YouSaid · the spoken record

Jerry Matthews Matjila

lines on the record: 126
first: 2020-04-29
most recent: 2020-12-30
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 you, Sir, for convening this meeting to allow the Security Council to be informed on the implementation of resolution 2532 (2020). We once again pay tribute to diplomats from France and from our sister African country, Tunisia, for resolution 2532 (2020), whose implementation we are discussing today. I would also like to thank the Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, Ms. Rosemary DiCarlo; the Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Mr. Jean-Pierre Lacroix; and the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Mr. Mark Lowcock, for their comprehensive briefings. I would like to begin by paying tribute to all United Nations personnel, including the gallant peacekeepers who have paid the ultimate price while on duty contributing to a peaceful and tolerant world.”
2020-09-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/897 (2020) · source
“In conclusion, we wish to highlight that regional and subregional organizations can also play a cardinal role in promoting the meaningful role of women and youth in peace processes and in coordination with the Peacebuilding Commission. It is hoped that the OIF, like other regional, subregional and international organizations, will also contribute towards the ongoing review of the United Nations peacebuilding architecture.”
2020-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/893 (2020) · source
“The tripartite visits undertaken by the African Union, the OIF and the Commonwealth to Cameroon in the past few months aimed to provide assistance with peacebuilding and national cohesion activities, demonstrate the importance of collective efforts on issues of mutual interest in a member of these three organizations, and derive desired outcomes from such peace and assistance initiatives. We also encourage OIF to continue working closely, as appropriate, with United Nations country teams and regional special political missions as well as peacekeeping operations, in particular in promoting multilingualism and inclusivity.”
2020-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/893 (2020) · source
“These efforts are imperative, in particular, to the development trajectory of the African continent, especially in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Cooperation among regional organizations is equally important, primarily in instances where there is overlapping membership. We therefore encourage closer cooperation and coordination between the OIF and other regional organizations, such as the African Union; subregional organizations, such as the Southern African Development Community, the Economic Community of West African States, the Economic Community of Central African States, which have overlapping membership with the OIF; and other similar organizations, such as the Commonwealth.”
2020-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/893 (2020) · source
“South Africa would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the OIF on the fiftieth anniversary of its founding, which coincides with other significant global anniversaries this year, specifically, the seventy-fifth anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, and a review year of silencing the guns on the African continent. We raise this latter point as most members of the OIF are from the African continent. We thus commend the efforts and contributions of the OIF in preventing, managing and resolving conflicts in its member States by focusing, among others, on early warning, prevention and peacebuilding activities, as well as on consolidating democracy and entrenching the rule of law.”
2020-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/893 (2020) · source
“While acknowledging the complementary roles of the United Nations and regional actors, my delegation wishes to stress the importance of the principles of subsidiarity and comparative advantage in the resolution of conflicts, which the African Union upholds, which entrust regional and subregional organizations with taking the lead in finding a solution to a conflict situation owing to their geopolitical situation and/or familiarity with the crisis. However, we also underline that the Security Council remains the only international body with the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. Hence, in our view, the Security Council must work closely with regional organizations whose activities include the promotion of peace and security.”
2020-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/893 (2020) · source
“In this regard, South Africa wishes to underscore the valuable contribution that regional, subregional and other international organizations make to the maintenance of international peace and security, and their cooperation with the United Nations in the context of Chapter of VIII of the Charter of the United Nations. As a member of the African Union and of the Southern African Development Community, we recognize the positive and complementary relations between the United Nations and these regional organizations.”
2020-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/893 (2020) · source
“I wish to extend our appreciation to Mr. Zohrab Mnatsakanyan, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Armenia and the Chair of Council of the Ministers of the International Organization of la Francophonie (OIF); Ms. Bintou Keita, Assistant Secretary-General for the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs; and Ms. Louise Mushikiwabo, Secretary-General of the OIF, for their briefings. Over the past few years, the United Nations has been enhancing its relations with various regional and subregional organizations in the advancement of its core mandates, pertaining to the promotion of development, human rights and peace and security.”
2020-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/893 (2020) · source
“We extend our full support to the United Nations Support Mission in Libya and the important work it continues to carry out through its mandate. In that context, we support the renewal of its mandate for another 12 months.”
2020-09-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/879 (2020) · source
“We appeal to all countries concerned and those responsible for recruiting foreign fighters to immediately withdraw them from Libya and cease these activities. We recommend the demobilization and demilitarization of those involved in the confrontations, as well as the integration of Libyan citizens into local societies and the repatriation of foreign fighters to their countries of origin. Furthermore, the continued involvement of external actors remains a threat to the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Libya. We therefore reiterate our call for an end to foreign interference in order to enable efforts to unify State authority. In conclusion, we underscore the importance of appointing a new Special Representative of the Secretary-General who will oversee and support the political process in Libya.”
