YouSaid · the spoken record

Heusgen

lines on the record: 867
first: 2017-10-31
most recent: 2020-11-12
sittings or episodes: 144
sources: un-security-council

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

“I would like to thank Mr. Martin Griffiths and Mr. Ramesh Rajasingham for their briefings. I would like to start on a positive note. First, from what has been said so far in the Council, we see some agreement between us. That was expressed earlier this week (see S/PV.8701), when all 15 members agreed to extend the mandate of the United Nations Mission to Support the Hodeidah Agreement (resolution 2505 (2020)). The agreement on the situation in Yemen is slightly reminiscent of the one we reached in this organ on Colombia a couple of days ago (see S/PV.8702). I thank Mr. Griffiths for his briefing. He also struck a positive note and I think we need to recognize that so far it has indeed been possible to isolate Yemen from the escalation in the region. That is very positive.”
2020-01-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8704 (2020) · source
“For the time being, MINUSMA has a limited mandate and more also needs to be done to better communicate its mandate so that there is no unjustified criticism of its work. The Government also has a role to play in that regard. We, as a Council, have to ensure that MINUSMA, whatever its mandate, has adequate means at its disposal — as does the United Nations system in general. In this respect, I also support what Mr. De Rivière said earlier.”
2020-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8703 (2020) · source
“As sometimes criticism is voiced with regard to the Mission, at this stage I would like to sincerely recognize what MINUSMA is doing and what the individuals in the Mission are doing. We recognize that, in difficult circumstances, they are doing a good job. MINUSMA alone cannot provide security and can only do so as a partner of the Government in the implementation of the peace agreement. MINUSMA continues to try to strengthen the Malian Government, such as with regard to the police, but such support should be based on a comprehensive strategic development plan prepared by the Malian authorities, which would then be supported by the Mission. My United States colleague talked about reforms or proposals for the adaptation of MINUSMA and we will of course study such proposals with great interest.”
2020-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8703 (2020) · source
“Of course, that is only something very personal, but I remember that at a meeting I attended last January (see S/PV.8445), the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Mali was a woman, whereas I see that a male Minister was announced for today’s meeting. That is just one indication. I hope that the Foreign Minister is able to listen to our remarks or that they will be conveyed to him. Lastly, as the Ambassador of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines very eloquently said earlier, the drivers of violence and problems are related to climate change and security and their effects and more has to be done in that regard to build resilience. Let me conclude in turning to MINUSMA.”
2020-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8703 (2020) · source
“What will children do if they do not go to school? Therefore, the opening of schools is key. As the Ambassadors of France, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and the Dominican Republic said earlier, more has to be done to advance the participation of women, including in Government and the peace process. I welcome the remarks by the Under-Secretary- General and I recognize the efforts of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) in that regard. Those of us who were in Bamako on our Security Council trip last year still remember, when we looked at the follow- up committee, that its membership was almost entirely made up of men. More has to be done.”
2020-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8703 (2020) · source
“We need to do everything we can and the authorities in Mali and the G-5 countries need to do everything to establish good governance, fight corruption and impunity, develop the justice system and respect for human rights — as the Ambassador of Dominican Republic highlighted earlier — and implement the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali. As previous speakers said, what is also needed, of course, is the restoration of State institutions to all parts of the country. We have to protect children, which has two aspects. One aspect is the physical protection of children. Children are the victims of violence and I am sure that my Belgian colleague will say something about this. The other aspect is education. Whenever I hear the number of schools closed, I see that as another indicator that violence will rise.”
2020-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8703 (2020) · source
“We support obtaining the desired results, including those related to the economic and social aspect. In condemning the terrorist attacks, Germany continues to stand side by side with our partners in the G-5 summit, Mali, the Niger and other countries. In our discussions, we must not make the mistake of underestimating the grave threat that we see related to the military aspects of the situation. We need to understand the drivers of violent extremism and we have to recognize that a part of the population, as several colleagues noted earlier, has legitimate grievances that must be addressed.”
