YouSaid · the spoken record

James Roscoe

lines on the record: 197
first: 2020-04-07
most recent: 2021-04-30
sittings or episodes: 29
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

“We are now working with the British Red Cross to support other Member States to produce their own reports on domestic implementation as a practical measure to encourage continued improvements in compliance with international humanitarian law. The Al-Atarib Surgical Hospital in north-western Syria was bombed just over a month ago — yet another stark reminder of the devastating toll of attacks on indispensable infrastructure on civilian populations. The attackers struck because they believe that they act with impunity. No State should tell the Council that it believes in international humanitarian law or wishes to protect objects indispensable to the survival of the civilian population unless it is willing to take steps to prevent such attacks and hold those who commit them to account.”
2021-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/415 (2021) · source
“We will continue to press for full, prompt and impartial investigations into all incidents where indispensable objections to the civilian population are attacked and to ensure that those responsible for serious violations of international humanitarian law are held to account. The Security Council should also be ready to consider sanctions against those who attack civilian objects or otherwise violate international humanitarian law, as it has done previously, including in the context of South Sudan. I would like to underscore the United Kingdom’s own unwavering commitment to the proper implementation of, and compliance with, international humanitarian law. In March 2019, we published our first Voluntary Report on the Implementation of International Humanitarian Law at Domestic Level.”
2021-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/415 (2021) · source
“Despite the provisions in resolution 2417 (2018), the Council has failed to encourage any independent State investigations into the use of starvation of civilians as a method of warfare. We have the means, but no action has taken place. In our statement to the Council at the 11 March open debate on conflict and food insecurity (see S/2021/250), we highlighted such concerns in Tigray, north-east Nigeria, Yemen and South Sudan. Thirdly, we should do more to hold those responsible for the targeting of indispensable objects in violation of international humanitarian law to account.”
2021-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/415 (2021) · source
“It is worth underlining that, under the Geneva Conventions and their Protocols Additional, States have the obligation to respect, and to ensure respect for, those instruments. So what should we be doing? There are three immediate actions we can take to protect indispensable objects and prevent the suffering caused by targeting them in violation of international humanitarian law, using existing mechanisms. First, we must improve reporting and evidence. Governments and armed actors should ensure the timely collection and reporting of information to avoid harm to civilians and civilian objects, including indispensable objects. We should also ensure the effective use of existing United Nations reporting mechanisms in the Security Council and the Secretariat to inform decision-making. Secondly, the Security Council must act on reporting.”
2021-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/415 (2021) · source
“That is why the United Kingdom provides specialist training in this respect through our partnership programmes with the armed forces of other Member States. Our training covers international humanitarian law, international agreements and the military justice system. Our aim is to build knowledge and compliance and support more accountable defence and security forces. But when perpetrators attack indispensable objects in full knowledge of their obligations under international law and choose to ignore them, we — the Council — should act. Instead, all too often, they are able to do so with impunity. Effective national and international accountability mechanisms are a crucial element in providing justice for victims and in preventing such attacks in the future through deterrence.”
2021-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/415 (2021) · source
“They are our failures because we are not taking the action that might prevent them. Just as our briefers set out the examples and impacts of violations, they also set out how they can be prevented: enhanced compliance with international humanitarian law, proper military practice and, critically, accountability for those who make a tactic of such attacks. The adoption of this resolution today should signal the Council’s unity in condemning such attacks. But it will start to address this issue only if we are serious about taking action together. Our first step must be to ensure all parties to armed conflicts understand their legal obligations under international humanitarian law, follow the rules and exercise restraint.”
2021-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/415 (2021) · source
“Our thanks to Mr. Lowcock, Mr. Maurer and Mr. Rudd for their briefings. The United Kingdom is grateful to Viet Nam for convening this debate and is delighted to co-sponsor Viet Nam’s resolution on the protection of indispensable objects for human survival (resolution 2573 (2020)). It was striking listening to the briefers today. They catalogued examples — specific examples — of despicable violations of international humanitarian law. And in the Security Council we often hear of this kind of evidence — evidence of the devastation that such attacks on indispensable infrastructure have on civilian populations. We hear those stories in isolation, and the power of hearing them in aggregate is significant. Each one of them represents a failure of the Council to fulfil its mandate.”
