YouSaid · the spoken record

Hermann

lines on the record: 117
first: 2021-11-09
most recent: 2023-08-03
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

“Let me conclude by reiterating that the Nordic countries will always stand firm on the side of international humanitarian law, and in that context, we call for the universal ratification of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and the two 1977 Protocols Additional to the Geneva Conventions. That would further strengthen international cooperation in the fight to end the use of starvation as a method of warfare.”
2023-08-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9392Resumption1 (2023) · source
“The Nordic countries consider anticipatory action an important tool for taking action ahead of climate shocks to mitigate, reduce and sometimes even avert humanitarian needs and to safeguard long-term development investments. Anticipatory action is a cost- effective tool, saving more lives and livelihoods from climate-induced hunger through the pre-positioning of supplies, including food items and items for food production. In the end, however, nothing can be achieved without adequate, flexible and predictable financial support to both humanitarian and development assistance efforts — and the Nordic countries are and will continue to be reliable contributors of that type of funding.”
2023-08-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9392Resumption1 (2023) · source
“But we need to adopt policies and financial instruments to support robust, sustainable and scalable agriculture and food production. And in order to address the issue of hunger and conflict effectively, we need to work closely and efficiently across the humanitarian-development- peace nexus and to include climate action in the equation. Likewise, collaboration across the public and private sector, as well as with the populations affected, is crucial to delivering the results that people need. To do that, we must ensure full, equal and meaningful participation, as well as protection and access to assistance, in particular for women and girls, who are disproportionately affected by hunger worldwide.”
2023-08-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9392Resumption1 (2023) · source
“In that vein, the Nordic countries have proudly joined the cross-regional group of countries that have co-signed the joint communiqué presented by the United States condemning the use of food as a weapon of war, and we encourage others to join. We must not weaponize food. In line with resolution 2417 (2018), we urge all parties to armed conflict, wherever they are, to fully comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law, ensure safe, rapid, unrestricted humanitarian access and not deprive civilians of things indispensable to their survival. Conflict often leads to hunger, and hunger often leads to conflict. However, by developing long-term, sustainable and effective global food systems, we can contribute to ending hunger and preventing conflict.”
2023-08-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9392Resumption1 (2023) · source
“In that context, the Nordic countries deeply deplore Russia’s decision to withdraw from the Black Sea Grain Initiative and condemn its subsequent attacks on Ukrainian ports and grain facilities — facilities that are key to food security in many parts of the world. The Initiative has been critical in helping us to avoid a further deterioration of the global food crisis. It has also helped to stabilize global food prices, which have already shown signs of increasing following Russia’s withdrawal. Resolution 2417 (2018), which was unanimously adopted by the Security Council five years ago, strongly condemns the use of starvation as a method of warfare. It urges the parties to armed conflicts to protect civilian infrastructure and ensure the proper functioning of food systems and markets.”
2023-08-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9392Resumption1 (2023) · source
“I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic countries — Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and my own country, Denmark. At the outset, I would like to thank the United States for convening this important open debate, as well as the briefers for their statements this morning and most importantly, of course, for the work that they and their colleagues are doing every day to help people in need. This year has seen conflicts produce devastating effects in many regions, further compounded by the destructive consequences of climate change. The combined effects have upended the lives of millions. Hunger is on the rise and people are suffering. We must do what we can to stop hunger and not accelerate starvation and food insecurity.”
2023-08-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9392Resumption1 (2023) · source
“Let me conclude by underlining that we continue to stand firm on zero tolerance for any reprisals against women human rights defenders and fully support their advocacy for gender equality and the defence of human rights.”
2023-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9378Resumption1 (2023) · source
“Protection is the bedrock for women’s full, equal and meaningful participation in political, social and economic processes, and that in turn is critical to ending conflict-related sexual violence and preventing its recurrence. We can therefore no longer watch survivors being sidelined and excluded from security policy. We, the Nordic countries, will continue to work in collaboration with all partners, including security stakeholders and institutions, civil society and women- led and feminist organizations, not least at the local level, to push back on any attempt to hinder the full, equal and meaningful participation of all women.”
