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

1. “As of mid-May, it has recorded over 1,400 cases of COVID-19. Given the country’s numerous challenges and vulnerabilities, this pandemic presents specific risks. Measures must be taken to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 for the sake of the continuity of peacebuilding and State-building activities in Somalia. We commend the efforts of the Somali Government, United Nations agencies and partners in launching the Somalia COVID-19 country preparedness and response plan. We note that the coronavirus may exacerbate the already dire humanitarian situation, as well as the socioeconomic, development coordination and security challenges facing Somalia.”

   2020-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/436 (2020) · source

2. “The rains have further exacerbated conditions and accelerated the locust infestation that has affected the entire Horn of Africa. We are concerned that the security situation continues to impede humanitarian operations and thwart assistance to people in need in Somalia. We call upon the international community and humanitarian organizations to continue supporting the Federal Government of Somalia and the Somali people in their quest for a peaceful and stable Somalia, including through the provision of prompt and adequate funding, as well as through contributions to the 2020 Somalia humanitarian response plan. The year 2020 will be remembered in history as the greatest challenge of our generation — the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Like all of us around the globe, Somalia has not been spared from the pandemic.”

   2020-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/436 (2020) · source

3. “To that end, we reiterate our previous calls for the international community and international partners to mobilize the necessary resources, including the replenishment of the Trust Fund for AMISOM, in order to support the Somali security forces as they continue to make commendable progress in weakening Al-Shabaab and securing and stabilizing liberated areas. On the humanitarian front, Somalia continues to be mired in a grave humanitarian crisis. Somalia is facing a triple shock — floods, desert locust infestation and the COVID-19 pandemic. The threat to food insecurity remains high, despite the favourable seasonal rains. In some parts, unpredictable rainfall due to climate change has resulted in flash flooding, which not only impacts food security but also leads to death, displacement and the risk of water-borne diseases.”

   2020-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/436 (2020) · source

4. “The recent success of joint AMISOM and SNA operations in Lower Shabelle in recovering territory attests to the valuable role of AMISOM. There is, however, a need for continued efforts to stabilize the recovered territories and to generate troops and capacities within the SNA and the police in order to secure recovered areas, facilitate stabilization activities, consolidate gains and avoid setbacks. We urge the Federal Government of Somalia — with the support of the United Nations, AMISOM and international partners — to continue the generation, training and resourcing of capable and effective Somali national security forces that will ultimately take over the security responsibilities, in line with the transitional plan and the national security architecture.”

   2020-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/436 (2020) · source

5. “More has to be done to improve security in Somalia in general, and to mitigate mortar and IED attacks in particular. We agree with calls to strengthen the IED threat-mitigation capabilities of the Somali security forces with a view to better protecting themselves from the increased deployment of IED attacks and preventing harm to civilians and critical infrastructure. We highly appreciate the close cooperation and support among the SNA, AMISOM and the United Nations — particularly UNSOM, UNSOS and UNMAS — as well as the support of international partners for the national security architecture and national transitional plan. Since its deployment in 2007, AMISOM has been playing an important role in supporting the SNA’s efforts to restore security and stability in Somalia.”

   2020-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/436 (2020) · source

6. “We encourage the international community to continue to mobilize resources to help the Federal Government of Somalia finance the elections. We remain deeply concerned about the volatile security situation due to the persistent terrorist threat posed by Al-Shabaab and the elements of the pro-Islamic State in Iraq and the Shams in Somalia, who continue to carry out targeted terrorist attacks against the Somali National Army (SNA), AMISOM, local security forces, civilians and the United Nations. Despite the commendable progress and success of joint operations conducted by the SNA and AMISOM to recapture towns from Al-Shabaab in south Somalia, the terrorist group continues to launch attacks and carry out assassinations using mortars and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).”

   2020-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/436 (2020) · source

7. “One of Somalia’s critical priorities is the preparation and holding of one- person-one-vote elections. The three African members of the Council and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines underline that dialogue, inclusive political participation and the resolution of political differences between the Federal Government of Somalia and the federal member states is critical to the success of those elections and to national cohesion. Furthermore, we commend the enactment of the electoral law and encourage the expeditious formulation of regulations necessary to ensure its implementation and the broad support of all federal member states. It is also important to ensure the participation and representation of women, youth and all members of the Somali population, and to prepare and secure the electoral process.”

