YouSaid · the spoken record

Jürgenson

lines on the record: 525
first: 2020-01-10
most recent: 2022-06-02
sittings or episodes: 106
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

“Estonia has also joined the joint investigative team on alleged core international crimes committed in Ukraine, which has been set up with the support of Eurojust to facilitate investigations and prosecutions in the States concerned, as well as those that can be submitted to the ICC. In cooperation with the Court’s Trust Fund for Victims, Estonia organized an online seminar on 12 May to mark the twentieth anniversary of the Rome Statute’s entry into force, with a particular focus on the victims of atrocity crimes in the Court’s proceedings and the role and activities of the Trust Fund. We call on all the members of the Council and on the international community to continue striving to put victims first and to cooperate with all international accountability mechanisms in order to achieve justice and reparations.”
2022-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9052Resumption1 (2022) · source
“It is our common duty to bring the perpetrators of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide to justice. We support meaningful progress this autumn here in New York on the draft articles on crimes against humanity drawn up by the International Law Commission. The International Criminal Court (ICC) plays a particular role in dealing with atrocity crimes and bringing justice to victims. Estonia was among the countries that referred the situation in Ukraine to the Court, and we appreciate that the Prosecutor expeditiously launched the investigation. Criminal proceedings have been initiated in Estonia based on the universal jurisdiction of States to collect evidence of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Ukraine.”
2022-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9052Resumption1 (2022) · source
“With regard to the veto, we need to step up our efforts to refrain from its use, especially in cases of mass atrocity crimes. We reiterate our strong support to the French-Mexican initiative and the code of conduct of the Accountability, Coherence and Transparency group. We also welcome the recent unanimous adoption of General Assembly resolution 76/262, according to which every use of the veto must be explained to the Assembly. We urge Russia to comply with the 16 March order of the International Court of Justice, which is binding under international law, and to immediately suspend its military operations in the territory of Ukraine. Estonia supports all efforts to ensure the conduct of independent and effective investigations into crimes committed by Russia in Ukraine and to ensure justice and accountability.”
2022-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9052Resumption1 (2022) · source
“The atrocity crimes committed by the Soviet Union during the Second World War went unpunished because the winners of the war did not face judgment. The effects and consequences of that today include Russia praising the Soviet Union’s heroic history and attempting to restore it. New generations have been raised on that myth and do not attribute any guilt to Stalin for the crimes that were committed. We regret that the Russian Federation has held the Security Council hostage with its veto power and that it has not been possible to determine and condemn its full- scale aggression against Ukraine, in blatant violation of the Charter of the United Nations — although I am glad that like-minded countries are using this arena to confront Russia’s disinformation and lies.”
2022-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9052Resumption1 (2022) · source
“Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): Allow me to thank you, Mr. President, for convening today’s high-level open debate on this crucial topic. I would like to thank the briefers for their insightful interventions. Estonia aligns itself with the statements made by the observer of the European Union and the representative of the Marshall Islands on behalf of the Group of Friends of Accountability following the aggression against Ukraine. It is of the utmost importance that the most serious crimes of concern to the international community as a whole should not go unpunished. Such grave crimes threaten the peace, security and well-being of the world’s populations. Impunity leads to a distorted understanding of right and wrong, as well as the commission of new crimes.”
2022-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9052Resumption1 (2022) · source
“It needs to be strong and absolutely clear in calling on Russia to end its aggression and the horrors it has brought upon children in Ukraine.”
2022-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9032 (2022) · source
“We value the tireless work by UNICEF, other United Nations agencies and civil society in Ukraine and beyond to protect children. We welcome the work of the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross in coordinating their efforts to ensure the safe passage of civilians, including children from Mariupol. Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania will continue to support the work of those organizations and provide financial and in-kind humanitarian assistance to Ukraine in an amount totalling more than €46 million. We have welcomed those fleeing the war in Ukraine and have offered them access to our education and health systems, as well as online-learning opportunities and mental-health support for children within and outside Ukraine. The Security Council has stood strong in calling for the protection of children in conflict.”
