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Jürgenson

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525
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2020-01-10
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2022-06-02
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106
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un-security-council

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  1. It is regrettable that, in carrying out their mandate, MINUSCA peacekeepers and the United Nations personnel are subjected to hate speech, restrictions to their freedom of movement and other unacceptable incidents, by national forces and their partners, in violation of the status-of-forces agreement. However, this significantly impairs the capacity to protect civilians or respond to their humanitarian needs. Accordingly, we encourage the Government of the Central African Republic, acting in the best interests of the population, to facilitate cooperation with MINUSCA and address the disinformation campaigns targeting United Nations personnel. Finally, we find it important to underline the central role the Government of the Central African Republic plays in ensuring accountability and bringing perpetrators to justice.

    2021-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8882 (2021) · source

  2. We strongly condemn these violations, which have been committed by all perpetrators, including armed groups, the national armed forces and their Russian partners. In this regard, we hope that the Panel of Experts on the Central African Republic will soon be fully operational to continue their valuable work in assisting the Security Council on the implementation of the sanctions measures. Furthermore, we take this opportunity to commend the good offices of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) in ensuring protection of the civilians and in supporting the peace process.

    2021-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8882 (2021) · source

  3. Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): I thank Special Representative Ndiaye for briefing us today on the latest developments in the Central African Republic. I also thank the other briefers for their invaluable insights and welcome His Excellency President Touadera for joining us today. I would like to begin by welcoming the declaration of the ceasefire by President Touadera last Friday. This positive momentum gives impetus to prospects for peace and stability in the country. In appreciating this moment, however, we remain concerned at the number of human rights violations and abuses committed in the Central African Republic. The reported cases on the excessive use of force, indiscriminate killings of civilians and conflict-related sexual violence against women and children describe well the severity of the situation on the ground.

    2021-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8882 (2021) · source

  4. Such an agreement would contribute to the stability of the whole region and allow people to work together in order to advance their common regional goals.

    2021-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8880 (2021) · source

  5. With regard to the municipal elections on 17 October in Kosovo, we trust that the process will be inclusive, credible and transparent and, as a result, will help to take forward further necessary future electoral reform efforts. Finally, I would like to echo the Secretary-General’s words on the International Day of Peace: “[M]istrust and division are driving people apart at a time when solidarity and collaboration are needed more than ever ... We must choose peace ... It is ... the only pathway to a better future.” We therefore call on Serbia and Kosovo to refrain from any unilateral action or divisive rhetoric that could raise tensions and to engage in good faith, in a spirit of compromise, and work on reaching a comprehensive agreement on the normalization of relations.

    2021-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8880 (2021) · source

  6. We welcome the agreement reached by the parties on 30 September, under the facilitation of EU Special Representative Miroslav Lajčák and following the active engagement by the EU High Representative Josep Borrell and the United States special envoy Gabriel Escobar, to de-escalate the situation in the north of Kosovo. Any further provocations or tensions that endanger stability are unacceptable and must be avoided. The EU-facilitated dialogue is the only way forward for Kosovo and Serbia to address and resolve all open issues. In order to make good progress on the normalization of relations, it is crucial that both countries fully respect and implement all previous agreements reached in the dialogue.

    2021-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8880 (2021) · source

  7. We welcome Kosovo’s continued strategic commitment to its European path and encourage further progress. That includes taking forward reforms, particularly in the area of the rule of law, and the fight against corruption and organized crime, as well as promoting further socioeconomic development. We support the work of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers and the Specialist Prosecutor’s Office. Full cooperation with those institutions remains essential as an important demonstration of Kosovo’s commitment to the rule of law. In that regard, we would like to emphasize that the European Union (EU) Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo should continue its monitoring and advisory role to the relevant rule-of-law institutions in Kosovo.

    2021-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8880 (2021) · source

  8. Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): I would also like to thank Mr. Tanin, Special Representative of the Secretary- General, for his comprehensive briefing and for leading the work of United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), as well as President Osmani-Sadriu and Foreign Minister Selaković for their statements. With the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic still heavily affecting Kosovo, we appreciate UNMIK’s support for Kosovo’s local authorities and communities in alleviating the challenges caused by the pandemic, including the delivery of COVID-19- related humanitarian assistance and medical equipment to meet the needs of persons in vulnerable situations. We also commend UNMIK for its continued support to strengthening Kosovo’s rule of law and democratic institutions.