   2020-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/436 (2020) · source

8. “We urge the Somali parties to use dialogue as a peaceful means to settle disputes and as a tool for cooperation, which is critical to achieving national priorities, including the holding of general elections in 2020-2021. In that regard, we welcome the positive development of the meeting between President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed Farmajo and Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi. We also welcome the announcement by President Said Abdullahi Mohamed Deni of Puntland of his intention to travel to Mogadishu and to other federal member states to advance dialogue. We view those overtures as positive steps towards addressing the lingering tensions between the Federal Government of Somalia and the federal member states, and an indication of the will of Somali parties to address their differences.”

   2020-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/436 (2020) · source

9. “However, that requires constructive dialogue between the Federal Government of Somalia and the federal member states if they are to resolve their differences — starting with tackling the challenge posed by the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic in an already fragile situation. The three African members of the Council and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines echo the sentiments of the Secretary-General that political differences must not be addressed through violence. We are therefore concerned about the unfortunate armed clashes that erupted in the Gedo region of Jubaland and in Galmudug during the period under review.”

   2020-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/436 (2020) · source

10. “Agnès Marcaillou, Director of the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), for their briefings. The three African members of the Council and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines wish to address the situation in Somalia, the role of the United Nations through UNSOM and the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS), as well as the role of AMISOM. On the political front, we agree with the Secretary-General’s observation that this year marks a critical period for the advancement of national priorities in Somalia. A number of targets and benchmarks in various policy documents, such as the Mutual Accountability Framework and the Somali transition plan, were set to be achieved this year. The concerted efforts of all Somalis is needed in order to realize those national priorities.”

    2020-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/436 (2020) · source

11. “I would like to thank the President of the Security Council for convening this important and timely meeting on Somalia. I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the three African members of the Council — the Niger, South Africa and Tunisia — and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. At the outset, we would like to thank the Secretary-General for his comprehensive report (S/2020/398) on the situation in Somalia. We would also like to thank Mr. James Swan, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), Mr. Francisco Madeira, Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Somalia and Head of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), and Ms.”

    2020-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/436 (2020) · source

12. “We appeal for concerted global efforts to assist in initiatives by any country that help Venezuelans to overcome their differences and converge in a series of consultative dialogues internally until a peaceful political settlement is reached for the sake of its people, its neighbourhood and all of us.”

    2020-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/435 (2020) · source

13. “Bience Gawanas, “no one is safe until all are safe”. South Africa is concerned by the increase in tensions in the region and urges all countries to heed the call of the Secretary-General for solidarity at this time of global crisis and not to perpetuate divisions and friction. Such solidarity and unity of purpose are essential in assisting the world to emerge from the pandemic with minimized adverse impact on international peace and security. Finally, as we commemorate the seventy-fifth anniversary of the United Nations, South Africa once more calls for the peaceful resolution of the Venezuelan political crisis.”

    2020-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/435 (2020) · source

14. “We appreciate the work of the United Nations system in assisting Venezuela to address the humanitarian situation, as well as the indispensable work of the World Health Organization in helping the country to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. In that regard, South Africa fully supports the Secretary-General’s calls for enhanced international solidarity and the removal of economic sanctions that will severely limit the ability of countries to recover from the pandemic. We also support the call for a global ceasefire in all parts of the world. We must be clear that our common enemy today is the COVID-19 pandemic. Our narrow national agendas should be set aside as we jointly address the pandemic. As Congresswoman Barbara Lee said this morning at the Africa Dialogue Series organized by the Office of the Special Adviser on Africa, Ms.”