2020-09-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/879 (2020) · source
“In seeking a peaceful solution to the conflict, we wish to reiterate the support of South Africa and the African Union for the conclusions of the Berlin Conference, as endorsed by resolution 2510 (2020). These processes are vital for the achievement of peace in Libya. In that regard, South Africa encourages the continued support of the Security Council and its commitment to strengthen cooperation between the African Union and the United Nations. This is of paramount importance for ensuring common purpose to put an end to the conflict in Libya. Despite repeated calls for strict adherence to the arms embargo, violations persist by both parties and by external players, with an influx of weapons and foreign fighters into Libya. In that regard, we welcome the calls for the implementation of sanctions against those who violate the arms embargo.”
2020-09-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/879 (2020) · source
“The reports of alleged abuses and violations of international humanitarian law and human rights are worrisome. In this regard, we welcome the appointment of the members of the international fact-finding mission to Libya, which will be crucial in ensuring that the perpetrators are held accountable. Moreover, Libya’s ailing economy, exacerbated by the continued blockage of oil exports, is a worrying trend that does not serve the interests of all Libyans. We welcome calls for the resumption of oil production and for exports to resume fully, which will bring in much-needed revenue and improve the economic and financial situation for the benefit of all Libyans. We encourage continued talks to find a sustainable solution to the economic challenges.”
2020-09-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/879 (2020) · source
“In this regard, we welcome both the ceasefire announced on Friday, 21 August by the Government of National Accord that indicated that all combat operations in all Libyan territories had been halted, as well as the announcement of the holding of elections as early as March 2021. South Africa continues to support the peace process as supported by the African Union (AU) through its Peace and Security Council and the High-level Committee on Libya and its Contact Group, as well as the work of the AU Special Envoy for Libya, as they continue to engage with the main stakeholders in Libya. The continued insecurity in Libya has further exacerbated the humanitarian and economic conditions on the ground, which have been compounded by the coronavirus disease pandemic.”
2020-09-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/879 (2020) · source
“I thank the Acting Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ms. Stephanie Williams, for her statement, as well as the Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011), Ambassador Guenter Sautter, for his briefing. Allow me to begin by expressing South Africa’s deep concern at the prevailing security situation in Libya. The continued military confrontations and escalations, particularly in and around Sirte in recent weeks, is of grave concern to us. We call on the parties to cease all hostilities with immediate effect and heed the calls for a permanent and lasting ceasefire, as called for by the parties. South Africa firmly believes that this will create an environment for inclusive dialogue to pave the way towards a Libyan-led, Libyan-owned political process.”
2020-09-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/879 (2020) · source
“In conclusion, we reiterate that the situation in Syria can be resolved only through negotiations and dialogue, and we therefore call on all parties to exert every effort towards the full implementation of resolution 2254 (2015) to further avoid the displacement of Syrians and loss of innocent lives. If there is no progress on the political front, the humanitarian catastrophe will further deteriorate and there will be more loss of life and destruction. An alternative to war must be found.”
2020-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/758 (2020) · source
“The scaling up of cross-line assistance is essential to close the gap in humanitarian assistance resulting from the closure of the Al-Yarubiyah and Bab Al-Salam border crossings. In that regard, we also reiterate our call for the safe, S/2020/758 unimpeded and impartial delivery of humanitarian aid and assistance to all who require it, in line with the provisions of international humanitarian law. I have a question for Mr. Lowcock. Given the dire economic and humanitarian situation, as he mentioned in his statement, and the increasing needs, especially for children, women and those with disabilities, does Syria have oilfields and, if so, where are they located, who controls them and why is he unable to use the proceeds from the oil that is produced for the relief agencies to assist the Syrian people?”
2020-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/758 (2020) · source
“Testing, especially in locations susceptible to the spread of the virus, such at detention centres and formal and informal refugee and IDP camps, is essential in that regard. South Africa is concerned by the impact of the reduction in humanitarian border crossing points. We welcome the extension of the humanitarian border crossing at Bab Al-Hawa for 12 months, as this is the only way that essential humanitarian assistance is currently being delivered to north-western Syria. The 12-month mandate renewal will also allow the United Nations humanitarian agencies and parties the necessary time to adequately plan and prepare for their important and continued efforts. In view of the reduction of the cross-border assistance mechanisms, the focus must turn towards the improvement and enhancement of the cross-line assistance mechanisms.”
2020-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/758 (2020) · source
“These negative coping mechanisms are having a destructive psychological impact on civilians who have already been devastated by nine years of violence, resulting in injuries, deaths and the detention of loved ones. The deteriorating economic circumstances in Syria are having a direct impact on the already dire humanitarian situation. South Africa therefore reiterates its call for the immediate lifting of all unilateral sanctions currently being imposed on Syria, especially given the growing spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) throughout Syria. With the rising number of COVID-19 cases, it is important that humanitarian response efforts be focused on preparedness and response planning to minimize the potential impact of COVID-19 on the vulnerable refugee and internally displaced person (IDP) populations.”
