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

“As set out in the Secretary-General's report (S/2018/678), regional economic communities, such as the Economic Community of West African States and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, have positively contributed to peace and security in the region, and as such must be considered as part of the AU's reform process. To ensure that resources are coordinated effectively, we agree that the AU must retain oversight over these regional economic communities. The United Kingdom believes that the AU's peace support operations can play a crucial role in achieving long-term peace. It is therefore important that the long-term financial sustainability and predictability of current and future missions be considered so that they can keep doing their good work.”
2018-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8314 (2018) · source
“The United Kingdom believes that the African Union is a crucial partner for the United Nations across many different strands of work, including peace and security. The AU's deep understanding of the issues that the continent is facing makes it uniquely placed to lead efforts in this area. The United Kingdom strongly welcomes the intention of the African Union and the United Nations to coordinate more on peace and security, including on conflict prevention and peacekeeping matters. Combining the knowledge and skills of both organizations will mean that resources can be deployed more effectively and efficiently.”
2018-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8314 (2018) · source
“Let me begin by thanking Commissioner Chergui for his briefing and for the work of the African Union (AU) to bring peace and security to Africa. I would also like to welcome Special Representative of the Secretary-General Zewde to her new role and thank her for her briefing, presentation of the report of the Secretary-General (S/2018/678) and efforts and those of her Office to the African Union. I would also like to join other speakers, including the representative of Bolivia and others, who have taken this opportunity to pay tribute to the remarkable efforts of Ethiopia and Eritrea in advancing peace and stability between the two countries in recent weeks. That is truly positive news for the region, the African Union and the Council.”
2018-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8314 (2018) · source
“We often talk in this Chamber about the importance of conflict prevention. The risks in Burundi are huge, and the case for preventive diplomacy is overwhelming. We therefore join the Peacebuilding Commission's call to the international community to pay close attention to the situation in Burundi, and we strongly encourage the Burundian Government, the East African Community and the African Union to vigorously pursue inclusive dialogue and preserve the gains of the Arusha Accords, which is the only way to ensure peace and security in the country.”
2018-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8268 (2018) · source
“We note with concern the points made by the Special Envoy about the expulsion of human rights experts, and we join his call to the Burundian authorities to facilitate their return and cooperate with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. We continue to call on the Government to implement the two resolutions adopted at the thirty-sixth session of the Human Rights Council (A/HRC/36/2 and A/HRC/36/l9). We also urge the Government to make progress on the criteria set by the European Union (EU) that would pave the way for a resumption of EU financial assistance to Burundi. What we have heard today indicates that there is little prospect of an early end to the political crisis or improvement in the humanitarian situation in Burundi. The current situation is unsustainable.”
2018-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8268 (2018) · source
“The current crisis in Burundi can be resolved only by continuing an inclusive dialogue that preserves the Accords. We hope that the implementation of the constitutional amendments will not have any impact on the previous agreements, particularly with regard to ethnic quotas and the representation of women in the Government. The United Kingdom calls on the African Union and the other guarantors of the Arusha Accords to pay careful attention to preserving them during any implementation of constitutional changes in Burundi. We encourage and support the African Union in its efforts to ensure that the spirit of the Accords is adhered to. As others have already said today, we remain extremely concerned about the human rights situation in Burundi.”
2018-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8268 (2018) · source
“We remain very concerned about the restrictions on the political space and the media in the period leading up to the referendum. Regrettably, the preparations for the referendum and the vote itself were held in a climate of intimidation and repression, with a lack of public information on the proposed reforms. We heard today from Special Envoy Kafando about reports of many irregularities by the opposition and from civil society. Such actions only reduce the confidence that the results of the referendum represent the will of the electorate. We are of the view, in strong agreement with Special Envoy Kafondo, that the Government of Burundi must ensure that the spirit ofthe Arusha Accords is respected when any constitutional reform is implemented.”
