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

“As evidenced by the increase in settlement activity, we can see that Israel has no intention of halting its de facto annexation efforts. South Africa reiterates that settlements are illegal under international law and directly contravene resolution 2334 (2016). These violations and inhumane actions by Israel serve only to undermine any prospects for peace and jeopardize a permanent and sustainable resolution to the conflict. We often ask ourselves, and now we ask our fellow Council members, why resolutions on certain issues are dealt with in a completely different manner than other issues and resolutions on the Council’s agenda. We see this with the matter of Palestine, and we are also seeing it this week with Western Sahara. Israel continues to violate Security Council resolutions and international law.”
2020-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1055 (2020) · source
“While recent bilateral agreements have shown Israel to have agreed to suspend its annexation plans, this continued and increasing settlement activity contradicts those agreements and calls into question the benefits they offer for peace, as they have not eased the occupation. In fact, those agreements appear to coincide with increased illegal settlement activity and destruction of Palestinian agricultural land. While formal annexation may have been suspended, de facto annexation continues through those illegal practices. Those newly forged relations and ostensibly transactional agreements have done nothing to improve the lives of Palestinians, who continue to be denied their basic human and civil rights while living under illegal military occupation.”
2020-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1055 (2020) · source
“We took note of the remarks by the new Israeli Permanent Representative to the United Nations and the recent events in the Middle East between Israel and United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and the Sudan, three members of the League of Arab States. We had hoped that those events would lead to less suffering of Palestinians in prisons, or in exile or internally displaced from their homes. As we heard from Special Coordinator Mladenov today, Israel continues its illegal settlement expansion, in blatant violation of resolutions of the Security Council, the General Assembly and international law. Earlier this month saw Israeli authorities announcing the advancement of over 5,000 new housing units in the occupied West Bank, making 2020 the year of the greatest settlement expansion since 2012, with over 12,000 units being advanced.”
2020-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1055 (2020) · source
“We express our appreciation to Deputy Minister Vershinin for presiding over today’s meeting. Allow me to take this opportunity to welcome to the Security Council the Foreign Minister of the State of Palestine, Mr. Riad Al-Malki, and thank him for his participation today. I would also like to thank Special Coordinator Mladenov for his frank and useful update on the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory. South Africa welcomes his Office’s concerted efforts aimed at resolving the long-standing conflict that arises out of the occupation of Palestinian territories, and we urge him to continue those efforts so that the United Nations may, as the representative of the international community, play a key role in finding a solution to the Palestinian- Israeli matter.”
2020-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1055 (2020) · source
“Our delegations therefore reiterate calls to the international community and partners to mobilize the necessary resources to support the Democratic Republic of the Congo in its efforts to strengthen its institutions, as well as to advance the security sector reform and disarmament, demobilization and reintegration processes. The A3+1 is of the firm view that it is imperative for the international community — through the African Union, the United Nations and international partners — to maintain solidarity with the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and provide the necessary political, financial and other support in order to build on the gains made thus far.”
2020-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/987 (2020) · source
“The A3+1 also calls for further efforts by regional and international partners to tackle the illicit extraction of, and trade in, mineral resources, which remain a major source of revenue for armed groups in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In conclusion, on behalf of the A3+1, I commend the efforts and commitment of the United Nations, MONUSCO, troop-contributing countries, the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and international partners to stabilize the country and protect civilians from ongoing threats, despite the prevailing challenges.”
2020-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/987 (2020) · source
“We also reiterate our concerns about the high levels of displacement in the eastern parts of the country as a result of clashes between armed groups, intercommunal violence and excessive rainfall and flooding. Our delegations call for sustained international support to enable the country’s authorities to mitigate the negative impact of these humanitarian challenges for the people and the economy of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We reiterate the need for flexible financial arrangements to bolster development efforts within the country, in line with national priorities and in accordance with the aims of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”
2020-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/987 (2020) · source
“Our delegations welcome the multisectoral response plan for the Ebola outbreak, which aims to strengthen the effectiveness of a health system struggling to provide basic social services and to reach those affected, mainly women and children. It is our hope that major challenges such as insufficient funding and the lack of decentralized access to testing and treatment will be addressed in a timely manner, with the assistance of the international community. The A3+1 remains deeply concerned about the extreme levels of hunger in the country, with the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification analysis revealing that more than 21 million people are experiencing a crisis level or worse of acute food insecurity.”
