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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“Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): I too thank Mexico for convening this meeting and today’s briefers for their informative and insightful contributions. The illicit flow, widespread availability and trafficking of small arms and light weapons (SALW) and their ammunition remain a highly worrisome problem and a major challenge for the international community. The fact that since 2007, with the adoption of its first presidential statement on this matter (S/PRST/2007/24), the Security Council has repeatedly expressed concern over the impact of the illicit transfer and misuse of small arms to peace and security, demonstrates well the complexity and size of this challenge. It is a challenge that requires concerted efforts and strong political will at the national, regional and global levels.”
2021-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8909 (2021) · source
“Finally, I would like to thank the personnel of UNSOM, the United Nations Support Office in Somalia and the African Union Mission in Somalia for their commitment and sacrifice. To conclude, allow me to reiterate Estonia’s full support for Somalia and its people with a view to making a better future for the country a reality.”
2021-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8907 (2021) · source
“The Security Council must stand firmly behind helping Somalia address the climate threat, including through the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM). Estonia encourages strategic and comprehensive efforts that will proactively address the humanitarian challenges. Somalia has come a great distance. However, there is still a long way to go until Somalis can live as a peaceful, stable and prosperous society. The foundations for that will be laid, inter alia, through rule of law, democratization, respect for human rights and effective accountability mechanisms for anyone violating such rights. Estonia hopes to have contributed to these foundations by upholding the aforementioned elements throughout our Council membership.”
2021-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8907 (2021) · source
“Estonia has repeatedly emphasized that the security situation can improve only if all stakeholders work closely together towards this important goal. Therefore, in the planning for the post-2021 mission, we call on all key players to work together for a common vision. Additionally, we call on the Federal Government of Somalia to redouble its efforts for the timely implementation of the transition plan. As a member of the European Union (EU), Estonia would like to reiterate that the EU remains ready to assist Somalia in the next chapter. However, the EU hopes that its concerns will also be taken into account. Thirdly, we saw the dire humanitarian situation unfortunately deteriorate during our membership in the Council. That is also due to Somalia’s severe vulnerability to climate change.”
2021-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8907 (2021) · source
“Nevertheless, Estonia welcomes the recent conclusion of the Upper House elections and hopes that the elections of the lower house will conclude by the end of the year. We also urge the Somali leaders to ensure the minimum of a 30 per cent representation quota for women members of Parliament through a clear mechanism. Since elections lay the foundation for the next chapter for the country, the importance of women’s participation in this next chapter cannot be overemphasized. Secondly, throughout Estonia’s membership in the Council, Al-Shabaab’s ability to conduct attacks across Somalia has unfortunately remained unchanged. We condemn the attacks by Al-Shabaab in the strongest terms and express our condolences to the victims and their families.”
2021-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8907 (2021) · source
“Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): I join others in thanking the briefers for their insightful briefings. I would also like to welcome the Permanent Representative of Somalia to today’s discussion. As this is the Security Council’s last quarterly meeting on Somalia in which Estonia will participate as a member of the Council, I would like to share the following messages that will not only reflect the last quarter, but also entail observations we have made during the last almost two years of our membership in the Council. First, in order to achieve political stability and progress in State-building goals, there is no substitute for holding timely, inclusive and credible elections. That is why it is regrettable that there have been significant delays to Somalia’s election timelines.”
2021-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8907 (2021) · source
“Finally, we recognize that the United Nations has to be able to offer solutions to the most urgent issues that humankind is facing. While we hope that the Security Council continues to discuss the topic of prevention, we expect that the Council will take more meaningful action on delivering on its prevention mandate, along with the other United Nations principal organs, in order to spare societies from lapsing into conflict and suffering.”
2021-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8906 (2021) · source
“Estonia values the regular exchanges by the Security Council with the representatives of other principal organs of the United Nations. Communication, both in public and private, is of vital importance. However, more often than not, the problem is not the lack of information, the early warning, but rather the lack of early and united action. In that light, Estonia condemns the continuation of the massive repression by Belarusian authorities against its people and the instrumentalization of migration on a large scale for political purposes in order to distract from human rights violations and brutal repression in the country. We call on the Belarusian regime to immediately stop such practices and other hybrid threats to people’s lives and health, including continuously blocking access to humanitarian aid.”
