YouSaid · the spoken record

Juergen Schulz

lines on the record: 87
first: 2020-04-23
most recent: 2020-07-09
sittings or episodes: 12
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

“Germany commends the efforts of many Governments to contain the spread of the pandemic. At the same time, we urge all actors to fully respect human rights. Preserving the freedom of opinion and expression as well as access to information remains even more important in these difficult times.”
2020-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/706 (2020) · source
“We remain deeply worried about the deteriorating security situation in West Africa and the Sahel, in particular in Burkina Faso, Mali and the Lake Chad basin. An increase in terrorist activities and organized crime, intercommunal violence, continued political tensions, human rights violations and abuses and the exacerbated humanitarian crises are alarming and often mutually reinforcing. Before concluding, I would like to say a final word on the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The ongoing COVID-19 crisis and its humanitarian and socioeconomic consequences are aggravating the already challenging situation in the region. The call for a global ceasefire by the Secretary-General, which the Security Council endorsed in resolution 2532 (2020) last week, has an essential, literally vital, importance for West Africa and the Sahel.”
2020-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/706 (2020) · source
“Germany commends existing regional cooperation, including the engagement of the Group of Five for the Sahel and the work of the Economic Community of West African States. At the same time, any international engagement must go hand in hand with the principles of national ownership. It is the primary responsibility of Governments to build trust in State institutions, ensure the rule of law, guarantee respect for human rights, engage with civil society and integrate women and youth. In this context, it is encouraging to learn about such positive developments as the further progress made in the Gambia. However, we remain concerned about tensions and violence in the context of electoral processes in Guinea and Guinea- Bissau, for example.”
2020-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/706 (2020) · source
“We welcome efforts to increase women’s meaningful participation in political and security processes. Much more needs to be done; although gender equality is not a goal unto itself, the full, effective and equal participation of women substantially increases the chances for sustainable peace and stability in the region. Thirdly, with regard to regional cooperation, all of the challenges the region faces can be overcome only through regional cooperation. Many previous speakers alluded to this fact. UNOWAS is successfully collaborating with regional partners, and coordination with such other United Nations entities as the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa, respective country offices, United Nations agencies and the Peacebuilding Commission remains important.”
2020-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/706 (2020) · source
“In addition, the effects of climate change are leading to disputes over scarce resources and contributing to increased food insecurity in the region. All of this creates a breeding ground for violence, violent extremism and terrorism, and is often the starting point for people to migrate to other regions. For this reason, it was vital to include the climate- security nexus in the UNOWAS mandate at the beginning of this year. We feel this is absolutely crucial, and we cannot ignore the reality any longer. Secondly, much was also said today on women and peace and security. Gender inequality is obviously prevalent. Women and girls continue to be the main target of sexual and gender-based violence. We therefore commend the integration of the gender dimension in the work of UNOWAS.”
2020-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/706 (2020) · source
“We look forward to the UNOWAS study on the security implications of climate change. We also thank Ms. Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim for her passionate briefing. Through her plea for the many concrete things that she spoke of, she made very tangible for us what we in the Security Council often discuss in more abstract terms. We thank her for that. In reviewing the report of the Secretary-General and hearing the statements made today, I would like to address four issues. First of all, on climate and security, today’s briefings made clear again what United Nations institutions have documented time and again, namely, the considerable impact of climate change on security and stability in West Africa and the Sahel. The effects of climate change have caused an increased number of conflicts and are exacerbating existing ones between herders and farmers.”
2020-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/706 (2020) · source
“I would like to start by commending the work of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) and of Special Representative of the Secretary-General Mohamed Ibn Chambas. Mr. Chambas’s cooperation is a prime example of the holistic approach needed for the stability of the entire region. We expressly welcome the good offices of the Special Representative and the continuous support for inclusive dialogue. Dialogue is indeed essential, especially in the light of upcoming elections in the region. Both the regional office and the Special Representative of the Secretary- General enjoy full German support. We greatly appreciate the Secretary-General’s comprehensive report (S/2020/585) and all of its recommendations, particularly on the climate-security nexus.”