2020-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/987 (2020) · source
“The A3+1 also commends the Office of the Special Envoy for the Great Lakes region for its efforts alongside MONUSCO and welcomes their commitment to assist the Democratic Republic of the Congo to achieve sustainable peace, security and stability. The A3+1 remains concerned about the current humanitarian situation. The slowdown in new reported cases in the COVID-19 pandemic is a welcome development, but the socioeconomic impact of the pandemic continues to be a concern. In that regard, we commend the ongoing swift response and decisive efforts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, MONUSCO, other United Nations agencies, the African Union and the World Health Organization.”
2020-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/987 (2020) · source
“For the period under review, the A3+1 welcomes the meeting between President Tshilombo Tshisekedi and President Denis Sassou Nguesso, as well as the cooperation agreement signed between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Angola on security and public order in border areas. Furthermore, we continue to support the long-standing commitment of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to assist the Democratic Republic of the Congo to achieve sustainable peace, security and stability. In that respect, we are pleased with SADC’s deployment of a technical mission in September, which resulted in the adoption of a phased approach to the demarcation of the affected border.”
2020-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/987 (2020) · source
“That plan should include completed security sector reform and disarmament, demobilization and reintegration processes; fully functional State institutions, such as immigration and border control; improved police and army, and a strengthened judiciary. Lastly, the drawdown of MONUSCO should be predicated on a positive evolution of the situation on the ground in order to ensure a successful handover of Mission tasks to the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Turning to the regional cooperation efforts, the A3+1 reiterates the importance of fostering strong and effective regional relations and cooperation, as reflected in the Government’s campaign to build bridges and not walls. In that respect, we are satisfied by the Government’s continuing efforts to engage regional partners to address common threats to the region.”
2020-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/987 (2020) · source
“The Force Intervention Brigade requires the continued support of the Council in that regard, and needs to be fully trained to remain effective in addressing the threat against the civilian population in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, despite enormous expectations and the complexity of the task. Although we have seen some progress in the stabilization and strengthening of State institutions, the A3+1 remains concerned about the prospect of a hastened and rushed drawdown of MONUSCO. It is our view that the Mission’s drawdown should be based on a comprehensive plan to improve the capacity of the State to deliver while MONUSCO reduces its presence in the country.”
2020-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/987 (2020) · source
“It is in that context that the A3+1 underscores the centrality of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Region as a long-term solution to create stability in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. We note the consolidated force presence in Ituri province to respond to militia violence and in Beni territory to address the threat posed by the ADF. In that regard, the A3+1 emphasizes the importance of fully supporting MONUSCO’s role in stabilizing the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and recognizes the efforts of the Force Intervention Brigade in addressing the threat posed by the armed groups.”
2020-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/987 (2020) · source
“The situation is similar in South Kivu, where the redeployment of the FARDC to other areas in the east has created a security vacuum, leading to active recruitment by some armed groups. That illustrates the need to put in place sustainable and enduring security measures in the areas affected. Nevertheless, we are encouraged by the progress registered in the peace agreements between the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and armed groups in Ituri province. However, we are concerned that the delay in the implementation of the demobilization and reintegration process, partly due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, could impact the situation negatively.”
2020-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/987 (2020) · source
“We are also pleased with the ongoing constructive dialogue aimed at resolving political tensions, as reflected in the public commitment and reaffirmations to the coalition made by President Félix Tshilombo Tshisekedi and former President Joseph Kabila. This is vital to lasting peace and national reconciliation. On the security front, the A3+1 remains deeply concerned by the ongoing instability and insecurity as a result of the belligerent actions by armed groups in North Kivu, which continue to draw due attention, particularly as the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) are carrying on with attacks on civilians, the Forces armées de la République démocratique du Congo (FARDC) and MONUSCO.”
2020-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/987 (2020) · source
“Today the A3+1 wishes to focus our intervention on the political processes in the Democratic Republic of the Congo; the security and humanitarian situation; regional processes; and support for MONUSCO and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The prevailing political situation in the country provides a rare opportunity to build a stable long-term future and a unified country. In that regard, the unity of the current establishment is paramount in order to address the myriad challenges that the country is facing. Against that backdrop, the A3+1 delegations commend the continued efforts by the Congolese to resolve their political differences in a peaceful manner.”
2020-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/987 (2020) · source
“I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the three African countries that are members of the Security Council, namely, the Niger, South Africa and Tunisia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (A3+1). We would like to thank you, Mr. President, for having convened this important and timely meeting on the Democratic Republic of Congo. We would also like to thank and commend the Secretary-General on his comprehensive report on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the activities of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) (S/2020/919), and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of MONUSCO, Ms. Leila Zerrougui, on her comprehensive briefing.”
