YouSaid · the spoken record

Joyini

lines on the record: 115
first: 2015-10-14
most recent: 2023-10-20
sittings or episodes: 19
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 are therefore pleased that the Secretary- General’s policy brief on the New Agenda for Peace, which we as Member States continue to study and discuss, emphasizes the fundamental role of regional organizations in support of the mandate of the United Nations in the maintenance of peace and security, in line with Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations, which provides a framework for relations between the United Nations and regional arrangements. In conclusion, we should take advantage of the opportunity provided by the Summit of the Future and the New Agenda for Peace to strengthen the role of various arrangements in advancing global peace and security.”
2023-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9448 (2023) · source
“We continue to participate in the efforts of the Southern African Development Community and the African Union aimed at the prevention and peaceful resolution of disputes, which are underpinned by the principles of subsidiarity and complementarity. By virtue of their proximity, regional organizations are often best placed to mediate conflicts within their geographical scope, and they need to be supported accordingly.”
2023-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9448 (2023) · source
“Another requirement is patience on the part of the international community in allowing efforts under- taken by regional arrangements to come to fruition, es- pecially when there is a deficit of trust. Restoring and building trust among conflicting parties is a cumber- some process that must be approached delicately. Owing to our own political history, in which we successfully avoided a civil war, South Africa believes in the peaceful resolution of conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. That position has enabled us to be part of bilateral, subregional and regional engagements that have contributed to finding political solutions to disputes in many countries, particularly on the African continent, including in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burundi and recently in Tigray, in Ethiopia, to name a few.”
2023-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9448 (2023) · source
“The proliferation of conflicts in recent years underscores that it is important for the international community to prioritize preventive diplomacy. But it is important that we do not merely talk about preventive diplomacy because it is fashionable to do so. We should rather continually ask why it is that preventive diplomacy and the measures outlined in Chapter VI of the Charter of the United Nations are seldom utilized. We must also determine what we need to do to improve on the status quo. In addition to Chapter VI, myriad tools exist to conduct preventive diplomacy at the bilateral, subre- gional and regional levels. However, in order to make use of them, political will and visionary leadership are vital.”
2023-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9448 (2023) · source
“I will also add the role of coalitions to that list of arrangements, because at times such mechanisms have been effective in supporting efforts aimed at the peaceful settlement of disputes, and they should be encouraged, as appropriate, if they are permissible under the relevant provisions of international law. An example of that is the role of the troika in South Sudan. This open debate could not have been held at a more appropriate time, just as we are continuing to explore ways of dealing with a surge in destabilizing events that range from armed conflict, unconstitutional changes of Government and terrorism and violent extremism to Governments’ failure to govern and manage diversity. In many cases, the causes and drivers of those conflicts could have been prevented or resolved peacefully.”
2023-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9448 (2023) · source
“Let me start by congratulating the Federative Republic of Brazil on its assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of October. Allow me to thank the briefers — Mr. Khaled Khiari, Her Excellency Ms. Michelle Bachelet, His Excellency Mr. Thabo Mbeki and Ms. Josefina Echavarría Álvarez — for the information they shared with us. We are pleased by the convening of this pertinent open debate on the contributions of regional and subregional organizations and bilateral arrangements to the maintenance of global peace and security. We find it apt that our discussion is not limited to regional mechanisms only but includes the efficacy and impact of bilateral arrangements in resolving disputes — a subject we seldom discuss in the Council.”
2023-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9448 (2023) · source
“We call on the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Karim Ahmad Khan, to immediately signal his intent to investigate the Al Ahli bombing, other war crimes and the crime of genocide in this conflict, and to include in his investigation the liability of those aiding and abetting those crimes.”
