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

“Consequently, we welcome the resumption of United States funding to UNRWA and reiterate our call for sustained and predictable contributions to the Agency, especially considering Gaza’s coronavirus disease (COVID-19) crisis. As the incidence of COVID-19 increases around the world, we commend the continuing efforts of the Palestinian Authority to protect its citizens. We welcome the second shipment of 72,000 vaccine doses through the COVID-19 Vaccine Global Access (COVAX) Facility programme for the West Bank and Gaza and the provision of vaccines directly from other countries. Similarly, we encourage the international community, including Israel, to ensure the availability of vaccines to Palestinians in the occupied Palestinian territory and throughout the region.”
2021-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/404 (2021) · source
“Allow me to reiterate my Government’s position that a two-State solution remains the only path to ensuring that Palestinians and Israelis can both realize their legitimate aspirations, living side by side in peace and security in the context of a solution based on the 1967 borders, with Jerusalem as the capital of both States. In the Gaza Strip, the living conditions remain dire. There is an urgent need to end the blockade and to address the humanitarian and human rights situation as well as the free movement of both goods and people into and out of Strip. Without the support that is flowing into the Gaza Strip from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), it would certainly be an even more dire situation.”
2021-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/404 (2021) · source
“Moreover, we condemn Israel’s most recent decision to advance the construction of 540 illegal housing units in the Palestinian neighbourhoods of Beit Safafa and Sharafat. Israeli settlement activity “has no legal validity and constitutes a flagrant violation under international law,” according to operative paragraph 1 of resolution 2334 (2016). Once again we call on the Israeli authorities to stop the building of new settlements and the extension of existing ones, and cease all home demolitions, forced evictions and confiscation of land in the occupied territory, including in East Jerusalem.”
2021-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/404 (2021) · source
“We thank Special Coordinator Wennesland and Mr. Paulson for their briefings. We also welcome the presentations by the distinguished Permanent Observer of the State of Palestine and the representative of Israel. As we heard from the briefers, the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory demands urgent attention and action from the Security Council. The Council has an obligation to cooperate in solving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Too much time has already been lost. It is critical that we collectively address the challenges facing Palestinians in the occupied Palestinian territory. The expansion and acceleration of illegal settlement activities in the occupied West Bank, ongoing demolitions, seizures of Palestinian-owned property and evictions continue to irreversibly undermine the peace process and the two- State solution.”
2021-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/404 (2021) · source
“It will, however, pave the way for a new Colombia and usher in a new dawn for the millions who aspire to a better life. Kenya, the Niger, Tunisia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines reiterate their support for the Secretary-General’s five priorities for the comprehensive implementation of the Final Agreement and remain hopeful that they can be achieved during this critical year through the constructive work of the tripartite mechanism.”
2021-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/401 (2021) · source
“As highlighted in the Secretary-General’s latest report (S/2021/298), substantive and constructive dialogue between the parties within the Commission and in other forums will strengthen implementation across the agreement in 2021 and help devise joint solutions. To that end, we remain hopeful that the parties can resolve their differences on the National Reintegration Council. Achieving peace in Colombia is also central to preserving Latin America and the Caribbean as a zone of peace. It would also ensure a more stable world. In that context, we encourage the Government and the Ejército de Liberación Nacional to engage in dialogue in order to foster a more peaceful society. Finally, the A3+1 underscores that durable peace in Colombia will not occur overnight or immediately reverse the afflictions endured over the years.”
2021-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/401 (2021) · source
“We believe that progress on each component is central to the delivery of truth, justice, accountability and redress. In addition, we note the concerns expressed about the independence of the Special Jurisdiction for Peace and emphasize the need for this component of the Comprehensive System to be fully respected. We again underscore the importance of the Commission for the Follow-up, Promotion and Verification of the Implementation of the Final Agreement and urge the parties to avail themselves of this mechanism to settle their differences. We welcome the extension of its mandate until next year.”