2021-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8906 (2021) · source
“Estonia further acknowledges the interdependence of security, sustainable development and human rights and therefore recognizes the need for all United Nations organs and agencies to pursue preventive strategies and to take action. We recognize that the Secretary- General’s has raised the aforementioned issues in his comprehensive Our Common Agenda, which we have recently begun to discuss in the General Assembly. In order for the United Nations to be relevant and credible, it also needs to adapt to new challenges. Preventive diplomacy needs to include being open to new topics that we now consider to be part of peace and security in order to make sure that its current tools are the most effective and being willing to employ new tools to tackle emerging issues.”
2021-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8906 (2021) · source
“Secondly, accountability and respect for the rule of law and human rights makes societies more resilient and are essential for the maintenance of peace and security. Human rights need to be put at the core of our actions. Thirdly, we must ensure inclusivity with regard to gender equality and engaging persons belonging to marginalized groups. It has been demonstrated that societies are more peaceful and peace more lasting when women are involved in a substantive manner. A safe and diverse civil society space remains a vital component of resilient communities. The Security Council needs to keep those elements in mind when drawing up and reviewing the robust mandates it establishes. At the same time, it is clear than none of these or other issues of international concern can be effectively tackled by one branch of the United Nations only.”
2021-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8906 (2021) · source
“As we have pointed out on those and other occasions, Estonia believes that more frequent and timely referrals of cases to the International Court of Justice by the Council would contribute to resolving disputes and thereby promote international peace and security. Another important element of prevention is for Council members to apply initiatives to deter the use of the veto in cases related to the commission of atrocity crimes. Allow me to quickly highlight three areas that Estonia considers important in the context of addressing root causes. First, the international community, including the Security Council, needs to take climate change more seriously by mandating the Secretary-General to report on the impacts of climate change on international security.”
2021-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8906 (2021) · source
“Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): I join others in thanking the Mexican presidency for organizing today’s open debate, as well as the esteemed briefers for sharing their insights. The topic of preventive diplomacy remains of utmost importance to the United Nations and most of all to the people on the ground. The proliferation and prolongation of conflicts today requires the United Nations to step up its efforts on the prevention front. As prevention involves action taken to prevent disputes from escalating into conflicts, we cannot underestimate the role of the International Court of Justice in maintaining peace. Estonia values the discussions held in the Council annually with the President of the Court.”
2021-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8906 (2021) · source
“There needs to be a constant focus on the empowerment of women to ensure their full, equal and meaningful participation in all aspects of society. In that connection, we are grateful for the testimony provided by Ms. Fatimata Sinaré earlier in the meeting. Finally, I would like to reiterate Estonia’s commitment to achieving security and stability in the Sahel region. We will continue our contributions through personnel to MINUSMA, the French-led Operation Barkhane, the Task Force Takuba and the European Union (EU) Training Mission in Mali and financial support to the EU Trust Fund for Africa.”
2021-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8903 (2021) · source
“Estonia remains concerned about the continued reports of human rights violations allegedly committed by the security forces during counter-terrorist activities. While we welcome the timely announcements of the conduct of investigations by the Joint Force and the region’s States, we strongly encourage that all such investigations be conducted thoroughly and fully. It is essential to investigate all human rights violations and abuses and to hold the perpetrators, regardless of their status, fully accountable. The Sahel region faces a number of challenges. While military efforts are often at the forefront, it is crucial to address the underlying issues that often exacerbate the existing grievances. We must continue to take into account the negative effects of climate change in the Sahel.”
2021-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8903 (2021) · source
“It is positive that the European Union’s financial support has allowed the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) to provide operational and logistical support to the Joint Force. Moreover, Estonia fully acknowledges calls by the region’s States to ensure more predictable and sustainable funding for the G-5 Sahel Joint Force. We have taken note of the support options presented in the Secretary-General’s letter of 8 October (S/2021/850), including the proposed dedicated United Nations support office for the G-5 Sahel Joint Force. We believe that the time is ripe for the Security Council to begin considerations on how to best mandate that support model. An integral part of all counter-terrorist efforts is compliance with the human rights and international humanitarian law principles.”
2021-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8903 (2021) · source
“It is important to continue efforts to re-establish not only the security presence, but also police and judicial institutions. The fight against terrorism and violent extremism in the Sahel can succeed only if it is a truly joint effort by the national, regional and international security forces. Estonia commends the work of the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States in supporting the G-5 Sahel Joint Force. We are encouraged by the efforts of G-5 Sahel Joint Force to enhance its internal coordination, and we call for further concrete steps to clarify the command lines and share relevant information in a more effective manner. The question of how to organize effective international support for the G-5 Sahel Joint Force remains at the centre of our discussions.”
