YouSaid · the spoken record

Jürgenson

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

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“One thing is to have the changes on paper, but we also want to see the Parliament working as it should. Estonia is very concerned about the suppression of civic space. The arbitrary arrests, detention and harassment of human rights activists and the shutdown of major Internet service providers is unacceptable. We call for the immediate release of all individuals arrested during the planned protests. Civil society must be able to operate freely in South Sudan; it is in the interests of a peaceful future for the country. That is especially relevant bearing in mind the upcoming elections. The recent internal disputes in the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-Army in Opposition are worrisome. Those disputes can break the already fragile peace, and we call on the opposing factions to refrain from fuelling the animosity.”
2021-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8859 (2021) · source
“Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): I wish to thank Mr. Haysom, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for South Sudan, Ms. Ghelani and Ms. Lorna Nanjia for their briefings. I would like to start by commending the Government of South Sudan on several positive and successful actions. First, we welcome the advancement of the transitional justice agenda. Secondly, the inauguration of the Parliament on 30 August was an important step towards democratic institution-building and accountability and, ultimately, the upcoming elections. It is crucial that they be well prepared. We hope that the Government of South Sudan will continue to implement the reforms set out in the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan. Otherwise, the upcoming elections cannot be seen as transparent, credible and inclusive.”
2021-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8859 (2021) · source
“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 transition, peace and civilian protection. I reiterate Estonia’s full support to the Sudanese people in achieving democracy, peace and prosperity.”
2021-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8857 (2021) · source
“Despite the abovementioned progress, one persistent concern is the precarious security situation, particularly in some parts of Darfur, and the devastating consequences of intercommunal violence. We urge the transitional Government to accelerate the implementation of its National Plan for the Protection of Civilians and call for urgent deployment of the joint security forces. Efforts must be redoubled to ensure the safety of civilians, including women and children. Perpetrators of violence must be held accountable, as there will be no peace without justice. To conclude, we welcome the progress that the Sudan has made while acknowledging that a long road lies ahead. However, the Sudan will not have to walk that path alone, as the international community stands firmly behind the Sudan’s historic transition.”
2021-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8857 (2021) · source
“Estonia welcomes the efforts to implement the Juba Peace Agreement, including the establishment of the National High Committee and subcommittees. We also welcome the enhanced cooperation with the International Criminal Court. However, there is a clear need to accelerate the implementation of the Juba Peace Agreement in order to respond to the hopes of the population to live in peace. For that reason, we urge the transitional Government to prioritize the operationalization of the committees to help to address pressing security challenges. It is also important to continue efforts to encourage those parties that have not yet joined the Peace Agreement to do so urgently.”
2021-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8857 (2021) · source
“Estonia welcomes the progress that the Sudan continues to make in its transition, including the economic reforms and the entry into force of laws on the anti-corruption, transitional justice and peace commissions. We also welcome the Prime Minister’s initiative of 22 June, which is aimed at responding to the demands of the population. However, we recognize that the transition is facing multiple challenges. For the transition to stay on course, as envisioned by the revolution and the Constitutional Declaration, the importance of institution-building cannot be overemphasized, as institutions form the backbone of any democracy. Therefore, we urge the transitional authorities to expedite the formation of key transitional institutions, including the Transitional Legislative Council, with 40 per cent representation of women.”
2021-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8857 (2021) · source
“Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): I join others in thanking the briefers for their insightful interventions. I also warmly welcome the participation of the representative of the Sudan in this meeting. At the outset, I would like to commend the bravery and resilience of Sudanese women, without whom the Sudan would not be on the path towards its historic transition. It is clear that neither a sustainable peace nor a healthy democracy can be achieved without the meaningful participation of women. Therefore, we urge the transitional Government to redouble its efforts to make women’s full, equal and meaningful participation — including in decision-making bodies — a reality.”
2021-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8857 (2021) · source
“Finally, I would like to reiterate that the targeted measures and arms embargo on Darfur serve the sole purpose of helping the Sudan to achieve peace. The targeted sanctions aim to thwart or prevent actions that may spoil the peace. The arms embargo currently in place in Darfur ultimately serves the purpose of preventing the further proliferation of arms. The Committee is supporting the upcoming review of sanctions measures in order to best support the Sudan in achieving peace. The 1591 Committee reiterates its steadfast commitment to working together with the Sudan and all relevant stakeholders to make peace a reality.”
