YouSaid · the spoken record

Juul

lines on the record: 1,152
first: 2005-02-17
most recent: 2023-07-27
sittings or episodes: 232
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

“Much has been achieved, as illustrated by the ceasefire agreement in October 2020 and the formation of the Government of National Unity this year. It is critical now that those gains be preserved and that the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum road map of November 2020 be implemented. We hope to see progress in the establishment of a ceasefire monitoring mechanism, including the deployment of ceasefire monitors as mandated in resolution 2570 (2021). Let me also reiterate the importance of all foreign forces and mercenaries leaving the country, as Libyans themselves have called for in the ceasefire agreement. Finally, we are worried by the targeting and destruction of civilian objects, and in particular the lack of humanitarian access.”
2021-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8855 (2021) · source
“As expressed clearly by the Security Council, the presidential and parliamentary elections should be held as planned on 24 December this year. That is not only the expectation of the international community, but also, as we have heard, of the Libyan people themselves. Free, fair, and inclusive elections are essential for Libya to move forward and to avoid further destabilization of Libya as a whole. We welcome the House of Representatives’ adoption of the presidential electoral law and urge that the framework for the parliamentary elections be finalized as soon as possible. It is critical that the High National Election Commission be provided with the necessary legislation to continue its preparations for elections.”
2021-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8855 (2021) · source
“I thank Special Envoy Kubiš for his briefing and Ms. Asma Khalifa for her insightful contributions. She has provided a powerful reminder of the significant ongoing work by Libyan women towards achieving reconciliation and sustainable solutions in Libya, as well as why women must participate fully, equally and meaningfully in the design and implementation of the ongoing political processes, including monitoring the ceasefire agreement. Let me also highlight the conclusions from the independent strategic review. Such concrete recommendations are valuable and provide helpful input to the current process of renewing the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) mandate. Norway fully supports the recommendations and their implementation through the UNSMIL mandate renewal.”
2021-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8855 (2021) · source
“Moreover, it is estimated that 8.1 million children need emergency education assistance across Yemen. We would like to reiterate that the Safe Schools Declaration and its guidelines are key instruments for protecting schools and universities from military use during armed conflict. There is an urgent need for a revitalized United Nations-led peace process in Yemen. I will therefore conclude by repeating our support for the approach presented by Mr. Grundberg and encourage all parties to the conflict and all Security Council members to cooperate with him in good faith.”
2021-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8854 (2021) · source
“Finally, there is an urgent need to focus on the protection of civilians. The Yemeni conflict has had a severe impact on the civilian population. We note with concern the conclusions drawn by the Group of Eminent Experts on Yemen in their recent report. We would like to reiterate that all perpetrators of violations of international humanitarian law and human rights violations and abuses, including conflict-related sexual violence, must be held accountable for their crimes. Over 24,000 people have been displaced so far this year in Ma’rib, and children remain the most vulnerable in this conflict. Yesterday was the International Day to Protect Education from Attack. Yet in Yemen UNICEF reports that 2,500 schools have been damaged, used as shelters or occupied by armed groups.”
2021-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8854 (2021) · source
“The full, equal and meaningful participation and leadership of Yemeni women is their right, as well as a prerequisite for a sustainable solution. We encourage Mr. Grundberg to consider the recommendations from the Informal Expert Group on Women and Peace and Security in that regard. Thirdly, there is an urgent need to reverse the current humanitarian crisis. We would like to echo calls for lifting the restrictions that have prevented food and fuel from entering the port of Al-Hudaydah. We are concerned about reports of increasing bureaucratic impediments inside Yemen. We call on all actors to ensure safe and unhindered humanitarian access immediately. Norway will participate in the upcoming high-level event later this month, which will be important in order to address the current humanitarian challenges.”