2018-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8268 (2018) · source
“I would first like to thank Mr. Kafando, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Burundi, for his very clear and frank briefing, which comes at an important time for Burundi, in the wake the referendum. I should also like to thank Ambassador Lauber, for his thoughtful briefing, particularly the six recommendations he made for international community engagement. I am happy to say that we support all of those very clear and useful recommendations. The United Kingdom would like to join the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the United States, France and other speakers today in expressing our concern about the violence seen in the run-up to the referendum. Human Rights Watch has reported that at least 15 people opposing the referendum have been killed, while six have been raped and eight abducted.”
2018-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8268 (2018) · source
“Today the Security Council has been clear in denouncing the use of hunger as a tool of war and in calling on all parties to conflicts to recall their obligations to the most vulnerable. We look forward to working with the other members of the Council on this vital issue.”
2018-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8267 (2018) · source
“United Nations agencies say that the food- security outlook in South Sudan has never been as dire as it is now. Nearly two thirds of the population - more than 7 million people - will need food aid to stave off starvation in the May-to-July lean season, which corresponds to the hiatus between the depletion of food stocks and the next harvest. The lesson is clear: humanitarian aid can only ever be a sticking plaster. The solutions are political. In today's resolution, the Security Council calls on the Secretary-General to provide it with early warning about conflict-related famine and food-insecurity conditions. In that regard, we look forward to more regular reporting on conditions within the context of country-specific situations.”
2018-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8267 (2018) · source
“Its relevant obligations relate to humanitarian access, the protection of infrastructure critical to providing food to civilians, and the importance of refraining from attacking, destroying, removing or rendering useless objects that are essential to the survival of civilian populations. We know that conflict is the main contributor to hunger in South Sudan, for instance. In February 2017, famine was declared in Unity state, where some 100,000 people faced starvation. The declaration led to an escalated humanitarian response in the affected areas, and the famine status was lifted in June 2017. Sadly, that situation has since deteriorated. In January 1 million people were already severely food insecure, a 40 per cent increase compared with the same time last year.”
2018-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8267 (2018) · source
“The United Kingdom welcomes the adoption of resolution 2417 (2018), the first to recognize the clear link between armed conflict and hunger. We thank the Netherlands, Kuwait, Sweden and Cote d'Ivoire for their work. Millions of civilians in situations of armed conflict continue to suffer alarming levels of hunger caused overwhelmingly by political and military action. The Council's unanimous adoption of this text today underlines its belief that starvation is not something that parties to conflict are powerless to prevent, and signals our shared determination to take action. Today's resolution calls on parties to armed conflict to comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law and to refrain from using starvation as a method of warfare.”
2018-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8267 (2018) · source
“We further believe that the Security Council must refocus UNMIK's efforts so that the means deployed by the United Nations are tailored fully to the situation on the ground. To this end, we look forward to a strategic review of the Mission in due course.”
2018-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8254 (2018) · source
“We also recognize Kosovo's commitment to peace, stability, reconciliation and prosperity. The United Kingdom will continue to be a proud supporter of Kosovo as it strives to achieve its full potential. Given the scale ofthe threats to international peace and security around the world right now and the relative stability and progress on the ground in Kosovo, it is clearly inappropriate and inefficient for the Security Council to spend so much time discussing the situation in Kosovo and devoting so many resources to it. The United Kingdom joins other European members of the Council in firmly believing that the situation in Kosovo allows for a substantial reduction in the current cycle of reports and meetings.”
2018-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8254 (2018) · source
“As a supporter of democratic values, Kosovo must continue to give priority to the rule of law and respect for international human rights in all its institutions. The investigation into the death of Oliver Ivanovic' is clearly ongoing. We have been clear in our expectation that Kosovo's rule-of-law institutions will lead a thorough and fullinvestigationto bring those responsible to justice at the earliest opportunity. But, equally, we expect Serbia to refrain from any provocations that could heighten tensions and to support investigative efforts in an open and constructive manner. The hard work and dedication of thousands of personnel of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) has helped to bring peace to Kosovo. The current situation is in part a result of their work.”