2023-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9378Resumption1 (2023) · source
“The Security Council Sanctions Committees should list perpetrators when there is repeated evidence of conflict-related sexual violence, including as put forward annually in the annex to the Secretary-General’s report. Lastly, the capacity and skills to respond to conflict-related sexual violence and to refer different types of victims to appropriate service providers must be built across peace operations — not just among women peacekeepers. The notion that women are inherently better at responding to conflict-related sexual violence or specifically responsible for doing so both perpetuates the idea that their primary added value is related to their gender and reflects a narrow understanding of the survivors and perpetrators of conflict-related sexual violence.”
2023-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9378Resumption1 (2023) · source
“It is within the power and responsibility of Member States to make that happen. It is the Council’s responsibility to act. To that end, the Nordic countries would like to emphasize the following. First, Member States must investigate all cases, prosecute perpetrators through appropriate judicial mechanisms and guarantee access to justice for victims and survivors. Secondly, our humanitarian response to conflict-related sexual violence must be gender- transformative and put survivors’ needs front and centre. That can be done through cash programming, sexual and reproductive health services such as access to emergency contraception and safe and timely abortion care, and mental health and psychosocial support. Thirdly, all sanctions regimes must explicitly include sexual and gender-based violence as a designation criterion.”
2023-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9378Resumption1 (2023) · source
“In Ukraine, the United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission and the Independent International Commission of Inquiry have documented and reported sexual violence used as a form of torture and inhumane treatment of civilians and prisoners of war, violence that is overwhelmingly perpetrated by Russian military personnel. Let us not mince words. Conflict-related sexual violence is a clear violation of international humanitarian law and international human rights law, and may constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity. And as the Secretary-General has pointed out time and again, impunity for acts of conflict-related sexual violence remains the norm. That state of affairs needs to be addressed, and it needs to change. Conflict- related sexual violence can and must be prevented and countered.”
2023-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9378Resumption1 (2023) · source
“I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic countries — Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and of course my own country, Denmark. I want to begin by thanking our distinguished briefers, first and foremost, for their sobering statements, and not least for their vital work in this field. Sexual violence continued to be used throughout 2022 as a tactic of war, an instrument of intimidation and a way to dehumanize and destroy communities and the lives of civilians in countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, Libya, Myanmar and South Sudan. We are deeply alarmed by the reports of persistent and deepening patterns of sexual violence by both State and non-State actors.”
2023-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9378Resumption1 (2023) · source
“These are steps in the right direction, and Member States must support efforts to reduce the environmental footprint of United Nations peace operations, including through a transition to renewable energy, wherever possible. Finally, in the light of the well-documented adverse effect of climate change on peace and security, the Nordics call on the Security Council to take action — to be accountable to the affected populations and to take action in response to their calls.”
2023-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9345Resumption1 (2023) · source
“Among United Nations activities, peacekeeping operations mandated by the Security Council are the main emitters of greenhouse gases. Currently, only 6 per cent of the energy supply for United Nations peace operations for peacekeeping comes from renewable energy. The result is a significant climate footprint for the operations, in addition to their footprint on the local environment. Let us be real: trucking fuel for peace operations exposes our peacekeepers to unnecessary security risk. Greening the blue is truly a win-win. We welcome the targets for the United Nations Secretariat to reduce its carbon emissions by 45 per cent by 2030 and sourcing 80 per cent of electricity from renewable energy.”
2023-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9345Resumption1 (2023) · source
“To those on the Council who are still sceptical, may we suggest that the Security Council conduct field visits to countries facing security threats induced by climate change, which can provide opportunities for Council members to experience first-hand the very real consequences facing communities. My second point is that we believe it is critical to increase climate financing, especially financing for climate adaptation in fragile and conflict-affected countries, as well as a part of a conflict-resolution and peacebuilding strategy. We cannot build peace if we do not address what drives conflict. All climate financing should be conflict-sensitive, and it should be used as an opportunity to underpin peacebuilding efforts. Thirdly, we remind the Security Council of the need to accelerate energy transition in United Nations peace operations.”