2021-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8854 (2021) · source
“Furthermore, the security situation in the south of Yemen continues to deteriorate. We are also concerned by the escalating cross-border attacks into Saudi Arabia, including on Abha International Airport on 31 August. Those attacks serve to underline the clear need for de-escalation. Secondly, it is essential that we seize every opportunity to move the peace process forward. The political process between the Yemeni parties needs to restart, and we urge them to fully cooperate without delay. We must acknowledge that there will be no rapid political solution and that the political process will require the parties’ willingness to compromise. We are encouraged by Mr. Grundberg’s commitment to an inclusive approach that is Yemeni-owned and -led.”
2021-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8854 (2021) · source
“I would like to extend a very warm welcome to Special Envoy Hans Grundberg. We are encouraged by his statement today and stand ready to support his work in any way possible. I would like to also thank all the briefers for their important remarks, and especially Ms. Entesar Al-Qadhi for highlighting the need for women’s participation in the peace process. I welcome as well the representative of Yemen and reiterate our support to the Yemeni Government, as expressed during the visit of the Yemeni Foreign Minister to Norway last week. I would like to raise four key points today. First, there is an urgent need for military de-escalation. We are deeply concerned that the offensive by the Houthis in Ma’rib has intensified for the second week, as has fighting in other areas.”
2021-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8854 (2021) · source
“As a co-penholder on Afghanistan, we encourage our fellow Council members to secure consensus on that indispensable mandate.”
2021-09-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8853 (2021) · source
“We urge all parties to ensure that humanitarian workers and civil society organizations get full, safe and unhindered access to people in need in accordance with international humanitarian law. We also call on all parties to ensure that Afghans and foreign nationals who wish to leave the country can do so in a safe and orderly way. Prolonged conflict, drought and the pandemic have caused substantial humanitarian suffering. In addition, Afghanistan is one of the world’s most vulnerable countries to climate change and climate-related security risks. In this critical time, it is vital to preserve the capacity of the United Nations to stay and deliver. The choices we make in the coming days on the UNAMA mandate will be decisive.”
2021-09-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8853 (2021) · source
“The conduct and composition of the Afghan Government will determine the scope and magnitude of cooperation and support from the international community. We also emphasize that Afghan territory must not be used to threaten or attack any country, shelter or train terrorists or plan or finance terrorist acts. We will hold the new Government accountable in that regard. We have noted assurances by the Taliban that Government workers, both military and civilian, will not face retribution of any kind. Taliban representatives have also stated that women and girls will have access to work and education. We will closely follow how that is translated into action. Afghanistan must continue to adhere to its international obligations, including full respect for international human rights law and international humanitarian law.”
2021-09-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8853 (2021) · source
“A sustainable peace in Afghanistan can be achieved only through an inclusive political settlement. We take note that an interim Government has now been announced in Kabul. The composition of that Government gives cause for considerable concern. In contrast to previous indications from the Taliban, that Government is neither inclusive nor representative. A new Government must be inclusive and representative, with the full, equal and meaningful participation of women. In Afghanistan, like everywhere else, there can be no trade-off between security, stability and progress and the rights of women. On the contrary, gender equality and the inclusion of women in public life leads to security and stability and serves as a path towards progress.”
2021-09-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8853 (2021) · source
“Allow me to thank Special Representative Lyons for her important briefing amid unprecedented challenges for the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and the whole of Afghanistan. We also thank Ms. Frogh and Ms. Yousafzai for their powerful interventions. It is very important for the Security Council to hear their voices and perspectives, especially on the future of women and girls in Afghanistan. The report of the Secretary-General (S/2021/759) rightfully points out that Afghans have experienced generations of war and hardship. We fully agree that they must not be abandoned. We therefore welcome the decision to convene a ministerial meeting on the humanitarian situation to ensure that support to the people of Afghanistan is scaled up.”
2021-09-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8853 (2021) · source
“The goal of transitions should be to help host-State authorities consolidate political and security gains and sustain peace through strong institutions, the rule of law, human rights and sustainable development. To achieve those goals, it is imperative that the Council continue to advance peacekeeping reform and that we help consolidate the reforms of the United Nations development system, in particular the key role of the reinvigorated resident coordinator system. This will ensure that we are equipping ourselves to effectively implement transitions as truly one United Nations.”