2021-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/415 (2021) · source
“With those interconnected challenges facing the region, we welcome the continued implementation of the United Nations Integrated Strategy for the Sahel and the close engagement of UNOWAS with the region and with regional bodies. As Ambassador Kimani said, we need a holistic approach, with the security efforts of the G-5, the Sahel region, Task Force Takuba and Operation Barkhane, as well as national security efforts, combined with the efforts of wider development partners to address the root causes of violence, because the region is not going to make real progress unless security gains are underpinned by quick and effective development activity. I therefore hope that Mr. Chambas can continue to champion such an approach to the region and beyond within the United Nations system.”
2021-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/43 (2021) · source
“Finally, on climate, it is good to hear many Council members talk about the impact of climate change on security in the region, regardless of their views on the causes of climate change. The views of the United Kingdom on that issue are quite clear. We know that the climate is changing and that it is negatively impacting security, as Ambassador Kimani set out very clearly (annex VII). As the Security Council, we have a responsibility to consider the impact of climate change more fully and factor it into the United Nations system response so as to ensure that we do what we can to prevent further risks to peace and security from the challenges posed by climate change.”
2021-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/43 (2021) · source
“We are committed to supporting action on that — for example, through our contribution to training on international humanitarian law for the Malian armed forces and support for the implementation of the human rights compliance framework for the Joint Force of the Group of Five for the Sahel (G-5 Sahel). In these meetings, as colleagues will recall, we also frequently advocate for the protection of children, educators and schools across the region and encourage all Governments to follow the Safe Schools Declaration. We welcome the release of more than 300 boys abducted in north-western Nigeria late last year. That event reinforces the importance of the Safe Schools initiative.”
2021-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/43 (2021) · source
“We are also concerned by the increasing instances of forced displacement in the central Sahel and north-eastern Nigeria. Last year, the United Kingdom provided an additional $21 million in humanitarian funding to the Sahel, taking our funding there since 2019 to more than $200 million. That assistance has supported more than 7 million people in the hardest-hit areas. But the assistance needs to reach those who need it, and we urge all parties to ensure unhindered humanitarian access to allow the delivery of goods and services. Without that, food insecurity and protection needs will continue to rise. The United Kingdom is concerned by the increase in human rights violations across West Africa and the Sahel, and we call for strengthened accountability from Governments and improved compliance with international human rights standards.”
2021-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/43 (2021) · source
“We are grateful to Special Representative of the Secretary-General Chambas for his personal, quiet diplomacy, which, while not always in the public eye, has a significant impact across the region. With regard to the situation in Mali, the United Kingdom believes that the transition period is an opportunity not only to prepare for free and fair elections but also to make progress on key issues, such as the peace process and tackling corruption. The authorities in Mali should focus on those issues as a matter of urgency. Resuming the regular meetings of the Agreement Monitoring Committee is a positive first step, and we welcome the inclusion of women for the first time. We remain deeply concerned by the continuing deteriorating humanitarian situation across much of the region.”
2021-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/43 (2021) · source
“I would like to thank Special Representative Chambas for his briefing today and for his ongoing work over the past six months during the terrible security and humanitarian challenges across the region. The United Kingdom will continue to work with the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) and the countries of the region to form a well-calibrated and holistic response. The United Kingdom also welcomes the largely peaceful elections and the strong voter turnout last year in Burkina Faso, the Niger and Ghana. We remain concerned by the violence and tension that marked some elections in the region, and we encourage all parties to continue to use dialogue to resolve their political differences.”
2021-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/43 (2021) · source
“Indeed, if the regime and Russia were genuinely serious about facilitating returns, they would make genuine efforts to address the conditions in Syria of their making that make such returns unrealistic at present. In parallel, if they were serious about resolving the crisis that causes those conditions, they would have engaged in the discussions in Geneva over the past year in a more constructive and meaningful way.”
