YouSaid · the spoken record

Hickey

lines on the record: 466
first: 2016-02-29
most recent: 2019-08-29
sittings or episodes: 82
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 begin by thanking the Ambassador of Indonesia for his briefing and for his work since assuming the Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004). The 1540 (2004) Committee is an importance cornerstone of the international non-proliferation architecture. As such, it is a key part of the rules-based international system. The Committee plays a vital role in helping States to prevent the proliferation of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons to non-State actors, thereby strengthening our collective efforts to deter and eradicate the use of such weapons. We need only look at instances in recent years where chemical weapons have been used by groups such as Da'esh in Iraq and Syria to realize what is at stake. We cannot stand by and allow the unconscionable use of such weapons to take place.”
2019-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8487 (2019) · source
“As progress is made, the meaningful participation of women at all levels of decision-making, from the local community to the negotiation table, is essential. The sustained and empowered involvement of women makes any peace process more likely to succeed. We reiterate that any political settlement should protect the progress achieved on human rights and gender equality in Afghanistan over the past 18 years. Millions of Afghans face extreme difficulties amid a complex humanitarian situation. The United Kingdom agrees with the Russian Federation that UNAMA has an important role in leading the international response, and we urge UNAMA and the Afghan Government to work together to support the most vulnerable.”
2019-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8485 (2019) · source
“The United Kingdom welcomes the adoption of resolution 2460 (2019). We recognize the diligent work of the co-penholders. However, we also regret that it was not possible to adopt a more comprehensive resolution with a l2-month mandate. The forthcoming presidential elections mean that Afghanistan faces some crucial months ahead. As we have all recognized, it is important that lessons are learned from the earlier parliamentary elections to ensure a transparent, credible and inclusive presidential vote on 20 July. To that end, we believe that the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has a crucial role to play and that it will be important for UNAMA to work closely and urgently with the new election commissioners in identifying priorities and challenges.”
2019-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8485 (2019) · source
“Especially given that the Commission on the Status of Women is meeting this week here at the United Nations, I think it would be very interesting to hear her thoughts on how the United Nations and the EU could cooperate more in the field of women and peace and security, particularly when it comes to our peace operations and involvement in political processes.”
2019-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8482 (2019) · source
“In the coming period, the United Kingdom will continue to work in the Council and with the European Union and other partners in support of the wider rules-based international system, whether that is in promoting accountability in Myanmar, enforcing sanctions against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea or defending Ukraine's territorial integrity. A close future partnership between the European Union and the United Nations will be vital if we are to achieve those important aims. Allow me to conclude with a comment for the High Representative.”
2019-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8482 (2019) · source
“Finally, turning to Africa, we welcome both the developing dialogue between the EU and the African Union and the EU's growing cooperation with the United Nations in States and regions affected by conflict. The EU's Common Security and Defence Policy missions, for example in the Sahel, Somalia and the Central African Republic, have all delivered niche capabilities and nurtured valued partnerships, while enabling the United Nations to direct its resources towards action where it can add value. As United Nations mission mandates come up for renewal, including a number this month on Somalia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan, it will be important to strengthen the complementarity between the United Nations and EU instruments as we move forward.”
2019-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8482 (2019) · source
“Thirdly, with regard to the comments the High Representative made on the question of reconciliation in the Western Balkans, again we very much welcome and support the EU's continued efforts in bringing lasting stability to the region, not least through the EU-facilitated dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo. The United Kingdom was the first State to recognize Kosovo and its independence in 2008, and we will continue to work in full support for the recognition of Kosovo, which will itself enable political normalization and deliver increased prosperity for citizens across the region. I should add, however, that we do have concerns that a dialogue agreement based solely on border changes could risk endangering stability in Kosovo, Serbia and the region.”
2019-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8482 (2019) · source
“Secondly, on the subject of Iran, we also warmly welcome the EU's work and the personal engagement of the High Representative in support of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (J CPOA). We completely agree with her that it is a vital instrument in neutralizing the threat of a nuclear-armed Iran. The United Kingdom will remain committed to the JCPOA and will uphold it as long as Iran continues to meet its commitments in full. We nevertheless continue to see Iran's actions in its neighbourhood as harmful and destabilizing, in particular in Syria, Lebanon and Yemen.”