2021-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/401 (2021) · source
“We maintain that comprehensive rural reform, in accordance with the full implementation of the chapters on rural reforms and the National Comprehensive Programme for Substitution of Illicit Crops, along with the recommendations of the High-Level Forum of Ethnic Peoples to address the issues facing former combatants of indigenous and Afro-Colombian origin, will enable a smooth reintegration into Colombian society. Transitional justice is also critical. The A3+1 commends the progress made thus far within the Comprehensive System for Truth Justice, Reparation and Non- Repetition. If not set right, historic wrongs will continue to haunt many Colombians. Accordingly, we express our appreciation for the work of the Special Jurisdiction for Peace, the Truth Commission and the Special Investigations Unit of the Office of the Attorney-General.”
2021-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/401 (2021) · source
“Our delegations underscore the fact that the proper reintegration of former combatants into Colombian society requires full and continued access to basic services, including housing, land and economic activities. In that respect, we take note of the developments vis-à-vis access to land for former combatants. Similarly, we echo the call made by the Secretary-General for the acceleration of the approval of productive projects so that by the end of this year the majority of former combatants are involved in income-generating activities.”
2021-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/401 (2021) · source
“The A3+1 also strongly condemns the incessant violence against the groups made most vulnerable, including former Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia — Ejército del Pueblo combatants, youth, indigenous people and Afro- Colombians, social leaders and human rights defenders. The recurrent acts of violence attest to how deeply the root causes of the conflict are entrenched. Advancing on mechanisms such as the Comprehensive Programme for Safeguards for Women Leaders and Human Rights Defenders, together with fulfilling the women and peace and security and youth, peace and security agenda, during this peacebuilding stage and in accordance with the agreement, is therefore pivotal.”
2021-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/401 (2021) · source
“We also appreciate ongoing efforts by the Government through the National Commission on Security Guarantees to strengthen the State’s security apparatus. A robust and integrated approach remains crucial to resolving lingering security challenges, especially in the most marginalized and conflict-affected areas, such as Cauca, Nariño, Antioquia, Caquetá, Norte de Santander and Catatumbo. We therefore urge the authorities to continue improving prevention and protection measures and bolster the State’s presence through the deployment of public security forces in these areas.”
2021-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/401 (2021) · source
“The A3+1 is encouraged by the positive developments in the peace process. We are pleased with the renewed commitment by the parties, as highlighted by the 10 March engagement between President Iván Duque Márquez and Rodrigo Londoño, leader of the Comunes party. That, we believe, speaks to the dedication of the signatories and provides reassurance that they are united in fulfilling their obligations. We urge the parties to stay the course and work more determinedly, in communion with the people, who, are also vested in the success of the agreement. In terms of security, we take note of the proposed strategic plan for protection and are pleased with the approval of the public policy guidelines for the dismantling of illegal armed groups.”
2021-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/401 (2021) · source
“I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of Kenya, the Niger, Tunisia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (A3+1). I begin by thanking Special Representative of the Secretary-General Massieu for his presentation and reaffirming our support for the efforts of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia and the Colombian peace process. I also acknowledge the presence of Her Excellency Claudia Blum de Barberi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Colombia. In November, Colombia will celebrate the fifth anniversary of the Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace. It will be an opportune moment for all Colombians, in particular the signatories to the agreement, to reflect on the gains achieved while also recognizing the challenges and opportunities inherent in its full implementation.”
2021-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/401 (2021) · source
“We recognize and welcome the efforts being undertaken to secure the deployment of the United Nations team. Denial of access to the tanker is a threat to the environment, the economy and the people of Yemen. Politicization of this issue diminishes any opportunity for cooperation and confidence-building, which are critical to achieving concrete progress. To that end, we call on parties to work towards a meaningful compromise, with the environment and the people of Yemen at the fore. When the environment becomes a victim of war, it creates a multitude of problems in the complex relationship between humans and nature that reverberate for generations. We owe it to Yemenis and their future generations to leave a better legacy.”
