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

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“So far, we are the only Sanctions Committee that has done more substantive reporting by using the Panel’s reports, but I hope that our paving the way in that practice will open doors so that others can follow. Therefore, I highly encourage my successor, as well as other Sanctions Committees, to follow suit, as it improves transparency and makes the Committees’ engagement with the Council more meaningful. In that regard, I would also like to point out that, in the Sudan sanctions regime, only the final reports of the Panel of Experts are published. For transparency, the midterm updates should be made available to all, as well. The publication of quarterly updates should also be given due consideration.”
2021-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8928 (2021) · source
“That has continued during my term and, in many instances, political divisions inside the Council make it difficult to agree on even minor actions in the Committees. I aimed to build on the great work and lessons learned by previous Chairs. Let me highlight three aspects, in particular, of which I am proud, and related recommendations. First, in order to improve transparency and make the Committee’s engagement with the Council more meaningful, I provided more substantive 90-day briefings to the Council. We often made use of the Panel of Experts’ reporting, as it is a valuable resource not only for the Council, but also for the larger public.”
2021-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8928 (2021) · source
“I urge all countries where remaining assets lie to cooperate with Iraq in recovering them in accordance with relevant resolutions. I hope that the delisting of the remaining entities will continue and that it will be possible to terminate the sanctions regime in the foreseeable future. I will now turn to the 1591 Sanctions Committee on the Sudan and then end with some general remarks on all of the Committees. Two years ago, my predecessor, Ambassador Wronecka, Permanent Representative of Poland, handed over the chairmanship of the 1591 Committee concerning the Sudan, while emphasizing the importance of transparency, fairness and accountability in work of the Committee. She also pointed out that the Chair has limited autonomy and freedom of action, given that the Committee reaches all of its decisions by consensus.”
2021-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8928 (2021) · source
“The Committee and the Permanent Mission of Iraq have continued efforts towards the reduction of the number of listed entities, maintaining the momentum created during the previous Chair’s term and reducing the number of entities on the sanctions list by more than 80 per cent over the course of the past two years. That has been remarkable progress. Due to the close cooperation with the Permanent Mission of Iraq, the Committee has delisted 63 entities, with only 13 entities remaining on the sanctions list. In addition, five individuals were delisted. I encourage Iraq to continue to submit requests so that the remaining 13 entities and 81 individuals can be delisted as soon as possible. For the past two years, the issue of recovering Iraqi financial assets abroad has remained as relevant as earlier.”
2021-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8928 (2021) · source
“Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): I have had the honour to chair the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1518 (2003) concerning Iraq, and the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1591 (2005) concerning the Sudan. I thank the Security Council for giving me the opportunity to share my observations on that mandate. I would like to begin with the 1518 Committee on Iraq. Throughout the last two years as the Chair of the Committee, I have been committed to supporting Iraq in its efforts to recover its assets and achieve progress with regard to the delisting of entities and individuals.”
2021-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8928 (2021) · source
“In conclusion, Estonia hopes that, despite the recent setbacks, the Sudan will be able to continue its path to achieve full democracy as envisioned by the revolution of 2019. We hope that the Sudan and the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in the Sudan will continue to strengthen their cooperation with the purpose of making tangible progress, including in the areas of democratic transition, peace, human rights and civilian protection. I reiterate Estonia’s full support for the Sudanese people to achieve democracy, peace and prosperity.”
2021-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8925 (2021) · source
“In order to respond to the aspirations of Sudanese people, the prompt formation of a civilian cabinet, the Transitional Legislative Council and other transitional governance and oversight institutions should also remain a priority. We call for the early publication of a credible timetable for elections. We are concerned about the impact of political instability on the situation in Darfur, where attacks against civilians have increased. Efforts must be redoubled to ensure the safety of civilians, including women and children. Estonia calls for the swift operationalization of the National Plan for the Protection of Civilians. We also urge all parties to the Juba Peace Agreement to accelerate its implementation. Making progress in those areas will be critical to building a better future.”