2018-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8254 (2018) · source
“We encourage both Serbia and Kosovo to continue to make progress towards a sustainable solution through the European Union-facilitated dialogue. Progress is vital for stability, security and prosperity in the region, as well as in the two countries themselves. Provocative acts and rhetoric from both sides are deeply unhelpful and antagonistic. Our priority in Kosovo remains strengthening the rule of law, and challenges remain. We welcome President Thaci's public commitment to upholding Kosovo's obligations through the Specialist Chambers. We also welcome the speedy appointment of Jack Smith as Kosovo's Specialist Prosecutor, as well as the continuity that provides in the Specialist Chamber's pursuit ofjustice for victims. We note that Prime Minister Haradinaj has requested a review into the arrest and deportation of Turkish nationals.”
2018-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8254 (2018) · source
“I thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Tanin for his briefing. In February, the United Kingdom celebrated 10 years of diplomatic relations with Kosovo. In the same month, the European Commission adopted a strategy for a credible enlargement perspective for the Western Balkans. Kosovo's opportunity here was not overlooked. Through implementation of the Stabilization and Association Agreement, Kosovo has an opportunity to progress on its European path. We welcome the significant milestones that Kosovo has reached since our previous meeting (see S/PV.8176), including the ratification of the border-demarcation agreement with Montenegro. Good-neighbourly relations are a key feature of any European democracy, and crucial for stability in the wider Balkans region.”
2018-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8254 (2018) · source
“We also remain committed to Operation Althea and the High Representative, including the use of Bonn powers, if the situation requires, until stability and security are firmly entrenched.”
2018-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8248 (2018) · source
“The consequences of Bosnia and Herzegovina's divisive politics are easy to see. Huge numbers of young people leave every year in search of the political stability and employment opportunities that they are denied at home. The people of Bosnia and Herzegovina deserve better. As a long-standing friend of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the United Kingdom will continue to stand in solidarity alongside those who want a better, more prosperous and stable future for the country even as it pursues Euro-Atlantic integration. The United Kingdom's hosting of the Western Balkans Summit of the Berlin Process in London this summer is a signal of that solidarity and commitment.”
2018-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8248 (2018) · source
“However, amendments to the electoral law are necessary so that the results of those elections can be implemented. If political leaders fail to agree to those amendments, the entire country will be exposed to an unnecessary and serious risk. Political leaders must demonstrate their ability to compromise on a solution without further delay and move towards European standards. As elections approach, we see an opportunity for Bosnia and Herzegovina to focus on the future, not the past. Divisive nationalist rhetoric demeans those who use it and does a disservice to the people and the country as a whole. The United Kingdom encourages the political leaders of Bosnia and Herzegovina to demonstrate to their people and the European Union that they are committed to building a better and more secure future for them and their children.”
2018-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8248 (2018) · source
“Now that the questionnaire has been submitted, Bosnia and Herzegovina must demonstrate its commitment to upholding the rule of law and implementing agreed reforms. Among these, as my Dutch colleague has already highlighted today, there is an urgent need to amend the provisions of the criminal procedure code on special investigative measures in order to comply with the Constitutional Court decision of June 2017 and align with international standards. Failure to do so would seriously undermine the fight against corruption and organized crime and put international cooperation and the security of partner countries in jeopardy. As the High Representative noted, 2018 will also be a significant year for Bosnia and Herzegovina, with elections expected in October.”
2018-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8248 (2018) · source
“It is a matter for regret that some political leaders have disputed the rulings of the Tribunal and the decisions of domestic war crimes chambers in the region and have even made inflammatory remarks about a return to conflict. I agree with my American colleague that we should condemn such rhetoric, which privileges the pursuit of political advantage ahead of the pursuit ofjustice for victims and a peaceful future for all. Secondly, Bosnia and Herzegovina submitted its European Union (EU) questionnaire earlier this year. We commend that achievement, which is not insignificant given the complexities of the system being assessed. But we have been disappointed to see only limited commitment to the difficult but essential reforms that underlie the political commitment to becoming an EU member State.”