2021-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8851 (2021) · source
“The aim should be to consolidate and sustain pretransition gains on the women and peace and security agenda. The third area is climate and security. A United Nations country presence should incorporate the implications of climate-related security risks in its reconfiguration strategy. To that end, it must ensure that adequate analytical and programmatic capacity remains to support host communities in addressing risks and building resilience. The fourth and final area is peace diplomacy. As the resolution adopted today reaffirms, lasting peace can be achieved only through political solutions. It is therefore vital that United Nations support to host-State peace efforts continue during transitions.”
2021-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8851 (2021) · source
“That is also reflected in the Secretary-General’s latest report (S/2021/766) on the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in the Sudan, where he observes that insecurity and lack of protection of civilians remain issues of concern. Norway takes note of the steps taken so far by the Government of the Sudan to implement its national action plan for the protection of civilians. At the same time, we would like to stress the urgency of speedy follow-up and underline the importance of continued United Nations engagement. The second area is women, peace and security. Transitions must be planned and carried out through inclusive processes that include the full, equal and meaningful participation of women and are based on gender-transformative approaches.”
2021-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8851 (2021) · source
“To ensure sustainable peace, transitions must consolidate progress on all aspects of mission mandates. Allow me to briefly note four areas of particular importance. The first is the protection of civilians. Transitions can have a destabilizing impact on the security environment, potentially endangering vulnerable populations as a mission’s protective capabilities diminish. It is critical to establish a protective environment during transitions. The situation in the Sudan is a case in point. During a recent visit to the Sudan by our Minister of Development, the increased level of violence and alarming protection challenges were highlighted by all humanitarian partners.”
2021-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8851 (2021) · source
“Norway strongly believes that transitions should depend upon progress along clear political, security, judicial and humanitarian benchmarks. They should be based on an exit strategy developed collaboratively among the United Nations, host State authorities and civil society. The transition process should be guided by a view of transitions not as a withdrawal, but rather as a reconfiguration of the United Nations country presence. Transitions must therefore entail close coordination with, and adequate financing of, other United Nations entities that assume additional functions as missions draw down. That should include country teams, resident coordinators and regional offices, as well as the Peacebuilding Commission and the Peacebuilding Fund.”
2021-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8851 (2021) · source
“First, allow me to thank Ireland for calling attention to a topic that deserves more focus. Let me also thank the Secretary-General, President Johnson-Sirleaf and Ms. Adam for their very pertinent and informative briefings. Transitions pose particular challenges for peacekeeping. To overcome them, it is crucial to sustain our momentum in the implementation of the Secretary- General’s reform initiative, Action for Peacekeeping. If we succeed in following up on all eight priority areas, transitions will be made easier, which ultimately benefits all parties involved. As Security Council members, we have a shared responsibility for crafting mission mandates that call for planned gradual and sequenced transitions from the outset.”
2021-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8851 (2021) · source
“However, this year the Security Council has adopted a range of unanimous resolutions, ranging from coronavirus disease response, renewed mandates for peace operations and prolonging the cross-border humanitarian aid mechanism to Syria. We are generally encouraged by the unanimity and should continue to build on that productive work.”
2021-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8850 (2021) · source
“We fully concur with The Elders when they point out that sustainable peace will be reached only when root causes of conflict are tackled, impunity is challenged and human rights take centre stage. Thirdly, the Security Council has a responsibility to adapt to changing circumstances and develop new ways of responding to non-traditional threats to international peace and security. The Security Council has already recognized that the effects of climate change constitute a risk to global peace and security. This is also a matter of conflict prevention. From Kabul to Tigray, from the outer atmosphere to the depths of our oceans, the world is facing many multi-faceted challenges. They can be solved only through multilateral cooperation, and the Security Council has a pivotal role to play. Often, the focus is on what the Council cannot achieve.”