2020-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8703 (2020) · source
“On Monday, we all observed a minute of silence for the latest victims whom we and the Niger mourned. I think that we are all aware that they were only the most recent victims in a spiral of violence that we are observing. I would also like to convey, at this stage, my condolences and those of the German Government to the Ambassador of Mali for all the victims in the Malian civilian population and security forces. As one looks at the numbers in Mali, they are a disaster. In that regard, I would like to turn to my French colleague and once again fully support what he said earlier. Germany is in partnership with friends and the Group of Five for the Sahel (G-5 Sahel) and remains totally committed to bringing security and stability to the region.”
2020-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8703 (2020) · source
“We see the two Commissions and the National Reintegration Council as key to overcoming the deeply entrenched legacy of conflict in the country. They will lead to true reconciliation. In this context, it remains key that the Commissions remain independent and have the proper funding and functioning. The only thing to be overcome is the uncertainty with regard to the legal status of former combatants. I am aware that that is a heavy task, and would like to echo what Kelly Craft said earlier. In addition to that task, there is that of housing hundreds of thousands of refugees from Venezuela. I would also like to commend Colombia on what its people and Government are doing in that regard.”
2020-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8702 (2020) · source
“Social leaders, human rights defenders, indigenous leaders and women’s rights defenders continue to face grave risks and I therefore welcome the fact that the National Commission on Security Guarantees met for the first time, after some time. I would really encourage the Commission to continue its work and to work hard on dismantling criminal organizations and their support networks, which are basically responsible for the deaths of social leaders. The presence of the State must be extended. My final point relates to support for the institutions of the peace agreement. When Council members were in Bogotá, we met with representatives of these institutions. I am still very impressed by the quality and commitment of those people.”
2020-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8702 (2020) · source
“It is now very important now that it be implemented and that we find more clarity on education, health, economic reintegration, housing, community-based reintegration and psychosocial assistance. In this respect, I would like to echo what Carlos said regarding the inclusion of women as key and the inclusion of the 9,000 Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia-Ejército del Pueblo fighters living outside the former territorial areas for training and reintegration. The communities are ready to include them, but those communities need support. Secondly, with regard to the security road map, this is perhaps the saddest development. Last year was the most violent year for former combatants, with 173 victims.”
2020-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8702 (2020) · source
“The United Nations there, as we witnessed, continues to play a key role. At this stage, I would like to commend Carlos Ruiz for his work, the work of his people and the work of the United Nations agencies on the ground. Germany supports the Secretary-General’s call to make more use of the tripartite arrangements among the Government, the United Nations and the FARC to promote dialogue and foster confidence-building. With regard to the implementation of the agreement — and basically everything is in the agreement; it just needs to be implemented — I would like to just briefly mention what are the three key points from our perspective. First, we strongly welcome the adoption of the reintegration road map.”
2020-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8702 (2020) · source
“Moreover, during the recent demonstrations and mobilization, many young people in Colombia have called for the preservation and full implementation of the of the peace agreement, so I would encourage the new Government, through the Minister for Foreign Affairs, to continue working towards common solutions in the spirit of inclusive and respectful dialogue. I found the example of the bridge that was built, as mentioned by Carlos Ruiz Massieu, to be excellent; more such examples would be welcome. The international community will continue to assist Colombia. It is great to have unity in the Security Council. We should preserve that. All of us who participated remember very fondly the Security Council mission to Colombia, where we all demonstrated our support for the peace agreement.”
2020-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8702 (2020) · source
“As our British colleague just said, we welcome the President’s announcement regarding the extension of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia until the end of its mandate is a very welcome signal because the Colombian peace agreement continues to be a source of inspiration for all those people engaged in seeking to resolve complex conflict. On a further positive note, I think the recent local and regional elections were a positive sign. The high rate of participation and the participation of the Fuerza Alternativa Revolucionaria del Común (FARC) for the first time as a political party was a very important signal of the gradual advance towards a more inclusive and democratic Colombia.”