2020-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/706 (2020) · source
“Against the background of severe security, socioeconomic, health and humanitarian challenges, such cooperation is absolutely crucial. Supply networks empowering armed groups must be cut off, and illicit war economies must be eliminated. But regional collaboration creates new legal and sustainable opportunities for development and economic growth. In this context, Mr. Usseni Jamael’s assessment is very important: fighting the illicit trafficking in minerals and transforming such activities into legitimate sources of revenue are an essential part of the reform process in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2020-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/598 (2020) · source
“In addition, Germany is very positively disposed towards providing support to MONUSCO in the form of medical facilities through its Enable and Enhance Initiative. We are concerned that the pandemic might undermine political, security and socioeconomic reforms in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. For this reason, it is important that the Government continue on its path of reform, especially in terms of the security sector, disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, and the justice sector. The population needs a new perspective: powerful democratic institutions, a strengthened rule of law and the fight against impunity and corruption are key to achieving sustainable peace, stability and development. Before concluding, let me also say a word about regional cooperation.”
2020-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/598 (2020) · source
“COVID-19 has a worrisome impact on the security, socioeconomic and humanitarian situation. For instance, due to limited capacities, as vaccination rates are low and decreasing, so the vulnerability of children to such diseases as polio, measles and yellow fever is increasing. This shows that international support and solidarity is urgently needed. As part of the COVID-19 Global Humanitarian Response Plan, Germany has already provided €300 million in additional funds for COVID-19-related humanitarian assistance, and is currently the fourth-largest donor to the Plan. The Plan includes a regional response plan and a humanitarian response plan for the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2020-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/598 (2020) · source
“The situation has become even more challenging due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and the unsatisfactory security situation. We commend Special Representative Zerrougui and the Mission for adapting to the new conditions on the ground. We encourage the Mission to further enhance its abilities in the country to implement the recommendations made in the report by Lieutenant General Carlos Alberto dos Santos Cruz and to put a special focus on fulfilling its mandate to protect civilians. On the reconfiguration of MONUSCO, we understand the difficulties posed by COVID-19. Still, it remains important to ensure national ownership in developing benchmarks. These benchmarks must be realistic if we want to achieve a sustainable and conditions-based reconfiguration.”
2020-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/598 (2020) · source
“The dire humanitarian situation continues to hit the most vulnerable groups — women, children and internally displaced people — the hardest. Given that some 300,000 new internally displaced persons have arrived since the beginning of the year in Ituri alone, the protection of civilians and humanitarian assistance must remain the top priority. We take this opportunity to reaffirm our support for the Secretary-General’s call for a global ceasefire. We urge all armed groups in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to adhere this call. We would like to reiterate Germany’s support for the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) and Special Representative of the Secretary-General Leila Zerrougui. MONUSCO remains essential in supporting the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2020-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/598 (2020) · source
“I would like to express Germany’s deepest condolences to the Government of Indonesia and the family of the peacekeeper who lost his life in the ambush on 22 June. The incident tragically demonstrates the level of persisting violence. We remain extremely concerned about the deteriorating situation in the east and the increasing activities of armed groups, especially in North Kivu and Ituri. Germany agrees with the Secretary-General, who, in his report (S/2020/554), observes that a military-only strategy will not lead to lasting stability. We are particularly concerned about the high number of human rights violations, most notably sexual and gender-based violence. Although the number of such violations committed by State security actors has decreased, the overall high numbers of human rights violations remains alarming.”
2020-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/598 (2020) · source
“We highly appreciate the coordinating role of United Nations organizations, through which we channel most of our immediate aid to fight the pandemic in Afghanistan. For effective implementation, the close cooperation of the Government of Afghanistan with the United Nations and other international agencies is paramount. We urge all sides to cooperate with the relevant United Nations agencies, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders in the COVID-19 response. The 2020 Geneva Ministerial Conference on Afghanistan, co-hosted by Finland and Afghanistan, is a milestone for the continuous support to the country. Continued funding is vital if we want to minimize the risk of jeopardizing the progress achieved over the past 19 years.”