2021-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8856 (2021) · source
“Despite the Government’s commitment to improve security, the Panel reported that intercommunal violence, attacks against civilians by the Sudan Liberation Army/Abdul Wahid faction and human rights violations, including acts of sexual violence in conflict, were recorded. Employing more measures to enhance the protection of civilians for communities in Darfur continued to be of paramount importance and needed to be expedited. According to the Panel, more needs to be done to address the underlying drivers of the Darfur conflict, which in some cases has been exacerbated by competition for scarce local resources. With regard to the implementation of the travel ban and assets freeze, the Panel reported that it remained a challenge. A new instance of a travel-ban violation had occurred with Musa Hilal’s travel to Chad in April.”
2021-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8856 (2021) · source
“Thanks to mining revenues, the Sudan Liberation Army/Abdul Wahid faction had been augmenting its capability in terms of recruitment, training and weapons. The Panel reported that the Juba Peace Agreement signatory movements had returned to Darfur — some of them engaging in recruitment, while also maintaining a number of troops and weapons in Libya. The non-signatory armed movements in Libya had also continued to recruit and grow, although several of them expressed the wish to join the peace process and return to the Sudan. The Panel noted that, owing to the delays in the implementation of the Juba Peace Agreement, in particular the security chapter, insecurity had persisted in many areas of Darfur.”
2021-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8856 (2021) · source
“I would like to bring following points from the Panel’s briefing to the attention of the Council. The Panel reported that both the Government of the Sudan and the Juba Peace Agreement signatory movements had continued to promote peace in the Sudan, including Darfur. However, except for power- sharing arrangements, the implementation of the Juba Peace Agreement had encountered delays. In terms of the regional context, the Panel noted that it had remained mainly favourable to the peace process in Darfur. With regard to the armed groups in Darfur, the Panel informed the Committee that the Sudan Liberation Army/Abdul Wahid faction had remained present in Jebel Marra. At the same time, there had been some sporadic fighting in the northern part of Jebel Marra between Sudan Liberation Army/Abdul Wahid forces and Government forces.”
2021-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8856 (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 Sudan Sanctions Committee, covering the period from 14 June 2021 to today. During the reporting period, the Committee received the interim report of the Panel of Experts on the Sudan. It also held its first in-person informal consultations since the beginning of the coronavirus disease pandemic. At the meeting, the Panel briefed the Committee on its interim report. On 19 August, the Committee issued a press release (SC/14610) on those informal consultations. The Panel updated us on the implementation of the Juba Peace Agreement, regional dynamics, the status of the armed groups in the region, intercommunal violence and violations of human rights and international humanitarian law.”
2021-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8856 (2021) · source
“Finally, we repeat our call upon the Houthis to ensure immediate and full access for the United Nations team to the FSO SAFER oil tanker for an assessment and light repairs mission.”
2021-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8854 (2021) · source
“As recently reported by the Group of Eminent Experts on Yemen, the parties to the conflict have committed sexual and gender-based violence and have engaged in enforced disappearances, arbitrary detention and torture, in violation of international human rights law and international humanitarian law. That calls for more attention to the vulnerability of women and children to the protection risks related to the worsening economic and humanitarian conditions. We repeat our call to all parties to refrain from such violations and abuses, ensure accountability and cooperate with the Group of Eminent Experts, which, regrettably, for the third consecutive year was not able to access Yemen or other coalition countries.”
2021-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8854 (2021) · source
“Besides direct impact in the form of casualties, there are also strong interlinkages between the protracted conflict and the socioeconomic and humanitarian situation, as well as violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law. The absence of a long-term agreement between the parties to the conflict on the import of fuel and commercial imports through Al-Hudaydah port contributes to the increase in food prices, and thus to the exacerbation of food insecurity. In that context, we welcome the upcoming pledging event, to be co-hosted by Sweden and Switzerland, aimed at supporting the humanitarian aid efforts in Yemen. Due to the worsening socioeconomic conditions caused by the conflict, children are forced into early marriage or recruited.”
2021-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8854 (2021) · source
“We also call upon all parties to engage constructively with the new Special Envoy and to show willingness to compromise and agree to a sustainable ceasefire and a resumption of an inclusive political process, with the participation of women and youth. Echoing the messages by Ms. Al-Qadhi, we call for full, equal and meaningful participation by women in the peace efforts, as well as an increased role for women in Yemen’s political life and humanitarian response. We also call upon the Government of Yemen and the Southern Transitional Council to resume the implementation of the Riyadh agreement and to refrain from actions that will further increase tensions in an already volatile situation. The fighting in Yemen must stop immediately, as it has a devastating effect on peoples’ lives.”
