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

“Members of the Council have before them document S/2021/523, which contains the text of a draft resolution submitted by Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Ukraine. I wish to draw the attention of Council members to document S/2021/434, which contains the report of the Secretary-General on the implementation of resolution 2526 (2020). The Council is ready to proceed to the vote on the draft resolution before it. I shall put the draft resolution to the vote now. A vote was taken by show of hands.”
2021-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8783 (2021) · source
“In accordance with rule 37 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representatives of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Ukraine to participate in this meeting. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda.”
2021-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8783 (2021) · source
“As this is the first public meeting of the Security Council for the month of June, I should like to take this opportunity to pay tribute, on behalf of the Council, to His Excellency Mr. Zhang Jun, Permanent Representative of China, for his service as President of the Security Council for the month of May. I am sure I speak for all the members of the Council in expressing deep appreciation to Ambassador Zhang Jun and his team for the great diplomatic skill with which they conducted the Council’s business last month. Adoption of the agenda The agenda was adopted. The situation in Libya Report of the Secretary-General on the implementation of Security Council resolution 2526 (2020) (S/2021/434)”
2021-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8783 (2021) · source
“The status quo of the holy sites must be respected. We also call on Israel to halt the continued settlement expansion, evictions and demolitions in the occupied Palestinian territories, including in East Jerusalem, as they are contrary to international law. We call on all parties to refrain from unilateral actions that would further increase tensions and undermine the viability of the two-State solution. The solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict can be achieved only through meaningful negotiations. We call upon the international community, including the Middle East Quartet, to create conditions for resuming direct negotiations between the Israelis and the Palestinians, with the aim of achieving a two- State solution, based on international law and relevant Security Council resolutions.”
2021-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8782 (2021) · source
“The ceasefire creates space to address urgent humanitarian needs. We support the Secretary- General’s call for a robust package of support for reconstruction and recovery in Gaza. Estonia is planning additional funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East to address the tremendous humanitarian consequences of the recent conflict. Considering the dire humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, it is vital to grant unhindered and sustained humanitarian access to all those in need and to work for sustainable reconstruction and recovery. It is also important to calm the volatile situation in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, including around the Temple Mount/Al-Haram Al-Sharif. All acts of provocation, incitement, violence and destruction must end.”
2021-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8782 (2021) · source
“Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): I thank Special Coordinator Wennesland, Commissioner-General Lazzarini and Professor Khalidi for their briefings. We followed with deep concern the latest round of escalation in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory and the loss of civilian lives resulting from the violence, especially among children. We strongly condemned the indiscriminate firing of rockets by Hamas and other militant groups, while stressing the need for the parties to abide by international humanitarian law. Estonia welcomes the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. It is vital that the parties respect and fully observe the ceasefire and do their utmost to avoid further tensions and violence. We commend the important role the United Nations, the United States, Egypt, Qatar and other international partners played in that regard.”
2021-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8782 (2021) · source
“Finally, Estonia is deeply concerned about the dire humanitarian situation and that the Humanitarian Response Plan for Somalia is currently only 19 per cent funded. Without urgent assistance, millions of people will be suspended from receiving critical humanitarian aid. Estonia calls on international community to provide the funding necessary to save lives in Somalia. To conclude, this is the moment for Somali leaders to rise to the challenge and break the political stalemate so that the leaders’ full and undivided attention can go to helping the Somali people. Allow me to reiterate Estonia’s full support for the country and its people.”
2021-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8779 (2021) · source
“The continuation of a post-2021 mission is critical, yet it is crucial that the future mission learn lessons from the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and take into account the changing conditions on the ground. Estonia, as a member of the European Union, is proud of the organization’s contribution to AMISOM and Somalia’s security over decades. We call on all on stakeholders to come together and play their part to support a successful security transition. Estonia welcomes the recent revision of the Somali transition plan. However, as with any plan, its worth is dependent on its actual implementation. In this connection, Estonia calls on the Federal Government to redouble its efforts for the implementation of the plan.”