2023-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9443 (2023) · source
“Israel is committing war crimes in violation of international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions and must be held responsible for its actions by the International Criminal Court and the international community as a whole. South Africa calls on the international community to end its indifference to the gross violations against the Palestinian people in Gaza and for the Security Council to take action to force a halt to the unfolding genocide. We regret that the Council was once again unable to adopt a basic resolution on the humanitarian situation in Palestine. South Africa calls for an immediate ceasefire and the opening of a humanitarian corridor to allow the entry of medicine, food and supplies. South Africa calls on Israel to cease its genocidal campaign against the Palestinians.”
2023-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9443 (2023) · source
“The suffering of children and their parents is unspeakable and insufferable in this day and age, and there must be consequences for those actions. Otherwise, the international structures established to maintain international peace and security have utterly failed. The Al Ahli Hospital, which was bombed on Tuesday night, is one of the 22 hospitals in northern Gaza that had been ordered by the Israeli military to evacuate their patients and staff within 24 hours or be responsible for the consequences. Hundreds of civilians were sheltering in the hospital when it was bombed, as it was supposed to be a safe place to shelter.”
2023-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9443 (2023) · source
“The targeting of a hospital — considered a safe haven under international humanitarian law — is a war crime. Similarly, the killing of the people of Gaza by Israel in 12 days of aerial bombardment of hospitals, schools, apartment buildings and essential infrastructure is also a war crime. The continual bombardment of civilian targets and the denial of water, food, fuel and electricity to the civilian population of Gaza are prohibited under international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions. The bombing of the Al Ahli Arab Baptist Hospital in Gaza is the most blatant violation of international humanitarian law. Doctors are operating without anaesthetics and do not have the medical equipment or supplies to treat the victims.”
2023-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9443 (2023) · source
“I thank you, Mr. President, for enabling South Africa and other non-members of the Security Council to contribute to the debate on this alarming and abhorrent development in an already tragic conflict that is getting worse by the day. We thank the briefers for the information shared with us. South Africa condemns in the strongest possible terms the killing of civilians in Palestine and Israel. The targeting of civilians in armed conflicts is a violation of international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions. Just as the attack by Hamas on civilians in Israel was abhorrent, there are no words to fully express South Africa’s condemnation of Israel’s bombing of the Al Ahli Arab Baptist Hospital on 17 October, killing well over 500 people and injuring over 1,000.”
2023-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9443 (2023) · source
“In conclusion, it has become evident that, while the Security Council is considered the master of its own procedures and has the latitude to determine its own practices, as provided for by Article 30 of the Charter of the United Nations, the working methods of the Security Council are essential in ensuring that it is able to conduct its daily engagements in an efficient, transparent, inclusive and effective manner, particularly as its decisions have a direct bearing on the wider United Nations membership.”
2023-09-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9410 (2023) · source
“The calls for the promotion and inclusive participation of women and youth in the discussions of the Council are valid, as the sharing of information and knowledge of the security situation on the ground has proven to be useful in Council resolutions. Additionally, the Council should consider the participation of youth briefers not only during the annual youth, peace and security open debates but also in country-specific situations to benefit from their perspectives of the situations that affect them in conflict settings.”
2023-09-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9410 (2023) · source
“However, the Council needs to consider convening more open meetings on its country-specific situations to allow all United Nations members, specifically those with interest, to contribute to finding a solution to the conflict. It is necessary that there be consideration of both country-specific and thematic issues by the broader United Nations membership without selectivity or politicization. Furthermore, the Council may wish to consider the establishment of an interactive engagement of the Informal Working Group on Documentation and Other Procedural Questions and experts of the wider United Nations membership on working methods. That would create an additional platform for an in-depth discussion and input beyond the annual open debates.”
2023-09-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9410 (2023) · source
“We regret that, despite numerous attempts, the Council has not been able to reach consensus on penholdership. Notwithstanding that, we commend the unrelenting efforts of elected members on that issue, which we hope will result in a positive outcome flowing from the ongoing negotiations of the elected members and the entire Council. As part of the broader membership of the United Nations with a vested interest in global stability and security, we appreciate the opportunity to contribute to the Council’s deliberations and offer concrete solutions to matters of peace and security. We have noted the upward trajectory in the number of open meetings in recent years.”
