YouSaid · the spoken record

Hoxha

lines on the record: 1,795
first: 2014-02-19
most recent: 2023-12-29
sittings or episodes: 264
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 add in that respect that we reiterate our full solidarity and support for the United Arab Emirates following the heinous attack by the Houthis on its soil. But we also try to understand the daily lives of the Palestinians in the West Bank — their desperation, the lack of perspective and the dimming hope for a better future. Hope dies last, as the saying goes, and when there is no more hope, there is nothing left. That is to say, the status quo is unsustainable. We continue to believe that the only viable and just solution is a negotiated two-State solution, with Jerusalem as a shared capital, with two States living side by side, in security and in full respect of the rights of the respective populations, Israelis and Palestinians. Trust is the most important ingredient for negotiations to resume and to succeed.”
2022-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8950 (2022) · source
“Albania cherishes its historic friendship with the Jewish people — a friendship that has stood the test of the darkest hour of humankind. We stand firmly and unequivocally for the security of the State of Israel. We understand the security challenges that Israel faces on a daily basis. It is not easy for a country to feel secure when another country in the neighbourhood — a powerful country with a dangerously aggressive policy — advocates openly for the destruction of that country. It is hard to feel at peace while living under the constant threat of indiscriminate missile attacks, whether from the south or north of the country. Israel has the legitimate right to defend itself, and we stand by it on this issue. That must be done in accordance with the law and with respect for human rights.”
2022-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8950 (2022) · source
“This is our first time speaking on this issue in our capacity as a member of the Council. We do not have the formula for the Council to achieve a just and lasting solution among the Israelis and the Palestinians. We do not take the moral high ground to lecture the parties in what is widely seen as a never-ending conflict. What we can offer is our own lived experience, namely, the way in which we have navigated our own path through existential threats, wars we did not choose and other serious challenges in order to come together and find ways to invest in understanding and cooperating with others, as we have done and do every day in our neighbourhood. We have no other interest except our sincere desire to see the Israelis and Palestinians manage their differences and coexist in peace and harmony.”
2022-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8950 (2022) · source
“Let me thank Special Coordinator Wennesland and the two briefers for their valuable information. The Security Council has shown many times that it has the power to do great things when it galvanizes the collective will of its membership. But there is one issue that has proven itself to be hard to resolve, even for such a powerful collective organ as the Security Council: the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The Council has played a pivotal role in creating the international framework to resolve the conflict, but even after more than seven decades a solution does not appear to be in sight. As we have heard, as things stand now there is not even an active peace process or negotiations initiative, while the situation on the ground remains volatile and risks producing new explosions of violence as we have seen time and again.”
2022-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8950 (2022) · source
“The legitimate wish of the Sudanese people to build their future in freedom and dignity inevitably requires a return to civilian leadership through an honest and inclusive dialogue with representatives of a wide political spectrum and civilian society, including women and youth.”
2022-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8948 (2022) · source
“We call upon the Sudanese Government to fully and meaningfully cooperate with the Office of the Prosecutor in the four cases to grant access to the territory, the archives, witnesses, crime scenes and, based on the memorandum of understanding signed on 12 August 2021, to fully investigate the crimes committed and bring the perpetrators to justice. We expect General Al-Burhan to honour his promise and keep his word regarding full cooperation with the ICC. Albania supports the 2019 Constitutional Declaration and considers it the only road map to overcoming the nation’s current political crisis.”
2022-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8948 (2022) · source
“We expect the security services, the military and other armed groups to refrain from using further violence against peaceful protesters and civilians across the country, including and especially in Darfur. The killing of civilians, sexual violence and the injuring of hundreds more by the security services and other armed groups since the 25 October military takeover are unacceptable. Albania welcomes the confirmation of charges in the Ali Kushayb case. That is a tangible outcome from resolution 1593 (2005), and we are happy to hear that the case is solid.”