    2020-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/435 (2020) · source

15. “During these trying times, the focus should be on addressing the humanitarian needs and concerns of countries such as Venezuela, which are enduring economic and political challenges as a result of a myriad of causes, not least of which are the prevailing economic restrictions imposed externally, and also the exacerbating effect of COVID-19. South Africa therefore urges all parties to respect the need for impartiality, neutrality and independence in the provision of humanitarian assistance to Venezuela. Humanitarian assistance should not be used as a political bargaining chip, which holds the people of Venezuela and those most vulnerable to ransom.”

    2020-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/435 (2020) · source

16. “Furthermore, we reiterate our view and underline that, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Venezuela should be respected by all and no attempt should be made by anyone to violate it. In the same vein, we wish to emphasize the position and principle of non-interference in the internal matters of any country. Secondly, South Africa expresses its concern at the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic across the globe, and particularly on those countries affected by conflict and instability. The pandemic requires all of us to draw from the deepest wells of global solidarity and cooperation.”

    2020-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/435 (2020) · source

17. “In accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, Venezuela’s sovereignty and territorial integrity should be respected, and therefore attempts at the unconstitutional change of a democratically elected Government in Venezuela should be condemned. The international community should rather support a Venezuelan-owned internal peace process and resolution without imposition or preconditions. Time and time again we have witnessed the disastrous impacts of attempts to forcibly and unconstitutionally change a Government, including protracted conflict and instability that reaches beyond borders and regions. We do not wish this for Venezuela. In that context, we emphasize the imperative to respect the Constitution of Venezuela and its provisions on separation of powers.”

    2020-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/435 (2020) · source

18. “We thank you, Mr. President, for convening this meeting, and Under- Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo for her informative briefing. We also welcome the Permanent Representatives of Venezuela and Colombia to our meeting. I will focus my intervention today on three issues, namely, the political situation, the humanitarian situation, and the exacerbating impact of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and regional peace and stability. First, regarding the political situation in Venezuela, we reiterate our view that only a Venezuelan-led political dialogue will resolve the political challenges facing the country.”

    2020-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/435 (2020) · source

19. “We would like to thank UNSMIL, under the leadership of former Special Representative Salamé and Acting Special Representative Williams, for its continued efforts to assist Libya in reaching a political settlement and in putting measures in place to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. In conclusion, the Council’s endorsement of the Secretary-General’s call for a global ceasefire and the lifting of its economic sanctions will lend him political support in his efforts to promote peace during the COVID-19 pandemic. That will also go a long way towards enhancing the Council’s credibility in this regard.”

    2020-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/421 (2020) · source

20. “As such, we remind Libyan political actors of their obligations under international human rights and humanitarian law. Thirdly, South Africa welcomes the cooperation between the United Nations, the AU, the League of Arab States and the European Union in finding a lasting solution to the Libyan crisis. We reiterate the 19 May communiqué of the AU Contact Group on Libya, which stresses the need for strong cooperation with neighbouring S/2020/421 countries. My delegation looks forward to close cooperation among all Council members in ensuring the success of the AU’s upcoming inter-Libyan reconciliation conference, to be held in July.”

    2020-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/421 (2020) · source

21. “Notwithstanding, South Africa stands ready to support any initiative aimed at strengthening the monitoring of the arms embargo, provided it complies with and falls within the necessary Council measures related to the arms embargo, in accordance with resolutions 2473 (2019), 2509 (2020) and 2510 (2020). Secondly, the Secretary-General has repeatedly emphasized, including in previous reports, that Libya cannot be considered a safe place for the disembarkation of refugees and migrants rescued at sea under international law. Nevertheless, refugees and migrants continue to be disembarked in Libya, mainly after being intercepted by the Libyan Coast Guard. Disembarkation in Libya remains dangerous. South Africa remains concerned about the persistent violation of human rights, as cited in the Secretary-General’s latest report (S/2020/360).”

    2020-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/421 (2020) · source

22. “All mediation efforts must be aimed at a Libyan-led and -owned process, with the support of the United Nations and the international community. It is concerning that arms continue to flow into Libya despite the various resolutions adopted by the Council with respect to the arms embargo. Furthermore, South Africa remains concerned about foreign involvement, which perpetuates the conflict, threatens the country’s sovereignty and undermines its efforts to establish State authority throughout its territory. Most concerning, however, is the blatant disregard of the Council’s authority in the shoddy enforcement of the arms embargo despite commitments made in Berlin early this year.”