2019-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8482 (2019) · source
“First, with regard to Syria, like others, we very much welcome the fact that Brussels will host the third EU-United Nations conference on the future of Syria and the region. The United Kingdom, like the other countries represented around this table, strongly supports the United Nations-led political process, and we call on the Syrian regime and those who have influence on it to engage in the political process and implement the regime's obligations under resolution 2254 (2015). We particularly welcome the recent announcement of EU sanctions against regime figures, and the United Kingdom will remain at the forefront of responding to the humanitarian crisis in Syria. We have already given 35 2.8 billion since 2012 and we will remain engaged.”
2019-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8482 (2019) · source
“I thank High Representative Mogherini for her excellent briefing today. Listening to her, I am struck by just how central the European Union (EU) is to every single issue on the Security Council's agenda, and it is therefore very useful to have this level of engagement. Today happens to be an important day for the United Kingdom's own relationship with the European Union. At the beginning, therefore, I want to make it clear that notwithstanding the United Kingdom's forthcoming departure from the European Union, it will of course be mutually beneficial for the United Kingdom and the European Union to continue to cooperate closely across the three pillars of the work of the United Nations. I would now like to touch on some of the issues that Ms. Mogherini brought up in her presentation.”
2019-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8482 (2019) · source
“It is positive that there are an increasing number of women on the High Peace Council, but more can be done to ensure that women's voices are represented. Any political settlement should protect the progress achieved on human rights and gender equality in Afghanistan over the past 18 years. That will require patience, given the distrust between the parties and the history of the conflict. It will also require the international community to be united in its demand for the Taliban to sit down with other Afghans and, in particular, representatives of the internationally recognized Government. The Taliban claims that it is serious about peace. It must realize that peace requires compromise and dialogue. All other parties are ready to engage in such dialogue with an open mind. We should all call upon the Taliban to do the same.”
2019-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8481 (2019) · source
“We are particularly supportive of the efforts being led by United States Special Representative Zalmay Khalilzad, including to kick-start the intra-Afghan dialogue, which must lie at the heart of any effort towards an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned political settlement. I would like to turn now to the points made by Ms. Tapesh earlier today. As progress is being made on the path towards women's meaningful participation in all levels of decision-making, from the local community to the negotiations table, it is essential that we maintain momentum. That is not just because it is the right thing to do. It is also because analysis suggests that the sustained and empowered involvement of women makes any peace process much more likely to succeed.”
2019-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8481 (2019) · source
“Both the international community and the Afghan Government can and should focus on this even while we continue to support and drive progress towards a long-term political settlement to the conflict. We are therefore strongly supportive of all efforts aimed at starting a credible and sustainable Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process to resolve the conflict. As the representative of Germany already noted today, the current opportunity for peace is unprecedented, and Afghanistan, its neighbours and the wider international community should do everything possible to seize it. TheforthcomingKabulprocessmeetingwillprovide a good opportunity for the international community and the region to take stock and work out how best to support Afghan peace efforts.”
2019-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8481 (2019) · source
“There is a great deal still to be done to deliver a credible vote on 20 July. We urge UNAMA to work closely and urgently with the new commissioners to identify priorities, highlight where key milestones are not being met and lead the international community's response. We would also welcome a clear and pragmatic plan for the voter-registration and verification systems that will be used for July's vote. Once again, we would ask the Mission to consider what more UNAMA can do and what additional resources it needs to strengthen support ahead of the forthcoming elections. We would welcome the detailed updates from the United Nations on this priority issue in the coming months. The forthcoming elections are crucial for Afghanistan.”
2019-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8481 (2019) · source
“We support UNAMA's efforts to ensure that protection remains at the core of the humanitarian response in Afghanistan. We often sit in this Chamber and talk about what a crucial time we are entering in terms of defining Afghanistan's future. This is especially true today as we approach important elections that underpin political stability in the country. As my Indonesian and Belgian colleagues already recognized today, it is very important that lessons from October's parliamentary elections be learned and rapidly addressed to ensure that this year's presidential vote is transparent, credible and inclusive. We recognize the efforts by Afghanistan's electoral management bodies to address many of these issues. But the new election commissioners face a formidable task.”