2022-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9032 (2022) · source
“Russia’s crimes have been recorded, and it will be held accountable. We underline and support the role of the International Criminal Court, the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine and the United Nations human rights monitoring mission in that work. We call for the full implementation of resolution 1612 (2005), as well as additional resolutions on children and armed conflict, including resolution 2601 (2021) on the protection of the right to education. We recall that Russia, a permanent member of the Security Council, has endorsed and must comply with them. We underline the importance of recording, monitoring and reporting violations against children in Ukraine to the Security Council, including by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict.”
2022-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9032 (2022) · source
“In less than three months, 14 million people, including two thirds of Ukraine’s children, have been forced to leave their homes. The Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights asserts that more than 121,000 children have been forcibly deported to Russia. The forced deportations, together with the Russian steps towards legislative changes to accelerate the adoption of children from Ukraine, in violation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, need to be monitored by the United Nations and other relevant organizations. The Russian actions represent violations of international law amounting to war crimes and crimes against humanity, as well as grave violations against children in conflict. That includes killing and maiming, attacks against schools and hospitals and sexual violence.”
2022-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9032 (2022) · source
““For children”, written in Russian on the side of a Russian missile that struck the Kramatorsk train station, was a cynical but revealing expression of that fact. Children have been born in shelters during bombings, lived through days of air raids and destruction and stepped onto trains leaving their homes and families behind. Since 24 February, the United Nations has recorded 238 children killed and more than 300 injured in Ukraine, which it admits is a clear underestimate. Hundreds of schools and educational institutions have been destroyed or damaged according to the United Nations, including most recently in Bilohorivka, with the death of more than 60 people, after a Russian bomb flattened a school there. Children are suffering in besieged cities, such as Mariupol, without access to humanitarian assistance.”
2022-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9032 (2022) · source
“Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): I am speaking on behalf of the Baltic countries — Latvia, Lithuania and my own country, Estonia. I thank the briefers for their updates on the alarming humanitarian situation in Ukraine and the daily work by UNICEF and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs to help those affected by the brutal Russian military aggression. We cannot consider this dire situation without making clear who, by choice, started this war and who can end it — the Russian Federation, which must put an end to its aggression and the suffering of children in Ukraine. The Russian aggression has been accompanied by killing, torture and terror aimed at civilians, while demonizing and dehumanizing them in Russia’s war propaganda. Make no mistake: children have been, and continue to be, targets for Russia.”
2022-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9032 (2022) · source
“We support the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine as well as the work being done under the auspices of the Moscow Mechanism of the Organization for Security and Cooperation, and we continue our support for the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court. But we cannot forget that, while these investigations are under way, countless civilians continue to be targeted by Russia in Ukraine every day. The Russian attack against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally agreed borders needs to stop now. I repeat: Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania stand with the people of Ukraine — women, men and children —who have shown immeasurable courage. We stand with humanity against brutality.”
2022-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9018 (2022) · source
“The humanitarian situation of those trapped in the cities under siege has been described as “hell”. The Russian Federation must immediately grant full, safe and unhindered access for humanitarian assistance to Mariupol and other besieged cities, as well as safe passage to allow civilians to safely and voluntarily leave for the destination of their choice. As we discuss the humanitarian consequences of the Russian aggression, we also reiterate our call for accountability for the systematic violations of international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law, committed by the Russian armed forces in Ukraine.”
2022-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9018 (2022) · source
“We continue to assist the nearly 110,000 refugees who have reached Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Millions are displaced as a direct result of the war. Our countries are sending medical and shelter supplies, food aid and other support to help the people in Ukraine. Our combined humanitarian assistance — from the State but also countless individuals, companies and civil society organizations — amounts to €66 million. As just one example: one in every three Estonians has made a charitable donation to help the people in Ukraine. We are contributing to the United Nations humanitarian flash appeal and the regional refugee response plan and the International Committee of the Red Cross. We also continue to provide humanitarian assistance and development cooperation globally.”