2023-09-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9410 (2023) · source
“We welcome the consideration given to the elected members who wish to share Council dossiers, especially those that have both the knowledge of the issues as chairs of subsidiary bodies, as well as the region concerned. In that context, we reiterate that the automatic assumption by the chairs of subsidiary bodies of the role of co-penholders on related dossiers is necessary, should they prefer to do so. Those arrangements are valuable for an exchange of perspectives towards effective solutions and actions, which attest to the need for formalization of such arrangements. We emphasize that equitable burden-sharing of dossiers among all Council members is vital for the effectiveness, transparency, accountability and inclusivity of the Security Council.”
2023-09-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9410 (2023) · source
“Geopolitical challenges among Council members have created a heightened level of fragmentation and placed the Council under intense scrutiny. The lack of unity on some of the agenda items discussed in the Council has had a detrimental effect on its integrity and the effectiveness of its decisions, especially when it fails to act in fulfilment of its mandate. That has laid bare the urgent need for the reform of the Security Council. South Africa reiterates its view on the need for comprehensive reform of the Security Council, which is necessary to ensure a more representative and equitable Council. South Africa is encouraged by the positive developments pertaining to burden-sharing in the context of co-penholdership.”
2023-09-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9410 (2023) · source
“I thank you, Mr. President, for convening this important annual open debate. And we extend our appreciation for the insightful briefing. Today’s open debate offers yet another opportunity for the Security Council to do a bit of introspection and reflect on its methods of work by delving deeper into developments concerning the implementation of note S/2017/507 and its subsequent presidential notes. It furthermore provides all Member States an opportunity to contribute on how to improve the working methods, which is pertinent, especially as the evolution of dynamics in the Council requires adaptation and repositioning to make it fit for purpose, effective, agile and responsive in addressing protracted and emerging threats to international peace and security.”
2023-09-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9410 (2023) · source
“In this regard, we support the initiative aimed at refocusing the international agenda on the Palestine and Middle East peace processes with a view to achieving a two-State solution and the establishment of a viable Palestinian State, existing side by side with Israel within internationally recognized borders based on those existing on 4 June 1967, prior to the outbreak of the 1967 Arab-Israeli war, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in line with all relevant United Nations resolutions, international law and internationally agreed parameters. We remain determined both to contribute to reconciliation and the peaceful settlement of the Palestinian situation and to assist the parties to this conflict in their genuine pursuit of peace and coexistence.”
2023-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9387Resumption1 (2023) · source
“Israel’s prolonged illegal occupation of and its increasing expansion of settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories is unjust, perpetuates impunity and is in breach of international law. Israel must therefore be held accountable for its actions in the occupied Palestinian territories and against the Palestinian people. We wish to re-emphasize that, as the body entrusted to maintain international peace and security, the Security Council must strengthen and uphold its responsibility to ensure accountability when international law has been violated. It therefore remains pivotal that the decisions and resolutions of this body be enforced. South Africa further wishes to underscore our unwavering support for the freedom of the Palestinian people as they pursue their right to peace, sovereignty, freedom and justice.”
2023-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9387Resumption1 (2023) · source
“The brutality of these attacks, coupled with the loss of human life and damage to civilian infrastructure is in serious contravention of international humanitarian law and international human rights law and aggravates an already tense situation. As the international community, we cannot sit idle and watch as the occupying Power fails to abide by its obligations under the Geneva Conventions and its Additional Protocols. The Secretary-General has outlined his vision of multilateral efforts for peace and security in his New Agenda for Peace. Key to this vision is a rules-based system premised on international law. Accordingly, as the international community, we cannot allow the selective application of international law in some cases and its total disregard in others.”