2019-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8481 (2019) · source
“I would also like to take this opportunity to condemn the recent attack on those Afghans attending the commemoration of Abdul Ali Mazari's death and express our deepest sympathy for those affected. That recent attack was a very tangible demonstration of the challenges we face collectively in ensuring the protection of civilians and politicians of all ethnicities and space for peaceful dialogue in Afghanistan. We join the representative of the Dominican Republic and other speakers today in being deeply concerned by the 10,993 recorded civilian casualties of the armed conflict in 2018 and the 11 per cent increase in civilian deaths registered by UNAMA in the past year. As the Security Council, we must remind old parties that any targeting or killing of civilians is a serious violation of international humanitarian law.”
2019-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8481 (2019) · source
“Let me begin by expressing our condolences with regard to all of those killed or affected by the tragic aeroplane crash in Ethiopia. Let me also thank our briefers today: first, Special Representative of the Secretary-General Yamamoto, given that the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) continues to do vital work in very difficult circumstances; next, National Security Adviser Mohib, whose personal commitment to reform, women's empowerment and credible elections taking place later this year are very encouraging to us; and, finally, Ms. Tapesh, whose words on the importance of involving women in all aspects of the political process and in safeguarding women's rights in Afghanistan were very powerful.”
2019-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8481 (2019) · source
“The full implementation and modernization of existing commitments are essential for achieving greater military transparency and predictability. We hope that Minister Lajcak's approach as OSCE Chair will uphold these imperatives. We share his priority of working towards a resolution of the protracted conflicts in the OSCE area and we welcome the commitment his has demonstrated by visiting the region early in his chairmanship. Finally, let me say that we completely share the call Minister Lajcak made this morning for effective multilateralism. We can only tackle our shared challenges, such as climate change, terrorism and arms control, by working together multilaterally under the rules-based international system.”
2019-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8479 (2019) · source
“The United Nations and the OSCE continue to support the Western Balkans through coordination and collaboration between our respective presences in the region. We should jointly continue to ensure that OSCE activities complement United Nations activities. We welcome the recent progress in the OSCE'S human dimension, with the adoption of a landmark ministerial decision on the safety of journalists and plans for the implementation of that decision. We look forward to engaging with the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media ahead of the international conference on media freedom to be hosted by the United Kingdom in July. The OSCE is a valuable forum for dialogue, and if all States show political will to engage constructively it can reduce risk and ultimately help rebuild trust.”
2019-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8479 (2019) · source
“Countering terrorism and violent extremism is another area of important cooperation. Here, we welcome the OSCE's inclusive focus, embedding a whole-of-society approach that fully incorporates the rule of law, human rights, gender and prevention. We also welcome the OSCE's strong partnership with the Security Council's counter-terrorism bodies and collaboration to implement multilateral counter- terrorism frameworks. As we approach the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000), women and peace and security must also remain high on the agendas of both organizations. I agree with Minister Lajcak's comments that we must do more, as the United Nations and the OSCE, to reinforce each other's work in this important area.”
2019-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8479 (2019) · source
“We welcome the personal commitment that Minister Lajcak has shown to mitigating the humanitarian consequences of this conflict. The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission in Ukraine plays a crucial and impartial role in monitoring the situation on the ground. It deserves our full commitment and to be able to carry out its mandate free from intimidation, restrictions on access and interference with its equipment. The United Kingdom will remain a resolute supporter of the Mission. The OSCE and the United Nations continue to cooperate on shared goals. I would like to thank the OSCE and UN-Women for co-chairing the Inter-Agency Coordination Group against Trafficking in Persons. We welcome Minister Lajcak's plans to focus on trafficking supply chains in the OSCE area.”