2021-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8925 (2021) · source
“It is important to win back the trust of Sudanese people. The signing of the 21 November political agreement was a step in the right direction. However, more needs to be done. We call on all stakeholders to immediately and fully implement the political agreement and continue a meaningful and inclusive dialogue, which would facilitate national reconciliation. In order for that to happen, the use of excessive force against peaceful protesters must stop. Thorough investigations need to be conducted into the deaths and injuries resulting from the excessive and disproportionate use of force by military and security forces. Estonia also calls for the release of all people who have been arbitrarily arrested for political reasons since 25 October.”
2021-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8925 (2021) · source
“Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): I thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Perthes for his insightful briefing. I also welcome the participation in this meeting of the representative of the Sudan. When Estonia joined the Security Council almost two years ago, the Sudan was in a very different, hopeful place. Throughout our membership, we saw the Sudan slowly but steadily make progress towards the goals of the revolution. Unfortunately, all that progress was put in jeopardy when the military decided to seize power. Estonia condemns in the strongest terms the military coup of 25 October, which seriously threatens the democratic, peace and economic gains that the Sudan has made in recent years. Therefore, it is important to restore the democratic transition without delay before more harm is done.”
2021-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8925 (2021) · source
“I would also like to thank the Secretariat for all the technical support it provided over the past two years. I will be handing over the lessons learned, and I wish the very best of luck to the incoming Chair. I hope that the incoming Chair will be able to visit the Sudan soon. I would like to encourage my successor to engage in outreach activities with other subsidiary bodies as appropriate. I am confident that the 1591 Committee remains committed to work together with the Sudan and all relevant stakeholders to make peace in Darfur a reality.”
2021-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8924 (2021) · source
“The initiatives of the Government of the Sudan regarding the protection of civilians are yet to show positive progress. Finally, as today is my last briefing to the Security Council in my capacity as the Chair of the 1591 Committee, I would like to say a few final words on a more personal note. I would like to thank all the Committee members, who worked tirelessly over the past two years. Together we made small but significant steps towards making the Committee’s work more effective and transparent. For instance, together we managed to update the list of sanctioned individuals, made the quarterly briefings to the Council more substantive and, perhaps most important, managed to strengthen our cooperation with Sudanese transitional authorities.”
2021-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8924 (2021) · source
“The Panel reported that signatory movements had taken part in power-sharing in Darfur and Khartoum but that the implementation of the other provisions of the Juba Peace Agreement had been delayed. Meanwhile, the non-signatory movements, mainly the Sudan Liberation Army/Abdul Wahid faction, had not heeded the calls to join the Juba Peace Agreement. The Panel observed that, while the national context remained unfavourable to the peace process in Darfur, the regional dynamics remained mainly favourable. For instance, the Chad-Sudan joint force continued to operate along the border between the two countries, contributing to stability in Darfur, and national and international actors generally agreed on the withdrawal of foreign forces from Libya, including Darfuri elements. The security situation in Darfur remains fragile.”
2021-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8924 (2021) · source
“Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): In accordance with paragraph 3 (a) (iv) of resolution 1591 (2005), I have the honour to brief the Security Council on the work of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1591 (2005), concerning the Sudan, covering the period from 15 September to today. During the reporting period, the Committee received the second quarterly report of the Sudan Panel of Experts. The Panel updated us about the implementation of the Juba Peace Agreement, regional dynamics, the status of the armed groups in the region, intercommunal violence and the humanitarian situation. I would like to bring to the attention of the Council the following from the Panel’s report.”
2021-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8924 (2021) · source
“Two years ago, during the first Global Refugee Forum, Estonia pledged to cooperate with UNHCR on digital identification. Since then, we have been taking steps to implement that pledge. We are sure that the High-Level Officials Meeting, to be held in a week, will help to identify opportunities and set priorities going forward. Finally, as we mark the seventieth anniversary of the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees this year, I would like to underline that the work of the UNHCR is more relevant than ever in ensuring that refugees and displaced people are fully protected by international human rights law, humanitarian law and refugee law.”