2021-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8779 (2021) · source
“Estonia also calls for the implementation of the conclusions of the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict in Somalia. We are very concerned about the deteriorating security situation and strongly condemn the violence that has taken place in Somalia. The recent spike in Al-Shabaab activity is a stark reminder of how much there is to lose if the political stalemate is not urgently resolved. It was also alarming to see election-related violence. The latest developments have highlighted the need to make progress on the security front. Resolution 2568 (2021) sets out concrete steps with clear timelines on how to achieve that.”
2021-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8779 (2021) · source
“In the upcoming elections, Estonia urges Somali authorities to implement the quota of 30 per cent for the participation of women and ensure that marginalized groups, including youth, are included. Additionally, Estonia underlines the need to put in place measures and institutions to protect human rights. I reiterate the call to establish an independent national human rights commission, which would have a key role to play in promoting and protecting human rights. The high level of conflict-related sexual violence remains very concerning. It is crucial to hold the perpetrators of sexual violence accountable. Therefore, I urge the Federal Government to take steps to protect women and girls from sexual and gender-based violence by enacting the 2018 Sexual Offences Bill.”
2021-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8779 (2021) · source
“Estonia will be following the summit closely and with great hopes for a successful outcome. It is regrettable how the ongoing political crisis is diverting attention and resources away from Somalia’s development, humanitarian, rule of law and security priorities — areas where progress is desperately needed. Moreover, the longer the stalemate lasts, the higher the risk that it could reverse the gains Somalia achieved over the past decade. Therefore, Estonia urges the leaders of Somalia to finally reach a solution based on the 17 September electoral agreement and to move forward with holding credible, inclusive and consensus- based elections without further delay.”
2021-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8779 (2021) · source
“Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): I too join my voice to those thanking you, Sir, for getting us back into the Chamber. It does feel great and, as Estonia will be President of the Security Council for the month of June, I am hopeful that, except for high-level meetings, will be able to return all meetings to the Council Chamber. I join others in thanking the briefers for their insightful overviews, and I would also like to welcome the Foreign Minister of Somalia to today’s discussion. As pointed out by previous speakers, today’s meeting is taking place simultaneously with the summit between Somali leaders to agree on the elections. Estonia welcomes the resumption of talks and supports the role of Prime Minister Roble leading on the issue. Allow me to emphasize that dialogue, compromise and consensus are the key to overcoming the stalemate.”
2021-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8779 (2021) · source
“Its timelines should be flexible and be adjusted to developments on the ground. The Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the United Nations country team must be ready and able to fill the gaps created by the refocusing of MONUSCO. This would be further improved by including the main humanitarian partners and other international and national civil-society organizations in the development and implementation of the joint strategy. I would like to end my statement by commending MONUSCO, the Congolese authorities and all partners for their continued commitment to establishing peace in the country.”
2020-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8778 (2020) · source
“As we discuss the future of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) here, it is important to keep in mind the challenges facing the Mission and the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the multitude of responsibilities that the Mission is currently shouldering: protecting civilians, advancing the women and peace and security agenda, addressing violations against children, supporting security- sector reform and community-based disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, to name but a few. A refocusing of MONUSCO and a gradual transfer of its responsibilities must ensure that there are no setbacks in the progress made. The drawdown of Mission activities in various regions should be phased and should follow related benchmarks.”
2020-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8778 (2020) · source
“The number of internally displaced persons has surpassed 5 million, the number of people suffering from food insecurity has reached 10 million, and more than 1,300 civilians have been killed in the past six months alone. I join the Secretary-General in condemning in the strongest terms the continued attacks by armed groups on civilians, including humanitarian workers. It is also regrettable that a large number of human rights violations continue to be perpetrated by State security forces. Accountability for such violations must be established in order to avoid the prevalence of a culture of impunity and build trust in the country’s security forces. As I have mentioned before, strengthening rule-of-law and justice institutions is a critical component of efforts to address the root causes of conflict.”