2023-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9345Resumption1 (2023) · source
“The Security Council has a responsibility and must be accountable to conflict-affected populations and include their views and new needs. We know that women are disproportionately affected by climate-induced conflicts, and it is key to ensure their full, equal and meaningful participation in all stages of conflict towards building resilience and peace. We must also promote the important participation of young people and persons with disabilities, among other affected groups. Climate change in essence underlines the absolute necessity of the women and peace and security and the youth, peace and security agendas. There have been some encouraging statements made today by some Security Council members indicating perhaps somewhat of a movement in position.”
2023-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9345Resumption1 (2023) · source
“The Nordic countries are in full support of the concrete suggestions from the Group of Friends of Climate and Security, as presented by Germany during this meeting earlier today. We have seen that it is possible to integrate climate into the mandates of United Nations missions, and we emphasize the importance of United Nations missions continuing their efforts to mainstream climate-related security risks into assessments and strategies. Furthermore, in our view, the advice from the Peacebuilding Commission can bring value to Security Council deliberations on the peacebuilding implications of the adverse effects of climate change, not least the recent example from the Pacific Islands and the Sahel demonstrate that.”
2023-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9345Resumption1 (2023) · source
“I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic countries, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and, of course, my own country, Denmark. Let me at the outset congratulate the United Arab Emirates on assuming the presidency of the Security Council and organizing this discussion today. We also very much welcome the joint pledge made by the non-permanent Security Council members, I should say the elected Security Council members — the United Arab Emirates, Malta, Mozambique and Switzerland — to continuously address the climate, peace and security issues. I have a couple of points to make. First, the climate crisis is, in our view, one of the greatest threats to international peace and security, and it is becoming increasingly urgent to address connections among climate change, peace and security.”
2023-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9345Resumption1 (2023) · source
“We welcome the active engagement of the Secretary- General and Türkiye and urge Russia to ensure a long- term rollover of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, in line with the Istanbul agreement — and to immediately suspend its military operations. The extension and full implementation of this initiative is critical in order to avoid a further deterioration of the global food crisis. Let me conclude by saying the Nordics will continue to stand with Ukraine and its people. We commend Ukraine’s initiative for a just peace and support the various initiatives that are seeking accountability for international crimes committed in connection with Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. The meeting rose at 12.15 p.m.”
2023-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9321 (2023) · source
“This is the equivalent of more than the entire population of the United States of America. The world’s poorest and those in the most vulnerable situations tend to be the ones most affected by such crises. As a result, the need for humanitarian assistance globally has increased. At the same time, food assistance and humanitarian operations have become more expensive, exacerbating the gap between humanitarian needs and available funding. Until Russia ends its illegal war of aggression against Ukraine, the continuation of the Black Sea Grain Initiative remains imperative to avoid a worsening of the global food crisis. Up until earlier this month, the Initiative had ensured the export of as much as 30 million tons of grain and foodstuffs, thereby helping to stabilize global food prices and allowing access to food for people at risk of famine.”
2023-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9321 (2023) · source
“Under international humanitarian law, civilians and civilian objects must be protected, and humanitarian actors must have full, safe and unhindered access. We condemn in the strongest terms attacks on humanitarian operations, such as the attacks on a Ukrainian Red Cross warehouse in Odesa and on medical facilities in Mykolaiv on 8 May. We call on Russia to allow full, safe and unhindered access for humanitarian actors. Further to the tragic consequences for people in Ukraine, Russia’s illegal invasion has had catastrophic global effects. The worsening food crisis and the volatility of global food and energy prices have affected countries around the world. The World Food Programme estimates that an astounding 345 million people will experience acute food insecurity this year.”
2023-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9321 (2023) · source
“The consequences of these brutal attacks are extensive and far-reaching, and the situation is especially dire close to the front lines, where the need for protection and humanitarian assistance, such as food, medicines and shelter, is alarmingly high. For many, the consequences of the war are long-lasting, damaging the very foundation for recovery and healing, at both the personal and societal level. In this regard, the Nordics welcome the establishment of a register of damage, documenting claims of damage caused by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, as recommended by the General Assembly in its resolution ES-11/5. Delivering humanitarian assistance in Ukraine to those in need is difficult and dangerous. The situation is a horrific reminder of the need to ensure protection for all civilians.”