2021-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8919 (2021) · source
“The trend in rising forced displacement has continued this year, with global numbers now exceeding 84 million as more people flee multiple active conflicts around the world. Due to aggression against Ukraine, which has lasted already 7 years, there are 1.5 million IDPs across the country. The situation of displaced persons, in particular women, children and elderly people, is precarious in Ukraine. Life-saving assistance, such as temporary shelter or minimum financial assistance, can be provided along the 20 kilometres of the contact line — but unfortunately only in Government-controlled areas. It has become more evident than ever that we need digital solutions in order to improve the ability of the international community to collectively respond to crises.”
2021-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8919 (2021) · source
“We therefore need more concrete actions if we are to realize commitments that are essential for protecting vulnerable communities around the world, including millions of refugees and displaced people living on the front lines of the climate crisis, from Somalia to Central America. We need to ensure the effective return of those with no right to stay and step up efforts to combat migrant smuggling and trafficking in human beings. In recent months, we have seen attempts by some States to exploit the vulnerability of human beings for political purposes. We condemn any attempt to instrumentalize migrants and refugees by orchestrating their flow across borders for political motives.”
2021-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8919 (2021) · source
“Therefore, we need to scale up steps to mitigate the unprecedented social and economic impact on refugees and other forcibly displaced people, as well as to facilitate the equitable, safe and unhindered delivery and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, which is particularly urgent in countries like Myanmar, Syria and Yemen. Climate change is a powerful driver of displacement because of its impacts on persons’ livelihoods and loss of liveability in highly exposed locations. The World Bank’s updated Groundswell report, released in September, finds that climate change could force 216 million people across six world regions to move within their countries by 2050.”
2021-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8919 (2021) · source
“We are also deeply concerned about reported widespread sexual and gender-based violence and other forms of violence and abuse in Libya and Ethiopia, as well as child recruitment and use in Yemen and Mali. We must prioritize our responses to those specific challenges, including by stepping up efforts to prevent, mitigate and respond to sexual and gender-based violence against refugees and internally displaced persons and support their access to sexual and reproductive health services, as well as mental health and psychosocial support. Among persons on the move, women and girls are often most vulnerable. They also face specific challenges in the context of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.”
2021-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8919 (2021) · source
“We are deeply concerned about a dire humanitarian situation in Afghanistan. At the beginning of the year, the situation in Afghanistan was already one of the worst in the world. Now it could even be called catastrophic. More than 22 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance. Estonia, together with other European Union members, pledged almost $800 million in humanitarian assistance as part of the flash appeal. We commend the scaled-up emergency response of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Afghanistan, particularly in anticipation of the harsh winter season, in order to provide essential assistance to more than 60,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) over the winter.”
2021-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8919 (2021) · source
“Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): I thank Mr. Grandi, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, for his comprehensive briefing and determined efforts. We remain strong supporters of his work and mandate — politically as well as financially. Since 2001, we have supported the agency with operational grants and direct contributions in order to help alleviate specific humanitarian crises around the world. Despite the Secretary-General’s call for a global ceasefire, new conflicts and crises have erupted and some old ones have deepened and escalated in the world this year, including in Ethiopia, Myanmar, Afghanistan and in and around Gaza. An unprecedented number of people around the world are being forced from their homes, and the delivery of humanitarian aid has become more important than ever.”
2021-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8919 (2021) · source
“We believe that the first trial in South Kivu involving charges of recruitment and the use of children will give further impetus to addressing accountability and the fight against impunity. In conclusion, we welcome the continued engagement of the Special Representative with the Congolese Government, MONUSCO and the international stakeholders on the implementation of the transition plan, which holds out prospects for a sustainable transition process. We believe that the implementation of the plan should ensure equal opportunities for all stakeholders, including humanitarian actors, civil society, women and youth. Finally, I would like to thank MONUSCO peacekeepers and United Nations personnel for their service and sacrifices, and to express our unwavering support to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and its people for a better future.”