2020-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/597 (2020) · source
“The members of the Council should continue to lend their support to this vital Mission. Germany will soon be engaging with all Council members to renew its mandate. Afghanistan is severely affected by the COVID-19 crisis. The official number of 30,000 cases can only be the tip of the iceberg. Ending the violence is of paramount importance. In March, the Security Council urged the conflict parties to S/2020/597 heed the Secretary-General’s call for a global ceasefire. We reaffirm that call today. There are also worrying reports about attacks on health facilities and health workers. During the current pandemic, those facilities are even more relevant. They must not be targeted. Afghanistan needs continued and reliable international assistance to address the immediate humanitarian needs and the long-term economic and social challenges.”
2020-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/597 (2020) · source
“While some steps have yet to be taken, we welcome the plans to start intra-Afghan negotiations soon. Such an arduous process needs a united international support effort. We need to encourage both sides to take constructive and confidence-building steps. Germany will continue its work to support the process in close cooperation with its partners, including our co-penholder Indonesia, as well as Norway, Uzbekistan and, especially, Qatar. We highly recommend the United Nations take an active role in the process. We commend the important role that the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan is playing to coordinate international assistance, particularly during the pandemic, but also to monitor the situation on the ground and engage with conflict parties to bring the peace process forward.”
2020-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/597 (2020) · source
“Recent reports have indicated that Afghanistan is the deadliest conflict for children on the globe. The perpetrators must know that they will be held accountable for their brutal, cynical acts. We also reiterate the importance of a sustainable peace, which can only be achieved through a negotiated and inclusive political settlement, owned and led by the people of Afghanistan, including its women. This will require flexibility on all sides. Any talks and negotiations need to build on what has already been achieved. Women must be equally and meaningfully represented in the negotiation team. We highly appreciate all steps taken to move that process forward, namely the direct talks between the conflict parties to implement the exchange of prisoners and hostages.”
2020-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/597 (2020) · source
“Let me start with some condolences, because the recent weeks in Afghanistan have been among the most gruesome of the last two decades. The attacks on a maternity ward and on a funeral in May were terribly shocking. We did right to condemn them as a Council. Our thoughts are with the families of the victims. The overall level of violence, with continued Taliban attacks — more than 90 attacks a day — is extremely worrying. The attacks go against the spirit of the 29 February agreement between the Taliban and the United States. Violence must be reduced and eventually end for intra-Afghan negotiations to start. We reiterate that all parties must respect their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law and take immediate measures to prevent civilian casualties.”
2020-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/597 (2020) · source
“I would like to thank our briefers, the Special Representative of the Secretary- General, the Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and Ms. Akbar, for their informative briefings and assessments. It is always great to see the Permanent Representative of Afghanistan in the Council. I would also like to extend a particularly warm welcome to Special Representative of the Secretary-General Deborah Lyons in her new job. She is indeed taking up her duties in a particularly crucial year for Afghanistan. As she said, there is coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and the challenge it represents to the prospect of the nascent peace talks. There is also the 2020 pledging conference, which will be so crucial. So, we wish her every success and assure her that we will do anything we can to support her in her important job.”
2020-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/597 (2020) · source
“We would like to seize this opportunity to once again reiterate our support for the Secretary-General’s call for a global ceasefire and call on the armed groups to translate their rhetorical commitment into action on the ground. Finally, we feel that we need to continue to continue to support the authorities of the Central African Republic in their commendable work on the elections, the political situation, the implementation of the peace agreement and current challenges.”
2020-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/572 (2020) · source
“Germany is one of the largest donors to humanitarian aid in the Central African Republic, and we feel that it is heartbreaking to see the people suffer not only from acute food insecurity but also from the toll taken by the COVID-19 pandemic, which is inflicting additional socioeconomic harm. Germany therefore supports the COVID-19 response by United Nations agencies and the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement in humanitarian emergencies with additional funding of €300 million. The funds can be used for all countries covered by the United Nations and International Committee of the Red Cross appeals — the Central African Republic, of course, being one. We therefore must step up international support, and we commend the timely and recent efforts by the Peacebuilding Commission to address the impact of COVID-19 in the region.”