2021-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8903 (2021) · source
“Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): I thank the briefers for their overviews on the latest developments in the Sahel region and on the operationalization of the Group of Five for the Sahel (G-5 Sahel) Joint Force. Estonia continues to be extremely concerned about the volatile and deteriorating security situation in the Sahel region despite ongoing efforts by the G-5 Sahel Joint Force and the international security forces. The most affected by that instability are civilians. Estonia condemns in the strongest terms all attacks against civilians, including the recent attack in the Niger’s Tillabéri region, which left 69 people dead. Restoring an effective and credible State presence across the territories of the States of the region is a key element in ensuring the protection of civilians.”
2021-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8903 (2021) · source
“In conclusion, I would like to express deep regret that, one year after the start of the conflict, the situation in northern Ethiopia has only deteriorated, with expanded hostilities, mounting deaths and suffering of civilians and a catastrophic humanitarian situation. In order to preserve the stability, unity and territorial integrity of Ethiopia, all sides must cease the hostilities and solve their differences through a genuine and inclusive national dialogue.”
2021-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8899 (2021) · source
“It is also essential to restore basic services and the entry of the fuel, cash and humanitarian supplies needed for aid operations. We reiterate our deep concern about reported human rights violations and abuses, including widespread sexual and gender-based violence. We welcome the publication of the joint report of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission. We call for the full implementation of the recommendations of the report and ensuring accountability for the perpetrators. It is now up to the Ethiopian Government to carry out its promises on that.”
2021-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8899 (2021) · source
“We call upon all parties to immediately end hostilities without preconditions, engage in negotiations for a lasting ceasefire and create conditions for the start of a political dialogue. In that context, we would also like to express our full support for the international and regional efforts in achieving a peaceful resolution to the conflict. We encourage the continued engagement of the African Union and support the mediation efforts by High Representative Obasanjo. The deteriorating humanitarian crisis in the Tigray, Amhara and Afar regions is deeply worrisome, as more and more people are in need of urgent assistance. All parties to the conflict have an obligation to facilitate safe and unhindered humanitarian access to all areas affected by the conflict.”
2021-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8899 (2021) · source
“Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): I thank Under-Secretary- General DiCarlo and High Representative Obasanjo for their briefings. Estonia is deeply concerned about the recent escalation in northern Ethiopia. Such developments continue to cause civilian casualties, prolong human suffering and risk the stability of the country and the whole region. We call upon the Tigray People’s Liberation Front to withdraw its troops from Amhara and Afar, and on the Government of Ethiopia to refrain from air strikes on civilian targets. All parties must do their utmost to protect civilians, including humanitarian and medical workers, in line with their obligations under international humanitarian law. There is no military solution to the conflict.”
2021-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8899 (2021) · source
“We are pleased that the United Nations is implementing Dialogue for the Future project, which seeks to enhance the local dialogue platforms for civil society, youth and women’s organizations. Unfortunately, the fight against the coronavirus disease pandemic is not over. It is important to speed up vaccinations and to boost the economic recovery. We commend United Nations bodies for providing assistance during the pandemic and highlight the EU’s donation of more than 1.3 million vaccine doses for Bosnia and Herzegovina. Lastly, let me reiterate our call on the leaders of Bosnia and Herzegovina to work in solidarity and unity. We encourage them to work closely with the Office of the High Representative and implement all the necessary reforms.”
2021-11-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8896 (2021) · source
“We encourage the Bosnia and Herzegovina authorities to implement the revised National War Crimes Processing Strategy, adopted by the Bosnia and Herzegovina Council of Ministers, especially as the nationalistic and divisive rhetoric in the country has continued. We would like to reiterate that spreading provocative rhetoric, denying war crimes, glorifying convicted war criminals and downplaying the Srebrenica genocide in any way are unacceptable. We also encourage Bosnia and Herzegovina to invest in combating violence against women and implement the women and peace and security agenda in an inclusive manner. People in Bosnia and Herzegovina, especially young people, deserve a greener and more sustainable, digital and prosperous future. We should work towards that goal.”
2021-11-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8896 (2021) · source
“We call on the leaders of Bosnia and Herzegovina to focus on the electoral and constitutional reform to ensure the implementation of important judicial decisions of the European Court of Human Rights and take into consideration the decisions of the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina; the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe; the Council of Europe’s Group of States against Corruption; and Venice Commission recommendations on election integrity. Keeping that in focus would also help to improve the rule of law. We are pleased that several positive changes have taken place in Brčko district, in particular towards the implementation of the reform-related laws and their harmonization with the EU standards.”