2021-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/372 (2021) · source
“In this regard, we welcome the recent engagement between the United States Special Envoy, Tim Lenderking, and the German Foreign Minister, in conjunction with Special Envoy Griffiths, and further welcome all efforts undertaken by the international community to bring an end to the conflict. What is needed now is the unconditional political will to end the war from all stakeholders within Yemen and among those connected to the situation. That begins with an unwavering commitment to a nationwide ceasefire and the resumption of a comprehensive Yemeni-led and Yemeni-owned political process. We underscore that inclusive dialogue, with meaningful representation and participation by all stakeholders, is critical to sustainable peace in Yemen. Before concluding, we would like to address the unresolved issue of the FSO SAFER oil tanker.”
2021-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/372 (2021) · source
“The ongoing fighting within Yemen, particularly in Ma’rib, remains of huge concern on all fronts. It threatens to reverse any political progress previously made and further threatens the lives of many internally displaced persons who initially fled to Ma’rib to seek refuge. These continued forced displacements underscore that civilians, particularly women and children, are paying the price for this conflict and that a long-lasting solution is urgently needed. Against this dire backdrop, the momentum within the international community to end the war in Yemen is a positive sign.”
2021-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/372 (2021) · source
“More broadly, we recall the pledges made by Member States during the pledging conference held in March and urge the rapid disbursement of funds. We acknowledge the difficult economic circumstances globally, but financial aid is what maintains humanitarian operations and makes the difference between life and death for many Yemenis. We also take this moment to underscore our concern over the persistent fuel shortages, which have adversely impacted health facilities, undermined humanitarian operations and exacerbated the dire humanitarian situation. We call for a durable solution to this issue, which necessitates the lifting of the blockade. Turning to the security situation, we condemn the continued hostilities, including the cross-border attacks on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”
2021-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/372 (2021) · source
“I wish to thank Special Envoy Martin Griffiths and Under-Secretary-General Mark Lowcock for their informative briefings and sustained commitment to the people of Yemen and to a peaceful settlement to the conflict. The protracted conflict continues to deny the people of Yemen basic rights and freedoms. First, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is particularly concerned by the stark resurgence of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic against the backdrop of a strained health-care system and a lack of adequate supplies. We welcome the shipment of vaccines that arrived at the end of March through the COVID-19 Vaccine Global Access Facility as being critical to the COVID-19 emergency response. However, more must be done to support the fight against the pandemic in Yemen.”
2021-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/372 (2021) · source
“This requires the lifting of all unilateral coercive measures, which have deepened the socioeconomic crisis and are incompatible with international law. They also impede the movement of humanitarian aid despite the humanitarian exemptions. It further requires a targeted and collaborative approach to counter-terrorism and the removal of all unauthorized foreign forces present in Syria in violation of the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. I close by reiterating the commitment of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to supporting Syria and its people so that they may emerge from the untold despair and suffering created by this protracted conflict.”
2021-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/315 (2021) · source
“We strongly urge all parties to prioritize and address the deteriorating security situation and urgent health needs in displacement camps. Further, we emphasize the importance of pursuing a sustainable solution to the frequent disruptions of the water supply in the north-east. Access to a safe and reliable supply of water and sanitation services is essential to preserving the health of the people, especially when we take into account the pandemic. Syria’s humanitarian situation will only continue to worsen, and stability will be hindered in the absence of a Syrian-owned and Syrian-led political process, in accordance with resolution 2254 (2015). The international community has an obligation to help Syria and its people through positive and pragmatic action. The politicization of the grave humanitarian situation must come to an end.”
2021-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/315 (2021) · source
“We firmly condemn these acts, which constitute serious violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law, and we reiterate that perpetrators must be held accountable to prevent impunity and bolster confidence in justice. Ten years of war have decimated Syria’s critical infrastructure, obstructing the provision of health care, depriving hundreds of thousands of children of their right to education and displacing millions — transforming them from ordinary citizens into refugees and internally displaced persons. We renew our appeal to the international community to contribute to the country’s reconstruction efforts so as to support its long-term recovery for the benefit of the Syrian people.”
2021-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/315 (2021) · source
“We recognize the vital role of the COVID-19 Vaccine Global Access (COVAX) Facility in this regard by providing the first shipment of vaccines. It is our hope that the rollout will begin soon to mitigate the public-health and economic impact of the pandemic. The protection of civilians and objects indispensable to the survival of the civilian population must remain a priority. Insecurity persists, despite the ceasefire in the north-west and the many appeals for an immediate nationwide cessation of hostilities. We continue to be alarmed by the indiscriminate attacks on both civilians and humanitarian actors.”