2021-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8850 (2021) · source
“To Norway, that was evident in the Middle East peace process, where the Palestine Liberation Organization was involved at an early stage. The same approach has been important in many other efforts. Norway has had contact with the Taliban, for instance, since 2007. When armed conflict erupts, ensuring the protection of civilians affected by the conflict is crucial in laying the foundations for sustainable peace. It is important that the Council remind the parties to the conflict of their international legal obligations. Where necessary, it is also important that the Council take measures, within its mandate, with the aim of ensuring that parties to conflict fulfil their obligations in that regard.”
2021-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8850 (2021) · source
“The international community will not be able to help Afghanistan sufficiently and sufficiently respond to the deteriorating humanitarian situation if women are not able to provide or receive humanitarian assistance and services. We must all be crystal clear that there is no solution to the humanitarian situation without women humanitarian workers; there is no sustainable development without women in the work force; and there is not sustainable peace without women being part of a political solution. Another important lesson from Norway’s experience in peacebuilding is to be willing to talk to all actors in a conflict. Engaging actors that others have deemed off limits can be essential to reaching political solutions.”
2021-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8850 (2021) · source
“Peace processes that include civil society, particularly women’s organizations, peacebuilders, human rights defenders and victims, achieve greater ownership and legitimacy. We must continue to insist on the full, equal and meaningful participation of women in all aspects of United Nations peace and security efforts and to address the gap between that goal and realities on the ground. As we have learned today, women in Afghanistan face extreme uncertainty. While some in the Taliban leadership have stated that women may return to work and girls to school, other Taliban leaders are saying that such issues are yet to be decided. Amid that uncertainty, we see that rightful humanitarian access is hindered when women humanitarian workers are unable to safely do their jobs and reach women and girls in need.”
2021-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8850 (2021) · source
“Tapping into available resources in the Secretariat and country teams, but also by drawing on partnerships with regional and subregional organizations and mechanisms for early warning and prevention, could be institutionalized, discreet and constructive. Initiatives such as the informal situational awareness briefings and fact-finding missions are positive and could be used actively by the Council to engage before conflicts erupt. Experience shows that transitions pose a risk and need attention to prevent conflicts from re-erupting. They demand a coordinated whole-of-United Nations approach in close collaboration with host States. Secondly, inclusion is key for lasting outcomes.”
2021-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8850 (2021) · source
“I would also like to thank Ireland for arranging this important meeting. Let me also express my great appreciation to Mrs. Mary Robinson and Mr. Lakhdar Brahimi for sharing from their vast experience. Let me pick up on three key areas where Norway believes that the Security Council can do more in the years ahead. First, the Security Council has a mandate to prevent conflict. Yet the Council often shies away from acting early, even when there are urgent warning signs. This is mainly due to political sensitivities and a wish by States to avoid Council attention with regard to their internal affairs. This is regrettable, because it reduces the ability of the Council to perform one of its most important roles. Efforts to avert conflict by peaceful means are by far the most effective way to reduce violent conflicts.”
2021-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8850 (2021) · source
“We also reiterate our strong condemnation of the ongoing status-of-forces violations against the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic. We call on all parties to protect civilians and ensure humanitarian access. We urge the authorities of the Central African Republic to investigate all incidents and hold accountable those who are responsible. Only an inclusive political dialogue among all parties, with the continued support of the region and the international community, can resolve the current crisis. In conclusion, allow me to warmly thank you, Mr. President, and your team, as penholder, for all your efforts, which resulted in today’s adoption.”
2021-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8828 (2021) · source
“In addition, as recognized in today’s resolution, the Committee established pursuant to resolution 2127 (2013), concerning the Central African Republic, has so far approved all exemption requests submitted by the authorities of the Central African Republic under the framework of the arms embargo. We remain deeply concerned about multiple recent reports about ongoing human rights violations and abuses and violations of international humanitarian law by all parties in the Central African Republic, armed groups, as well as the Armed Forces of the Central African Republic and their instructors. The most recent incident, close to Bossangoa, on 21 July, is just one illustration of that.”
