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

“At a time when the international community is faced with many threats including the interlocking health, socioeconomic, political, and security challenges of the coronavirus disease pandemic, the adverse impacts of climate change, and the heightened risks of violent conflict precipitated by divisions along ethnic, communal and political lines, the crucial role of regional and subregional groupings cannot be overstated. More pressingly, given the current geopolitical tensions and fragmentation across the multilateral system, groups like la Francophonie — which places solidarity at the core of its mandate — are essential for ensuring that countries are able to confront their development challenges, and to build peaceful, prosperous and inclusive societies in accordance with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”
2020-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/893 (2020) · source
“At the outset, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines thanks the briefers for their remarks, and we commend the Niger for convening this debate. Regional and subregional organizations occupy a critical space in our multilateral system. They serve as intermediaries that link the international community to the local and contextual realities found within States, and provide their constituents with much-needed insulation against global turmoil. In the case of the International Organization of la Francophonie, the international reach and geographically dispersed membership of this institution reinforces its strategic value to the multilateral system, which is manifested through technical cooperation, solidarity, capacity-building and the advancement of democracy and human rights among its members.”
2020-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/893 (2020) · source
“They deserve peace and stability. The international community must continue to engage constructively towards a political solution with the Syrian people at the forefront.”
2020-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/866 (2020) · source
“The Allouk water station continues to face numerous interruptions, leaving almost half a million civilians without its vital supply, including those residing in the densely populated Al-Hol camp. A sustainable solution to this increasingly troubling issue must be found, especially in consideration of the pandemic. Reconstruction is inextricably linked to the improvement of the country’s humanitarian situation. It is also a necessary requirement for the safe, dignified and voluntary return of refugees and internally displaced persons. We therefore continue to encourage members of the international community to contribute to the country’s reconstruction efforts. The humanitarian situation is distressing, and it will not improve in the absence of a political resolution to the conflict. The well-being of the Syrian people is paramount.”
2020-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/866 (2020) · source
“Syria’s health care system was already in a fragile state prior to the emergence of the pandemic, and a major outbreak of the virus will undoubtedly be devastating to the country. On this point, we yet again appeal for the lifting of all unilateral coercive measures imposed on Syria. These measures undermine the country’s capacity to fight the pandemic and further burden the moribund economy. We echo the Special Envoy’s call for a nationwide ceasefire to end the violence, preserve critical civilian infrastructure and enable humanitarian actors to effectively carry out their important work. We urge the parties to the conflict to respect the ceasefire in the north-west and exercise maximum restraint. We also remind the parties that all military and counter-terrorism activities must comply with the fundamental principles of armed conflict.”
2020-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/866 (2020) · source
“It is evident that the mechanism must be strengthened and optimized to ensure its effectiveness in providing timely, safe, sustained and unimpeded humanitarian access, in coordination with the Syrian Government and in line with the guiding principles of humanitarian assistance. The scaling up of the cross-line modality must also be prioritized to assist in filling the existing gaps. Syria’s declining socioeconomic situation is a cause for concern. Millions are now food insecure, with millions more on the brink. Basic commodities are out of reach owing to hyperinflation, and as a result, many Syrians have resorted to negative coping mechanisms. Amid the challenges, COVID-19 cases are on the rise with nearly one third of all active cases requiring hospitalization.”
2020-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/866 (2020) · source
“I thank Acting Assistant Secretary-General Rajasingham for his briefing. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines remains alarmed by the dire humanitarian situation in Syria. The amalgamation of conflict, economic downturn and the effects of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has considerably intensified the humanitarian emergency and the scale of human suffering. The cross-border mechanism therefore remains a critical component of the humanitarian response, and we continue to support its operation. We take note of the most recent report of the Secretary-General (S/2020/813), which highlights, among other matters, that cross-border aid deliveries face considerable challenges, including having to travel longer distances.”