2020-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/987 (2020) · source
“At the continental level, the African Union is developing the African Green Stimulus programme as a contribution to the overall AU recovery effort from the COVID-19 pandemic, addressing all three pillars of sustainable development. We continue to look to the Security Council to fulfil its international peace and security mandate. In this regard, we are interested to hear the views of Council members on what value the Security Council might add to addressing the humanitarian effects of environmental degradation on peace and security. What is clearly needed, no doubt, is enhanced global solidarity with effective multilateralism and the United Nations at the helm.”
2020-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/929 (2020) · source
“The UNFCCC and its Paris Agreement on Climate Change, we believe, will also promote continued, multilateral negotiation of the sensitive changes that all Member States need to adopt to address climate change, while also providing mechanisms to safeguard the development policy space of all countries, especially developing countries. South Africa fully supports a multilateral approach to climate change, premised on the guiding principles of the UNFCCC, which include equity, the differentiation of actions required between developed and developing countries and the provision of support to all developing countries that require it. At the national level, we are prioritizing the just transition towards more equitable and sustainable patterns of production and consumption.”
2020-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/929 (2020) · source
“These collaborations will ensure that the Security Council may obtain information on the potential impact of climate or environment-related security risks in conflict settings. The UNFCCC enjoys near universal membership among Member States, adheres to principles that seek to promote equity and recognizes the need for common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, as well as the Convention´s legal obligation for developed countries to provide the means of implementation support to all developing countries.”
2020-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/929 (2020) · source
“The second aspect is to deal with the consequences of the outbreak of conflict, thought to be linked to climate change or environmental degradation, once it has taken place and, in this regard, the Security Council’s experience in dealing with conflict may be useful. It is clear that a holistic approach is needed to deal with the ramifications of environmental degradation on peace and security.S/2020/929 In this regard, we encourage the Security Council to support the lead United Nations organizations and processes, such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Convention on Biological Diversity and other multilateral environmental agreements, as well as the work of relevant regional organizations, such as the African Union (AU).”
2020-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/929 (2020) · source
“Migrants and internally displaced persons are running from terrorists attacks for survival and hoping the future will be bright as the world gathers next week to celebrate the seventy-fifth anniversary of the United Nations under the theme “The Future we want, the United Nations we need: reaffirming our collective commitment to multilateralism — confronting COVID-19 through effective multilateral action”. There are different aspects of dealing with the challenge of environmental degradation. The first is to address the root of development issues that spark this initial conflict.”
2020-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/929 (2020) · source
“In these instances, as with elsewhere, climatic pressures associated with climate change are threats or risk multipliers, which escalate tensions and conflict, by placing additional strain on scarce resources like water and grazing lands. The impact of the ferocious deteriorating climate situation in the Sahel, the Lake Chad region and elsewhere in the world, desertification, floods, desert storms and locust invasions, over and above the impact of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), has led to untold suffering for millions of people, as we heard from the briefers and Ministers today. People are on endless move.”
2020-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/929 (2020) · source
“Sustainable Development Goal 13, on climate action, together with the other 16 Sustainable Development Goals, remains critical to the effective pursuit by all of humankind of the basic tenets of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development — namely, the alleviation of poverty — by leaving no one behind on the path to sustainable development and by assisting those furthest behind first. We also recognize that factors, such as drought, water scarcity, food insecurity and desertification, which are thought to be caused or exacerbated by climate change, increase the risk of violent conflicts. In Africa, there is evidence to suggest that this is the case in the Sahel, the Lake Chad basin, as well as the Horn of Africa.”
2020-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/929 (2020) · source
“There is certainly a need to better understand the impact of effective environmental governance and policy and whether this may influence the reduction of conflict and help bring about peace and security. South Africa recognizes that climate change represents an existential threat to humankind and all other species. In fact, all forms of environmental degradation require our urgent attention and a progressive, ambitious and collective multilateral response from all Member States.”
2020-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/929 (2020) · source
“Allow me to first congratulate the Niger on its presidency of the Security Council for the month of September and for convening this meeting to highlight the potential impact of environmental degradation on peace and security situations. We are delighted to see you, Mr. Minister, presiding over the Security Council as we address this important issue. We also thank Mr. Ibrahim Thiaw, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), Mr. Peter Maurer, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross, and Ms. Inna Modja, Land Ambassador and climate activist, for their briefings. We also acknowledge the Ministers who are present today.”
