YouSaid · the spoken record

Jerry Matjila

lines on the record: 294
first: 2020-03-31
most recent: 2020-12-22
sittings or episodes: 37
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

“In spite of those challenges, we commend Somalia for the progress it has made in meeting all structural benchmarks in the first International Monetary Fund review mission under the Extended Credit Facility. We further welcome the supplemental Development Policy Financing operation from the World Bank to support the triple crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic, desert locusts and floods. Those support measures have ensured that the Somali economy remains resilient amid the ongoing challenges.”
2020-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1136 (2020) · source
“We regret that the security situation remains a major constraint to humanitarian operations. We strongly condemn the recorded and continuing violent incidents against humanitarian operations and providers, including recorded incidents that led to the killing, abduction and, in some instances, detaining of humanitarian workers. Furthermore, we take note of the attacks against journalists and violations of the freedom of expression mentioned in the Secretary-General’s report and encourage the Somali authorities to take the necessary measures to address those issues. The A3+1 recognizes the critical socioeconomic challenges facing Somalia, which have negatively impacted the expansion of some security activities, including liberating more areas.”
2020-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1136 (2020) · source
“We commend the actions undertaken by humanitarian partners to expand their support for the Somali authorities in order to address the impact of COVID-19. The A3+1 notes that the adverse impact of flooding due to climate change remained widespread in Somalia during the period under review. We are concerned that that situation will continue to exacerbate the displacement of people, food insecurity and the outbreak of water-borne diseases, as well as to adversely affect the livelihoods of those made most vulnerable across the country. In that respect, Somalia requires the continued support of the international community and humanitarian partners to mitigate the impact of the triple threat. We support the call by the Secretary-General for the additional funding that is urgently needed to continue to deliver humanitarian assistance.”
2020-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1136 (2020) · source
“We also strongly condemn the grave violations against children, including abduction, recruitment, use, killing and maiming, that have been registered during the period under review. More effective measures must be taken to prevent those violations, consistent with international human rights law and international humanitarian law. We therefore support the calls urging that all perpetrators of such crimes be identified and held accountable. On the humanitarian situation, Somalia has been impacted by the triple threat of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, desert locusts and floods. Those challenges have deepened Somalia’s humanitarian crisis. COVID-19 in particular has exacerbated pre-existing vulnerabilities, disrupted socioeconomic gains and affected the livelihoods of ordinary Somalis.”
2020-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1136 (2020) · source
“We reiterate our previous calls urging the Federal Government of Somalia — with the support of the United Nations, AMISOM, UNSOM and international partners — to continue the generation, training and resourcing of capable, efficient and effective Somali national forces who will ultimately take over the country’s security responsibilities, in line with the revised Somali transition plan and the national security architecture. The recent decision of the Security Council to further ease the arms embargo in Somalia will contribute to strengthening the capacity and capabilities of the Somali security forces. We strongly condemn the reported incidents of civilian casualties and conflict- related sexual violence, which continues to disproportionately affect women and girls.”
2020-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1136 (2020) · source
“The A3+1 remains concerned about the continuing volatile security situation in Somalia. We strongly condemn all attacks, in particular those carried out by Al- Shabaab using improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and vehicle-borne IEDs against Somali civilians, security forces, AMISOM, the United Nations and the international community, including on critical infrastructure. We therefore pay tribute to the ultimate sacrifice of AMISOM personnel and the Somali security forces in their quest to bring peace, stability and development to Somalia. We underline that those responsible for those heinous crimes should not go unpunished.”
2020-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1136 (2020) · source
“We urge all stakeholders in Somalia to maintain that spirit of national ownership and cooperation going forward, in all aspects, in order to reach broad-based agreements on critical matters such as advancing their aspiration of moving the country towards one-person, one-vote elections in future, concluding the drafting of the Federal Constitution and establishing security and power-sharing arrangements, among others. In that respect, the A3+1 congratulates His Excellency Mr. Mohamed Hussein Roble on his election as the new Prime Minister of Somalia and on his new inclusive and representative Cabinet. We hope that the new Government will continue to build on the significant advances made by Somalia in recent years with regard to its political, economic and security priorities.”