2020-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/866 (2020) · source
“Equally important is accountability, which is critical to the reconstruction process. No act violating international humanitarian law or human rights law should be carried out with impunity. These are cornerstone principles under which all actors have a legal obligation and it is imperative that they be scrupulously applied. We conclude by reaffirming our support for UNAMI. We encourage its continued engagement with the Government of Iraq, in line with Iraq’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence, which, we emphasize, must be respected by all actors.”
2020-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/845 (2020) · source
“To that end, we recognize the efforts undertaken by UNAMI and the United Nations country team to bring awareness to the increase in domestic violence amid COVID-19-related measures. We express concern over continued acts of violence and terror carried out by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), including those that have resulted in civilian casualties. The Secretary-General’s most recent report on the activities of UNAMI (S/2020/792) noted that 40 deaths and 45 injuries were attributed to ISIL between 1 May and 9 July. We condemn, in the strongest terms, these acts, as well as the ongoing killing and maiming of children caused by land mines and explosive remnants. We further condemn the targeting of civil-society activists and urge the Government to counter this campaign of intimidation and hostility.”
2020-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/845 (2020) · source
“The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic continues to assail the world with its extensive consequences, and we emphasize the importance of supporting and strengthening, where possible, the Government’s efforts to combat the spread of the pandemic and mitigate its impacts. It is crucial that the international community remain actively supportive of the COVID-19 Global Humanitarian Response Plan, of which Iraq is a beneficiary. We welcome the leading role of the World Health Organization, particularly in its acknowledgment of and efforts to address the acute vulnerabilities of internally displaced persons to this virus. The most vulnerable groups must be at the centre of all measures adopted to combat the virus.”
2020-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/845 (2020) · source
“We thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Hennis-Plasschaert for her briefing. We wish also to recognize the continued dedication of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) to the people of Iraq, and we recognize the presence of our distinguished colleague, the Permanent Representative of Iraq. We begin by welcoming the completion of the Government-formation process, as well as Prime Minister Al-Kadhimi’s announcement of his priority areas, which include holding free, fair and credible early elections, countering terrorism and enforcing the rule of law. These activities are critical for restoring State authority and ensuring public trust, and we offer our support and encouragement in this regard.”
2020-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/845 (2020) · source
“The preservation of the JCPOA is critical to safeguarding peace and stability in the region, and we once again urge all parties to commit fully to multilateralism and refrain from actions that are contradictory to the requirements and goals of resolution 2231 (2015) and the JCPOA. We maintain the position outlined in the 20 August 2020 joint letter of the three African members of the Security Council — the Niger, South Africa and Tunisia — as well as Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, that “[h]aving confirmed its withdrawal from the JCPOA and by not participating in any of the JCPOA structures or subsequent activities, the United States ceased to be a JCPOA participant and is, therefore, ineligible to submit a notification to the Security Council under the terms of resolution 2231 (2015)” (S/2020/821, p. 1).”
2020-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/837 (2020) · source
“As Coordinator Mladenov said earlier, “today is the day to redouble our efforts” before it is too late. Second statement by the Permanent Representative of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to the United Nations, Inga Rhonda King We thank the President for his update and assessment. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines takes this opportunity to reaffirm its strong support for the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), and we reiterate that the agreement remains the only viable path to ensuring a peaceful, comprehensive and long-term solution to the Iranian nuclear issue. We wholeheartedly believe that a commitment to dialogue and negotiation will not only preserve the JCPOA but will go a long way towards resolving the current issues.”
2020-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/837 (2020) · source
“We also echo UNRWA’s appeals that aid to Palestine refugees in Lebanon be built into the international community’s immediate emergency response efforts and longer-term support plans following the horrific explosion in Beirut that claimed the lives of two Palestine refugees, among many others. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines reiterates its firm commitment to the two- State solution. In that connection, we also reaffirm our long-held position to not recognize any changes to the 4 June 1967 lines, including with regard to Jerusalem, other than those agreed by the parties through negotiations. Only through a negotiated two-State solution that addresses the needs and concerns of both Israel and Palestine can we achieve our long-held dream of peace in the Middle East.”