2020-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8702 (2020) · source
“I wish to thank you personally, Sir, for having called the two minutes of silence on Haiti and the Niger before the meeting. On this occasion, I would like to convey to the Ambassador of the Niger the condolences of the Government and the people of Germany for the heavy loss his country has suffered. I would like to welcome the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Colombia, Claudia Blum de Barberi, for several reasons. First, she is of German descent, so we are very happy to have her here. Secondly, her presence here, like that of her predecessors, really signifies that the Colombian Government is fully supportive of the Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace.”
2020-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8702 (2020) · source
“I would appeal to the Russian Ambassador and Russia to do everything to see to it that those eight to 10 trucks get through to the people who are in need of that aid. We voted against the oral amendment proposed by the Russian Federation with regard to General Assembly resolution 46/182, for the specific reason that Al-Yarubiyah is not under the control of the Syrian Government and they cannot exercise authority there, and we therefore need the Russians’ support. I once again appeal to the Russian representative to do everything so that those people who are now asking if they will be able to get their dialysis treatment and all other medical treatment will be able to get it in future.”
2020-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8700 (2020) · source
“We have done everything we can to keep them alive so that those 2.7 million people will continue to receive humanitarian aid. That decision comes, however, at a very heavy price. Tomorrow morning, 1.4 million people in the north-eastern part of Syria will wake up not knowing if they will be able to continue to get the medical aid that they desperately need. Contrary to what our Russian colleague said, it is not possible for the entire population there to get everything from different sources. As our British and French colleagues said earlier, eight to 10 trucks are waiting just outside Al-Yarubiyah to deliver that aid to the population in need — medical aid that maintains the lives of people.”
2020-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8700 (2020) · source
“Let me first thank all those around the table, who have worked very hard to achieve tonight’s result, in particular our colleagues and friends from Kuwait and Belgium, who have worked very hard for two years to keep the humanitarian mechanism alive. As we sit here, it is night in Idlib. The people there went to bed last night not knowing if they would wake up and continue to receive humanitarian aid. The good news tonight is that they will wake up tomorrow, they will continue to get humanitarian aid and, despite the suffering that they have endured from displacement and the bombings of hospitals and schools, at least the flow of humanitarian aid will continue. The cross- border operations are essential to the provision of aid.”
2020-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8700 (2020) · source
“They have to build trust in their State and in State institutions; provide basic social services to their population; ensure the rule of law and respect for human rights; engage with civil society; and, in particular, integrate women and young people.”
2020-01-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8698 (2020) · source
“In that context, I see the Resident Coordinators as having a very important task. We need collaboration, as is being undertaken, and I would highlight collaboration with regional partners, the Economic Community of West African States, the Group of Five for the Sahel and so on. Here I would point to my South African colleague who just stressed that issue. I would also like to take up one point made by my Belgian colleague, Marc, with regard to the exchange with the Peacebuilding Commission and support for the Peacebuilding Fund, which I also see as very important. Finally, primary responsibility for all development in the region lies with individual Governments.”
2020-01-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8698 (2020) · source
“In counter- terrorism measures disrespect for human rights drives marginalized peoples to violent extremism. My fourth point concerns school closures. Terrorists often target schools in their actions and schools are closed for security reasons. That is one of the saddest developments that we have witnessed in the Sahel region and beyond. Education is key to combating the root causes of radicalization, violence and poverty. Depriving children of their right to education is at the root of future problems. Let me conclude. We need to take an integrated approach, as is being done, and we are very much in favour of strengthening UNOWAS. We also believe, as my British colleague said, that we have to see how the efforts of all the United Nations agencies can be streamlined so that they can work together in the most effective way.”