2020-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1147 (2020) · source
“While the need to build the conditions for a safe, dignified and voluntary return of refugees and internally displaced persons remains, it is clear that these conditions are not even close to being achieved. All that illustrates what a sham the recent Russian-hosted refugee conference in Damascus was — motivated by a desire to promote the normalization of the Syrian regime over the interests of Syrian refugees and Syrian people. The issue of refugee returns is of the highest priority, but it must be discussed in a neutral location under the auspices of the United Nations. As resolution 2254 (2015) makes clear, the process needs to take into account the interests of those countries hosting refugees, as well as the views and interests of the refugees and internally displaced persons themselves.”
2020-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1147 (2020) · source
“Given that 92 per cent of cases are not traceable to a known case, the actual number of cases is undoubtedly much higher. To address all these acute needs, it is essential that the United Nations and other humanitarian actors be given unimpeded access. The granting of access permissions in a timely manner is essential, and we reiterate the importance of a holistic humanitarian response. Cross-border access, which was unnecessarily cut by other members of the Security Council earlier this year, remains of prime importance to Syrians faced with another harsh winter. We need to see the issue of refugee returns in the context of these continuing dire conditions — a food crisis, a COVID-19 crisis, an access crisis for humanitarians and the complete disregard of the regime for the rights of detainees.”
2020-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1147 (2020) · source
“Only a few weeks ago, 10 internally displaced persons sites in north-western Syria suffered flooding, which destroyed 345 tents, impacting 1,733 individuals. As we heard today, when that happens, everything — people’s possessions and people’s lives — washes away. Nine million, three hundred thousand people are food insecure, with a further 2.2 million at risk. As Ramesh Rajasingham said, that is 1.4 million more people than a year ago and more than at any point during the crisis. Reports of three-hour queues for bread are deeply concerning. The consumption of bread exceeds production by approximately 1 million metric tons. There are some 25,000 confirmed cases of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) across the country. That number has doubled since the Council last met on this agenda item in October (see S/2020/1049).”
2020-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1147 (2020) · source
“And progress on the release of those persons arbitrarily detained should be moving swiftly, but instead it remains stuck. We once again highlight the continuing shocking human rights violations in Syria, including the treatment of prisoners by all parties outlined in the Commission of Inquiry’s September report (A/HRC/45/31). Particularly harrowing are accounts of detainees being beaten with sticks and cables and bound around tyres by the regime. The humanitarian situation across the country remains dire and is worsening, as we have heard today. Three million, one hundred thousand people require additional support to get through a harsh winter, and inclement weather is already having an impact.”
2020-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1147 (2020) · source
“Elections that do not meet those requirements, that are not held pursuant to the new constitution and that are not administered under the supervision of the United Nations to the highest international standards of transparency and accountability, with all Syrians, including the diaspora, eligible to participate, would serve only to delegitimize and subvert the political process agreed by the Council and the wider international community. Surely a Syrian Government, confident of its prospects in a free and fair election, would not want elections to happen on such terms. The United Kingdom also calls for substantial progress to be made on the other facets of resolution 2254 (2015). Confidence-building measures are sorely needed in order to contribute to the viability of the political process.”
2020-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1147 (2020) · source
“While talks to resolve an almost 10-year conflict will be difficult and potentially lengthy, there is no excuse for the regime’s obstructionism, which has artificially prevented the talks from discussing matters of substance. Resolution 2254 (2015) was explicit on the order of steps towards a Syrian- led and Syrian-owned political transition to end the conflict, designed to allow the Syrian people to decide the future of their country. Only once agreement has been reached on a new constitution can free and fair elections, as part of the political process envisaged in resolution 2254 (2015), take place.”
2020-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1147 (2020) · source
“I thank Deputy Special Envoy Matar and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator Rajasingham for their briefings and for their continued tireless efforts to resolve the conflict and help Syrians in need. Unfortunately, as we have heard today, both the process for achieving peace and the situation across the country remain in a precarious state. We welcome the news of the formal plans for the fourth and fifth rounds of the Constitutional Committee talks. However, it is now well over a year since the Security Council expressed its determination that this should be the beginning of a political process to end the conflict, and we remain concerned at the lack of substantive progress made by the Committee.”
