YouSaid · the spoken record

Isis Gonsalves

lines on the record

36

first

2020-03-31

most recent

2021-04-13

sittings or episodes

9

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

1. “Tanin and his team for their efforts in promoting a safe and secure environment in Kosovo. We encourage the recently elected authorities in Kosovo to make full use of the opportunity to address the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and socioeconomic development and to engage fully in the European Union-facilitated dialogue.”

   2021-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/370 (2021) · source

2. “My delegation reiterates the importance of encouraging the full, equal and meaningful participation of women in all segments of the political process. We are pleased with the high level of participation by women and youth in the recent elections and the increased proportion of women deputies, in numbers that exceed the established 30 per cent quota. Furthermore, the normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina is critical for stability in the region. We therefore encourage the parties to resume talks under the European Union-facilitated dialogue and constructively implement existing agreements. We underscore the importance of strengthening the rule of law, and we encourage efforts in Kosovo to fight against corruption and organized crime and promote socioeconomic development. As we conclude, we reiterate our support to Mr.”

   2021-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/370 (2021) · source

3. “Saint Vincent and the Grenadines thanks the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), Mr. Zahir Tanin, for his comprehensive briefing and for the commendable work that his Office continues to do in promoting security, stability and respect for human rights in Kosovo and the region. We believe that UNMIK and the United Nations Kosovo team continue to play a vital role in Kosovo by addressing the challenges of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic through the adaptation of their programmatic activities. In this regard, we commend the Mission for implementing such initiatives to support the needs of the people of Kosovo, especially those in vulnerable communities.”

   2021-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/370 (2021) · source

4. “Politicizing and weaponizing this issue only engenders a further threat to the lives and livelihoods of the Yemeni people.”

   2021-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/266 (2021) · source

5. “This must start by ensuring their equal participation in the peace process. We encourage the Special Envoy to continue his work with women in Yemen, including the Yemeni Women’s Technical Advisory Group. Let us ensure that women have the platform and a safe space for their voices to be heard and not merely ventilated but translated into concrete action on the ground. In closing, we affirm our commitment to the Special Envoy, Mark Lowcock, and all actors working to promote peace in Yemen. We stand in solidarity with the people of Yemen. To that end, we call on all parties to prioritize safeguarding the environment by allowing, without delay, the deployment of a United Nations mission to the FSO SAFER oil tanker in order to prevent a catastrophe in the Red Sea.”

   2021-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/266 (2021) · source

6. “While we welcome the pledges made and encourage these to be disbursed with a sense of urgency, we appeal to others in the international community to increase their support by providing funds to ensure that life-saving humanitarian programmes are able to continue. While the most recent round of prisoner exchange talks was not fruitful, we encourage the parties to continue their discussions and efforts to meet their commitments. We have already seen in the past that dialogue can result in progress and encourage confidence-building. Last week, we celebrated International Women’s Day, recognizing the social, economic, cultural and political contributions and achievements of women. In so doing, we called for further action to ensure gender parity in all spheres. In Yemen, women’s aspirations and needs must be realized.”

   2021-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/266 (2021) · source

7. “There is need for an immediate nationwide ceasefire. The ongoing violence, including cross-border attacks, is inimical to progress towards peace, and within Marib, hostilities threaten the worst mass displacement of the war. A ceasefire will mitigate the humanitarian situation by facilitating the delivery of life-saving assistance to the Yemeni people. Humanitarian access must be unhindered and humanitarian responders must be sufficiently equipped with the resources necessary to provide much-needed reprieve. The virtual pledging event held on 1 March was an opportunity for the international community to reaffirm and reinforce its solidarity with the people of Yemen, yet the outcome was disappointing.”

   2021-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/266 (2021) · source

8. “Yemen’s weak economy, the ongoing hostilities, including escalations in Marib and Al-Hudaydah, and the dire humanitarian situation — exacerbated by fuel shortages, the ongoing blockade of commercial imports in Al-Hudaydah, and the coronavirus disease pandemic — have combined to create unbearable suffering. Over 2 million children under five years old are projected to face acute malnutrition. Over half of Yemen’s population is facing acute food shortages. And as we have heard before from the World Food Programme Executive Director, Mr. David Beasley, millions are knocking on the door of famine. The cost of this conflict is high and its consequences will reverberate for years. The joint declaration proposed by the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen has been a starting point from which Yemen can navigate these challenges.”

