YouSaid · the spoken record

Huang Xia

lines on the record: 131
first: 2019-10-03
most recent: 2023-10-17
sittings or episodes: 10
sources: un-security-council

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

“I would like also to welcome the close cooperation with my colleague Bintou Keita, Head of MONUSCO, as well as that between our teams at the technical level. Allow me to list some priority initiatives that I will be dealing with in the upcoming months, in keeping with the action plan of the United Nations Strategy for Peace Consolidation, Conflict Prevention and Conflict Resolution in the Great Lakes Region and the decisions that emanated from the Regional Oversight Mechanism. First, I will continue, in close cooperation with other institutions that are guarantors of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework, good-offices and diplomatic efforts aimed at improving good- neighbourliness relations among the countries of the region.”
2022-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9023 (2022) · source
“The third level of action is continued support by the international community for the region. That mobilization for the region is indispensable since the accomplishments already made merit being safeguarded. I call on the members of the Security Council and of the International Contact Group for the Great Lakes Region, with whom I have regular contacts, to support regional dialogue efforts. The consultation process under way to follow up on the conclave’s decisions makes it imperative that there be rapid support for the new strategy for the Disarmament, Demobilization, Community Recovery and Stabilization Programme at the national level, and for the plan of action of the Contact and Coordination Group at the regional level.”
2022-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9023 (2022) · source
“I would like to pay tribute to the leadership of President Kenyatta, who, on two occasions during the month of April, hosted in Nairobi his counterparts in the region during two important summits to consider the ongoing security challenges in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and come up with specific solutions. I welcome the fact that the Nairobi conclave held on 21 April promised an approach that is both pragmatic and firm, giving priority to dialogue between the representatives of the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and armed groups, with facilitation provided by Kenya. I would like to also encourage all parties to continue with that open and frank dialogue so as to find a lasting solution to the searing question of insecurity.”
2022-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9023 (2022) · source
“I also would like to congratulate President Tshisekedi Tshilombo on the successful outcome of that important high-level meeting, which saw an exceptional level of mobilization. On that occasion, the Heads of State, inter alia, committed themselves to pooling their efforts to an even greater extent so as to tackle more effectively the increasingly numerous and multifarious challenges facing the region. They also reiterated their commitment to the framework agreement as their platform for cooperation. I would like to also welcome the convergence of views among Heads of State on regional priorities so as to tackle the factors underlying instability and conflict and the fresh impetus that they have provided in that respect.”
2022-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9023 (2022) · source
“The second level is based on a direct, standing dialogue at the highest level between the leaders in the region so as to ease tensions and strengthen trust. In that regard, I would like to welcome the progress made in normalizing the relations between Rwanda and Uganda, which were marked, notably, by the reopening of the common border, and the relations between Burundi and Rwanda. I would like also to congratulate the Heads of State of the region on consolidating that encouraging trend at the tenth summit of the Regional Oversight Mechanism of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the region, held in Kinshasa on 24 February.”
2022-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9023 (2022) · source
“The first level remains the urgent need for increased cooperation on security matters. That is illustrated, inter alia, by the joint operations conducted by the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda; the memorandum of understanding between Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to meet the security challenges at their common border; the regular consultations between the heads of the intelligence services of the countries in the region; the establishment of the Contact and Coordination Group on non-military measures; and the efforts under way at the level of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region to devise a strategy to combat terrorism in the region. That ongoing trend, which is aimed at significantly reducing the nefarious influence of armed groups, should be welcomed and supported.”
2022-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9023 (2022) · source
“All of that reminds us that peace in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo remains extremely fragile and how much we still need to step up our joint efforts to achieve a region completely free of the horrors of war. I would like to once again express my sincere condolences to the families of the victims of the recent violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and to the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) for the tragic deaths of peacekeepers in the line of duty. Despite that fragility, I would like to express my conviction that it is still possible to consolidate the significant gains made to date in the region and to move progressively towards a lasting peace. To that end, efforts must be made on at least three levels.”
2022-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9023 (2022) · source
“As I said before the Peace and Security Council of the African Union during an important meeting on the Great Lakes region several days ago, I would like to reiterate here my solemn appeal to that rebel group to lay down its arms. The people in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo have suffered too much, and the region can ill afford yet another crisis. Similarly, it is regrettable that the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) and other local armed groups continue to commit atrocities against civilians. To achieve its sinister ends, the ADF in particular still seems to benefit from a network of recruiters in the region and even beyond, as confirmed by recent arrests during the joint Democratic Republic of the Congo-Uganda operations.”