2020-01-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8698 (2020) · source
“I would also like to highlight the African Women Leaders Network initiative, which, in my view, does very important work. Progress has been made in some countries, including the Niger. Gender equality and women’s participation are not goals in themselves. The effective and equal participation of women in decision-making processes increases the possibilities for sustainable peace and security, and there are statistical studies in that regard. The third issue is human rights violations, which occur far too often at the hands of terrorists as well as in the context of counter-terrorism measures. In that connection, like Mr. Chambas, I too would like to cite the Secretary-General saying that counter- terrorism measures must gain the trust and support of local populations, which I see as key.”
2020-01-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8698 (2020) · source
“In my intervention, I would like to highlight the most important points from our perspective. The first factor, which has been highlighted by many speakers around the table, is climate change and its security implications. Climate change leads to an increasing scarcity of resources and scarce resources lead to conflicts between herders and farmers, as was highlighted in the report. Scarce resources create a breeding ground for violence, violent extremism and terrorism and cause migration. The second factor is gender inequality. In that regard, I would like to commend my colleague from South Africa, who has just made a very passionate appeal for the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000). Progress has been made in the work on gender parity.”
2020-01-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8698 (2020) · source
“By way of a few examples of the Special Representative’s efforts, I would highlight the facilitation of national dialogues, assistance regarding institutional and constitutional reforms, the promotion of human rights and the inclusion of the gender perspective in his work. With regard to the situation in West Africa, it is not necessary to repeat what has already been said in that regard. There have been positive developments in some countries, such as the Gambia, Sierra Leone, Senegal and Liberia, including with regard to elections and other issues. However, there has also been a significant increase in the number of lives lost. The figures given by the Special Representative, including with regard to displaced persons, were tragic. In December we discussed the root causes of conflicts and violence in Africa (see S/PV.8685).”
2020-01-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8698 (2020) · source
“For our part, it was very significant to hear the Ambassador of the Niger speaking so positively about the work of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) and its staff, since his country is one of the most affected. We also support those, such as my French colleague, who said that they support UNOWAS and want to the strengthen it materially and financially given the fact that the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, as mentioned in the report, takes an integrated and holistic approach — a formula that was first used today by our colleague from the Dominican Republic, as well as by others. We agree with what Mr. Chambas said with regard to such an approach being crucial to conflict-prevention.”
2020-01-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8698 (2020) · source
“Let me add my voice to those who have congratulated you, Sir, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for this month. I would also like to thank our United States friends for their very effective presidency, which allowed us to have the last 10 days of 2019 without Council meetings, and I welcome the new members of the Council. Allow me to start by congratulating Mr. Mohamed Chambas, Special Representative of the Secretary- General for West Africa, on his briefing and by expressing appreciation for the report of the Secretary- General (S/2019/1005). Germany fully subscribes to what Mr. Chambas said and to the content of the Secretary-General’s report. I am very impressed by the many positive words spoken around the table.”
2020-01-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8698 (2020) · source
“Is that Russian diplomacy - not being ready to negotiate, not giving anything andjust saying "do it or not"? With respect to his remark that it is not 4 million but only 1 million people who are suffering - what kind of cynicism is that? My Chinese colleague said very clearly that China supports the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). OCHA asked for this. It asked for more than what we offered. How can he be against that? I again ask the representatives of Russia and China to not let the people down. We are ready to work hard to see to it that after 10 January 2020 there will still be a possibility for those suffering people to survive.”
2019-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8697 (2019) · source
“To be brief, I can only echo what was said earlier by my Belgium and United Kingdom colleagues. This is a very sad day for the Syrian people and the Security Council. China and Russia bear an enormous responsibility. We are going into the holiday season now, and 4 million people in Syria do not know if in the next year, after 10 January 2020, they will still receive food, be able to feed their babies or get medicine. We went very far and received a lot of criticism. There were questions as to why we did not put five or four and why were we ready to do six plus six, and so on. We were criticized a lot by many around the table, but we were ready to compromise. We tried to get everybody on board. My Russian colleague put something on the table and said, "take it or leave it".”