2020-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1136 (2020) · source
“It is our considered view that the holding of successful and secure elections in Somalia requires the full participation of, and information-sharing and coordination among, the police, the military, AMISOM and other international partners. That will further demonstrate that Somalia is making notable progress in addressing its security concerns and to countenance the propaganda and destabilization efforts of armed groups. Similarly, we applaud all Somali political stakeholders, including civil society organizations, for their commitment to consolidating democracy, in particular with a view to ensuring the holding of timely and credible elections, guaranteeing the 30 per cent quota for women’s representation in Parliament and upholding the imperative to protect Somalia’s sovereignty, independence, stability and unity.”
2020-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1136 (2020) · source
“With regard to political developments, the A3+1 commends the Federal Government of Somalia and the federal member states for their recent important consultations and agreements reached, which constitute significant steps towards reaching broad political consensus on key issues, in particular the holding of the 2021 general elections. To that end, we welcome the agreement reached by Somali leaders on the electoral model and timetable, with a view to ensuring that the general elections are held as scheduled at the end of 2020 and in early 2021. We are encouraged by the unveiling of the draft national election security plan.”
2020-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1136 (2020) · source
“We would also like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), Mr. James Swan, and the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Somalia and Head of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), Mr. Francisco Madeira, for their briefings. We commend everyone involved for their abiding commitments and efforts to support the stabilization and continuing State-building processes in Somalia. Our statement today will focus on four important issues and developments in Somalia, namely, the political developments, which include the preparations for the elections, the security and humanitarian situation and the roles of the United Nations and African Union (AU) missions.”
2020-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1136 (2020) · source
“I would like to thank you, Madam President, for convening this important and timely meeting on the situation in Somalia. I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Niger, South Africa, Tunisia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (A3+1). This briefing takes place against the backdrop of Somalia embarking upon a political milestone of holding 2020-2021 elections and having witnessed the significant progress made by all Somali parties and leaders, especially with regard to the electoral model, timetable and procedures that will guide the implementation of those elections. The A3+1 would like to thank the Secretary-General for his report on the situation in Somalia (S/2020/1113).”
2020-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1136 (2020) · source
“In that regard, South Africa would like to call on the Secretary-General to appoint a Special Envoy without delay to oversee and support the political process in Libya, in accordance with resolution 2542 (2020). In conclusion, we are confident that the Libyan people will soon deliver themselves from the near-decade-old tumult and armed conflict, through sustained inclusive political dialogue with the coordinated support of the international community.”
2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1129 (2020) · source
“Verifying the repatriation of foreign fighters, along with all their equipment and arms should form an important part of that process. It is also necessary to remove all landmines around cities, service points and infrastructure. As for the path ahead, in terms of the political dialogue and putting the constitutional framework in place for the eventual holding of elections, we call on all parties as well as the United Nations and the AU and their partners to make every effort to start that work as soon as possible so that elections can take place as agreed by the parties. We believe that those steps can take place concurrently with the African Union’s efforts to convene an intra-Libyan reconciliation conference in Addis Ababa, which will be key to bringing Libyans together and healing the country.”
2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1129 (2020) · source
“We also welcome the efforts of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011) concerning Libya to ensure that all Libyans do in fact benefit and that the arms embargo is respected, in order reduce the possibility of fuelling further conflict. In that regard, we call for an end to all foreign interference in Libya, as it not only prolongs the suffering resulting from continued armed conflict but also threatens the sovereignty of Libya and the efforts to unify State authority. Much remains to be done to consolidate this positive start towards ensuring sustainable peace, security and development in Libya. It will be important to put in place a ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism to help to preserve the current relative calm and prevent any further violence.”
2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1129 (2020) · source
“We believe that the efforts of the United Nations and the African Union should work in unison in order to achieve the common goal of ending the conflict in Libya. Thirdly, we must all bear in mind that if the conflict in Libya continues, it will lead only to a further deterioration of the humanitarian and economic conditions, made worse by the coronavirus disease pandemic. South Africa is therefore deeply concerned about the devastation and humanitarian damage that the conflict has already wrought. We welcome the resumption of oil production and exports for the benefit of all Libyans. We are pleased to note that oil production has now reached 1 million barrels per day, which will increase revenue and alleviate some of Libya’s economic suffering.”
