YouSaid · the spoken record

Jürgenson

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

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“We also urge the Houthis to grant access to the representatives of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. Finally, we express our appreciation to those members of Security Council who supported resolution 2511 (2020), extending the Yemen sanctions regime and addressing several relevant issues brought out in the latest final report of the Panel of Experts (S/2020/70).”
2020-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8745 (2020) · source
“As pointed out in the earlier briefings, humanitarian conditions in Yemen are deteriorating. In addition to lack of food and medical necessities, there are also worrying reports about a possible cholera outbreak. In this context, we welcome the readiness of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to host a high-level pledging event for Yemen, on 2 April, in Riyadh. Unfortunately, the delivery of humanitarian aid continues to be obstructed, particularly in northern Yemen, for which there can be no excuse. We reiterate the obligation of all parties to allow safe and unrestricted humanitarian access and to respect humanitarian principles. We also repeat our call on the Houthis to grant United Nations officials access to the FSO SAFER oil tanker without delay, in order to prevent an environmental disaster.”
2020-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8745 (2020) · source
“We urge all parties to refrain from undermining the Al-Hudaydah ceasefire and recall the importance of implementing the Stockholm Agreement. We call on all parties for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the start of an unconditional de-escalation process. As has been repeated so many times before, there is no military solution to the conflict. Only a political compromise that is inclusive, comprehensive and mediated by the United Nations can lead to a lasting solution. Despite the challenges, we encourage the parties to break the cycle of violence and return to implementing the existing agreements and confidence-building measures. We also urge all international stakeholders to support the Special Envoy in his efforts to bring about the resumption of political talks.”
2020-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8745 (2020) · source
“We are very concerned about the ongoing escalation in northern Yemen, with the latest clashes taking place in Al-Jawf governorate. Another 70,000 people have reportedly been displaced as a result of this latest fighting, adding to the suffering of the Yemeni people. Unfortunately, civilians continue to bear the brunt of the conflict. As reported by the United Nations, during the first two months of this year, the fighting has resulted in the killing of 74 people, including 43 children, and injury to another 107. We call on all parties to the conflict to maintain the protection of civilians as a priority and to adhere to international humanitarian and human rights law. We are also alarmed by the latest ceasefire violations in Al-Hudaydah governorate.”
2020-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8745 (2020) · source
“Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): First, I would like to join my colleagues in expressing my sorrow at seeing our dear Dame Karen leaving us. As many people have said, she has been such an inspiration. Her positive and constructive approach to everything we do in the Council has really been such an important lesson for us — especially for us young members, the rookies. I am sure I speak not only for myself in saying that we will feel like orphans when she is gone. But fortunately, it is a small world, especially when travel picks up and the world is again connected, so not only do I hope but I am sure that our paths will cross again. I would like to thank Special Envoy Griffiths and Assistant Secretary-General Rajasingham for their briefings.”
2020-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8745 (2020) · source
“Finally, the question of accountability and denying impunity to the perpetrators of crimes against civilians is an essential part of countering terrorism. It is also a vital part of a holistic approach to healing communities, restoring trust and creating conditions for sustainable peace.”
2020-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8743 (2020) · source
“Most recruits give up violent extremism when given the chance of a better, peaceful life. For improving people’s livelihoods throughout Africa, the effects of climate change need to be taken into consideration. This is especially relevant in the Lake Chad basin, the Horn of Africa and the Sahel region. It is important to track the roots and impacts of climate-related tensions and assist key stakeholders in providing support to those most affected. The United Nations has an important role to play here. Estonia supports the innovative initiatives adopted by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia, such as drought coordination and the appointment of an environmental security adviser, and encourages further efforts in this line of work that will proactively address the threats.”