2023-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9321 (2023) · source
“For more than a year now, Ukraine has been bravely resisting a brutal war of aggression initiated by Russia. The devastating consequences of the war also reach beyond Ukrainian borders — to the Horn of Africa, Yemen and beyond — where millions of people have been pushed deeper into food insecurity, due to rising food and energy prices across the world. Russia’s war against Ukraine has compounded many global challenges, making it an urgent matter of international peace and security — and obviously a matter of concern to all States Members of the United Nations. Russia’s indiscriminate missile attacks across Ukrainian cities continue to cause harm to civilians and severe damage to civilian property and infrastructure, illustrating Russia’s complete disregard for international humanitarian law.”
2023-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9321 (2023) · source
“I have the honour to speak on behalf of the five Nordic countries — Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and, of course, my own country, Denmark. The Nordics are committed to the protection of civilians in armed conflict as a cornerstone of international humanitarian law. Globally and at the country level — in Africa, the Middle East, Asia, the Americas and Europe — our commitment to humanitarian action is resolute. I want to take this opportunity to thank Under-Secretary-General Griffiths for his briefing and for the work of the staff of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs as well as the staff of other United Nations agencies and other humanitarian actors who do humanitarian work around the clock under impossible conditions in Ukraine and elsewhere.”
2023-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9321 (2023) · source
“Let me conclude by underlining that we need all stakeholders engaged to deliver on the promise of a more peaceful future for generations to come. We, the Nordic countries, are prepared to do our bit.”
2023-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9299Resumption1 (2023) · source
“Thirdly and finally, we must ensure the full, equal and meaningful participation of women and other stakeholders in decision-making and peacebuilding processes to leverage local knowledge and solutions so that we can silence the guns within communities, too. We commend those AU member States, like Mozambique, that have adopted national action plans on women and peace and security. Their implementation can help recognize the gendered impacts of the illicit trade in small arms as well as address barriers to participation, including discrimination, shrinking civic space, sexual and gender-based violence and reprisals. Furthermore, let us recognize that there can be no sustainable peace without the full and meaningful participation of young people in decisions related to silencing the guns.”
2023-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9299Resumption1 (2023) · source
“And let me use this occasion to make it clear that the Nordic countries would favourably consider the use of United Nations assessed contributions on a case-by- case basis to support such operations. We also call for focused efforts to ensure the protection of human rights and respect for international humanitarian law in all operations, as well as accountability when violations occur. Secondly, the operationalization of the humanitarian-development-peace nexus is key to providing the comprehensive and integrated approach needed to silence the guns. It is also crucial that development policies fully incorporate that objective. Our organizations and structures may be built in silos, but we all know that reality and conflict dynamics are never siloed, and we must be cognizant of that.”
2023-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9299Resumption1 (2023) · source
“The Nordics are long- standing partners of the African Union and its regional economic communities and are steadfast supporters of the implementation of the African Peace and Security Architecture, including its capacity for prevention, mediation and peacebuilding. We encourage further strengthening of the synergies between the African Peace and Security Architecture and the African governance architectures and an even closer AU-United Nations partnership, especially between the AU Peace and Security Council and the United Nations Security Council, in order to effectively execute all mandates. In our view, the Secretary-General’s New Agenda for Peace could address that issue, as well as the need for predictable funding for African-led peace operations.”
2023-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9299Resumption1 (2023) · source
“The development and peace nexus takes a very real and concrete centre stage in the Silencing the Guns initiative and the African Union Master Roadmap of Practical Steps to Silence the Guns in Africa. We would like to draw the Council’s attention to three areas — first, the role of the African Union (AU) and other regional and subregional organizations; secondly, the need for integrated approaches; and thirdly and finally, the real and urgent need for an inclusive decision-making and peacebuilding process. First, the Nordic countries emphasize the critical importance of regional engagement in peace and security challenges. An understanding of conflict dynamics and causes must be the starting point for finding solutions, and no one is better equipped to do that than regional organizations.”