2021-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8918 (2021) · source
“In that connection, we encourage the Congolese Government to pay due attention to the flaws identified in the assessment of the state of siege and ensure transparent coordination of all forces on the ground to guarantee compliance with the international human rights and humanitarian law obligations. Thirdly, human rights violations and abuses, accompanied by the conflict-related sexual and gender- based violence perpetrated by both armed groups and State agents, have long characterized the daily life of women and children in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is often said that children are our future, but one can only imagine the future that will be shaped by children who undergo grave violations and forced recruitment in armed conflict.”
2021-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8918 (2021) · source
“First, we underscore the positive results of the Congolese Government in maintaining political stability and further commitments in facilitating electoral reforms ahead of the 2023 elections. It is important that the Congolese Government maintain that momentum in making further efforts in ensuring credible, inclusive and peaceful elections, with the full, equal and meaningful participation of women. Secondly, we take note that, during our membership of the Security Council, the level of insecurity in the eastern provinces has not shown improvements, in spite of the declaration and regular extension of the state of siege in North Kivu and Ituri for the past seven months.”
2021-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8918 (2021) · source
“Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): I join other speakers in thanking the Special Representative for her briefing. I also thank the Permanent Representative of the Niger, as Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1533 (2004), concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo, for his insightful overview. I welcome the Permanent Representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Ms. Kalala joining us today. As this is the concluding meeting on the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) for Estonia as a member of the Security Council, I would like to take this opportunity to share the key messages that would empower the Democratic Republic of the Congo in its efforts to re-establish peace, stability and security in the country and the region.”
2021-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8918 (2021) · source
“Close coordination with the Iraqi authorities must remain a priority for UNITAD. That cooperation helps to facilitate the arrest of individuals believed to be active ISIL members, thereby leading to a safer Iraq. It is a notable step, which I believe paves way for even stronger joint activities in the future. I look forward to the launch of the Interfaith Dialogue Series in January 2022. Such initiatives by UNITAD, undertaken together with the Office of the Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on the Prevention of Genocide, will provide more in-depth engagement with local faith communities. Estonia continues to value UNITAD’s work, as it meaningfully contributes to achieving accountability in Iraq with full respect for the principles and best practices of the United Nations.”
2021-12-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8914 (2021) · source
“I believe that the excellent work of UNITAD can serve as an example for showing how we can end impunity and help to bring justice to the victims through a holistic approach. I stress the importance of the continued work of UNITAD through the respective special units on the issues of sexual and gender-based crimes and crimes against children and a focus of witness protection, as well as psychological support for witnesses and survivors. Estonia fully supports UNITAD in its efforts to strengthen the capacity of the Iraqi authorities, and commends the significant progress made in terms of using new resources and technical innovations. In particular, I would like to highlight the evidence-digitization project, which witnessed more than 2 million pages of documents archived and digitized within the reporting period.”
2021-12-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8914 (2021) · source
“Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): I also join other speakers in congratulating Mexico on its very successful presidency of the Security Council, and I congratulate you, Mr. President, on assuming that task for this month. I welcome Mr. Ritscher to this meeting and thank him for a detailed overview on the ongoing investigations of crimes committed by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant in Iraq. It is positive to hear that, during the recent reporting period, the United Nations Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da’esh/Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (UNITAD) has re-established full field- based operational capacity. Earlier this week, during an Arria Formula meeting on accountability in Syria, we heard about challenges to collecting evidence on the war crimes committed in Syria.”
2021-12-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8914 (2021) · source
“We welcome the high-level conference on the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) organized by Jordan and Sweden on 16 November and stress the importance of continued support to the Agency. UNRWA continues to be an essential lifeline for many Palestinians and a strong contributor to peace and stability in the region. Finally, Estonia confirms its continued support for all efforts to create favourable conditions for the resumption of direct meaningful negotiations between the Israelis and the Palestinians on all final-status issues. In that context, we welcome the meeting of the envoys of the Middle East Quartet on 18 November and express support for their continued consultations with the parties and key regional actors.”
