YouSaid · the spoken record

Inga Rhonda King

lines on the record: 405
first: 2020-03-30
most recent: 2021-05-26
sittings or episodes: 71
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

“Homes, schools, medical facilities and other essential infrastructure have been decimated, precipitating one of the world’s largest refugee and displacement crises and depriving millions of the fundamental human rights to education and an adequate standard of living, inclusive of health care and other social services. Vulnerabilities are high and women and children are most at risk. It is past time to change this. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines remains committed to helping the people of Syria and supporting the Syrian-owned and Syrian-led political process, which is the only path towards lasting peace and stability.”
2021-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/506 (2021) · source
“They are further necessary for the maintenance of regional peace and stability. However, we reiterate that these activities must be conducted strictly within the confines of the principles of international law. We firmly condemn all acts committed in violation of internationa l law, for which perpetrators must be held to account. On the point of sovereignty, we reiterate that respect for this enduring principle dictates the withdrawal of all unauthorized foreign forces present on Syria’s territory. Ten years of war have devastated Syria.”
2021-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/506 (2021) · source
“The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic continues to pose a significant challenge for Syria. We are therefore pleased to note that COVID-19 vaccinations commenced in May, and we commend those countries who have provided additional vaccines to the country. The fight against COVID-19 requires international cooperation and global solidarity. Despite the ceasefire agreement of March 2020, Syria’s security situation remains extremely volatile, placing civilians and civilian infrastructure under constant threat. We echo the Special Envoy’s appeal for an immediate nationwide ceasefire to ensure the protection of civilians and to prevent the further destruction of the country’s infrastructure. Operations aimed at eradicating the scourge of terrorism are necessary to protect Syria’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.”
2021-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/506 (2021) · source
“Regarding the multidimensional humanitarian response, there is currently no alternative to the cross-border mechanism, and we therefore remain in support of it. Indeed, it is imperative that both the cross-border and the cross-line modalities be scaled up and optimized to provide timely, safe, sustained and unimpeded humanitarian access to meet the vast humanitarian needs. This ought to be done in line with the guiding principles of humanitarian assistance and in coordination with the Syrian Government. We are concerned by the reports of reduced water levels in the Euphrates River. This matter must be closely monitored, as it threatens the lives and livelihoods of millions of Syrians who are dependent on its supply for drinking water, the irrigation of crops and the generation of electricity.”
2021-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/506 (2021) · source
“The undertaking of confidence-building measures, such as through action on the issues of missing persons and detainees, must also be prioritized to contribute to the viability of the wider political process, and here, too, we applaud Mr. Pedersen for his efforts. As the political and humanitarian situations are undoubtedly inextricably linked, the improvement of the worsening humanitarian crisis is dependent on a comprehensive political resolution to the conflict. It is further dependent on pragmatic international support. As such, we echo our appeal for the lifting of all unilateral coercive measures which have been imposed on Syria and have adversely impacted the country’s overall socioeconomic condition.”
2021-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/506 (2021) · source
“I thank the President, and I also thank Under-Secretary-General Lowcock and Special Envoy Pedersen for their usual informative briefings. Once again, we begin by saying that a sustainable peace in Syria can only be attained through a negotiated political solution that is in accordance with Security Council resolution 2254 (2015). In this regard, the Constitutional Committee remains a vital component in the wider political process. We remain hopeful that the next session of the Committee will be convened soon and will yield positive results. We encourage all parties to remain committed to working together in a spirit of mutual respect and compromise, and we thank Mr. Pedersen for his tireless efforts in this regard.”
2021-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/506 (2021) · source
“Finally, there is a need to bolster unarmed approaches to the protection of civilians, drawing on the success stories registered in regions of countries such as the Central African Republic, Mali and South Sudan. A combination of local and national ownership, as well as United Nations mission support for local conflict resolution mechanisms, mediation and locally derived pacific solutions to conflict, are far more likely to register long-term success.”