2019-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8479 (2019) · source
“Russia has continued this pattern of behaviour, blatantly disregarding the principles set out in the Charter of the United Nations and the Helsinki Final Act, and Russia continues to destabilize eastern Ukraine, interfere with Ukrainian elections and fuel the ongoing conflict, at a devastating humanitarian cost. Since the conflict in Ukraine began, over 10,000 people have lost their lives, almost 25,000 have been injured and 3.5 million are in need of humanitarian assistance. The efforts of international organizations to deliver assistance to vulnerable people in the Donbas are being restricted. Russia bears responsibility for this ongoing situation. This conflict will be brought to an end only through the implementation of the Minsk agreements, requiring a truly sustainable ceasefire and genuine political will.”
2019-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8479 (2019) · source
“I thank Minister Lajcak for his briefing and welcome him back to the United Nations. The United Kingdom fully supports his chairmanship and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and its work to address the serious security challenges we face. The people of Ukraine feel these challenges acutely. The United Kingdom fully supports Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, including in Crimea as should every member here today. Yet year after year, we see persistent disregard for international law on the part of a permanent member of the Council. Last month marked five years since Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea.”
2019-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8479 (2019) · source
“The United Kingdom will remain a staunch supporter of African initiatives to foster peace and security across the African continent. We look forward to hearing from other Member States in the course of today's debate about efforts in hand to deliver progress against the road map for silencing the guns to 2020 and beyond.”
2019-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8473 (2019) · source
“That cannot be achieved without the effective functioning of peace and security institutions at the national level, but it also relies on strong cross-border and regional cooperation. The United Kingdom looks forward to continuing to work with the African Union on improving management of small arms and light weapons and ammunition in Africa. That should support and complement existing work through the United Nations, as well as other arms control treaties, conventions and regimes, including the Arms Trade Treaty. We urge all States in the region that have not yet done so to become party to the relevant international arms control instruments, demonstrating their commitment to countering the proliferation of illicit weapons.”
2019-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8473 (2019) · source
“We also attach great importance to the role of civil society and community initiatives to advance women's participation in conflict prevention and peacemaking. The example of Liberian Nobel Peace Prize laureate Leymah Gbowee and her fellow activists shows that when women campaign for peace at the grass-roots level, their activism can have a truly catalytic effect. Finally, and as many other speakers have mentioned this morning, peacemaking and peacebuilding efforts should be complemented by a robust approach to countering the proliferation of weapons, especially small arms and light weapons. Small arms and light weapons have a role to play in ensuring legitimate defence and security, but their misuse costs hundreds of thousands of lives every year, undermines security and development, and fuels conflict, crime and terrorism.”
2019-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8473 (2019) · source
“Thirdly, as the representatives of Germany and Poland have already highlighted today, and as the Silencing the Guns by 2020 initiative rightly recognizes, strengthening women's participation is another vital element of effective conflict prevention and resolution. ThatisreflectedintheUnitedKingdom's currentnational action plan on women and peace and security, which includes a commitment to support the implementation of national action plans in a range of partner countries, including Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan. The United Kingdom is also a proud member of the Friends of FemWise group, supporting the African Union's FemWise initiative to strengthen the network of African women involved in conflict prevention and mediation.”
2019-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8473 (2019) · source
“Secondly - and a number of Council members have referred to this today - we should give our full backing to effective preventative diplomacy, good offices and mediation as indispensable elements of regional and subregional efforts to promote peace and stability. The value of this work has been demonstrated in the African context, for example in the efforts of the Economic Community of West African States to enable a peaceful transition of power in The Gambia in 2017, or the support of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development for the revitalization of the peace process in South Sudan. That is why the United Kingdom is partnering with the African Union to support the development of continental early warning capabilities in order to enhance preventative diplomacy efforts.”
2019-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8473 (2019) · source
“In doing, so we will continue to take a holistic approach, recognizing that there is a mutually reinforcing link between security and prosperity. We will also continue to support efforts to strengthen and deepen the partnership between the Council and African regional and subregional organizations. As the Secretary-General sets out in his sustaining peace agenda, effective early warning and conflict prevention mechanisms require close cooperation among all relevant stakeholders. Together, we can and should scan the horizon for signs of emerging conflicts and crises in Africa, sharing our insights and analysis, and we should collaborate to take meaningful action at an early stage whenever opportunities arise to de-escalate violence and advance political solutions.”