2022-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9023 (2022) · source
“However, that positive trend was disrupted by the security and humanitarian crisis in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, compounded by the resumption of military activities by the Mouvement du 23 mars (M-23) in the last quarter of the past year, with attacks on several positions of the Forces armées de la République démocratique du Congo (FARDC). The situation is all the more regrettable since it occurs nearly 10 years after the signing of the 2013 Nairobi Declaration by the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and M-23 insurgents, in which that armed group, defeated militarily, committed itself to no longer taking up arms.”
2022-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9023 (2022) · source
“I welcome this opportunity to brief the Security Council on the most recent report of the Secretary-General on the implementation of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Region (S/2022/276). Since I last briefed the Council on 20 October 2021 (see S/PV.8884), the situation in the Great Lakes region has shown an encouraging trend in terms of dialogue, cooperation and integration and, in general, the continued will to tackle the root causes of the instability. The report before the Council today highlights that trend and provides several illustrative examples.”
2022-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9023 (2022) · source
“It is more necessary than ever to consolidate the region’s achievements in a lasting way, all the while resolutely addressing the ongoing challenges. The success of such an approach entails drawing the lessons of the past and showing imagination to support the peoples of the Great Lakes region in building a better today and a better future.”
2021-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8884 (2021) · source
“The summit will be an opportunity for the leaders of the region to evaluate together the progress made since the previous summit, held in Kampala in 2018, to see how to consolidate the recent achievements and to provide guidance on the measures to be taken for more stability and development in the region. I would like to conclude by recalling that the Great Lakes region is at a crossroads. The COVID-19 pandemic, which has further exacerbated existing weaknesses, has nevertheless served to reveal the resilience of the region’s societies. Bilateral and regional initiatives reflect the emergence of a community looking towards the future that is aware of the added value of dialogue and cooperation as a tool to foster good-neighbourliness.”
2021-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8884 (2021) · source
“When we look closely at recent developments in the region, we see that that positive momentum is the result of initiatives that fully meet the goals of the Framework agreement and the 2006 ICGLR pact. It is therefore essential that the countries of the region implement the bilateral agreements signed recently and also continue, at the regional level, to fulfil the commitments made under regional and international instruments. It is in that spirit that I welcome the upcoming important summit meetings, and in particular the commitment of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to host the tenth summit of the Framework agreement Regional Monitoring Mechanism in Kinshasa in December.”
2021-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8884 (2021) · source
“That inclusive approach, which also gives pride of place to the involvement of women and young people, will be maintained throughout the implementation of the plan of action so as to foster alignment with the priorities of the States and the peoples of the region. In that regard, I would like to reiterate my commitment to working closely with all the United Nations entities concerned in the region as well as with the Peacebuilding Fund to ensure the full implementation of the plan of action. I would also like to call on the Council, and the international community more broadly, to support us in order to enable us to contribute effectively to consolidating the positive momentum in the region through the initiatives set out in the plan of action.”
2021-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8884 (2021) · source
“According to the World Health Organization, only 36 million doses of vaccine have been administered to date in a region of nearly 450 million people. I therefore reiterate the appeal launched by the Secretary-General for greater solidarity with developing countries to facilitate access to vaccines and strengthen existing health systems and structures. Responding effectively to those challenges while supporting the positive efforts under way will require a concerted approach from the States of the region, civil society, regional organizations, international partners and the United Nations. That is the rationale behind the plan of action for the Strategy for Peace Consolidation, Conflict Prevention and Conflict Resolution in the Great Lakes Region, which my Office developed in July during broad consultations.”
2021-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8884 (2021) · source
“In addition to actions for greater national ownership over the ICGLR Regional Initiative against the Illegal Exploitation of Natural Resources, participants from across the region and beyond proposed that my Office and the Executive Secretariat of the ICGLR undertake political advocacy to make transit and destination countries aware of the issue of smuggled minerals in order to support the efforts of the region. I have no doubt that the members of the Security Council will also make important proposals as part of our discussion today that could inform the efforts of the region. I cannot talk about the challenges affecting the region without saying a word about the persistence of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, which to some extent is contributing to the exacerbation of pre-existing socioeconomic vulnerabilities.”