2020-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8778 (2020) · source
“Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): I wish to thank you, Mr. President, for having convened today’s meeting. I would also like to thank Special Representative Zerrougui for her valuable insights. Over the past few weeks, the members of the Security Council have heard several briefings on developments in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, from the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the Red Cross and others. Regrettably, similar to what we heard today, the message has been that the situation on the ground is not improving. Security in the eastern provinces is deteriorating along with the humanitarian situation. The number of human rights violations and abuses continues to increase.”
2020-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8778 (2020) · source
“Moving forward, we need to start the discussions of how the United Nations can be most helpful, given the current realities. In conclusion, at the heart of our deliberations must be the fact that any delays in resolving the Abyei question will only continue to prolong the plight of the people Abyei. Therefore, we call on the parties to capitalize on their improved relationship to push for progress on the question of Abyei. We also call for the removal of any impediments to the implementation of the mandate of UNISFA. Finally, I would like to express our gratitude to UNISFA and Ethiopia for their invaluable contributions.”
2020-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8772 (2020) · source
“We are concerned about the increased violence and criminality, including the recent trend of attacks on United Nations troops and contractors. Six months ago when speaking in the Council on the Abyei question (see S/2020/351, annex VI), the representative of Estonia articulated three specific asks: to expedite the deployment of the police component; to conduct joint investigations into the deadly incidents of violence with the purpose of bringing the perpetrators to justice; and to deploy human rights expertise to United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA). These asks remain as valid today as they were six months ago. Estonia supports the Secretary-General’s recommendation to extend the mandate of UNISFA for the next six months.”
2020-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8772 (2020) · source
“The people of Abyei deserve better than the status quo, as they continue to suffer from numerous episodes of violence, a lack of access to basic State services and dire socioeconomic conditions. For anything to change on the ground, there is no substitute for a meaningful political process between the parties. Therefore, we welcome all the steps taken in that direction, and we call on the Sudan and South Sudan to continue to build a viable political process that leads to the implementation of security and administrative arrangements to which both can agree. The political process could be significantly aided by the appointment of a civilian Deputy Head of Mission, and we call on all parties to help to make that a reality. We also encourage regional actors to actively engage the parties on the Abyei question.”
2020-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8772 (2020) · source
“Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): I also join other speakers in thanking the briefers for their insightful overviews. Estonia warmly welcomes the continued improvement of relations between the Sudan and South Sudan. We commend the important role that South Sudan played in facilitating the Sudan peace talks, which led to the signing of the Sudan peace agreement on 3 October. We recognize that the political transitions in both countries require much of the attention of the respective Governments. However, we also urge the parties to use the momentum created by the historic peace agreement to facilitate progress towards resolving the question of Abyei. The Secretary-General said in his report (S/2020/1019) that the status quo cannot continue, and we agree.”
2020-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8772 (2020) · source
“I would like to further recall that attacks against United Nations peacekeepers may amount to a war crime. I would like to end my statement by stressing what many have already expressed here today: full implementation of the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in the Central African Republic is the only path towards lasting peace in the Central African Republic.”
2020-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8771 (2020) · source
“Alongside many positive developments, violence and the abuse of human rights in the Central African Republic continue. Distressingly, there has been a marked increase in attacks against humanitarian aid providers. Attacks on civilians and the abuse of human rights are direct violations of the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in the Central African Republic and, as such, are unacceptable. The vast majority of these attacks have been attributed to signatory armed groups, in particular the Mouvement patriotique pour la Centrafrique and Retour, réclamation et réhabilitation. In that regard, we continue to support the call of the Secretary-General to take a firm and unequivocal stance regarding the application of sanctions under article 35 of the agreement.”