2021-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8913 (2021) · source
“Estonia also remains worried about the continued Israeli settlement expansions, demolitions and evictions, as such acts are contrary to international law. We call upon Israel to refrain from such activities, including the advancing of tenders and plans for the construction of several thousand new housing units in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. We take the listing of six Palestinian non-governmental organizations as terrorist organizations by the Israeli authorities very seriously. We will continue to engage with Israel on that issue. Civil society’s enjoyment of the fundamental freedoms is an important part of democracy and essential to promoting peace efforts between Israelis and Palestinians.”
2021-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8913 (2021) · source
“Estonia also supports the international and regional efforts for reconstruction and the improvement of the humanitarian situation in Gaza. We welcome the recent steps by Israel to ease the restrictions on Gaza and call for allowing more movement of goods and people to and from Gaza, while taking into consideration Israel’s security concerns. Regarding the situation in the West Bank, we are concerned about the continued incidents of violence, including the clashes between the Palestinians and the Israeli security forces. We strongly condemn the terror attacks and violence against civilians, including the terror attack in Jerusalem’s Old City on 21 November. We repeat our call on all parties to refrain from violence, incitement and acts of provocation.”
2021-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8913 (2021) · source
“Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): I thank Special Coordinator Wennesland for his briefing. I also thank Ms. Ero for her insightful statement. Estonia reiterates the importance of a continued dialogue between the Israeli and Palestinian leaders and encourages them to engage in further practical cooperation, which would benefit the people of both sides. It is positively noted that both the Israeli and the Palestinian delegations were represented at the ministerial level at the meeting of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee for the Coordination of the International Assistance to Palestinians hosted by Norway on 17 November. We also welcome the statements by Israeli ministers regarding the importance of supporting the improvement of the socioeconomic and financial situation of the Palestinians.”
2021-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8913 (2021) · source
“It is important to reiterate that the United Nations-led mediation efforts within the framework of the Berlin process remain the basis for international efforts in support of achieving peace and stability in Libya.”
2021-11-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8912 (2021) · source
“It is crucial to end the arbitrary detentions and exposure to violence, including sexual and gender-based violence, of migrants and asylum seekers. All alleged violations and abuses of international human rights law and international humanitarian law by all parties in Libya need to be thoroughly investigated. Combating impunity and ensuring accountability will pave the way to restoring trust in society. Estonia welcomes the important work of the Independent Fact-Finding Mission on Libya, including its October report (A/HRC/48/83), and calls for the Mission to be granted full, safe and unhindered access to all Libyan territory to fulfil its mandate. Finally, Estonia welcomes the declaration of the Paris International Conference for Libya held on 12 November.”
2021-11-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8912 (2021) · source
“We commend the important steps that the 5+5 Joint Military Commission has taken, with the participation of UNSMIL and together with the neighbouring countries, in moving forward with the action plan on the withdrawal of all foreign forces and mercenaries. It is essential that all outside actors leave Libya without delay. Estonia welcomes the deployment of the first group of United Nations monitors to support the Libyan-led ceasefire monitoring mechanism. We look forward to the further operationalization of the international support team to the Libyan Joint Military Commission monitors. The human rights and humanitarian situation in Libya remains extremely concerning. It is important to ensure adequate access for humanitarian aid and humanitarian workers to all those in need.”
2021-11-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8912 (2021) · source
“For the longer-term stability and the success of the electoral process, it is essential to ensure the full, equal and meaningful participation of women and the inclusion of youth at all stages of preparation as well as in the elections themselves. In that connection, we highly value the presentation by Ms. Bensaad. It is quite apparent that women face a multitude of hurdles in participating in the electoral process, and that requires our continued attention. Women need to be able to participate in all aspects of political life, as candidates, activists and voters, without fear of retaliation. On the military track, Estonia welcomes the progress on the implementation of the 23 October 2020 Libyan ceasefire agreement.”
