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Huitfeldt

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33

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2021-12-07

most recent

2022-12-20

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5

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un-security-council

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1. “More than two thirds of the Afghan population will need humanitarian assistance in the coming year. The Taliban are imposing restrictions on human rights in violation of Afghanistan’s international obligations. The hopes many Afghans had for greater stability and security are fading. The picture is bleak, but the Afghan people are not giving up hope. The Council must be consistent and owes it to the Afghan people not to give up, either.”

   2022-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9227 (2022) · source

2. “In March, we were able to adopt a renewed mandate for the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), covering all pillars of the Charter of the United Nations (resolution 2626 (2022)). Let me once again express Norway’s gratitude to the representatives of Afghan civil society who worked so closely with us to achieve that success. The only way we can steer a way through the challenging crisis Afghanistan is facing is to listen to its people. The Council has equipped UNAMA with a strong mandate. UNAMA should take the lead in translating that mandate into joint international action. The Council must also continue to listen to Afghan voices — to the Afghan women and men who directly convey the experiences and interests of the Afghan people. The Afghan people are facing yet another brutal winter.”

   2022-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9227 (2022) · source

3. “It is the Afghan population that bears the brunt of the Taliban’s actions, but instability in Afghanistan is also a threat to international peace and security. Against that backdrop, it is essential that the Security Council remain united in support of the Afghan people. We must focus on what we can do to create leverage and to make our message heard in order to deliver basic services and rights. For the past two years, Norway has been the penholder on the Afghanistan file in the Council. Our main focus has been on strengthening international support for the Afghan people. I am encouraged by the ability of the Council to find pragmatic solutions to a politically challenging situation.”

   2022-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9227 (2022) · source

4. “We believe that it is necessary to talk to those who are in power, but we must do so with our eyes open and avoid giving legitimacy to the Taliban. At the beginning of the year, we invited the Taliban to Norway. Many were surprised and disappointed by that decision, but I remain convinced that the stakes in Afghanistan are too high for us to look the other way. History has taught us that no one will benefit if the country descends into civil war or becomes a place where terrorist groups thrive. Today the Islamic State poses an increasing threat in Afghanistan. If not contained, that threat could also spread more widely in the region and internationally. The Taliban must ensure that Afghan territory is not used to plan or finance terrorist acts, or to shelter or train terrorists.”

   2022-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9227 (2022) · source

5. “Since the Taliban took power by force, Norway’s message has been clear: we will judge the Taliban by their actions, not by their words. Thus far, we are deeply disappointed. We see that security for many Afghan people has improved, but without a representative and responsible Government there can be no stability. Most women and girls have no access to education, to work, to freedom of movement or to free speech. On many levels, women have basically been erased from public life. Moreover, the targeting of vulnerable minority groups is unacceptable. This is a human rights crisis. It is also bad for the economy. Sustainable development in Afghanistan is impossible if half the population is excluded. Norway has been at the forefront of arguing for continued contact with the Taliban.”

   2022-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9227 (2022) · source

6. “Today Afghanistan is the only country in the world in which girls are denied access to education. That cannot continue. Nevertheless, throughout a very challenging year for international diplomacy, the Council has managed to come together on the subject of Afghanistan. The Security Council has, with one voice, expressed concern over the increasing erosion of respect for the human rights of the Afghan people, especially for women and girls. We also agree that it is important to prevent international terrorist organizations from gaining a foothold in the country, and we are all concerned that the lack of a legitimate and representative Government poses a threat to the country’s stability. Together, we must clearly communicate our expectations to the Taliban.”

   2022-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9227 (2022) · source

7. “I would like to thank Special Representative Otunbayeva, Under-Secretary- General Griffiths and Ms. Seraj, for their extremely valuable briefings. I am pleased to hear today from Ms. Seraj, who took part in our meeting with the Taliban in Oslo and, as she just mentioned, also briefed the Security Council in January during Norway’s presidency (see S/PV.8954). I think that everyone around this table took note of her very thought- provoking message regarding the difficult situation in Afghanistan. Norway will do all it can to support the Afghan people, including once we leave the Council. As this is one of Norway’s last statements during its current Security Council tenure, allow me to emphasize one of the core pillars of our membership, namely, the importance of being consistent.”

   2022-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9227 (2022) · source

8. “And I echo the Secretary-General in urging full implementation of the Comprehensive Programme for Safeguards for Women Leaders and Human Rights Defenders. Likewise, we call upon all parties to uphold their obligations under international law and implement in Colombia the conclusions of the Security Council Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict. Council members must agree on a renewal of the mandate that will enable the United Nations Mission to continue its support for peace and stability in Colombia. Norway remains committed to working with Colombia to secure lasting peace.”