2022-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9018 (2022) · source
“The Russian aggression was launched and is being conducted with a cynical indifference to its humanitarian consequences for Ukraine and the world. Cities reduced to ruins, homes and farms destroyed, families torn apart; thousands, including hundreds of children, killed and wounded; civilians tortured, subjected to sexual violence, summarily executed and burned in Bucha and elsewhere; rising hunger and poverty in the most vulnerable regions of the world — these are the devastating results of the choice that Russia has made. They bring echoes of the worst crimes of the past century, which the United Nations is designed to prevent. Five million people have been forced to flee Ukraine, most of them women and children. We commend the solidarity of Ukraine’s immediate neighbours in helping those fleeing.”
2022-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9018 (2022) · source
“Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): I am speaking today on behalf of the Baltic countries — Latvia, Lithuania and my own country, Estonia. We give great importance to this opportunity to take part in the Council discussion today. I thank the briefers for their updates, which reflect the alarming humanitarian situation caused by the brutal Russian military aggression, with the complicity of Belarus, against Ukraine. This aggression is illegal and unprovoked. We strongly condemn this violation of international law, including the United Nations Charter. We repeat the demand of the International Court of Justice and that of the General Assembly for Russia to immediately stop its aggression and unconditionally withdraw all forces and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine.”
2022-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9018 (2022) · source
“We continue to support the standing recommendations for ending and preventing conflict- related sexual violence, in particular through the inclusion of responses to it in mandate renewals; the deployment and resourcing of women’s protection advisers; the designation of sexual violence as a stand- alone criterion for targeted sanctions and ensuring relevant expertise in the Sanctions Committees; referrals of situations to the ICC in accordance with its Statute; and by addressing threats and reprisals against women’s rights and civil-society representatives. We note, however, that if those recommendations are to be truly acted upon, the Council as a whole has to start to see that confronting conflict-related sexual violence is an essential part of its work of maintaining international peace and security.”
2022-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9016Resumption1 (2022) · source
“We call for the continued monitoring and reporting of conflict-related sexual violence in Ukraine by established United Nations mechanisms, and for comprehensive survivor- centred services, including sexual and reproductive health services. Estonia continues to support the United Nations Team of Experts on the Rule of Law and Sexual Violence in Conflict.”
2022-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9016Resumption1 (2022) · source
“Now as then, we need accountability and action to end the crimes in Ukraine today. Estonia is determined to ensure that there will be accountability for the violations of international law in Ukraine, including those that amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity. That includes holding the perpetrators of these atrocity crimes accountable. We fully support the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, the work under the Moscow Mechanism of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and the efforts of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC). We have rejoined the referral of the situation in Ukraine to the ICC. Criminal proceedings have been initiated in Estonia under universal jurisdiction, within which evidence of the commission of war crimes and crimes against humanity is collected.”
2022-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9016Resumption1 (2022) · source
“We have heard repeated accounts from the United Nations and organizations on the ground of the pattern of horrifying conflict-related sexual violence by the armed forces of the Russian Federation in its unlawful military aggression against Ukraine. Those reports are a reflection of how Russia wages war — through targeted, cruel retaliation against civilians, including women and children. They are also a reflection of an ideology that sees the people living in Ukraine as less than human and therefore permitted to be subjected to inhumane treatment. We have seen that before, with results that we as Member States have vowed never to let happen again. There are people in my country who still have living memories of systematic violence brought about by aggression.”
2022-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9016Resumption1 (2022) · source
“As we condemn the prevalence of conflict-related sexual violence and the impunity surrounding it, we support and stand with those around the world who work day by day to prevent and end it — women’s rights and community activists, local organizations, medical workers, judges and lawyers, journalists and media workers, national, regional and international investigative and accountability mechanisms — all determined to break the cycle of conflict-related sexual violence. And here, in the Security Council, we say that the Council and the United Nations at large must continue to do their part. When Estonia was on the Council, we focused on addressing conflict-related sexual violence wherever it occurred, including in Ethiopia, Afghanistan, Iraq, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan and Yemen, and we are continuing that work now.”