2021-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/505 (2021) · source
“That framework is important in promoting national ownership and enhancing the capacities of the G-5 Sahel countries, to that effect. Efforts to enhance compliance within peacekeeping operations and national security forces must occur alongside the use of force to secure peace. Developing conflict early warning systems through community alert networks and public information and reporting systems will help peacekeeping operations gather and analyse information on threats to civilians in a timely manner. Peacekeeping operations and special political missions in collaboration with the Peacebuilding Commission must continue to work with Governments to strengthen State institutions. That includes support for national capacity development to protect civilians during mission transition.”
2021-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/505 (2021) · source
“That is the surest way to guarantee enhanced and sustainable lives and livelihoods for civilians in conflict and post-conflict contexts in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. Access to quality education for all children, especially in conflict-affected areas, remains critical. As such, the A3+1 condemn all attacks against schools and related personnel. Before concluding, we wish to add that the application of protection of civilians policies and operational guidelines by international, regional and national security forces is critical. In that regard, we commend the continued implementation of the Group of Five for the Sahel (G-5 Sahel) Joint Force compliance framework to prevent civilians from harm during counter-terrorism and other military operations.”
2021-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/505 (2021) · source
“There is also an urgent need to expand production capacities in developing countries, including across the African continent, and in support of equitable vaccine access. Our fifth point is that durable peace and the long-term protection of civilians require ongoing attention to the root causes of conflict. Continued and enhanced cooperation and coordination among key stakeholders within the multilateral system, regional institutions, national Governments, communities and civil society are critical. Regionally derived and nationally owned pathways to security and development that embed climate-, gender- and age-responsive approaches, such as the African Union’s Silencing the Guns in Africa by 2020 initiative and its Agenda 2063, must receive the full support of the international community.”
2021-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/505 (2021) · source
“We must redouble our efforts to prevent and redress attacks and threats against the wounded and sick, medical and humanitarian personnel and medical transport and equipment, as well as attacks against hospitals and other medical facilities, in line with resolution 2286 (2016). Further, the A3+1 underscores the need for the accelerated implementation of resolution 2565 (2021). That requires increased support from the international community to regional institutions and Governments to ensure inclusive national vaccination that targets all civilians, including refugees, displaced persons, persons with disabilities, detained persons, migrants and persons living in areas controlled by non-State armed groups.”
2021-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/505 (2021) · source
“In view of that situation, it is necessary to review the policy of disembarking migrants and refugees intercepted at sea on Libyan soil where, moreover, the presence of foreign fighters and mercenaries continue to jeopardize stabilization efforts. Turning to the global health crisis, the pandemic has both heightened the exposure of women and girls to sexual and gender-based violence and reduced their access to justice, reparations and critical health care and other psychosocial services. Overall, the coronavirus disease has emphasized the long-term consequences for civilians of attacks on health, educational and other critical civilian infrastructure, including water and sanitation services.”
2021-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/505 (2021) · source
“We call for swift and appropriate survivor-centred actions to not only end impunity but also to meet the ongoing psychosocial needs of survivors and victims. We further welcome the positive steps taken by the Secretary-General, including troop- and police- contributing countries, to prevent, respond and take remedial action against sexual exploitation and abuse. The A3+1 reiterates its concerns about the living conditions of migrants and refugees, notably those intercepted at sea and disembarked on Libyan soil, where migrant women, in overcrowded detention centres, face violations of all kinds, including sexual violence.”
2021-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/505 (2021) · source
“We welcome the ceasefire reached and call on the parties to uphold the agreement and to act seriously to implement it. We also stress the need for the immediate provision of humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian civilian population, particularly in Gaza, and call for the expeditious and unimpeded delivery of such humanitarian assistance. Our next point relates to accountability. Impunity for actors who violate international humanitarian and human rights law, as well as all relevant legal frameworks on the protection of civilians, cannot be tolerated. Likewise, there must be accountability for sexual exploitation and abuse committed under the United Nations flag. One egregious example is the insufficient redress for survivors and victims of sexual violence in Haiti.”