    2021-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8880 (2021) · source

  9. Finally, we encourage all parties to make good use of the tools available to pursue a genuine dialogue at both national and local levels. I would like to express Estonia´s full support for the implementation of the Peace Agreement in its entirety.

    2021-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8879 (2021) · source

  10. We welcome the progress made during the last reporting period with regard to transitional justice, particularly the work made by the Truth Commission. Also, the Special Jurisdiction for Peace has progressed with cases involving both the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia and the security forces, including cases of forced recruitment and use of children in conflict. Victims need to stay at the centre of the process. It is important to improve victims’ participation in the peace process. The inclusion of different gender and ethnic groups is crucial. Furthermore, we reiterate the importance of guaranteeing the independent functioning of all institutions established under the Peace Agreement, including transitional justice mechanisms.

    2021-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8879 (2021) · source

  11. In 2021, 158 killings have been reported to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. Almost 300 former combatants have been killed since the signing of the Peace Agreement. Violence against these individuals is hindering the successful implementation of the Peace Agreement. Fighting impunity is key to stopping violence. It is essential to bring perpetrators to justice. Security needs to be ensured for all parts of the country and vulnerable groups of society. As rural areas are disproportionately more affected, we call on the Government to increase its presence in those areas. Communities need protection from violence by illegal armed groups, and basic services need to be ensured.

    2021-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8879 (2021) · source

  12. It has not only led to the end of the conflict but also formed the norms and institutions that are needed in order to reach lasting peace. It has also transformed the Government´s public policy approach with respect to those local areas that are most affected by violence. The peace process has proved that peacebuilding and reconciliation efforts can mitigate local conflict dynamics. However, challenges remain, and participation by all stakeholders throughout the process is required, including at the local level. The main challenges hindering the implementation of the Peace Agreement are linked to dynamics of violence. We are concerned about the increase of violence against social leaders, human rights defenders, former combatants and communities.

    2021-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8879 (2021) · source

  13. Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): I would like to thank all the briefers for their informative and valuable briefings today and express Estonia’s strong support for the work of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia. We warmly welcome Her Excellency Ms. Marta Lucía Ramírez, Vice-President and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Colombia. The fifth anniversary of the signing of the Final Peace Agreement on 24 November gives us an opportunity to reflect on what has been achieved and identify areas that require more effort. We recognize the positive developments and efforts made towards sustainable peace during this period. The Peace Agreement has had a significant impact on the country’s development.

    2021-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8879 (2021) · source

  14. Finally, we repeat our call on the Houthis to allow urgent action to be taken on the FSO SAFER oil tanker in order to avoid an environmental and economic disaster.

    2021-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8878 (2021) · source

  15. Estonia remains deeply concerned about the continued reports of human rights violations and abuses by all parties to the conflict, including sexual violence and the recruitment and use of children. The most recent report of the Secretary-General on children and armed conflict in Yemen (S/2021/761) demonstrates the harsh reality that the armed conflict continues to cause atrocities and immense suffering to children in Yemen. More than 8,500 grave violations against children were recorded during the years 2019 and 2020. Furthermore, the conflict continues to exacerbate the humanitarian situation. We call upon the parties to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid and agree on the import of fuel and commercial goods through Al-Hudaydah port.

    2021-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8878 (2021) · source

  16. The situation in the southern governorates also remains distressingly fragile, as the recent clashes near Aden, which led to several civilian casualties, remind us. We urge the Government of Yemen and the Southern Transitional Council to resume the implementation of the Riyadh Agreement, which is in the interest of the Yemeni people and an essential element of the path towards wider peace. Estonia was deeply disappointed at the vote at the United Nations Human Rights Council on 7 October, which failed to extend the mandate of the Group of Eminent Experts. During the past four years, the Group has done extremely important work in monitoring the human rights situation in Yemen. It is in the interest of the people of Yemen that accountability for human rights violations and abuses is ensured.

    2021-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8878 (2021) · source

  17. We strongly condemn the repeated cross-border attacks by Houthis against Saudi Arabia, including the recent attacks on Abha and Jizan airports, where several civilians were injured. All parties must refrain from indiscriminate attacks against civilian objects, as they are a violation of international humanitarian law. The people of Yemen have suffered enough. It is time for the Government of Yemen and the Houthis to engage constructively with the Special Envoy and agree to a sustainable ceasefire, accompanied by an inclusive political process, with the participation of women and youth. We highly appreciate all international and regional efforts in support of this achieving these objectives.