2020-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/572 (2020) · source
“The expansion of the group and its challenges to State authority are serious threats that we follow with growing concern. We believe that if other groups were to follow suit, this could be harmful to the peace process as a whole. We are also worried about the lack of progress on disarmament, demobilization and reintegration and call on both the armed groups and the Government of the Central African Republic to resume their efforts. My last point is on the humanitarian situation. We remain very concerned about the ongoing human rights violations and conflict-related sexual violence. Attacks against the civilian population and infrastructure, internally displaced persons and humanitarian workers must certainly stop.”
2020-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/572 (2020) · source
“Germany welcomes the progress achieved, particularly the legislative progress in implementing the peace agreement that has been made, such as the official establishment of the Commission on Truth, Justice, Reparation and Reconciliation in April. It is important that the Commission become operational as soon as possible. We also welcome the ongoing work of the Special Criminal Court. For Germany to fight against impunity, the rule of law, transitional justice and reconciliation remain essential elements in achieving sustainable peace and stability. At the same time, we remain, as others, very deeply concerned about the ongoing violations of the peace agreement committed by various armed groups. In this conflict, the recent exit of the rebel group Retour, réclamation et réhabilitation from the peace agreement sets a very negative precedent.”
2020-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/572 (2020) · source
“We believe that the international community needs to provide even more help to the Central African Republic, and we listened to what Under-Secretary-General Lacroix said about the funding gap of approximately $10.5 million. In that context, let me just say that Germany is planning to contribute €500,000 additional to support democratic elections. My second point concerns the implementation of the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in the Central African Republic. We would also agree with others who have said that the Secretary-General’s report (S/2020/545) gives a very clear picture of, on the one hand, the accomplishments made in the implementation of the peace agreement and, on the other, of the remaining challenges. This is certainly not a sprint but a marathon, but a marathon very much worth running.”
2020-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/572 (2020) · source
“Although it is important that there be active and meaningful participation on the part of all societal groups in the Central African Republic, including women who have been internally displaced and refugees outside the country, all of this must be guaranteed. Another important factor that obviously influences the election and campaign is the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Many of the previous speakers alluded to that issue. Let me just say that this is also, from our point of view, crucial to the safety and the conditions for the elections. We very much welcome the European Union’s substantial contribution of $13 million to the United Nations Development Programme basket fund in support of the elections.”
2020-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/572 (2020) · source
“We commend all actors, and particularly the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) and the Government of the Central African Republic, for their ongoing efforts to ensure free, fair, inclusive, credible and transparent elections within the constitutional time frame. In that context, we would also like to welcome and commend the Constitutional Court’s decision on this issue and the time frame. We call on all actors in the Central African Republic to engage constructively in the political process before the elections and to resolve potential difficulties through an inclusive dialogue. Election campaigns must be conducted in a reasonable and responsible manner, given the highly fragile security situation.”
2020-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/572 (2020) · source
“Let me extend a particularly warm welcome to His Excellency the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Central African Republic. Like others, we also want to start by strongly condemning yesterday’s ambush and extending our condolences to the people of the Central African Republic and to the families of those who were killed or wounded. I would like to focus on three brief points. First, on the elections and the political situation, we fully agree with the assessment expressed by Under-Secretary-General Lacroix that the presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for the end of this year are absolutely crucial.”
2020-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/572 (2020) · source
“Let me assure the Council that Germany will remain a committed and reliable partner and donor of UNHCR across the board of its activities, especially in these unprecedented times of COVID-19.”
2020-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/560 (2020) · source
“Grandi reminded us that the number of displaced people has increased even further from last year’s record numbers and that there is a strong need for humanitarian, development and peacebuilding actors to further enhance cooperation in order to effectively address today’s manifold and often protracted displacement situations and to promote durable solutions in the interest of the displaced and their hosts. The Council is aware of Germany’s ongoing work on the prevention of sexual violence in conflict situations. In the light of the COVID-19 crisis, the prevalence of sexual and gender-based violence has risen to truly alarming levels. Against that backdrop, we encourage UNHCR to strongly focus on its protection mandate, in particular with regard to women and girls, who are often the most marginalized in a displacement context.”