2021-11-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8896 (2021) · source
“We believe that the solutions are possible through dialogue and the full return to institutions. Estonia strongly supports Bosnia and Herzegovina’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and the aspiration of its citizens to advance towards the European Union (EU). The leaders must always put the interests of the people first. Therefore, we encourage the leaders in Bosnia and Herzegovina to jointly continue to take forward the implementation of the 14 key priorities of the European Commission opinion on Bosnia and Herzegovina’s application for EU membership — reaffirmed recently at the EU-Western Balkans Summit. The country should show commitment, most of all to sustainable peace, stability and meaningful reconciliation.”
2021-11-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8896 (2021) · source
“We regret that the Security Council was unable to reiterate its positions on those important elements. Let me make it clear. The work of the High Representative is extremely necessary in order to mitigate risks to stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We strongly support the continuation of the effective Office of the High Representative. We thank the High Representative, Mr. Schmidt, for his comprehensive and sincere report on the developments in the country. With regard to the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, we would like to express our concern about the prolonged political crisis, and we condemn the blockage of State institutions. We urge the leaders of the political parties to refrain from any political steps that would lead to further divisions and destabilization of the country.”
2021-11-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8896 (2021) · source
“Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): I join others in thanking Kenya for an excellent presidency during the month of October and congratulating you, Sir, on assuming that role for November. I wish you every success. Estonia just supported the operational rollover of the European Union Military Operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina (EUFOR-Althea) for 12 months, as Operation Althea is a strong contributor to the country’s efforts in maintaining a safe and secure environment, which is particularly crucial considering the current political crises in Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, we would have liked to have seen references in resolution 2604 (2021) to the Office of the High Representative for the Implementation of the Peace Agreement on Bosnia and Herzegovina, previous resolutions and Bosnia and Herzegovina’s European perspective.”
2021-11-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8896 (2021) · source
“For Estonia, today’s Security Council quarterly discussion on Mali is our last opportunity for a while to engage as an elected member of the Council. Nevertheless, Estonia will continue its contributions to support peace efforts in Mali and in the wider Sahel region. We will continue contributing through multilateral training missions and counter-terrorist efforts, as well as through the peacebuilding and conflict-prevention initiatives.”
2021-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8893 (2021) · source
“Thirdly, the appalling human rights and humanitarian situation in Mali needs to be addressed. The constant stream of human rights violations and abuses can be reduced by establishing an effective State presence, including police and judicial presence. In that regard, establishing accountability and fighting against the culture of impunity are central elements. We strongly urge the Malian authorities to follow through with all announced investigations. Finally, international and regional cooperation to support the peace process in Mali remains crucial. Estonia welcomes the engagement of the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States in supporting the political transition in Mali.”
2021-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8893 (2021) · source
“However, international efforts can succeed only if the Malian authorities will fully commit to achieving peace and stability in the country. That includes adopting and implementing a comprehensive strategic approach on restoring and maintaining an effective State presence across the territory. It is important to note that all those obstructing the peace process in Mali need to be held accountable. At the request of the Malian Government, the Security Council adopted a sanctions regime to support that objective. In that connection, I reiterate Estonia’s support for the work of the Panel of Experts on Mali, and hope that the Panel will soon be fully operational in order to continue their valuable work in assisting the Security Council on the implementation of the sanctions measures.”
2021-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8893 (2021) · source
“It is regrettable that the representation of women in the transitional Government remains at 21.4 per cent, which is below the 30 per cent legal requirement. Secondly, the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali remains the basis of the peace process in Mali. The modest progress in the agreement’s implementation is very concerning. We call on all Malian parties to refocus their attention and continue efforts to take concrete steps in the implementation process. Estonia reiterates its full support for the work of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali, including its ongoing technical, logistical and financial support to the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration and security sector reform processes in Mali.”
2021-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8893 (2021) · source
“Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): At the outset, I thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Wane, for his briefing, and express support for his work. After having returned from the Security Council’s visit to Mali and the Niger just two days ago, I would like to add a few of my own observations and remarks to the summary provided by the co-leads of the visit, that is, France, Kenya and the Niger. First, the preparations for credible, inclusive and transparent elections must continue. It is crucial that the transition period be just that — a transition to civilian rule and the return to constitutional order in accordance with the agreed transition road map. Women’s full, equal and meaningful participation in all political and peace processes needs to be emphasized every step of the way.”