2020-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8743 (2020) · source
“Such activities often start at the level of a local village or a town’s neighbourhood and, to succeed, they must be inclusive. It is important to support forums for intercommunal dialogue. Only through the equal and meaningful participation of women, youth and other relevant stakeholders will we be able to achieve a lasting solution. It is not a quick fix, but it is the only way forward. Improving the socioeconomic situation and ensuring access to resources and governmental services reduces the space for violent extremist groups to act. People who have alternatives to earn their living will be less vulnerable to the recruitment efforts of violent extremist groups. Research shows that the main reasons for joining violent extremist groups revolve around people’s sense of identity, perceptions of neglect and lack of opportunities.”
2020-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8743 (2020) · source
“Effective State engagement includes enabling access to basic services, such as health care and education, and ensuring an adequately trained security presence. States must ensure that all counter- terrorism measures comply with their obligations under international law, in particular international human rights law and international humanitarian law. Ignoring these obligations can undermine counter-terrorism activities and lead to increased radicalization, fed by violence and a sense of impunity. We need a holistic approach that addresses the root causes of violent extremism. To build truly resilient communities, more attention needs to be given to lowering intercommunal tensions and nurturing reconciliation processes.”
2020-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8743 (2020) · source
“Terrorism and violent extremism in Africa are a cross-border phenomenon, exacerbated in areas where borders are porous and State authority insufficient. A year ago, the Council adopted resolution 2462 (2019), on terrorist financing, which highlighted the reliance of terrorists on illegal, often cross-border activities. Therefore, a truly effective response can come only through closely coordinated regional and international action. In Africa, the role of the African Union and subregional organizations is essential. Estonia further welcomes the cooperation of the countries of the Group of Five for the Sahel and continues supporting these efforts by contributing with military personnel to the French-led Operation Barkhane. States carry the primary responsibility for the safety of their people.”
2020-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8743 (2020) · source
“Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): I thank the briefers for their comprehensive overviews and the Chinese presidency for organizing today’s debate. We welcome efforts to move the Security Council more into prevention mode and discuss solutions over symptoms. The discussion today is very timely in the light of the nearly daily reports about attacks and killings by violent extremist groups. Sexual and gender-based violence against women and girls, as well as the use and recruitment of children, have become systematic features of terrorism in Africa. We are seeing an uptick in violence in the Sahel region that is now threating to spread to the wider West Africa, including to the coastal States. Moreover, the blurring of lines between groups in the Lake Chad basin and the Sahel is extremely concerning.”
2020-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8743 (2020) · source
“We would like to stress the importance of the full, effective and meaningful participation of women in all spheres and levels of political leadership, the peace process and the pretransitional and Transitional Government. Estonia is concerned by the continuing intercommunal violence, which has had a devastating impact on the civilian population. The primary responsibility of a State is to protect its citizens. In the past three months, UNMISS has been unable to respond to the violence on at least 46 occasions because of the movement restrictions imposed by the previous Government. We call on the leaders of South Sudan to deal with the violations of the status- of-forces agreement. I wish that the current leaders would find more common ground and turn the lives of the South Sudanese people around in the most positive way possible.”
2020-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8741 (2020) · source
“An estimated 7.5 million South Sudanese will remain in need of humanitarian assistance this year. More than 3.5 million persons remain forcibly displaced as security concerns and multiple other reasons continue to prevent them from returning to their homes. Combating sexual and gender-based violence has to remain a priority. It is very important to tackle the culture of impunity. We welcome the headway that has been made with the mobile courts and encourage UNMISS to continue those efforts. We also support placing perpetrators of human rights violations under sanctions and encourage the work of the Panel of Experts in that regard.”
2020-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8741 (2020) · source
“However, according to the February report of the Commission on Human Rights (A/HRC/43/56), there are approximately 19,000 children in the ranks of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces and armed opposition groups. We call upon all signatories to ensure a swift and full implementation of the action plan. It is up to them to make it a success. The South Sudanese people deserve it. We understand that moving towards a unity Government is only a first step. Much remains to be done. Continued political will is required to move forward with peacebuilding and reconciliation among the parties, especially considering the unification of forces. Cooperation is the only way forward. We are very disturbed by the dire humanitarian situation in the country.”