2022-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9016Resumption1 (2022) · source
“Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): I thank the United Kingdom for convening today’s debate and the briefers for their interventions. Estonia aligns itself with the statement to be delivered by the European Union. While today’s debate focuses on crimes that are abhorrent, cruel and inhumane, it also highlights the resilience, determination and humanity of the efforts to combat those crimes.”
2022-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9016Resumption1 (2022) · source
“We also need the strong voice of the United Nations — at the highest levels — to raise specific attacks and threats in statements and regular briefings. For that, we need systematic reporting by United Nations missions on threats against women engaged in political and peace processes. Finally, we need a renewed focus on resources. In that regard, we welcome the launch of the funding window under the Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund and the work done by UN-Women under the Compact on Women, Peace and Security and Humanitarian Action.”
2022-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8949 (2022) · source
“We need condemnation by the Security Council of attacks directed at women human rights defenders, including those addressing the Council, as well as the continued adoption and use of sanctions in connection with sexual- and gender-based violence. We need to ensure real accountability to increase the currently negligible cost of attacks on women peacebuilders, including through national legal systems and international justice mechanisms such as the International Criminal Court, while offering protection and support to those who bring complaints. As we experienced during our membership of the Security Council, we need broadly established procedures, information exchange and guidelines at the United Nations level, which need to be developed in consultation with women human rights defenders.”
2022-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8949 (2022) · source
“The targets of those threats include, somewhat unbelievably, the women who address the Security Council, whose only weapons are their words, which are focused on reaching peace. We cannot afford their silence, which would undermine the work of the Council on peace and security. Afghanistan is a warning example of the impact of the removal of women from the political and peace process. The Security Council, like the rest of the United Nations, has been slow in addressing those risks, often failing to reach agreement on whether such women human rights defenders exist at all. We need the commitment of all States to protect the freedom of expression and association and the lives of women human rights defenders and peacebuilders, including by adopting measures to support them in line with Council resolutions.”
2022-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8949 (2022) · source
“Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): It is good to be back in this Chamber, especially for a topic as important as women and peace and security. I thank you, Madam President, for organizing this open debate. Estonia aligns itself with the statement by the European Union. Estonia strongly condemns the persistent threats and attacks against women human rights defenders and peacebuilders both online and offline. Women peacebuilders are often among the few people with the courage to speak up for change and for peace. Yet often Governments and warring parties do not have the courage to hear them out. Instead, women are silenced through violence or threats of it. That includes situations on the Security Council’s agenda ranging from Afghanistan to Yemen and Haiti.”
2022-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8949 (2022) · source
“As this is, hopefully, my last official meeting as a member of the Security Council, I would like to also take this opportunity to thank Ms. Hasmik Egian, her team and the Secretariat for the excellent help and cooperation that we have had during the past two years, and all my colleagues on the Council — both elected and permanent members — for really making us feel like part of the family. I use that word sincerely. Although we have sometimes not seen eye to eye, I really appreciate the personal relations that we have had here, and it has been an honour and great experience to serve in the Council. When we leave the Council, I promise that we will be guided by the same principles and that we will continue to work towards making this a better and safer world.”
2021-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8940 (2021) · source
“Turning to Gaza, we positively note the recent steps taken by Israel to ease the restrictions on the movement of goods to Gaza and call for additional improvements to allowing movement in and out of Gaza, while taking into account Israel’s security concerns. I would like once more to call on the parties to refrain from unilateral steps undermining the two-State solution and instead to take practical steps towards improving cooperation. I would also like to commend Special Coordinator Wennesland for his continued efforts, together with key international partners, to create favourable conditions for the resumption of meaningful negotiations. Before I finish, Sir, I would first like to congratulate and thank you and the Niger for an excellent presidency during the month of December.”