2018-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8248 (2018) · source
“The Tribunal has accumulated a wealth of practical knowledge and experience over the 24 years it has been operating, and it is important that the lessons learned are shared with other international criminal courts and tribunals. It has done ground-breaking work to investigate, prosecute and convict perpetrators of wartime sexual violence. I would like to echo the report of the Counter-Terrorism Committee in welcoming Bosnia and Herzegovina's initiatives to integrate women and peace and security in counter-terrorism and countering violent-extremism issues through the development of national and local action plans. The United Kingdom encourages Bosnia and Herzegovina to continue and intensify its efforts on this positive trajectory.”
2018-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8248 (2018) · source
“And yet the vestiges of division continue to mar that progress and to prevent Bosnia and Herzegovina from reaching the potential its citizens deserve. I will briefly touch on those two milestones. First, the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) issued its final judgments in November and transferred responsibility to the Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunals at the end of the year. We recognize the Tribunal's achievements, including the first instance conviction of former wartime commander Ratko Mladie of genocide and crimes against humanity. Although Mladie's conviction will not bring back the thousands who lost their lives, it demonstrates that the architects of suffering will be held to account, giving others around the world hope that there can be justice for appalling human rights abuses.”
2018-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8248 (2018) · source
“The United Kingdom would like to congratulate you, Madam President, on taking up the presidency of the Security Council, and we wish you every success. I also wish to thank High Representative Inzko and his team for their objective and detailed reports and their continued efforts to support the implementation of the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina. They have the United Kingdom's full and constant support. I would agree with my French colleague that Bosnia and Herzegovina remains at a crossroads today. In the six months since we last met (see S/PV.8089), there has been some small, incremental progress in terms of reform and in reaching at least two significant milestones.”
2018-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8248 (2018) · source
“Another indication is the appointment of the new Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General, as well as the commitment he has already shown, in his first months, to finding a solution. The United Kingdom strongly supports the efforts of Personal Envoy Kohler, as well as the work of MINURSO and its new Head, Mr. Colin Stewart. We call on all concerned to engage positively over the coming months, in line with both the spirit and the letter of resolution 2414 (2018).”
2018-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8246 (2018) · source
“The United Kingdom was pleased to vote in favour of resolution 2414 (2018), which we believe sends a strong signal of the support from the Security Council in three key areas - first, support for de-escalation; secondly, support for the continuing work of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO); and, finally, supporting the overall goal of progress towards a lasting and mutually acceptable solution that provides for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara. With that goal in mind, we encourage the parties to engage now with a political process in a spirit of realism and compromise. The six-month window provided by the resolution is an opportunity and an indication of the importance the international community attaches to achieving progress.”
2018-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8246 (2018) · source
“We believe strongly that MINUJUSTH must have the tools it needs to make that transition a success, and that includes continued authorization under Chapter VII to use all necessary means to carry out its mandate. In addition, progress must be measured against the Secretary-General's benchmarks and anchored in Haiti's long-term development, security and political priorities. MINUJUSTH cannot deliver that alone. Haitian ownership and delivery of important reforms are critical to a positive future for the people of Haiti. We therefore repeat our call on the Government of Haiti, MINUJUSTH and the United Nations country team to work closely together to ensure that the solid foundations exist for long-term political stability.”
2018-04-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8226 (2018) · source
“The United Kingdom welcomes the adoption of resolution 2410 (2018) today and the renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti (MINUJUSTH) for a further 12 months. As the United States has made clear, today's vote is not a reflection of MINUJUSTH or the Government of Haiti. As we set out on Tuesday (see S/PV.8220), we are committed to the development of Haiti and an integrated United Nations country presence. Progress against the exit strategy over the final 18 months of the Mission will enable a smooth transfer of tasks from MINUJUSTH to the United Nations country team and the Government of Haiti.”