    2020-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/421 (2020) · source

23. “It is regrettable that parties in Libya failed to heed the Secretary-General’s call for a humanitarian pause to allow local authorities to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, especially during Ramadan. Allow me to focus on three issues. First, my delegation reiterates that there can be no military solution to the conflict in Libya. All Libyan parties, community leaders and non-governmental organizations should commit to a cessation of hostilities and political dialogue, and avoid ongoing military confrontation. Further, we reiterate the concern voiced by the Contact Group of the Ad Hoc High-level Committee on Libya of the African Union (AU) about the political deadlock and the fighting that continues unabated in Libya.”

    2020-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/421 (2020) · source

24. “Allow me to thank Ms. Stephanie Williams, Acting Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), for her detailed briefing on the latest political, security and economic developments in Libya for the period under review. I also thank Ambassador Juergen Schulz, Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011) concerning Libya, for his briefing on the Committee’s work. South Africa remains deeply concerned about the prevailing security situation in Libya, the increasingly challenging humanitarian circumstances in the country and the ongoing fighting, in spite of efforts towards a ceasefire and the calls for a humanitarian pause due to the threat of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).”

    2020-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/421 (2020) · source

25. “The threat must be dealt with on a purely technical basis, without politicization. In conclusion, we wish to reiterate that the only sustainable solution to this conflict is a fair and inclusive Yemeni-led and -owned negotiated political settlement that puts the interests and well-being of all the citizens of Yemen first. In that context, we also call for the full and meaningful participation of women in all aspects of an inclusive political process, and thank the women of Yemen for being in the forefront in calling for a ceasefire and the release of prisoners. Let the Yemeni parties return to the inclusive Stockholm Agreement and national dialogue. The parties must be bold, courageous and decisive. These uncertain times have demonstrated that they cannot delay any further once an agreement is reached.”

    2020-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/411 (2020) · source

26. “South Africa encourages the parties to the conflict to pursue new confidence- building measures, such as the release of detainees and prisoners, an agreement on a set of nationwide measures to combat COVID-19, the release of all vessels held by either party in the seas off the coast of Yemen and any other measures that the parties believe could foster trust. South Africa reiterates its call that all parties to the conflict adhere to their obligations under international human rights and humanitarian law. South Africa remains concerned about the threat posed by the FSO SAFER oil tanker and the lack of progress in allowing technical experts to undertake an assessment and initial repair in order to avoid an environmental and economic catastrophe for Yemen and its neighbours.”

    2020-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/411 (2020) · source

27. “Only then can there be lasting peace in Yemen and social and economic rebuilding of the country. The implementation of the Riyadh agreement has stalled. South Africa wishes to reiterate its call for the implementation of this vital agreement between the Yemeni Government and the Southern Transitional Council, as well as the full implementation of the December 2018 Stockholm Agreement. The Stockholm Agreement and process are key to the lasting peace, stability and ultimate prosperity of Yemen.”

    2020-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/411 (2020) · source

28. “In view of that, South Africa urges the parties to the conflict to allow expert staff to travel to all affected parts of Yemen to provide much needed support and other humanitarian relief. We furthermore impress upon all parties the need to refrain from actions that would deprive civilians of their right to food and health care. We remind the parties to the conflict that all necessary measures should be taken to respect their obligations under the Geneva Conventions. On the political impasse, it is important that all parties avoid compounding the current humanitarian disaster and commit to resuming the political negotiation process. The key to a peaceful resolution lies in the political willingness of all parties to the conflict to meaningfully engage in discussions and be amenable to conceding some of their demands.”

    2020-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/411 (2020) · source

29. “In line with and in support of the Secretary-General’s call for a global ceasefire in the context of this deadly pandemic and in order to allow unhindered humanitarian access, South Africa welcomes the ongoing measures taken by both the National Government of Accord and the Houthis to curb the spread of COVID-19 — closing airports, schools, cafes and wedding halls to varying degrees, as well as conducting temperature tests at several entry points to the country. Those actions highlight the ability of both sides to work together towards a common goal. However, the violence must stop so that the Yemeni people, health workers and aid organizations can focus on slowing the spread of the virus and mitigating its social and economic impact.”