2020-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/837 (2020) · source
“As such, we reiterate the demands of resolution 2334 (2016) that Israel immediately and completely cease all settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, and to fully respect all of its legal obligations in that regard. Turning to the humanitarian situation, the dire needs of Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and Gaza demand urgent attention amidst the surge in coronavirus disease cases. The Palestinians cannot combat the pandemic alone. In that regard, we once again urge the international community to ensure that the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has adequate, predictable and sustainable financing to respond to the urgent humanitarian needs of the Palestinian people.”
2020-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/837 (2020) · source
“It is a categorical imperative that the Quartet carefully examines and pursues all practical courses of action to lead the peace process to a successful conclusion. We are all aware that annexation undermines international norms and constitutes a serious breach of international law. A continuation of such activities across the West Bank violates the terms of resolutions 465 (1980), 476 (1980), 478 (1980), and 2334 (2016), as well as the relevant Assembly resolutions. We therefore remain deeply concerned about the expansion of Israeli settlements and its associated infrastructure in the occupied Palestinian territories. Such settlements have no legal validity and undermine the peace process.”
2020-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/837 (2020) · source
“I would like to thank Special Coordinator Mladenov for his briefing on the evolving situation in the Middle East and for his unwavering commitment to the Middle East peace process. We meet again at a critical juncture. The Security Council must solemnly reaffirm our commitment to uphold the vital principles of international law. In particular, we must — by all appropriate means at our disposal — safeguard the territorial integrity of the State of Palestine and promote a peaceful settlement to the decades-long dispute. We welcome the recent announcement by the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, to delay annexation activities in the occupied West Bank. Notwithstanding, we call on the Middle East Quartet to renew its efforts to help facilitate a peace agreement that is acceptable to both Israel and Palestine.”
2020-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/837 (2020) · source
“We express our deepest condolences to the Lebanese people and to the families of the many Syrian refugees who also lost their lives in this terrible tragedy. We also wish Deputy Special Envoy Matar a speedy recovery.”
2020-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/823 (2020) · source
“Meaningful action on these matters must be prioritized, especially in consideration of the pandemic. Furthermore, the effective resolution of these issues will certainly go a long way towards confidence-building and reconciliation, in furtherance of the political process. Syria’s sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity must be respected and should never be rejected in favour of acts of aggression and foreign occupation. The hope of the Syrian people lies within the actions of the international community. We must seek common ground, we must be pragmatic and principled and we must not fail them. Before concluding, it is with profound sadness that we recall the devastating 4 August blasts in Beirut, Lebanon.”
2020-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/823 (2020) · source
“A widespread outbreak of COVID-19 would undoubtedly be devastating to the country, especially since the health-care system has been debilitated by conflict. Nationwide calm will allow for a more robust response to the pandemic. The Syrian economy is in danger of collapse. A decade-long civil war has led to a precarious socioeconomic situation, and unilateral coercive measures have increased the burden. As always, we continue to call for the lifting of all unilateral coercive measures, which are inconsistent with international law, frustrate efforts at stabilizing and revitalizing the economy and now have the potential to undermine Syria’s pandemic response. We remain troubled by the unresolved issues of detainees, abductees and missing persons.”
2020-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/823 (2020) · source
“We urge all parties to abide by the ceasefire and exercise maximum restraint, and we reiterate the call for a complete and immediate nationwide cessation of hostilities. Furthermore, we remind parties to the conflict that military and counter- terrorism operations, although necessary for the protection of Syria and the region, must comply with the fundamental principles of international humanitarian law and international human rights law. Distinction, proportionality and precaution ought to guide all activities. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic compounds the urgency for lasting peace and stability in Syria. Unfortunately, there has been an upsurge in cases in recent weeks, and, due to limited testing capacity, we do not know the true number of persons affected.”