2020-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/560 (2020) · source
“Damascus must provide credible and verifiable security guarantees that would allow for the voluntary, safe and dignified return of Syrians to their country. Meanwhile, cross-border humanitarian assistance remains fundamental to reaching those in need in the north-west and north-east of Syria. As a co-penholder of the Syrian humanitarian file in the Council, Germany is strongly committed to supporting UNHCR and other humanitarian actors in securing as much humanitarian access as possible, now more important than ever because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Ahead of World Refugee Day this Saturday, Mr.”
2020-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/560 (2020) · source
“We recall once more that, in the case of refugees and internally displaced persons, all repatriations must be voluntary, safe, dignified and well-informed. We must redouble efforts to deliver a better future for Rohingya refugees with freedom of movement, a decent livelihood and, in the long run, the possibility of gaining citizenship in order to address the risks posed by measles, mumps and rubella. We appreciate the willingness of the Government of Bangladesh to continue hosting the Rohingya refugees. In that context, I also want to speak about Syria. It is not the lack of infrastructure that prevents internally displaced persons and refugees from returning home. The main barrier is the climate of fear and injustice and the weak rule of law in Syria.”
2020-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/560 (2020) · source
“We therefore call upon all Member States to contribute to the achievement of the objectives of the Global Compact on Refugees. Today’s meeting can also help encourage the broader membership to engage in the follow-up process, mobilize serious commitments and make substantial contributions. The Council should stand firmly by UNHCR’s side in that endeavour. With regard to Libya, we are deeply concerned about consistent reports on the humanitarian and human rights situation of refugees and migrants, in particular in detention centres.S/2020/560 Regarding overarching principles for the repatriation of refugees, we strongly appreciate UNHCR staying firm on the necessity of having key protection mechanisms in place as a precondition of any assisted voluntary repatriation.”
2020-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/560 (2020) · source
“We call on all Member States to ensure and protect the rights of refugees through preventive measures, to safeguard the humanitarian space and to grant exemptions for humanitarian workers and goods. More equitable burden-sharing is indispensable if we are to provide sustainable solutions for refugees and those who host them. It is therefore very encouraging — six months after the very successful first-ever Global Refugee Forum — to see progress in the implementation of the many Forum pledges and other instruments. The impressive variety of pledges, good practices and new initiatives is indeed encouraging, and they require meaningful and dedicated implementation and follow up. As a co-convener of the Forum, Germany is fully committed to further supporting the implementation process.”
2020-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/560 (2020) · source
“To answer the call of the COVID-19 Global Humanitarian Response Plan and UNHCR’s COVID-19 appeal, Germany provided €300 million in additional funding — €35 million specifically for UNHCR. We did so in a way that gives organizations, including UNHCR, the leeway they require to adapt their humanitarian operations flexibly to the continuously changing situation and needs. In the face of this crisis, we strongly believe that determined action, global solidarity and multilateralism are more needed than ever. We strongly echo the High Commissioner’s statement that an effective response to the pandemic and respecting international refugee law and standards are not mutually exclusive.”
2020-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/560 (2020) · source
“This is all the more important these days because, while the pandemic is affecting everyone across the globe, its impact will be most devastating for people in the most vulnerable situations, including refugees and displaced persons. We commend the work of UNHCR’s staff, who continue to provide protection and assistance to the most vulnerable despite lockdown measures and often at the risk of their own health and safety. Prevention measures introduced in displacement sites have helped to avoid a major outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Germany has also supported UNHCR financially in its endeavour to keep those under its mandate safe from COVID-19.”
2020-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/560 (2020) · source
“I would like to thank High Commissioner Grandi for his briefing. It is important that the Security Council be briefed on a regular basis on the activities of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and their relevance for our work. We appreciate this follow up to UNHCR’s April 2019 briefing (see S/PV.8504) during our presidency. The UNHCR report Global Trends — Forced Displacement in 2019, published today, brings the sad news of a record 79.5 million refugees worldwide — 68 per cent of whom originate from just five countries, and 6.6 million from Syria alone. Germany appreciates the indispensable role of UNHCR in protecting and assisting millions of refugees and internally displaced persons worldwide.”