2021-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/505 (2021) · source
“Today, we take this opportunity to address further protection concerns in relation to the global health and economic crises, conflict prevention and resolution and compliance with international law by making five key points. First, the A3+1 condemns, in the strongest terms, all acts of violence against civilians. The use of explosive weapons, the continued threat of explosive remnants of war and the proliferation of small arms and light weapons place millions of civilians at risk of displacement, injury and death. Women, children and persons with disabilities are disproportionately affected. We express our deep alarm at the loss of civilian lives and the high number of casualties resulting from the recent escalation in the occupied Palestinian territory, including in East-Jerusalem, and the hostilities related to the Gaza strip.”
2021-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/505 (2021) · source
“I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the three African members of the Security Council — Kenya, the Niger and Tunisia — as well as Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (A3+1). We thank Under-Secretary-General Lowcock, Mr. Maurer and Ms. Nemat for their valuable briefings. The A3+1 reaffirms its steadfast commitment to addressing the most urgent and enduring protection challenges created by the intersections of protracted conflict, climate-related security risks, historically produced socioeconomic instability, the global health crisis and related humanitarian impacts. In the past few months, the Security Council has narrowed its focus on the protection of infrastructure indispensable to the survival of civilian populations and conflict and food security.”
2021-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/505 (2021) · source
“In conclusion, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines reiterates its support to continue accompanying our brotherly nation in its pursuit of durable peace, reconciliation, reconstruction and sustainable development.”
2021-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/498 (2021) · source
“We underscore our support for the Fact-Finding Mission to Libya and its investigation into the mass graves found in Tarhouna, and we repeat our views that Libya is an unsafe port for the disembarkation of refugees and migrants. Libyans’ immediate past has been regrettably laden with suffering. Their resolve and determination, however, with the support of the international community, has brought them to this critical juncture of hope and optimism. It is now time now for Libyans to reconcile and forge a deeper and more harmonious society to improve markedly the overall quality of their lives, through the Libyan- own and led political process.”
2021-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/498 (2021) · source
“Given Libya’s intricate security situation, enhanced cooperation between the Government of National Unity, regional organizations and neighbouring countries, particularly in the development of an efficacious security sector reform and demobilization, disarmament and reintegration programme, is critical. Beyond the headlines, the human rights and humanitarian situation, exacerbated by the coronavirus disease pandemic, is troubling. The groups made most vulnerable, particularly migrants, refugees and internally displaced persons, also require specific attention. We urge the authorities to facilitate safe humanitarian access to refugees and migrants, as well as to respond adequately to the pandemic. It is also critical that the international community continue contributing to Libya’s 2021 humanitarian response plan.”
2021-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/498 (2021) · source
“Nevertheless, we are extremely worried about the scant regard in the call for foreign terrorist fighters and mercenaries to depart without delay. We therefore repeat our clarion call for their complete withdrawal. Furthermore, we commend the work of the 5+5 Joint Military Commission in the implementation of the ceasefire agreement and look forward to the operationalization of the Libyan-owned and -led comprehensive ceasefire monitoring mechanism. Non-compliance with Security Council resolutions and the concomitant security challenges have grave ramifications for Libya, neighbouring countries, the Sahel region and the wider continent.”
2021-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/498 (2021) · source
“Successful elections would pave the path for national reconciliation. We are satisfied with the establishment of the High National Reconciliation Commission and renew our support for the collaboration between the African Union and the United Nations in this regard. Absolute peace in Libya will not be fulfilled until all parties comply strictly with their international obligations and all conflicts are eradicated. In this context, the importance of strictly adhering to the arms embargo and all the relevant resolutions on Libya, including the recently adopted resolutions 2570 (2021) and 2571 (2021), cannot be overstated. The deeply entrenched presence of foreign fighters and mercenaries on Libyan soil is unacceptable. We are pleased that the 23 October ceasefire agreement continues to hold and note progress in its implementation.”
