not and will not let them get away with this. The international community will not be fooled.”
2020-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1147 (2020) · source
“While we condemn in the strongest terms the criminal actions for which these individuals were sentenced and express our sincere condolences to all victims and their families, we oppose the use of capital punishment under any circumstances. We call on Iraqi authorities to refrain from any future executions, declare a de facto moratorium on the use of capital punishment and pursue a consistent policy towards the abolition of the death penalty. In conclusion, we welcome the ongoing cooperation between Iraq and Kuwait in the search for missing Kuwaiti and third-country nationals, which enabled the most recent progress. We encourage the Government of Iraq to continue its efforts to resolve all outstanding issues.”
2020-11-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1144 (2020) · source
“At the same time, it is essential that the continued attacks against diplomatic missions and personnel cease immediately and that the State strengthen its control over all weapons in the country. As the fight against terrorism, namely, the so-called Islamic State, is not over, cooperation between the Government of Iraq and its international partners must continue. Otherwise, both Iraq and the international community will face a higher risk of a resurgence of the so-called Islamic State.S/2020/1144 In this context, we are alarmed by reports of renewed mass executions of individuals convicted of terrorism-related crimes.”
2020-11-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1144 (2020) · source
“We support the call of the Secretary-General with regard to Baghdad and Erbil to step up mutual dialogue efforts in order to reach a long-term sustainable agreement on all outstanding issues, including natural resources, revenue-sharing and security arrangements. We remain concerned about the impact of regional tensions on Iraq and call for continued de-escalation and restraint by all regional and international actors. All differences must be resolved through diplomatic means. Iraq’s sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected by all its neighbours, as well as by regional and international partners. Iraq should neither be dragged into nor become an area for regional confrontation.”
2020-11-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1144 (2020) · source
“We urge the Iraqi Government to ensure the protection of all peaceful protesters, civil society activists and human rights defenders and their fundamental rights and reiterate the importance of concrete steps to provide accountability for violence, crimes and human rights violations. We are concerned about the short-notice consolidation and closure of camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs), which precluded necessary consultations with key stakeholders and risks leading to secondary displacement. We are committed to working with the Government of Iraq to ensure durable solutions for IDPs. We stand ready to work with the Government of Iraq and the United Nations towards facilitating returns and ensuring the safe, dignified, voluntary, informed and sustainable movement of all IDPs.”
2020-11-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1144 (2020) · source
“We welcome UNAMI’s support, advice and technical assistance to Iraq in the field of electoral preparations. Germany will contribute a total of €6 million to UNAMI’s effort, including to strengthen the capacity of the Independent High Electoral Commission. In addition, we would welcome UNAMI or United Nations engagement to conduct electoral observation. It is essential that elections be held in a free, fair, inclusive and transparent manner in order to ensure their integrity, credibility and legitimacy. We remain deeply concerned about reports of ongoing arrests, forced disappearances and acts of violence and intimidation against protesters, civil society activists, human rights defenders and journalists.”
2020-11-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1144 (2020) · source
“Germany reiterates its support for the Government of Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi. Prime Minister Al-Kadhimi and his Government have the right intentions and are seeking to address the legitimate demands of the Iraqi people. We acknowledge the measures that have been undertaken so far and call upon the Iraqi Government to continue along the path of substantial reforms. Together with the European Union, Germany stands ready to support the Iraqi-led economic reform process as co-Chair of the Iraqi Economic Contact Group over the course of the next six months. We have taken note of the request of the Iraqi Government to strengthen the role of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) with regard to the upcoming early elections.”
2020-11-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1144 (2020) · source
“In conclusion, let me reiterate another core principle — working together to solve those problems that do not stop at national borders. International, regional and subregional cooperation efforts remain vital, as does the collaboration with a variety of actions, including in particular those of civil society. A transnational threat can be overcome only when our response is unified.”
2020-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1143 (2020) · source
“We regret that the ongoing comprehensive review has been delayed due to the coronavirus disease pandemic. We believe that, in preparing for an extension of the 1540 mandate, it will be worthwhile to think about how to best address threats resulting from new technologies. We believe that this element should be taken into account. In this context, I would like to draw the Council’s attention to a process that Germany has organized since 2012 — the Wiesbaden Conferences. The Wiesbaden process raises awareness and furthers the exchange of information and effective practices and promotes private-sector engagement as the first line of defence, which is vital for successful non-proliferation in a globalized world.”