2019-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8697 (2019) · source
“We were also willing to reduce the renewal term from 12 to six months, after which, if the Council considered that the situation had improved enough to terminate the mechanism, we would follow its recommendation. I urge our colleagues to vote in favour of this draft resolution, for the people suffering in Syria, and for the 4 million people who depend on the Council to vote in favour of the text so that their needs can continue to be met.”
2019-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8697 (2019) · source
“We heard various requests, such as including five rather than four crossing points, or only two crossing points. The proposal before the Council is based on responding to the humanitarian needs of the Syrian people. Our understanding is that there are two crossing points that are absolutely essential. There is also a third, to Iraq, which both the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and the World Health Organization say they need to get medical equipment into Syria. With regard to the fourth crossing point, which has not been used in the last 18 months, we decided to revisit the possibility of reopening it in six months ifthere is a need.”
2019-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8697 (2019) · source
“I would like to briefly introduce draft resolution S/ZOl9/96l on behalf of the co-penholders, Belgium, Germany and Kuwait. In formulating and proposing this draft resolution, we were motivated by the dire humanitarian situation in Syria. This morning we once again heard about the human suffering in the country (see S/PV.8696) through the personal testimony of a victim of the violence there. There are still more than 11 million people in Syria who are in need of humanitarian aid, of whom at least 4 million depend on the cross-border mechanism that the Council decided on some time ago in adopting resolution 2165 (2014). It was the bleak humanitarian situation that led us to propose the renewal of the cross- border mechanism. In our discussions and our work on the text, we consulted with everybody and went through many iterations.”
2019-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8697 (2019) · source
“Minister Aljarallah's colleagues here in New York did a greatjob, and we will miss their inspiration, creativity, efficacy, efficiency and in-depth knowledge of the region. We thank Ambassador Alotaibi and his team. The co-penholders, but mostly millions of people in need in Syria, count on the support of the Council this afternoon.”
2019-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8694 (2019) · source
“The text, which was put in blue yesterday, is a result of that inclusive process. Some members may think that there is still room for improvement, but that is exactly what compromise means - there will be always room for improvement, and it is never a matter of "take it or leave it". We ask the Council to send a strong signal of unity at the end of this year. The world is watching us. As the year comes to an end, five elected countries will soon leave the Council after two years of hard and constructive work. We thank them all. Today we are honoured by the presence of His Excellency Mr. Khaled Aljarallah, Deputy Foreign Minister of Kuwait. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Kuwait for being such a dedicated co-penholder on this difficult file.”
2019-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8694 (2019) · source
“We have been negotiating that text in an inclusive, transparent and thorough manner for the past few weeks with all Council members, while also consulting OCHA and neighbouring countries. The aim of the text is to ensure life-saving cross-border assistance for more than 4 million people. The World Health Organization approached us today once again about the Al-Yarubiyah border crossing - they really need it, as 40 per cent of all medical goods pass through there. During our negotiations, we reached out to find compromises to ensure the Security Council speaks with one voice. Guided by humanitarian needs, we listened to the concerns of all Member States and did not ignore recent developments. We went a long way to try to get everybody and take everything on board.”
2019-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8694 (2019) · source
“We also wish to thank the Secretary-General for his latest report on the humanitarian dimension of the crisis in Syria (S/20l9/949). The numbers in the report speak for themselves. The Secretary-General calls on the Security Council to "ensure that the United Nations is authorized to meet the needs of all who need humanitarian assistance", and reiterates that "the United Nations does not have an alternative means of reaching people in need in the areas in which cross-border assistance is being provided." (S/2019/949, para. 55) He has asked for a swift renewal of the cross- border resolution. That is why, later today, we plan to vote on a draft resolution proposed by the Syria humanitarian co-penholders.”
2019-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8694 (2019) · source
“At the outset, and on behalf of my fellow co-penholders, Kuwait and Belgium, let me thank Assistant Secretary-General Ursula Mueller for her comprehensive briefing on the humanitarian situation in Syria. We once again reiterate our appreciation for all the efforts of humanitarian and medical personnel to alleviate human suffering in Syria. We meet once again having heard from the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) about the dire humanitarian situation in Syria, especially in the north-west of the country. We condemn the recent intensification of hostilities, in particular aerial bombardments that have killed civilians, including women and children. While we are preparing for the holidays, almost 3 million people in Idlib are in desperate need of shelter, food and medicine and do not know what tomorrow brings.”