2022-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8948 (2022) · source
“It helps those who have suffered to heal their wounds and understand that their suffering will not be ignored, forgotten or left unnoticed or unaddressed. It also reminds the perpetrators that, sooner or later, justice will knock on their door. Without accountability, human rights will be denied, crimes will be perpetuated and impunity for past conflict-related crimes will persist, thereby undermining legitimacy and prospects for peace and conciliation. In our view, a lack of accountability equals a license to kill. Albania remains very concerned by the precarious security situation prevailing in the Sudan and the ongoing violations of human rights by the military authorities.”
2022-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8948 (2022) · source
“I welcome and thank Prosecutor Karim Khan for today’s briefing, for his thirty-fourth report and for the work that he is doing. As a party to the Rome Statute, Albania supports the work of the Prosecutor and the International Criminal Court (ICC). In our view, it plays a crucial role towards ending impunity and bringing justice to the victims of the heinous crimes against humanity, including for women and children, everywhere it operates, including in Darfur. We echo and fully reiterate Prosecutor Khan — there must be justice. And, yes, he should use the whole panoply of tools of the ICC, as he highlighted. Beyond being a cornerstone principle of international law, accountability is a powerful deterrent against current and future abuses.”
2022-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8948 (2022) · source
“We call for the immediate release of the vessel and its crew. Albania supports all efforts leading towards national reconciliation, reunification and reconstruction. We believe that, for peace to prevail and be lasting, it must reflect the will and aspirations of all Yemeni people. It requires a democratic setting and institutions that uphold the rule of law and human rights, especially the rights of women and children. Finally, Albania urges all parties to support a political process that leads to the full realization of all rights for all Yemeni people, without regard for religion, gender or ethnicity. We hope that soon we will create the necessary conditions so that everyone in Yemen starts thinking about life, rather than continuing to deplore catastrophe.”
2022-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8946 (2022) · source
“Detention of United Nations personnel is unacceptable, and we and ask for their immediate release. We demand the same for the Yemeni citizens who have worked for the United States Embassy in Sana’a. We condemn all restrictions on humanitarian workers and impediments to the delivery of humanitarian aid. We strongly condemn cross-border attacks on civilian infrastructure into Saudi Arabia, which have increased, as the Special Envoy highlighted, and we demand strict observance of international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure at all times. As we speak, an Emirati-flagged civilian cargo vessel, intercepted while in international waters, is being illegally detained by Houthi militias, which is an act of piracy and a total breach of international law and the freedom of navigation.”
2022-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8946 (2022) · source
“We call on all parties to end hostilities, in line with resolution 2532 (2020), return to negotiations and resume meaningful peace talks with the full, equal and meaningful participation of women, youth and civil society. Albania supports the Special Envoy in his mission to reach out to the different parties in conflict and other stakeholders in order find a path towards a meaningful and inclusive road map and, as he qualified it, a “a serious, sustained and structured process”. His efforts to regularly and transparently consult with civil society, especially women’s groups, are highly appreciated, and we are heartened by Ms. Al-Aghbary’s words today. Albania condemns all actions that prevent the Special Envoy from moving this vital political process forward.”
2022-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8946 (2022) · source
“Women human rights defenders, advocates for gender equality, journalists and other civil society representatives are facing increased threats and risks, including arbitrary detentions, enforced disappearances and even targeted killings. This must not be tolerated. I thank you, Madam President, for placing special focus on women and peace and security in today’s meeting, as per our joint commitment. And I thank the Special Envoy for providing due attention to women’s inclusion and participation in his work. We encourage him to continue to do so. What Yemen and the Yemeni people desperately need is an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire. Violence and destruction will lead nowhere. The Council has the authority and the power to be loud and clear on this.”
2022-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8946 (2022) · source
“I thank the briefers for their valuable information. We fully support the efforts of Special Envoy Grundberg and are anxious to see concrete and tangible results. War has ravaged Yemen for seven long years, causing massive casualties and destruction, still with no end in sight. Civilians have suffered the most, especially women and children. The economy has collapsed and, as we heard from Mr. Rajasingham, the humanitarian situation is simply disastrous. This must stop. The road to peace in Yemen is not — and cannot be — a bloody, protracted war. Conflict only prolongs pain and suffering, borne mostly by civilians. We are particularly concerned about the situation of women and girls in Yemen.”