2021-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8884 (2021) · source
“How to put an end to that is obviously an old question that haunts anyone interested in the region. It is with a view to renewing our collective thinking on this difficult issue that, working with the ICGLR and the Government of the Sudan, my Office co-organized a workshop on natural resources in Khartoum from 31 August to 2 September. The workshop resulted in 31 recommendations, both ambitious and realistic, aimed in particular at breaking the link between the smuggling of certain high-value minerals and the financing of armed groups.”
2021-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8884 (2021) · source
“Despite that progress, challenges remain. The ongoing activities of armed groups continue to be the main threat to peace and stability in the region. We see an upsurge in attacks by armed groups, whether it be by the Allied Democratic Forces in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo or those launched by the Résistance pour un État de droit au Burundi against the airport in Bujumbura in September. That violence continues to have serious consequences on the already fragile humanitarian situation as well as on the socioeconomic stability of the affected areas. Those negative forces also remain involved in the illicit exploitation of, and trade in, natural resources, the revenues of which finance their arms procurement and recruitment.”
2021-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8884 (2021) · source
“I would like to recall that that initiative, which my Office supports alongside the other guarantor institutions of the Framework agreement, involves Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania. In concrete terms, those measures aim at the concerted implementation of incentives for the surrender and voluntary disarmament of negative forces operating in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Those measures will complement the efforts led by the Democratic Republic of the Congo through its Disarmament, Demobilization, Community Recovery and Stabilization Programme. That is why my Office is working with MONUSCO and other entities to deploy an operational cell in Goma, which will be responsible for coordinating those promising initiatives on the ground.”
2021-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8884 (2021) · source
“I would also like to welcome the progress made in security cooperation in order to overcome the armed groups, the so-called negative forces, that are rampant in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. I take this opportunity to express, Madam President, my sincere gratitude to your country, Kenya, for the deployment of troops within the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO). An important aspect of those efforts at the regional level is the launching of the Contact and Coordination Group, which is responsible for coordinating the implementation of non-military measures to complement military operations against negative forces.”
2021-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8884 (2021) · source
“I am thinking of the bilateral meetings between the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and his counterparts from Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda; the various tours undertaken in the region by the President of Burundi and the President of Tanzania; and of course, the tireless commitment of the President of Angola, current Chair of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), to support national reconciliation efforts in the Central African Republic, alongside his peers. Furthermore, I welcome the peaceful conduct of elections in Zambia and the smooth handover of power between the outgoing President and the incoming President.”
2021-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8884 (2021) · source
“Ministerial consultations and the increase in State visits have given impetus to bilateral relations between the countries of the region, as evidenced by the revitalization of cooperation frameworks in areas as varied as security, trade, infrastructure, transport, natural resources and energy. We have thus witnessed an acceleration of efforts towards opening and rapprochement, together with a series of encouraging political and symbolic gestures.”
2021-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8884 (2021) · source
“It is meaningful because it reminds us that the countries of the region remain committed to peace and development, and timely because it calls on the international community to support these efforts, taking into account both the progress made and the challenges that persist. That is the spirit that guides me in carrying out my mandate. It is also the common thread of the Secretary- General’s latest report on the implementation, over the past six months, of the Framework for Peace, Security and Cooperation for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Region (S/2021/836). I wish to highlight here some salient features. First, I would like to highlight the ongoing political dialogue among the countries of the region.”
2021-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8884 (2021) · source
“Members will have noted that, on 7 October, the Nobel Committee awarded the 2021 Nobel Prize for Literature to the Tanzanian novelist Abdulrazak Gurnah. I extend my warm congratulations to the winner of that prestigious award, who, through his work, invites us to take a clear-eyed and compassionate look at the situation of thousands of refugees. While this literary news throws a harsh light on a painful question for the region, it is also an opportunity to celebrate the intellectual and artistic wealth of East Africa and the Great Lakes and of its writers, the privileged witnesses of our time. The theme of our meeting today — “Supporting the renewed commitment of the Great Lakes countries in seeking sustainable solutions to the root causes and drivers of conflict” — is meaningful and timely.”
2021-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8884 (2021) · source
“First of all, Madam President, allow me to wish you a happy National Heroes’ Day — Happy Mashuuja Day! I would then like, Madam President, to congratulate you on your country’s assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for this month of October and to thank you for having convened this high-level meeting devoted to the Great Lakes region. This initiative, like others planned this month under the auspices of your country, is a testament — as if one were still necessary — of Kenya’s commitment to the region and to the major issues of concern to the African continent. Allow me also, just this once, to say a word about an important cultural event and to share the Council’s celebration of the good news from Stockholm.”
