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

“I thank Foreign Minister Heiko Maas for convening today’s briefing on the maintenance of peace and security, focusing on the impact of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. I also thank Secretary-General António Guterres, the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Mr. Peter Maurer, and the African Union Commissioner for Social Affairs, Ms. Amira Elfadil Mohammed Elfadil, for their respective briefings. Today’s opportune meeting is being held following the unanimous adoption by the Security Council of resolution 2532 (2020), on the COVID-19 pandemic in the context of maintenance of peace and security. By adopting this resolution, the Council has finally pronounced on this global challenge and its possible peace and security implications.”
2020-07-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/663 (2020) · source
“In conclusion, the Council must pursue steps to de-escalate rather than escalate tensions in the Gulf and support any such efforts undertaken by regional players. In that regard, the Council must support initiatives aimed at restoring peace and stability — not only to the Gulf, but to the broader Middle East region. That is why South Africa steadfastly supports continued efforts to resolve tensions among all actors in the region and promotes dialogue rather than antagonism to safeguard disarmament and non-proliferation gains essential for the maintenance of broader international peace and security.”
2020-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/644 (2020) · source
“South Africa underscores that the total elimination of nuclear weapons is the only guarantee that they will never again be used by anyone, under any circumstances. We remind the Council that nuclear disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation are mutually reinforcing processes. Lack of progress on nuclear disarmament will inadvertently affect the gains made in nuclear non-proliferation. Regarding the broader security of the region, South Africa joins others in expressing its concerns about the growing tensions in the Persian Gulf and its impact on international peace and security. South Africa urges all parties involved to exercise the utmost restraint and not allow the situation to get out of hand.”
2020-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/644 (2020) · source
“South Africa therefore urges Iran to fully implement its obligations under the JCPOA in order to preserve its prospect for success. The withdrawal of the United States from the JCPOA and its reimposition of unilateral sanctions measures are regrettable. The United States must reconsider its stance in that regard as its actions undermine previously reached understandings. We also regret its decision to not renew waivers for nuclear non-proliferation projects in the framework of the JCPOA. It is our view that this decision will inadvertently affect Iran’s ability to fully implement the provisions of the JCPOA and resolution 2231 (2015). We note that the lifting of sanctions, especially with regard to certain nuclear-related materials, is an integral part of the JCPOA.”
2020-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/644 (2020) · source
“South Africa continues to welcome the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) as one of most important diplomatic achievements in the area of nuclear non-proliferation since the signing of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. The JCPOA remains an example of global cooperation to address challenges that affect us all. In that regard, we call on all parties to the JCPOA and Council members to uphold and implement resolution 2231 (2015), which is essential for the Council’s fulfilment of its mandate to maintain international peace and security. We believe that the Security Council should act responsibly and desist from any divisive actions that could provoke non-compliance with Council’s resolutions, as that would undermine the credibility of the Council in fulfilling its central mandate.”
2020-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/644 (2020) · source
“It is therefore important that the Security Council respect the continental efforts and provide space for the parties, through the agreed upon mechanisms, to find a solution that will ensure a peaceful and prosperous future for these three neighbourly countries.”
2020-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/636 (2020) · source
“The observers will be South Africa, in its capacity as Chairperson of the AU, members of the AU Bureau and experts from the AU Commission. The committee will address all outstanding technical and legal issues and will present its report to the Chairperson of the Bureau in one week. Furthermore, the Bureau of the Assembly and the participating Heads of State and Government agreed to reconvene in two weeks to consider a report on the outcome of negotiations on the outstanding issues concerning the dam. The Bureau of the African Union Assembly and participating Heads of State and Government have requested the Security Council to take note of these developments and of the fact that the African Union remains seized of this matter of concern to the continent.”
2020-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/636 (2020) · source
“Importantly, the Bureau of the AU Assembly recognized the potential of the dam project for the African Union and committed to a process facilitated by the AU Chairperson. We welcome the three parties’ undertaking at the meeting to refrain from making any statements or taking any action that might jeopardize or complicate the AU-led process aimed at finding an acceptable solution on all outstanding matters. While noting that most of the issues in the tripartite negotiations between Egypt, Ethiopia and the Sudan have already been resolved, the Bureau of the AU Assembly agreed to augment the tripartite committee dealing with the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam issue, which consists of Egypt, Ethiopia and the Sudan, with the participation of observers.”