2021-11-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8912 (2021) · source
“Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): I thank the briefers for their comprehensive overviews on the latest developments in Libya. I would like to express Estonia’s full support for the work and the mediation efforts of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), and I thank Mr. Ján Kubiš, Special Envoy for Libya, for his work. Libya today stands at a critical juncture. The planned and highly anticipated presidential and parliamentary elections are exactly one month away. While important progress has been made in preparation for the elections, including on voter registration, there are still a number of issues that need addressing. We urge all Libyan parties to work together to ensure the holding of free, fair, inclusive and credible elections on 24 December that would pave way for a lasting peace in Libya.”
2021-11-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8912 (2021) · source
“Concerning relations between Baghdad and Erbil, we encourage both Governments to fully implement the federal budget law and to intensify efforts to reach an agreement on other outstanding issues, as that would contribute to the stability of the whole country. Finally, I would like to reiterate our appreciation to the Iraqi Government for its constructive engagement on the issue of the irregular crossing of migrants from Belarus to the European Union. Estonia strongly condemns the instrumentalization of migration and using vulnerable human beings to advance political goals.”
2021-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8910 (2021) · source
“We hope that the next Government will continue along the path of implementing economic reforms, fighting corruption and ensuring State control over all armed forces in order to respond to the legitimate calls of the Iraqi people for improving the socioeconomic situation, governance and the long-term stability of the country. With regard to the reports of continued attacks against demonstrators, political activists and journalists, we once again call on the Iraqi authorities for increased efforts to ensure accountability for those responsible for the violations and to safeguard the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.”
2021-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8910 (2021) · source
“That is an especially noteworthy feat when taking into consideration the election-related incidents of violence and defamatory rhetoric that female candidates, among others, were subjected to. We reiterate our strong condemnation of the assassination attempt against Prime Minister Al-Kadhimi on 7 November. We call on the Iraqi authorities to bring to justice the perpetrators of that attack. It is essential that all political parties and other actors accept the election results and address any possible claims for irregularities through the relevant legal procedures. We look forward to a peaceful and constructive dialogue and the timely formation of an inclusive Government, while addressing the needs and aspirations of all Iraqis.”
2021-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8910 (2021) · source
“Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): I thank Special Representative Hennis-Plasschaert for her briefing and Ms. Kabashi for her insightful statement. The parliamentary elections on 10 October marked an important commitment by the people of Iraq to democratic principles and a significant step on the path towards Iraq’s stability. We commend the Iraqi people for that commitment, regardless of the various challenges facing the country. We also commend the Iraqi Government and the Independent High Electoral Commission for holding technically well-managed, largely peaceful and orderly elections and welcome the role of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq in supporting the Iraqi authorities throughout that process. Estonia welcomes the historic development of having the highest percentage of women elected to the Iraqi Parliament.”
2021-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8910 (2021) · source
“As Estonia’s membership of the Security Council is coming to an end, allow me to once more reiterate our full support for the work of the ICC and urge all States and other stakeholders to uphold and defend the principles and values enshrined in the Rome Statute. Cooperation with the ICC to end impunity and establish justice for the victims in Libya must be prompt and meaningful.”
2021-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8911 (2021) · source
“With regard to ensuring the effectiveness of the work of the Court, we would like to take this opportunity to point out the need to ensure that the ICC has the necessary budgetary resources to fulfil its mandate. That includes funds to be provided by the United Nations in relation to the expenses incurred due to the referral of situations by the Security Council to the ICC. Finally, we recall that the execution of ICC arrest warrants remains essential to uphold justice for victims. Unfortunately, so far there have been no tangible results in the implementation of the warrants in the Libyan case. We encourage the Office of the Prosecutor to ascertain the alleged deaths of the fugitives and urge for full cooperation with the ICC in surrendering the remaining fugitives to the Court.”
2021-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8911 (2021) · source
“Estonia reiterates that the authorities must ensure that ongoing and future investigations be carried out in accordance with international standards and in full cooperation with the ICC. Estonia welcomes the strengthening of mutual cooperation by the ICC with national authorities and stakeholders to enhance the collection and preservation of evidence. In that regard, we welcome the meeting of the Office of the Prosecutor with domestic law enforcement agencies to coordinate their respective activities. Estonia further encourages the strengthening of formats of cooperation and exchange of information between the Office of the Prosecutor and the Panel of Experts on Libya, the Independent Fact-Finding Mission on Libya, the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation and the United Nations Support Mission in Libya.”