   2021-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/266 (2021) · source

9. “Good morning and welcome to our briefers. We recognize your steadfast dedication to the people of Yemen; however, it is with heavy hearts that we receive your sobering updates. First, allow me to express deep concern at the plight of migrants in and around Yemen, including those caught in the deadly fire that broke out in the migrant detention centre in Sana’a and those who suffered at the hands of traffickers en route to Yemen. These matters must be thoroughly investigated and we call for a recommitment to the protection of migrants from all parties. It is clear that Yemen is on the precipice of another catastrophe from which it may not be able to return.”

   2021-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/266 (2021) · source

10. “We reiterate that the Security Council has an obligation to give that matter due attention, make an assessment in the interest of civilian protection and ensure that the principles of international law are upheld and consistently applied. Our goal to prevent the development, stockpiling, transfer or use of chemical weapons to better protect the future of humankind requires both the full implementation of resolution 2118 (2013) and a committed partnership with the OPCW. The Security Council, and indeed the entire international community, must work together to find common ground to fulfil that responsibility.”

    2021-01-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/22 (2021) · source

11. “In addition, consensus-based decisions ought to be pursued to prevent further polarization and divisiveness and promote international cooperation. Although the coronavirus disease pandemic has created many obstacles, we commend the OPCW and Syria for remaining actively engaged and continuing the work insofar as it is possible to do so remotely. The issue of the unresolved gaps and inconsistencies in the original declaration remains open, and we are hopeful that continued dialogue between the parties will assist in further cultivating a spirit of cooperation to make certain that meaningful progress is made in that regard. The Security Council should not overlook the many notifications by the Syrian Government in relation to the preparations of armed groups to use chemical weapons and stage chemical-weapon attacks.”

    2021-01-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/22 (2021) · source

12. “For that reason, we continue to support the mandate of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and its continued efforts to ensure that we achieve our collective vision of a world free of chemical weapons. Furthermore, we support all efforts to strengthen the OPCW’s capacity and to ensure that the quality of its work adheres to the highest standards. As the implementing body of the Chemical Weapons Convention, the OPCW must take all the steps necessary to ensure that the organization and its various subsidiary bodies are beyond reproach. The important work of the OPCW must therefore remain impartial and transparent and should never be politicized. Its findings must be able to withstand rigorous scrutiny so as to foster and sustain trust among States parties and the OPCW.”

    2021-01-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/22 (2021) · source

13. “I congratulate Tunisia on assuming the presidency of the Security Council this month. I also thank the High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, Mrs. Izumi Nakamitsu, for her briefing. As this is our first meeting for 2021, we welcome our colleagues from India, Ireland, Kenya, Mexico and Norway to the Council. We look forward to working with them this year. I would like to begin by restating the well-established position of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines that the use of chemical weapons anywhere, by anyone and under any circumstances constitutes a reprehensible violation of international law. Perpetrators of chemical-weapon atrocities should not be allowed to operate with impunity and must be held accountable. The weaponization of toxic chemicals is unquestionably one of the great threats to international peace and security.”

    2021-01-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/22 (2021) · source

14. “The ongoing violence, natural disasters, heightened levels of food insecurity, and the coronavirus disease pandemic threaten the lives of millions of people. We welcome the outcomes of the 2020 Afghanistan Conference, and we encourage all international donors to honour their commitments to supporting Afghanistan’s peace, prosperity and self-reliance. Improved development cooperation, enhanced trade and investment and expanded economic opportunities for all Afghans are critical for lasting peace. In conclusion, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines reaffirms our commitment to the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Afghanistan, and we commend the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan for its continued support to the Government and people of Afghanistan.”