2020-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/560 (2020) · source
“I would echo the Force Commander’s sentiment that the protection of civilians remains the core pillar of the Mission’s mandate. That remains key, and the COVID-19 pandemic poses a particular challenge to the protection-of-civilian sites and camps. Those sites are densely populated and social distancing and hygienic measures are difficult to implement. My last point on UNMISS is that safeguarding viable medical evacuation destinations for UNMISS personnel is also a challenge at the moment. We would like to ask the Secretariat to keep troop-contributing countries informed about the state of play and underline that a robust solution must be found as soon as possible. We also call on South Sudan and neighbouring States to fully cooperate with the United Nations.”
2020-06-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/514 (2020) · source
“Overall, we witnessed a detrimental impact on the security situation, probably due to the Mission’s drastic reductions as a result of the outbreak of the pandemic. At the same time, it is clear that, given the medical and logistical conditions in South Sudan, UNMISS must take a cautious approach. We encourage the Mission to operate as effectively much as possible under the current circumstances, especially with regard to the violence in Jonglei state. We must also remind the Government that combating the pandemic must not divert attention from the implementation of the peace agreement, which is so critical. We ask the Government of South Sudan to fully and comprehensively implement the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan.”
2020-06-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/514 (2020) · source
“We therefore call on both parties to ensure the safety and security of military and civilian personnel in UNDOF and the Observer Group Golan, and to extend their cooperation to UNDOF with a view to helping in fulfil its mandated tasks. We also call on the parties to allow UNDOF to operate safely, securely and freely in accordance with the Disengagement of Forces Agreement. It is important for UNDOF to be able to carry out its operations without any administrative obstacles. Finally, turning to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), the precautionary and preventive measures taken by the Mission — some owing to unduly imposed Government restrictions — have resulted in a reduction of operational activities. All such status-of-forces-agreement violations must stop.”
2020-06-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/514 (2020) · source
“UNDOF continues to play a vital role in preserving the ceasefire between Israel and Syria. We remain concerned about the continued and increasing number of violations of the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement, as reported by the Secretary- General in his most recent report (S/2020/219). We welcome and encouraged by the return of UNDOF to the Bravo side. Once the situation on the ground allows, operational activities such as night patrols and inspections, as agreed by Syria, should resume. However, we remain concerned that, due to host nation restrictions — particularly because of COVID-19 — essential personal protective equipment cannot always reach peacekeepers.”
2020-06-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/514 (2020) · source
“Further and broader Mission tests will backfire if we do not collectively ensure that it has the right personnel and adequate resources. Efficiency gains go hand in hand with a mandate with a realistic scope. I would also like to recall that the Mission is multidimensional, as the name suggests — consisting of civilians, military and police. The force adaptation plan must be geared towards making the military component stronger and enabling the work of the other parts of the Mission. For that to occur, the civilian, police and military components must be better integrated. Turning to UNDOF, I think it is fair to say that, in these times, strong mission leadership is more important than ever. We once again thank Brigadier General O’Brien for her dedicated service.”
2020-06-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/514 (2020) · source
“The recent Force Generation Conference demonstrated that there is strong support for the plan and that we need more pledges for certain critical capabilities, in particular helicopters. Turning to my country, Germany, I would like to stress that, since the start of MINUSMA, in 2013, Germany has been a strong supporter of the Mission and has contributed both troops and police to it. We will maintain our commitment. In that vein, we announced an additional contribution in support of MINUSMA’s force adaptation plan, thereby further expanding the range of our unmanned aircraft system Heron 1 in Gao. As we are going to discuss MINUSMA and the mandate in more detail soon, all I want to say at this point is that there is obviously a limit to what we can do with S/2020/514 the capabilities we have at hand.”
2020-06-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/514 (2020) · source
“Germany stands ready to help and to contribute as a medical evacuation destination, but with some limitations, since we still have a high number of domestic cases and we have to take precautionary measures for a possible second wave. I would like now to say a few words about the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). In particular, I would like to focus on the force adaptation plan and to thank the Force Commander for leading it. The force adaptation plan is indispensable for further improving operational efficiency. And it is, as was said, the driver for change to the Mission. The force adaptation plan is therefore critical.”