    2020-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/411 (2020) · source

30. “My delegation would like to reiterate that Yemen’s ongoing dire humanitarian situation is linked to the political impasse. As such our intervention will focus on two elements. On the humanitarian situation, South Africa notes that there is a growing number of confirmed cases of COVID-19. With only half of the health facilities across the country fully functional due to the previous heavy bombing and attacks, Yemen is simply not equipped to handle a full-scale COVID-19 outbreak. The virus is now reaching the north of Yemen, home to some of the most vulnerable children and families in this humanitarian catastrophe. If the crisis is not addressed, an entire generation will suffer long-term physical and psychological consequences.”

    2020-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/411 (2020) · source

31. “We thank Special Envoy Martin Griffiths and Acting Assistant Secretary- General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator Ramesh Rajasingham for their briefings. South Africa supports the Special Envoy’s efforts to find a peaceful solution to the situation in Yemen amid the calamitous circumstances of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Mr. Rajasingham gave a worrisome briefing, in particular about the imminent closure of much-needed health services, especially those provided by the World Health Organization and numerous non-governmental organizations. We hope that donor countries will respond generously to the 2 June meeting Ramesh reported on. We welcome the Permanent Representative of Yemen to our deliberations this morning.”

    2020-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/411 (2020) · source

32. “We are encouraged by positive developments in that regard, as reflected in the Secretary-General’s report (S/2020/358). We urge both countries to work together with the relevant United Nations institutions to resolve those outstanding issues. In conclusion, South Africa reiterates its support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iraq, in line with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, and continues to support UNAMI in the implementation of its mandate. South Africa echoes the sentiments of Special Representative Hennis- Plasschaert — that Iraq does not have the luxury of time. The Iraqi people must set aside their differences and join hands to build an Iraq that belongs to all its people and to ensure lasting peace.”

    2020-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/397 (2020) · source

33. “South Africa supports the consolidation of the Iraqi army’s full control over its territories, as well as the efforts of its Government to eradicate the threat posed by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant. Peace and security are fundamental for Iraq to develop its infrastructure, grow its economy and provide basic services to all of its citizens. South Africa wishes to highlight the success of the Peacebuilding Commission in supporting S/2020/397 S/2020/397 the Government’s inclusivity efforts, specifically in institution-building and post- reconstruction development. South Africa is encouraged by the collaborative efforts of the Governments of Kuwait and Iraq to locate missing Kuwaiti nationals and others, as well as missing Kuwaiti property, including the national archives.”

    2020-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/397 (2020) · source

34. “Continued dialogue between them on oil and revenue-sharing is also essential, especially in the light of the severe economic challenges. The Secretary-General’s call to act now in order to boost the immunity of our societies against the virus of hate could not be more relevant. Iraq continues to face severe challenges that accelerate the spread of extremism and finds itself entwined in regional rivalries that arise out of the military misadventures of others. We wish to reiterate the Secretary-General’s calls for international and regional partners to exercise restraint, pursue immediate de-escalation, support Iraq in its efforts to maintain security and stability and prevent Iraq from becoming an arena for external conflicts.”

    2020-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/397 (2020) · source

35. “We look forward to the formation of a full Cabinet, with the hope that it will enable Iraq to implement new programmes to improve the lives of all Iraqi citizens, balance external relations, safeguard Iraqi sovereignty and secure the return of internally displaced persons. South Africa supports the initiative for an inclusive Government that will bring together the diverse aspects of Iraqi society into governance structures. National reconciliation and unity in Iraq are vital if it is to avoid future challenges related to fractured Government policies and actions. South Africa notes with appreciation the fraternal manner in which the central Government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government reached an agreement on oil production.”