2021-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8854 (2021) · source
“Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): I thank Special Envoy Grundberg for his briefing and wish him every success in his new role. I also thank Deputy Director Mudawi and Ms. Al-Qadhi for their briefings. Estonia is deeply concerned about increased military activity in Yemen during recent weeks, especially in Ma’rib, which has caused further civilian casualties and displacement. Civilians and civilian infrastructure have also been targeted in Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia, including Abha International Airport. We urge all parties to refrain from indiscriminate attacks against civilian objects, as they are a violation to international humanitarian law.”
2021-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8854 (2021) · source
“Finally, the overarching requirement in all transitions is the importance of national ownership, whether by the host country, local communities or civil society partners. As United Nations missions change their posture, the result should lead not to a reduction in the safety of people and the stability of peace, but greater local empowerment and resilience.”
2021-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8851 (2021) · source
“Therefore, greater attention to transitions should be considered, and there should be periodical reporting on the status of transitions under way. Past experience has also demonstrated how changes in the mission footprint benefit from being accompanied by adequate attention to corresponding environmental and ecological impacts. Care must be taken to ensure that environment- and climate-related security implications are considered in transition assessments. The protection of civilians and the promotion of human rights are central to the United Nations political strategy and dialogue with host-State authorities, and they remain just as relevant as the United Nations strategic goal shifts towards peacebuilding, with host- State authorities shouldering greater responsibility.”
2021-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8851 (2021) · source
“Transition planning has to take into account broad challenges, including risks to stability, governance and the rule of law, as well as the political, humanitarian and human rights context. In that regard, wide coordination with different stakeholders — including women, youth and those who protect and promote human rights — is crucial in order to ensure a successful pivot to post- conflict peacebuilding. Integrated mission transitions require the transfer of a multitude tasks to a variety of actors, including international partners, host Governments and civil society organizations, while at the same time maintaining continuity. In the past, drawdowns have at times occurred amid incomplete political settlements, persistent threats to civilians and significant social and economic disparities.”
2021-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8851 (2021) · source
“Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): I join others in thanking the Secretary-General, President Johnson-Sirleaf and Ms. Safaa Elagib Adam for their briefings. The aim of every United Nations peacekeeping mission is to end and make itself redundant, but, as past experience has shown, peace requires a multidimensional approach, which has been adopted by several United Nations peacekeeping missions. How the various dimensions enable peace, however, is different and, as such, require according particular attention to when and whether to end or transition them. That makes proper transitions into multi-year processes that require sustained political, security and programmatic engagements, bringing together the entire United Nations system in a different kind of configuration and United Nations support for the host country.”
2021-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8851 (2021) · source
“Strong leadership, backed by the collective decisions of the United Nations, including here in the Security Council, is needed to ensure that we stand up to take on this task. We agree with the Secretary- General that multilateralism must be more inclusive and more networked and place human rights at its core. In order for that to happen, we also need to protect and assist in the creation of a safe and diverse civil society space, which is vital for resilient communities.”
2021-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8850 (2021) · source
“As the threats emanating from the malicious use of cyberspace have become more apparent and wide-ranging, there is a clear need that States should implement the framework of responsible State behaviour and comply with international law. In June, during the Estonian presidency of the Security Council, the Council held its very first open debate dedicated to maintaining peace and security in cyberspace (see S/2021/621), and it is important that the Council remain seized of the matter. Lastly, multilateralism and the advancement of international law are indispensable to tackling emerging global threats. Multilateralism can function in a meaningful fashion only within a rules-based international order.”
2021-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8850 (2021) · source
“There is an abundance of information for us to act upon. We must be able to find common ground quicker than before. It can save lives. In order to remain relevant and fulfil its responsibility in upholding international peace and security, the Security Council needs to address new and emerging security threats. The world is changing, and the Security Council must change with it. Over the past years, we have seen how malicious cyberactivities targeting oil infrastructure and the food and health-care sectors — our most basic and critical services — can pose a real and tangible threat. The humanitarian effects of tampering with critical infrastructure could be devastating.”
2021-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8850 (2021) · source
“We managed to work through the most trying times of the pandemic, adopt resolutions and other products, doing our best to deal with conflicts around the globe. We remain worried at seeing the deteriorating human rights situation around the world, most notably in Tigray, Belarus and Afghanistan. It remains our task to uphold the Charter and promote and encourage respect for human rights, while holding the perpetrators accountable. I would be glad to hear the briefers share their ideas on how we as a Council could better help the people in Tigray. The main purpose of the Security Council is to maintain international peace and security. When bombs have already exploded and people have lost lives, it is already too late for us. Prevention and preparedness are the key, instead of dealing with the consequences.”