2020-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8771 (2020) · source
“The future Government of the Central African Republic will meet with high expectations from its people. Moreover, as half of all registered voters are women, it should be evident that the country can only benefit from the full and meaningful participation of women in political and peace processes. Next, I would like to commend the work done to extend State authority and services in the country. The expansion of national disarmament, demobilization and reintegration operations and the appointment of new judges and magistrates are encouraging steps, as is the promulgation of the child-protection code, which criminalizes the recruitment and use of children by armed forces. Furthermore, we look forward to the operationalization of the Commission on Truth, Justice, Reparation and Reconciliation.”
2020-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8771 (2020) · source
“Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): I wish to thank you, Sir, for convening today’s meeting. I would also like to express my gratitude to the briefers for their valuable insights. In particular, I would like to commend the actions of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), which has shown great determination in implementing its mandate, despite the coronavirus disease pandemic. I was particularly impressed to hear that thanks to the efforts of MINUSCA, voter registration has taken place in several areas where it would have otherwise been obstructed by armed groups. The upcoming elections will be a crucial opportunity to consolidate the country’s democratic foundations for lasting peace.”
2020-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8771 (2020) · source
“With elections coming up in several countries in the region, we would like to underline the importance of initiatives promoting the meaningful participation of women in political and electoral processes and advancing the women and peace and security agenda in the Great Lakes region. This is particularly important today, given the COVID-19 pandemic, which has negatively affected the implementation women and peace and security agenda in the region. The same applies to the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Region. I would like to conclude by encouraging the signatories and co-guarantors of the Framework agreement to strengthen their cooperation and utilize innovative solutions to continue tackling regional challenges.”
2020-10-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8767 (2020) · source
“We are most worried about the increase in sexual and gender-based violence and the continued displacement of populations and the number of grave violations of children’s rights. The perpetrators of such crimes must be held accountable in order to fight the presence of a culture of impunity, which, if left unchecked, will only breed more violence. Rapid and robust implementation of the Nairobi Declaration on Justice and Good Governance would greatly assist in those efforts. The protection of human rights and the fight against impunity must remain priorities, in particular during the pandemic, and we appreciate the readiness of the Special Envoy to assist in that regard.”
2020-10-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8767 (2020) · source
“We would also praise the work of the quadripartite process on Uganda and Rwanda and the resolve of Rwanda and Burundi in normalizing their bilateral relations. We look forward to receiving an update on the new United Nations regional strategy on peace and security for the Great Lakes region. Estonia condemns the violence perpetrated by armed groups in the region, in particular by the Allied Democratic Forces and the Cooperative for the Development of Congo in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Return, Reclamation, Rehabilitation militia group in the Central African Republic. The conflicts in the region continue to be accompanied by large numbers of grave violations and abuses of human rights.”
2020-10-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8767 (2020) · source
“Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): I would like to thank Special Envoy Huang Xia for his valuable briefing. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has added pressure to the numerous interconnected challenges in the region: conflicts with armed groups, human rights violations and abuses, health epidemics and socioeconomic difficulties. Addressing such challenges benefits from a regional approach. The shared benefit from working together is always greater than that of any country acting individually. We would like to commend the resolute cross-border steps of the countries of the Great Lakes region, such as the mini-summit hosted last week by President Tshilombo Tshisekedi and the border-dispute solutions being facilitated by the Southern African Development Community.”
2020-10-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8767 (2020) · source
“The allegations against the national security forces and the authorities need to be taken especially seriously. A lasting solution can only be built on trust between the people and the Government.”
2020-10-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8765 (2020) · source
“In this regard, the full and meaningful participation of women in political processes remains of key importance. We remain concerned about the overall deterioration of the security situation in the country. The growing number of clashes between the terrorists and other armed groups are only further exacerbating the plight of civilians. Estonia continues to support Mali through various international platforms. At the same time, it is important to stress that lasting peace in the country can be achieved only through full engagement and cooperation between the Malian parties. Estonia strongly condemns all violations of human rights in Mali, and we call on the authorities to conduct full investigations and hold perpetrators accountable.”