    2021-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8878 (2021) · source

  18. Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): I thank Special Envoy Grundberg and Acting Assistant Secretary-General Rajasingham for their briefings. I also thank Ms. Shujaa Al-Deen for her insightful briefing. Estonia remains deeply concerned about the ongoing hostilities in Yemen that have once again intensified in recent weeks, causing more and more suffering for the people of Yemen. As reported by the United Nations, another 10,000 people in Ma’rib have been displaced in the past month, the highest monthly number this year. Civilian casualties in September have also reportedly once more reached high levels. We call on all parties to immediately put an end to hostilities, including the Houthi assault on Ma’rib.

    2021-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8878 (2021) · source

  19. The success of the European experiment is a result of unity, based on these very same notions. Respect for human rights is essential to addressing the broad causes of all complex crises and to building sustainable, safe and peaceful societies.

    2021-10-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8877 (2021) · source

  20. As a priority, the EU and its member States are committed to promoting a global, free, open, stable and secure cyberspace grounded in existing international law, including human rights law and international humanitarian law. Respect for diversity does not mean tolerating authoritarian attempts to limit the freedom of expression and suppress other human rights and fundamental freedoms. The promotion and protection of human rights is one of the most efficient means of conflict prevention. Importantly, the notion also entails the important role of women in peacebuilding and respect for gender equality. We render our full support to the Secretary- General’s call to action for human rights. This transformative vision underpins the work of the entire United Nations system.

    2021-10-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8877 (2021) · source

  21. Different cultural, ethnic, religious and political groups have reconciled under the banner of “United in Diversity” — the official motto of the European Union (EU). As we look forward, new challenges to cooperation are emerging. These fresh tensions are playing out with increasing frequency in cyberspace. Extremist groups use cyberspace to mobilize their followers, while authoritarian States utilize it to extend the State’s reach, control and interests within and outside their borders. Attacks on critical infrastructure, manipulation of information, interference in elections all remain a substantial concern. I reiterate Estonia’s position that the efforts at the United Nations play an important role in advancing responsible State behaviour in cyberspace.

    2021-10-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8877 (2021) · source

  22. Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): I thank the Kenyan presidency for organizing this open debate today. I extend my warmest welcome to the Secretary-General and His Excellency President Thabo Mbeki and thank them for their insightful briefings. I also thank Ms. Fawzia Koofi on her presentation on the evolving situation in Afghanistan and the important role of women in peacebuilding. Looking into the role of diversity in peacebuilding can be like opening Pandora’s box. The multitude of differences — whether ethnic, religious or political — exacerbate existing economic and social problems. Maintaining stability will be even more difficult if we do not dismantle radicalized identities in time. In an effort to identify ways to overcome challenges in building peace, the experience of the European community is worth examining.

    2021-10-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8877 (2021) · source

  23. Estonia also continues to champion the universalization and implementation of the Arms Trade Treaty. We believe that, when the Treaty is effectively and widely implemented, it will have great potential to contribute to more responsible and transparent international arms transfers.

    2021-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8874 (2021) · source

  24. Thirdly, in order to maximize a mission’s ability to respond to small arms management and to carry out tasks related to arms embargoes, we support the Secretary-General’s recommendation to consider the establishment or designation of a unit or cell within a peace mission with specific expertise and skills. Finally, for Estonia, adherence to, and the ratification of, key international instruments in that area is of crucial importance. We call on all States to implement the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects, as well as the International Instrument to Enable States to Identify and Trace, in a Timely and Reliable Manner, Illicit Small Arms and Light Weapons.

    2021-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8874 (2021) · source

  25. Also, the secure and safe management of peacekeepers’ own weapons and ammunition deserves to be addressed in the mandates. Secondly, in order to improve compliance with arms embargoes, cooperation and information-sharing between peace operations and panels of experts could be strengthened. The systematic collection and analysis of data on seized, found and surrendered weapons can provide important information about the sources and supply chains of armed actors. Consistent information-sharing could therefore help both peace operations and panels of experts in their endeavours to better implement their Security Council mandates.