2018-04-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8226 (2018) · source
“The violence and resulting dire humanitarian situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are the result of the continual disappointment of the people in the political process and the political leaders responsible for this process. The only way to avert further violence is for free and fair elections to take place in December and for the 31 December agreement to be fully implemented. Further excuses and delays will only lead to more violence and despair. The Security Council cannot allow this to happen. The people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo cannot afford to wait any longer.”
2018-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8198 (2018) · source
“The United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) has a crucial role to play in this crucial year in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in protecting civilians and supporting the implementation of the 31 December agreement. We welcome the efforts to improve MONUSCO's ability to carry out these tasks more efficiently and more effectively. In particular, we welcome efforts to enhance the flexibility and mobility of MONUSCO'S forces and to improve their performance. It is important that these reforms be implemented swiftly. In conclusion, let me be clear.”
2018-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8198 (2018) · source
“The Government must also respect the fundamental rights and freedoms of the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, opening political space and allowing peaceful demonstrations and freedom of expression. The United Kingdom is extremely concerned at the high number of violations of political rights and fundamental freedoms in January, and we were appalled by the disproportionate use of force against churchgoers and peaceful protesters on 31 December 2017 and 21 January and 25 February 2018, and the subsequent loss of life. We recognize that the onus is not only on the Government to deliver credible elections, and in this context we call on the opposition to engage constructively in the process on the basis of the 31 December agreement, which will demonstrate their credibility and potential to govern.”
2018-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8198 (2018) · source
“There is much more to do. It is essential that the election calendar be honoured and that key dates set out in the electoral timetable are met, including the completion of the voter register list by 5 April, the audit of the electoral list by 25 May, convocation of the electoral process in June and the registration of presidential candidates in July. But holding credible elections is about more than complying with timelines. It is also about creating the conditions that enable free and fair elections to take place. In order to do this, we call on the Government to implement the 31 December agreement in full, including the full implementation of the confidence-building measures set out in the agreement.”
2018-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8198 (2018) · source
“The Congolese people cannot express their legitimate concerns with the political situation without risking their lives. On 21 January and 25 February, security forces once again violently repressed demonstrations, leaving at least nine people dead, dozens wounded and hundreds arrested. This must stop. The holding of credible and constitutional elections by 23 December this year leading to a democratic and peaceful transition of power is essential to ending the political crisis. Without this, there is a significant risk of further Violence destabilizing not just the Democratic Republic of the Congo but the wider region also. We welcome the progress made towards elections so far, including the completion of voter registration, the passing of election laws and the announcement of an electoral budget. However, this is no time for complacency.”
2018-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8198 (2018) · source
“As is too often the case, and as the civilian population of the Democratic Republic of the Congo knows all too well, the result of that instability has been devastating. Some 4.5 million Congolese have now fled their homes and communities. There are more internally displaced people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo than anywhere else in Africa. This year alone, 40,000 people have fled from Ituri to Uganda, bringing the refugee population to 670,000 people. That has caused a devastating humanitarian crisis. More than 13.1 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance and protection. That number has doubled since 2017. There is clearly a link between the ongoing political uncertainty and the increasing insecurity.”
2018-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8198 (2018) · source
“Let me begin by welcoming the presence today of Vice-Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mr. Okitundu. I also thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Zerrougui for updating the Security Council on the intensifying instability and dire humanitarian consequences in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The United Kingdom is deeply concerned about the proliferation of violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, particularly in North and South Kivu, Tanganyika, Ituri and Kasai, and the significant increase in human rights abuses, with 744 violations in January, 60 per cent of which were perpetrated by State agents.”
2018-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8198 (2018) · source
“Until an enduring political settlement is reached, the sanctions regime is a critical tool to deter those who would otherwise use violence to achieve their political aims. Humanitarian aid and access will provide only temporary relief for the people of Yemen. Ultimately, a political settlement is by far the best way to address the humanitarian crisis and security threats emanating from Yemen. We call upon all parties to engage constructively with the incoming Special Envoy and to abandon preconditions in order to restart the political process. All members of the Council should employ all of their influence over the parties to resolve their differences through dialogue and consultation.”