2021-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8850 (2021) · source
“Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): I thank the briefers — President Mary Robinson and Mr. Lakhdar Brahimi — for their insights. The United Nations was created with the future in mind. The Charter of the United Nations established a system of values, legal principles and political tools to maintain international peace and security and promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms. The same values and legal principles agreed upon 76 years ago remain just as valid today. The past two years have been very challenging for the world. The pandemic has interrupted our lives, sometimes dividing us on topics on which we have been most in need of unity. The pandemic has highlighted how the Security Council must keep up with the time and continue to evolve. From mid-March 2020 to the end of May 2021, the Security Council worked mostly virtually.”
2021-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8850 (2021) · source
“I reiterate Estonia’s full support for a robust and effective Office of High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Its work remains relevant and instrumental in helping to facilitate dialogue, resolve disputes and enhance cooperation between the parties. Estonia strongly supports Bosnia and Herzegovina’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. We are certain that its future is adjoined to the Euro-Atlantic path.”
2021-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8823 (2021) · source
“Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): Like the majority of Security Council members, Estonia abstained in the voting on the draft resolution (S/2021/667) proposed by Russia and China. The text did not meet our expectations. The draft resolution was put forward to display divisions in the Council, not to resolve any of the issues at stake. The fact that 13 members of the Security Council decided to abstain in the voting on the draft shows that the initiative was not carried out in a spirit of compromise. Instead, the approach can be described as unaccommodating and unconstructive. Estonia welcomes and agrees to the appointment of Mr. Christian Schmidt as High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina. That decision of the Steering Board of the Peace Implementation Council for Bosnia and Herzegovina is fully legitimate.”
2021-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8823 (2021) · source
“Resolution 2417 (2018) gives us the possibility of considering sanctions measures, where appropriate and in line with existing practice. Such targeted measures are necessary to hold individuals or entities accountable for obstructing the delivery or distribution of humanitarian assistance.”
2021-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8822 (2021) · source
“Estonia commends the work of the ICC and other international investigative bodies for their work in helping bring about accountability. To achieve accountability, we must be proactive in educating our armed forces in international humanitarian law. That should be seen as a valuable tool in ensuring adherence to and the dissemination of the standing rules. Therefore, all efforts to sustainably provide basic international humanitarian law training to armed forces prior to their deployment should consistently be encouraged and supported. Last but not least, the Security Council previously unanimously agreed on resolutions such as 2286 (2016) and 2417 (2018), among others. We must implement those resolutions. Humanitarian actors need to be empowered, and we must stand behind them.”
2021-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8822 (2021) · source
“We have an obligation to hold accountable people who violate accepted norms, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law. States need to investigate all crimes, including crimes affecting humanitarian workers and the delivery of humanitarian aid. The perpetrators must face justice. It is unacceptable that in some cases perpetrators are rewarded with positions in the Government or, more broadly, in the public sector. We must be very careful with the signal that such “promotions” send. If a State is unwilling or unable to carry out the necessary effective investigations, other international mechanisms, including the International Criminal Court (ICC), must step in. We highlight the important role of the Security Council in referring cases of serious crimes to the ICC.”
2021-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8822 (2021) · source
“The protection of medical and humanitarian workers and maintaining full and unimpeded humanitarian access remains our priority. We welcome last week’s renewal of the cross-border humanitarian aid mandate for another 12 months (see S/PV.8817). In addition to bureaucratic and administrative impediments, various actors have also restricted the movement of aid workers using the coronavirus disease as a pretext to consolidate their grip on power. They worry less about the consequences of harming or impeding humanitarian workers, creating an increasing cycle of impunity. Estonia deplores the impunity for serious violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law that is prevalent in many conflict situations today.”
2021-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8822 (2021) · source
“Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): I highly appreciate the interventions by the Deputy Secretary-General, Ms. Mohammed; Mr. Mardini; and Ms. Grosjean. Humanitarian needs globally are at an all-time high, and we are required to improve our efforts to help the most vulnerable. Expectations are constantly rising whereas our capability to provide help, especially during the pandemic, is not following suit. Humanitarian workers and their activities are increasingly under attack by various parties to conflict, hence greatly lowering the probability of delivering assistance and protection to the most vulnerable. A vivid example of how danger surrounds humanitarian workers is that of Syria. Despite the de-confliction mechanism, attacks against medical facilities have continued. Al-Atarib surgical hospital has been under almost constant fire since 2014.”