    2021-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8874 (2021) · source

  26. We welcome the fact that the United Nations Mine Action Service, which Estonia is proud to support, is also often an integral component of such missions and can provide them with direct support and technical assistance in activities related to the control of small arms and light weapons. While United Nations peace operations have continued to deepen their support to national authorities, there is still room for reinforcing the role of United Nations peace operations in dealing with illicit f lows of small arms and light weapons. First, the Security Council could include, in a more systematic way, the tasks of record-keeping and tracing of weapons in peace operation mandates, in line with international instruments and standards.

    2021-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8874 (2021) · source

  27. Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): I thank the briefers for their informative and insightful contributions. The illicit f low of small arms and light weapons and their ammunition exacerbates ongoing conflicts, intensifies intercommunal violence and abets and sustains violent extremists, terrorists and organized criminal groups. Controlling and curbing small arms and light weapons transfers should therefore be an integral part of post-conflict and armed violence reduction efforts, including in the mandates of United Nations peace operations. Positive examples already exist, and various United Nations peace operations, including in Haiti, the Sudan and Mali, are mandated to support weapons management in the contexts of community violence reduction, disarmament, demobilization and reintegration and security sector reform programmes.

    2021-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8874 (2021) · source

  28. We welcome the proposed benchmarks to empower the Government and affirm its role in ensuring a sustainable transition process. We are of the view that continued engagement among the Government, MONUSCO and international stakeholders, as well as greater national Government ownership of the transition process, is key to the successful implementation of the plan. We are confident that initial steps taken by the Government towards the new Disarmament, Demobilization, Community Reintegration and Stabilization Programme already demonstrate the positive prospects for the transition process.

    2021-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8873 (2021) · source

  29. We likewise encourage the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to pursue its commitments and efforts to curb the high number of grave violations committed against women and children. We believe that the way out of this circle of violence is to address the root causes of the conflict and further advance the fight against impunity. Lastly, I would like to thank the Special Representative for her leadership and joint efforts — in partnership with the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) and the United Nations country team — to develop a transition plan for the gradual, responsible and sustainable withdrawal of MONUSCO by 2024.

    2021-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8873 (2021) · source

  30. In those circumstances, we encourage the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in partnership with the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other stakeholders, to do its utmost to address human rights violations and abuses committed against civilians, as well as the phenomenon of conflict- related sexual violence. It is crucial that measures to curb the violence and restore safety for its population go hand in hand with the principles of the rule of law. In that connection, we welcome the step to establish the Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission, which will be tasked with investigating human rights violations and abuses, as well as supporting justice and the rule of law.

    2021-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8873 (2021) · source

  31. It is equally concerning to learn that several journalists have been threatened by both armed groups and State agents, which fuels the existing insecurity even more. In our view, that has a spillover effect on the dire humanitarian situation. The country ranks high with regard to the number of internally displaced persons in Africa. We also remain concerned about the ongoing threat posed by the coronavirus disease and other endemic diseases, such as malaria, that affect the health and economic situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

    2021-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8873 (2021) · source

  32. Taking note of the complexities with respect to the electoral reforms, we encourage the Government to make efforts in tackling hate speech and incitement to violence. Accordingly, I take this opportunity to join the Special Representative in underlining the important role of timely, inclusive and peaceful elections. Secondly, we continue to be concerned by the unabated violence in the Kivu and Ituri provinces. We regret that, in spite of the state of siege and military operations against negative forces, the circle of violence continues. Incidents in conflict-affected provinces involving armed groups and State agents have recently resulted in the killing of at least 600 civilians, while almost 300 people, mostly women, were victims of sexual violence.

    2021-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8873 (2021) · source

  33. Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): I thank Special Representative Keita, Ambassador Abarry and Ms. Mbangu for their presentations. First, I would like to commend the Congolese Government for maintaining political stability in the country and making further progress in relations with the neighbouring countries. Furthermore, we take note of the commitments of the Congolese Government to facilitate electoral reforms ahead of the 2023 elections. We particularly support the commitments of the Government to further advance equitable representation of women in public life. At the same time, the importance of the implementation of other key reforms under the Government´s programme of action should not be underestimated.

    2021-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8873 (2021) · source

  34. We encourage the authorities to support establishing an Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Haiti to safeguard continued collaboration with State authorities on human rights issues. It is important to maintain what has already been achieved. Haiti benefits from the presence of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH). I would like to express Estonia’s strong support for BINUH’s activities and the work of the Special Representative. We believe that joint efforts by all stakeholders can bring stability and sustainable development to the country.