2020-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/636 (2020) · source
“The President of the Republic of South Africa and Chairperson of the African Union (AU), Cyril Ramaphosa, convened a meeting of the Extraordinary African Union Bureau of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government on 26 June, inviting the leaders of all three countries concerned to participate and discuss developments pertaining to the Renaissance Dam. The Bureau was represented by the Presidents of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Kenya and Mali. The Prime Ministers of Ethiopia and the Sudan and the Chairperson of the AU Commission were also invited to participate in the meeting. The meeting was characterized by a positive and constructive spirit that clearly showed the willingness of all the parties to find a mutually acceptable agreement on all outstanding issues pertaining to the Renaissance Dam.”
2020-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/636 (2020) · source
“The River is a source not only of development but also of survival for all riparian States, and, as a shared natural resource, it is essential that there be cooperation on its utilization. The construction of the dam has been under way for almost a decade and is expected to usher in a new era of development, not only for Ethiopia but potentially for the entire subregion as well. It will be the biggest hydroelectric dam on the continent and should therefore be celebrated as a symbol of much-needed development and not become a source of conflict and disagreement. The Security Council discussion today is taking place under the agenda item “Peace and security in Africa”. This is a clear recognition that the issue of the Renaissance Dam affects the African continent.”
2020-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/636 (2020) · source
“We thank Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo for her briefing and welcome the participation of the representatives of Egypt, Ethiopia and the Sudan in our discussions today. Over the last few weeks, the Security Council has received letters from each of the three countries detailing their perspectives on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. What is no doubt clear from the letters and the interest in this matter is that the Nile River is an extremely important resource for the African continent, specifically those three countries — Ethiopia, as the origin of the Blue Nile, the Sudan, where the confluence of the White and Blue Niles is found, and Egypt, where the Nile flows into the Mediterranean Sea.”
2020-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/636 (2020) · source
“It is our considered view that any drawdown of MONUSCO should be based on the positive evolution of the situation on the ground for the handover of MONUSCO tasks to the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The African members and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are of the firm view that it is imperative for the international community — through the African Union, the United Nations and international partners — to continue to maintain solidarity with the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and to provide the necessary political, financial and other support in an effort to ensure that there is no reversal of the gains made thus far.”
2020-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/598 (2020) · source
“Therefore, we commend the recent efforts of Member States of the region to improve traceability in the gold sector, namely, Rwanda’s adoption of a national certification mechanism and Burundi and Tanzania’s implementation of domestic certification processes following the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region, in accordance with the Lusaka Declaration. Our delegations encourage further efforts of the regional and international partners to tackle illegal supply chains. Finally, our delegations commend the United Nations, MONUSCO, troop- contributing countries, the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and international partners for their commitment and efforts to stabilize the Democratic Republic of the Congo and protect civilians from ongoing threats despite the prevailing challenges.”
2020-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/598 (2020) · source
“Furthermore, our delegations are encouraged by the cooperation between the African Union and the United Nations and by their undertaking to continue engaging in support of the consolidation of stability and democratic governance in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The African members and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines also commend the Office of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for the Great Lakes Region for its efforts, alongside MONUSCO, in pursuing a regional strategy to address the illegal exploitation of natural resources. The illicit extraction and trade of minerals remains a major source of revenue that sustains armed group activity in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2020-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/598 (2020) · source
“We also emphasize 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. Turning to the situation in the region, our delegations wish to underline the importance of fostering strong and effective regional relations and cooperation and, in that context, wish to commend President Tshisekedi for his continued outreach to the regional Heads of State. We support the continued commitment of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to assist the Democratic Republic of the Congo in achieving sustainable peace, security and stability. SADC’s response to recent calls by the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zambia to help mediate the border issue attests to that commitment.”
2020-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/598 (2020) · source
“The unintended consequences of the pandemic response have increased vulnerabilities to other public health issues, while the re-emergence of Ebola virus cases are also a cause for concern, as they delay the progress of the important stabilization work by MONUSCO and other partners of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Nevertheless, we commend the ongoing swift response and decisive efforts undertaken by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, MONUSCO, other United Nations agencies, the African Union and the World Health Organization. Our delegations call for sustained international support to the authorities of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to mitigate the negative impact of these diseases on its people and economy.”