2022-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8946 (2022) · source
“We call on the Malian authorities to retrace their steps for the good of the country and their people. Lastly, we believe that the Council must stand firm, maintain pressure and adopt the necessary measures, just as the Economic Community of West African States has done, so that Malian stakeholders can move from a process of consultations that is dragging on to concrete actions and reach a consensus, which we hope for, on a reasonable transition period.”
2022-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8945 (2022) · source
“It is always about the people, including the Malian youth, as we heard earlier from Ms. Dicko. They should be the ones to decide. Moreover, we are concerned about the lack of progress on the implementation of the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali. Serious work is required, and tangible results are needed. At the same time, consultations to establish an independent women’s observatory with a view to enhancing the role of women in the peace and political process continue to be inconclusive. (spoke in French) Mali’s social fabric cannot be repaired or rebuilt without the active contribution of women. There is no peace without inclusion. There can be no peace without women. Albania supports the good offices and mediation efforts of MINUSMA.”
2022-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8945 (2022) · source
“We strongly urge the transitional authorities to pursue active investigations of perpetrators and hold them accountable. Thirdly, we stand with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in expressing serious concerns with regard to the delay in the transition. The Malian authorities have failed to respect their pledge and instead are requesting to postpone the transition for up to five years. We fail to understand what justifies that unacceptable extension, if not the pure desire to stay in power. Albania firmly supports the latest measures taken by ECOWAS. They are of magnitude and should make the Malian authorities reflect seriously. We call on the Malian authorities to review their file and do what is required to facilitate an expedited return to constitutional order. It is never about rulers. It not about generals.”
2022-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8945 (2022) · source
“The challenges are indeed huge, but the deployment of foreign mercenaries in the country only adds to the complexity. We call on the authorities to pause and not take such impactful decisions lightly. As we have seen in other scenarios, that could undermine the already extremely fragile stability, lead to severe violation of human rights and have serious consequences, even for the relations of the whole United Nations system with the country. Mali needs sound decisions and responsible actions, not unaccountable mercenaries. The steep rise in human rights violations and abuses documented by MINUSMA is troubling. Human rights must be at the centre of the security response, and we must continue fighting against impunity for violations and abuses of human rights and international humanitarian law.”
2022-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8945 (2022) · source
“Albania commends the steps taken by the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) to increase the number of women personnel, which is critical to an effective engagement with the population across all sectors. Women have proven to be very successful in protecting civilians, accessing communities and creating a relationship of trust with local populations. Secondly, we have deep concerns with regard to the impact of the activities of terrorist organizations, and we highlight the importance of continuing counter-terrorism efforts with the coordination of local, regional and international forces. We cannot underestimate the spread of radicalization and violent extremism and the influence of new actors in the region.”
2022-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8945 (2022) · source
“I thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Wane and Ms. Dicko for their insights today. I would like to highlight three key issues: the deteriorating security situation, the threat of terrorism and the political transition process. First, we are deeply concerned about the continuing deteriorating security situation in Mali, which has been amply discussed previously by colleagues. The increased attacks against civilians and peacekeepers — and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General spoke of coordinated attacks — clearly indicates the need to take urgent measures to address security challenges and establish State presence throughout the country. It is imperative that the authorities agree on a comprehensive politically led strategy to protect the lives of civilians.”
2022-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8945 (2022) · source
“Let me conclude by reiterating that Albania stands ready to support UNOWAS and the Special Representative in strengthening its efforts toward democratic consolidation and consensus throughout West Africa and the Sahel region.”