2020-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/823 (2020) · source
“I thank Geir Pedersen for his comprehensive briefing and for his tireless efforts aimed at facilitating Syria’s political process. I would also like to welcome our new colleague, the Permanent Representative of Belgium to the United Nations, Ambassador Philippe Kridelka, with whom we look forward to working. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines remains in full support of achieving a political solution that is owned and led by the Syrian people and is in accordance with resolution 2254 (2015). We therefore welcome next week’s third session of the Constitutional Committee, which, it is our hope, will be characterized by constructive engagement by all parties. Regarding the country’s security situation, we are concerned by the continued reports of sporadic violence despite the March ceasefire agreement.”
2020-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/823 (2020) · source
“As we look towards the intergovernmental phase of the 2020 review of the peacebuilding architecture, we must work to further strengthen the synergies across the United Nations system, including by exploring new modalities through the Economic and Social Council for mobilizing comprehensive development responses to peacebuilding challenges at the national and regional levels. Only by strengthening and mainstreaming a cohesive and integrated approach across the peace, security and development nexus can we provide the inclusive, people-centred and climate-informed solutions needed to sustain peace. I conclude by echoing what the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Indonesia said earlier today, “crisis may also create an opening for peace”. (see annex 4). Let us not waste this opportunity.”
2020-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/799 (2020) · source
“We also echo the joint appeals of the Secretary- General and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, as well as the recent calls by a group of Special Rapporteurs on human rights, for the discontinuation of all unilateral coercive measures that impede countries’ abilities to address the pandemic. Sanctions create unnecessary suffering in vulnerable societies. They serve to undermine national ownership and global cooperation, which are the most basic tenets of sustaining peace. While we continue to grapple with the peacebuilding implications of COVID-19, we must renew our efforts to protect the most vulnerable. Concurrently, we must also maintain a watchful eye on other menacing threats that add further complexity to our twenty-first-century security landscape, such as climate change.”
2020-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/799 (2020) · source
“However, both remain significantly underfunded, and we urge donor countries and the international private sector to renew their efforts to provide financial support to those essential institutional mechanisms, which provide a critical lifeline for many in precarious situations. In order to ensure that conflict-affected countries are able to mend their social fabric, advance political processes, strengthen institutions, restore State authority and provide justice and prosperity to all in accordance with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, we encourage the international donor community to honour their overseas development assistance commitments and explore additional pathways for providing debt relief.”
2020-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/799 (2020) · source
“Amid those immense challenges, the United Nations peacebuilding architecture has played a crucial role in strengthening the institutional arrangements between Member States and the international financial institutions in order to safeguard national development plans, reinforce social contracts and bolster national ownership over peace processes. These institutional arrangements, geared towards strengthening partnerships and providing predictable and reliable financing, are critical to preventing conflict in many fragile contexts. In that regard, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines welcomes the Global Humanitarian Response Plan for COVID-19 and the work critical to building and sustaining peace financed through the Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund.”
2020-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/799 (2020) · source
“For conflict-affected countries, the pandemic has accentuated security risks, as delicate peace agreements have become increasingly fragile, while many warring parties, including armed groups, continue to disregard our shared calls for a global ceasefire, as articulated in resolution 2532 (2020). Under such tenuous circumstances, persons in vulnerable situations have been disproportionately affected by food shortages, high levels of displacement, increases in sexual and gender-based violence and other humanitarian and protection concerns that threaten to reverse the hard- won peacebuilding gains in countries affected by or emerging from conflict.”
2020-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/799 (2020) · source
“At the outset, I thank Secretary-General António Guterres, His Excellency Mr. Ban Ki-moon and Ms. Sarah Cliffe for their insightful remarks, and we commend the Indonesian presidency for convening this timely discussion. These are extremely challenging times. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic continues to claim lives and livelihoods as it tests our collective resolve as nations, regions and an international community. Supply chain disruptions and sharp declines in economic activities have exacerbated inequalities within and among countries, while prolonged lockdowns have produced disastrous implications for humanitarian operations, education sectors and other social protections that are critical to sustaining peace.”