2021-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8884 (2021) · source
“I know that I can still count on your support in pursuit of our common goal: a peaceful, stable and prosperous Great Lakes region.”
2021-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/351 (2021) · source
“It goes without saying, however, that in line with the aims of the regional Strategy, my Office will remain fully mobilized on other equally urgent issues — support for the recovery efforts of countries of the region, the promotion of human rights and the fight against impunity, and the mobilization of youth organizations and women’s organizations, including the Advisory Board for Women, Peace and Security in the Great Lakes Region, to advance the objectives of the Framework agreement. In conclusion, I would like to express my deep gratitude to all the members of the Security Council, to the Peacebuilding Commission and to other States that have continuously provided financial and technical support to my Office for the implementation of my mandate since I took office in 2019.”
2021-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/351 (2021) · source
“Fourthly, in collaboration with the ICGLR and the German Agency for International Cooperation, my Office intends to organize a high-level regional workshop with the objective of developing a three-year regional action plan focused on increasing synergy among all actors and partners so as to promote transparent natural resource management in the region. These four priorities will keep us busy in the coming months.”
2021-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/351 (2021) · source
“The issue of armed groups will not be resolved once and for all unless, as has often been said, we address the root causes of instability in the region, and in particular the illegal exploitation of natural resources. Aware of the key role of these resources for the development and prosperity of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the other countries of the region, we must therefore reflect on an innovative approach to combat the illicit exploitation of, and trade in, natural resources.”
2021-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/351 (2021) · source
“First, I will continue the Secretary-General’s good offices to support the ongoing efforts of rapprochement and political dialogue in the region. Building on the successful engagement I have had with the authorities of the countries of the region and in keeping with a patient and discreet approach, I will resume consultations, as appropriate, subject to the evolving pandemic. Secondly, alongside the guarantors of the Framework agreement and with the support of MONUSCO, we will provide all the necessary support for the operationalization of the contact and coordination group on non-military measures. Furthermore, we will pursue high-level political advocacy and mobilize the necessary resources to achieve the desired objectives. Thirdly, we must protect natural resources.”
2021-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/351 (2021) · source
“In that spirit, I will continue to engage with the countries and organizations of the region, my fellow Special Representatives of the Secretary-General operating in the region, the Resident Coordinators, as well as experts and civil society organizations, in order to develop a Strategy action plan. The aim will be to identify priority actions together, duly considering the progress being made and the persistent challenges, as well as the comparative advantages of each country and, above all, the needs of the countries of the region. In addition to the elaboration of the action plan for a coordinated implementation of our collective Strategy, in the coming weeks my Office will focus on a few priority tasks that I would like to share with you before concluding.”
2021-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/351 (2021) · source
“That is one of the main challenges and objectives of the United Nations Strategy for Peace Consolidation, Conflict Prevention and Conflict Resolution in the Great Lakes Region, prepared by my Office at the request of the Secretary-General and transmitted to the Security Council on 3 December. Indeed, the Strategy intends to make the most of the various United Nations entities present in the region to better serve its people and countries in their quest for peace, stability and sustainable development. We will do so with the Council’s support and the cooperation of the countries that signed the Framework agreement, keeping in mind the requirements of the peace-humanitarian- development nexus.”
2021-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/351 (2021) · source
“While it is difficult to put an end to armed group activity, I am convinced that it is not impossible to dream of a Great Lakes region free of the horrors of electoral violence, provided that we have the means to bring it about, particularly through stepping up preventive action. I therefore call on all people of goodwill to mobilize to promote a calm environment conducive to the holding of inclusive, free and transparent elections, in full compliance with the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance. The region seems to be firmly on the right track to addressing the security, political and economic challenges that plague it. However, it will need the continued support of the international community.”
2021-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/351 (2021) · source
“Among them, I remain particularly concerned about the level of violence that continues to affect the safety of individuals, especially women and youth, and to impede the full development of communities. The continued violence perpetrated by armed groups is appalling. We must put an end to it — not only through the strong measures under way, but also through the use of justice. I would like to welcome the various exemplary verdicts reached against leaders of armed groups in recent months, both in the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s national courts and in the International Criminal Court. Unfortunately, some countries of the region have experienced elections marred by violence and loss of life.”