2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1129 (2020) · source
“Those talks are significant and have led to agreements being reached on critical decisions, including the holding of elections on 24 December 2021, the opening of airports and the resumption of local flights, the opening of roads linking cities and the establishment of a joint force to protect oil facilities and infrastructure. We express our full support for those talks as the parties move ever closer to creating a road map for free, fair and credible parliamentary and presidential elections.S/2020/1129 In that regard, South Africa reiterates its support for the ongoing efforts of the African Union (AU) through its Peace and Security Council and the High- level Committee on Libya and its Contact Group, as well as the work of the AU Special Envoy for Libya, as they continue to engage with the main stakeholders in the country.”
2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1129 (2020) · source
“In that regard, South Africa wishes to reiterate that an inclusive Libyan-led and Libyan-owned political process is essential to building a sustainable political solution. Secondly, South Africa believes that united institutions in Libya must form the basis for the restoration of justice and accountability for all Libyan citizens, and we continue to express our full support for the United Nations three-step political process, as during the United Nations-led Berlin process. We welcome the resumption of the in-person Libyan Political Dialogue Forum launched in Tunis on 9 November and express our appreciation to the Government of Tunisia for supporting the Libyan people in their quest for peace and stability.”
2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1129 (2020) · source
“We welcome the relative calm and the cessation of hostilities that have resulted from the holding ceasefire. We are also encouraged by the prevailing amicable and harmonious conduct of the parties to the negotiations. Those developments build trust and confidence in the process as it unfolds, and we must sustain that momentum going forward, reaffirming that there can be no military solution to the conflict in Libya. That has proven to be self-evident, as the drawn-out conflict brought no benefit for the people of Libya but only destruction and unnecessary suffering. Instead, the constructive discussions we have witnessed have paved the way towards a political road map that should ultimately contribute to a peaceful and sustainable political solution.”
2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1129 (2020) · source
“Taher Elsonni, to this meeting, and look forward to his briefing on the latest developments in his homeland. South Africa is encouraged by the recent positive developments in Libya, which we believe have initiated a process for leading Libyans on a positive trajectory. We therefore encourage the parties to continue the positive momentum in the interest of all Libyans. In that regard, my remarks this morning will focus on three points: security developments, the political track and the economic and humanitarian situation. First, South Africa welcomes the progress made in Libya following the signing of the ceasefire agreement on 23 October and the continued in-person engagement of the 5+5 Joint Military Commission to give practical expression to the agreement.”
2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1129 (2020) · source
“Let me begin by thanking Ms. Stephanie Williams, Acting Special Representative of the Secretary-General, for her briefing, as well as her tireless efforts and sustained diplomatic shuttling between the Libyan parties. Her wide- ranging and consistent consultations with all actors in Libya testify to the fact that women can lead when given the opportunity to do so. Ms. Williams has given pride to millions of women everywhere, especially this year as we celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the twentieth anniversary of resolution 1325 (2000), on women and peace and security, and the seventy-fifth anniversary of the Charter of the United Nations — towards the future we want. We also welcome the Permanent Representative of Libya, Mr.”
2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1129 (2020) · source
“No peace plan or initiative can have any merit or success if all parties to the conflict are not included in such talks, as equal partners, from the very beginning. Conflicts can be resolved only by treating each party as part of the future solution, and not as a potential adversary or ally. In conclusion, a viable peace plan should not allow Palestinian statehood to devolve into an entity devoid of sovereignty, territorial contiguity and economic viability. In that regard, a solution must be premised on a just settlement with just laws. It must be rights-based and facilitate equality for all who have a right to live in the territories of Israel and Palestine, as well as sovereign equality between States.”