2021-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/315 (2021) · source
“The cross- border mechanism continues to perform a critical role in this regard and must be preserved and scaled up to adequately meet the steeply rising humanitarian needs across the country. Further, assistance and access through the crossline modality ought to be strengthened to complement the mechanism and fill the existing gaps. Cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) have continued to rise in Syria in recent weeks. Those who reside in densely populated and overcrowded areas such as internally displaced persons camps and other informal settlements, which lack the means to implement necessary protective measures, are especially susceptible to contracting the virus. Accordingly, the equitable and efficient distribution of COVID-19 vaccines is an important component of the overall humanitarian response.”
2021-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/315 (2021) · source
“I also wish to thank Under-Secretary-General Mark Lowcock, Ms. Henrietta Fore and Ms. Amani Ballour for their informative briefings. For a decade, the Syrian people have endured the perils of war and the resulting effects of living through one of the worst humanitarian crises the world has ever witnessed. The country’s dire situation is further exacerbated by an amalgamation of factors, including severe socioeconomic decline, which has precipitated commodity shortages and food insecurity, climate-related severe-weather events and the global pandemic. The provision of timely, safe, sustained and unimpeded humanitarian assistance, in coordination with the Syrian Government and in line with humanitarian principles therefore remains imperative for the sake of human dignity.”
2021-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/315 (2021) · source
“We urge the authorities to facilitate safe humanitarian access to refugees and migrants, as well as to respond adequately to the devastating coronavirus disease pandemic. We repeat our views that Libya is an unsafe port for the disembarkation of refugees and migrants and underline the importance of creating the necessary environment to ensure the well-being of vulnerable groups. In conclusion, my delegation encourages Libyans to look to the future with hope — a hope that acknowledges that the pain and anguish of their immediate history will not be washed away overnight, or on 24 December, but one grounded in the belief that all Libyans, through an inclusive democratic approach, will decide, shape and build the future to which they aspire.”
2021-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/292 (2021) · source
“The African Union has committed to facilitating the latter, and we look forward to its constructive role in this regard. Furthermore, the Security Council should adopt a draft resolution to accompany all positive developments in Libya. The human rights and humanitarian situation remains worrisome. It is my delegation’s passionate belief that peace, development, security and human rights are interdependent and mutually reinforcing. Impunity therefore must end. We emphasize the need to bring justice to the victims and reiterate our support for the Independent Fact-Finding Mission on Libya, including investigations pertaining to the mass graves found in Tarhouna. Similarly, arbitrary and illegal detention centres remain conflict drivers and must close.”
2021-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/292 (2021) · source
“Building a harmonious, democratic Libyan society requires an all-inclusive approach, and it is a significant responsibility that all Libyans should shoulder together. In this context, we commend the Government of National Unity for including five female ministers in the new Cabinet and stress that women and children are the cornerstone, if not the spinal cord, of any democratic society. The Government of National Unity ought to be guided by the stipulations outlined in the LPDF road map. And we hope that responsibilities — including ensuring the reunification of all Libyan institutions, undertaking essential economic reforms and enabling a comprehensive national reconciliation process to usher in the new Libya — will be fulfilled.”
2021-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/292 (2021) · source
“The international community, including the Security Council, the African Union and the League of Arab States, remains committed to providing the requisite support. We are disturbed that foreign fighters and mercenaries remain entrenched in Libya, in violation of the 23 October 2020 ceasefire agreement, and call for their swift withdrawal and full compliance with the agreement. We also look forward to the operationalization of the Libyan-owned and Libyan-led comprehensive ceasefire monitoring mechanism. Equally of grave concern is the incessant violation of the arms embargo. It was never, or can it ever be, acceptable that Security Council resolutions be flagrantly violated. We therefore urge all parties to adhere to their international obligations.”