2021-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8940 (2021) · source
“Civil society enjoying fundamental freedoms is essential to democracy and to promoting peace and efforts between Israelis and Palestinians. On a positive note, we recognize the increased contacts between the Israeli and Palestinian authorities. Hopefully, these will be followed by more practical steps, including those aimed at improving the economic and institutional stability of the Palestinian Authority. Thirdly, we welcome the holding of the first phase of Palestinian municipal elections on 11 December. Hopefully, that will soon be followed by a second phase in the rest of the municipalities, as well as national elections. We hope to see the resumption of the efforts towards intra-Palestinian reconciliation, which also remains vital to reaching a sustainable solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.”
2021-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8940 (2021) · source
“While we note the recent decision of the Israeli authorities to postpone the approval of a plan for some 9,000 settlement units in Atarot, we urge Israel to permanently halt all settlement plans in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem. The report of the Secretary-General mentions another worrying trend — the increase in restrictions by Israel and the Palestinian Authority on the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association, including arbitrary detentions. We call on the Palestinian authorities to ensure freedom of expression of human rights defenders and protesters and ensure the protection of the witnesses in the trial for Nizar Banat’s killing. We also take seriously the listing of six Palestinian non-governmental organizations as terrorist organizations by the Israeli authorities.”
2021-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8940 (2021) · source
“Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): I too thank Special Coordinator Wennesland for his briefing. Estonia shares the concerns about escalated tensions in the West Bank, which have led to an increasingly volatile situation. We strongly condemn the terrorist attacks and violence against civilians, including the deadly shooting near Nablus last Thursday. We are also concerned about the increased settler-related violence. We call on all parties to refrain from violence incitement and acts of provocation. Secondly, we remain worried about the continued Israeli settlement expansion, demolitions and evictions, as such acts are contrary to international law.”
2021-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8940 (2021) · source
“However, they do provide us with relevant information for taking action against impunity in future. There will be no peace in Syria until impunity prevails. The international community will never normalize its views on killings, torture, sexual violence and forced disappearances, which unfortunately continue in Syria on a daily basis. I hope the next membership of the Security Council will be able to tackle these atrocities in a meaningful and swift way.”
2021-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8937 (2021) · source
“In the past months, 100 civilians have been killed in clashes and attacks. I reiterate our call for a nationwide ceasefire, which is a precondition for a peaceful dialogue based on resolution 2254 (2015). All parties must adhere to international law and provide safe, sustained and unimpeded humanitarian access to all Syrians. Last month, Estonia organized an Arria Formula meeting, at which the United Nations-mandated International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism to Assist in the Investigation and Prosecution of Persons Responsible for the Most Serious Crimes under International Law Committed in the Syrian Arab Republic since March 2011 and Syrian civil society representatives gave a detailed overview on the question of accountability in Syria. Those kind of meetings do not stop atrocities in Syria.”
2021-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8937 (2021) · source
“I welcome the timely publication of the reports (S/2021/1029 and S/2021/1030) on the implementation of resolution 2585 (2021), which, among other things, focuses on cross-line deliveries. There have been substantial improvements when it comes to coordination between the relevant parties on the ground. In that regard, we remain cautiously optimistic about potential new developments that could make cross-line deliveries regular and reliable. Until then, however, cross-line deliveries will be unable to substitute for the large-scale humanitarian response provided through the cross- border mechanism. Cross-border aid remains the backbone of the Organization’s overall humanitarian response in Syria. Maintaining stable aid flow is crucial, as the war in Syria has not ended.”
2021-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8937 (2021) · source
“Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): I thank Special Envoy Pedersen and Under-Secretary-General Griffiths for their informative briefings. Their balanced and objective views have guided us well throughout the two years that we have been on the Security Council. I also welcome Ms. Amani Ballour to today’s meeting. Estonia commends the work of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, which continues to provide humanitarian aid to millions of people in Syria. As noted by Mr. Griffiths, all modalities are important in reaching the large number of internally displaced persons across the country. That is especially true in the light of the coronavirus disease pandemic and ongoing winterization efforts.”