2019-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8694 (2019) · source
“I hope that, as a result of the elections, we will not have long negotiations but a clear result and the rapid formation of a Government so that what the Ambassador said the Afghan Government was ready to do, namely, to provide services to the population and to ensure that there are functioning institutions, the rule of law and accountability and that there is no longer impunity in the country, can be achieved. Only by establishing such institutions can a Government carry out its work, provide jobs for all and ensure that good education, universities et cetera exist. Let me end with these remarks and again express our wish that the elections finally come to an end, that there is a new Government and that work starts again for the benefit of the people of the country.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8687 (2019) · source
“As previous speakers have said, the outcome of negotiations for sustainable peace in the country must protect the rights of women. We must ensure no backslide and go beyond what we have achieved so far. There must be the full and effective participation ofwomen and young people in all areas of Afghan society, including the political sphere. It is very good that we have two women representatives from Afghanistan among us, but it would also be wonderful ifthey were ministers in an Afghan Cabinet made up of 50 per cent women. I believe that the inclusion of women in an Afghan Government would also ensure that it focuses on contributing to the well-being of the country.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8687 (2019) · source
“Germany remains committed to Afghanistan. For years, we have been the second-largest donor and we are the second-largest troop-contributor. We feel involved with the country and its fate. Germany facilitated intra-Afghan talks in Doha. We are ready to continue to be engaged and to organize further intra-Afghan dialogues. In such dialogues, as well as those that we conducted in Doha, we ensured the inclusion of women. We believe that there should not be any negotiations or talks on the future of Afghanistan without the participation of women. With regard to achieving sustainable peace in the country, as in other conflicts, nothing can be achieved through military means. We must ensure a negotiated, inclusive political settlement that is Afghan-owned and Afghan-led.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8687 (2019) · source
“But we need the process to end not only so that we have the results but also for the assumption of the new Government and the transfer of power. We must end the period of uncertainty that we are still in and decrease the volatility faced by the country. We are all struck by what we heard today from the briefers about the civilian casualties. They are all individuals. We heard about their fate from the Afghan Ambassador, as well as the civil society representative, who spoke of a young father who was killed. We have heard that the civilian casualty rate is at its highest as compared to other equally difficult periods. Aid workers, human rights defenders and civil society representatives seem to be the targets of the terrorists. As Mr. Yamamoto said, there is no conceivable justification for such attacks, which we must condemn.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8687 (2019) · source
“Let me start by commending Special Representative of the Secretary- General Yamamoto for his briefing today, as well as for his work, the dedication he has shown, his patience, his persistence and his advice. Through him. I would also like to thank the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) for its work. We believe that UNAMA continues to play a very important role for us in monitoring the situation. We are very happy that in September, together with Indonesia, we were able to rally everyone's support for a new mandate for UNAMA. Let me start with the electoral process. What we heard from the Special Representative of the Secretary- General regarding the recount is welcome news but, of course, the electoral process took too long. It has to run its course. The Independent Election Commission has to do its work.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8687 (2019) · source
“We are therefore doing all we can to strengthen confidence in the rule of law and the security forces, fight transborder organized crime, improve migration management, prevent and fight against radicalization and extremism and establish social coherence at the local level.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8685 (2019) · source
“We have to fight corruption; the income disparities in Africa are also too high, and we must do more to protect schools. I think one of the main issues for the military and security forces is to make sure that children can go to school. One must also listen to civil society. Governments have to include women in decision-making in all bodies that make decisions and look after young people. Military security efforts have a chance to succeed only if good governance is provided. Germany is engaged in all of this. We have spent millions and millions of euros. The Chancellor has visited the region several times and the Foreign Minister has done so too. We really emphasize the importance of stabilizing the region.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8685 (2019) · source