    2020-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/397 (2020) · source

36. “We appeal to the international donor community to continue providing the much-needed humanitarian assistance and medical supplies to assist the Government of Iraq as it addresses COVID-19. One of the unfortunate negative consequences of the virus is the increased in domestic violence. The Iraqi Government must ensure the protection of women, provide the necessary support services and commit to prosecuting perpetrators of domestic violence. Regarding political developments, South Africa congratulates the Government of Iraq and its people on the election of Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Khadimi.”

    2020-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/397 (2020) · source

37. “We thank Ms. Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), for her insightful briefing. South Africa supports the mandate renewal of UNAMI, in its current form, as it partners with the Government of Iraq in its post-conflict reconstruction and development efforts and provides much-needed humanitarian assistance throughout the country. South Africa would like to commend the Government of Iraq for the actions it has taken to combat the threat of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The pandemic has greater impact on countries emerging from conflict, like Iraq.”

    2020-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/397 (2020) · source

38. “South Africa welcomes the efforts undertaken to implement strategic goal 6 of the Office of the Prosecutor’s Strategic Plan for 2019-2021 of actively engaging with States and the relevant organizations to exchange evidence and information, which supports national authorities in investigating and prosecuting migrant-related crimes in their respective jurisdictions. South Africa calls on all parties and stakeholders to recommit to all efforts to build durable peace in Libya on the basis of inclusive political dialogue as the only viable means of achieving sustainable peace in the country. We also acknowledge and emphasize the role of the Security Council in promoting political dialogue and supporting all efforts to bring about a peaceful settlement of the conflict.”

    2020-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/371 (2020) · source

39. “South Africa is also concerned about reports of migrants being subjected to arbitrary detention, unlawful killing, enforced disappearance, torture, sexual and gender-based violence, abduction for ransom, extortion and forced labour. We are concerned about the prevailing environment and challenges faced by the people of Libya and the Office of the Prosecutor as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which will require a pragmatic and condition-based approach for the expeditious finalization of investigations and the prosecution of international crimes committed in Libya.”

    2020-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/371 (2020) · source

40. “South Africa believes that progress in the Libyan peace process is vital in order to address the concerns that necessitated the implementation of resolution 1970 (2011), of which the ICC process is part. We remain concerned over the ongoing fighting in Libya, including the resultant displacement of people, indiscriminate attacks that cause damage to civilian property and infrastructure, and civilian deaths and injuries, in particular the deaths of and injuries to children. We have noted with deep concern reports on the escalation of abductions and enforced disappearances of journalists, civil-society activists, lawyers, migrants and State officials by armed groups during this coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, which have a negative effect in terms of the spread of the virus to those affected.”

    2020-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/371 (2020) · source

41. “South Africa ardently supports strengthening complementarity through the development of domestic institutions to investigate and prosecute the most serious crimes. South Africa commends the Prosecutor’s efforts to promote the investigation and prosecution of international crimes committed in Libya in its domestic jurisdiction where viable and appropriate. South Africa believes that cooperation with the ICC remains imperative, and it is encouraged by the continued engagement of the Libyan authorities and their commitment at the highest level to cooperating with the Office of the Prosecutor. We further welcome the assistance provided to the Prosecutor’s Office by international and regional organizations, civil-society groups and private individuals.”

    2020-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/371 (2020) · source

42. “South Africa expresses its appreciation to the Prosecutor, Ms. Fatou Bensouda, for the briefing she provided today on the situation in Libya. South Africa continues to support the implementation of resolution 1970 (2011), which, apart from imposing a vital arms embargo, also mandates the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in the context of Libya since 15 February 2011. We note with concern that the non-execution of arrest warrants for ICC fugitives remains the greatest obstacle faced by the Prosecutor. Cooperation between the Security Council and States parties to the Rome Statute is vital to advancing those cases and will send a message to the people of Libya and to the world underscoring the important role of international cooperation.”

    2020-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/371 (2020) · source

43. “Finally, the Council could ensure that all parties to a conflict fully comply with relevant international humanitarian law and international human rights law, as well as hold accountable those who violate such laws. Let me conclude by underscoring that peace and food security go hand in hand. In order to end hunger, as the Security Council, we need to address the root causes of conflicts and end all wars, in the spirit of the Silencing the Guns initiative.”