    2020-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1274 (2020) · source

15. “For the civilian population, which continues to bear the brunt of the conflict, an end to the hostilities will provide much-needed hope. Consequently, we reiterate the Secretary-General’s call for a global ceasefire and the immediate reduction of violence. It is critical that the Afghan Government and the Taliban enhance their cooperation and negotiation efforts, with a view to promoting sustainable and durable peace in Afghanistan. The economic, environmental and humanitarian situation in Afghanistan necessitates urgent action and sustained attention from the international community. It is vital that climate-fragility risks be considered in the creation and implementation of policies, including those aimed at creating peace and stability in Afghanistan.”

    2020-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1274 (2020) · source

16. “In that regard, we appeal to the Government and the Taliban negotiating teams to remain committed to a just and inclusive political settlement that caters to the needs and interests of all Afghans, including women, youth and victims and survivors of the war. All stakeholders must be involved in the trust and reconciliation process to create an environment conducive to ending decades of conflict. We look forward to the resumption of the intra-Afghan talks in January following the 20-day recess. My delegation remains deeply concerned about the continuing high level of violence, particularly in the south. Our primary goal should continue to be the prevention of violence and the condemnation of terrorist attacks. The recent attack that claimed the lives of 13 police officers offers a stark reminder of the human costs of war.”

    2020-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1274 (2020) · source

17. “I thank the briefers for their insightful remarks. Permit me also to extend our gratitude to the Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1988 (2011), Ambassador Djani, for his leadership of the Committee. I am also pleased to see the Afghan youth representative to the United Nations at this virtual table. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines reiterates its strong support for an Afghan- led and Afghan-owned peace process aimed at finding a lasting political resolution to nearly 20 years of conflict. The start of the negotiations on 12 September represents an opportunity to find sustainable peace in Afghanistan.”

    2020-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1274 (2020) · source

18. “The primary responsibility for that rests with the Iraqi authorities. However, all States and actors at the international and regional levels are encouraged to support Iraq. We reaffirm our support for Special Adviser Karim Khan and his team, whom we thank for their dedication, and express our hope for a secure, prosperous and stable Iraq.”

    2020-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1193 (2020) · source

19. “Saint Vincent and the Grenadines welcomes UNITAD’s steps towards discharging its mandate, as well as its engagement with diverse parts of Iraqi society, including religious actors, survivor groups, non-governmental organizations and community leaders. We also welcome the critical work of the Sexual and Gender-based Crimes and Crimes against Children Unit. Witnesses play an important role in facilitating UNITAD’s work, and we commend the steps that have been taken to ensure their protection. Attempts to strengthen UNITAD’s trauma-informed approach to all interviews, including the role of the Witness Protection and Support Unit, must be commended. In conclusion, we emphasize that, unless perpetrators are held accountable and justice secured for victims, sustainable peace in Iraq will not be possible.”

    2020-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1193 (2020) · source

20. “A stronger Iraq can be built only from within. At the same time, we emphasize that the international community has a role to play in supporting Iraq in its reconstruction and development. We encourage the Iraqi Government to take a victim-centred approach as it works to secure accountability for the crimes of ISIL and its affiliates, which have assaulted the people of Iraq. To that end, we welcome the fact that the Council of Representatives has formally commenced its consideration of legislation to establish a legal basis for the prosecution of ISIL members for war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. We urge the authorities to build on that momentum and finalize their work. UNITAD plays a critical role in Iraq, as was recognized by the Council in its unanimous adoption of resolution 2544 (2020) in September.”

    2020-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1193 (2020) · source

21. “The mutually reinforcing relationship between the Iraqi Government and UNITAD facilitates the implementation of UNITAD’s mandate and provides necessary support to the Government of Iraq, with respect for Iraq’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence. We recognize the constructive engagement of UNITAD with national authorities, such as the Ministry of Justice and the Supreme Judicial Council, which has led to an agreement on the provision of support to Iraqi investigative judges pertaining to the development of case files for the prosecution of members of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). We cannot overstate how critical those confidence-building and capacity-building measures are in sustaining peace and enhancing stability and security in Iraq and, by extension, the wider region.”