2020-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/758 (2020) · source
“South Africa again calls on all parties to the conflict to respect their obligations under international human rights and international humanitarian law regarding the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, such as schools, health facilities and water reticulation facilities. South Africa recommends that such facilities be regarded as neutral by all parties to the conflict. The continued loss of civilian life is unacceptable. These continuing security incidents and violence have a direct impact on the socioeconomic and humanitarian situations in Syria. The deteriorating economic environment has seen a significant impact on the daily lives of Syrians, with over 9 million people food insecure, and many households are engaging in negative coping mechanisms in order to make ends meet.”
2020-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/758 (2020) · source
“Let me begin by thanking the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Mark Lowcock, for his frank briefing on the humanitarian situation in Syria. We also thank the Regional Director of Syria Relief and Development, Amany Qaddour, for her briefing. Reports of increased security incidents and airstrikes in various pockets of Syria are of great concern to South Africa. While South Africa, welcomes the general maintenance of the ceasefire agreement in the north-west of Syria, reports of the use of improvised explosive devices, landmines, air and ground strikes and of incidents involving explosive remnants of war cannot be ignored, especially given the resulting injury and death of civilians, including women and children.”
2020-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/758 (2020) · source
“Given the challenging conditions in detention centres, this appeal is even more relevant and necessary today. The situation in Syria requires the international community to support both the political and humanitarian tracks. These processes are interlinked, and progress must be supported on both tracks to create the necessary conditions for a sustainable and peaceful settlement to the conflict.”
2020-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/353 (2020) · source
“In those parts of the country, the fragile health system, overcrowded detention centres and camps for internally displaced persons, the lack of adequate access to water and sanitation infrastructure, access challenges for the delivery of humanitarian aid and continuing conflict are all factors impeding efforts to stop the spread of the virus. As we address the humanitarian consequences of the pandemic, it is vital that economic measures placed on Syria should be eased. This is necessary to ensure that the required supplies and equipment are provided to combat the pandemic. We also support the Special Envoy’s consistent call for the substantive release of prisoners and detainees, particularly women, children, the elderly and those with disabilities.”
2020-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/353 (2020) · source
“We welcome his intention to appoint a senior independent adviser to consider how best to respond to the recommendations contained in the report. In the light of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and of reports of three COVID-19-related deaths, South Africa fully supports the joint appeal by the Secretary-General’s Envoys to the Middle East. We reiterate our full support to the Special Envoy’s call for a complete and immediate nationwide ceasefire throughout Syria in order to ensure that the necessary supplies, equipment and personnel are available to efficiently and effectively respond to the pandemic. The conditions in parts of Syria raise the risk of COVID-19 spreading quickly.”
2020-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/353 (2020) · source
“We urge all parties to continue to engage substantively and constructively in the Constitutional Committee process as part of the wider political process supported by the Special Envoy. As we have learned through our own constitutional drafting process, engagement and confidence-building are essential components in finding a sustainable and peaceful solution to the crises in Syria. Resolution 2254 (2015) remains the framework for the political process in Syria, and it would be important that it be fully implemented. The Security Council should continue to support the work of the Constitutional Committee and the role of the United Nations and the Special Envoy in the mediation process. South Africa has noted the release of the Secretary-General’s summary of the report by the Board of Inquiry on Syria into incidents in north-west Syria.”
2020-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/353 (2020) · source
“However, any action to counter terrorism must be in line with international law, including obligations under international human rights law and international humanitarian law. The ultimate goal should be a lasting political solution that is reflective of the will of the Syrian people and brings sustainable peace and stability to the country, as well as the opportunity to rebuild its economy and to repair the damage caused by 10 years of war. With regard to developments pertaining to the Constitutional Committee, South Africa welcomes the co-Chairs’ agreement on the agenda for its next meeting, as reported by the Special Envoy in his previous briefing to the Council (see S/PV.8727).”
2020-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/353 (2020) · source
“I would like to thank Special Envoy Geir Pedersen for his comprehensive briefing on the political situation in Syria. South Africa is encouraged that the ceasefire agreement of 5 March between Turkey and Russia continues to hold, despite sporadic instances of shelling. In that regard, we call on all parties to work, especially during these challenging times, towards a permanent nationwide ceasefire that will pave the way to a conducive environment in which an inclusive Syrian-led dialogue can be held. For Syria to attain peace, it would be necessary for all external interference in Syria to come to an end and for all unauthorized foreign forces to have left. In addition, we wish to reiterate that all States have the sovereign right to address the threat of terrorism in their countries.”
2020-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/353 (2020) · source