2020-06-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/514 (2020) · source
“Secondly, we also had a very productive exchange last year when we focused on cooperation with host States. In the light of the current COVID-19 pandemic, cooperation with host nations is more important than ever. Without their consent, no life-saving goods and equipment will reach the missions, and peacekeepers cannot receive the medical treatment they need. Host nations, of course, bear the primary responsibility for the safety and security of peacekeepers and for full compliance with the respective status of forces agreement. Thirdly, safeguarding viable medical evacuation destinations is a challenge at the moment.”
2020-06-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/514 (2020) · source
“It was very good to hear from the three Force Commanders how that has been done, and it was very interesting to hear from them how they integrate an efficient pandemic response into their daily work on the ground and what can be done further to improve their pandemic readiness. Before I turn to the three missions, let me make three brief general points. First of all, we express our strong support for the Secretariat’s efforts to increase the number of women in peacekeeping, especially in senior leadership positions. It is promising that this year we see more diversity, including in our conversations, and welcome Brigadier General O’Brien as Acting Head of Mission and Force Commander of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF).”
2020-06-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/514 (2020) · source
“I wish to thank the three Force Commanders for their presentations. We very much appreciate the regular direct interaction with the Force Commanders; it is extremely helpful. We would like to thank them for their service and their leadership. We would also like to pay tribute to all troops under their command for their service exercising and to express our deepest condolences to the families of all those who have lost their lives while performing peacekeeping duties. It is always good to have a direct exchange with the Force Commanders, especially this year, as we are discussing the implications of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. It is very important for us to learn and better understand how the pandemic and its implications affect the implementation of the peacekeeping missions’ mandates.”
2020-06-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/514 (2020) · source
“It is essential that, under these circumstances, humanitarian access be maintained and humanitarian principles be fully respected. We will continue our humanitarian engagement in Somalia. The EU is very heavily and seriously engaged in humanitarian support for Somalia. Germany is doing the same bilaterally and nationally. Germany has already provided over €55 million for humanitarian assistance. In the light of the worsening humanitarian situation, further commitments are being considered.”
2020-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/436 (2020) · source
“The European Union (EU) has contributed very significantly to supporting AMISOM, with a total of almost $2 billion since 2007. Germany is convinced that AMISOM will continue to be one of the cornerstones of international support to the Somali security sector for the time being. Turning to the humanitarian situation and COVID-related repercussions, we remain extremely concerned about the current humanitarian situation. The present flooding and the increased spread of desert locusts clearly show the aggravating consequences of climate change for Somalia’s humanitarian situation and fragile statehood. COVID-19 poses additional challenges. We welcome the measures taken by the Somali authorities to combat the spread and call upon all international partners to support Somalia in that regard.”
2020-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/436 (2020) · source
“We welcome the progress made in the security sector; however, the security situation remains a great challenge. We are concerned about the high frequency of attacks by Al-Shabaab. In order to update and implement the security transition plan, a comprehensive approach to security is essential. The plan needs Somali ownership and buy-in from all stakeholders and partners, as well as a focus on capacity- building for the Somali security forces in order to enable them to fully take over responsibility for security in the country. Against that backdrop, we must pursue a constructive discussion on international support to the Somali security sector over the next months, also with an eye on the upcoming independent assessment. The African Union Mission (AMISOM) has been of key importance to the security situation in Somalia since its inception.”
2020-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/436 (2020) · source
“Let me also underscore that credible, free and fair one-person-one-vote elections in late 2020 or early 2021 are key to democratic State-building in Somalia and will be the yardstick by which the current Somali Administration will be measured. We acknowledge the challenges posed by coronavirus disease (COVID-19) to the continued preparations for the elections, but want to make clear that this should not hamper the Federal Government’s ability to answer unresolved questions on the basis of a broad political consensus and in full cooperation with the federal member states. A return to the 2016 clan-based model must be avoided. We need to see concrete progress towards implementing the principle of one-person-one-vote wherever possible.”
2020-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/436 (2020) · source