2022-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8944 (2022) · source
“Albania welcomes further discussions and supports regional efforts in that respect. We strongly believe that peace and security issues must be addressed through a multidimensional and inclusive approach that spans the development, political, security, justice and human rights dimensions. I echo the words of my Irish colleague in saying that stability cannot be achieved or sustained without such a comprehensive approach. Thirdly, the effects of climate change on peace are all the more apparent in the Sahel region, with climate change depriving people of their livelihoods and, in turn, exacerbating intercommunal violence and instability. We must recognize the challenges of climate change and the threat it poses to peace and security and take the necessary steps.”
2022-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8944 (2022) · source
“The security situation in the Sahel bears an impact on the whole region, the entire continent and far beyond, given its geographic position connecting sub-Saharan Africa to the Mediterranean basin. While we stress the positive examples of African ownership, more work lies ahead. We are facing a serious and rapidly evolving threat heightened by large and porous borders, the extensive traditional cross- border movement of people, a lack of full institutional capacities, and the confluence of criminal and terrorist activities and organizations, including extensive drug trafficking, as Ms. Waly mentioned. We cannot and must not let our guard down. Similarly, as also mentioned by Ms. Waly, the Gulf of Guinea remains a persistently challenging area in terms of piracy and armed robbery beyond the coast.”
2022-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8944 (2022) · source
“The decisions taken yesterday by ECOWAS on the junta in Mali are yet another testament to the acute need to stay firm and to increase pressure on the military establishment to reverse its course. Secondly, the security situation in the Sahel region remains extremely concerning. Despite all efforts, we have seen a severe and dangerous expansion of terrorism and an increasing number of terrorist attacks. The threat from violent extremist groups clearly indicates the need to intensify the international community’s engagement in and support for regional responses. We condemn in the strongest terms the recent attacks that led to the death of peacekeepers and defenceless civilians.”
2022-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8944 (2022) · source
“Now more than ever, we must invest in women as central figures of local communities and drivers of positive and unifying narratives within societies. We commend the Special Representative for his focus on resolution 1325 (2000). We praise the UNOWAS training delivered to women and young people on political participation, but we must see genuine political will and commitment on the part of local Governments. We concur with the Secretary-General’s deep concerns regarding unconstitutional extensions of mandates and coups d’états in the region, risking democratic backsliding. We call on stakeholders in Mali and Guinea to ensure a transition of power to elected civilians and a return to constitutional order in a timely manner.”
2022-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8944 (2022) · source
“The presidential elections held in October in Cabo Verde and in The Gambia in December were positive steps. We encourage UNOWAS to support the countries of the region so as to best prepare for the upcoming elections and strengthen the security situation on the ground. We commend the democratic progress made in the Niger and its Government’s commitment to addressing the deteriorating situation and increasing access to education, particularly for girls. Unfortunately, in the rest of the Sahel the situation is grim. We have seen the closure of thousands of schools, leaving more than 13 million children without access to education — once again, especially girls. It is a trend that needs be reversed without delay.”
2022-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8944 (2022) · source
“Mr. Hoxha (Albania) (spoke in French): I would like to thank Special Representative Annadif, as well as the Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Ms. Waly, for the information provided. I would also like to thank Ms. Thiombiano Yougbaré for her remarks on behalf of the People’s Coalition for the Sahel and assure her that her heartfelt words were received loud and clear. (spoke in English) Allow me to make three brief points. First, Albania would like to recognize the positive developments since the last United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) discussion (see S/PV.8814). Together with regional organizations — first and foremost the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) — UNOWAS continues to play a crucial role in promoting peace and stability in the region.”
2022-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8944 (2022) · source
“Finally, Albania will continue to support the Syrian people in the pursuit of their future in peace and justice and hopes that the voice of the Syrians will be heard.”
2022-01-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8943 (2022) · source
“The swift conclusion of investigations into the use of chemical weapons in Syria will allow the Council to more effectively support the Syrian people in their quest for a peaceful future. Albania reiterates the strong condemnation of the use of chemical weapons by any actor under any circumstances, considering it a serious violation of international law and demands that all those who use or have used chemical weapons be identified and held accountable. To this end, the Security Council must maintain its strong and clear message of respect for the international ban on chemical weapons and ensure that these weapons are never used again, not in Syria or elsewhere. This is our way of assuming moral responsibility for the victims of chemical warfare.”