2020-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1143 (2020) · source
“Syria is just one example, where the Al-Assad regime is using chemical weapons against its own population. This shows how important this issue is. Let me turn now to resolution 1540 (2004). We welcome the progress made in the implementation of the resolution since its adoption. However, to guarantee full and effective implementation, it is ultimately important to assist those States requiring support. We therefore particularly welcome increased cooperation among the Committee and its Group of Experts, the regional centres of the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs and international organizations, such as the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the International Atomic Energy Agency.”
2020-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1143 (2020) · source
“In this regard, we commend the Ombudsperson to the Da’esh (ISIL) and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee, Mr. Kipfer-Fasciati, for his excellent work. Thirdly, international humanitarian law must be respected. Counter-terrorism measures must not hinder humanitarian activities carried out by humanitarian actors and based on humanitarian principles. Lastly, I would like to emphasize the importance of the gender dimension and the role of women, both as the solution and part of the problem. Women are crucial actors in addressing effectively the root causes of conflict and radicalization. They are at the same time also victims and survivors and, in some cases, even perpetrators. With regard to the issue of weapons of mass destruction, in the Council we are currently discussing the terrible effects that the use of weapons of mass destruction can have.”
2020-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1143 (2020) · source
“We encourage the Committees and United Nations experts to continue to put very strong emphasis on four principles in their counter-terrorism work. The first is human rights. Counter-terrorism measures must never serve as a pretext for human rights violations. They are counterproductive to all efforts to sustainably eradicate the root causes of radicalization and terrorism. Let me express, in this context, that we are very concerned about what is happening in Xinjiang. Let me remind the Council of the declaration that Germany presented in the Third Committee of the General Assembly on behalf of 39 States. The second principle we believe is essential is that of accountability and prosecution for terrorist crimes. That brings me to the principle of the rule of law and ensuring due diligence.”
2020-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1143 (2020) · source
“First of all, let me say a few words on counter-terrorism. Some colleagues have already raised the issue of right-wing extremism and terrorism. We welcome the fact that the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate and the Counter- Terrorism Committee keep track of evolving trends and developments, including the threat posed by violent right-wing extremism and terrorism. In this context, I would like to point out a recent study commissioned by the German Federal Foreign Office on the issue of transnational connectivity and violent right-wing extremism and terrorism. This is an issue that we take very seriously. We are firmly committed to pursuing it further and see an important role for the United Nations to play in this regard.”
2020-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1143 (2020) · source
“The impact of environmental shocks resulting from climate change is becoming more and more evident. Floods and droughts are just two examples. Special Representative Swan briefed the Informal Group of Experts on Climate and Security regarding those dynamics. We would like to thank Mr. Swan once again for shedding some light on that important issue. We also appreciate that the report of the Secretary-General (S/2020/1113) takes note of those factors. We commend Special Representative Swan for the excellent work that he and his team are already conducting on the ground in that regard. We encourage his mission and the United Nations system to systematically include climate-related risk factors in their analysis and efforts. Germany stands ready to support the United Nations in those efforts.”
2020-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1136 (2020) · source
“However, we are pleased to see that training programmes focused on responding to such heinous crimes have been provided to the Somali police force and five State police services, and that a follow-up action plan has already been developed. We are also concerned about the increasing number of attacks against journalists, many of whom continue to be arbitrarily arrested or detained. The freedom of expression and the freedom of the press are always essential and must be protected, but they are of particular importance in the run-up to the elections. We welcome the Federal Government’s appointment of a special prosecutor to investigate the killings of journalists and urge that the perpetrators be held accountable. Lastly, I would like to make a remark on climate and security in Somalia.”
2020-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1136 (2020) · source
“On human rights, we are deeply concerned about the bills recently adopted in Somaliland that weaken the protection of survivors of sexual violence and do not comply with international human rights. That has been mentioned by other delegations, and we are deeply worried. It is the responsibility of the State authorities to protect the rights of survivors of sexual violence. That is why we also call for the reinstatement of Somaliland’s original rape and sexual offences law. We further call for the 2018 sexual offences federal bill to be enacted. Both of those comply with international human rights standards. We are also concerned about the reported cases of conflict-related sexual violence, with members of Government institutions being reported as perpetrators. Such behaviour is unacceptable.”
2020-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1136 (2020) · source
“The African Union Mission in Somalia continues to play a pivotal role for Somalia’s security. We see that in many instances. Nevertheless, reflecting on how to reshape its mission remains crucial. The nature of existing threats may change, but we must not neglect our common goal, which is for Somalia to take full responsibility for its own security. In that context, we consider the ongoing independent assessment an important opportunity for all partners, including the Somali authorities, troop- contributing countries and the African Union. We believe that all partners should contribute actively and constructively. We are also looking forward to an open and frank discussion at a security event organized jointly by the European Union, the African Union and Somalia on 30 November.”