2021-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8828 (2021) · source
“Norway voted in favour of resolution 2588 (2021) because we believe it is crucial to preserve the sanctions regime concerning the Central African Republic. However, we are not in favour of easing the arms embargo at this point in time. We listened carefully to the requests of the authorities of the Central African Republic and acknowledged the support for that request by countries in the region. However, we believe that it would be untimely to lift the arms embargo. As set out by the Secretary-General in his letter on 15 June (S/2021/573), the authorities of the Central African Republic have made insufficient progress on the benchmarks established by the Security Council to assess the relevance of the arms embargo.”
2021-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8828 (2021) · source
“I will conclude my statement today by reiterating that the current situation is unsustainable. The financial situation of the Palestinian Authority is critical. A solid ceasefire in Gaza is still not in place, and, as long as there is no political process and no end to the occupation, civilians will continue to suffer. The need for restarting meaningful negotiations is more urgent now than ever.”
2021-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8826 (2021) · source
“We take note of reports that indicate a significant increase this year in demolitions and evictions in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Of particular concern are the repeated demolitions of the Palestinian Bedouin community of Humsa Al-Baqai’a and the planned construction in Givat Hamatos, which will isolate Bethlehem and the southern West Bank from East Jerusalem. All Israeli measures altering the demographic composition, character and status of the occupied Palestinian territory are illegal under international humanitarian law, and they severely undermine the prospects for a two-State solution. All parties must respect human rights, including the right to assembly and peaceful protest. We reiterate the need to preserve the status quo of the holy sites in East Jerusalem.”
2021-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8826 (2021) · source
“Today’s situation in Palestine, economically, financially and considering the sharpened political tensions, is more severe and challenging than perhaps ever before. The international community must work with the parties to strengthen the Palestinian economy and improve socioeconomic conditions. A strong Palestinian Authority is crucial to the delivery of services to the Palestinian people and to development, both in the West Bank and in Gaza. A strong Palestinian Authority is one that is well- financed, well-functioning and accountable and enjoys democratic legitimacy and popular support and where violence against political opponents and journalists is unacceptable. We remain concerned about the continued settlement expansions, house demolitions, evictions and violence.”
2021-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8826 (2021) · source
“That meeting discussed the critical financial situation of the Palestinian Authority and humanitarian and development needs in Palestine, particularly in Gaza. It is positive that, following the meeting, there has been direct contact between the Israeli Government and President Abbas for the first time in several years. We also welcome the intention to resume meetings of the Joint Economic Committee under the Paris Protocol. The AHLC remains the only forum where the parties and the donors come together to assist in building the foundations for a Palestinian State in preparation for the two-State solution to the conflict. Encouraged by the progress and dialogue at the most recent AHLC meeting, we look forward to the ministerial-level meeting in New York this September.”
2021-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8826 (2021) · source
“I thank Deputy Special Coordinator Lynn Hastings for her briefing. I also thank Yudith Oppenheimer for her insightful remarks. Let me begin today by reiterating Norway’s strong support for the efforts of the United Nations and the Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process to secure a long-term ceasefire. Despite those efforts, the situation in Palestine remains unresolved and tense. As Ms. Hastings’ briefing again illustrated, needed most at this time are stability and sustainable solutions. As Chair of the donor group for Palestine — the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee for the Coordination of the International Assistance to Palestinians (AHLC) — Norway convened a working- level meeting earlier this month.”
2021-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8826 (2021) · source
“That includes activities in the areas of the rule of law, community policing, preventing gender- based violence and community stabilization. Let me conclude by extending our sincere gratitude to UNAMID civilian and uniformed personnel, particularly those who gave their lives while serving to promote peace and stability. We would also like to thank the troop- and police-contributing countries, the United Nations country team, UNITAMS and the humanitarian community for their invaluable support for peace in Darfur. Norway stands ready to support the people of the Sudan at this defining moment.”