2019-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8473 (2019) · source
“I also agree with him that we need to prioritize those country-specific issues - whether it is Zimbabwe, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Sudan or Cameroon - if we are to move towards this ambitious goal. The United Kingdom believes that it is vital that we translate the noble goal of silencing the guns into concrete initiatives that will make a tangible difference in the lives of ordinary people across Africa. With that in mind, I would like to highlight four priorities to follow up on. The first is strong and effective partnerships. Those are crucial in ensuring that the sum of our efforts is greater than its parts. The United Kingdom is committed to our strategic partnership with the African Union to support peace, stability and development.”
2019-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8473 (2019) · source
“I would like to thank our briefers of today - Ms. DiCarlo, Under- Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs; Mr. Lamamra, African Union High Representative for Silencing the Guns in Africa; and Mr. Vasu Gounden - for their valuable insights. The United Kingdom warmly welcomes Equatorial Guinea's initiative to schedule a high-level debate on this important issue. I was particularly struck by Mr. Gounden's thought- provoking briefing. I very much agree with him that we all need to take action to tackle good governance and other structural causes of conflict if we are to turn this aspiration into reality. I was also struck by the comments of my United States colleague, who focused on a number of country-specific issues.”
2019-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8473 (2019) · source
“They have suffered enough at the hands of the Maduro regime. Free and fair presidential elections are the only solution. The Council and the international community should do our utmost to support this aim.”
2019-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8472 (2019) · source
“The United Kingdom has committed to giving $8.6 million dollars in emergency aid to treat malnourished children and provide vaccinations and clean water to the most vulnerable communities affected by the crisis. We encourage our partners in the international community and on the Council to consider what more can be done to send a clear signal to the Maduro regime that nothing short of free and fair presidential elections will do. This includes considering additional sanctions against individual members of the Maduro regime who have benefited from their corrupt policies. This should not negatively affect the dire humanitarian situation, which is solely the responsibility of the regime. The world cannot stand by in the face of this man- made crisis. The Venezuelan people deserve a better future.”
2019-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8472 (2019) · source
“The United Kingdom thanks the Lima Group and the Organization of American States for their clear words and strong action towards that goal. It is important that the region continue to take the lead. We stand with these regional bodies and with Juan Guaido in pursuit of our shared goal to bring peace and stability to Venezuela. The only way to achieve peace and stability is by democratic transition through free and fair presidential elections, as demanded by interim President Guaido and the National Assembly in line with the Venezuelan Constitution. Until this is achieved, the current humanitarian crisis caused by the Maduro regime's corrupt policies will continue.”
2019-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8472 (2019) · source
“Maduro's use of deadly violence against his own people and other concerning acts of aggression to block the supply of desperately needed humanitarian aid are simply repugnant. The Maduro regime's oppressive policies affect all sectors of the population, from the innocent civilians - including women and children - who lack access to essential medical and other basic supplies, to journalists whose work is censored by the regime. As we heard from the United Nations, just yesterday the renowned journalist Jorge Ramos was reportedly detained in the Miraflores Palace, later to be released and deported while his team's equipment was confiscated. As with the lack of freedom given to journalists, other essential freedoms - such as democratic ones - are simply not present in Venezuela. Only a democratic solution will resolve this crisis.”
2019-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8472 (2019) · source
“Well, let me tell him that we would have acted differently and, looking around the Council today, I think a majority of Council members would have acted differently. We would not have used live fire against civilians attempting to deliver aid. We would not direct paramilitary thugs to attack civilians. We would not arrest and detain our political opponents and we would not have mismanaged the country through years of misrule and corruption, causing economic collapse and a humanitarian crisis. I hope that goes some way to answering his question. The United Kingdom joins other members of the Council in condemning the violence that took place on Venezuela's borders with Colombia and Brazil at the weekend.”