2023-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9299Resumption1 (2023) · source
“On behalf of the Nordic countries — Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and my own country, Denmark — let me begin by thanking Mozambique for convening today’s meeting on the development aspects of the African Union’s pioneering Silencing the Guns initiative. Peace and security cannot be achieved in isolation, as Mozambique underlines by convening today’s debate. Democracy, human rights, the rule of law and access to basic services — indeed, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals —are essential to silencing the guns. At the same time, we must recognize that illegally imported small arms and light weapons may exacerbate conflict, hamper stability and impede development.”
2023-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9299Resumption1 (2023) · source
“Conflict-related sexual violence is a clear violation of international humanitarian law and international human rights law and may constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity. We must listen to the survivors of violence. They demand justice, but also dignity and support to continue their lives. Investing in the mental health and psychosocial well-being of survivors is an investment — not only in their recovery, but also in sustainable peace and national resilience. In conclusion, the Nordic countries will continue to stand with Ukraine and its people. We commend Ukraine’s initiative for a just peace and support the various initiatives established to secure accountability for atrocity crimes committed in Ukraine.”
2023-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9286 (2023) · source
“We call on all parties to protect health care and the provision of reproductive health services — not only in accordance with international humanitarian law, but as a basic human right. The need to ensure protection for all civilians is a key humanitarian prerogative. However, Russia continues to violate our agreed norms and rules of armed conflict. We call on all parties to comply with their obligations under international law and to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, as well as to enable full, safe and unhindered access for humanitarian actors. Lastly, we would like to draw attention to the alarming reports of sexual and gender-based violence in Ukraine. The violence is perpetrated, overwhelmingly, by Russian military personnel against Ukrainian women, girls, men and boys.”
2023-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9286 (2023) · source
“The findings are shocking and include sexual violence, torture and the forced transfer and deportation of children from Ukraine and their illegal adoption in Russia. Such acts are in violation of international humanitarian law and may amount to war crimes. The Commission has further documented indiscriminate and disproportionate attacks in populated areas causing excessive suffering and harm to civilians and civilian objects, including hospitals and schools. Russia’s attacks on civilian infrastructure, including the systematic targeting of energy-related infrastructure, may amount to crimes against humanity. This is real. It means, for instance, that pregnant women are denied prenatal care and forced to give birth under dangerous circumstances.”
2023-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9286 (2023) · source
“The Initiative has ensured exports of more than 24 million tons of grain and other foodstuff from Ukraine since August 2022. It has helped to stabilize global food markets and food prices, and it has ensured the delivery of food to countries in need. We urge Russia to be part of a solution to ensure a 120-day rollover of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, in line with the Istanbul agreement. In Ukraine, the violence and destruction show no signs of abating. Russia has resumed its deadly and destructive missile attacks. The most recent report by the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, published yesterday, concludes that Russia has committed numerous violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law, in addition to a wide range of war crimes.”
2023-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9286 (2023) · source
“Russia’s illegal invasion has had shattering consequences, and not only for the people of Ukraine. It has also worsened the humanitarian situation globally. Russia’s war of aggression has hampered Ukraine’s ability to produce and export grain and other agricultural products that are much needed in communities around the world. We, the Nordic countries, are determined to be at the forefront of mitigating the disruptive, global consequences of the war. We have continued our efforts to assist where the needs are greatest. That includes countries in Africa, where existing food insecurity has been made worse by the decline in exports from Ukraine. The continuation of the Black Sea Grain Initiative is imperative to mitigating the food insecurity caused by Russia’s war against Ukraine, especially in developing countries.”
2023-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9286 (2023) · source
“The General Assembly underscored the need to reach, as soon as possible, a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in line with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations. And we reaffirmed our commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders. The Nordic countries would like to highlight the following three areas of concern: first, the disruptive global consequences of Russia’s war of aggression and the importance of the continuation of the Black Sea Grain Initiative for global food security; secondly, Russia’s ongoing violations of international law and the obligation to provide full, safe and unhindered access for humanitarian actors; and thirdly, the impacts of conflict-related sexual and gender-based violence.”