2020-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8741 (2020) · source
“Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): I thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. David Shearer, and Ms. Betty Sunday for their briefings. I also thank the personnel of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) for their tremendous work in South Sudan. Estonia welcomes the encouraging developments in South Sudan’s peace process, including the ongoing talks to form a revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity. We are hopeful that the parties will come to an agreement. The leaders must understand that it is not a zero-sum game. Estonia welcomes the signing of the comprehensive action plan to end and prevent all grave violations against children. We would like to thank UNMISS and UNICEF for supporting the process.”
2020-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8741 (2020) · source
“In conclusion, it is crucial that all Iraqi political actors put aside their differences and engage, with the support of the United Nations and international partners, to overcome the multiple challenges they are facing and respond to the legitimate aspirations of their people for stability, security, prosperity and peace. They can count on our support.”
2020-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8739 (2020) · source
“I call on all actors to exercise maximum restraint, and I stress the Government’s responsibility to protect peaceful protesters and to conduct thorough investigations into violations. Taking note of the latest report by the Secretary- General on children and armed conflict in Iraq (S/2019/984), I commend the important steps taken by the Government of Iraq to prevent the recruitment and use of children in armed conflicts. I look forward to further efforts in that regard. There is also a need to find a sustainable solution to the situation of internally displaced persons, as their voluntary, safe and dignified return is not secured. I encourage the Government of Iraq to engage with the United Nations and respective non-governmental organizations in efforts to bring about reconciliation and social cohesion.”
2020-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8739 (2020) · source
“It is vital that the Government continue with credible economic reforms, create jobs, provide basic services, improve governance and take effective measures to counter corruption and implement the rule of law. A greater presence by women and young people should also be secured when appointing new ministers. I also call on Iraq to complete the electoral reform process and to continue engaging with the United Nations in that regard in order to ensure free, credible and fair elections. It is deeply worrisome to hear continued reports of human rights violations in the context of public demonstrations, which have now entered their sixth month. The use of live ammunition against unarmed protesters, threats against activists and journalists and detainments without due process have not stopped.”
2020-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8739 (2020) · source
“At the same time, I call on the Government of Iraq to continue engaging with international stakeholders. In that context, we also condemn the numerous rocket attacks on the military bases hosting foreign troops as well as the United States Embassy in Baghdad. Another challenge Iraq is facing is the continued political crisis. I urge all political parties and factions in Iraq to urgently resolve their differences and agree on a consensus candidate for Prime Minister. It is high time to put national interests first and overcome the prolonged political crisis. Hopefully, a new Government will be formed promptly, which will make it possible to respond to the legitimate aspirations of the Iraqi people.”
2020-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8739 (2020) · source
“Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): I congratulate you, Sir, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for this month, and I thank Belgium for the excellent job it did in February. I also welcome our good colleague the Ambassador of Iraq to the Council and would like also to thank Special Representative Hennis-Plasschaert for her informative briefing. I wish also to extend my appreciation for the continued work of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq under challenging circumstances. Iraq is facing significant challenges on its way to peace, stability and prosperity. In the context of increasing regional tensions, the continued support of the international community for Iraq’s security and reconstruction remains crucial. All actors have to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iraq.”
2020-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8739 (2020) · source
“Initiatives such as the General Assembly’s International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism to assist in the investigation and prosecution of persons responsible for the most serious crimes under International Law committed in the Syrian Arab Republic since March 2011, the Human Rights Council Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic and the Secretary-General’s board of inquiry will all help us to collect evidence and uncover truth.”
2020-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8738 (2020) · source
“Estonia and the EU remain determined in their calls on Damascus to abide by international humanitarian law and provisions of resolution 2254 (2015). Finally, in the light of an ongoing attack, we repeat here our determination to ensure accountability in Syria. As our British colleagues have put it on multiple occasions, those who have committed crimes will be held accountable not only collectively, but also personally.”