   2022-10-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9151 (2022) · source

9. “It is an important job, as much still needs to be done on questions where ethnicity is a factor. Colombia’s transitional justice system continues to impress us. The Truth Commission’s final report contains important recommendations, which I am pleased to see the Government is taking seriously. We also commend the Government for convening the National Commission for Security Guarantees. This Commission has the potential to address the root causes of violence, which would in turn improve security conditions for human rights defenders and former combatants. That is vital, given the dire security situation of these groups. More than 340 former FARC soldiers have lost their lives since 2016. This cannot continue. A specific focus on the challenges faced by women human rights defenders is also needed.”

   2022-10-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9151 (2022) · source

10. “I would like to commend the Government for moving quickly to re-engage with the ELN, and not least for working closely with Cuba. “Total peace” is a tall order. It will be complicated. It will take time. And it will call for approaches and methods different from the ones we are used to. But we stand ready to assist in the Government’s effort to promote dialogue and the disarmament of other armed groups, if so requested. Land reform and access to land are key to a peaceful and prosperous Colombia. I am pleased to see that the Government is working hard to find just and sustainable solutions to the root causes of the conflict. International support has been proved to be essential for the implementation of the agreement. I applaud the United States for recently taking a special role in the implementation of the ethnic chapter of the accord.”

    2022-10-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9151 (2022) · source

11. “The new Government and the representatives of the former Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia-Ejército del Pueblo (FARC-EP) renewed their unconditional commitment to the peace agreement. This and the other bilateral arenas for dialogue must be used effectively. They are crucial to the successful implementation of the peace agreement. Peace is at the top of President Petro Urrego’s agenda. His flagship policy — “total peace” — is ambitious. Yet achieving nationwide peace and security is long overdue. Norway remains fully committed to the Colombian peace process. We remain a guarantor country in the implementation of the 2016 peace accord, and we have been asked to continue in the negotiations with the Ejército de Liberación Nacional (ELN).”

    2022-10-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9151 (2022) · source

12. “We thank Mr. Ruiz Massieu for his briefing and offer our congratulations to President Gustavo Petro Urrego, represented in the Chamber today by Foreign Minister Leyva Durán, on his election victory. We wish to extend a warm welcome to Foreign Minister Leyva Durán. Let me also thank the briefers for their valuable insights. As a former Minister of Children and Equality, I would first like to commend Colombia for taking major steps towards greater inclusiveness. A cabinet with gender parity is a sign of a Government that takes equality seriously. Women’s representation in Congress, where one out of three members are now women, is equally encouraging. We also celebrate the first meeting of the Commission for the Follow-Up, Promotion and Verification of the Implementation of the Final Peace Agreement.”

    2022-10-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9151 (2022) · source

13. “But another key component of the programme is capacity-building for women and young people, which benefits the community as a whole. Thirdly and finally, we must explore new approaches to mediation and peacebuilding. As highlighted by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, environmental peacebuilding offers promising avenues for addressing conflict risks. Dialogue on climate and environmental issues can pave the way for broader discussions on difficult issues and help to build trust. We should therefore start expanding our narrative from talking about climate and security to talking about climate and peace and security.”

    2022-10-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9150 (2022) · source

14. “Doing that will require a steep increase in financing for adaptation, resilience, peacebuilding and early warning. Norway will do its part. We will double our climate financing and at least triple our support to climate adaptation by 2026. Secondly, we need to ensure meaningful participation by those who are most affected. We must build on local knowledge and expertise and ensure local ownership. We must connect solutions to climate and security challenges with other agendas that African countries prioritize, such as women and peace and security and youth and peace and security. One good example of that is in the Niger, where Norwegian and national institutions are working together to help farmers adapt to climate change. The aim is to strengthen food security, generate income and create new jobs for thousands of people.”

    2022-10-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9150 (2022) · source

15. “That should not be controversial. Norway has worked to ensure that climate risks and their peace and security impacts are reflected in Council resolutions and statements. In the case of South Sudan for instance, climate and security aspects are now included in country-specific reports and briefings. That matters. We must also recognize that climate-related security risks cannot be addressed through military or security measures. Climate and security must instead be viewed as an integral part of crisis and conflict prevention and as an essential component in peacebuilding. Going forward, I would like to suggest that we focus on three key areas. First, we need to build climate-resilient communities, infrastructure and livelihoods. That can prevent tensions and avert a return to conflict.”