2018-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8191 (2018) · source
“The ongoing conflict in Yemen has not only given rise to the world's largest humanitarian crisis, it has also created ungoverned spaces in which terrorist can operate, posed security threats to regional countries and international shipping and fuelled regional tensions. That is demonstrated by the ballistic missile launches by the Houthis against civilian targets in Saudi Arabia and their stated intention to launch attacks against the United Arab Emirates and to block the Red Sea international shipping lane. We agree with the Panel of Experts' conclusion that missiles fired by the Houthis ~ of Iranian origin and provided after the imposition of the arms embargo - mean that Iran is in non-compliance with paragraph 14 of resolution 2216 (2015). We call upon Iran to cease all and any activity that fuels the conflict in Yemen.”
2018-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8191 (2018) · source
“All parties to the conflict must allow unhindered commercial and humanitarian access throughout Yemen, which is essential to avert the risk of mass starvation. All plans and efforts to improve access are welcome. However, that can be no substitute for full and unhindered commercial and humanitarian access to the Red Sea ports of Hudaydah and Saleef. Eighty per cent of Yemen's imports enter the country through those ports. Other ports lack the necessary berthing, storage and milling capacities, and it takes days to transport goods by road across multiple conflict front lines to reach those in need.”
2018-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8191 (2018) · source
“This year, as the situation deteriorates further, we have just heard that the United Nations is requesting a record $2.96 billion. The recent pledge made by Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates to contribute $930 million to the 2018 appeal is very welcome, as is their commitment to disburse it by the end of March. The upcoming pledging conference, to be hosted by Sweden and Switzerland, is also an opportunity to respond to the United Nations appeal to help the starving people of Yemen. We call upon all donors to answer this call and ensure that all pledges are disbursed in a timely manner. However, aid alone will not address the needs of the Yemeni people. Imports of food, fuel and medicine continue to remain well below levels ofneed.”
2018-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8191 (2018) · source
“More than 22 million people, more than three-quarters of the population, are now in need of humanitarian assistance. Of those 22 million people more than half require immediate help to save or sustain life. They will not survive unless they receive assistance. The United Kingdom is committed to providing that assistance to the people of Yemen. We are the second-largest donor the United Nations Yemen appeal, and the third-largest donor to the United Nations overall. We provided $286 million to the appeal in the financial year 2017-2018. We also continue to work hard in order to reach consensus on a draft presidential statement from the Security Council aimed at responding to the recent developments on the ground. Despite the devastating humanitarian situation, last year's appeal was only 70 per cent funded.”
2018-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8191 (2018) · source
“First, I would like to thank our briefers for their updates on the situation in Yemen. I also want to warmly thank Mr. Ismael Ould Cheikh Ahmed for his tireless efforts over the past three years to find a peaceful solution to the conflict. We recognize that it has been an incredibly challenging task and we appreciate everything he has done to bring the parties back the table and to create the conditions for sustainable peace, often at great personal risk to himself. I thank him on behalf of the United Kingdom. I would also like to welcome the appointment of Mr. Martin Griffiths as the new United Nations Special Envoy. I pledge the United Kingdom's full support for his future efforts. As we have just heard from the United Nations, the conflict in Yemen has caused the world's most devastating humanitarian crisis.”
2018-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8191 (2018) · source
“They hold the keys not only to the end of this obscene conflict, but to the safety, humanitarian aid and basic medical treatment that is being denied to millions of people right now in Syria. For the mother giving birth underground in eastern Ghouta, for the child unable to learn as schools are closed for yet another day, for the doctor battling air strikes to treat patients in Idlib - all of us sitting here today owe it to the people of Syria to work together with renewed and unyielding energy to achieve a political solution that will bring peace to the Syrian people.”