2020-11-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1128 (2020) · source
“UNRWA’s dire financial situation is also jeopardizing its ability to fully pay the salaries of 28,000 staffers in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, Gaza, Lebanon and Jordan. This comes at a time when the COVID-19 pandemic is spreading across the Middle East, including through Palestinian refugee camps. Many of those refugees have no alternative to UNRWA assistance. South Africa therefore appeals to the international community to support the efforts of UNRWA in providing much- needed humanitarian assistance to Palestinian refugees. The only way to reach a viable solution to the conflict in the Middle East is through direct talks between the parties, on an equal footing, based on internationally agreed parameters that take into account the needs and aspirations of the Palestinian people.”
2020-11-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1128 (2020) · source
“If such events were to occur in relation to almost any other issue on the Council’s agenda, we would not have hesitated to take action. The double standards perpetrated by the Council only undermine its credibility and ability to fully implement its mandate to maintain international peace and security. South Africa shares the significant concerns of Mr. Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), regarding the Agency’s financial situation. UNRWA is an essential service provider for Palestinian refugees across the Middle East region. UNRWA’s health, education, protection, social services and humanitarian assistance programmes are vital to millions of displaced Palestinians.”
2020-11-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1128 (2020) · source
“South Africa once again wishes to remind Israel and Council members that such settlement activity is illegal under international law and in accordance with relevant Security Council resolutions, particularly resolution 2334 (2016). Israel’s combined illegal actions of continued demolitions, including donor- funded structures, and settlement activities all contribute to Israel’s illegal de facto annexation plans. While Israel and its allies may not call it annexation, the evidence that we have heard today and many times before in the Chamber points to continued de facto annexation. As we have done previously, South Africa calls on the Security Council to hold Israel accountable for its illegal actions, which are in contravention of Council resolutions as well as international law.”
2020-11-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1128 (2020) · source
“Such actions continue to violate Security Council resolutions, including resolution 2334 (2016), and, in the current context, are simply inhumane, especially in the light of the ongoing global coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. In addition to Israel’s continued illegal demolitions, illegal settlement activity continues in the West Bank, including in East Jerusalem. Over the weekend, Israeli authorities approved a tender for over 1,200 housing units in Givat Hamatos, in East Jerusalem, in addition to previously approved settlements in the West Bank. All of those illegal settlements would severely damage prospects for a contiguous Palestinian State and any possibility of sustainable peace.”
2020-11-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1128 (2020) · source
“Israeli authorities destroyed the Bedouin village of Khirbet Humsa, in the Jordan Valley. They destroyed 76 structures, including homes, animal shelters, sheds, sanitation facilities and solar panels, leaving 74 people, including 41 children, homeless and exposed to the harsh elements. In 2020 alone, Israel’s illegal actions have left 869 people homeless and 689 structures demolished. In addition, the destruction of agricultural and farmland also continues, which severely effects Palestinians’ ability to provide a reliable source of food and generate a valuable source of income. The widespread destruction of property, including agricultural land, and the forcible transfer of protected people in an occupied territory are grave breaches of the Fourth Geneva Convention, to which all of us are signatories.”
2020-11-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1128 (2020) · source
“Let me begin by expressing my deepest sadness at the passing away of Mr. Saeb Erekat. The people of South Africa extend their sincere condolences to his family and all the Palestinian people. It is people of his calibre and stature who are required on both sides of this conflict in order to bring about a peaceful, long-lasting solution. I also thank Special Coordinator Mladenov for his briefing on the realities on the ground in the occupied Palestinian territory. I would like to take this opportunity to commend the work that he and his Office do in contributing to the resolution of this conflict. I also wish to express South Africa’s condemnation of Israel’s continued and abundant illegal actions. On 3 November, the Israeli Government conducted its largest demolition of Palestinian property in a decade.”
2020-11-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1128 (2020) · source
“That is an essential step for us in continuing to ensure the meaningful participation of women at all levels of peace processes in a manner that is structured, monitored and regularly assessed by all relevant stakeholders.”