2020-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1147 (2020) · source
“I believe that the Council is united in its hope to see Iraq’s political leaders, with the support of UNAMI, take forward significant reforms to address Iraq’s challenging economic and security situation, deliver credible and transparent elections in 2021 and, ultimately, secure stability and prosperity for the people of Iraq.”
2020-11-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1144 (2020) · source
“We call on the Government of Iraq to ensure credible investigations into the violence and to ensure that those responsible are held to account. The Special Representative touched on the issue today in her comments, but the Iraqi Government’s commitment to resolving the file on Kuwait and third- country nationals pursuant to resolution 2107 (2013) is to be commended. We note the repatriation of human remains from the Government of Iraq to the Government of Kuwait that took place on 16 September. We welcome the continued bilateral Iraqi-Kuwaiti dialogue and cooperation, and we are grateful to Council members for their cooperation on the press statement that will be issued on the matter today.”
2020-11-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1144 (2020) · source
“Thy have claimed Iraqi and international lives for too long and continue to pose a risk to Iraqis and diplomatic and military personnel. We acknowledge the efforts of Prime Minister Al-Kadhimi to strengthen security measures so that Iraqi citizens and foreign personnel can live and work safely, but we urge the Iraqi Government to continue to make progress in this area.We believe the Security Council to be united in our concern over the number of killings of members of civil society and political and human rights activists, and we call on the Government of Iraq to do all it can to prevent such killings and bring those who perpetrate them to justice. Finally, we commend Prime Minister Al-Kadhimi’s commitment to compensate the families of the victims of violence against protesters. However, justice for victims is critical.”
2020-11-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1144 (2020) · source
“We welcome Special Representative Hennis-Plasschaert’s facilitation of dialogue on the Sinjar agreement and encourage continued United Nations support to help normalize the situation there. We urge Baghdad and Erbil to reach an agreement on a long-term solution regarding resource- and revenue-sharing. We remain concerned about the security situation in Iraq. It is clear that Da’esh continues to pose a threat to the peace and security of Iraq. The United Kingdom, like other members of the global coalition against Da’esh, is committed to supporting Iraq and addressing that threat. We also underline the need for dialogue and cooperation between Iraq and Turkey to combat terrorism and ensure regional security and protect civilians. It is unacceptable that militia attacks continue in Iraq, including in Baghdad and in Erbil.”
2020-11-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1144 (2020) · source
“I think we should consider carefully how the United Nations can support the Government of Iraq’s intention to hold credible elections in order to rebuild public trust and democracy and to promote participation. The United Kingdom is encouraged by improvements in the relationship between the Government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government, including the agreement for the Sinjar district in Ninawa governorate. That agreement offers the prospect of return for thousands of Yazidis. It is vital that all armed groups cooperate with its implementation and that both the Government of Iraq and the Kurdistan region of Iraq help to restore services and economic livelihoods.”
2020-11-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1144 (2020) · source
“At Iraq’s invitation, the United Kingdom hosted the inaugural meeting of the Iraq Economic Contact Group in London earlier this year to deepen support for vital economic reform. We welcome the fact that the follow-up meeting is going to be taken forward by the European Union and Germany. We also think that regional economic integration is key to economic development and stability. We therefore welcome Iraq’s commitment to deepen trilateral coordination and cooperation with both Egypt and Jordan. The United Kingdom remains supportive of Prime Minister Al-Kadhimi and welcomes his commitment to holding free and fair elections in 2021, with the support of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI).”
2020-11-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1144 (2020) · source
“I wish to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ms. Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, for her briefing and for highlighting the significant challenges currently facing Iraq. Indeed, Iraq faces a severe economic crisis. Economic reform will be critical in ensuring Iraq’s future peace and prosperity and allowing Iraq to build back stronger from the coronavirus disease pandemic. We took note of the steps described by the Special Representative, and we underline the need for fast action from the Council of Representatives to ensure that economic reform delivers for the Iraqi people. The international community stands alongside Iraq during these difficult times.”
2020-11-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1144 (2020) · source
“We must ensure that the architecture we helped to develop remains fit for purpose and that we hold ourselves to the very standards we set out in our resolutions.”