2018-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8188 (2018) · source
“This is the absolute minimum that the people of Syria deserve. As much as we welcome the adoption of this resolution today, it is only a small step. Just as one aid convoy in three months to a besieged area cannot even begin to address the humanitarian crisis, one resolution alone cannot solve the situation in Syria. We must do everything in our collective power to ensure that this resolution is effective in delivering for those whom we have failed to date. We must all send a clear message to the Al-Assad regime: abandon your attempt to pursue a military strategy, stop fighting and engage seriously in United Nations-led political talks in Geneva. In conclusion, let me reiterate the words of my Foreign Secretary. The entire world is looking at the Al-Assad regime, Russia and Iran.”
2018-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8188 (2018) · source
“The role and responsibility of the Council does not end with the adoption of this resolution, quite the opposite. All States Members of the United Nations, but particularly Council members, must now take responsibility for ensuring that the resolution is implemented in full, without delay. The resolution calls for the Council to review its implementation within 15 days, but we must all be active in supporting and monitoring implementation from the moment we step out of the Chamber. If we see any of the parties violating the terms of the resolution, we must bring it back to the Council immediately. Those with any influence over the Syrian regime - Russia, Iran - have a particular responsibility to ensure that the ceasefire is respected in full and without delay, that all sieges are ended and that humanitarian aid is delivered.”
2018-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8188 (2018) · source
“It is a living hell for hundreds ofthousands ofresidents of eastern Ghouta. As we have repeated many times, the intentional and systematic targeting of civilians and civilian objects not only violates international humanitarian law, it is a war crime. The United Kingdom will be unrelenting in our campaign to ensure accountability. By having voted in favour of the resolution today, we are standing up and saying that we will not stand by and let this happen. In the face of escalating violence, devastation and suffering, we must all now take practical steps to improve the situation for those living and dying in a hell of one man's making. The resolution demonstrates our resolve to put a stop to the brutal violence. It demands that all parties cease hostilities without delay. That means right now, immediately.”
2018-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8188 (2018) · source
“The barbarity and depravity of the Al-Assad regime shows no limits. We must never lose sight of the fact that the pictures we see and the stories we hear from this comfortable Chamber are the agonizing reality for hundreds of thousands of civilians - for men, women and children who are being forced to eke out an existence underground to avoid being killed by a regime that commits daily atrocities against its own people. I have heard some say that the information about the situation in eastern Ghouta is propaganda. A doctor in eastern Ghouta, having heard such comments, said this morning: "Amid the chaos and the bombs, it is the not being believed that almost hurts the most. We are dying here every day. And when people say that they do not believe us, that is pain upon pain." This is not propaganda.”
2018-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8188 (2018) · source
“The United Kingdom welcomes the adoption of resolution 2401 (2018). In particular, we applaud your work, Mr. President, together with Sweden, as co-penholders. But this is not a moment for self-congratulation. It has taken us far too long to agree this resolution. While we have been arguing over commas, Al-Assad's planes have been killing more civilians in their homes and in their hospitals, imposing unbearable suffering. Despite the amount of time we have spent in this Chamber over many years discussing the devastating humanitarian crisis, we have still not been able to achieve the peace and security that the Syrian people so desperately need. As the conflict enters its eighth year, the situation in eastern Ghouta and elsewhere in the country is far worse than we ever thought imaginable.”
2018-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8188 (2018) · source
“It is clear that we have fallen woefully short of this aim. We have failed the people of eastern Ghouta. But let us reverse this trend today. Let us adopt the draft resolution and take the concrete actions needed to ease the suffering in this zone of death and destruction.”
2018-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8186 (2018) · source
“The solution to the situation is not difficult. We need to see an immediate cessation of hostilities, including an immediate end to the aerial bombing of eastern Ghouta. If everyone in this Chamber were to commit unequivocally to this today, it could have an impact on the ground. It could save the lives of thousands of innocent men, women and children who are being killed as we speak here in this Chamber today. We therefore welcome the draft resolution put forward into blue by you, Mr. President, and by the delegation of Sweden, and we look forward to a vote later today. In conclusion, yesterday we discussed the principles of the United Nations Charter, which our predecessors drafted in the name of the peoples of the world to help save succeeding generations from the scourge of war (see S/PV.8185).”
2018-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8186 (2018) · source