2020-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/799 (2020) · source
“Further, initiatives to combat transnational organized crime must be designed in such a way that they bolster rather than undermine legitimate socioeconomic activity. In conclusion, let me reiterate that Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is confident that with capacity-building, the strengthening of law-enforcement agencies and other institutional arrangements, enhanced regional and international cooperation and the use of financial intelligence, Member States can better confront crime and terrorism and the other security challenges that they face.”
2020-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/791 (2020) · source
“Strategic-level decision-makers should place particular emphasis on the reporting of transnational crime and terrorism by State, local and national- level authorities to the appropriate domestic, regional and international intelligence entities, where appropriate. The evolving and interconnected dimensions of crime and terrorism present a number of challenges, especially in the field of domestic intelligence. We urge States to improve the flow of criminal intelligence and information-sharing across all levels of Government and at the national, regional and international levels. We also encourage a renewed focus on initiatives geared to enhancing sustainable development in fragile contexts in order to draw people away from the lure of illicit activity and fully embed them in legitimate economic enterprise.”
2020-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/791 (2020) · source
“It has become increasingly difficult to eliminate illicit activity across widespread networks of disparate groups, especially since many of those groups are dynamic, amorphous and constantly evolving. Similarly, Member States must also be dynamic and genuinely committed in their efforts to address those threats. Rising to the challenge will require greater cooperation among United Nations and regional and subregional organizations, increased support to vulnerable countries and adequate training, both on the evolving threats posed by crime and terrorism, and on intelligence-collection and reporting techniques.”
2020-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/791 (2020) · source
“Saint Vincent and the Grenadines condemns all forms and manifestations of terrorism, whether State-sponsored or not. We remain committed to the implementation of the relevant international instruments, resolution 1373 (2001) and all subsequent resolutions — 2195 (2014) and 2462 (2019). Further, as a small island developing State with limited resources, porous borders and a large maritime territory to patrol, we believe that regional and international coordination is critical. Consequently, we continue to work closely with a wide array of partners in our region and beyond through initiatives such as the Caribbean Community’s Implementation Agency for Crime and Security, the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative and the Regional Security System, in order to address transnational crime in our region. Today transnational crime is on the rise.”
2020-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/791 (2020) · source
“Let me join others in congratulating Indonesia on assuming the presidency of the Security Council for the month of August, and we thank you, Sir, for having organized this important open debate. We also thank our briefers for their presentations. The effective fight against terrorism and crime necessitates an understanding of how poverty, underdevelopment, socioeconomic and political exclusion, irresponsible arms sales, persistent conflict and other factors contribute to this scourge. We must attack root causes and terrorism itself sensibly and collectively. Anti-terrorist intervention should not be shaped by the side of the border that atrocities are committed on or by whether particular groups are useful to narrow and cynical short-term political objectives.”
2020-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/791 (2020) · source
“It demands institutional and behavioural change. As the death toll and destruction continue to rise globally, the root causes must be addressed. A part of the solution therefore necessitates accountability for major and historical emitters — super emitters, if you will — to commit to the terms of the Paris Agreement and to take the actions needed to keep temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Additionally, we call on developed countries to honour climate-finance pledges as a floor and not a ceiling. Climate finance is crucial to the urgent adaptation and mitigation needs of affected countries before the window of opportunity for decisive action is gone and the hard-won security gains are erased. Yes, action is all that counts now.”
2020-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/751 (2020) · source
“At this critical moment, we need adequate data from country- and region- specific situations, with consideration of the differential and gendered impacts of climate-related risks, in order to improve the Security Council’s capacity to maintain international peace and security. We therefore encourage the integration of such climate-security assessments in all mandated reports of situations on the Security Council’s agenda. We also advocate for the appointment of a special representative on climate and security to coordinate response efforts across all pillars of the United Nations system, as well as to strengthen the cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations to promote comprehensive action. We wholeheartedly agree with you, Mr. President — we cannot negotiate with nature.”