2020-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1084 (2020) · source
“It goes without saying that there is a need for increased accountability for cases of sexual violence in conflict and post-conflict societies. In that respect, South Africa reiterates its support for the work of the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict. South Africa wishes to underline the pivotal role of regional organizations in advancing the women and peace and security agenda, and therefore requests that future reports of the Secretary-General provide details on the efforts of regional organizations, such as the African Union and its subregional organizations, in promoting the agenda. Let me conclude by reaffirming South Africa’s commitment to advancing the women and peace and security agenda. We are pleased to announce that we recently adopted our first national action pan.”
2020-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1084 (2020) · source
“We continue to recognize the pivotal role that civil society actors play in furthering the women and peace and security agenda at the local and national levels, which is why we encourage strengthened collaboration between Governments and civil society in advancing the agenda. In line with resolution 2493 (2019), which was unanimously adopted a year ago, we continue to urge Member States to create safe and enabling environments for civil society, community women leaders, women peacebuilders and human rights defenders to carry out their work in advancing the women and peace and security agenda without threats, intimidation and physical harm. We continue to be alarmed by the persisting sexual violence against women and children in conflict and post-conflict countries.”
2020-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1084 (2020) · source
“South Africa also wishes to reiterate its support for the Secretary-General’s system-wide strategy on gender parity and the uniformed gender parity strategy 2018-2028 of the Department of Peace Operations, which have had a significant impact on increasing the number of women represented within the United Nations leadership, as well as in peace operations. We are pleased that the recently adopted resolution 2538 (2020), the first-ever Security Council resolution on women in peacekeeping, adds to the growing number of normative frameworks on women in peacekeeping. That is important to us, as South Africa remains the leading female- troop-contributing country in United Nations peacekeeping operations, with 15.1 per cent of South Africa’s deployed troops being female.”
2020-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1084 (2020) · source
“In that regard, South Africa is committed to contributing to reducing the gap in women’s underrepresentation in mediation, negotiations and leadership positions. We will continue to build the capacity of women negotiators and mediators by S/2020/1084 S/2020/1084 providing annual training to women mediators and negotiators at the local and continental levels. We are proud that many women who benefited from such training programmes are actively involved in peace processes in their respective countries. They include women from the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan, to name just a few.”
2020-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1084 (2020) · source
“However, at this stage, it is imperative that we also take note of the fact that the coronavirus disease pandemic has not only presented challenges but also opportunities in terms of how the women and peace and security agenda can be pursued, particularly in advancing the participation and representation pillars. That relates to utilizing virtual means to expand women’s participation in the various peace processes. While virtual engagement has illustrated to us that the inclusion of women is possible, it should not be used to exclude women from physical interaction. My country views the women and peace and security agenda as an empowerment tool for women to actively immerse themselves in various peace processes, particularly in prevention, peacemaking and peacebuilding.”
2020-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1084 (2020) · source
“South Africa regrets the negative impact of the coronavirus disease pandemic on advancing the women and peace and security agenda, particularly with regard to refugees and internally displaced women. In that context, we take this opportunity to commend the work that has been undertaken by humanitarian and health-care workers, as well as other front-line workers, in mitigating the pandemic, the majority of whom are women. We also recognize that the impact of the pandemic on the women and peace and security agenda has not yet been fully discerned.”
2020-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1084 (2020) · source
“That will further drive the momentum to fully implement the 10 Security Council resolutions on women and peace and security. We also welcome the progress that has been made in the implementation of the women and peace and security agenda since the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000), 20 years ago, under the excellent leadership of Namibia (see S/PV.4213), which will also launch its International Women’s Peace Centre on 31 October 2020. That will be a valuable regional and international institution towards consolidating our efforts for the full implementation of the women and peace and security agenda. However, we also recognize the need to accelerate the full implementation of the women and peace and security agenda, especially by addressing impediments to achieving its objectives.”
2020-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1084 (2020) · source
“We join others in highlighting that 2020 is a significant year as we commemorate the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000), the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the seventy-fifth anniversary of the United Nations, the tenth anniversary of the establishment of UN-Women and the fifth anniversary of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, among other things. It is also the review year for Silencing the Guns by 2020 on the African continent. All those anniversaries are intertwined and pertinent to the advancement of the women and peace and security agenda. We also wish to take this opportunity to welcome and acknowledge the clear priorities announced by the UN-Women Executive Director that will dominate the decade of action.”