2020-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/598 (2020) · source
“In this connection, our delegations reiterate calls on 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 and to advance the security sector reform (SSR) and disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) processes. In that regard, we call on the authorities of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the country’s partners to include a community-based approach in the SSR and DDR priorities, especially as relates to the reintegration of demobilized combatants. On the humanitarian situation, the Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to experience a worrying humanitarian crisis, and the coronavirus disease pandemic is exacerbating the situation.”
2020-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/598 (2020) · source
“The African members and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines condemn all violent attacks on civilians and MONUSCO in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which often result in casualties, and call for MONUSCO to be more responsive overall to the requirements to fulfil its protection of civilians mandate and to effectively address such attacks. In relation to the recent attacks against MONUSCO, we express our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased peacekeeper and to the Indonesian authorities. We also wish the injured peacekeeper a speedy recovery.”
2020-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/598 (2020) · source
“We therefore underscore 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 eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and the wider region. Our delegations also emphasize the importance of MONUSCO’s role in stabilizing eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and recognize the efforts of the Force Intervention Brigade in addressing the threat posed by the armed groups. The Force Intervention Brigade requires the continued support of the Council in this regard and needs to be fully capacitated in order to remain effective in addressing the threat against the civilian population in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2020-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/598 (2020) · source
“Our delegations commend the governing coalition’s continued commitment to resolving their differences through dialogue. We are fully convinced that a constructive dialogue among all Congolese is required for the realization of their national priorities. In this regard, the African members and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines echo the sentiments of the Secretary-General that dialogue remains the only solution to resolve differences. On the security front, our delegations are concerned by the continued instability in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo owing to the destabilizing activities of armed groups and persistent intercommunal tensions.”
2020-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/598 (2020) · source
“I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the African members of the Council, Tunisia, South Africa and the Niger, as well as Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. We would like to thank you, Sir, for convening this important and timely meeting on the Democratic Republic of Congo. We would also like to thank and commend the Secretary-General for his comprehensive report on the situation in that country and the activities of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) (S/2020/554). Similarly, we thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of MONUSCO, Leila Zerrougui, for her comprehensive briefing. We recognize the encouraging political developments in the Democratic Republic of the Congo despite the existing security and humanitarian challenges.”
2020-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/598 (2020) · source
“In conclusion, resolution 2254 (2015) remains the road map for the political process in Syria, and we call for its full implementation and for the Council’s continued support of the work of the Constitutional Committee, the Special Envoy and his Office, and the various stakeholders participating in the mediation process. As we have seen by our own experience in South Africa, the only path to a sustainable peace is through dialogue, negotiation and reconciliation. Today South Africa commemorates Youth Day, the day in 1976 in which the youth of South Africa rose up against oppression and injustice. We remember the youth of Syria and elsewhere who have suffered for far too long and who deserve the right to live in peace.”
2020-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/551 (2020) · source
“This includes the continued safe and unimpeded access of humanitarian aid and medical supplies to combat the virus and to ensure that all those who require assistance, wherever they are throughout Syria, receive it. All sides must be encouraged to undertake trust- and confidence-building measures, which includes making progress in the release of civilians detained, particularly those belonging to such vulnerable groups as women, children, the elderly and the disabled. As part of these confidence-building measures to promote progress, the easing of economic sanctions imposed on Syria should be considered if there is forward movement on the political front. At the very least, humanitarian exemptions must be expedited and impediments to allowing these exemptions eased in order to ensure the delivery of required supplies.”
2020-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/551 (2020) · source
“While the Security Council’s inability to adopt an outcome calling for a global ceasefire in the time of the pandemic is unacceptable, we must at the very least support Special Envoy Pedersen’s calls for an immediate and nationwide cessation of hostilities in Syria and the Secretary-General’s call for the lifting of economic sanctions measures, so as to ensure that Syria is fully able to respond to the virus. Syria remains at high risk for the spread of the virus, and all parties — the Syrian Government, the international community, non-governmental organizations and humanitarian agencies — must all do their part to contain the spread of the virus.”
2020-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/551 (2020) · source
“Pedersen has stated, necessary for building trust and confidence among the parties engaged in this process. South Africa reiterates that the political and humanitarian tracks in Syria are interlinked. We therefore call on all stakeholders to promote progress in both tracks in order to ensure a sustainable and peaceful settlement to the conflict. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all of us, developed and developing countries alike. However, its impact is exacerbated in countries affected by conflict.”