2022-01-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8943 (2022) · source
“As a member of the OPCW Executive Council since November 2021, Albania can only agree to consent to the restoration of Syria’s rights and privileges once the OPCW Director-General reports that Syria has complied with all requests. We have just heard again today that this is not at all the case. In this regard, we reiterate the importance and urgency of Syria fully cooperating with the Technical Secretariat. Syria must respond in a clear and unambiguous manner and can neither choose the inspectors nor which obligations it must fulfil. Any attempt to politicize the OPCW’s work would only serve to delay Syria’s implementation of resolution 2118 (2013) and thereby deny the OPCW’s noble mission as guardian of the Convention whose goal is a world without chemical weapons.”
2022-01-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8943 (2022) · source
“We have just heard that the observation made in this Chamber by several Council members less than a month ago (see S/PV.8921) remains the same: the Syrian authorities do not wish to cooperate with the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) on the implementation of resolution 2118 (2013) on the complete and verifiable elimination of Syria’s chemical weapons programme. We deplore this attitude. The OPCW Technical Secretariat remains of the view that at this stage, due to identified shortcomings and inconsistencies as well as unresolved discrepancies, the declaration submitted by the Syrian Arab Republic cannot be considered accurate and complete, in accordance with the Chemical Weapons Convention. In April 2021, the Conference of States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention decided to suspend Syria.”
2022-01-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8943 (2022) · source
“Mr. Hoxha (Albania) (spoke in French): Madam President, as I take the floor for the first time in the Security Council, I would like to congratulate you for assuming the presidency of the Council during the month of January and assure you of our full support in the implementation of a rich and ambitious work programme. I thank all my colleagues for their warm messages of welcome to my country and the other new members of the Council. I would also like to thank Mrs. Nakamitsu for the insights she provided.”
2022-01-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8943 (2022) · source
“Aware that climate-related security risks to international peace and security are real and increasing, Albania has defined climate change as one of its priorities in the Security Council for our term starting in January 2022. In that context, we will work to better integrate the climate-security nexus in the Security Council agenda. (spoke in French) In conclusion, I wish to recall that our children and future generations will, rightfully and with good reason, hold us to account for our action or inaction on climate change. We now regret not having done more 20 or 30 years ago. We believe in human wisdom and the capacity of humankind to learn from its mistakes, correct its course and take due action. That is why we stand ready to join forces with like-minded countries in taking this agenda further.”
2021-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8923Resumption1 (2021) · source
“In that regard we welcome the draft resolution initiated by Ireland and the Niger calling for a more systematic United Nations analysis of climate security, including on the security implications of climate change for the regions and countries on the Council’s agenda. Albania co-sponsored the draft resolution. We hope the Council will be able to adopt this concrete landmark initiative, showing that the Council is there when people and the world need it. Albania is working hard to achieve the United Nations global goal to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions by 45 per cent in the next decade, and to achieve net- zero emissions by 2050, in accordance with Paris Agreement. Our national strategy on climate change and the mitigation action plan on greenhouse-gas emissions is at the core of our development road map.”
2021-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8923Resumption1 (2021) · source
“Even more concerning are the findings of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which show that climate disruption caused by human activities is widespread and intensifying. We cannot ignore that. Under those circumstances, we strongly believe that there is an urgent need to increase efforts and to take concrete action to address climate change and climate-related risks in the context of international peace and security. That is why we think that the United Nations system, and the Security Council in particular, should play a greater role in addressing, properly and continuously, the climate-related risks to international peace and security. The Council should fully integrate knowledge of climate-related risks into all aspects of its work.”