2020-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8738 (2020) · source
“There is no justification for the ongoing military campaign of the Syrian regime, backed by Russian armed forces and airplanes. Together with the European Union (EU) and most other members of the Security Council, we demand an immediate cessation of hostilities in Idlib. Fighting terrorism by waging terror against a civilian population must stop. Granting unimpeded humanitarian access to millions in need remains a priority for us in the next weeks and months. As alternative ways to ensure peace and stability in Syria have failed, this is now the moment when the Security Council needs to act. Unfortunately, the resolutions calling for a nationwide ceasefire have so far been blocked. In the light of what has happened, we urge Russia to reconsider its position and allow a chance for a humanitarian truce.”
2020-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8738 (2020) · source
“Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): Yesterday morning, our Russian colleagues told us here in this Chamber that the Astana format is working (see S/PV.8734). The same afternoon, however, we witnessed another attack against Turkish troops in Idlib, where at least 33 Turkish soldiers lost their lives. I offer my deepest condolences to our good colleague Feridun Hadi Sinirlioǧlu, the Government of Turkey and the families of the victims. These forces were in the area as part of a de-escalation agreement from May 2018, which was an effort that emerged from the Astana format. With yesterday’s attack, it has now completely lost its meaning. Our thoughts are with Turkish families today, as they have so long been with Syrians in Idlib and elsewhere, who have suffered from an intense bombardment since the beginning of the offensive three months ago.”
2020-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8738 (2020) · source
“For the Syrian regime to fill the gap, Syria will need to ease bureaucratic restrictions for aid organizations and grant unimpeded humanitarian access everywhere to those in need. Unfortunately, as reported by the United Nations, the Syrian regime has so far largely decided to neglect those requirements, giving access only in a sporadic manner. The international community will not normalize its relationship with the Syrian regime unless Damascus decides to abide by international humanitarian law and Security Council resolution 2254 (2015). That is the position of both Estonia and, more broadly, the European Union. In short — there must be investigation before rehabilitation, responsibility before availability and justice before any kind of recognition.”
2020-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8734 (2020) · source
“We reiterate here their call on the Syrian regime and its allies to end this offensive and to resume the ceasefire established in 2018. The Astana format has failed. It might have worked as a short-term remedy for some, but it is now certainly falling short in protecting and helping civilians in Syria. That means that we must once again consider a stronger Security Council role for Syria. Regarding the situation in the north-east of the country, the Secretary-General’s report on the review of alternative modalities for the border crossing of Al-Yarubiyah (S/2020/139) indicates that the region faces a serious lack of medical supplies in the coming months. However, there are alternatives to substitute for the closing of the Al-Yarubiyah crossing point in the cross-border aid mechanism, including Tall Abyad in Turkey or even Damascus itself.”
2020-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8734 (2020) · source
“According to eyewitnesses, at least four people were killed and 15 injured in one of those attacks because the school building served as a makeshift refuge for the fleeing people. In addition to the human suffering, we remain extremely worried about the escalating military conflict between the Turkish, Syrian and Russian forces operating in the area. Turkey offers shelter to more than 3 million Syrian refugees and is determined to de-escalate the situation in Idlib. The attacks carried out by the Syrian army threaten both of those important Turkish efforts. Looking at the humanitarian disaster in Idlib, 14 foreign ministers of the European Union yesterday highlighted their strong concern over the situation.”
2020-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8734 (2020) · source
“Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): Estonians all over the world celebrated their independence day earlier this week — 102 years. However, in the light of what we have just heard in the briefings delivered by Assistant Secretary-General Mueller and Executive Director, it is hard to remain joyful today. We are all witnessing a tragedy unfolding in Syria. More than 900,000 people have been displaced during the past three months and at least 300 others are dead. Our Syrian colleagues tell us that it is a fight against terrorism, but actually they are turning the cradle of civilization into a graveyard. To date it is mostly ordinary people who have continued to suffer. Only two days ago the Syrian army, assisted by the Russian armed forces, targeted 10 schools in Idlib governorate.”