2021-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/351 (2021) · source
“I would also like to encourage Burundi and Rwanda in their efforts to improve their relations. In recent months, we have witnessed a series of encouraging gestures that testify to the common will of both countries to move forward. I am referring to meetings between the Ministers for Foreign Affairs, consultations between the security services on securing the border zone and the return of Burundian refugees. All of this augurs well and, with the consent of the authorities, I intend to continue to play my part in helping these two brotherly countries to consolidate those achievements and to remove any obstacle to the definitive and unreserved normalization of their relations. Despite this progress, the region continues to face certain challenges, exacerbated by COVID-19.”
2021-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/351 (2021) · source
“Still in the context of strengthening regional political cooperation, I would also like to pay tribute to President Lourenço of Angola, who, before taking over the chairmanship of the ICGLR in November, had already committed — alongside his counterpart from the Democratic Republic of the Congo — to bringing Rwanda and Uganda closer together in the framework of the quadripartite process. During my latest tour of the region, the main actors all assured me of their firm commitment to remain involved in this process. In view of this expression of political will, I encourage Presidents Lourenço and Tshilombo Tshisekedi to continue their efforts to ensure that this process reaches a successful conclusion, and I reiterate my readiness to support them, if necessary.”
2021-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/351 (2021) · source
“We can achieve this ambitious goal if, in addition to the military actions under way, we also work to put in place non-military arrangements as part of a comprehensive and coordinated approach, as requested by the Heads of State of the region at their summit on 20 November. In that respect, I am pleased to announce that the guarantors of the Framework agreement are supporting the operationalization of the contact and coordination group, thus bringing together civilian and military experts from the countries of the region. The group’s first meeting should be held in the next few weeks in order to further spell out the package of non-military measures to be taken, as well as a possible implementation programme.”
2021-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/351 (2021) · source
“On the political and security front, President Tshilombo Tshisekedi has continued to engage his counterparts in the region, in particular Presidents Kagame, Museveni and Ndayishimiye, in an effort to find concerted and lasting solutions to the issue of armed groups that continue to cause chaos in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. I commend these efforts and reiterate my commitment to support the Heads of State so that the region can overcome this scourge, with the support of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) and in close collaboration with the other guarantor institutions of the Framework agreement — the African Union, the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) and the Southern African Development Community.”
2021-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/351 (2021) · source
“I invite the members of the Security Council to continue mobilizing to promote more equitable and affordable access to vaccines, including in areas of armed conflict, in accordance with resolution 2565 (2021), adopted on 26 February. I also reiterate my call to the international community to continue to support the countries of the region in their fight against the pandemic. Despite this particularly difficult context, the leaders of the region have maintained their commitment to the Addis Ababa Framework agreement, as demonstrated by several political, security, judicial and economic initiatives. Let me highlight a few.”
2021-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/351 (2021) · source
“I would like to pay my respects to their memory and express my solidarity with those who are still suffering the negative consequences of the pandemic, including women, who are disproportionately affected. Against the backdrop of this difficult situation, the Governments and the peoples of the region continue to show resilience and determination. To them, I would like to express my sympathy and admiration. Let me also commend the Governments of the region that have put in place programmes to mitigate the negative effects of the pandemic, as well as those that, through the COVID-19 Vaccine Global Access Facility and other means, have started vaccination campaigns. Using a conservative estimate, those campaigns have delivered just over 1 million doses in the region.”
2021-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/351 (2021) · source
“I thank you for this opportunity to present the Secretary-General’s latest report (S/2021/306) on the implementation of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Region. At the outset, I wish to reiterate my sincere condolences to the Government and the people of the United Republic of Tanzania for the death of President John Pombe Joseph Magufuli on 17 March. I extend my warmest congratulations and best wishes to President Hassan on her accession to the highest office. It has been one year since the first case of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was reported in the region. Since then, nearly 2 million cases have been reported across the 13 countries that signed the Framework agreement. More than 60,000 lives have been lost.”
2021-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/351 (2021) · source
“Finally, given the alarming economic impact of COVID-19, it will be just as important to step up efforts for dynamic economic cooperation around cross-border projects and the collective management of natural resources, focusing on a holistic approach, inclusive of all stakeholders and drawing strengthened regional mechanisms, in particular those of the ICGLR. Despite the remaining challenges, not least the pandemic, the people and the countries of the Great Lakes region continue to show great resilience and determination to move forward. I call on the Security Council to remain committed and sustain its support for the region.”