2021-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8937 (2021) · source
“The country is experiencing its worst food crisis since its independence, with thousands of people facing famine-like conditions in several areas of the country. Record floods and the socioeconomic impact of the coronavirus disease are further exacerbating the dire situation. We continue to call on the Government to better protect the humanitarian workers, as they are fighting for the lives of many South Sudanese. In conclusion, I want to thank Nicholas Haysom, UNMISS and the relevant United Nations agencies for their invaluable work in South Sudan. Moreover, my thanks also go to Ambassador Linda Thomas- Greenfield and the United States for their penholdership and Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy and his team for their impeccable leadership as Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 2206 (2015) concerning South Sudan.”
2021-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8931 (2021) · source
“With regard to future elections, the crackdown on civic space and the harassment of human rights activists are unacceptable. All civil society organizations must be able to express their views freely and without fear of retaliation. We remain concerned about the extrajudicial executions carried out in Warrap and Lakes states. We call on the Government to investigate those killings, and to do so in compliance with its international obligations under international human rights law. We need to see improvements in the human rights situation within the country, especially concerning conflict- related sexual violence. Sadly, the humanitarian situation is catastrophic, with more than 60 per cent of the population in need of humanitarian aid.”
2021-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8931 (2021) · source
“The reunification of armed forces provided for in the Peace Agreement, which is crucial to a stable South Sudan, is totally stalled due to the huge level of mistrust among the political actors of the country and the militia-led conflicts. We need to see more positive developments in reality, not just on paper. Contrary to what some believe, delays in the graduation of the Necessary Unified Forces are not related to the arms embargo. There are provisions in resolution 2428 (2018) that allow the Government to move on with the implementation of the Peace Agreement. Although the parliament was inaugurated on 30 August, it has made minimal progress so far, which in turn delays the passage of critical legislation. The parliament’s work is of crucial importance, if South Sudan is to have free, fair and credible elections.”
2021-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8931 (2021) · source
“Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): I want to thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Haysom, Ms. Saeed, and Ambassador Pham for their briefings. I would like to start by commending the improved overall communication between the Government and the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and the positive actions by the Government designed to advance the transitional-justice agenda. We hope that the establishment of the Hybrid Court for South Sudan as well as the Compensation and Reparation Authority will follow suit, as stipulated in the Revitalized Peace Agreement. For the entirety of our membership in the Security Council, we have been asking for the swifter implementation of the Peace Agreement. It is still delayed, and this eventually makes the leaders lose credibility.”
2021-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8931 (2021) · source
“We also commend the efforts of the United Nations efforts to develop a strategic approach to improving Yemen’s economic situation and urge all parties to engage with those efforts constructively.”
2021-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8929 (2021) · source
“It is also essential to increase the meaningful participation of women and young people in the peace negotiations and involve them more widely in politics. Estonia calls for placing more focus on the issue of human rights, including by ensuring better coordination among different United Nations agencies. While the Human Rights Council failed to extend the mandate of the Group of Eminent Experts, it is more vital for the Security Council to intensify its calls for monitoring the human rights situation in Yemen in order to promote accountability and the fight against impunity. Additional efforts are also needed to improve the humanitarian situation. We repeat our call upon the parties to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid and agree on the impact of fuel and commercial imports through Al-Hudaydah port.”
2021-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8929 (2021) · source
“It is also worrisome that after the withdrawal of pro-Government forces from Al-Hudaydah, the fighting has also intensified on the Red Sea coast, leading to the displacement of more than 25,000 people. We reiterate our strong condemnation of the Houthis’ cross-border attacks on Saudi Arabia. All parties should refrain from escalating hostilities and indiscriminate attacks against civilian objects. We fully support Special Envoy Grundberg and urge all parties to engage without preconditions in the United Nations-led efforts to achieve peace. Only an inclusive political process can bring a lasting solution to the conflict. In that context, we welcome the Yemeni Tribal Forum, which was held last week in Amman.”