2020-10-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8765 (2020) · source
“We commend ECOWAS for its swift reaction and continuous engagement in supporting the restoration of constitutional order in Mali, and welcome their announcement on Tuesday on the lifting of sanctions. The Algiers Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation on Mali remains the basis for a political solution and peace in Mali. We are encouraged by the positive tones that the transitional Government has taken regarding the implementation of the Agreement, and we now urge the parties to follow up their promises with concrete steps. The tasks ahead of the transitional Government are not going to be easy since many challenges to achieving lasting peace in Mali remain. We urge all Malian parties to address the grievances of the society in earnest. It is important to implement the much-needed reform agenda and deal with the structural challenges.”
2020-10-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8765 (2020) · source
“Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): At the outset, I would like to express Estonia’s full support to the work of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali and Special Representative Annadif. I also wish to think Mr. Annadif for his excellent briefing. Estonia notes positively the formation of the transitional Government in Mali. We call on all the parties to ensure that it is operational and to start preparing for the elections ahead. It is important to refrain from any build-up of tensions and for all parties to work together. The rule of law and constitutional order in Mali must be restored without any delay. The role of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union is essential in easing the tensions in the political crisis in Mali.”
2020-10-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8765 (2020) · source
“Estonia strongly condemns the heinous killing of Rabbi Shai Ohayon on 26 August. We call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint in order to avoid an escalation of violence. We call on the Palestinian Authority to resume cooperation based on cooperation agreements with Israel. This would be especially vital in the context of the coronavirus disease pandemic. Finally, we note the positive signals that the Palestinian factions have once again reached consensus on holding elections. Hopefully, this agreement will soon result in the announcement of a date for the elections throughout the occupied Palestinian territories.”
2020-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8762 (2020) · source
“A two-State solution and a lasting peace can be achieved only through direct negotiations, taking into account the legitimate aspirations of both parties and Israeli security concerns. We urge the Israeli and Palestinian leaders to re-engage in meaningful negotiations. We also call on the parties for the implementation of resolution 2334 (2016) and to refrain from any unilateral steps that could undermine the prospects of the two-State solution and increase instability in the region. We would like to recall that the resolution calls for immediate steps to prevent acts of violence against civilians, including acts of terror, as well as acts of provocation, incitement and destruction. We condemn the continued firing of rockets into Israel and the attacks against civilians.”
2020-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8762 (2020) · source
“Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): I would like to thank Special Coordinator Mladenov for his briefing. Estonia welcomes the signing of agreements between Israel and the United Arab Emirates and between Israel and the Kingdom of Bahrain. We also welcome the constructive role played by the United States in this respect. The normalization of relations is a positive development that contributes to the peace and stability of the whole region. It is positive that, along with these agreements, Israel has committed to suspending plans to unilaterally annex areas of the occupied Palestinian territory. We believe that these historic developments contribute to peace and stability in the whole region and give momentum to finding a comprehensive solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.”
2020-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8762 (2020) · source
“In conclusion, Estonia wants to see the Sudan succeed. We hope that, with the support of the United Nations, including UNITAMS, the Sudan is able to reach all of its goals of achieving peace, democracy and prosperity.”
2020-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8761 (2020) · source
“We welcome the willingness of the Sudan to address civilian protection head-on, but also recognize some of the capacity constraints, where the United Nations can be helpful. On that note, we would also like to commend the cooperation between the Sudan and the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) in addressing the recent outbreak of violence in Darfur. It serves as a true example of how much more can be achieved if actors work together for a common goal. Therefore, it is our hope that UNITAMS, as well as UNAMID, are embraced by the Sudan as true partners that will help the Sudan to rise to the challenges it is currently facing. We also join other colleagues in highlighting the importance of appointing the Special Representative of the Secretary-General as soon as possible.”