2020-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/551 (2020) · source
“The continued efforts of Special Envoy Geir Pedersen and his team to find a lasting solution to the conflict in Syria, despite the restrictions and challenges brought on by the global coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, must be supported. The Council meets monthly to receive updates from the Special Envoy on progress made in moving the parties towards peace. While we all commit in words to support the peace efforts, that must be followed up by action. We are encouraged about reports that the groups representing the Government and the opposition in the Constitutional Committee have agreed to reconvene in August 2020 at the earliest, should the COVID-19 travel restrictions be lifted. The convening of the Constitutional Committee is the resumption of a vital political process and, as Mr.”
2020-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/551 (2020) · source
“In that regard, South Africa calls on the parties to work towards a permanent ceasefire that will pave the way for an environment conducive to inclusive Syrian- led dialogue aimed at achieving a lasting political solution that reflects the will of the Syrian people. As we advance that process, there is an urgent need to address instability and tension in the north of Syria. Moreover, the presence of armed groups in the east pose an imminent threat to local and regional stability. We reiterate that peace cannot be achieved as long as there is external interference and support to armed groups in Syria. That must end. The sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Syria must be respected.”
2020-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/551 (2020) · source
“Allow me to begin by thanking Special Envoy Geir Pedersen and Ms. Noura Ghazi for their briefings today. The Syrian civil war has been raging for over nine years, in which thousands have been killed, injured or displaced. The conflict has been exacerbated and no doubt prolonged by the interference of outside role players, including foreign Powers and armed groups. A peaceful, stable country became a battlefield for geopolitical rivalry and the ambitions of terrorist groups. As we reach the final stages of this conflict, the Syrian parties and all international role players must commit to a peaceful settlement based on the commitments made, including the road map agreed upon in resolution 2254 (2015).”
2020-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/551 (2020) · source
“Finally, we encourage the United Nations to strengthen its cooperation with regional organizations in the field of peacekeeping. We welcome the mutually enriching continued support and collaboration we are seeing, particularly in these difficult times, in efforts to alleviate the impact of COVID-19. We take this opportunity to commend the continued commitment of troop- and police-contributing countries and the sacrifices that uniformed and civilian personnel have made in implementing United Nations peacekeeping mandates in challenging environments and in adapting to the current difficulties posed by COVID-19.”
2020-06-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/514 (2020) · source
“We therefore reiterate our position that transformative strategies must be adopted to fully implement the commitments made with respect to advancing the women and peace and security agenda. These strategies should, inter alia, implement the aspirations set forth in resolution 2242 (2015) and the United Nations uniformed gender parity strategy for the period 2018-2028 to increase the deployment of uniformed women in military and police roles, including in leadership positions. All means must therefore be pursued to ensure the realization of these goals, including targeted recruitment, adequate and appropriate facilities conducive for women peacekeepers, and women mentorship and training programmes to ensure higher levels of participation for women in peacekeeping operations.”
2020-06-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/514 (2020) · source
“In this regard, we are committed to eradicating sexual exploitation and abuse committed by our forces. We have taken corrective measures to address this problem. In addition, greater emphasis should be put on cultural awareness of peacekeepers in host countries in order to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings and to harness the support of local communities. On 29 May, we celebrated the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers. The theme for this year was “Women in Peacekeeping: A Key to Peace”. As we commemorate the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000), we must acknowledge that some of the objectives of the resolution have not been achieved, including aspects pertaining to peacekeeping operations, where women remain underrepresented.”
2020-06-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/514 (2020) · source
“The performance of peace operations depends on the nature of the mandate, capabilities, available resources and appropriate force multipliers and enablers commensurate with the needs of the peacekeepers in their various theatres of operation. The Niger, South Africa, Tunisia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines attach great importance to issues of effectiveness of peace operations, but the performance of peacekeeping missions must be assessed in a fair and evidence-based manner. As a beacon of hope for many civilians, it is incumbent on United Nations uniformed and civilian personnel to uphold the values of the United Nations and conduct themselves in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Organization. Misconduct by United Nations peacekeeping personnel must not be tolerated.”
2020-06-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/514 (2020) · source
“There, the unmanaged spread of a disease among peacekeepers created significant challenges for the host country and led to permanent reputational damage for the United Nations. The Niger, South Africa, Tunisia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines also encourage those missions that have had varying degrees of success in implementing their mandates during the pandemic to share their experiences and lessons learned with host-State authorities in order to strengthen capacities and build resilience. We note the close link between Security Council mandates given to peacekeeping missions and their performance.”