    2022-10-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9150 (2022) · source

16. “The climate crisis is rapidly getting worse. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has warned us that nearly half of humankind is already living in the danger zone. Let me first start by thanking Gabon for firmly placing climate-related security risks on the Security Council’s agenda. I would also like to thank Ms. Pobee, Mr. Gahouma-Bekale and Mr. Youssef for their important insights to this debate. Climate change and environmental degradation are drivers of instability and conflict. We know that. In Africa, water stress, droughts and floods are hitting communities, economies and ecosystems hard. There is strong evidence that the impact of climate change can drive conflict, and that it is a serious challenge to peacebuilding and peacekeeping. That clearly makes climate and security an issue for the Security Council.”

    2022-10-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9150 (2022) · source

17. “There are still a number of speakers remaining on my list for this meeting. With the concurrence of the members of the Security Council, I intend to suspend the meeting until 3 p.m. The meeting was suspended at 1.25 p.m.”

    2022-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8950 (2022) · source

18. “I would like to remind all speakers to limit their statements to no more than four minutes to enable the Council to carry out its work expeditiously. Flashing lights on the microphone collars will prompt speakers to bring their remarks to a close after four minutes. I now give the floor to the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary.”

    2022-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8950 (2022) · source

19. “I now call on the Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for Political Affairs of the United Arab Emirates.”

    2022-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8950 (2022) · source

20. “Agreed immediate steps in the right direction would help steer the situation onto a better track. In conclusion, I would like to remind us all that parameters for the two-State solution have been established by the Security Council, most recently in resolution 2334 (2016), and we continue to support a return to negotiations based on the 1967 lines, the relevant Security Council resolutions, international law and internationally agreed parameters. I now resume my functions as President of the Council. I call on the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration of the Republic of Ghana.”

    2022-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8950 (2022) · source

21. “United Nations agencies, especially the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), are the international community’s main instruments in Gaza. We must ensure that UNRWA can continue to meet the critical needs of Palestine refugees. Fifthly, I welcome the normalization of relations between Israel and several Arab States. It is essential that the Palestinians also be involved and benefit from the process. Meaningful progress in the negotiations between the Israelis and the Palestinians would reinforce the process of normalization and promote stability in the region. Sixthly, resuming negotiations is a matter of urgency. The issue of borders and territory must be resolved before it is too late. I urge the parties to explore how they can resume talks, even if they are not ready to start yet.”

    2022-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8950 (2022) · source

22. “The donor group that Norway chairs has outlined a programme for continued Palestinian State-building. We must implement it. I call on the Palestinian Authority to strengthen its democratic legitimacy among its people. I call on the factions to revive efforts to achieve unity in Palestine. We, the international community, must provide support and do our part. We should cooperate with any Palestinian Government that rejects the use of violence and adheres to previous agreements made by the Palestine Liberation Organization. Fourthly, the situation for the people in Gaza must be improved. I welcome Israel’s willingness to adjust its policies, including increasing movement and trade. I call for long-term solutions, a ceasefire and calm. People on both sides will benefit. They want to live in security.”

    2022-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8950 (2022) · source

23. “All civilians must be protected in accordance with international humanitarian law. Human rights must be respected. Human rights defenders must be protected. A vibrant civil society in Palestine is crucial. Secondly, Israel must cease settlement building, demolitions and evictions. The settlements on occupied land are illegal under international law. They undermine the prospects of a two-State solution, and they escalate the conflict. Last night, another Palestinian family was evicted from their home in East Jerusalem. This must stop. Furthermore, the historic status quo at the holy sites in Jerusalem must be respected. Thirdly, a strong Palestinian Authority is needed. I call on Israel to revise policies and actions that weaken the Palestinian Authority and the economy.”

    2022-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8950 (2022) · source

24. “I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Norway. I thank Special Coordinator Tor Wennesland for his briefing. I also want to thank Gidon Bromberg and Nada Majdalani of EcoPeace Middle East for being here today. Their climate and security work is a good example of how important it is to support regional and local peacebuilding and trust-building initiatives and how addressing shared problems can be a possible entry point for finding common ground. Norway’s unwavering support for a negotiated two- State solution remains unchanged. At present, the goal seems distant. Conflict and tensions are running high. In 2022, we must steer the situation onto a better track. First, the violence and acts of terrorism must be stopped.”