2020-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1143 (2020) · source
“The United Kingdom wishes to take this opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to other key elements of the disarmament and non-proliferation architecture that are also critical to maintaining international security, such as the work of the International Atomic Energy Agency, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and other bodies. With the prospect of a vaccine, our thoughts turn to the process of building back better. That should be reflected in our counter-terrorism efforts too. In both the Security Council and the General Assembly, we will have several opportunities to consider the United Nations counter-terrorism efforts, the achievements of States and what more needs to be done. In terrorism we have an enemy that does not rest.”
2020-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1143 (2020) · source
“Staggeringly, up to 1.8 million people have been detained without trial. China’s actions are disproportionate and indiscriminate and will be counter-productive from a counter-terrorism perspective, as they will exacerbate ethnic tensions. Fifteen years ago, the Security Council adopted resolution 1540 (2004) to address emerging threats from weapons of mass destruction. These persist and, indeed, have evolved. We therefore thank the States that have shared information with this Committee, some for the first time. We look forward to working with partners through the forthcoming comprehensive review to ensure that the work of the Committee remains both relevant and practical to addressing such threats.”
2020-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1143 (2020) · source
“The United Kingdom is working closely with technological companies, including through the Global Internet Forum to Counter Terrorism, and with international partners, law enforcement and industry to coordinate our efforts. The Security Council has frequently affirmed that all counter-terrorism measures must comply with international human rights obligations. Promoting and protecting human rights, integrating a gender dimension and engaging with civil society partners are critical elements of credible, sustainable and effective counter-terrorism. The United Kingdom remains deeply concerned about the human rights violations being perpetrated against Uighurs and other minorities in Xinjiang. Culture and religion are severely restricted, and we have seen credible reports of forced labour and forced birth control.”
2020-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1143 (2020) · source
“Since 2016, we have proscribed several right-wing terrorist groups, such as National Action, Feuerkrieg Division and Sonnenkrieg Division. We are pleased to partner with the United States, Germany and Norway in hosting events bringing together policymakers, researchers and practitioners to increase understanding of the international dimensions of the threat, as well as emerging responses. Prevention remains a cornerstone of our approach to counter terrorism. The United Kingdom’s Prevent programme seeks to tackle the causes of radicalization, and we have seen a marked increase — from 10 per cent to 24 per cent — in referrals relating to right-wing terrorism. As more people, especially young people, are staying at home and spending time on screens, terrorist groups have increased opportunities to radicalize and recruit online.”
2020-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1143 (2020) · source
“We also strongly support the work of the United Nations Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da’esh/Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant and, in June, together with Ms. Nadia Murad, we launched the draft Murad Code to ensure investigation into sexual violence crimes is safe, ethical and effective. There must be no impunity for the use of sexual violence and human trafficking to fund and support terrorism. The United Kingdom condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. We are very concerned by the increased violence perpetrated by right-wing terrorists. While we may use different terms to describe the phenomenon, we join like-minded partners in recognizing the need to prevent and address the threat.”
2020-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1143 (2020) · source
“In Syria, Iraq and beyond, Da’esh continues to pose a threat, while recovery from their reign of terror remains a struggle for many. The United Kingdom is committed to pursuing all available avenues in seeking justice and accountability for those who have fought alongside Da’esh, whatever their nationality, through prosecution in the most appropriate jurisdiction, which is often in the region where the crimes took place. Any justice mechanism must respect human rights and the rule of law, as well as ensure fair trials and due process. To strengthen accountability for terrorist crimes, we continue to work through the 1267 Committee to sanction individuals and groups associated with Da’esh and Al-Qaida.”
2020-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1143 (2020) · source
“I wish to thank Ambassador Tarek Ladeb for his comprehensive briefing on behalf of the three committees, and Ambassador Dian Triansyah Djani for his stewardship of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015), concerning the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities, and the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004). As we all adapt to new working conditions, we greatly appreciate the efforts made to deliver on those critical mandates during this period of disruption. Despite the coronavirus disease pandemic, terrorists continue to inspire and perpetrate violence.”