2020-06-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/514 (2020) · source
“The Niger, South Africa, Tunisia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines recognize that the prevailing global health crisis resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic has compounded the challenges in relation to the safety and security of peacekeepers. It is essential for the United Nations to mitigate the impact of this pandemic on peacekeepers and improve their safety and security. At the same time, we encourage Force Commanders to ensure that all the necessary measures are implemented within their missions to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 from peacekeepers to civilian populations, as this may significantly tarnish the reputation of the United Nations mission and aggravate S/2020/514 anti-international sentiments that exist in some theatres of operation. The 2010 cholera outbreak in Haiti is a pertinent example.”
2020-06-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/514 (2020) · source
“Our peacekeepers are increasingly becoming vulnerable and frequently subjected to targeted attacks. It is against this backdrop that the Niger, South Africa, Tunisia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines maintain the view that emphasis should be placed on improving the safety and security of peacekeepers by adopting modern technology for use in peacekeeping operations, among other measures. The United Nations should adopt the use of smart technology and enhance key capabilities that enable peacekeepers to counter any attack by armed groups and other forms of asymmetrical threats, which are increasingly prevalent in peacekeeping.”
2020-06-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/514 (2020) · source
“We are pleased that the Action for Peacekeeping initiative has helped to delineate the respective roles and responsibilities of the United Nations, troop- and police-contributing countries, host countries and regional organizations. However, we note with concern the changing nature of threats to international peace and security and the complex, volatile and dangerous environments in which peacekeeping missions operate, including their increasing exposure to asymmetrical threats, in particular MINUSMA, the African Union Mission in Somalia and to a certain extent the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO). MONUSCO remains the United Nations peacekeeping mission with the highest number of casualties.”
2020-06-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/514 (2020) · source
“We would like to thank Brigadier-General Maureen O’Brien, the Deputy Force Commander of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), Lieutenant-General Shailesh Tinaikar, Force Commander of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, and Lieutenant-General Dennis Gyllensporre, Force Commander of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), for their briefings. The Niger, South Africa, Tunisia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines reiterate their support for United Nations peacekeeping as one of the mechanisms at the disposal of the Organization to strengthen international peace and security and to promote the protection of civilians in particular. We further echo the view that supports pursuing peacekeeping operations that are relevant, effective, efficient and fit for purpose.”
2020-06-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/514 (2020) · source
“I would like to thank the President for convening today’s important and timely meeting on peacekeeping operations. While the world is dealing with the impact of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, peacekeeping operations must cope with the challenge of implementing their mandates in the prevailing global health crisis. I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the three African States members of the Security Council, namely, the Niger, Tunisia and South Africa, as well as Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.”
2020-06-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/514 (2020) · source
“The comparative advantage of regional organizations can enable closer collaboration and coordination with local communities, including creating the necessary environment for the return of refugees and internally displaced persons on a voluntary basis and in accordance with the principle of non-refoulement.”
2020-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/465 (2020) · source
“Needless to say, we should ensure that the protection of civilians mandate is adequately funded. If the Council is going to issue mandates to protect civilians, we have to provide the necessary resources to those executing the mandate. Finally, greater coordination and cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations, such as the African Union, which continues to develop its framework on the protection of civilians for its own peace support operations, are necessary to create an enabling environment for the protection of civilians.”
2020-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/465 (2020) · source
“In order to deter the threats to civilians and foster greater compliance with international humanitarian law, we believe that the necessary accountability mechanisms at the national level are essential. Broader regional and international mechanisms should continue to support these, based on the principles of complementarity and subsidiarity. United Nations peacekeeping is one of the most recognized mechanisms for the protection of civilians. Peacekeeping operations, whatever their mandate, are essential to ensuring the protection of civilians. However, it is also important to recognize the changing environment in which peacekeepers currently operate and the emerging threats to international peace and security in order to execute the protection of civilians mandate.”
2020-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/465 (2020) · source
“It is regrettable that the plight of civilians in protracted conflict situations, such as in Palestine and Western Sahara, seems not to receive adequate attention and that accountability for violations against civilians in these territories is lacking. The protection of civilians during armed conflict is a cornerstone of international humanitarian law. South Africa underlines that the primary responsibility of States is to protect civilians within their borders. In this regard, we reiterate our call on all parties to armed conflict, State and non-State actors, to comply with the obligations applicable to them under international humanitarian law and to take the required steps to protect civilians.”