2020-10-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8767 (2020) · source
“There is scope in the Great Lakes region for discreet and progressive diplomacy on certain sensitive issues harming regional relations. My discreet but committed action in support of the initiatives under way by the four countries of the region will continue. Moreover, I will continue working in close collaboration with MONUSCO, the Resident Coordinators of the United Nations system, as well as the co-guarantor institutions of the Framework agreement, to promote non-military measures within the fight against spoilers. High-level political buy-in and adequate resources are essential to improve the regional security environment. In that context, the holding of the next summit of the Regional Follow-up Mechanism will be crucial to secure political support at the highest level from the countries of the region.”
2020-10-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8767 (2020) · source
“Those priorities aim to provide a comprehensive 10-year road map for United Nations action in the region focusing on a number of concrete priority actions, particularly in the areas of preventive diplomacy, security cooperation, development, the promotion of human rights and strengthening of the role of women and young people by the year 2023, marking the tenth anniversary of the Framework agreement. Of course, the efforts of the United Nations will be effective only if it wins the support of all, not only full ownership by the countries and organizations in the region but also continuous support from the international community. I therefore call for the Council’s support in that regard. I would like to conclude, as always, on a hopeful note for a region that has come a long way.”
2020-10-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8767 (2020) · source
“During my last visit, I referred to the steps taken for the development of the United Nations strategy for peace consolidation and conflict resolution and prevention in the Great Lakes region, at the request of the Secretary-General. I am pleased to inform the Council that, following an inclusive process and thanks to the valuable contributions from all countries and partners in the region, I submitted the strategy here at Headquarters yesterday for the attention of the Secretary-General. Subject to what action the Secretary-General may wish to take, I can already indicate that 10 priorities, structured around three pillars — namely, peace, security and justice; sustainable development and collective prosperity; and resilience to old and new challenges — emerged from the various consultations held.”
2020-10-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8767 (2020) · source
“However, conscious the remaining challenges and in the face of the devastating effects of the pandemic on women, my Office organized, on 28 July and 11 and 20 August, three round tables on women’s private entrepreneurship, the prevention of sexual and gender-based violence, as well as women’s political participation in the context of COVID-19. The conclusions of those consultations recommend the full integration of the women and peace and security agenda into peacebuilding and development efforts in the Great Lakes region, in particular through strengthened partnerships and effective engagement with women and young people.”
2020-10-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8767 (2020) · source
“With regard to my fifth priority, I note with satisfaction the decision of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to organize a virtual meeting of the Regional Oversight Mechanism in order to overcome the constraints imposed by the pandemic. The Conference on Investment and Trade will be organized by the Rwandan authorities in 2021. As we mark the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000), I welcome the progress made in the Great Lakes region, whose countries are among the 25 nations with the highest rates of parliamentary representation of women in the world.”
2020-10-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8767 (2020) · source
“Regarding regional security cooperation, my Office remained in close contact with the ICGLR to identify avenues of action for increased support for the efforts of the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism of the ICGLR. We will also continue to work to promote non-military measures, such as strengthening disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programmes at the regional level. With regard to efforts to promote transparent and sustainable use of natural resources, my fourth priority, the preliminary results of a study commissioned by my Office have shown that, even in the midst of a pandemic, illicit trade in minerals in the region, unfortunately, continues unabated, primarily thanks to the strong price performance of gold, the safe haven par excellence during periods of uncertainty.”
2020-10-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8767 (2020) · source
“While, to date, significant resources have been mobilized for the countries of the region, the International Monetary Fund considers them insufficient for launching an ambitious recovery. I reiterate the importance of greater support from international partners for countries in the region. We must seek to facilitate their access to options, such as financial relief, most applicable to their needs, including but not limited to debt relief and restructuring initiatives. Turning to support for dialogue efforts — my second priority — the fruitful consultations I had with the authorities of Angola, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and Rwanda, among others, gave me hope for improvement in good neighbourly relations and for regional stability.”
2020-10-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8767 (2020) · source
“For my part, I intend to continue my advocacy among the countries of the region for them to strengthen their fight against impunity, in particular by effectively implementing the Nairobi Declaration on Justice and Good Governance. Let me to say something about the initiatives I have carried out since I last addressed the Council on 22 April, in particular on cooperation with the African Union and the ICGLR with a view to advancing the implementation of the Framework agreement centred around the five priorities that I had identified. With regard to the mobilization of the international community in favour of the countries of the region — my top priority — we asked the Peacebuilding Commission and international financial institutions to provide continuous support to the region, given the devastating consequences of the pandemic.”
2020-10-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8767 (2020) · source