2021-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8893 (2021) · source
“As a catalytic member of the Compact on Women, Peace and Security and Humanitarian Action, Estonia will continue to support UN-Women, UNICEF, the United Nations Population Fund, the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict and the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict in their activities. I can assure members that our work continues beyond our term in the Council.”
2021-10-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8886 (2021) · source
“The inclusion of sexual violence and human rights-related benchmarks, such as for the sanctions regime for South Sudan and designating and using criteria related to sexual violence, including against politically active women, as by the Yemen Sanctions Committee, are a welcome part of that effort. Lastly and simply put, we need more political will and resources. Women and peace and security remains a priority in our daily work in the Security Council.”
2021-10-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8886 (2021) · source
“We welcome its relevant and timely meetings and recall that it is, first of all, up to us to ensure that its analysis and recommendations are taken forward in Council deliberations. Threats and attacks against women activists and civil society representatives cannot lead to their exclusion or self-censorship. They need to be heard in the Council and at the local level. We call on the United Nations and others to enhance support frameworks and resources in order to promote their participation and safety. Estonia supports the Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund. Support for women human rights defenders is part of the activities foreseen in our action plan on women and peace and security. We need to break the pattern of impunity.”
2021-10-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8886 (2021) · source
“The link between women and peace and security was affirmed by the Council over 20 years ago, yet it continues to be questioned in almost all of our deliberations. We therefore welcome the women and peace and security trio presidency and its aim to set this topic at the very centre of each discussion we have, including through country briefings dedicated to women and peace and security; heightened visibility; and the systematic integration of women and peace and security language in Council decisions. We look forward to the continuation of that tradition in the Council in the years to come and pledge to continue to support this work on our part. The Security Council’s Informal Expert Group on Women and Peace and Security plays a key role in supporting that link.”
2021-10-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8886 (2021) · source
“As the Council, we cannot afford that silence. The report presented by the Secretary-General is a reflection of the gradual and, at times, slow progress in the implementation of the women and peace and security agenda. In that connection, I would like to stress several points. United Nations leadership in encouraging and supporting the full, equal and meaningful participation of women remains essential — from Syria to Yemen, from Libya to South Sudan. Our progress in that regard remains slow, and the lack of gender provisions in ceasefire agreements undermines women’s participation in future peace processes. United Nations peacekeeping and political missions can support that leadership. Investing in women peacekeepers and mediators and providing resources for gender and women protection advisers provides a foundation.”
2021-10-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8886 (2021) · source
“The situation in Afghanistan presents a clear question on whether and how we, as the Council, are able and willing to stand up for women’s rights and their participation in political and peace processes. There can be no sustainable peace anywhere without women. Reports of widespread conflict-related sexual violence in Tigray, characterized by the Secretary- General as “a horror of unknown scale but a familiar pattern”, is but one example of the continuing sexual violence against women and girls — most of it going unreported and perpetrated with impunity, as demonstrated by the United Nations listings. Women have been attacked, tortured or detained for participation in protests from Belarus to Myanmar. Targeted killings of women judges, activists and human rights defenders throughout 2020 and 2021 aimed to silence women in Afghanistan.”
2021-10-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8886 (2021) · source
“Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): Estonia aligns itself with the statement to be delivered by the observer of the European Union. We thank the Secretary-General for his truly substantial report (S/2021/827), and we thank the briefers for their presentations. We welcome Ms. Bahous to her first briefing to the Security Council and look forward to a continued strong leadership by UN-Women on women and peace and security. The Council’s annual debate on women and peace and security is not the only time in 12 months when we should focus on this topic. We need to do address it throughout the year. Rather, it is a time to take stock of where we have failed and where we have made steps forward.”
2021-10-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8886 (2021) · source
“Finally, I thank the Special Envoy for his tireless efforts in contributing to the implementation of the regional strategy and his unwavering support for the signatory countries in addressing the root causes of the conflict.”
2021-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8884 (2021) · source
“We likewise appreciate the important role of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in providing its good offices and strategic and technical advice. Thirdly, we underline the important role of investigative authorities and courts in the region in addressing the issue of accountability for the illegal exploitation of natural resources. Accordingly, we encourage the countries of the region to fight impunity for serious crimes under international law and other serious human rights violations and abuses. We are confident that the implementation of the Nairobi Declaration on Justice and Good Governance will chart the right course and increase the confidence of the population in the justice system and the rule of law.”