2019-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8472 (2019) · source
“This is one of the greatest migrant crises ever faced by Latin America. It has placed huge strain on the social services of nations of the region. That is why, together with the human rights situation mentioned by my German colleague, it is completely appropriate that the Council continues to address the issue. I was disappointed to hear the Russian Ambassador attempt to ridicule what he called moans and groans about the humanitarian situation in Venezuela. No one on the Council should belittle the suffering of the Venezuelan people. I also note that the Russian Ambassador asked all of us a question, which I will attempt to answer. He asked which of us on the Council would have acted any differently, faced with unwanted attempts to deliver humanitarian assistance.”
2019-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8472 (2019) · source
“Let me begin by thanking Rosemary DiCarlo for her informative and timely briefing and by thanking the United States for requesting this meeting. Let me also begin by saying that I agree with everything that the German Ambassador said today, in particular about the importance of the Security Council addressing this issue. I note that the agenda for today's discussion does not mention the situation in the region or wider threats to international peace and security. The agenda item, to which we have all agreed, is the situation in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. Years of misrule and corruption have wrecked the Venezuelan economy. The actions of the Maduro regime have led to economic collapse, which threatens the peace and security of the region. Over 3.5 million Venezuelans have left their country for other countries in the region.”
2019-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8472 (2019) · source
“Finally, I would like to echo the points made by my South African colleague, the humanitarian co-penholders and almost all other speakers today about how we will tackle this humanitarian crisis in Syria in the long-term only through a political solution in accordance with resolution 2254 (2015). That means, in practice, a political transition. It means the establishment of credible, inclusive, non-sectarian governance, which we know is so sorely absent in Syria today. As my Belgian and Polish colleagues emphasized, it also means accountability for the war crimes and crimes against humanity that have been carried out during the conflict, in particular by the regime and by Da'esh.”
2019-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8471 (2019) · source
“Thirdly, concerning the situation in Idlib, we remain deeply concerned about the 3 million people in north- west Syria, more than 2 million of whom are entirely reliant on cross-border aid. We should also remember that, when we talk about the threat from terrorism in Idlib, more babies than terrorists remain in Idlib. Fifty per cent of the population has been displaced from their homes - sometimes multiple times - thereby stretching scarce resources beyond their limits and putting further strain on host communities. We heard today from Ms. Ghelani that a military escalation in Idlib governorate would have catastrophic humanitarian consequences. We therefore call on all parties - but in particular the regime and Russia - to respect the ceasefire and facilitate humanitarian access to Idlib.”
2019-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8471 (2019) · source
“All of those reasons were cited by Syrians themselves in the United Nations recent survey as reasons for why they are not returning to regime-held areas. That is clearly not an environment for safe, dignified and voluntary refugee return. It clearly falls short of the Council's call in resolution 2254 (2015) for the establishment of inclusive and non-sectarian governance in Syria. Three quarters of those communities that came under regime control in 2018 are considered hard-to-reach areas to deliver aid. Let us be clear: they are only hard to reach because the regime chooses not to allow necessary aid to reach those who need it. We therefore join our French colleagues in calling on the regime to allow unfettered humanitarian access to all of those people in areas that it controls.”
2019-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8471 (2019) · source
“Screening procedures must be conducted in accordance with international law. Concerning my second point, about the situation in regime-held areas, the United Kingdom remains deeply concerned about conditions in former opposition-held areas that the regime now controls. The Russian Ambassador spoke of steps by the regime to welcome back refugees to areas under regime control. You do not welcome back refugees by arbitrarily detaining them in conditions in which torture is systematic and rife. You do not welcome back refugees by forcing them to join the army and fight in a conflict they have fled. And you do not welcome back refugees by threatening to seize their property under Law Number 10.”
2019-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8471 (2019) · source
“Many are worried about their safety and security if they choose to return to their homes. Lack of civil documentation and concerns about access to their property were also reported. Those concerns need to be addressed before people move. The United Nations is therefore right, as our humanitarian co-penholders have said, to call for certain conditions to be in place beforehand, while any return or relocation must be safe, voluntary and dignified. Any effort to assist in the relocation of the population of Rukban must be in line with international protection standards. United Nations humanitarian staff should be granted access to the population before, during and after any movement. Children, women, the elderly and persons with disabilities must be afforded special protection during all phases of relocation.”