2021-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/292 (2021) · source
“It is imperative that the resolve reflected in the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum (LPDF) continue during the transitional phase in the lead-up towards national elections on 24 December. The road ahead is difficult, and the mandate of the Government of National Unity, under the leadership of Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Mohammed Dbeibah, to unite the country, bring about order and stability, ensure national reconciliation and prepare for elections is even more arduous, especially in a country that has never had national elections. As Libya prepares for inclusive, free, fair and transparent elections, we encourage all stakeholders to consolidate the existing momentum and finalize all arrangements.”
2021-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/292 (2021) · source
“I begin by extending my sincerest appreciation to Special Envoy Ján Kubiš for his briefing. Libya continues to make tangible progress on its path towards restoring peace and stability. The formation of the Government of National Unity underscores the importance of dialogue in resolving conflicts and embodies our steadfast conviction that the only viable solution to the crisis is a political one. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines reaffirms its full support for the United Nations multitrack process in Libya and appreciates responsible initiatives by neighbouring countries. We also reiterate our support for the Berlin process and maintain that Libya’s territorial integrity and sovereignty must be respected.”
2021-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/292 (2021) · source
“Finally, we reiterate our support for the work of UNAMA, acknowledging its close cooperation with key stakeholders, including the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission. We also welcome the appointment of the Secretary- General’s Personal Envoy on Afghanistan and Regional Issues, Jean Arnault, and wish him every success in his new role aimed at strengthening relations with regional countries and supporting the peace negotiations. At this critical juncture, we reiterate our call on the international community, particularly regional countries, to support the conditions for advancing sustainable development, peace and stability in Afghanistan and the wider region.”
2021-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/291 (2021) · source
“We encourage the Government to bolster its promotion and protection of the rights of women and children and address the needs of victims of sexual and gender-based violence in the conflict. A unified approach to increasing the quality of life for all Afghans must be built by the Afghan Government and all segments of society. In that connection, we welcome and support the second version of the Afghanistan National Peace and Development Framework for 2021-2025. Delivering on the Sustainable Development Goals, such as Goal 16, on peace, justice and strong institutions, should remain an integrated and indivisible package in ensuring that no one is left behind in Afghanistan.”
2021-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/291 (2021) · source
“In reaffirming the enduring commitment of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to Afghanistan and its people, we underscore the urgent need to minimize the harm and suffering caused by the armed conflict, protect civilians and allow unhindered access of humanitarian relief to the affected areas. We also renew our call on the parties to the armed conflict to end the violence and promote confidence-building. All parties to the armed conflict must comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law to better protect and assist the civilian population. It is also particularly worrisome that women and children account for the majority of those adversely affected by the armed conflict. Specific measures must be taken to maintain the safety of victims of armed combat, with an emphasis on women and children.”
2021-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/291 (2021) · source
“We also take this opportunity to encourage the parties to accelerate peace talks and hope that they can recommit to that process. The security situation in Afghanistan remains precarious. We condemn in the strongest terms acts of violence committed against civilians, which have exacerbated an already alarming humanitarian situation. Far too often civilians and civilian objects, such as hospitals and schools, are targeted on purpose. We recognize the urgent need for a humanitarian response and to mobilize resources for the Afghanistan Humanitarian Response Plan 2021.”
2021-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/291 (2021) · source
“The only path to durable peace in Afghanistan remains an Afghan-owned and Afghan-led process towards a political settlement and an immediate, unconditional and comprehensive ceasefire to facilitate the peace negotiations. Women’s participation in and support for the peace process is crucial to ensuring its effective implementation and sustainability. Despite the United States-Taliban agreement made on 29 February 2020 and the initiation of Afghan peace talks in September 2020, many challenges remain. The Afghan peace negotiations represent a real prospect for sustainable peace and stability in Afghanistan. We welcome the joint statement of the extended troika on peaceful settlement in Afghanistan following the Moscow international conference.”
2021-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/291 (2021) · source
“I begin this morning by expressing our condolences to the people and Government of the Niger for the senseless killings of innocent civilians in south- western Niger. We condemn that action in the strongest terms, and we stand in solidarity with the people of the Niger as they mourn the loss of life and grapple with that most recent and heinous terrorist attack. I also thank the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Deborah Lyons, for her comprehensive briefing on the situation in Afghanistan and the work of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), and the Chairperson of the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission, Shaharzad Akbar, for her invaluable contribution to this debate. Today violence levels in Afghanistan are unacceptably high, undermining confidence in the negotiation process.”