2020-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8734 (2020) · source
“We hope that all States Parties will engage constructively and in good faith in identifying common ground that will enable us to achieve a successful outcome at the 2020 Review Conference and to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the NPT. There is more that unites than divides us. We have a collective responsibility to find that common ground.”
2020-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8733 (2020) · source
“Finally, the value of the third pillar of the NPT and the role of the IAEA’s system in promoting the responsible development of peaceful applications of nuclear technology should not be underestimated. To ensure the safe use of nuclear energy, it is important for all NPT States parties to follow the highest safety and security standards. Estonia is committed to support the IAEA Nuclear Security Fund and its Technical Cooperation Programme. The NPT is the foundation of the global disarmament and non-proliferation regime. We have to do our utmost to uphold and strengthen that major multilateral Treaty of international security and stability.”
2020-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8733 (2020) · source
“Equally important practical measures include the immediate commencement of the negotiations in the Conference on Disarmament of a treaty banning the production of fissile material for nuclear weapons; work on risk reduction; dialogue on nuclear doctrines; and the reaffirmation of existing negative security assurances. While we are conscious of the difficult and unpredictable security environment, we need to move forward on building trust and strengthening nuclear disarmament verification mechanisms and transparency on nuclear arsenals with a view to providing a pathway to further reductions of nuclear-weapon stockpiles. To that end, we encourage the NPT nuclear-weapon States to continue their work on all the issues mentioned above and increase their efforts to deliver outcomes.”
2020-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8733 (2020) · source
“In that regard, we welcome the efforts of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to monitor and verify Iran’s commitments. Estonia shares the ultimate goal of a world without nuclear weapons and continues to advocate for a progressive approach to be pursued in a realistic and responsible way, in accordance with article VI of the NPT. That approach takes account of the international security environment, without ignoring the concerns of the risks posed by nuclear weapons. In that connection, the entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear- Test-Ban Treaty remains crucial for constraining new weapons development and the improvement of existing ones. We urge all States, in particular the annex 2 countries, to sign and ratify the Treaty without further delay.”
2020-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8733 (2020) · source
“Further progress of the implementation of the Treaty remains a challenge. Non-compliance and the risk of proliferation are causing the most serious concerns. The flagrant violations of Security Council resolutions by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea cannot be tolerated. Our objective must remain to ensure that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea returns to full and verifiable compliance with all its NPT obligations. Until then, sanctions must be enforced by all States. Estonia is deeply concerned that Iran has taken steps that are inconsistent with its commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). We urge Iran to continue to abide strictly by all its nuclear- related commitments and return without delay to full compliance with the JCPOA.”
2020-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8733 (2020) · source
“The Treaty has significantly helped to contain the spread of nuclear weapons and reduce the number of stockpiled nuclear weapons from their Cold War peak. It has also provided a framework for the safe sharing of civil nuclear technology, such as for energy, medical and agricultural uses. We can all agree the NPT has made, and continues to make, the world safer and more stable. There is no credible alternative to the Treaty. However, we should not assume that the Treaty will maintain its accomplishments and positive role without active support for its implementation and compliance. The tenth Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons this year is being convened in a complicated security environment, with increasing international strain on the non-proliferation and disarmament architecture.”
2020-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8733 (2020) · source
“Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): At the outset, I would like to commend the initiative of Germany in convening today’s important meeting on the issue of non-proliferation. The fiftieth anniversary of the entry into force of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) presents the Council with an opportunity to express support for the Treaty and to assume collective responsibility for its future. I would also like to thank Mrs. Nakamitsu and Mr. Zlauvinen for their informative briefings. For 50 years, the NPT has been a key multilateral instrument of the global effort to pursue nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation and the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. With 190 member States, the NPT is the agreement of greatest adherence in the field of arms control.”
2020-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8733 (2020) · source
“Finally, I would like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Helen La Lime, and her team for their important work. We encourage everyone to continue their efforts to work together, rebuild mutual trust and ensure stability and development in Haiti.”
