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

“We continue to urge the two countries to use the renewed rapprochement to finalize the outstanding issues with regard to Abyei. The tensions reported earlier this year highlight the volatility of the region and its potential to unravel the progress made to bring about stability in the Area. South Africa encourages the Sudan and South Sudan to continue inclusive political dialogue in order to implement their agreements on border issues and to meet the benchmarks previously set by the Security Council. With regard to the developments pertaining to UNISFA, South Africa appreciates and welcomes the importance of the stabilizing role that UNISFA and the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism (JBVMM) continue to play along the border between the Sudan and South Sudan.”
2020-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/351 (2020) · source
“I would like to express my delegation’s gratitude to you, Mr. President, for convening today’s meeting. I would also like to thank Under-Secretary-General Lacroix and Special Envoy Onanga-Anyanga for their enlightening briefings today. Allow me to make the following key observations on the political developments as well the status of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA). South Africa welcomes the positive political developments that have taken place both in the Sudan and South Sudan in the recent past, including those highlighted in the Secretary-General’s report for the period of 16 October 2019 to 15 April 2020 (S/2020/308). With the positive developments that have taken place in the Sudan thus far, we emphasize the continued need for unity in the Sudan’s ruling political coalition.”
2020-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/351 (2020) · source
“Therefore, the outcomes of this meeting should advance the implementation of Council resolution 1325 (2000) — adopted during Namibia’s presidency — the twentieth anniversary of which we celebrate today, and its subsequent resolutions, including resolution 2493 (2019), on women and peace and security, adopted in October 2019 during South Africa’s presidency of the Council. I would like to conclude by emphasizing that South Africa believes that we must harness the dynamism and positivity of young people and build resilience in order to counter recourses to violence as means of pursuing misguided interests.”
2020-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/346 (2020) · source
“These serve as good frameworks to be replicated elsewhere. With regard to disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, it remains essential to prioritize young people who have spent their formative years as participants in armed conflict and extremist groups, as they are particularly vulnerable. Fourthly, society must pay particular attention to Security Council reforms as new Council organs are established for post-conflict situations. Fifthly, with regard to the empowerment of young women, South Africa continues to be concerned about a trend of youth programmes prioritizing the societal role of young men over young women. That is further exacerbated by the disproportionate targeting of young women in the form of sexual and gender-based violence.”
2020-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/346 (2020) · source
“The Council must also not forget the plight of millions of young migrants in various corners of the world. Thirdly, with regard to partnerships, disengagement and reintegration, it is important to build on the active engagement of young people and youth organizations in multilateral processes in order to ensure long-term partnerships and to make sure that the voice of young people is reflected. Most important, we need to mainstream and institutionalize youth participation and partnerships in all peace and security processes. In that regard, we would like to highlight the Continental Framework on Youth, Peace and Security, developed by the African Union’s Peace and Security Council as part of the continent’s peace and security architecture, as well as the study on the roles and contributions of youth towards peace and security in Africa.”
2020-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/346 (2020) · source
“Today, thanks to the heroic role played by our youth throughout the anti- colonial and anti-apartheid struggles, we celebrate the twenty-sixth anniversary of our freedom in South Africa. Secondly, on protection and prevention, South Africa supports ensuring a safe and enabling environment for youth in conflict situations, particularly young refugees and internally displaced persons. That is vital to creating a post-conflict environment for their participation in the economy and society in general, and can serve as a preventive measure for addressing inequality, discrimination, exclusion and human rights violations as drivers of conflict — as identified by the Secretary-General. In S/2020/346 that regard, investment in the meaningful participation of young people in politics and the socioeconomic sphere is therefore vital.”
2020-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/346 (2020) · source
“They are also reflected in the challenges presented in the Secretary-General’s report (S/2020/167), compounded by the additional challenge of youth human rights violations. We would like to share some thoughts on the five key pillars of action. First, on participation, we acknowledge the role played by young people as agents of change. They were instrumental in advancing the goals of the broader struggle for liberation and democracy in our country. Young people who were often at the front lines of the battle for freedom are now also at the forefront of combating poverty, inequality and unemployment in South Africa. The South African Government has therefore made the empowerment of youth central to its development agenda and has set up programmes dedicated to job creation, development and youth education.”