“Within the United Nations, we must have a one United Nations approach. When we visited some of the countries earlier this year, my impression was that there was good cooperation among the different United Nations agencies. I would also like to highlight what Mr. Chergui and others said with regard to taking a holistic approach. There is no military solution to this problem if we do not resolve the basic political issues and ifwe do not get back to or really achieve good governance. Governments have to respect human rights. Governments have to respect international humanitarian law. We have to re-establish trust and confidence in the Governments of the region. If there is no justice system, people will have no trust in their Government.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8685 (2019) · source
“It was already bad in 2017 and since then it has worsened. I think that the analysis in the UNDP study remains absolutely true. It highlights governance deficit as linked with gender inequality, which is still a nightmare, and I am also happy that almost everybody finally recognizes the security implications of climate change. Now, when it comes to consequences to be drawn, individual States must be primarily responsible for resolving their own problems, and they can only be supported to that end. I was very encouraged by what we heard from the briefers with regard to the support of the Economic Community of West African States and the African Union. Everyone is concentrating on the issue and I think it must go hand in hand with cooperation between the African Union and the United Nations.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8685 (2019) · source
“When it comes to the analysis, I think almost everybody around the table can see that the root cause, as we mentioned by our United Kingdom colleague, is the deficit in governance and the State's inability to provide basic services and security to its population. The numbers are just terrible. Some 2,800 schools are closed in the region, the justice system does not work, and we see corruption in most of the countries, the marginalization of the population and disadvantaged youth, among other issues. My analysis of the situation differs from that of our Russian colleague and I would only suggest that, over the Christmas break, we look into a study conducted in 2017 by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), entitled Journey to Extremism in Africa, which contains very good statistics and examples of the situation in the area.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8685 (2019) · source
“I thank the United States presidency for putting this topic on the agenda. I would have liked to discuss it even more with the curtains open, as was the case at the very beginning ofthis presidency. Let me start by expressing Germany's condolences to the Government and the people of the Niger after the horrendous attack that we witnessed last week. I would like to thank the briefers. I was very happy to hear that they had the same analysis and conclusions on the situation. They both described the gravity of the situation. Mr. Chambas said that the violence we are witnessing is unprecedented and Mr. Chergui said that the situation is worsening.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8685 (2019) · source
“The North Korean regime is depriving its population of the essentials. Ten million people are undernourished. Just imagine what would happen if the regime stopped building missiles, equipping the military and giving money to the political elite, and, with that money, bought thousands of tons of rice, built medical facilities and schools and provided clean water to its population.”
2019-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8682 (2019) · source
“Those gross human rights violations, in our view, have an impact on peace and security and warrant the attention of this organ. With regard to human rights issues, I would also like to raise the issue of foreign nationals abducted by, or on behalf of, the Government of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. That remains an unresolved international problem. I urge the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to finally return to the families their loved ones. My last point concerning the humanitarian situation is the fact that it is a myth that the sanctions regime is at the root of the dire humanitarian situation. First of all, we swiftly process and approve all legitimate requests for humanitarian deliveries in the Sanctions Committee. But, as with the human rights situation, the same also holds true for the humanitarian situation.”
2019-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8682 (2019) · source
“As I said, all Democratic People's Republic of Korea Government safety oversight attaches monitoring that country's workers abroad should be repatriated no later than 22 December, in line with resolution 2397 (2017). Let me turn to the human rights situation. Yesterday we commemorated Human Rights Day. It was a very sad day for the North Koreans. They are being deprived by the regime of their basic civil and political rights - freedom of information, freedom of the press, freedom of expression and freedom of assembly. Those are all things that the people in North Korea can only dream of. The regime is also depriving its people of their basic economic and social rights. Only by torturing and arbitrarily locking up of millions of people in a Gulag system can the regime quell the aspirations of its people.”
2019-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8682 (2019) · source