    2021-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8871 (2021) · source

  35. Another important element in regaining trust is enhancing accountability and ensuring that all cases of violence are properly investigated, including the assassination of President Moïse. In that connection, the security situation remains worrisome. This is a consequence of the armed gangs’ criminal activities, which need to be dealt with. We call on the authorities to address the violence and put more effort into stopping gang-related criminal activities. Measures need to be taken to protect the lives of human rights defenders, journalists and activists. Police forces need to be strengthened so that they can respond more effectively and offer greater protection to the Haitian people. Any further displacement of the population must be prevented.

    2021-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8871 (2021) · source

  36. We take note of the announcement by Prime Minister Ariel Henry to hold a referendum to modify the country’s Constitution by February and the plan to organize presidential and legislative elections early next year. That is the key to overcoming this long-lasting crisis. We call on the authorities of Haiti to organize free, fair and transparent elections. It is crucial to build trust and create conditions for credible elections. We urge all political actors and stakeholders to set aside their differences in order to achieve a positive outcome and find a solution to the crisis. Inclusive dialogue is needed to move the political process forward and reach a national consensus.

    2021-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8871 (2021) · source

  37. Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): I would like to thank Ms. Helen La Lime, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Haiti, and Ms. Emmanuela Douyon for their informative briefings and valuable work. This has been a very challenging year for Haiti — the assassination of President Moïse, the horrific earthquake and the continuing impact of the coronavirus disease pandemic. As a result, the political and humanitarian crisis has only worsened. We are concerned about the lack of progress on the political track. A worsening security situation will exacerbate instability in Haiti and can also affect the stability of the region. It is high time for the political leaders in Haiti to take action and put the country back on track.

    2021-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8871 (2021) · source

  38. Finally, I would like to reiterate our concern about the recent arrests of Palestinian protesters in relation to the death of the political activist Nizar Banat. We call on the Palestinian Authority to ensure freedom of expression and freedom of assembly.

    2021-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8869 (2021) · source

  39. Estonia also fully supports the continued international and regional efforts for reconstruction in Gaza and to improve the dire and unsustainable humanitarian and socioeconomic situation in the Gaza Strip. We hope that the planned reconstruction process can begin promptly. In that context, we also welcome the proposals to create economic stability and improve the socioeconomic situation of the Palestinians. We join the calls for the parties to show commitment to the two-State solution through concrete steps and to refrain from unilateral steps that undermine it. We remain worried about Israel’s plans for advancing settlements on the West Bank, as well as the continued demolitions of, and evictions from, Palestinian property. We call upon Israel to refrain from those activities, as they are contrary to international law.

    2021-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8869 (2021) · source

  40. We call on all parties to refrain from violence, incitement and acts of provocation. Such developments once more underline the need for international and regional efforts to restore the conditions for direct negotiations aimed at a two-State solution, based on international law and the relevant Security Council resolutions, as the only viable path to a lasting peace. We welcome the first high-level meeting in years between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, held on 29 August. That was an important step of confidence, and we hope that it will pave the way for a sustained political dialogue, as well as further practical cooperation between the two sides, which would benefit both the Israelis and the Palestinians.

    2021-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8869 (2021) · source

  41. Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): I thank Special Coordinator Wennesland for his briefing. I also thank Ms. Rothbart and Ms. Farsakh for their statements. More than four months after the most recent round of violence in and around Gaza, the tensions and violence between the parties have unfortunately not subsided. The continued launching of rockets and incendiary balloons towards Israel is unacceptable. Israel has a right to defend itself, while ensuring the safety and protection of the civilian population. We call upon the parties to continue to respect the ceasefire and do their utmost to avoid further violence. We are also worried about the continued incidents of violence on the West Bank, including the clashes between the Palestinians and the Israeli security forces, with several deaths and hundreds of injured during the past weeks.

    2021-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8869 (2021) · source

  42. It is also crucial that women’s rights be codified in the revised constitution and other legal frameworks. Greater resilience, peace and stability in Somalia can be achieved only through the full inclusion of women in all sectors of society. In order to provide a better life not only for Somali women, but all Somali people, defeating Al-Shabaab must remain a priority for the Government. In that regard, we call on the Federal Government to accelerate the implementation of the Somali transition plan to make a liberated Somalia a reality. Allow me to conclude by reiterating Estonia’s full support for Somalia and its people.