2021-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/291 (2021) · source
“The protection of millions of civilians and the overall stability of the region are dependent on it. We must not continue to fail them.”
2021-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/265 (2021) · source
“This dictates the removal of all unauthorized foreign forces out of respect for Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. It further requires the lifting of all unilateral coercive measures, which are incompatible with international law and have a detrimental impact on Syria’s socioeconomic condition. We reiterate that the political and humanitarian situations are inextricably linked. The stagnation of the political process has the disastrous effect of prolonging the conflict and in turn worsens the dire humanitarian situation. A wholistic approach remains imperative. Syria and its people deserve peace and prosperity. A decade of conflict has already taken too much from them and the country will emerge from its despair only through positive action.”
2021-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/265 (2021) · source
“The cessation of hostilities is also indispensable to the creation of conditions for the safe, dignified and voluntary return of refugees and internally displaced persons. So too is the reconstruction of the country’s critical infrastructure. Syria cannot go it alone. As such, we echo our appeal to the international community to contribute to the country’s rebuilding. The suffering of the Syrian people will continue in the absence of a Syrian- owned and Syrian-led credible, balanced and inclusive political process that meets their legitimate aspirations. In support of this, the international community bears a great responsibility to engage in a pragmatic way by prioritizing the people of Syria and setting aside geopolitical disputes, which have compounded the complexities of the conflict.”
2021-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/265 (2021) · source
“The perpetuation of hostilities denies an environment conducive to the fulfilment of the process and the restoration of stability. The date of 5 March marked one year since the Idlib agreement, which has largely held, yet we remain concerned by the continued reports of sporadic violence. The security situation is fragile, and we therefore strongly urge parties to the conflict to exercise maximum restraint in order to preserve the ceasefire. We further appeal to the parties to respect their obligations under international law in the conduct of all military and counter-terrorism activities. The link between justice and peace has long been recognized and we reiterate that accountability for atrocities committed since the commencement of the war ought to remain a high priority.”
2021-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/265 (2021) · source
“In this regard, we recognize the work of the Special Envoy thus far and we continue to urge the parties to recommit to working together in a spirit of mutual respect and compromise. Furthermore, we emphasize the importance of the meaningful participation of women and youth in all discussions to ensure a sustainable and equitable peace for all Syrians. The viability and eventual success of the wider political process require parties to the conflict to undertake confidence-building measures. These acts of goodwill will undoubtedly cultivate trust and encourage much-needed national reconciliation. Accordingly, the issues of missing and arbitrarily detained persons necessitate urgent attention. Resolution 2254 (2015) acknowledges the close linkage between a ceasefire and the parallel political process.”
2021-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/265 (2021) · source
“It is time for self-reflection, it is time to challenge one’s own perceptions, perspectives and approaches and ask the really hard questions. How can we continue to say with any real credibility that we care about the people of Syria? Recently, I had the privilege to speak with persons on the ground; at the end of it I cried, they cried. They concluded by simply saying: “We just want to live, to live in dignity and in peace”. The situation is catastrophic. What are we doing? There remains no alternative to a political resolution to this protracted crisis. For this reason, the work of the Constitutional Committee must be re-energized, and the parties must endeavour to make tangible progress in the pursuit of peace and stability.”
2021-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/265 (2021) · source
“I would like to thank Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Syria Pedersen and Mr. Duhaime for their briefings. The Syrian conflict has created violent instability, claiming the lives of hundreds of thousands, displacing millions and decimating the country’s economy and infrastructure. And today, 10 years after the harrowing conflict began, the Syrian people continue to pay the highest price with their untold suffering. Special Envoy Pedersen underscored earlier today that the Syrian conflict is undoubtedly the darkest chapter in recent human history. How much longer will we remain on this path —saying and doing the same thing and expecting a different result. It is past time to set aside self-interest, it is past time to set aside the need to be right, it is past time to climb down and think anew.”