2021-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/498 (2021) · source
“Prioritizing the reunification of the country, undertaking economic reforms, delivering basic services, finalizing preparations for inclusive, free, fair and transparent national elections and inaugurating a comprehensive national reconciliation process are key for Libya’s democratic transformation. The transitional Government has a very short preparation time frame for the crucial 24 December elections. We encourage the Government of National Unity and the relevant stakeholders to expedite all logistical arrangements and resolve constitutional and legal differences to ensure that elections be conducted in a conducive environment. We also applaud the ongoing work of the High National Electoral Commission and the complementary efforts of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya.”
2021-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/498 (2021) · source
“Approximately a decade following Libya’s descent into turmoil, the country is now on the cusp of new beginnings, presenting the ideal opportunity for all Libyans and the international community to reset relations and facilitate lasting peace, stability and sustainable development. My delegation welcomes the significant progress highlighted in the latest report of the Secretary-General (S/2021/451) and extends its support to the Government of National Unity. We encourage the Government to fulfil its responsibilities in conformity with the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum road map.”
2021-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/498 (2021) · source
“Permit me to extend our appreciation to the Special Envoy of the Secretary- General, Mr. Ján Kubiš, for his comprehensive briefing, and to thank T. S. Tirumurti, Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011) concerning Libya, for presenting the Chair’s fortieth report. I also recognize the presence of our distinguished colleague, Taher Elsonni. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines reaffirms its unwavering support for the United Nations multitrack process in Libya and appreciates the efforts of the international community, including the initiatives of neighbouring countries and regional organizations.”
2021-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/498 (2021) · source
“Indeed, as peace and security issues on the continent occupy more than half of the Security Council’s agenda, greater efforts are needed to ensure that our African brothers and sisters are not left behind. A stark and increasingly volatile post-pandemic global condition — marked by deep social and economic cleavages — must not become tomorrow’s reality.”
2021-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/490 (2021) · source
“We welcome the decision of some countries to waive intellectual property protections for COVID-19 vaccines and other related products, and we hope that the ongoing discussions at the World Trade Organization will lead to a timely and equitable outcome. In closing, I reaffirm my delegation’s appeal for a comprehensive whole-of- system approach to conflict prevention and resolution in Africa. It is essential that all United Nations agencies and bodies, international financial institutions and other actors across the multilateral system work closely with the African Union and its member States to create conditions conducive to economic recovery, growth and stability.”
2021-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/490 (2021) · source
“Prejudicial constraints imposed on African countries, including unilateral coercive measures, ought to be withdrawn, and inclusive, people-centred climate-informed solutions should be delivered in accordance with the Sustainable Development Goals. As a matter of priority, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines reiterates our calls for COVID-19 vaccines and other critical medical supplies to be made available, affordable and accessible to all. Production capacities should be expanded in developing countries, including across the African continent, to alleviate the strain on global supply chains and assist with building immunity everywhere.”
2021-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/490 (2021) · source
“These initiatives should be granted the full support and attention of the international community. The boundless expertise of local and regional actors, grounded within the unique context of Africa, must be leveraged more often through enhanced partnerships between the United Nations, the African Union and the subregional organizations that span the continent. These regional arrangements should be bolstered, and the bedrock principles of international law must always serve as a guidepost for all peace and security, development and humanitarian activities. Developed countries should unequivocally honour their overseas development assistance commitments and provide greater debt relief and longer-term capacity- building assistance in line with national priorities.”
2021-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/490 (2021) · source
“Millions more remain displaced across the continent — with the Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo accounting for a significant share of forcibly displaced persons. Further, as the human costs of conflict, climate change, COVID-19 and such other contemporary challenges as terrorism continue to escalate, the international community’s support for, and solidarity with, Governments and affected populations is a crucial prerequisite for a better future. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines reaffirms its strong belief that lasting solutions can never be imposed. The surest pathway to peace and security in Africa is through home-grown solutions as articulated by the African Union, including in the Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want and the Silencing the Guns initiatives.”