2023-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9387Resumption1 (2023) · source
“We thank you, Mr. President, for convening today’s open debate on the Middle East, including the question of Palestine. We also thank Assistant Secretary-General Khaled Khiari for his briefing. We align ourselves with the statement delivered by the representative of Malaysia on behalf of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People. South Africa remains concerned about the deteriorating security and humanitarian situation in the occupied Palestinian territories in the light of Israel’s continued acts of aggression against the Palestinian people. We condemn Israel’s military operation in Jenin earlier this month, considered one of the deadliest raids in the occupied West Bank in recent years.”
2023-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9387Resumption1 (2023) · source
“Our work and focus must seek to prevent such crimes, support victims and survivors, and hold perpetrators accountable. We encourage the continued work on this issue by the Security Council and remain committed to supporting its ongoing efforts.”
2023-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9378Resumption1 (2023) · source
“It is important to recognize that most State actors that are listed in the report have made formal commitments to adopt measures to address conflict-related sexual violence. We must therefore work to support those State actors in their efforts. Yet it is non-State actors who are particularly prone to the use of sexual violence as a weapon, and the existence of such actors is directly connected to instability and weakened governance. We therefore continue to advocate for increased support to State actors and actions that address instability, including unconstitutional changes of Government, an issue which is also highlighted in the Secretary- General’s report. In conclusion, South Africa remains committed in its efforts to address this terrible crime.”
2023-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9378Resumption1 (2023) · source
“Poor rule of law and weakened State authority result in an increase in sexual violence, as non-State actors conduct themselves without any concern or accountability. We must seek measures to act against such atrocity crimes and crimes against humanity. That should be done through prevention, protection and the provision of support for victims and/or survivors. We therefore recognize the value of women’s protection advisers in the field and encourage the continued use of that endorsed priority measure. Unfortunately, we are disheartened by the limited resources allocated for such personnel and strongly advocate for an increased allocation of resources, including through measures called for in resolution 2467 (2019).”
2023-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9378Resumption1 (2023) · source
“It is distressing to note that the victims and survivors of such violence are often persons who already experience systemic discrimination or persecution. In particular, women and girls are targeted for rape, gang rape and abductions, causing personal harm, social disruption and prolonged socioeconomic consequences, which extend beyond the end of direct violence. The report of the Secretary- General (S/2023/413) reminds us that people are often targeted on the basis of their sexual orientation and gender identity, and we encourage greater recognition of that reality in the resolutions of the Council. The report of the Secretary-General highlights the strong linkage between instability, or weakened governance, and the increase in sexual violence.”
2023-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9378Resumption1 (2023) · source
“I would like to thank you, Sir, for convening this critical debate today on this necessary yet disturbing topic. We thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ms. Pramila Patten, and the other briefers from the field for sharing their insights with us today. South Africa associates itself with the statement delivered by the representative of Canada on behalf of the Group of Friends of Women, Peace and Security. Conflict-related sexual violence, as an occurrence, is shameful, but its continued use as weapon of war is especially heinous. It is a grave violation of international human rights law and international criminal law, and it is important that the international community take a strong stance on that.”
2023-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9378Resumption1 (2023) · source
“The destruction of property, the killing of innocent people and the ignoring of the calls by regional organizations and the international community to stop the fighting goes against the AU vision in aspiration of silencing the guns on our continent. We call on all interested parties to desist from actions and statements that will exacerbate the conflict. We stand in solidarity with the people of the Sudan as they seek lasting peace in their country.”
2023-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9310 (2023) · source
“It also provides a reprieve, but does not guarantee lasting peace to the Sudanese people, who have endured hardship for a long time owing to the breaking out of conflicts at various intervals in the life of their nation. We remain committed to supporting the leadership of the African Union (AU) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development and the efforts of the League of Arab States in working for peace. We appreciate the efforts of the Secretary-General and his team in working with the regional bodies and call on all our international partners to work with them and the Sudanese leaders to find a political solution.”