2020-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/346 (2020) · source
“That resonates with the Secretary-General’s call this year for a global ceasefire. The role of youth in relation to peace and security is of particular importance to the African continent, where 60 per cent of the population, according to some estimates, is under the age of 25. South Africa supports efforts to fully harness and promote innovation in young people’s contribution to peace through investing in their capacities, redressing the structural barriers that limit youth participation in peace and security, and emphasizing partnerships and collaborative action where young people are viewed as equal and essential partners for peace. Those aspects are highlighted in the 2018 “The missing piece: independent progress study on youth, peace and security” (see S/2018/86).”
2020-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/346 (2020) · source
“We also commend Peru for its important role in taking forward the youth, peace and security agenda, especially with regard to the adoption of resolution 2419 (2018), and we welcome the Dominican Republic’s initiative to convene today’s open debate in this uncertain environment resulting from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and its impact on young people worldwide. During South Africa’s presidency of the Council, we sought to prioritize the role of young people and their contribution to the youth, peace and security agenda in our efforts to Silence the Guns in Africa by 2020. That resulted in the adoption of a Council presidential statement (S/PRST/2019/15) containing six additional measures to be taken in order to mobilize our youth to accelerate the implementation of that initiative.”
2020-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/346 (2020) · source
“At the outset, I would like to thank Secretary-General António Guterres and our remarkable trio of youth activists and briefers for their comprehensive and enlightening briefings this morning. It is always encouraging to hear from the youth about their role in, and contribution to, peace processes in various conflict zones around the world. South Africa welcomes the initiative of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, which, during its tenure in the Council in 2015, ushered in landmark resolution 2250 (2015).”
2020-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/346 (2020) · source
“It is only through dialogue that existing disagreements can be resolved and the foundations laid for an inclusive and fair political settlement acceptable to both sides. We believe that, through confidence and trust-building measures, a sustained dialogue between the sides will prevail. We laud the efforts by all sides to respond to the challenges posed by the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. We hope that the spirit of compromise will be the foundation for negotiations towards an inclusive, fair political settlement that is acceptable to both sides.”
2020-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/339 (2020) · source
“We also wish to reiterate our support for the continued engagement with the authorities and civil society, as well as bilateral and international partners, in building peace and inter-community trust in Kosovo. We note with concern the ongoing stalemate, which has brought the political dialogue to a halt, and call on both sides to recommit to the dialogue and to take the necessary steps to bring the process back on track. We call on the parties during this time to redouble their efforts towards reducing tension, as it undermines any future prospects for successful dialogue and reconciliation. The differences between the parties regarding conditions for the resumption of negotiations have negative implications for progress.”
2020-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/339 (2020) · source
“We would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate UNMIK on becoming the first United Nations peacekeeping operation to receive an International Organization for Standardization quality management standard for end-to-end mission support field operations. That is a commendable achievement for the UNMIK team. South Africa continues to support the work of UNMIK and its constructive engagement with all stakeholders to create an environment conducive to compromise, reconciliation, unity and stability in Kosovo. In that regard, we support its continued cooperation with UN-Women and the empowerment of women and young people in peacebuilding and training.”
2020-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/339 (2020) · source
“Allow me to begin by welcoming the work of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), with support from the United Nations Kosovo team. I would also like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Zahir Tanin, for his briefing and note the significant role of the Secretary-General in creating an environment conducive to compromise, reconciliation and stability in Kosovo, as outlined in his latest report (S/2020/255) of 31 March 2020. We wish to reiterate that the presence of the United Nations in Kosovo is critical to reaching a peaceful and sustainable solution and in encouraging cooperation among all parties and stakeholders.”
2020-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/339 (2020) · source
“Most important, the Sudan’s stability is critical to an already fragile region. Furthermore, we recognize the vital role that the Sudan plays in the political developments in South Sudan despite the former’s own significant challenges. The A3+1 agree with Prime Minister Hamdok that the overall security and protection of the Sudanese people is the responsibility of the Sudanese Government and its institutions. The A3+1 also agree that the entire United Nations system, in general, and the Security Council, in particular, have immense responsibility in accompanying and ensuring that the multi-stakeholder transitional Government in the Sudan succeeds in leading its people towards a hopeful future of a peaceful, unified, democratic, open and freer society.”