2021-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8884 (2021) · source
“We also believe that there are great opportunities for women and youth to be involved in the mining sector that would offer them an alternative to being involved in the armed conflict. Secondly, we are of the view that strengthening the national disarmament, demobilization and stabilization programme would provide prospects for disrupting the weapons supply to armed groups. It is particularly important to ensure the sustainable and transparent management of national stocks of weapons and ammunition to prevent them from falling into the hands of negative forces. In that connection, we commend the efforts of signatory countries in establishing the Contact and Coordination Group and the commitments to implement its action plan that would allow for the reduction of threats posed by negative forces.”
2021-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8884 (2021) · source
“In that respect, I would like to highlight three principal areas that are fundamental to address this driver of conflict. First, we are confident that successful regional cooperation is an essential tool to consolidate greater control over conflict minerals and mining sites. We welcome the efforts by the countries of the region to strengthen their common dialogue and regional cooperation in the fight against illegal exploitation and illicit trade in natural resources. In that regard, we encourage the countries of the region to facilitate the implementation of the common regional initiatives in that area, most notably with regard to the implementation of the regional database on mineral flows, the Regional Certification Mechanism and the harmonization of regional regulations.”
2021-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8884 (2021) · source
“We regret to note that another prominent feature of the conflict — behaviour unworthy of human beings — is the conflict-related sexual violence, accompanied by grave violations against women and children. The ongoing conflict in turn has left the population of the region at a critical level of food insecurity and in a dire humanitarian situation. It is inconceivable that approximately 15 million people in the region are subjected to forced displacement. That should not happen to populations in our time. The illegal exploitation of natural resources, which is the focus of today’s debate, is a longstanding driver of insecurity and conflict in the region. We need to ensure that those resources serve the well-being of the population of the region.”
2021-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8884 (2021) · source
“Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): I thank Kenya for hosting today’s debate, and I appreciate the Kenyan commitment to deal with this topic as a high priority. I also thank the briefers for their presentations, and I welcome the representatives of countries of the region for joining us today. We are well aware that the root causes and endemic conflicts in the Great Lakes region are multiple and complex. For more than two decades, the insecurity, most notably in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, has been one of the destabilizing factors in the region that has been characterized by day-to-day attacks and killings of civilians by various negative forces.”
2021-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8884 (2021) · source
“Finally, I would like to stress the important role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East in providing help to the Palestinian refugees and stabilizing the region, including through humanitarian response and reconstruction in Gaza. The upcoming conference hosted by Sweden and Jordan will be an important opportunity to find ways towards more sustainable funding of the Agency.”
2021-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8883 (2021) · source
“In that context, we welcome the recent proposals to advance the economy and improve the socioeconomic situation of Palestinians. Turning to the West Bank, we are worried about the continued incidents of violence, including the clashes between Palestinians and the Israeli security forces. We call on all parties to refrain from violence, incitement and acts of provocation. The demolition of and evictions from Palestinian property by Israel are worrying. We call upon Israel to refrain from those activities as well as from advancing any settlement plans, as such acts are contrary to international law. We also reiterate that the status quo of the holy sites must be fully respected.”
2021-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8883 (2021) · source
“We also urge the parties to engage in more practical cooperation, including in the economic, financial and other areas, which would serve as confidence-building measures and would be in the interests of the people of both sides. Regarding Gaza, it is vital to continue stabilizing the fragile situation. We support the international and regional efforts aimed at reducing tensions and holding the ceasefire in Gaza. We call upon Hamas and other terrorist organizations to refrain from firing rockets and incendiary devices into Israel and urge Israel to use its right to defend itself proportionally, protecting the civilian population. It is also essential that international and regional efforts for reconstruction continue, with the aim of improving the dire humanitarian and socioeconomic situation in the Strip.”
2021-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8883 (2021) · source
“Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): I thank Special Coordinator Wennesland for his briefing. I also thank Mr. Levy and Ms. Ashrawi for their insightful statements. Estonia remains committed to finding a long- lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, based on the two-State solution, international law and the relevant Security Council resolutions. We continue to support all efforts to create favourable conditions for the resumption of direct, meaningful negotiations on all final-status issues. We welcome the recent engagement between the Israeli and Palestinian leaders and encourage them to expand that dialogue further.”
2021-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8883 (2021) · source
“We encourage the Government to advance essential reforms, most importantly in the security sector and in the areas of good governance and the rule of law, with full, equal and meaningful participation of women in political processes. In conclusion, I thank the Special Representative for his tireless efforts and support in contributing to the peace process in the Central African Republic.”
2021-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8882 (2021) · source