2023-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9286 (2023) · source
“I thank Under- Secretary-General Griffiths for his briefing. I have the honour to speak on behalf of the five Nordic countries — Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and of course my own country, Denmark. Allow me first to express our condolences for the devastation caused by Cyclone Freddy to those affected in Mozambique, as well as in Malawi and Madagascar. We stand with them in solidarity, as we stand with the people of Ukraine. Last month, an overwhelming majority of Member States from all regions of the world adopted a resolution for peace in Ukraine (General Assembly resolution ES- 11/6) and once again demanded that Russia immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw from the territory of Ukraine (see A/ES-11/PV.19).”
2023-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9286 (2023) · source
“And where Governments invest in legislation and capacity to benefit all communities, the associated peace dividend can reduce the risk of conflict. Taking action to battle the climate crisis we collectively face is key. Involving the right people is imperative. The participation of rights holders, especially women, youth and the local community, must be at the centre of those efforts in order to ensure that solutions are locally owned and led, that marginalized groups are empowered and that we do not inadvertently harm those we seek to protect.”
2023-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9260Resumption1 (2023) · source
“But the global security implications for States and their citizens of their country’s land territory being completely submerged are yet to be fully discovered. To ensure solutions that promote peace and stability, it is essential that we jointly pursue a deeper understanding of how climate change affects the peace and security situation in specific countries and contexts, but also of related challenges. As a starting point, we reiterate our support for regular reports by the Secretary- General on the topic and for climate-related security risks to be integrated into country-specific reporting to the Council. Finally, we should never stop looking for opportunities. We know that inclusive natural resource governance is key to peace and security.”
2023-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9260Resumption1 (2023) · source
“Some countries, such as Fiji, have already progressed on national legislation and plans on how to respond to the adverse effects of climate change, and the sharing of ideas and lessons learned among those most affected by sea level rise could identify entry points where the United Nations and its wider membership can help support national and regional engagement on addressing climate peace and security risk. The protection of State sovereignty and individual human rights are enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations. In addition, the United Nations countries remain confident that the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which sets out the legal framework for all activities in the oceans and seas is the appropriate framework for successfully addressing those and other emerging challenges.”
2023-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9260Resumption1 (2023) · source
“In the relevant resolutions regarding United Nations peace operations, the Council must continue to consider the Organization’s supportive role in helping States to mitigate and adapt to the adverse effects of climate change in order to address climate-related security risks. The Council should explicitly request the United Nations to continue to build its capacity and expertise in addressing climate-related security risks and should strengthen the engagement of United Nations missions with local, regional and other actors in that process.”
2023-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9260Resumption1 (2023) · source
“Today’s plight of communities in low-lying coastal areas is tomorrow’s plight of the global community. Allow me, Mr. President, to address your pertinent guiding questions. There is increasing evidence that climate change is a significant risk-multiplier, especially when combined with other factors, such as socioeconomic inequality and weak resource governance. In line with the Security Council’s mandate to maintain international peace and security, the Council also has a role in raising awareness of threats to peace and security, including not only when that can prevent, or help to decrease, the risk of a relapse into conflict, but also when it comes to promoting human security. We therefore urge the international community to redouble its efforts to reduce the impacts of sea level rise.”
2023-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9260Resumption1 (2023) · source
“If one’s land territory becomes inundated, as a people, where does one go, and how does one preserve one’s culture and one’s heritage? How can sovereignty be maintained and what are the implications for a State’s maritime zones? These questions have been raised by SIDS countries for decades, and it is high time that, together, we find clear answers. As the International Law Commission is considering the legal aspects of such questions, we particularly welcome today’s discussions on the peace and security implications of sea level rise. This open debate is well timed given the Security Council’s critical role in promoting a greater understanding of the issues at stake in order to prepare and protect people as climate change forces them to adapt and eventually relocate.”