2020-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/336 (2020) · source
“Fourthly, given that broader political developments in the Sudan require international support to ensure the country’s stability and its recovery and economic development, in particular, should the new United Nations mission not specifically focus on political and peacebuilding efforts only, with the support of the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development? Lastly, we would like to express our gratitude to UNAMID through the invaluable efforts of Mr. Jeremiah Mamabolo, Acting Joint Special Representative for Darfur and Head of the United Nations-African Union Mission in Darfur, and his team, and urge them to continue to spare no effort until lasting peace is restored to the Darfur region. Our continued engagement and collective support will be key in advancing peace and stability in the Sudan.”
2020-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/336 (2020) · source
“Secondly, if the United Nations were to maintain a police presence in Darfur and the security situation there deteriorates, to what extent would the United Nations have the requisite capacity to respond? Would the limited police presence create false expectations and potentially undermine the Organization’s credibility? Thirdly, with regard to the protection-of-civilians mandate in particular, does the security situation in the entire Darfur area merit the total withdrawal of UNAMID by October 2020?”
2020-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/336 (2020) · source
“Moreover, as noted by Prime Minister Hamdok in his letter as well as by the Secretary-General and the Chairperson of the AU Commission in their report, the role of the African Union should continue during the transition period. Therefore, there remains a need to ensure that the AU and the United Nations build on their excellent collaboration and continue working in unison. As we deliberate a post-UNAMID mission, and given the current uncertain times due to the pandemic, there are some key questions we would like to raise. First, given the changed circumstances, including the impact of COVID-19, the halt in UNAMID’s operations and the effects of the rainy season, what is the feasibility of extending the mission’s deadlines? Is UNAMID’s exit viable at this stage?”
2020-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/336 (2020) · source
“We urge the mission and other United Nations agencies working on the ground to coordinate their actions to support the Government in containing and minimizing the impact of the disease in Darfur, as well as in continuing to combat the desert locusts, which constitute a genuine threat to food security in the Sudan. On the drawdown and the post-UNAMID mechanism, we are pleased that the Government of the Sudan has highlighted the needs on the ground, and we support Prime Minister Hamdok’s call for a mission, following UNAMID’s withdrawal, mandated under Chapter VI of the Charter of the United Nations. It is therefore imperative that a follow-up mission be fully aligned with the priorities and objectives of the Government to ensure the efforts of the international and regional communities have a meaningful impact.”
2020-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/336 (2020) · source
“We renew our call to strengthen institutions, guarantee the safety of the most vulnerable groups and prosecute the perpetrators. We are also concerned about the deteriorating humanitarian situation prevailing in Darfur. This grave situation is driven by a number of factors, including the hazards related to climate change, such as flooding and drought, as well as intercommunal conflicts. These factors cause internal and external displacement and serve to exacerbate an already challenging situation, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
2020-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/336 (2020) · source
“We are particularly concerned regarding the status of and security threats faced by internally displaced persons as well as the intercommunal violence highlighted in the Secretary-General’s report. In addition, we are disturbed by reports of grave violations against groups that have been put in the most vulnerable of conditions, including women and children. We welcome the signing of the Framework of Cooperation to Prevent and Respond to Conflict-related Sexual Violence between the Government of the Sudan and the United Nations in response to the high levels of violence against women, girls and boys in internally displaced person camps, in particular, and the use of rape at increasingly high levels in the fight against pastoralists and farmers for land in Darfur.”
2020-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/336 (2020) · source
“We therefore reiterate the call of the African Union Peace and Security Council for the lifting of all forms of sanctions imposed against the Sudan, including its delisting as a State sponsor of terrorism, in order to boost the existing momentum of the transition process and to create conditions conducive to economic recovery, growth and stability in the country. In this regard, we urge the international community and financial institutions to assist in addressing these challenges, particularly as the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbates the economic situation for the Sudan and neighbouring countries. On the security situation, we remain concerned about the ongoing challenges in Jebel Marra as well as other hotspots such as Kalma and more recently El Geneina, which have displaced over 50,000 people within and beyond the Sudan.”