2021-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8822 (2021) · source
“Migrants and asylum seekers continue to be exposed to violence, including sexual and gender- based violence. It is important that the authorities take action to alleviate the suffering of civilians and ensure access for humanitarian aid and workers. For there to be lasting peace, trust needs to be restored in the society. It is crucial to ensure that all alleged human rights violations, mass killings, torture and enforced disappearances be thoroughly investigated and that justice be ensured for the victims. Fighting against impunity, ensuring accountability and focusing on reconciliation are essential to healing the society.”
2021-07-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8820 (2021) · source
“We call on all parties to fully honour and implement those commitments, including ending all foreign interference in Libya. The 23 October ceasefire agreement must be fully implemented. An essential element of its implementation is the removal of all foreign fighters and mercenaries without any further delay. All actions that violate the Libyan arms embargo need to stop immediately. We welcome the efforts of the European Union Naval Force Mediterranean Operation IRINI in supporting the implementation of the Security Council arms embargo. Furthermore, it is important to take concrete steps in implementing the Libyan-led and Libyan- owned ceasefire monitoring mechanism, including through the swift deployment of its international support component. The humanitarian situation in Libya remains concerning.”
2021-07-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8820 (2021) · source
“We call on all the relevant authorities to take immediate steps in coming to an agreement on the legal basis for the elections so that the preparation process can continue in a timely manner. It is extremely important to ensure the full, equal and meaningful participation of women and the inclusion of young people at all stages and all levels of the political process. The only viable way to a lasting peace is to create a safe space for women and young people to express their views without fear of retaliation. The support of the international community for Libyan peace efforts remains vital. We welcome the convening of the second Berlin Conference on Libya on 23 June, which reaffirmed the commitment of the participants to the United Nations-facilitated, Libyan- led and Libyan-owned political process.”
2021-07-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8820 (2021) · source
“Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): I thank Special Envoy Ján Kubiš for his briefing and express Estonia’s full support for the work of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya. We welcome today’s high-level discussion and look forward to hearing from all the speakers. While the political and security developments since the signing of the Libyan ceasefire agreement last October have been very encouraging, it is of the utmost importance to continue taking concrete measures to achieve lasting peace in Libya. It is critical to make all the necessary preparations for holding free, fair, inclusive and credible elections on 24 December, as set out in the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum road map and in resolution 2570 (2021).”
2021-07-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8820 (2021) · source
“Lastly, we remain hopeful that meaningful progress can be made despite of the current dramatic challenges. Estonia strongly supports the continued commitment to implement the Final Agreement.”
2021-07-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8818 (2021) · source
“We are concerned about the continuous killings of former combatants, social and indigenous leaders and human rights defenders. Fighting against impunity is the key to stopping violence. It is essential to bring perpetrators to justice and ensure the security of all regions of the country and vulnerable social groups. Limited State presence, poverty and illegal armed groups are the main causes for violence and need to be addressed. In addition, the National Commission on Security Guarantees needs to be convened to develop a clear road map for implementing the public policy guidelines. Furthermore, the third wave of the coronavirus disease pandemic has already reached Colombia, causing the deterioration of the health situation. We encourage the Government to continue moving forward with the vaccination strategy.”
2021-07-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8818 (2021) · source
“It is important to enhance security guarantees and structural reforms. This year marks the fifth anniversary of the Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace. We recognize all the positive developments and efforts made so far towards a sustainable peace. We welcome the developments regarding the decision to create 16 special transitional electoral districts for peace. Another important element of reconciliation of the society is transitional justice. We value the work of all transitional justice mechanisms, especially the Special Jurisdiction for Peace, which plays an important role in guaranteeing the victims’ rights to truth, justice and reparations. The security situation remains the main challenge.”
2021-07-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8818 (2021) · source
“Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): I thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Carlos Ruiz Massieu, and Ms. Melissa Herrera, Founder and Director of the Latin American Foundation Viva la Vida, for their briefings today. I would like to 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 Colombia. The situation in Colombia is worrying. The social unrest in Colombia and the polarization of the society need to be dealt with. The recent developments have shown the urgent need to overcome the crisis. It is important to avoid any further escalation of violence. We encourage all parties to put aside their differences and continue to seek a resolution through peaceful dialogue.”