2020-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/465 (2020) · source
“It is important that the protection of civilian facilities maintain their civilian character and not be misused by parties to a conflict. The advent of the COVID-19 pandemic is further compounding efforts aimed at protecting civilians. In this regard, South Africa wishes to reiterate its full support for the call by the Secretary-General for a global ceasefire in order to focus on the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. The Security Council is mandated to maintain international peace and security. If innocent children, women and men continue to suffer on our watch and the Council fails to take meaningful action, we will be failing in the responsibility entrusted to us.”
2020-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/465 (2020) · source
“However, countries in conflict will require additional support to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on the population, in particular, internally displaced persons and refugees, who will be in dire need of humanitarian assistance. Armed conflicts continue to have a devastating impact on civilians, with millions being forced from their homes and thousands killed or injured. Children are growing up knowing nothing else but war, while women and girls continue to be subjected to sexual and gender-based violence and other forms of violations. Access to humanitarian assistance is being compromised, with the destruction of hospitals, attacks on medical transport and essential services and the military use of medical facilities and schools having become common place in countries experiencing conflict.”
2020-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/465 (2020) · source
“It has been an honour to have Her Excellency Ms. Kaljulaid, President of the Republic of Estonia, address the Council today. I wish to thank the Secretary-General, Mr. Guterres, for his annual report on the protection of civilians (S/2020/366), which underpins our discussions today. I wish to also thank Mr. Peter Maurer and Ms. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former President of Liberia, for the opportunity for us to benefit from their knowledge and experience in the field of the protection of civilians. Our discussion on the protection of civilians is taking place at a time when we are faced with, arguably, the biggest global challenge since the end of the Second World War. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has impacted all of us, irrespective of our levels of development and whether or not we are experiencing conflict.”
2020-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/465 (2020) · source
“It is our view that the 12-month extension will provide the necessary space for Somalia, AMISOM, the United Nations and other partners to assess and deal with the impact of COVID-19, the security situation on the ground, the upcoming elections, the comprehensive review of the Somali transition plan, effective force generation and the need to preserve the gains made thus far.”
2020-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/436 (2020) · source
“In view of the approaching end of AMISOM’s mandate on 31 May, the three African members of the Council and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines would like to reaffirm their support of maintaining an AMISOM presence in Somalia as a stabilizing force for the SNA. We look forward to constructive engagement on a new resolution that will reaffirm the Council’s commitment to support the activities of AMISOM by maintaining the Mission’s current capabilities and authorizing its deployment for another 12 months.”
2020-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/436 (2020) · source
“We wish to underline the importance of fostering strong and effective regional cooperation in the Horn of Africa, particularly between Somalia and its neighbours. That is necessary if we are to bring peace, stability and development to Somalia and across the region. In that regard, we call on the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, the African Union, the United Nations and the international community to continue to support efforts to foster strong and effective regional cooperation in the Horn of Africa. Finally, we commend the constant efforts and commitment of the United Nations, AMISOM, the Federal Government of Somalia and international partners to promote stabilization, federalism and State-building in Somalia.”
2020-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/436 (2020) · source
“It is also a matter of great satisfaction that the World Bank and the IMF have issued a joint staff advisory note on the ninth national development plan, for the period 2020 to 2024, noting that the plan exceeded the standards of a typical interim poverty reduction strategy. That is a positive and welcome development given the humanitarian, socioeconomic, resource-related and other challenges that Somalia faces in the period ahead. It is critical now, more than ever, that the international community join hands in support of Somalia, including through cooperation, coordination and resource mobilization, so as to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and ensure that Somalia continues on its positive trajectory of State-building and peacebuilding.”
2020-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/436 (2020) · source
“In addition, it is important to safeguard the well-being of those under the employ of AMISOM, the SNA and other partners as they continue to provide security, including by facilitating the provision of the humanitarian assistance so critically needed by vulnerable Somalis. With respect to economic developments, we note that Somalia has made significant strides in the past few years in improving its economic prospects. All interventions undertaken by the Federal Government of Somalia have yielded positive results. We therefore commend the Federal Government for reaching the decision point under the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) Highly Indebted Poor Countries Initiative. That has facilitated the clearing of Somalia’s arrears.”
2020-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/436 (2020) · source