2020-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/929 (2020) · source
“Having confirmed its withdrawal from the JCPOA and by not participating in any of the JCPOA structures or subsequent activities, the United States ceased to be a JCPOA participant and is therefore ineligible to submit a notification to the Security Council under the terms of resolution 2231 (2015). As resolution 2231 (2015) and the JCPOA are inextricably linked and are mutually contingent, any party that, of its own volition, withdraws from the JCPOA cannot be regarded as a JCPOA participant State and therefore would not be able to invoke the provisions of resolution 2231 (2015) as a participant State. In conclusion, the future of the Middle East hangs in the balance and the current forms of aggression as seen in Gaza could give way to further instability and violence in the region.”
2020-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/837 (2020) · source
“However, again, Palestine is deprived of its right to see the illegal actions of the Israeli occupation brought to justice. Many of us have called for those who violate international law to be held accountable for their actions. Israel must therefore be held accountable for its persistent violations of international law, including General Assembly and Security Council resolutions, in particular resolution 2334 (2016). Allow me to make a few remarks on the matter of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The United States, of its own volition, unilaterally withdrew from the JCPOA on 8 May 2018, reinstating unilateral sanctions against Iran, which is in violation of the JCPOA and resolution 2231 (2015).”
2020-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/837 (2020) · source
“South Africa strongly believes that any peace plan should not allow Palestinian statehood to devolve into an entity devoid of sovereignty, territorial contiguity and economic viability. In this regard, a solution must be premised on a just, rights-based settlement, with just laws, that facilitates equality and equity for all who have a right to live in the territories of Israel and Palestine. This includes the sovereign equality between States. South Africa reiterates its call for the full implementation of resolution 2334 (2016). The ongoing and illegal settlement construction, seizure and demolition of Palestinian land and property must be addressed. Overt violations of Security Council resolutions usually provoke stricter countermeasures on the party responsible for the infringement.”
2020-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/837 (2020) · source
“As we and many others have said before, the solution to this decades-long conflict is dialogue and negotiations culminating in a political agreement that results in an independent sovereign State of Palestine existing side by side in peace with Israel, as guided by United Nations resolutions, international law and internationally agreed parameters. Any viable peace plan must include the full participation of all parties as equal partners. In this regard, any initiative aimed at finding a lasting resolution to the conflict must take into account the needs and aspirations of the Palestinian people. For too long, the most basic rights, needs, hopes and aspirations of the Palestinians have been eroded and ignored.”
2020-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/837 (2020) · source
“We therefore call for the release of all detainees and political prisoners, especially women, children and the elderly. While all civilians everywhere are entitled to a fair and equal justice system, Palestinians living under illegal military occupation do not have access to one. In this regard, we have learned last week of yet another death of a Palestinian teenager who succumbed to his wounds in detention after being shot near Ramallah by Israeli soldiers. These brutal actions by Israeli soldiers have to stop. Israel operates an unequal, two-tiered legal system, where Israelis are subject to a civilian criminal and legal system, while Palestinians, including children, living in the same area are subject to military law, making Israel the only country that applies military law to minors.”
2020-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/837 (2020) · source
“The Israeli blockade has had a devastating impact on Palestinians living in Gaza and on their livelihood. Israel’s latest ban on allowing fuel into Gaza has resulted in the shutdown of Gaza’s only power station, plunging the Strip into darkness and jeopardizing the lives of civilians dependent on an already-strained health sector. These actions are inhumane and are causing serious bodily and mental harm to the people of Gaza, especially at a time when the world is in the grip of fighting a global pandemic. We call on Israel to respect and honour its obligations as an occupying Power under the Fourth Geneva Convention and to put an end to its disproportionate and hostile actions. The Palestinian people, especially those living in Gaza, cannot afford any more hurt, hardship or hostilities.”
2020-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/837 (2020) · source
“Let me begin by thanking Special Coordinator Mladenov for his useful and frank briefing on the current situation in the occupied Palestinian territory. South Africa has noted with concern developments of the past days in the occupied Palestinian territory, as well as in the Gaza Strip. In this regard, we support the call by the Special Coordinator Mladenov and the Secretary-General for an immediate cessation of hostilities. The current precarious situation prevailing in Gaza is of particular concern to South Africa. The almost-daily attacks on Gaza and the use of warplanes, reportedly in retaliation for the launching of incendiary balloons, is not a proportional response and will instead serve to inflame tensions, endanger the lives of civilians and further degrade critical infrastructure. Moreover, Israel’s blockade on Gaza must end.”