2021-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8929 (2021) · source
“Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): I thank Special Envoy Grundberg and Acting Assistant Secretary-General Rajasingham for their briefings. Estonia is deeply concerned about the continued hostilities in several parts of Yemen. The situation is particularly worrying around Ma’rib, where the Houthis have continued their escalation, resulting in civilian casualties and further displacement. It is alarming that since September alone, 45,000 additional people have been displaced in the Ma’rib area. Special focus should be placed on the protection of women and children, who make up 80 per cent of the 1 million internally displaced persons currently located in Ma’rib.”
2021-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8929 (2021) · source
“In that regard, I would like to remind all members of the Council of their responsibility to make every effort to agree on the appointment at the earliest possibility. In conclusion, my words of gratitude go to the Security Council Subsidiary Organs Branch and the Secretariat for their invaluable assistance. I would like to assure the next Chairs of the Committees of my full support.”
2021-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8928 (2021) · source
“Estonia is currently working on an initiative to address both matters, and we hope to bring about a change to show our full support for both the Panels and the Ombudsperson. In conclusion, it has been a tremendous honour to serve as Chair of both Committees. I have sought to facilitate progress where possible, bring the sanctions regimes up to date as much as possible, enhance transparency, build trust and strengthen coordination among stakeholders. It is unfortunate that my successors, at this time, have not yet been determined and I hope that, in the future, the chairmanship of subsidiary bodies will be decided in a more timely manner, as requested in presidential note S/2016/619, updating note S/2010/507.”
2021-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8928 (2021) · source
“I thank the Panel of Experts on the Sudan, which has been instrumental in supporting the Committee. I completely agree with my predecessor that one cannot overestimate the value of the information that all Panels provide to the Committees — information that is often obtained in the most challenging circumstances. Their independence, security and working conditions are of great importance. Member States have to respect the privileges and immunities of experts on mission. In that regard, I have to address the situation regarding the Ombudsperson for the Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999) 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015) concerning Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities. The Council needs to strengthen the institution of the Ombudsperson.”
2021-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8928 (2021) · source
“Therefore, I would like to urge the Committee to continue the practice of cooperation with other subsidiary bodies, as well as with the Special Representative of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict. I would also like to address the misconceptions about United Nations sanctions. Too often, a narrative is put forward on how sanctions harm the host population’s development and security. In reality, such narratives could not be further from the truth. The arms embargo helps to prevent the additional flow of arms into Darfur. At the same time, targeted sanctions are aimed at punishing individuals who are spoilers of peace. The sanctions in place serve to help the population.”
2021-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8928 (2021) · source
“As coordination and sharing information among different subsidiary bodies and other United Nations entities are crucial, I have also worked to enhance contacts with other subsidiary bodies, as well as with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict. I would like to recall that the Panel of Experts is mandated by the relevant resolutions to assess among, other things, violations and abuses of human rights, including those that involve attacks on the civilian population, sexual and gender- based violence and violations and abuses against children. Such reporting must continue.”
2021-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8928 (2021) · source
“Our third biggest contribution has been building trust and cooperation between the Sudan and the Sanctions Committee, as a matter of priority. I believe that the sanctions regime will only benefit from closer cooperation between the Committee and the Sudan. Therefore, I highly encourage my successor to build a strong relationship with the Sudan, as well. One possible avenue to pave that relationship is by organizing a visit by the Chair. Unfortunately, I have had to postpone my visit to the Sudan twice — first, because of the pandemic and, subsequently, because of the developments on the ground. I sincerely hope that the new Chair will be able to visit the country as soon as possible.”
2021-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8928 (2021) · source
“In relation to transparency, I would also like to emphasize the importance of respecting and comprehending the relevant resolutions and the Committees’ rules and procedures. Following consultations and based on creative problem-solving, we have respected the regulations by submitting the 90-day report and the programme of work of the Panel of Experts in writing when it has been impossible to brief the Council owing to restrictions resulting from the coronavirus disease. Our second noteworthy contribution to the Committee has been to update the current sanctions regime as much as possible. We have managed to update the list of sanctioned individuals. I would encourage my successor to continue updating the sanctions regime, to the extent that conditions allow and developments require.”
2021-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8928 (2021) · source