2023-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9310 (2023) · source
“No one will be a winner in this conflict. The killing of over 470 people, with approximately 3,500 injured people, should be condemned by all of us. We commend the brave men and women who continue to work tirelessly to evacuate foreign nationals from the conflict areas to safety in nearby countries. We similarly thank all the humanitarian organizations and workers who provide the much-needed aid on the ground and wish to convey our condolences in connection with those who lost their lives in service. We therefore call on all parties involved to ensure that there is a smooth passage of people to places of safety without hindrance. The temporary ceasefire for evacuation provides short-term relief, and the people of the Sudan require a lasting solution to the current challenges.”
2023-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9310 (2023) · source
“I thank you, Madam President, for convening this meeting to discuss the ensuing conflict in the Sudan. I wish to thank the Secretary-General; Ambassador Fatima Mohammed, speaking on behalf of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission; Special Representative of the Secretary-General Volker Perthes and Assistant Secretary-General Joyce Msuya for sharing their perspectives with us. It has been over 10 days since the fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces started. This has caused untold pain and suffering to the Sudanese people and foreign citizens who found themselves caught up in this unbearable situation. South Africa urges the warring parties to observe the calls for a ceasefire and to use the time to create conditions conducive to diplomatic dialogue to resolve their differences.”
2023-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9310 (2023) · source
“We are therefore encouraged by the decision of the General Assembly in its resolution 77/247 to request an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice on Israeli practices affecting the human rights of the Palestinian people in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem. As the international community, we have a responsibility to work tirelessly to support Palestine and to call for an immediate and unconditional end to Israel’s illegal occupation. South Africa remains committed to that just course and to promoting efforts that will result in the establishment of the two-State solution, whereby Palestinians and Israelis can live side by side in peace.”
2023-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9309Resumption1 (2023) · source
“Settlements are illegal under international law and the Security Council must address Israel’s continued disregard for international law, the Charter of the United Nations and the Council’s own resolutions. South Africa maintains that the selective application of international law undermines the effectiveness of collective responses to global security threats. As the organ entrusted with the maintenance of international peace, the Security Council must strengthen and uphold its responsibility to ensure accountability when international law has been violated. Israel must be held accountable for the structural violence and suffering that its occupation inflicts on Palestinians, and it continues to be of pivotal importance to ensure that the Council’s decisions and resolutions are enforced.”
2023-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9309Resumption1 (2023) · source
“We condemn those violent and illegal acts by the Israeli Government and wish to state that such actions threaten the internationally agreed status quo in relation to Jerusalem and its sacred sites. The ubiquity of the attacks and the Israeli military’s participation in the violence have deepened the atmosphere of fear and coercion. South Africa strongly condemns every act of violence and violation of religious freedom. The actions we have witnessed in the occupied Palestinian territory since the beginning of the year do not make for an environment that is conducive to peace. Instead, they detract from the possibility of a just settlement based on a two-State solution. Israel’s decision to continue with its settlement agenda in the West Bank is of grave concern.”
2023-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9309Resumption1 (2023) · source
“We are therefore perturbed by the fact that those who are legally obligated to serve and protect are the initiators inciting harm and stoking the flames of provocation. As an occupying Power, Israel must abide by its obligations to ensure the protection, security and welfare of the Palestinian civilians living under its occupation in terms of international human rights and humanitarian law. We are appalled by and have noted with grave concern the Israeli occupation forces’ recent assault on Palestinian worshippers earlier this month at the Al-Aqsa Mosque during the holy month of Ramadan, as well as the illegal restrictions on worshippers praying at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre during Easter.”
2023-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9309Resumption1 (2023) · source
“We thank you, Mr. President, for convening this quarterly debate, and we are also grateful to Special Coordinator Wennesland for his briefing. South Africa aligns itself with the statement to be delivered by the representative of Azerbaijan on behalf of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries. South Africa is deeply concerned about the continuing levels of violence and grave attacks directed at Palestinians in recent months by Israeli settlers and Israeli occupation forces in the occupied Palestinian territory. The provocative rhetoric and brutality directed at Palestinians incites a vicious cycle of violence, resulting in intimidation and inflammatory actions. That endemic cycle of violence must be stopped and the drivers of the conflict addressed if peace is to prevail.”