    2020-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1193 (2020) · source

22. “I would like to thank Special Adviser Khan for his insightful briefing and continued efforts in Iraq. We begin by welcoming the enhanced cooperation between the new Government of Iraq and the United Nations Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da’esh/Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (UNITAD), noting that such cooperation has resulted in important agreements concerning action on key activities, including the excavation of mass grave sites, support to Iraqi authorities with respect to witness protection measures and the implementation of UNITAD’s evidence digitization project.”

    2020-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1193 (2020) · source

23. “At this precarious moment there is an urgent need for the donor community, including the international financial institutions, to scale up assistance to conflict- affected countries and to ensure that humanitarian agencies receive the necessary funding to fully execute their response plans and continue their life-saving work. Likewise, in the same vein, we encourage more debt relief. If we are to make good on our collective promise of ending hunger by 2030, the entire United Nations system, including Member States and regional and subregional organizations, must renew their efforts to protect those made vulnerable by conflict and hunger.”

    2020-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/930 (2020) · source

24. “Again we echo the calls for a global ceasefire and request that all parties to armed conflict engage in a durable humanitarian pause to ensure the sustained delivery of humanitarian assistance. International law, including international humanitarian law, is non-negotiable, and we encourage all parties that are well positioned to influence the course of events in conflict-affected countries to work towards the full implementation of resolution 2532 (2020), while respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of affected States.”

    2020-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/930 (2020) · source

25. “Similarly, as a result of its six-year history of conflict, cycles of heavy rains and flooding and the associated factors of human displacement and economic disruption, food security in South Sudan has deteriorated significantly. Amid the coronavirus disease pandemic, which may further erode fragile peace processes, urgent multilateral action that brings together all actors across the peace, security, development and humanitarian nexus is needed. Against the backdrop of disrupted supply chains, movement restrictions and reduced funding, which significantly hamper humanitarian operations, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines reiterates its full support for resolution 2532 (2020).”

    2020-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/930 (2020) · source

26. “As millions suffer from acute food insecurity and conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Yemen, South Sudan and other contexts, more must be done to combat these scourges. In many situations on the Security Council’s agenda, acute food insecurity and conflict are inextricably linked, and both are exacerbated by climate change and compounded by other risk multipliers. For instance, the rise of intolerance, disinformation and hate speech creates an atmosphere of distrust where peace and security challenges emerge along ethnic, communal and political lines. This is exemplified by the painful and recurring cycles of violent conflict between Hema herders and Lendu farmers over long-standing land disputes in north-eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, leading to increased displacement and food shortages.”

    2020-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/930 (2020) · source

27. “At the outset, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines thanks the briefers for their sobering remarks, and we commend the President of the Security Council for convening today’s important and timely discussion. The hazards of climate change, the continued spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), and the proliferation of desert locusts are today erasing decades of progress in the global fight against hunger. For vulnerable groups in conflict- affected countries, including refugees, internally displaced persons and those made stateless as a result of political, socioeconomic and environmental forces over which they exert little influence, overcoming food shortages proves an insurmountable task.”

    2020-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/930 (2020) · source

28. “Despite the pandemic, the scourge of terrorism remains and continues to threaten Syria’s sovereignty, the safety of its people and vital humanitarian action. We recognize the need for counter-terrorism measures in this regard. However, we yet again reiterate that such measures must respect international law. Civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected, and their targeting can never be justified. We echo the appeal for the lifting of unilateral sanctions to assist Syria in addressing its pressing humanitarian needs. We further encourage members of the international community to contribute to Syria’s reconstruction; without it, millions will remain displaced and deprived of basic necessities. The dual threat of COVID-19 and conflict is leaving more people vulnerable than ever before.”

    2020-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/427 (2020) · source

29. “We recognize that the pandemic has necessitated the implementation of restrictions on movement. However, we reiterate the need to strike a balance between these measures, aimed at containment and suppression, and the urgent need to preserve, scale up and coordinate the critical humanitarian response through all modalities. We take note of the Secretary-General’s timely review of humanitarian cross- line and cross-border operations (S/2020/401). The humanitarian situation is indeed a complex one, and there is no perfect solution. Humanitarian needs across Syria are great. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines therefore remains in support of the most favourable access arrangements, which will ensure the rapid, uninterrupted and direct provision of aid to all who need it.”