2023-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9260Resumption1 (2023) · source
“I thank you, Mr. President, for convening this timely meeting on a matter of the utmost urgency. I also thank our briefers for providing important context for today’s open debate. I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic countries: Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and my own country, Denmark. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, an estimated 680 million people from coastal communities across the world are particularly exposed to ocean and cryosphere change, such as sea level rise and the associated loss of biodiversity. The citizens of small island developing States (SIDS), especially low-lying atoll countries, are faced with the existential threat of their country becoming uninhabitable or even the partial or complete inundation of land territory.”
2023-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9260Resumption1 (2023) · source
“But let us be honest — the picture is also very clear. Russia must cease its aggression against Ukraine and immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw all its troops from Ukraine. Russia must comply with the order on provisional measures, rendered by the International Court of Justice on 16 March last year, to suspend its military operation. Russia must respect the independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders. Only Russia can end the war. The Nordic countries will continue to stand with Ukraine and the Ukrainian people, and we commend Ukraine’s initiative for a just peace. The meeting rose at 12.25 p.m.”
2023-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9254 (2023) · source
“We are highly concerned about the appalling reports of conflict-related sexual violence committed by Russian soldiers in Ukraine. The true scale of that violence is not yet known. Russian attacks on civilian centres and civilian infrastructure may also constitute war crimes. Ensuring accountability does not only contribute to justice and reparation for the crimes committed; it is also key to prevention through the deterrence of future atrocities. That is why we, the Nordic countries, welcome important initiatives such as the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, established by the Human Rights Council, and why we continue to fully support the International Criminal Court (ICC). The work of the ICC is crucial to justice everywhere. The current situation is very bleak.”
2023-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9254 (2023) · source
“As we approach the agreement’s renewal date in March, it is of the utmost importance that we see a smooth extension of the Black Sea Grain Initiative. While we must come together to prevent famine in the immediate term, the war has brutally underlined the need to also accelerate the transition to more sustainable and resilient food systems. Lastly, we would like to underline the critical role of accountability for the crimes committed in the context of the aggression. All reports of atrocities and human rights violations must be properly investigated, and perpetrators held to account through national or international justice mechanisms. We are alarmed by the very large number of war crimes reported since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukrainian territory.”
2023-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9254 (2023) · source
“Countries that were already struggling to recover from the negative economic effects of the pandemic now face severe challenges to food and energy security, commodity prices and public finances. We risk seeing the effects lasting far into the future. Last week, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations reported that severe war-induced impacts in Ukraine are estimated to reduce the winter-wheat area planting by about 40 per cent. As a glimmer of hope, grain exports from Ukraine and Russia have increased substantially since the signing of the Black Sea Grain Initiative. Following the agreement, we saw lower food prices globally and improved access to food for humanitarian actors.”
2023-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9254 (2023) · source
“Currently, the greatest needs are felt in areas under the temporary military control of Russia. We call on Russia to respect its obligations as an occupying Power. We also call on Russia to enable full, safe and unhindered access for humanitarian actors to the people living in those territories, including through the front line. The obligations under international humanitarian law must be complied with by all. I also want to say that we strongly commend international and national humanitarian responders for their bravery in delivering humanitarian protection and assistance to those in need. That includes the delivery of aid to newly liberated areas and areas close to the front line amid constant shelling. As Russia’s illegal war rages on, the impacts of the cost-of-living crisis induced by the war are felt across the world.”
2023-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9254 (2023) · source
“The list of concerns is long, but today the Nordic countries would like to highlight the following three areas of concern: first, Russia’s ongoing blatant violations of international humanitarian law and the need to provide full, safe and unhindered access for humanitarian actors; secondly, the negative consequences of Russia’s war of aggression for global food prices and the important contribution of the Black Sea Grain Initiative to mitigating global food insecurity; and, thirdly and finally, the importance of accountability. Russia’s illegal war has imposed widespread human suffering on the Ukrainian people. It has led to the extensive destruction of critical civilian infrastructure and shattered essential services. The human and economic costs are immeasurable, as is the destruction of the environment.”
2023-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9254 (2023) · source