2020-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1084 (2020) · source
“We thank Secretary-General António Guterres for his statement, and we welcome the briefings by Ms. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN-Women; Ms. Danai Gurira, UN-Women Goodwill Ambassador; Ms. Nataliia Emelianova, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Adviser in the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei; and Ms. Zarqa Yaftali, Head of the Women and Children Legal Research Foundation.”
2020-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1084 (2020) · source
“An alternative to war must be found. We call on the five foreign military forces in Syria to respect the sovereignty of the country, in line with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, whose seventy-fifth anniversary we all celebrated yesterday. We urge Special Envoy Pedersen to continue with an upsurge in — and enhanced — diplomacy between Syrian political stakeholders, so that they may overcome differences, build trust, ensure inclusive and transparent processes, get consensus on an agenda and prepare for a potentially difficult, protracted — and yet bloodless — political and constitutional dialogue. We appeal for no foreign interference. Special Envoy Pedersen can count on South Africa’s support on the road ahead.”
2020-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1049 (2020) · source
“We therefore call on the Secretary-General to include in his reports to the Council an overview of the effects and impact, both direct and indirect, of unilateral sanctions on the humanitarian situation in the country. In conclusion, the situation in Syria can be resolved only through negotiations and dialogue. We call on all parties to spare no effort in striving for the full implementation of resolution 2254 (2015). Additionally, we welcome the combined briefing of the political and humanitarian situations in Syria, as we have long stated that these two tracks are interlinked. Progress in either track cannot be made independently of the other, given that, when there is no progress on the political front, the humanitarian situation further deteriorates, leading to increased loss of life and destruction.”
2020-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1049 (2020) · source
“In addition, we urge all parties to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law for the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, particularly schools, health facilities and water and sanitation facilities. The grave humanitarian and economic situations have been exacerbated by the imposition of unilateral sanctions on Syria. At a time when we have all acknowledged the dire situation Syrian civilians face, the added burden of unilateral coercive measures is unacceptable. The Council has heard from some of its members that economic measures have no impact on the humanitarian situation, without their offering credible information to support this claim.”
2020-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1049 (2020) · source
“It is expected that the needs in these and other parts of the north-east will escalate as winter approaches; accordingly, humanitarian assistance and access must also increase. We call on the Syrian Government to further facilitate scaling up the cross- line humanitarian assistance provided by the relevant humanitarian agencies. South Africa reiterates its call for the safe, unimpeded and impartial delivery of humanitarian aid and assistance to all who require it, in line with the provisions of international humanitarian law and the need to ensure the safety and security of humanitarian workers.”
2020-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1049 (2020) · source
“Continuing violence, a deteriorating economy, the impact of unilateral sanctions, the impediments brought to the fore by the coronavirus disease pandemic and the after-effects of a nine-year conflict have all contributed to a humanitarian situation in dire need of assistance. The cost of food and basic essentials puts them out of reach for most Syrians, which is exacerbated by the additional expense of masks, gloves, sanitizer and other personal protective equipment. It is therefore critical that humanitarian assistance, both through the cross- border mechanism and from within Syria, is made available to all those who require it. With regard to the cross-border mechanism, the closure of the Bab Al-Salam crossing point has led to decreased access to the northern parts of Idlib and Aleppo.”
2020-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1049 (2020) · source
“Trust and relationships take time to build. However, we must also acknowledge that the Syrian people want change. We therefore encourage the parties to reach consensus on the agenda and agree to a date for the fourth round of Constitutional Committee discussions. Additionally, we call on all parties to the Constitutional Committee to actively engage in constructive and genuine discussions on the agreed agenda. Turning to the humanitarian situation, Under-Secretary-General Lowcock’s briefing on the stark reality of the humanitarian situation in Syria is of great concern. Let me take this opportunity to commend the dedication and work of all humanitarian actors operating in Syria, particularly in the light of the challenging circumstances these workers and the Syrian people face each day.”