    2020-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/427 (2020) · source

30. “At the outset, I wish to thank Mark Lowcock for his briefing. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines once again reiterates the Special Envoy’s call for a complete and immediate nationwide ceasefire throughout Syria. As the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) rages across the world, it is imperative that all parties pull back from hostilities and focus on combating the pandemic. In that context, we are pleased that the ceasefire in north-west Syria, although fragile, continues to hold. Even before the emergence of the pandemic, Syria’s health system was in a precarious position, having been crippled by a decade of war. Continued hostilities will only disrupt efforts to fight the virus and cause further deterioration of an already dire humanitarian situation.”

    2020-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/427 (2020) · source

31. “Syria is facing a grave economic situation, which is further exacerbated by the measures that have had to be taken, justifiably, to contain and suppress COVID-19. We reiterate the call for the lifting of unilateral coercive measures in order to enable Syria to sustain an effective response to the pandemic and address its current economic challenges. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines continues to support the determined efforts of the Special Envoy. His continued positive engagement with all parties concerned will only serve to promote cooperation and advance the wider process. The Council has a great responsibility to assist Syria, through positive action, to help it emerge from the despair of 10 years of conflict. We must set aside geopolitical quarrels and unite in support of Syria and its people.”

    2020-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/420 (2020) · source

32. “It is our hope that, despite the virus-related challenges and restrictions, work on the Constitutional Committee will continue and that, through compromise and commitment, consensus on the provisions of a new constitution can finally be achieved. We reiterate that the meaningful participation of women in the negotiation process is imperative to ensure fair and balanced outcomes for all. Resolution 2254 (2015) highlights the need for all parties to undertake confidence-building measures to make the political process more viable and to help to sustain a cessation of hostilities. In that context, action on the issue of missing persons and detainees should be prioritized, particularly in view of the current pandemic.”

    2020-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/420 (2020) · source

33. “I thank Mr. Geir Pedersen for his briefing. Peace and stability in Syria can be restored only through a Syrian-owned and -led political process, facilitated by the United Nations, and require an environment that encourages cooperation and reconciliation. A cessation of hostilities is therefore essential to realizing the goals of resolution 2254 (2015). Now more than ever, sustained calm is needed to enable an all-out fight against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). In that regard, we are pleased that the 5 March ceasefire in the north-west continues to hold, and we echo the Special Envoy’s appeal for it to extend to the rest of the country.”

    2020-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/420 (2020) · source

34. “In this regard, we continue to stress the importance of the political inclusivity of all stakeholders to create a more just and equitable society for the benefit of all Afghans. In closing, let me welcome the appointment of Deborah Lyons as the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Afghanistan and Head of UNAMA and encourage her to continue dialogue with representatives of the Taliban in order to resolve all outstanding issues related to the peace process. We reiterate our full support to the people of Afghanistan as they lay the foundations for a peaceful and prosperous future.”

    2020-03-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/274 (2020) · source

35. “We are deeply saddened by these deaths and express our deepest condolences to the bereaved families. We reiterate the Secretary-General’s appeal for a global ceasefire amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. We support an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned process to ensure lasting peace and stability. In this context, we encourage all parties to fulfil their commitments under the joint declaration and agreement signed on 29 February. We commend UNAMA for its engagement with national, regional and international stakeholders to advance intra-Afghan negotiations. We also welcome the efforts to support women’s leadership roles in the Government and future intra- Afghan negotiations.”

    2020-03-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/274 (2020) · source

36. “I thank Ms. Ingrid Hayden, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary- General and Officer in Charge of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), for her comprehensive briefing today. The increasingly complex global security landscape continues to challenge us all. The dire humanitarian consequences of conflict in Afghanistan necessitate urgent action. In addressing the sociopolitical and economic arrangements underlying this crisis, the international community must work together. There is no alternative to multilateralism. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines remains concerned about the volatile security situation in the country. We condemn, in the strongest terms, all forms of terrorism and violence against civilians, including the recent killings at the Sikh Temple in Kabul.”

    2020-03-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/274 (2020) · source