2020-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/751 (2020) · source
“But we must all work within our respective mandates to address the far-reaching impact of climate change. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change remains the primary body for addressing climate change, and United Nations organs such as the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council continue to play important roles. At the same time, it is vitally important that climate perspectives be comprehensively incorporated into the peace and security pillar of the United Nations. What is therefore needed is a complementary, synergistic approach that makes best use of the expertise of all relevant organs and actors.”
2020-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/751 (2020) · source
“The Security Council has acknowledged this issue in an increasing number of situations but, due to a lack of collective political will, we have unfortunately not been able to include climate and security considerations in numerous resolutions emanating from the Council. This means that the necessary climate-sensitive assessments and expertise are often not incorporated into the key actions of many peacekeeping and special political missions. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines believes that the Security Council must be enabled to further increase its awareness, understanding and ability to assess and respond to the security implications of the effects of climate change in an evidence- based manner. There are no neat boundaries between the interplay of issues resulting from human-induced climate change.”
2020-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/751 (2020) · source
“We hope that today’s meeting will serve as another step in the right direction, and we commend Germany for convening us to discuss this common threat. We are delighted to be a co-sponsor of this meeting. We also thank the briefers for their insightful remarks, which have served to underscore the insidious impacts of climate change. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is committed to addressing this existential threat both within and outside the Security Council. A number of situations on the Security Council’s agenda, from Haiti and Afghanistan to West Africa and the Sahel region, provide clear evidence that the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events already have a tangible impact on security and contribute to many challenges.”
2020-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/751 (2020) · source
“We are all aware that climate change is a global, multidimensional and cross- cutting reality and a threat of existential proportions. Drought, desertification, erratic rainfall, sea-level rise, flooding, hurricanes and other climatic hazards endanger lives and livelihoods, increasing displacement and competition over scarce resources. The impact on countries is already evident, and will only worsen if we do not address this crisis. We need leadership and the political will to drastically change our planet’s trajectory and to address the climate and security challenges already in existence. To that end, it is clear that the Security Council must work within its mandate to address the grave consequences of the climate crisis for international peace and security.”
2020-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/751 (2020) · source
“We take this opportunity to stress, yet again, that annexation of any part of the occupied Palestinian territory will constitute a grave violation of international law and undermine prospects for accelerating the Middle East peace process. It is imperative that we collectively work to discourage any possible initiative towards annexation, and to promote the internationally agreed two-State solution. We therefore support the call of President Abbas for an international conference.”
2020-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/736 (2020) · source
“It is important to note that the delivery of the essential services of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) contributes significantly to the overall well-being of Palestinian refugees, especially the most vulnerable. Consequently, we reiterate our call for the international community to provide UNRWA with the necessary funding so that it can continue providing vital life-saving services, health care and education for Palestine refugees. Although Israel did not proceed with its annexation plans on 1 July, we are mindful that the threat of annexation has not disappeared.”
2020-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/736 (2020) · source
“In a positive development, we welcome the Palestinian Authority’s willingness to resume negotiations with Israel under the auspices of the Middle East Quartet, with international involvement. We call on the Quartet to engage and step up consultations with the relevant parties and key regional actors in an effort to restart talks in the near term. Despite many setbacks, direct negotiations can bolster the prospects for a negotiated two-State solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and promote lasting peace in the region. The serious socioeconomic and humanitarian situation of the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip necessitates an urgent political solution to facilitate lifting the 13-year Israeli blockade.”