2020-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/336 (2020) · source
“Only through the inclusion of Darfur and its relevant actors will we have the baseline for sustainable and comprehensive peace and a real opportunity to address prevailing security and protection threats and risks, especially in the Greater Jebel Marra area. We also applaud the efforts by South Sudan in facilitating the ongoing peace talks and encourage its leaders to continue their constructive role in mediating the process. On the economic situation, we recognize the dire economic and financial situation with which the country continues to grapple. This situation risks collapsing the good progress made on the political front.”
2020-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/336 (2020) · source
“On the political transition, we support the transition in the Sudan under the leadership of Prime Minister Hamdok and call on all stakeholders to continue working for the success and respect of the transition period through the implementation of the provisions of the military-civilian transition agreement signed in Doha in July 2019, which should lead to the establishment of a democratically elected civilian Government. Moreover, we urge all parties to remain steadfast in their engagement in the Sudan peace talks in Juba, and to find resolve through continued political dialogue. Furthermore, we urge Sudan Liberation Army leader Abdel Wahid Al-Nur to join the Juba talks to ensure the process is inclusive and the political dialogue a success.”
2020-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/336 (2020) · source
“In this respect, we reiterate the call made by the African Union Peace and Security Council on the Government of the Sudan, working in collaboration with the AU and the United Nations, to agree on a comprehensive UNAMID withdrawal road map to ensure that the process is carefully managed and sequenced, based on conditions and aligned with the priorities and timelines of the Government of the Sudan, in order to safeguard the gains made to date and to maintain the current momentum in the Darfur peace process. We would like to raise the following key issues.”
2020-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/336 (2020) · source
“Attacks of this nature highlight continued risks that could considerably undermine the existing momentum towards restoring stability, development and prosperity in the Sudan. We have reached a critical juncture with regard to UNAMID, and it is vital that we safeguard the gains that have been made in the past decade, while also continuing to place the needs of Sudanese civilians before all else. The current environment and challenges presented by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) require us to adopt a pragmatic and contextualized approach to any further reconfiguration of UNAMID. The pandemic has significantly affected the Sudan peace talks in Juba as well as the operations of UNAMID.”
2020-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/336 (2020) · source
“Lacroix, for their comprehensive briefings, and for their continued collaboration with African Union Commissioner for Peace and Security Chergui and the AU Commission. The collaboration and cooperation between the AU and the United Nations have contributed immensely to the stabilization of the security situation in Darfur, thus resulting in our consideration of the withdrawal of UNAMID and subsequent transformation of the peacekeeping mission into a political and peacebuilding support mission despite the fact that Darfur continues to face residual protection challenges. We would like to express our full support for the current transitional process under way in the Sudan, including the role of Prime Minister Hamdok. We also wish to express our strongest condemnation of the attack on Prime Minister Hamdok in the Sudan on 9 March.”
2020-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/336 (2020) · source
“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 (A3+1). I would like to thank you, Sir, for convening this timely meeting. I would also like to thank the Secretary-General for his comprehensive report (S/2020/202) on the continued activities of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) for the maintenance of peace in Darfur. We commend the efforts of the United Nations working jointly with the African Union (AU) over the past 12 years. I would also like to thank our briefers today, Ms. DiCarlo and Mr.”
2020-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/336 (2020) · source
“We would also like to take this opportunity to remind the occupying Power, Israel, of the United Nations Basic Principles for the Treatment of Prisoners — the Nelson Mandela rules — which stipulate that: “Prisoners shall have access to the health services available in the country without discrimination on the grounds of their legal situation”. (General Assembly resolution 45/111, annex, para. 9) To that end, South Africa reiterates its call for the immediate release of political prisoners, especially vulnerable groups such as the elderly, women, children and people with disabilities, in accordance with international law. Allow me to conclude by stating that peace can prevail only once the parties have engaged in inclusive dialogue and peaceful negotiations, as this is the only means of ensuring lasting peace, security and stability.”
2020-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/341 (2020) · source
“We are concerned that, given current budget projections, there is a risk that UNRWA’s resources could be exhausted by the end of May 2020. South Africa is deeply troubled at the conditions that Palestinian political prisoners, including children, continue to face. These are now exacerbated by the potential impact of COVID-19. We call for the necessary measures to be taken to improve the provision of health care and hygiene for Palestinian prisoners and detainees, in line with the guidance provided by the World Health Organization for preventing the outbreak of COVID-19 in prisons and detention centres.”