2020-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1136 (2020) · source
“My second remark is on the security situation. As the overall security situation remains volatile, the security of the elections and the coming weeks needs to be a top priority. We encourage all stakeholders to increase their efforts and finalize their work on updating and implementing the security transition plan. Cooperation between the Federal Government and federal member states continues to be key in that regard. We note that preparations such as the unveiled draft of the national elections security plan are under way. The progress made on institutional capacity- building activities through training and strategic advice is also very much welcome. We would also like to underscore the importance of increased Somali ownership and the effective coordination of the security sector with international and regional partners.”
2020-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1136 (2020) · source
“Allow me to make a couple of remarks, first, on the progress made in the electoral process. It is positive that the political dialogue has been restored between the Federal Government and all federal member states. All sides need to continue that dialogue in order to achieve tangible progress. We regret that the electoral model adopted has fallen short of our expectations and the Government’s promises. That is a point that we discussed at length in the Security Council’s previous meeting on Somalia (see S/PV.8755). Still, credible, transparent and fair elections remain possible, and they remain key to the State-building process in Somalia. In that context, we hope and expect that the electoral process will be conducted in a peaceful manner and that the agreed women’s quota of 30 per cent will be implemented.”
2020-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1136 (2020) · source
“Within the Partnership for Security and Stability in the Sahel, Germany will provide the impetus to go beyond coordination to closer cooperation. We are developing multilateral instruments to support stabilization efforts in both Mali and the Sahel. These include stabilization facilities for the Lake Chad and Liptako-Gourma regions, the PATRIP Foundation and a trust fund in support of security forces. We invite international partners to join. In conclusion, we will need a smart combination of security measures, immediate stabilization efforts and long-term development programmes in order to bring stability to the region and help create resilient societies.”
2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1126 (2020) · source
“It is extremely helpful to have the Peacebuilding Commission apply its cross-pillar viewpoint when engaging with the countries of the region. We see a great amount of international support for the Sahel. But let us be clear. The international community must do better in coordinating and integrating this support. The German-French Partnership for Security and Stability in the Sahel and the Sahel Alliance initiatives are of paramount importance. The Sahel Alliance has already united the biggest development donors in the Sahel and become an important platform for donor coordination and exchange on development challenges with the G-5 Sahel. The Coalition for the Sahel, and more specifically the Partnership for Security and Stability in the Sahel, in close partnership with the G-5 Sahel, provide the platform for such coordination.”
2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1126 (2020) · source
“And the integrated approach must strengthen governance and the rule of law. We would like to emphasize the importance of trust in State institutions. For instance, there is an undeniable need to help build civilian police capacities in order to achieve a trustworthy State presence. Germany is therefore supporting stabilization measures to strengthen domestic security via police cooperation and training as well as decentralization, local governance and basic services. The integrated approach does not stop there. It also means that we need to help manage and mitigate the effects of climate change, since the region is already hit disproportionally hard in this regard. We welcome today’s briefing by the Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission and the Commission’s continued engagement on the Sahel.”
2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1126 (2020) · source
“Regrettably, the humanitarian situation, which is closely linked to the volatile security environment, continues to deteriorate. More than 13 million people across the region are in need of humanitarian assistance. The Secretary-General is right when he says that the Sahel region is at a breaking point. One positive element is the encouraging fact that the international community gathered at the recent humanitarian Central Sahel conference, hosted by Denmark, the European Union, the United Nations and Germany, which raised $1.7 billion. This will not be sufficient in the long term. That is why we reiterate the need for a truly integrated approach, which must simultaneously address development, security challenges, the fight against terrorist groups and the underlying causes of conflict.”
2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1126 (2020) · source
“In this context, we express our full appreciation for the work of MINUSMA and the Mission´s efforts to support the G-5 Sahel Joint Force. We encourage the Mission to make full use of available funds (such as European Union funding) in its support for the Joint Force, and to further operationalize its support. It is important, though, to ensure that the Joint Force’s counter-terrorism activities are in compliance with human rights standards and international humanitarian law. It therefore remains key to further and fully operationalize the human rights compliance framework by implementing due diligence regarding human rights as well as by conducting comprehensive investigations of potential human rights violations by the G-5 Sahel Joint Force.”