2021-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/490 (2021) · source
“This priority is felt acutely across the African continent, where comprehensive developmental and reparative solutions are urgently required to address the root causes of fragility and insecurity, including those grounded in the historical injustices committed against our global African civilization. Against the backdrop of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), security risks have become accentuated, social contracts have faltered, public trust has diminished, and ethnic, intercommunal and political divisions have deepened. African countries shoulder a disproportionate share of these societal burdens. Across the Sahel, 29 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, almost 22 million people are acutely food insecure.”
2021-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/490 (2021) · source
“Saint Vincent and the Grenadines thanks the briefers for their incisive remarks, and we commend China for convening today’s timely and important discussion. As a member of the A3+1 group, which brings together the three African members of the Security Council — Kenya, the Niger and Tunisia — and my country, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and as a representative of the sixth region of Africa, our delegation attaches great significance to the theme of today’s debate. More than ever, the complex and consequential challenges of the twenty- first century demand an effective and coordinated multilateralism that bolsters national ownership, enhances lives and livelihoods, and delivers peace, security and development for all.”
2021-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/490 (2021) · source
“The imperative is clear: we must stand together, firmly and resolutely, and demand peace and justice for all. It is time.”
2021-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/480 (2021) · source
“The international community must be candid and upright regarding those illegal actions. Do the lives and dignity of Palestinians not matter too? In conclusion, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines reaffirms that an internationally agreed two-State solution based on pre-1967 borders remains the most credible path to resolving this issue. Only through dialogue and good-faith negotiations, respectful of the bedrock principles of international law, can security be assured for Israel and the State of Palestine, and only in this way can Palestinian claims to dignity, equality and human rights be honoured. The international community must deepen its commitment to taking the political, diplomatic and legal steps necessary to de-escalate tensions.”
2021-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/480 (2021) · source
“Saint Vincent and the Grenadines remains deeply concerned about the potential eviction of Palestinians from their homes in occupied East Jerusalem, including families in the Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan neighbourhoods of the city. The ongoing occupation of Palestinian territory constitutes a flagrant violation of international law and remains a significant threat to lasting and comprehensive peace. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines once again calls on Israel to cease all settlement activities and to abide by its legal obligations and responsibilities under international humanitarian law and the Fourth Geneva Convention. Furthermore, as reinforced by resolution 2334 (2016), we condemn all measures aimed at altering the demographic composition, character and status of the Palestinian territory.”
2021-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/480 (2021) · source
“Let us remember that Palestinians do not have shelters or protection to wait out the hail of air strikes. The Security Council is their only protection; international law is their only protection, and we are failing them. We are alarmed by the escalating attacks, provocations and incitement by Israeli forces against various holy sites in Jerusalem, including the Al-Aqsa Mosque in the Al-Haram Al-Sharif compound, where hundreds of Palestinian worshippers have been injured. We call on all sides to desist from violence, incitement and inflammatory rhetoric and act in a responsible manner. We also reaffirm that Jerusalem remains the Holy City of the three monotheistic religions, to be treasured by all of humankind, and we reject any unilateral attempts to change its historic status.”
2021-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/480 (2021) · source
“The recent air strikes targeting the civilian population in the Gaza Strip, which have killed more than 180 Palestinians, including children, and injured some 1,200 others, are unacceptable. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines unequivocally condemns those actions, and we reiterate our call for the occupying Power to cease its military aggression against Palestinians. We also sympathize with the families of those who have died in Israel. We also believe that international law against the targeting of civilians must be upheld and that those responsible for breaches of said law should be held accountable for their crimes. The right to self-defence cannot cloak the wrongs of a party that fired the first shots and is using military capabilities far beyond that of the weaker party.”
2021-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/480 (2021) · source
“Given our responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, the Security Council must not, as a matter of principle, morality and international law, remain silent on this issue. We must do all that we can, in accordance with our Charter mandate, to find a solution to this issue in the hope that future generations of Palestinians and Israelis can be unshackled from this painful cycle of occupation and violence. We welcome the efforts of individual States, in particular the members of the Middle East Quartet, to de-escalate tensions, and we urge all members of the international community to spare no effort in facilitating peaceful dialogue between the parties. We join the Secretary-General’s call for an immediate ceasefire.”