    2021-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8867 (2021) · source

  43. Since the elections lay the foundation for the next chapter for Somalia, the importance of women’s participation cannot be overemphasized. Therefore, we call on Somali leaders to live up to their commitment to ensuring the implementation of the 30 per cent quota of women in the elections in order to safeguard women’s political representation. We also see the need to do more to advance women’s rights in society more broadly. Estonia is alarmed by the increase of sexual and gender-based violence. Too many Somali women and children remain trapped in a cycle of violence, and that requires the urgent attention of Somali authorities. Estonia calls on the Federal Government to accelerate the adoption of a new national action plan for ending sexual violence in conflict.

    2021-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8867 (2021) · source

  44. Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): I join others in thanking the Deputy Secretary-General for her briefing and undertaking her visit to draw attention to the importance of women’s political participation. I would also like to sincerely thank Ms. Dini for sharing her insights. Estonia is deeply concerned about the ongoing disagreement between President Farmajo and Prime Minister Roble. We urge all parties to avoid actions that could lead to violence, resolve their differences urgently through dialogue and prioritize the peaceful holding of transparent, credible and inclusive elections within the agreed timelines. Successfully completing elections is the only way through which broader State-building efforts can continue, and therefore it must remain a priority.

    2021-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8867 (2021) · source

  45. A lasting and credible political solution in line with resolution 2254 (2015) can be reached only when we end impunity once and for all.

    2021-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8866 (2021) · source

  46. The Security Council needs to act decisively against the widespread and systematic violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law in Syria. Estonia and the European Union call on the creation of an international mechanism to locate missing persons or their remains. There are already multiple initiatives that have collected, systematized and preserved evidence of these crimes since the very beginning of the conflict. Such investigative mechanisms as the International, Impartial, and Independent Mechanism, the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic established by the Human Rights Council, which reports to the General Assembly, and the Fact-Finding Mission of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons can all be used to improve accountability.

    2021-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8866 (2021) · source

  47. Moreover, targeted international sanctions play a minimal role, as noted by the Syrian regime on several occasions. Secondly, the economic crisis is the result of internal factors. Widespread corruption, warlordism and lack of good governance hinder any potential positive developments in terms of recovery. The lack of meaningful steps towards a credible solution is also reflected in the wider political process. The Constitutional Committee has been dormant. However, we welcome the upcoming sixth round of talks in Geneva. We appreciate the Special Envoy’s efforts in mediating the differing views. Finally, without justice for victims, there will not be any real peace in Syria, and Ms. Mhaissen’s testimony today confirms this point.

    2021-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8866 (2021) · source

  48. Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): I thank Special Envoy Pedersen and Ms. Mhaissen for their thorough briefings. At least half a million people have lost their lives during the decade-long Syrian conflict. Despite the current relative calm, military operations continue in many parts of the country. Achieving a nationwide ceasefire and ensuring unimpeded humanitarian access remain priorities. In addition to violence, economic worries further hamper the livelihoods of the Syrian people. I thank Ms. Mhaissen for her insightful comments, which helped to shed light on these compounding challenges. The problems can be seen in two main areas. First, the economic difficulties of the broader region, especially those in neighbouring Lebanon, greatly affect Syria.

    2021-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8866 (2021) · source

  49. The humanitarian situation continues to be very dire, affected by the tensions and conflicts in the region and exacerbated by extreme floods and the socioeconomic impact of the coronavirus disease. The numbers outlined in the report of the Secretary-General (S/2021/784) make for grim reading, with about 60 per cent of the population likely to face acute food insecurity and about 108,000 people already facing catastrophic hunger. Already four humanitarian workers have been killed this year. It is the Government’s task to ensure a safe and secure environment for humanitarian partners to work in. In conclusion, I want to thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Nicholas Haysom and the United Nations Mission in South Sudan for their valuable work in South Sudan.

    2021-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8859 (2021) · source

  50. In that regard, we also welcome the swift intervention of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development to find a solution between the opposing factions. We remain concerned about the extrajudicial executions carried out in Warrap and Lakes states. It is disheartening to read that those executions had the approval of State officials. We call on the Government to investigate those killings, and we call on it to do so in compliance with its international obligations under international human rights law. The cycle of violence cannot stop if the Government will not bring the perpetrators to justice. That is necessary to end impunity and enhance accountability. We need to see improvements to the human rights situation in the country, especially concerning conflict-related sexual violence.

    2021-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8859 (2021) · source