2021-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8923Resumption1 (2021) · source
“Those examples have convincingly shown how climate change is affecting every aspect of life, everywhere, causing huge economic downturns, throwing thousands back into extreme poverty, provoking migration and displacement and making those affected more vulnerable of being recruited and used by terrorist groups. We are concerned by the findings of the annual assessment report of the United Nations counter- terrorism mechanism, the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate and the Office of Counter-Terrorism, which emphasized that the number of cases of individuals being recruited by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), Al-Qaida, Boko Haram and the like belonging to families living in bad environmental conditions has increased.”
2021-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8923Resumption1 (2021) · source
“Let me thank the Niger for organizing this high-level open debate. The topic could not be timelier. We thank the Secretary-General for his insightful remarks this morning, and all other briefers for bringing us a better view and closer to the realities on the ground. Climate Change is without a doubt the major challenge of our time. It has profound and adverse consequences for peace and security, our well-being and ultimately our survival. We need no longer wait for proof since we have far too many recent examples, including in our own vicinity — as the representative of Greece highlighted earlier.”
2021-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8923Resumption1 (2021) · source
“The consequences of their proliferation include murder, intimidation, rape, torture, sexual abuse, sexual harassment, threats and humiliation, forced prostitution and the trafficking of women and girls. Sexual violence at gunpoint is a threat for every woman, but it is especially common in conflict situations, as it is used as a war strategy. During the conflicts in the former Yugoslavia, for example, more than 20,000 women were raped as a deliberate policy of warfare. Let me conclude with the words of the late Secretary General Kofi Annan: “The death toll from small arms dwarfs that of all other weapons systems ... In terms of the carnage they cause, small arms, indeed, could well be described as ‘weapons of mass destruction”. Let us not forget them.”
2021-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8909Resumption1 (2021) · source
“The illicit trade, misuse and diversion of small arms and light weapons constitute a threat to international peace and security, and it is the responsibility of the Council to address that threat and reinforce its efforts. We all know that illicit flows of small arms and light weapons and their ammunition undermine the effectiveness of peace operations. We support initiatives mandating peacekeeping operations, when relevant, to ensure the tracing of weapons and ammunition and the collection of relevant data. Last, but not least, there is something we must never forget: although entire communities suffer the consequences of armed conflict, the most vulnerable, women and children, are those particularly affected. Violence against women and children is exacerbated and facilitated by the presence of guns and other arms.”
2021-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8909Resumption1 (2021) · source
“Considerable work is carried out through close cooperation, coordination and joint actions of all countries in the region and relevant local agencies. In the context of the Western Balkans road map, Albania has set a national target to substantially reduce by 2024 the estimated number of firearms in illicit possession and to improve its legislation regarding the legalization, voluntary surrender and destruction of seized small arms, light weapons and ammunition — always adhering to environmental standards. Thirdly, I want to recall the importance of arms embargoes and their implementation by all Member States, as a peaceful measure authorized by the Charter.”
2021-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8909Resumption1 (2021) · source
“Aware of the magnitude of human casualties and suffering, especially among children, caused by the illicit proliferation and use of small arms and light weapons — and not only in conflict areas — the Government of Albania has approved its national strategy and action plan on small arms and light weapons and has established a national commission. Secondly, allow me to highlight the importance of regional and subregional organizations in tackling the trafficking and the diversion of small arms and light weapons. Concerted efforts at the national, regional and international levels are needed to prevent, combat and eradicate their illicit manufacture, transfer and circulation. South-East Europe is lucky to benefit from European Union assistance regarding conventional arms transfer at the national and regional levels.”
2021-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8909Resumption1 (2021) · source
“We remain committed to the full and effective implementation of the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects and the International Tracing Instrument as the main framework for measures within the activities of the international community to prevent, combat and eradicate the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in all its aspects. We are encouraged by the outcome of the seventh Biennial Meeting of States to Consider the Implementation of the Programme of Action, held in July, and congratulate Kenya in leading the process.”