2021-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/480 (2021) · source
“I thank you, Mr. President, for having organized this open debate today. I also thank Secretary-General António Guterres, Special Coordinator Tor Wennesland and the speakers from the affected countries, including the Secretary- General of the League of Arab States, for their contributions to today’s debate. The painstaking quest for peace in the Middle East is gravely imperilled by the Israeli military campaign against the State of Palestine. At this critical juncture, we must show a common resolve to ease tensions and assist both Israel and the State of Palestine on the path towards a two-State solution based on the principles of international law and the parameters laid out in Security Council and General Assembly resolutions. In recent days, we have witnessed the most severe outbreak of violence in Gaza since the 2014 war.”
2021-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/480 (2021) · source
“The international community, including States of the region, and the parties in Yemen are all aware of the grave threat that the tanker poses to the environment, the economy and the people of Yemen. Promises can no longer be merely vented but must be translated into concrete action to avert a catastrophe.”
2021-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/465 (2021) · source
“International law requires parties to a conflict to allow and facilitate the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid, and furthermore prohibits the destruction of civilian objects and infrastructure. The statements at the recent open debate (see S/2021/415) on indispensable civilian objects were evidence of the international community’s commitment to this fundamental obligation. We must all condemn any act by parties to the conflict in Yemen that violates international law. Before concluding, we turn our attention to the ongoing and unresolved issue of the FSO SAFER oil tanker, which, much to our displeasure, has now become a standard part of our interventions.”
2021-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/465 (2021) · source
“The recent torrential rains and deadly floods that have assailed thousands in Yemen are a source of additional concern. While we welcome the entry of fuel ships at the port of Al-Hudaydah, the circumstances in Yemen demand greater action. Over 20 million people in Yemen rely on life-saving humanitarian assistance, and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has reported that almost half of Yemen’s children under the age of 5 will suffer from malnutrition, including 400,000 who may die without urgent treatment. These innocent children, who play no part in this unjustifiable, multi-generational conflict, suffer the most. The parties in Yemen have not only a moral obligation to ensure the delivery of aid, but a legal obligation to do so.”
2021-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/465 (2021) · source
“This process must be inclusive, as the marginalization of any group will be counterproductive to sustainable peace efforts. As stated by members of the Security Council, the process must be Yemeni-led and Yemeni- owned and all groups, including women, youth and minority groups, must be afforded an equal opportunity to participate. We appeal to members of the international community to exert their influence on the parties to encourage them to engage urgently and constructively with the Special Envoys and all stakeholders. Turning to the dire humanitarian situation, for months it has been compounded and exacerbated by the coronavirus disease pandemic, the deteriorating economic situation, increased hostilities and subsequent displacement, and a palpable gap in the global aid budget.”
2021-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/465 (2021) · source
“We thank Mr. Martin Griffiths and Mr. Mark Lowcock for their briefings and their continued efforts towards alleviating the impact of the conflict on the people of Yemen and working towards attaining overall long-term peace. Efforts between Special Envoy Griffiths and interested parties, including with regional actors, provide a launching pad for peace in Yemen. We call on all parties to the conflict to seize this opportunity and show a readiness for compromise before the window for peace closes. Continued hostilities prolong suffering, threaten confidence-building and undermine the peace process. A nationwide ceasefire is needed immediately. It is time that the parties silence their guns and focus their attention on negotiations and achieving peace in Yemen.”
2021-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/465 (2021) · source
“The identification and return of all Kuwaiti and third-country nationals and property provides a level of closure to the victims’ families. We welcome further progress towards identifying missing persons and property during the reporting period. The constructive collaboration between the Republic of Iraq and the State of Kuwait is essential to advance this humanitarian file. We recognize UNAMI’s diligent efforts, as well as the role of the International Committee of the Red Cross, in supporting and facilitating progress. Finally, we affirm our support to Special Representative of the Secretary- General Hennis-Plasschaert and UNAMI, and we stand in solidarity with the Iraqi people.”