2023-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9309Resumption1 (2023) · source
“I would like to conclude by reaffirming South Africa’s unwavering commitment and support for a rules- based multilateral system that is based on international law, and which is fair, equitable, representative and fit for purpose, with the United Nations at the helm and providing the platform for intergovernmental and collective solutions to common global challenges. The prevailing global economic, development, health, peace and security and other pressing challenges attest to the principle that no single country can alone resolve them. We therefore have to rebuild trust and redouble our efforts to work together towards addressing these challenges.”
2023-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9308Resumption1 (2023) · source
“We wish to remind the Security Council and the States Members of the United Nations that one of the most serious impediments to the effective resolution of conflicts is the prevailing selective application of international law and the United Nations Charter. Accordingly, South Africa believes that effective multilateralism demands that unity, partnership and collaboration be pursued as a first step to strengthening collective action. Equally importantly, the Security Council’s responsibility in ensuring the implementation of its resolutions and fair and equal attention to the issues on its agenda remains vital.”
2023-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9308Resumption1 (2023) · source
“The New Agenda for Peace provides an opportunity in a complex geopolitical context to renew and strengthen our resolve to preserve and improve upon the gains made on global peace and stability in the past 77 years of existence of the United Nations. Conflict prevention, dialogue and mediation must be at the centre of the endeavours of the United Nations in pursuit of global peace and security. This will require strong political will and utmost respect for and consistent application of international law and the United Nations Charter. It cannot be business as usual, if we, as Member States, and the Security Council, with the primary mandate to maintain international peace and security, are to succeed at providing effective management and resolution of global peace and security.”
2023-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9308Resumption1 (2023) · source
“Similarly, we impress on members of the Security Council to rise above their differences on some of the issues on its agenda and earnestly pursue unity and consensus, which we hope will inevitably enhance the effectiveness of the Council and therefore its legitimacy. As we prepare in coming months for the deliberations on “Our Common Agenda” and the Summit of the Future, in particular the New Agenda for Peace, we ought to reflect on a global peace and security architecture that is responsive and effective in resolving emerging threats to peace and security, as well as outstanding and protracted conflicts.”
2023-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9308Resumption1 (2023) · source
“The pursuit of global peace and security requires Member States to put aside their differences and prioritize the common goal of advancing the course of humanity’s peace and development. The relevance of the United Nations has been called into question with greater frequency in recent times. Even more stark is the quest for the legitimacy and integrity of the Security Council. This quest will persist for as long as the paralysis in the Security Council continues without resolution. This has brought to the fore the urgent need for Security Council reform, which requires fair representation and equality in the decision-making processes of the Council.”
2023-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9308Resumption1 (2023) · source
“Of course, that is often expressed through unilateral actions and a blatant disregard for international law. It enables those with power to violate the Charter by, for example, settling their disputes by non-peaceful means or violating or supporting the infringement of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of others. However, this assumption of power does not exempt them from the adverse consequences we all have to bear if the principles enshrined in the Charter are flouted. These consequences are often uncontrollable and have an impact on the long-term security of all. It remains vital for all Member States to be steadfast in their resolve to maintain the centrality of the United Nations in settling international conflicts within the provisions of international law and the United Nations Charter.”
2023-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9308Resumption1 (2023) · source
“The prescripts of the Charter were premised on the historic horrors of the Second World War, the lessons of which are still relevant to modern geopolitics. The prevailing global political climate reminds us that all Member States are bound by the Charter to settle disputes and conflicts by peaceful means and make every effort to pursue global peace and stability. Despite the noble aspirations of the Charter of the United Nations and its positive impact, some Member States have violated and continue to violate some of its central tenets. Although the Charter maintains that the United Nations is based on the principle of the sovereign equality of all its members, in reality we are faced with the Orwellian absurdity that some members are more equal than others.”