2020-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1143 (2020) · source
“In conclusion, I want to emphasize three points. First, I underscore that a united international response is crucial to supporting Somalia and its fight against the protracted humanitarian crises. Secondly, I reiterate our call for the Federal Government to ensure that the agreed electoral process is inclusive, credible and timely. And, lastly, I wish to stress that Somalia’s long-term peace and stability depends on a clear plan for ensuring its security, a political vision for better federal cooperation and continuing international support and commitment to mutual accountability.”
2020-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1136 (2020) · source
“International conversations, including at the European Union’s upcoming conference on security, and critically through the independent assessment mandated by the Security Council, are necessary in order for partners to reflect on how we can collectively implement Somalia’s security vision. I encourage constructive engagement with those processes as we approach a new mandate next year. Lastly, Somalia faces a protracted climate and conflict-induced humanitarian crisis, compounded by what Special Representative Swan called the triple shock of the coronavirus disease pandemic, locusts and floods. The United Kingdom gave £64 million in humanitarian aid to Somalia in the last fiscal year. We call on the international community to provide more funding for the humanitarian response and efforts to build long-term resilience.”
2020-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1136 (2020) · source
“We also welcome the efforts of the Federal Government to renew the Somalia transition plan. The deadline at the end of 2021 for the Somali authorities to have taken greater leadership from AMISOM is a momentous one. Our partners in the African Union and from among AMISOM TCCs have made enormous sacrifices in supporting Somalia as it works to retake control of its own security. It is clear that that support will be needed after 2021. But it is also clear that we have an opportunity to support AMISOM as it evolves towards a role in which it can enable the Somalis to manage their own security.”
2020-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1136 (2020) · source
“The United Kingdom reaffirms its support for and commitment to Somalia’s long-term stability and growth. I turn again now to the security situation in Somalia, which remains a significant challenge. First, I would like to re-state our tribute to the continuing commitment and sacrifices of AMISOM troop-contributing countries (TCCs) and to Somalia’s security forces. We welcome the renewal of the Somalia sanctions regime and the international resolve to counter Al-Shabaab by tackling their access to arms and illicit finance. We express deep concern at the worrisome statistics on children and armed conflict and sexual and gender-based violence in Somalia. We welcome the tasking in the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia and the sanctions mandates to report on human rights. All tools must be used to ensure that people do not suffer.”
2020-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1136 (2020) · source
“Beyond that electoral process, commitment to effective federalism is critical for Somalia’s long-term stability, including by building State institutions and ensuring that resources and power can be distributed in a way that best serves the Somali people. We urge Somalia’s leaders to set out their vision for the steps towards an inclusive political settlement, finalizing the constitution and ensuring direct elections in 2024-2025. We encourage them to maximize the benefits of debt relief through better federal economic cooperation, and we urge Somalia’s leaders to continue to articulate a clear vision for the security transition after 2021. As we enter the next political cycle, Somalia and the international community should re-commit to the principles of mutual accountability.”
2020-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1136 (2020) · source
“We now urge all stakeholders to work together to deliver an inclusive, timely and credible electoral process, which includes a 30 per cent quota for women. And I want to reiterate to Ms. Hassan how useful it was to hear from her about how civil society is working to achieve that target, but also about the challenges that it still faces. I want to express our deep concern about the increasing number of attacks on the freedom of expression, including the killing, assault and intimidation of journalists. As Somalia prepares to hold an electoral process, Somali leaders must ensure that the political space remains open, allowing the expression of a diversity of voices.”
2020-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1136 (2020) · source
“In March, Somalia achieved Heavily Indebted Poor Country Debt Initiative relief. It achieved that decision point following impressive economic performance, and can now access new international financing. The Federal Government has increased its revenue base with international support. Somalia is making progress in building resilience to humanitarian shocks and, with support from the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), the Somali National Army has taken back and held territory from Al-Shabaab. This is a marathon, not a sprint. But at the moment, we are making progress. As the electoral processes commence in Somalia, we acknowledge the agreement between the Federal Government and the federal member states on an electoral model for 2020-2021 and stress the importance of preserving that spirit of consensus.”