2021-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/474 (2021) · source
“Year after year, record-breaking heat threatens the health of Iraqis, creates droughts and decimates agriculture and has turned water limitations into a water crisis. The impact of years of conflict on the environment, as well as a new kind of warfare — the disregard of major emitters far away, have turned this ancient land filled with history into a modern epicentre of the climate crisis. We welcome all efforts to address the climate emergency and vulnerabilities and call on those most responsible for it to take urgent action accordingly. We call for sustained support for the implementation of measures to build resilience to climate change and address issues such as water scarcity, as underlying risk factors cannot be delinked from the response to combat the challenges in the security landscape.”
2021-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/474 (2021) · source
“Furthermore, we welcome the efforts of the United Nations Development Programme to rehabilitate health-care facilities, and we commend the World Health Organization for its continued work with the Ministry of Health to ensure that COVID-19 risk-mitigation measures are in place. These are positive developments indeed, but we appeal to the international community to redouble efforts to enhance the Government’s capacity to address the pandemic and its related economic and humanitarian challenges. We also call on all Member States to support the 2021 Humanitarian Response Plan for Iraq. We cannot talk about the humanitarian situation without recognizing the severe impact of climate change on Iraq — one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world.”
2021-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/474 (2021) · source
“The assistance and reparations to be provided under that legislation, as well as the exclusion of future amnesty for perpetrators of the crimes listed therein is a significant, commendable step. Further efforts to ensure justice must continue. Amid the efforts to prepare for elections, the Government has had to divert attention to addressing the rise in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases. The COVID-19 vaccines delivered to Iraq through the COVID-19 Vaccine Global Access (COVAX) Facility programme and donated by COVAX partners are crucial in the fight against COVID-19.”
2021-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/474 (2021) · source
“Accordingly, we welcome the Council of Ministers’ focus on promoting and monitoring women’s participation, as well as the General Secretariat’s proposed measures to prevent and address violence against women candidates. This election is an opportunity to restore unity to Iraq. In that context, we further recognize Prime Minister Al-Kadhimi’s call for a comprehensive national dialogue geared towards enhancing mutual understanding among Iraqi communities and rebuilding the social fabric of Iraq. We also take this opportunity to welcome the Yazidi Female Survivors Law passed by the Council of Representatives. This legislation is a milestone; it constitutes the first legal recognition by the Government of the crimes committed by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant against Yazidis, Turkmens, Christians and Shabaks as war crimes.”
2021-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/474 (2021) · source
“I too would like to thank Special Representative Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert for her briefing and extend our gratitude to her and her team for their continued efforts in Iraq. I also welcome our colleague, Ambassador Mohammed Hussein Bahr Aluloom, Permanent Representative of Iraq. We begin by recognizing the continued efforts of the Iraqi Government to ensure the holding of free, fair and credible elections, including through the passage of the First Amendment Law to the Federal Supreme Court law, which is necessary for the certification of electoral results. The continued support of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) to the Independent High Electoral Commission to facilitate thorough and effective preparation is crucial in that regard. The need for inclusive elections cannot be overstated.”
2021-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/474 (2021) · source
“Turning to the upcoming Palestinian national elections, we support the Palestinians as they work towards the holding of peaceful, free, fair and inclusive elections. It is also imperative for Israel to permit voting throughout the occupied Palestinian territories, namely, the West Bank, East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip. A postponement of elections on account of access to voting in any of these areas would be unfortunate. In the absence of a full resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, it is incumbent upon the United Nations, particularly the Security Council, to make clear that any attempt to undermine the peace process is unacceptable. Equally important is the need for the Council and the Middle East Quartet to promote the resumption of meaningful dialogue and confidence-building between Israeli and Palestinian leaders.”
2021-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/404 (2021) · source