2020-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1049 (2020) · source
“As we have mentioned before, South Africa remains concerned about the continued presence of armed forces in Syria and the need for external interference to come to an end, especially in terms of the provision of support to these armed groups. The sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Syria must be respected. South Africa continues to support the critical work of the Constitutional Committee and applauds the continued efforts of the United Nations and Special Envoy Pedersen in this process. The Committee plays an important role in providing a platform for all sectors and groups within Syrian society to voice their views and engage in dialogue on the future they want and deserve. Thanks to its own democratic transition and Constitution-building process, South Africa understands that progress cannot happen overnight.”
2020-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1049 (2020) · source
“Let me begin by thanking Special Envoy Geir Pedersen and Under-Secretary- General Mark Lowcock for their briefings on the situation in Syria. South Africa is deeply concerned at the recent increase in hostilities and violations of the ceasefire agreement in the Idlib de-escalation zone. This increase in violence jeopardizes the already fragile ceasefire in the area. We call on all parties to strictly adhere to the provisions of the ceasefire agreement and refrain from actions that may further inflame tensions in the region. South Africa reiterates its full support for a complete and immediate nationwide ceasefire across Syria, as previously called for by Special Envoy Pedersen and in line with the appeal of the Secretary-General for a global ceasefire.”
2020-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1049 (2020) · source
“In conclusion, South Africa is deeply concerned about recent media reports that Israel is refusing to renew visas for officials working for the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. That has resulted in 9 of 12 officials conducting critical work and reporting in the occupied Palestinian territory having to abandon their posts and leave the country. We therefore call on Israel to uphold its obligations as a responsible State Member of the United Nations to ensure that the Organization and all of its various agencies, bodies and partners are able to continue their vital work in the occupied Palestinian territory. As it has demonstrated over the years, and based on its own history and recent past, South Africa is ready to assist parties in resolving this long-standing, indeed decades-old, question.”
2020-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1055 (2020) · source
“Naledi Pandor stated at last week’s debate on the situation in the Gulf region, sustainable peace and stability in the Gulf and the wider Middle East region requires an end to its core peace and security challenge, namely, the occupation of Palestine (S/2020/1037, annex 7). In order to resolve this, any initiative to end the conflict and bring an end to Israeli occupation must take into account the needs and aspirations of the Palestinian people. No peace plan or initiative can have any merit or succeed if all parties to the conflict are not included in such talks from the very beginning as equal partners. South Africa is encouraged by the Palestinians’ efforts at unity, including efforts to agree on the dates for holding elections.”
2020-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1055 (2020) · source
“We urge the Council to heed the Secretary-General’s call for a collective and fresh push for peace and reconciliation in the Middle East region. South Africa will continue to work with all like-minded countries to support international efforts aimed at the establishment of a viable Palestinian State existing side by side in peace with Israel within internationally recognized borders, based on those existing on 4 June 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in line with all the relevant United Nations resolutions, international law and internationally agreed parameters. As South Africa’s Minister for International Relations and Cooperation, Mrs.”
2020-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1055 (2020) · source
“We had the Madrid Conference in 1991, which led to the Oslo Accords in 1993, and which saw the first face-to-face agreement between leaders of the Israeli authorities and the Palestinian Liberation Organization. The Annapolis Conference in 2007 saw the parties committing to the road map for peace. Each of those meetings was an important milestone in the Israel-Palestine peace process. The initiatives by the Arab League and the Russian Federation have also played vital roles in the peace process. South Africa therefore fully supports President Abbas’ call for an international conference, with the participation of all parties concerned, for discussions on a genuine peace process, including the resolution of all final-status issues.”
2020-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1055 (2020) · source
“Why, then, has there been no action to hold Israel accountable for those illegal actions? If this were occurring with almost any other issue on the Council’s agenda, we would not have hesitated to take action. Surely these double standards, S/2020/1055 S/2020/1055 in a body whose responsibility is to maintain international peace and security, is not acceptable. It is the responsibility of the Security Council to remain impartial, as partiality and bias undermine and discredit the role of the Council and of the United Nations as a whole. From 1991 to 2007, there were a number of international conferences on the question of Palestine.”
2020-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1055 (2020) · source