2020-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/837 (2020) · source
“The sharing of best practices and lessons learned among Council members is important, and the experiences of the major troop- and police-contributing countries with regard to integrating human rights aspects of the mandates into the work of an operation on the ground are crucial. In conclusion, South Africa wishes to highlight the positive contributions special political missions and peace operations can make, through their peacebuilding mandates, by sharing their expertise in building institutions responsible for the promotion of human rights in collaboration with host countries. Such an approach can go a long way in building and sustaining peace and in promoting human rights when working in tandem with national authorities and civil society, including grassroots community-based organizations.”
2020-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/674 (2020) · source
“Furthermore, the creation of gender units within the leadership team in nine peacekeeping operations to ensure that women’s rights and the women and peace and security agenda are mainstreamed across all mission activities is welcome progress as we mark the twentieth anniversary of landmark resolution 1325 (2000) and the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. It is clear that the effective implementation of the women and peace and security agenda directly contributes to the objective of long-term global peace and security. Peacekeeping operations are mandated to monitor and report; however, if human rights violations fall outside the scope of the protection of civilians, it may be difficult for peace operations to intervene without the appropriate mandate.”
2020-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/674 (2020) · source
“The inclusion, training and support of women protection advisers responsible for monitoring, analysing and reporting on conflict-related sexual violence in the seven missions — the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic, the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali, the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia and the United Nations Support Mission in Libya — is a step in the right direction.”
2020-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/674 (2020) · source
“Lasting progress on strengthening security, national reconciliation, the rule of law, human rights and sustainable development needs to occur in parallel. Indeed, the host country bears the primary responsibility to protect civilians. In that regard, we wish to stress the contribution that, where mandated, peacekeeping operations can make to international efforts to protect civilians and promote and protect human rights. The protection of women and children, as those most vulnerable in such contexts, is paramount and can be enhanced through the involvement of women and girls in the peacebuilding process, which remains undervalued and underresourced, leaving a vital tool for transformative change and sustainable peace underutilized.”
2020-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/674 (2020) · source
“The Council should commit to implementing the protection of civilians mandates of peacekeeping missions, where required, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, mission mandates and applicable international law without fear, favour or prejudice. In line with the principles of the Action for Peacekeeping initiative, launched by the Secretary-General to refocus peacekeeping through more targeted mandates, make peacekeeping operations stronger and safer and mobilize support for political solutions and better equipped and trained forces, South Africa wishes to highlight that the pursuit of sustainable political solutions should guide the design and deployment of United Nations peacekeeping operations.”
2020-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/674 (2020) · source
“South Africa notes with concern that the topic of those human rights elements has not escaped the political dynamics of the Security Council as it continues to be politicized and applied selectively. While some members of the Security Council advocate for the importance of the human rights component in peacekeeping missions, it is regrettable that the same vigour and enthusiasm is conspicuously absent from other missions, such as the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara. We must not put ourselves on the wrong side of history by allowing our narrow interests to trample over the interest of the majority of world citizens, whom the Council is mandated to serve, particularly those in conflict areas during this global crisis.”
2020-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/674 (2020) · source
“Our deliberations today are taking place at a time when the world is grappling with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, which has impacted all of us, irrespective of our levels of development and of whether or not we are experiencing conflict. However, countries in conflict where peacekeeping operations or special political missions have a presence would require additional support to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on the population’s human, as well as political, social and economic, rights. The inclusion of human rights elements in numerous mission mandates established by the Council reflects its general acceptance of the relevance of human rights to peace and security efforts.”
2020-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/674 (2020) · source
“It is an honour to have the Federal Minister of Defence of Germany, Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, preside over this debate. We view this debate as important, not only due to its focus but also because it is the first time that the Security Council discusses the topic of peace operations and human rights under the agenda item on peacekeeping. My delegation is grateful for the briefings received from the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for South Sudan and Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, David Shearer, as well as civil society representative and President of Groupe LOTUS based in Kisangani, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dismas Kitenge Senga.”
2020-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/674 (2020) · source
“In conclusion, every effort should be made to assist those trapped in conflict worldwide and to ensure that all essential facilities and infrastructure are protected in order to allow the International Committee of the Red Cross, local organizations, UNICEF and specialized agencies, inter alia, to deliver assistance, especially to women.”