2020-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/341 (2020) · source
“It is particularly concerning to note reports of children leaving Gaza to seek hospital treatment and having to do so without their parents, as their requests for permits have been denied. This inhumane practice must stop, and compassion must prevail. In this regard, South Africa calls on Member States as well as the international community to support the efforts of UNRWA in providing much-needed humanitarian assistance to Palestinian refugees. Aside from the need to provide emergency support in the light of COVID-19, UNRWA is reliant on resources for the continuation of its core operations, which necessitate the provision of education and health services as well as food assistance to Palestinian refugees.”
2020-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/341 (2020) · source
“That includes ensuring the unhindered and safe passage of humanitarian aid, medical supplies and volunteers providing medical assistance to the occupied territories. With regard to the situation in Gaza, we are deeply concerned at the precarious situation prevailing there, given its severely overburdened and fragile health-care system. We share the concern expressed by the Director of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) that an outbreak of COVID-19 in the Gaza Strip would be a disaster of gigantic proportions. Consequently, South Africa urges the Israeli authorities, in line with their obligations under the Fourth Geneva Convention, to waive the requirements for transit permits to allow those in need of urgent medical attention and services to seek them freely outside Gaza.”
2020-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/341 (2020) · source
“No country should have the right to decide the fate of the Palestinians; only the Palestinians themselves do. These actions are in direct contravention of several Council resolutions, including resolution 446 (1979) and 2334 (2016), and go against the principles of international law. South Africa therefore continues to insist on the full implementation of those resolutions, as these threats and pronouncements of annexation undermine any prospect for peace between the parties. In this time, when all efforts should be focused on fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, Israel, as the occupying Power, must ensure that it fulfils its responsibility as mandated by international law to provide the necessary humanitarian assistance to all who require it.”
2020-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/341 (2020) · source
“In that regard, it is disconcerting to hear that, during these unprecedented times, there is still a continual, indiscriminate use of force against Palestinians as well as the wanton destruction of their property, the annexation of occupied territory and the continuing establishment of settlements. Israel’s policy of settling its civilians in occupied Palestinian territory and displacing the local population contravenes the fundamental rules of international humanitarian law, in reference to article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention. Moreover, South Africa has noted the recent announcement of a unity Government in Israel and consequent reports of its intention to advance legislation to annex parts of the West Bank from as early as 1 July 2020. This cannot be continued.”
2020-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/341 (2020) · source
“In the light of the recent developments pertaining to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, South Africa fully supports the call by the Secretary-General for an immediate global ceasefire as well as the call by the United Nations envoys to the Middle East for all parties to engage in negotiations in good faith and without preconditions. That call is particularly pertinent to the conflict between Israel and Palestine. In this regard, we have noted the coordination between Israel and Palestine in responding to the pandemic. It is important for all parties to use this opportunity, in jointly responding to the virus, to build trust and confidence between the parties. This health crisis should not be a means to further individual political objectives.”
2020-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/341 (2020) · source
“Allow me to begin by reiterating South Africa’s position on the situation between Palestine and Israel. We will continue to support all efforts aimed at the establishment of a viable, contiguous Palestinian State, existing side by side in peace with Israel, within internationally recognized borders based on those of 4 June 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in line with all relevant United Nations resolutions, international law and internationally agreed parameters. Additionally, a viable and sustainable peace plan for the Middle East must ensure that Palestine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and economic viability are guaranteed, with sovereign equality between Palestine and Israel.”
2020-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/341 (2020) · source
“In conclusion, this unprecedented humanitarian crisis is a strong indicator of the human toll of continued military action and conflict, which necessitates an urgent commitment to a ceasefire and the pursuit of a negotiated, peaceful and inclusive solution to the crisis. We wish to reiterate that the only sustainable solution to this conflict will be a negotiated, Yemeni-led and Yemeni-owned political settlement that provides a strong economic and political future for all Yemenis.”