2021-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8911 (2021) · source
“Estonia also remains concerned about the crimes perpetrated against migrants and refugees and notes the ICC’s role in assisting national authorities to prosecute cases. We continue to call for the departure of all foreign fighters and mercenaries from Libyan territory as a first step towards the full and timely implementation of the 23 October 2020 ceasefire agreement, in line with resolution 2570 (2021). The holding of free, fair, inclusive and credible elections in December this year will prove vital for the strengthening of the rule of law in Libya. The full cooperation of the Government of National Unity and all other relevant stakeholders with the Office of the Prosecutor is crucial to achieving accountability for those responsible for Rome Statute crimes.”
2021-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8911 (2021) · source
“Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): We welcome Mr. Karim Khan to the Security Council on the occasion of his first briefing to the Council as Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC). We thank Prosecutor Khan for the twenty-second periodic report on the situation in Libya and for his remarks today. At the outset, I would like to reiterate Estonia’s unwavering support to the ICC as an independent and impartial judicial institution and an important pillar of the rules-based international order. With regard to the situation on the ground in Libya, we remain concerned about reports of continued violence and a lack of security and stability. We recall that all crimes, including those taking place in detention facilities, need to be investigated and prosecuted by the Libyan authorities.”
2021-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8911 (2021) · source
“We urge all countries to join in strengthening the implementation of the existing commitments and obligations in the field.”
2021-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8909 (2021) · source
“As the Secretary- General notes in his latest report (S/2021/839), conflicts fuelled by the availability of small arms have grave implications for children and often deny them their basic rights. Armed violence, including sexual- and gender- based violence, is often abetted by armed intimidation. Therefore, it remains essential to fully integrate gender considerations into all efforts to prevent and combat the risk of the misuse, diversion and illicit circulation of small arms so that the gendered aspects of armed violence are adequately addressed. The full, equal and meaningful participation of women in decision-making processes in that area is essential. Estonia is committed to preventing and curbing the diversion and trafficking of small arms and light weapons and their ammunition.”
2021-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8909 (2021) · source
“We also call on all States to implement the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects. The seventh Biennial Meeting of States to Consider the Implementation of the Programme of Action, held this year under the leadership of Kenya, brought positive developments. We strongly support the International Tracing Instrument to Enable States to Identify and Trace, in a Timely and Reliable Manner, Illicit Small Arms and Light Weapons. Marking, tracing and systematic and appropriate record-keeping is essential in order to effectively combat diversion and illicit trafficking of small arms. Small arms — within and beyond conflict — impact children, women and men differently.”
2021-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8909 (2021) · source
“We support and commend other regional initiatives in this area. The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States and the Caribbean Community have all adopted road maps and frameworks tailored to specific regional needs and circumstances. While national and regional controls are important, the increasing globalization of arms transfers calls for international measures. We emphasize the value of arms embargoes imposed by the Council and their full implementation. Estonia continues to champion the universalization and implementation of the Arms Trade Treaty. We believe that when the Treaty is effectively and widely implemented, it has great potential to contribute to more responsible and more transparent international arms transfers.”
2021-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8909 (2021) · source
“Governments that control or transfer weapons have a key role to play in ensuring that the trade, use and storage of the arms take place in a responsible and accountable manner. In order to detect and disrupt illicit flows of small arms, national legislations need to include adequate arms control frameworks, including relevant stockpile management procedures, law enforcement and criminal justice responses. We support the Security Council-mandated role in peace operations to assist Government efforts to manage small arms management and enhance their capacities to track and trace the origins of illicit small arms and ammunition in conflict situations. Regional efforts remain critical. In 2018, the European Union adopted its strategy against illicit SALW and their Ammunition, entitled “Securing arms, protecting citizens”.”
2021-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8909 (2021) · source