2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1126 (2020) · source
“Germany remains concerned about the complex and volatile security situation in the Sahel. Terrorist groups continue to be well organized and are further expanding their operational territory all over the region. We must reverse this trend. We welcome the progress made by the Joint Force of the Group of Five for the Sahel (G-5 Sahel) and its partners on the build-up of capacities and the successful conduct of recent counter-terrorism operations. We encourage continued ownership and efforts by the G-5 Sahel Joint Force, especially with a view to the development of its logistical capacities and increased efficiency. We particularly welcome the ongoing and future support from bilateral partners and the African Union. Germany is ready to consider ways to increase support for the G-5 Sahel Joint Force by the United Nations.”
2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1126 (2020) · source
“Owing to the blockade of one member of the Committee, we were not able to agree on a mere factual account of what has happened since September. That is very unfortunate and disappointing given the importance of the 1970 Committee’s work in support of a peaceful solution for Libya. It is another lamentable development following the failure to agree on the publication of the interim report of the Panel of Experts in September. Those who are blocking even such small steps in the Sanctions Committee must bear the responsibility for this.”
2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1129 (2020) · source
“The perpetrators of such violations must be brought to justice in order to enable a reconciliation process. We will remain committed to increasing accountability and enforcing the rule of law.I once again commend Acting Special Representative Williams and the dedicated staff of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya, who continue to work under exceptional and extremely difficult circumstances. Although Ms. Williams has our full support at the top of UNSMIL, we look forward to a swift leadership appointment. As Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011), concerning Libya, I regret to inform the Council that the presentation of the Committee’s activities that was planned as part of today’s meeting had to be cancelled.”
2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1129 (2020) · source
“As a regional organization acting under resolution 2292 (2016), the European Union will continue its efforts to implement the arms embargo through its Naval Force Mediterranean Operation IRINI, as mandated by the Council. Operation IRINI has displayed the utmost transparency in communicating with the Sanctions Committee and is acting in full adherence with the applicable Council resolutions. The civilian population of Libya has endured years of suffering. We hope that the ceasefire, political dialogue and the resumption of oil production will pave the way to rebuilding the country’s infrastructure, enable an effective response to the coronavirus disease pandemic and put an end to impunity for violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law.”
2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1129 (2020) · source
“Under the highly able leadership of Stephanie Williams, the United Nations has demonstrated again why it is absolutely indispensable. The progress we have seen is excellent news for Libya, the United Nations and the Security Council. Full adherence to the arms embargo will remain key to supporting the political process. Violations must not be committed again. The participants of the Berlin Conference are called upon in particular to make sure that the arms embargo is strictly implemented. The Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011), concerning Libya, will continue to monitor the situation. We thank the Panel of Experts on Libya for its excellent work and its detailed reporting. All States Members of the United Nations must extend their full cooperation to the Panel.”
2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1129 (2020) · source
“To make that clear, withdrawal means leaving Libya, not rebranding fighters as alleged training personnel. The Libyan Political Dialogue Forum was another step in the right direction. Libyans are finally beginning to shape their own future. We commend all of the Forum’s participants for their constructive role and commitment. We urge all key players to stay the course and to continue to engage in dialogue with a view to swiftly appointing the new Government. That also means that the Council’s message to spoilers must be that spoiling the process has consequences. It also remains essential to continue to pave the way towards elections. We call on all parties to the conflict to support the political dialogue. The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has played a decisive role in guiding those negotiations.”
2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1129 (2020) · source
“We are at a historic juncture. The breakthrough achieved in the Joint Military Commission and the subsequent Libyan Political Dialogue Forum have demonstrated that we are close to a Libyan-owned political solution, which will bring peace and stability to Libya within the framework of the Berlin process and resolution 2510 (2020), under the auspices of the United Nations. We welcome the ceasefire agreement reached as a result of the Joint Military Commission talks. We call for the swift and full implementation of that agreement. As an international community, we must respect the aspirations of Libyans to cease all fighting, which includes full adherence to the arms embargo and — I want to underscore this — the immediate and complete withdrawal of all foreign troops, fighters and mercenaries.”
2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1129 (2020) · source
“The European Union is ready to support the holding of elections, and we call on Israel to do its part. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is a major provider of stability in the occupied Palestinian territories. Therefore, Germany is very concerned about UNRWA’s substantial funding gap, amounting to $70 million, until the end of this year. The reduction of salaries for 28,000 UNRWA teachers, doctors and nurses is imminent and will lead to further distress among Palestine refugees. We call on all other countries to do more and appeal to their solidarity. Germany is the largest donor to UNRWA, with $200 million this year alone.”
2020-11-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1128 (2020) · source