2023-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9308Resumption1 (2023) · source
“We thank you, Mr. President, for convening this open debate to discuss the topic “Effective multilateralism through the defence of the principles of the Charter of the United Nations”. We are deliberating on that important topic during a complex time of heightened political tension, which requires sober reflection on the multifaceted global challenges affecting all of us. We must devise effective approaches and innovative solutions to address those challenges as we work to fulfil the common United Nations agenda and strengthen our commitment to multilateralism. The principles of the Charter, which embody core tenets to which we, as Member States, have pledged our commitment, are increasingly under threat.”
2023-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9308Resumption1 (2023) · source
“I conclude by urging all members of the Security Council and the Group of Friends of Security Sector Reform to join efforts in implementing the following three main priorities brought up in this meeting: first, to integrate the tenets of resolution 2553 (2020) into country-specific mandates on SSR, ensuring that they are aligned with the new United Nations vision of SSR; secondly, to establish a consistent time frame within which the Secretary-General would report on the implementation of resolution 2553 (2020) to the Security Council; and lastly, to mobilize financial support for the implementation of the programme of action on SSR, as indicated by my co-facilitator, including for the standing capacity on security sector reform and governance, based in Brindisi.”
2023-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9285 (2023) · source
“The involvement of women and youth is one of the core elements of the women and peace and security agenda, as well as of the youth, peace and security agenda. As we prepare the New Agenda for Peace, we need to place security sector reform at the centre of the discussions, given the importance of security sector reform for peacebuilding and sustaining peace, including conflict prevention. My co-facilitator and I welcome suggestions for establishing a consistent time frame within which the Secretary-General would present a report on the implementation of resolution 2553 (2020) to the Security Council. We look forward to discussing with Mozambique and Council members how we could make that recommendation possible.”
2023-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9285 (2023) · source
“It is the prerogative of each State to determine its approach and needs. It is important that the support provided by the international community respond to the needs of the affected country. We heard in today’s debate that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to security sector reform and governance, but it is always context specific. Importantly, it is largely a political process. We have learned, from our experience in South Africa, that security sector reform is also successful when it is inclusive. There are many actors who need to be involved, including private security actors, traditional leaders, religious communities, women and youth. That is to ensure the needed political support, given the importance of the security sector in all countries.”
2023-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9285 (2023) · source
“I thank you, Mr. President, for convening this meeting to discuss the Secretary-General’s report on security sector reform (SSR) and governance (S/2022/280). I thank Assistant Secretary-General Zouev and Commissioner Adoye for their insightful briefings. The statements delivered at the meeting today confirm the centrality and importance of security sector reform as part of the continuum of peacebuilding and peacemaking. The report of the Secretary-General reminds us that security sector reform and governance needs to be addressed early on in peace processes. It should not be put aside, to be given attention only after peace agreements have been signed. That approach leads to security sector reform programmes that lack adequate resources. We cannot stress enough the importance of national ownership of security sector reform and governance.”
2023-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9285 (2023) · source
“In conclusion, South Africa wishes to emphasize that to reform and transform the existing global institutions of governance, paying attention to preventive diplomacy, enhanced coordination and partnerships between the United Nations and such regional organizations as the African Union, and strengthening the rules- based international system with networked, inclusive and fit-for-purpose multilateralism is fundamental to achieving one of the key principles set forth in the United Nations Charter: to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war.”
2022-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9220Resumption1 (2022) · source
“The United Nations remains the most relevant global and international platform for tackling challenges and threats to peace and security, addressing poverty and underdevelopment and ensuring the protection of human rights. Similarly, in acknowledging the need to reform the Organization, especially the Security Council, we recognize that the Organization has contributed immensely to progress in these three important areas. However, the importance and priority given to development must be equal to that given to peace and security, as the nexus between the two has been well established.”
2022-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9220Resumption1 (2022) · source