2020-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/736 (2020) · source
“Recent developments underscore, more than ever, the need to support the people of Palestine. In particular, we remain deeply concerned about the continued demolitions and seizures of Palestinian properties and structures, which, according to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, climaxed in June to the highest levels since January 2017. In line with resolution 2334 (2016) and other related United Nations resolutions, we condemn the illegal demolition of homes and the displacement of Palestinian civilians. Given the vast humanitarian concerns in the occupied Palestinian territory, which have been exacerbated by the coronavirus disease, we call on the international community and other actors to provide increased funding for the revised inter-agency response plan, which remains underfinanced.”
2020-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/736 (2020) · source
“We begin by thanking Special Coordinator Nickolay Mladenov for his comprehensive briefing. Let me also thank Mr. Daniel Levy, Professor Khalil Shikaki and the representatives of the State of Palestine and Israel for sharing their assessments and perspectives on the evolving situation in the Middle East. The question of the implementation of the internationally agreed parameters to achieve a just and peaceful solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains a significant concern for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. As the situation on the ground has drastically evolved over the past decade, leading to the continued expansion of illegal settlements across the occupied Palestinian territories and the associated threats of annexation, that question has become even more acute.”
2020-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/736 (2020) · source
“We therefore encourage further cooperation in this regard. We acknowledge the efforts of the co-penholders — Belgium and Germany — in facilitating the discussions on this matter. On complex questions such as this, where there are many competing concerns and different perspectives, the need for an inclusive and consultative approach cannot be overstated. The humanitarian situation in Syria will continue to worsen in the absence of a political solution to the conflict. We must therefore continue to work together to realize the goals of resolution 2254 (2015).”
2020-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/702 (2020) · source
“Saint Vincent and the Grenadines remains extremely concerned by the humanitarian situation in Syria. The fate of millions of Syrians depends on the preservation of the cross-border mechanism. We therefore supported resolution 2533 (2020) for the sake of human dignity. Our position has always been, and remains, that we support optimal access arrangements, through all modalities, to guarantee the rapid, uninterrupted and direct provision of aid. Indeed, there are no perfect solutions in these circumstances, and we are guided by the responsibility to ensure that those who rely on the critical lifeline of humanitarian assistance are able to access it. The scaling up of the humanitarian response through cross-line deliveries is needed now more than ever to assist in filling the gaps that now exist.”
2020-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/702 (2020) · source
“These are key pillars upon which lasting peace and prosperity are rendered, and peace operations play a critical role in assisting conflict-affected States to mend their social fabric and implement these fundamental safeguards.”
2020-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/674 (2020) · source
“In Haiti, acts of sexual exploitation and abuse of women and children and other forms of violence committed against Haitian citizens have left deep-rooted traumas and a general distrust of United Nations engagement in the country, further magnifying a perception of illegitimacy borne out of the peace operation’s role in initiating the deadliest epidemic in the country’s history. Haiti still grapples with the remnants of these protection failures today. The quest for freedom and justice has always been, and remains, the cornerstone on which our global civilization has advanced. Our delegation therefore considers it a moral imperative for all actors in the international community to promote political inclusion, social welfare, economic participation and protection under the law for all persons, without discrimination of any kind.”
2020-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/674 (2020) · source
“The 2030 Agenda remains the primary blueprint for inclusive people-centred growth and development upon which greater freedoms can be made readily available to all, while the root causes of conflicts are comprehensively addressed. In addressing root causes, it must be noted that abuses committed by all parties must be accounted for and adequate restitution provided to victims and survivors. We have seen instances in the past where peacekeepers themselves have committed human rights violations against the very civilians whom they are mandated to protect.”
2020-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/674 (2020) · source
“The engagement and leadership of the African Union on peace initiatives across the African continent is a pertinent example of how a regionalized focus can strengthen protections for rights and freedoms by accentuating the contextual realities of conflicts, improving community engagement, facilitating constructive dialogue and building trust among stakeholders in accordance with the aspirations of the Agenda 2063 of the African Union. We call upon the international community to renew its efforts to strengthen the capacities of all States, in line with national priorities and in accordance with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”
2020-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/674 (2020) · source