2020-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8761 (2020) · source
“Again, we hope that UNITAMS can be a solid partner in the endeavour of helping the Sudan to achieve full democracy. The Sudan continues to face immense economic challenges. Estonia was proud to contribute to the High- Level Sudan Partnership Conference held in June, but it recognizes that more needs to be done. The Sudan needs continued support to heal its crippled economy. We hope that sustained support will be provided by UNITAMS, among other actors. UNITAMS was established with the sole purpose of supporting the Sudan during its historic transition. Given the immense challenges the Sudan is facing, it is crucial that UNITAMS have sufficient capacity and adequate resources and be fit for purpose to offer support in all areas where the Sudan needs help. This also applies to the security situation.”
2020-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8761 (2020) · source
“For this to happen, addressing the root causes of conflict is imperative. As with any peace agreement, implementation is key. While the Sudan will be clearly in the lead, we hope that it can feel the full and unwavering support of the international community through the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in the Sudan (UNITAMS) in the endeavour of implementation. We also welcome the progress the Sudan has made in the political transition to democracy. For instance, the appointment of civilian governors was a key milestone. Equally significant was the adoption of legal reforms that strengthen human rights. We encourage the Sudan to continue on this path of institution-building, as strong democratic institutions form the backbone of democracy.”
2020-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8761 (2020) · source
“Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): We join other Council members in thanking the briefers for their insightful overviews. Last year, during the high-level week of the General Assembly, Prime Minister Hamdok introduced his Government’s ambitious goals to bring peace to the country, lead a successful transition to democracy and restore the economy. Despite the multiple challenges, such as the coronavirus disease, the Sudan has made great efforts to achieve those goals. While a great deal of work still lies ahead, we recognize the progress already achieved. In that regard, allow me to congratulate the Sudan on reaching the peace agreement. We further encourage the parties that have not yet joined the peace agreement to do so urgently. We hope that this agreement will pave the way for lasting peace in the Sudan.”
2020-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8761 (2020) · source
“President, and all speakers today that there are clear steps that we can, and should, take to protect schools, students and teachers. Grave violations against children are unacceptable. But it is also one of the most effective ways by which we can address sources fuelling conflict and violence and ensure peace and security in the long term.”
2020-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8756 (2020) · source
“Access to safe, quality education for children affected by armed conflict has an important role in their reintegration and in breaking the cycle of recruitment and violence. The number of verified attacks against schools remains high and continues to increase. As the evidence shows, the attacks have not decreased in the context of the coronavirus disease pandemic, while the vulnerability of schools and students has been compounded by it. School closures heighten the risk of child recruitment, sexual violence, child and forced marriage and child labour. We underline the importance of reopening schools where it is possible, safe and secure, in dialogue with all parties, communities and children. We agree with you, Mr.”
2020-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8756 (2020) · source
“Estonia has endorsed the Paris Principles and the Paris Commitments, as well as the Vancouver Principles, and joined the group of over 100 countries endorsing the Safe Schools Declaration earlier this year. There is a need for the better protection of women and girls. Girls attending, or on their way to, school are often targeted because of their gender, and they face specific consequences of attacks, including rape and other forms of sexual violence, such as forced marriage, pregnancy as well as the subsequent stigmatization, further undermining their access to education. With specific attention needed for children in vulnerable situations, Estonia continues to support access to education and psychosocial services to refugee children in Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey and East Africa, as well as internally displaced persons in eastern Ukraine.”
2020-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8756 (2020) · source
“In addition to the national level, the United Nations monitoring and reporting mechanism plays a key role in detecting attacks against schools and related personnel, as well as engaging with parties to address and prevent them. The Secretary-General’s report (S/2020/525) serves as a tool for early warning and the basis for engagement with parties, but also as a step towards ensuring accountability for grave violations against children. The mechanism needs sufficient human and financial resources. We continue to strongly support ensuring continued dedicated child protection capacity in United Nations missions. In the broader context, we welcome all initiatives at the national, regional and international levels that aim to strengthen the protection of children in armed conflict, including from attacks against schools.”