    2022-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8950 (2022) · source

25. “I thank Mr. Bromberg for his briefing. I now call on the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Observer State of Palestine.”

    2022-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8950 (2022) · source

26. “Before we begin with our speakers list today — recalling the Security Council’s latest note by the President (S/2017/507) on its working methods — I wish to encourage all speakers, both members and non-members of the Council, to deliver their statements in five minutes or less. Note 507 also encourages briefers to be succinct and focus on key issues. In that spirit, briefers are further encouraged to limit their initial remarks to seven to 10 minutes. Everyone is also encouraged to wear a mask at all times, including while delivering remarks. I now give the floor to Mr. Wennesland.”

    2022-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8950 (2022) · source

27. “Tor Wennesland, Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process; Ms. Nada Majdalani, Palestine Director of EcoPeace Middle East; and Mr. Gidon Bromberg, co-Founder and Israel Director of EcoPeace Middle East. In accordance with rule 39 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the following to participate in this meeting: His Excellency Mr. Olof Skoog, Head of the Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations; His Excellency Mr. Maged Abdelfattah Abdelaziz, Permanent Observer of the League of Arab States to the United Nations; and His Excellency Mr. Arrmanatha Christiawan Nasir, Vice-Chair of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda.”

    2022-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8950 (2022) · source

28. “In accordance with rule 37 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representatives of Argentina, Bahrain, Chile, Cuba, Egypt, Hungary, Indonesia, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, the Syrian Arab Republic and Turkey to participate in this meeting. I propose that the Council invite the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the Observer State of Palestine to participate in the meeting, in accordance with the provisional rules of procedure and the previous practice in this regard. There being no objection, it is so decided. On behalf of the Council, I welcome His Excellency Mr. Riad Al-Malki. In accordance with rule 39 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the following briefers to participate in the meeting: Mr.”

    2022-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8950 (2022) · source

29. “It can count on our continued support for its work to improve the situation for those who are forced to flee and support for host communities. The challenges are enormous, but we have no other option than continuing to work better together to prevent, protect and support.”

    2021-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8919 (2021) · source

30. “We need better, more reliable information and data on climate and security risks. The work of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in the Sahel is an encouraging example of how to address those links. We know that the impacts of modern warfare on the civilian population are devastating. The risk is particularly high when armed conflicts take place in densely populated areas. All parties to conflict must comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law. They must ensure the protection of civilians. Strengthening the protection of civilians will reduce forced displacement, and I urge everyone to recognize the connection between those two. Norway is a strong supporter of UNHCR and the tremendous work it does for the most vulnerable among us.”

    2021-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8919 (2021) · source

31. “Too often we act too late, with devastating effects on people and communities. We must aim our efforts at preventing situations that force people to flee. That means focusing on armed conflict, climate change and poverty. Secondly, we must strengthen the links among our humanitarian, development, peacebuilding and human rights work. For our part, that is reflected in Norway’s strong commitment to the principles of the nexus. That approach is now being put to the test in Afghanistan. Humanitarian and development actors need to work closely together to avoid a humanitarian catastrophe. If we fail, 20 years of development gains will be at risk. Thirdly, we must recognize that there are complex links among climate change, natural disasters, vulnerability and displacement.”

    2021-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8919 (2021) · source

32. “On top of that, the pandemic has made the situation for the most vulnerable even worse. Let me be clear — we must all help. I believe that we should first help those who are in the most vulnerable situations. For Norway, that means refugees and internally displaced persons, living in camps and settlements. However, we know that helping and responding to humanitarian needs will not, in itself, tackle the root causes of displacement. We need political will. There is a new momentum created by the High-level Panel on Internal Displacement. Let us use that momentum to strengthen our efforts to find solutions to internal displacement. I believe that we, as an international community, must do three things to address displacement. First of all, we must focus on prevention.”

    2021-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8919 (2021) · source

33. “First of all, let me thank the High Commissioner for his very important briefing to us today. Sadly, the high numbers and the grave situations that he highlighted are not new to us, but that does not make them any less serious. I took note of several of his statements, for example when he underlined the number of refugees in the world living in developing countries. When people leave everything behind to escape from conflict and natural disasters, they often become internally displaced or they seek refuge in neighbouring countries, adding strain to already fragile communities, with many finding shelter in the refugee camps managed by the United Nations and others. Others end up in dangerous situations at the mercy of ruthless smugglers or become unwilling pieces in international power politics.”

    2021-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8919 (2021) · source