2020-07-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/663 (2020) · source
“The spread of the virus in an increasingly globalized world has shown that we are only as strong as our weakest link. Sustained support and assistance to those most in need will therefore prove vital in ensuring that we emerge from this global crisis together. Half a million people worldwide have been affected by the pandemic; some are gasping for air to survive, while others are either in isolation or self-quarantine, hoping to overcome the disease. All the affected people expect us to unite, coordinate our actions, cooperate and support the specialized agencies leading the war against the pandemic. Let us extend solidarity to all States Members of the United Nations battling this pandemic.”
2020-07-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/663 (2020) · source
“In this regard, South Africa reaffirms its firm support for the critical leadership role being played by the World Health Organization (WHO) in preventing and mitigating public-health emergencies, and the centrality of the United Nations in leading multilateral responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, we reaffirm WHO’s indispensable role and commend its work in assisting affected countries and regional organizations in addressing the spread of COVID-19. Accordingly, we underscore the vital importance of national, regional and international support, coordination and cooperation with WHO in formulating an appropriate global response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The World Health Organization’s role is central to this global response, and should therefore continue to be supported and capacitated.”
2020-07-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/663 (2020) · source
“Despite the devastating consequences for all of us in all parts of the world, scientists are telling us that this virus is not going away anytime soon. We are also deeply concerned about the plight of refugees, migrants and internally displaced persons, whose difficult living conditions have been exacerbated by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. South Africa wishes to pay tribute to the bravery of the health workers and humanitarian personnel, whose perseverance and commitment to saving lives in the face of COVID-19 is commendable. It is paramount that they be provided with adequate and appropriate supplies to enable them to better perform their work.”
2020-07-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/663 (2020) · source
“The Security Council has been briefed numerous times by the Secretariat and civil society representatives with first-hand information on the situations in which they operate and have made clear the severe impact of sanctions on ordinary citizens. We regret that the Council has not been able to take the necessary action to alleviate the impact of the pandemic on the humanitarian situation in affected conflict areas. Sanctions should be used to support peace processes, and not as a means of collective punishment, which is made all the more devastating in the context of a pandemic that even the most capable economies have been struggling to deal with, as illustrated by the daily figures of infections and deaths.”
2020-07-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/663 (2020) · source
“We take this moment to express our deepest condolences to the families of the peacekeepers who have lost their lives to COVID-19 and thank those peacekeepers who continue to put their lives on the line in order to execute their mandates. We also wish a speedy recovery to those peacekeepers who are still battling the disease. South Africa believes that the Security Council can do more to alleviate the plight of innocent civilians affected by armed conflict and the spread of COVID-19. In this regard, the Secretary-General has called for the waiving of unilateral coercive measures and sanctions in order to allow affected Governments and societies to have the requisite resources to secure much-needed life-saving and medical supplies and personal protective equipment to respond to the pandemic.”
2020-07-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/663 (2020) · source
“I take this opportunity to reiterate South Africa’s support for the Secretary- General’s call for a global ceasefire and a humanitarian pause in order to focus due attention on the pandemic and attempt to mitigate its impacts. This call has been reiterated by the African Union. All parties to armed conflicts must seize this opportunity to prioritize addressing the humanitarian impacts of the virus and conflict in general. The pandemic highlights the fundamental importance of unity and cooperation over divisions and violent conflict in addressing common threats to humanity. South Africa commends the leadership and proactive action of the United Nations in putting in place measures to protect the health and safety of peacekeepers and navigate the effects of the pandemic.”
2020-07-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/663 (2020) · source
“The pandemic has exacerbated existing humanitarian and socioeconomic crises, with particularly devastating impacts on those struggling to survive in conflict situations. Of specific interest and concern to the Security Council is COVID-19’s disruption of the activities of peacekeeping missions and electoral processes in conflict situations, affecting progress on conflict-resolution processes and exacerbating the health risks and safety of peacekeepers. In this regard, South Africa remains concerned about the impact of the pandemic, especially the potential to reverse the vital gains made in peace and political processes in conflict situations.”
2020-07-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/663 (2020) · source
“At the outset, I would like to reiterate my country’s position that the attention the Security Council pays to global public-health emergencies should be clear and directly linked to issues that fall under the purview of the Council’s mandate. We urge the Council to be cautious and refrain from focusing on international public- health matters and economic measures that are more appropriately addressed by the broader United Nations system, the Secretary-General and the General Assembly. As States Members of the United Nations, we should aim to strengthen those parts of the United Nations system that are set up to directly address global health matters. An effective response to the extensive ravages and acutely global nature of the COVID-19 pandemic necessitates strengthened multilateralism, strong global solidarity and coordination.”
2020-07-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/663 (2020) · source