2020-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8729 (2020) · source
“Progress is also needed in strengthening access to justice and reparation for victims and respect for human rights. The recent report of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on the Bel Air incident reveals a trend in the resurgence of gang-related violence in Haiti; lack of accountability for serious human rights violations and abuses, including by the police; as well as the absence of the State in certain urban areas, preventing authorities from ensuring protection. It is important to make full use of the accountability system to ensure that all cases are properly investigated and perpetrators brought to justice. The goal of a stable Haiti with fully functioning, unified State institutions and authority can be achieved only through a Haitian-led and -owned political process.”
2020-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8729 (2020) · source
“Recent reports about the rising level of violence, including kidnapping, hijacking, robberies and gang-related criminality, among other things, are extremely worrisome. We condemn the involvement of gangs in the protests and their contribution to escalating violence. Given the complex and challenging environment, the response capability of the Haitian National Police needs to be increased in order to conduct effective operations against gang members and to fulfil their mandate fully. We welcome the progress in implementing the 2018 legal aid law. However, despite that progress, more needs to be done in pursuing accountability for recent human rights violations and corruption scandals and to effectively fight impunity in Haiti.”
2020-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8729 (2020) · source
“In that regard, we welcome the United Nations Development Programme training programme to ensure the success of the forthcoming elections and to help increase women’s political participation, since the ratio of women parliamentarians in the legislature is ranked among the lowest in the world. Mobilizing domestic forces and translating the plans into action enables the international community to support national efforts. Haiti will require continued assistance in the course of achieving stability and development. The Latin American region offers useful experience in terms of how to build effective and sustainable agreements. We commend the role and efforts of the Haitian National Police in maintaining peace.”
2020-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8729 (2020) · source
“Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): I join others in thanking the briefers. Haiti is facing a continuous political crisis, intertwined with social economic challenges that in turn affect the security situation. A great deal of work has been done, but the challenges remain and need to be addressed. We urge all parties to pursue an open and inclusive dialogue, demonstrate political will and take a constructive approach to discussing the most pressing issues as a road map for reform and a constitutional revision process. That is where the solution can be found and that is what the people of Haiti expect from their political leaders. It is important to define the electoral calendar and create conditions for legislative elections to be held.”
2020-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8729 (2020) · source
“However, if the Government in Damascus decides to ignore the demands of resolution 2254 (2015) and continues carrying out attacks, then, instead of recognition, the Syrian Government will face growing international isolation. The Caesar Act of the United States, the recently expanded European Union (EU) sanctions and other similar means underscore the pariah status of the Syrian regime. The EU already has on its sanctions lists 277 persons and 71 entities. Those numbers are destined to grow. The European Union has made it clear that support for the reconstruction of Syria can come only when a comprehensive and inclusive political transition is under way, based on the resolution 2254 (2015) and the 2012 Geneva communiqué.”
2020-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8727 (2020) · source
“Accountability mechanisms, such as the General Assembly’s International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism to Assist in the Investigation and Prosecution of Persons Responsible for the Most Serious Crimes under International Law Committed in the Syrian Arab Republic since March 2011, the Human Rights Council’s Commission of Inquiry and the Fact-Finding Missions of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, all play a central role in collecting evidence and uncovering crimes against Syrians from both sides. We fully support those efforts and hope to bring them closer to the Security Council and its agenda.”
2020-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8727 (2020) · source
“Estonia and the members of the European Union remain fully committed to finding a lasting and credible political solution to the conflict in Syria, as defined in the resolution 2254 (2015) and the 2012 Geneva communiqué (S/2012/522, annex). That includes an actually working Constitutional Committee, political transition with free and fair elections, the release of arbitrarily detained people and accountability for those who have violated human rights and committed crimes against humanity.”
2020-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8727 (2020) · source
“That is why Estonia joins today those countries that are calling for an immediate nationwide ceasefire and unimpeded humanitarian access to those in need across the country. Unfortunately, the Syrian regime and Russia have chosen a military solution over a political one. It is a grave mistake. The so-called liberation of demolished cities is one thing, but actually rebuilding a country is a completely different thing. Our Syrian colleagues in the Chamber need to understand that Russian and Iranian bullets will not feed their nation. That is also a reason that almost no people are willing to return to regime-held areas.”