    2020-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/340 (2020) · source

44. “The Council could also promote gender- and age-sensitive humanitarian assistance that remain responsive to the different needs of the population, thereby ensuring that those needs are integrated into the humanitarian response, and could make the provision of adequate health services in conflict areas as part of a strategy to eradicate hunger. In addition, the Council could take into consideration the impact of economic sanctions imposed on a country in conflict, which may inadvertently also give rise to conflict-related hunger, as civilians could have less access to nutrition and medicine and could face higher prices for foodstuffs.”

    2020-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/340 (2020) · source

45. “In order to do more to minimize and prevent conflict-induced hunger, the Council should consider making more effective use of prevention and early-warning systems, such as integrating indicators on alarming food insecurity levels and the restriction of humanitarian access to populations in peacekeeping operations and country reports submitted to the Security Council. It could also require coordinated and multifaceted responses, as well as close cooperation between humanitarian relief and development efforts as part of the humanitarian-development nexus.”

    2020-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/340 (2020) · source

46. “In that regard, we emphasize the plight of internally displaced persons, refugees and migrants, who are subjected to difficult living conditions during conflict situations and, more often than not, have limited access to humanitarian assistance, including food. We therefore underscore the importance and urgency of ensuring that all vulnerable groups have unimpeded access to food aid and humanitarian assistance. At the same time, we are witnessing an increase in parties to conflict using hunger as a weapon of war, which constitutes a violation of international humanitarian law and potentially a war crime. Violations of international humanitarian law must not be condoned, and the perpetrators must be held accountable for their actions.”

    2020-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/340 (2020) · source

47. “Food insecurity and competition for natural resources have in turn resulted in many current conflicts that we deal with today. Those factors set the stage for multiple years of food shortages, especially where such conflicts are exacerbated by natural disasters, including the impact of climate change. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic is exacerbating the already difficult situation in those countries, since it has led to food shortages, destructive competition for limited resources and the manipulation of food provisions. Civilians, particularly women, children, the elderly and the disabled, are the primary victims of these vicious cycles of food insecurity and armed conflict. Civilian and essential infrastructure, aid convoys and humanitarian workers are also targeted during conflict situations.”

    2020-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/340 (2020) · source

48. “At the outset, South Africa wishes to thank the Dominican Republic for convening this meeting to address the link between hunger and conflict. We thank Mr. Dongyu, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization, Mr. Beasley, Executive Director of the World Food Programme, and Mr. Egeland, Secretary General of the Norwegian Refugee Council, for their detailed and factual briefings. Hunger is both a cause and effect of war and conflict. The link between hunger and conflict is a persistent issue. It therefore comes as no surprise that 60 per cent of people suffering from food insecurity worldwide live in countries affected by conflict. Armed conflict disrupts food systems, causes mass displacement of people, destroys livelihoods and triggers food insecurity.”

    2020-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/340 (2020) · source

49. “Lastly, South Africa welcomes the progress that UNISFA has made in promoting the women and peace and security agenda in the Abyei region by promoting women’s participation at all levels of decision-making, including in conflict prevention and resolution processes. We also thank Ethiopia for its continued efforts in contributing to the easing of security tensions in Abyei.”

    2020-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/351 (2020) · source

50. “South Africa welcomes the progress that has been made by the JBVMM on benchmarks specified by resolution 2497 (2019). Furthermore, South Africa welcomes and encourages the continued work of the Joint Political and Security Mechanism and the Abyei Joint Oversight Committee. We note the Secretary-General’s mention that, in this time of the coronavirus disease pandemic, engagement in the foreseeable future may need to take on new modalities. My delegation is encouraged by the UNISFA-facilitated meetings between the Ngok Dinka and the Misseriya on 16 March and 9 April to discuss putting an end to the intercommunal tensions. We welcome their renewed commitment to peace and security in Abyei. We hope that continued interactions between the two sides will lead to an agreement on resolving outstanding issues.”

    2020-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/351 (2020) · source