2021-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8909Resumption1 (2021) · source
“Illicit small arms are fuelling armed violence and organized crime, global terrorism and conflicts. In his latest report on small arms and light weapons (S/2021/839), the Secretary-General encourages the Security Council to consider the relevance of weapons dynamics in its thematic discussions, including on children and armed conflict, peacekeeping, mine action, disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, and women and peace and security. Let me now highlight a number of key aspects from our national and regional perspective. First, we are happy to join our voice in calling for the universalization of the Arms Trade Treaty, a crucial instrument with real potential to mitigate risks.”
2021-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8909Resumption1 (2021) · source
“Last week we gathered in this very Chamber (see S/PV.8906) to highlight the importance of preventive diplomacy. All speakers agreed that prevention must be placed at the heart of our collective efforts to build and sustain peace. That is very important and promising. This debate, for which we thank the Mexican presidency, reminds us that, in order to properly invest in conflict prevention, we must invest in the effective management of small arms and light weapons, including their ammunition. Needless to say, there is lot more we can and must do in that regard. Small arms and light weapons cause the most casualties worldwide, in conflict and non-conflict areas. They are easy to use, hold and hide. They are often the weapon of choice in conflict situations.”
2021-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8909Resumption1 (2021) · source
“In conclusion, Albania will remain seriously engaged in improving and strengthening United Nations capacities for preventive diplomacy, as a wise investment for peace and development and a must in order to prevent the worst from occurring and being endlessly repeated.”
2021-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8906Resumption1 (2021) · source
“We will work closely with all Council members, especially like-minded countries, to increase the synergies between the Security Council and the Human Rights Council, as well as to strengthen the role of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in the activities of the Security Council. To that end, Albania will engage to increase the number of regular briefings to the Security Council by the High Commissioner for Human Rights, as well as civil society representatives active in the field of human rights and conflict prevention. Albania will also advocate for a greater use of the human rights reports by the Security Council.”
2021-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8906Resumption1 (2021) · source
“Fourthly, a strong and active partnership of the United Nations with regional organizations plays an important role in ensuring early warning, engaging national networks and coordinating regional responses. It is imperative to devise strategies on synergies that can be created between the United Nations and other international regional organizations in order to increase efficiency and avoid overlap. As an incoming member of the Security Council and as a member of the human rights and conflict prevention caucus, Albania will support a broad inclusion of human rights on the Council’s agenda.”
2021-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8906Resumption1 (2021) · source
“Secondly, human rights and human rights information are, and should be, seen as a valuable set of tools for conflict prevention, peacebuilding and sustaining peace. Human rights violations and the escalation of conflicts are strongly interlinked. Experience has shown that respect for human rights has proved to be instrumental in setting countries on the path to peace and development and averting escalation to violent conflict. Human rights violations are always a serious warning of a conflict to come. Thirdly, we need to increase the meaningful participation of women in United Nations peace operations, including peacekeeping operations. Women are promoters of positive change and they can significantly contribute to efforts to increase the preventive abilities and capacities of the Organization.”
2021-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8906Resumption1 (2021) · source
“It took the Council several months to convene an open meeting on the conflict in Ethiopia, where, unfortunately, every horrible and reprehensible act on the books is taking place, with huge consequences for the population and bleak prospects for the country. Let me highlight a few key important points that we think will help to improve the prevention capacities of the United Nations. First, the Peacebuilding Commission, as a dedicated intergovernmental platform to oversee and guide the United Nations system’s approach to sustaining peace, should be empowered. A more effective Peacebuilding Fund is needed, and we should explore innovative ways to increase the contributions to the Fund as one of the most important instruments to finance preventive action on the ground.”
2021-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8906Resumption1 (2021) · source
“In order to put prevention at the heart of its work, the United Nations should improve its mechanisms to identify and consider the warning signs of potential conflicts, and to act in advance. In that regard, as the United Nations organ with the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, the Security Council has a key role to play in prevention. Over years, the Council has considerably improved its work through greater engagement and flexibility in addressing emerging threats before they are placed on the Council’s formal agenda and promoting a more proactive approach to preventive diplomacy. But that is not always the case.”
2021-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8906Resumption1 (2021) · source