2021-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/265 (2021) · source
“Finally, we call on the Council to explicitly uphold international law in promoting peace and security for the Middle East. From our outstanding youth briefers today, we heard that we need to build trust, and we need a just solution for the Palestinians; those are two aims that are inextricably linked.”
2021-03-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/218 (2021) · source
“All Palestinians should be granted the opportunity to exercise their constitutional right to vote and contribute to Palestinian unity. Moreover, we welcome the presidential decree guaranteeing a minimum of seven parliamentary seats for Palestinians of Christian faith. It is our firm belief that a lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict can be achieved only by peaceful means in accordance with international law and the relevant United Nations resolutions and through credible and direct negotiations. Consequently, we reiterate the call made by President Abbas for the United Nations to convene an international peace conference and encourage the Middle East Quartet to assist in that regard, in an effort to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on the pre-1967 borders.”
2021-03-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/218 (2021) · source
“The humanitarian crisis in Gaza remains of deep concern for my delegation, especially now, during the COVID-19 pandemic. In that connection, we call on the Israeli Government to take additional steps to lift the blockade on Gaza, particularly to allow medical treatment and humanitarian aid to those in need. Similarly, we call on the international community to address the financial situation of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, which remains a serious concern for millions of Palestinian refugees. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines reiterates its support for President Abbas’s decree issued on 15 January setting legislative, presidential and Palestinian National Council elections for later this year and welcomes the steps taken so far towards Palestinian unity.”
2021-03-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/218 (2021) · source
“We condemn the ongoing demolition of Palestinian homes and the forced displacement of Palestinian families, and we call upon the Israeli authorities to halt such unlawful evictions and end the illegal demolitions of Palestinian property. Israel’s occupation of the Palestinian territory must immediately and completely cease. We reiterate that settlements have no legal validity, constitute a flagrant violation under international law and must be dismantled. Continued settlement activity violates the fundamental rights of the Palestinian people to self-determination and dangerously imperils the viability of a two-State solution based on the pre-1967 borders. The social and economic impacts of the occupation on the Palestinians in the occupied territory, particularly the Gaza Strip, are increasingly dire.”
2021-03-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/218 (2021) · source
“That notwithstanding, the rollout of the coronavirus vaccine, with more than half of the occupied West Bank and Gaza yet to receive supplies, needs the urgent attention and support of the international community. We urge Israel to provide more coronavirus vaccines to Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza. We also commend the efforts of those countries that have supplied vaccines to the Palestinians and call on the international community to help fill the large funding gap for the Palestinian coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine plan. We must all work together tirelessly to confront the coronavirus crisis, in line with the United Nations principle of leaving no one behind. In East Jerusalem, as in the rest of the West Bank, settlements, the demolition of homes and the displacement of Palestinians are of deep concern.”
2021-03-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/218 (2021) · source
“I thank Mr. Tor Wennesland, the Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, for his briefing, and Mr. Oren Gian and Ms. Malak AbuSoud for their excellent and deeply profound presentations. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines takes note of the ruling of the International Criminal Court (ICC) that it has jurisdiction over war crimes committed in the Palestinian territories. It is critical for the international community to actively participate in the global fight against impunity and to render our unwavering support to the ICC. Moreover, we reaffirm that all States must comply with their obligations under the Rome Statute and the relevant Security Council resolutions to cooperate with the ICC. We welcome the recent announcement that Israel will vaccinate 100,000 Palestinians who regularly cross into Israel for work.”
2021-03-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/218 (2021) · source
“We know from the lessons of history, ancient and recent, that peace and development are inseparable. The people of Haiti have already suffered enough. They deserve to live in peace. They deserve a future that offers prosperity. We urge all stakeholders, difficult and complex although it may be, to enter into constructive dialogue and work together to build a better Haiti. The A3+1 reiterates its support to BINUH, CARICOM and the Organization of American States, and renews its call for these organizations and the wider international community to continue accompanying Haiti in its pursuit of political and socioeconomic stability. Kenya, the Niger, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Tunisia stand in solidarity with the people of Haiti.”
2021-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/174 (2021) · source