2020-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/313 (2020) · source
“South Africa welcomes the measures taken by both the Government of National Accord and the Houthis to curb the spread of COVID-19 in Yemen. Those measures highlight the ability of both sides to work together towards a common goal. In the light of the coronavirus pandemic, South Africa calls on the parties to the conflict to fulfil their responsibility to the people of Yemen by ensuring access and the unhindered passage of humanitarian and medical supplies to those in dire need and to stop the spread of the virus. This is certainly the time to lay down arms and take up the fight against the coronavirus, together. South Africa reiterates its call on all parties to the conflict to adhere to their obligations in terms of international human rights and international humanitarian law.”
2020-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/313 (2020) · source
“South Africa remains concerned at the alarming number of deaths, exceeding 100,000, that have resulted from this war thus far. It has also led to widespread starvation amid the dire humanitarian situation, which continues to worsen owing to the continuing conflict. South Africa strongly urges all parties to resume political negotiations that will result in a lasting peace in Yemen and will allow for the rebuilding of the country. The first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in Yemen on 10 April, in Hadramaut governorate. Yemen remains critically underequipped to bear the burden that this virus will place on its health facilities, bearing in mind that only half of its health-care infrastructure is operational.”
2020-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/313 (2020) · source
“As pointed out, South Africa supports the efforts of the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy. We therefore encourage the parties to continue their cooperation with him in order to reach a Yemeni-led and Yemeni-owned, comprehensive and inclusive political settlement that addresses the legitimate concerns of all Yemenis. In that context, we also call for the full and meaningful participation of women in all aspects of an inclusive political process. In the same vein, we emphasize the full implementation of the Al-Hudaydah agreement by all parties, which we believe will direct the path to continued dialogue and a political settlement. Furthermore, we welcome the announcement of the Special Envoy’s comprehensive initiative to supplement all diplomatic efforts to end the war in Yemen.”
2020-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/313 (2020) · source
“We thank Special Envoy Martin Griffiths and Under-Secretary-General Mark Lowcock for their briefings. South Africa continues to reiterate its support to the Special Envoy and applauds his efforts to find a peaceful solution to the situation in Yemen during these distressing times amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. South Africa joins other members of the Security Council in welcoming the unilateral ceasefire that was announced by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on behalf of the Joint Forces Command. This is in line with the Secretary-General’s call for a global ceasefire in Yemen, and we trust that all parties can make similar commitments in support of the United Nations peace process. We note and welcome the Government of Yemen’s positive response and look forward to the Houthis making a similar commitment.”
2020-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/313 (2020) · source
“My delegation welcomes all efforts to find a long-term solution to the conflict in Afghanistan and hopes that the recent signing of agreements between the United States and the Afghan Government and the Taliban, respectively, will be an important first step from which intra-Afghan negotiations can be launched. It is also important to acknowledge the role that women have played in Afghanistan’s peace process and we must all encourage their continued participation in peace talks and post-conflict efforts. The vast gains made in women’s and girls’ rights should be protected. Importantly, the peace process should be Afghan-owned and -led. In this regard, we call on all Afghan stakeholders to resolve their differences and work together in order to establish a peaceful and stable environment for all Afghans.S/2020/274”
2020-03-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/274 (2020) · source
“South Africa fully supports the important role of UNAMA and its contribution to laying the foundations for sustainable peace and development in Afghanistan, while noting the challenging environment in which it operates. The continuing levels of violence in Afghanistan, in particular the indiscriminate attacks perpetrated against civilians, women, children and the elderly, remain of concern and risk derailing the ongoing efforts to deliver lasting peace in Afghanistan. South Africa encourages all Afghan stakeholders committed to the nation’s peace talks to renew their efforts to rebuild trust and work towards peace and reconciliation, as well as to promote national unity and cohesion with a view to achieving a lasting political solution.”
2020-03-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/274 (2020) · source
“We would like to thank Ms. Ingrid Hayden, Officer in Charge of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), for her briefing. I would also like to extend our congratulations to Ms. Deborah Lyons on her recent appointment as Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Afghanistan and Head of UNAMA. I would further like to express our gratitude to Mr. Tadamichi Yamamoto for his contribution and efforts in supporting the work of the Secretary-General and the Council in Afghanistan. South Africa extends its condolences to the families of the victims of the recent attack on a Sikh temple in Kabul. We strongly condemn this and all violent attacks, especially those targeting innocent civilians. Terrorist acts, whatever their motivation, can never be justified.”
2020-03-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/274 (2020) · source