2019-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8471 (2019) · source
“I agree with all the remarks made today by the representative of Belgium on behalf of the three humanitarian co-penholders, but I wanted to highlight three points: the situation in Rukban, the situation in regime-held areas and the situation in Idlib. First, concerning Rukban, the United Kingdom welcomes the news that an urgently needed humanitarian convoy finally reached Rukban on 6 February, delivering assistance to thousands of people in desperate need. The situation of more than 41,000 people sheltering in Rukban remains a serious concern. We must not see the same repeated delays before the next convoy, which the United Nations has now requested. The United Nations-conducted intention survey in Rukban shows that the majority of residents wish to leave the camp, but it also highlights their fears and concerns about doing so.”
2019-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8471 (2019) · source
“At the outset, let me thank Ms. Reena Ghelani for her briefing, as well as to pay tribute, through her, to all the United Nations staff members who are doing such important humanitarian work in Syria. Today Ms. Ghelani reminded us that the humanitarian situation in Syria remains grave. We cannot afford to lose sight of the 12 million people suffering daily. Eighty per cent of Syrians live below the poverty line, and one third of the population does not have reliable access to affordable food. The Security Council must therefore step up its efforts to ensure that humanitarian assistance reaches those who need it throughout Syria. We must also do much more to support United Nations-led efforts to end the conflict through a political process.”
2019-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8471 (2019) · source
“In conclusion, the United Kingdom will continue to closely monitor the situation in Darfur and the wider Sudan. We continue to urge the Government of the Sudan to embark upon the political and economic reforms necessary to deliver true stability, and we will continue to work with the members of the Council to ensure the necessary support to the people of the Sudan.”
2019-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8468 (2019) · source
“In the current environment, it is difficult to see how the proposed national dialogue can therefore be a success. The political instability in the Sudan and the declaration of a state of emergency naturally affect the situation in Darfur. The United Kingdom has been deeply concerned by the violations committed by Government security services during the recent protests. Those are the very services that UNAMID is supposed to be handing over security and protection responsibilities to in Darfur. Not only will President Al-Bashir's announcements and the conduct of the security services further delay the agreement of a sustainable peace deal, but they also call into question the Government's commitment to delivering progress on human rights, the rule of law and security sector reform, which are so I desperately needed in Darfur.”
2019-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8468 (2019) · source
“Third and finally, given recent developments, I would like to touch on the broader current situation in the Sudan. The United Kingdom is deeply concerned about President Al-Bashir's announcement of a state of emergency on Friday, which gives sweeping new powers to the security services and goes against the recommendations of the previous national dialogue. The protests that have been taking place across the Sudan are peaceful and demonstrate the expression of legitimate grievances. Individuals have a right to set out their views. Additionally, several opposition political leaders, activists and journalists remain in prison - some for over two months now. They should be released immediately. The proposals made by President Al-Bashir in his speech on Friday will not help bring about the political consensus needed to stabilize the country.”
2019-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8468 (2019) · source
“The United Kingdom calls upon the Government of the Sudan to commit itself fully to making progress towards the achievement of those benchmarks so as to demonstrate its commitment to addressing root causes in Darfur and to laying a foundation for sustainable peacebuilding and development. Given the substantial peacebuilding and development needs, as well as the ongoing humanitarian need in Darfur, it is also extremely important that the Council have a clear and accurate account of the situation on the ground. We therefore encourage the Government of the Sudan to cooperate with the relevant United Nations entities on the ground to ensure an accurate depiction of the situation in Darfur in order to ensure that peacebuilding, development and humanitarian efforts are adequately resourced.”
2019-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8468 (2019) · source
“Secondly, turning to the transition from peacekeeping to peacebuilding and development, we welcome the progress made to date with the drawdown of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID). If Darfur is to transition successfully and sustainably away from peacekeeping, not only does armed conflict need to cease, but the root causes of the conflict must also be addressed. As Assistant Secretary- General Keita has just mentioned, the benchmarks, as set out in presidential statement S/PRST/2018/l9, issued in December 2018, are crucial in that regard.”
2019-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8468 (2019) · source