2020-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8727 (2020) · source
“Mr. Jürgenson (Estonia): First, let me thank Special Envoy Pedersen and Under-Secretary Lowcock for their briefings and their efforts in working for the sake of the Syrian people. The main takeaway of the briefings is simple. As it is now, the Constitutional Committee is dysfunctional. The Astana format is dysfunctional. Since our last regular meeting (see S/PV.8715), little progress has been made towards convening a third session of the Committee. At the same time, war in Syria continues with full force. Instead of dedicating itself to a political process pursuant to resolution 2254 (2015), the Syrian regime continues to block any steps towards de-escalation. Let us not forget that it is not only a rhetorical stalemate. The empty promises are followed by attacks against fleeing civilians in Idlib, who now number more than 900,000.”
2020-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8727 (2020) · source
“According to the recent report of the Secretary-General on the human rights situation in Crimea (A/74/276), arbitrary arrests, house raids, groundless detentions, harassment, intimidation, unfair trials, degrading treatment of detainees, torture, sexual violence and other violations remain systematic and unpunished. Those violations must stop immediately. All persons detained illegally must be released. And international human rights monitoring mechanisms, including the International Committee of the Red Cross and non-governmental organizations, must be given access to the annexed and occupied territories.”
2020-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8726 (2020) · source
“Despite aid efforts, the 2019 humanitarian appeal remained only 50 per cent funded. I call on the international community to intensify its financial support for Ukraine. International human rights law also continues to be violated in the civil, political, economic, social, cultural and religious domains in the occupied areas. Violations are targeted towards persons belonging to any minority group or organization that dissents from the views of the Government of the Russian Federation — mostly Ukrainian activists, Crimean Tatars and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons.”
2020-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8726 (2020) · source
“He mentioned the idea of a United Nations peacekeeping mission to Ukraine that would monitor the Russian-Ukrainian border and provide a safe environment and for the restoration of the sovereignty of Ukraine. However, in March 2015, Ukraine’s request for the Security Council to deploy a peacekeeping operation under the auspices of the United Nations was blocked by the Russian Federation — yet another example of the sheer reluctance to take any steps to resolve the conflict. We remain deeply concerned about the grave humanitarian situation in eastern Ukraine. Approximately 3.4 million Ukrainians still need humanitarian assistance and protection. In addition to psychological trauma and the lack of access to basic services, about 2 million people live in areas that are heavily contaminated with landmines.”
2020-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8726 (2020) · source
“We would like to thank the OSCE, including the Special Representative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office and the Special Monitoring Mission, for all their indispensable work in Ukraine. The SMM remains the most reliable source of information on the situation on the ground in Ukraine. It is therefore regrettable that the restrictions posed on the SMM’s freedom of movement have persisted in non-Government-controlled areas, hindering the Mission from fully implementing its mandate. The SMM’s full, secure and unimpeded access to the entire territory of Ukraine should be guaranteed. Recently, we heard about OSCE efforts and restrictions on the work of the SMM directly from OSCE Chairperson-in- Office, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, right here in the Security Council (see S/PV.8714).”
2020-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8726 (2020) · source
“We therefore call on Russia, as a party to the conflict, to fully implement its commitments under the Minsk agreements, including those undertaken at the Normandy Four summit in Paris on 9 December. We also call on Russia to immediately withdraw its armed forces from Ukraine and stop its political, financial and military support to the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics — that is, Russia’s proxies in Donbas. We commend President Zelenskyy for his strong efforts towards resolving and de-escalating the conflict in Donbas, including initiatives and bold actions that have brought positive developments, such as the exchange of prisoners, the proposal to disengage forces in three areas and the reconstruction of the bridge at Stanytsia Luhanska.”
2020-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8726 (2020) · source