2020-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8756 (2020) · source
“We are alarmed by attacks on schools and hospitals in the Syrian Arab Republic, the occupied Palestinian territory, Afghanistan and Somalia. We share the deep concern about the sharp increase in the number of schools forced to close, including due to insecurity, with almost 650,000 children affected in the Sahel since 2017. We call on parties to armed conflict to immediately cease attacks and threats of attacks against schools and other educational facilities, as well as on students, teachers and other persons entitled to protection. I want to particularly highlight the following points in that regard. We need to continue to improve the monitoring and reporting of attacks on education, including by disaggregating data by gender. We also need to strengthen accountability for these attacks.”
2020-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8756 (2020) · source
“Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): We thank all the briefers for sharing their views today. We particularly value the direct experiences shared by Ms. Mayaki. We also express our gratitude to the Niger for drawing the Security Council’s attention to this topic, including its excellent work, with Belgium, in finding an agreement on the presidential statement (S/PRST/2020/8) adopted by the Council. We strongly support the statement and hope that it mobilizes further efforts to protect schools by the Council, Member States, the United Nations system and international and regional organizations, as well as civil society. Estonia strongly condemns all violations of international law, including attacks against schools.”
2020-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8756 (2020) · source
“We condemn the continued recruitment and use of children by illegal armed groups and criminal organizations. The recruitment and use of children must end. We urge the Government of Colombia to regularly convene the National Commission on Security Guarantees. There is also a need for a more effective response to the early warnings of the Ombudsman’s Office through the intersectoral commission. We reiterate the urgent need to move forward with the implementation of the final peace agreement to ensure progress despite the challenging circumstances. Finally, we encourage all parties to continue cooperation in a constructive spirit in order to achieve lasting peace. We would like to express Estonia’s strong support for the comprehensive implementation of the final peace agreement.”
2020-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8749 (2020) · source
“Violence against ethnic and indigenous groups has also remained high during the pandemic and continues to be a serious concern. We encourage the Government of Colombia to make a continuous and consistent effort to prevent attacks on people defending fundamental rights. It is important to investigate and prosecute those responsible for the violations. The vicious cycle of violence and impunity must stop. Victims and their families have a right to justice, truth and reparations. The special protection needs of witnesses and victims, especially children, must be fully addressed in the framework of transitional justice. In that regard, the work of the Comprehensive System of Truth, Justice, Reparation and Non-Repetition is essential. It is important to guarantee the independent functioning of all transitional justice mechanisms.”
2020-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8749 (2020) · source
“It is important that all armed groups cease hostilities in Colombia during this critical period in accordance with the resolution adopted regarding COVID-19 (resolution 2532 (2020)). Lasting peace cannot be achieved without justice. The killings of former combatants, social leaders and human rights defenders have continued during the pandemic, underlining the urgency of immediate and concrete action to address this problem. We welcome the progress made by the Special Investigation Unit of the Office of the Attorney General in investigating these crimes. We are also deeply worried that the pandemic has triggered an increase in sexual and gender- based violence, with an even worse effect on female activists and social leaders.”
2020-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8749 (2020) · source
“Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): We would like to thank the briefers and to welcome Ms. Claudia Blum de Barberi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Colombia, to this meeting. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) crisis has highlighted the systemic vulnerabilities and inequalities in implementing the Final Peace Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace. We stress the importance of ensuring that the people of Colombia have equal access to basic services, including education and health care. We welcome the efforts undertaken by the Government of Colombia to combat the pandemic and to establish, together with the Fuerza Alternativa Revolucionaria del Común, a COVID-19 working group within the National Reintegration Council.”
2020-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8749 (2020) · source