2020-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1136 (2020) · source
“My thanks go to today’s briefers, Special Representative Swan, Ambassador Madeira and Ms. Hassan, for their extremely useful and detailed updates. Regrettably, I must open on a sombre note, because despite the Secretary- General’s calls for a ceasefire, Al-Shabaab continues to launch its attacks. We strongly condemn all terrorist attacks, including the murders of two humanitarian workers just last month. The United Kingdom expresses its condolences to the victims’ families and reaffirms its solidarity with Somalia in fighting terrorism. Let me reiterate — it is vital that all parties ensure unimpeded access to, and the safety of, aid workers, in line with international humanitarian law. As we near the end of the current political cycle, I would like to reflect on Somalia’s progress — and there has been progress.”
2020-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1136 (2020) · source
“In conclusion, we know that security challenges in the Sahel remain deeply complex and that the G-5 Sahel Joint Force is a key actor in securing a sustainable, long-term solution. It is important that the Force and all other elements of the United Nations and the international response in the region remain coordinated and coherent to maximize their impact. The United Kingdom will continue to play its part, working with the United Nations, the G-5 Sahel States and all our partners across the region in pursuit of peace, stability, sustainable development and justice for the people of the Sahel.”
2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1126 (2020) · source
“As we have said before, all G-5 Governments must ensure that any allegations of violations committed by their security forces are thoroughly and transparently investigated and that all perpetrators are brought to justice. That is essential not only to prevent human suffering but also to prevent impunity, strengthen the social contract between citizens and the State, and avoid creating grievances that fuel further violence. MINUSMA’s support for the Joint Force hinges on full compliance with the United Nations human rights due-diligence policy. We strongly encourage the Force to implement all risk-mitigating measures without delay, and we also urge it to maintain momentum on fully operationalizing its own human rights compliance framework.”
2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1126 (2020) · source
“We believe that governance, sustainable development and peacebuilding are the building blocks for stability in the Sahel. Regional efforts to address the problems of the Sahel are also a cause for optimism. We note the pledge made by the Economic Community of West African States of $1 billion to fight terrorism and the African Union’s forthcoming deployment of 3,000 troops to complement the efforts of the Joint Force. We continue to encourage all partners that have committed to supporting the Joint Force to fulfil those commitments. As others have said today, there can be no sustainable peace and security in the Sahel without the protection and promotion of human rights and compliance with international humanitarian law.”
2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1126 (2020) · source
“The region has suffered from a number of deadly attacks on civilians and military personnel, including attacks on MINUSMA. People across the Sahel continue to suffer from violence, illicit trafficking and food insecurity, which drive displacement and increase humanitarian need. Against that challenging backdrop, we commend the G-5 Sahel member States for increasing their operational capability and effectiveness against the forces that seek to destabilize the region. We would welcome more detail on the Force’s measures of success beyond operational reporting. This includes an update on how the G-5 Sahel Force is working with the United Nations country team to create an enabling environment for development and for monitoring the return of national armed forces and local authorities.”
2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1126 (2020) · source
“I wish at the outset to thank you, Madam President, and I would like to join others in thanking all our briefers for their contributions today. I would also like to pay tribute to the Joint Force of the Group of Five for the Sahel (G-5 Sahel), the United Nations peacekeepers serving in the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), the international troops deployed in Operation Barkhane and all those working to bring peace and security to the people of the Sahel. The United Kingdom’s own deployment to MINUSMA has begun, and we look forward to contributing to the protection of civilians and progress towards long-term and sustainable peace. Sadly, since we last met, the security situation in the Sahel has continued to deteriorate.”
2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1126 (2020) · source
“It is vital that we use that meeting to send a clear message that we will not tolerate constraints on the distribution of life-saving assistance. I am grateful to the briefers for their updates on the FSO SAFER oil tanker. Last month, the United Nations Office for Project Services and the Houthis agreed in principle on an assessment mission to secure that tanker. But as Mr. Griffiths said, this issue is progressing slower than urgency requires. We understand the revised statement of works is due to be submitted shortly, but we encourage the United Nations to accelerate this process and urge the Houthis to agree to the revised plan so work can begin as soon as possible. What we have heard today is an urgent call to action from the leadership of the United Nations humanitarian organizations.”
2020-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1109 (2020) · source