2021-07-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8818 (2021) · source
“Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): I thank the co-penholders for their immense work and persistent efforts to maintain the cross-border humanitarian mechanism. Ireland and Norway have worked closely with all Council members to reach an outcome based on humanitarian needs, aiming to support Syrian people across the country. Because of that determination, we voted in favour of renewing the mandate for 12 months. Estonia thanks the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and other United Nations agencies, which, despite hardships, have continued to provide life-saving and life-sustaining aid to the people in urgent need inside Syria.”
2021-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8817 (2021) · source
“However, we regret that so far no agreement has been found on the outstanding issues, despite more than a year having passed since the Council last discussed this matter. We hope that with the facilitation of the African Union, the parties will continue to work to come to an agreement in a timely manner. The African Union, as the regional organization, should remain the main forum for this. Estonia also supports the continuation of the work of observers in this process. It is crucial to find a peaceful solution at the earliest opportunity before the tensions escalate. We are urging all parties to refrain from taking any unilateral actions that might escalate the situation. The best chance of finding a solution remains through negotiations and not through escalation. The time to come to an agreement is now.”
2021-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8816 (2021) · source
“Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): I too would like to thank the briefers for their insightful briefings. The heightened tensions surrounding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) are very concerning. Estonia has closely followed the developments. We have also carefully studied the letters that the concerned parties have submitted to the Council. It is obvious that there is no easy solution to this question. Therefore, it is twice as important that all three parties involved be willing to make the necessary concessions that would allow them to arrive at a fair and equitable solution. I believe this is achievable if all involved negotiate in good faith. We acknowledge the role that the African Union has played in trying to help to find a solution.”
2021-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8816 (2021) · source
“It is crucial to address the root causes of conflict, take into account the underlying grievances in the society and ensure access to basic social services. In that connection it is very concerning that a significant amount of schools across the Sahel region remain closed or non-operational. Ensuring children’s right to education and protecting and empowering those most vulnerable in the society is one of the key factors to the long-term stability of the society. Respect for human rights and the fight against impunity are essential elements in achieving long-term stability in the society. Accountability for human rights abuses and violations of international humanitarian law is essential in restoring the trust of the people and supporting the reconciliation process.”
2021-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8814 (2021) · source
“We welcome the strengthening of the Joint Force of the Group of Five for the Sahel and commend the States of the region on operating through joint operations, as well as the Multinational Joint Task Force. However, the overall situation remains extremely concerning, with mostly the civilian population suffering from the ongoing violence. It is essential that the States of the region continue enhancing cooperation among themselves and with the international community. Estonia, for its part, will continue contributing through various international efforts. Nevertheless, a security-centred approach alone will not suffice in bringing lasting peace and stability to West Africa and the Sahel region.”
2021-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8814 (2021) · source
“In connection with the democratic processes, I would like to also stress the importance of the full, equal and meaningful participation of women in all aspects of the political processes. While the strengthening of the normative framework on women’s inclusion is positive, the reality in terms of women’s representation in the national Governments and Parliaments remains clearly inadequate. Concrete steps are required from the States of the region in order to create opportunities and a safe space for women to participate in the political processes as voters and candidates, as well as civil society representatives. Estonia remains alarmed by the deteriorating security situation in West Africa and the Sahel region. We are encouraged by some success in the regional counter-terrorist efforts.”
2021-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8814 (2021) · source
“The past year and a half has been especially significant in the democratic processes in West Africa and the Sahel due to the number of elections held in several of the region’s States. While a number of those elections were held in a relatively peaceful environment, we remain concerned about the reportedly growing perception in the region of a shrinking political and civic space. The sense among the population of a democratic reversal should be treated as an important early-warning sign that needs to be addressed immediately. While the coronavirus disease pandemic negatively affects the overall functioning of a society, it must not be used as a pretext to curtail civil liberties.”
2021-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8814 (2021) · source
“Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): I would like to thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Annadif for his briefing on the most recent developments in West Africa and the Sahel. I would also like to thank Ms. Ayemou for her briefing and for highlighting the important aspects of the rights of women and children in the region. At the outset, allow me to express Estonia’s full support for the work and good offices of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel, which has remained very active during the reporting period. We would also like to commend the Economic Community of West African States for its active engagement and role in facilitating dialogue with various national stakeholders.”
2021-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8814 (2021) · source
“It is important that the transition plan include benchmarks and indicators that are objective and measurable. The Government should also ensure equal opportunities for all stakeholders, including civil society and humanitarian actors, who are engaged in the development and implementation of this plan.”
2021-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8813 (2021) · source