2021-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8825 (2021) · source
“We therefore urge the Sudanese Government to protect the assets handed over from UNAMID, as they will be of direct benefit to the civilian population in Darfur. Such steps will provide a solid basis for liquidating the mission within the next 12 months. That brings me to my final point. With the drawdown of UNAMID, greater responsibility now lies with the Sudanese authorities and the Sudanese security forces in particular. The United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in the Sudan (UNITAMS) and the remaining parts of the United Nations system must ensure support for the Sudanese authorities in protecting civilians and preventing human rights violations and abuses. We must also secure the completion or handover to the Sudanese authorities of residual activities done by UNAMID.”
2021-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8825 (2021) · source
“It is therefore crucial that the drawdown of UNAMID be done in a sustainable and orderly way. Protecting civilians must remain at the core of all efforts, even during UNAMID’s drawdown and thereafter. We are happy to note that UNAMID remains on schedule for the closure of team sites and that the mission has accelerated the process to allow for contingencies. Norway hopes that the recent advances will prevent any unnecessary delays during the coming rainy season. We were also pleased to learn about the conclusion of the framework agreement on the civilian end-use of team sites and assets. That is particularly relevant against the backdrop of the significant looting that was seen at former UNAMID camps in both Nyala and in El Geneina.”
2021-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8825 (2021) · source
“I thank Under-Secretary- General Khare for his comprehensive briefing today. First, let me highlight the positive political developments in the Sudan over the past months. The key message to draw from them is that, although many challenges remain, the transition in the Sudan is irreversible and represents a unique opportunity to create the conditions necessary for sustainable economic growth. In that regard, we thank the transitional Government and the Darfur state capitals, for their role in ensuring the responsible drawdown of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID). That brings me to my second point, which is that the fragile security situation in Darfur and the confusion regarding the end-use of team sites and assets are creating challenging conditions for the Blue Helmets.”
2021-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8825 (2021) · source
“We encourage all to increase their financial and political support to principled humanitarian action and to safeguarding the humanitarian space. The meeting rose at 12.10 p.m.”
2021-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8822 (2021) · source
“However, concerns raised by humanitarians about unintended negative impact of counter-terrorism measures and sanctions must be taken into consideration. Legal frameworks should include necessary safeguards and exemptions to ensure that sanctions and counter-terrorism measures do not impede the ability of humanitarian organizations to operate in line with their humanitarian mandate and international humanitarian law. In that regard, Norway welcomes the recently adopted resolution 2582 (2021), on the sanctions regime regarding the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We hope the strengthened text translates into much-needed protection of humanitarian workers in the field. Tangible improvements on the ground require continuous action and commitment.”
2021-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8822 (2021) · source
“Accountability is necessary to reverse that trend. Allegations of violations of international humanitarian law must be thoroughly, impartially and effectively investigated. Similarly, accountability for violations must be ensured through credible national or international criminal justice mechanisms. In that regard, we emphasize that the mission and mandate of the International Criminal Court is as crucial today as ever. I would like to turn now to counter-terrorism measures and sanctions, which are vital tools to address threats to international peace and security. Sanctions directed at those who violate international humanitarian law can serve as a deterrent and help safeguard the humanitarian space.”
2021-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8822 (2021) · source
“Norway also supports a focus on increased protection of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), including through the International NGO Safety Organisation’s Conflict and Humanitarian Data Centre project, which enables vital, yet unprecedented data-sharing among NGOs. We must use such data to craft better responses, and we must cooperate and share best practices. We are also taking domestic measures to that end. Under the Norwegian penal code, all targeting of medical and health-care personnel, facilities, material, units or vehicles constitute war crimes, and we encourage all actors to explore domestic and global measures that will strengthen compliance with international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians, including humanitarian workers. When humanitarian workers are attacked, less people are protected and assisted.”
2021-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8822 (2021) · source
“While community acceptance is crucial, it is not sufficient to ensure the safety of aid workers. Humanitarians must be able to engage directly with parties to conflicts, including non-State armed groups. That is why regular and consistent high-level access diplomacy by donors and senior humanitarian representatives is required and must be coordinated with organizations on the ground. Continuing attacks on health-care and humanitarian personnel is a worrying trend we must address, including through effective data gathering, monitoring and dissemination. That is why we support the World Health Organization’s monitoring system for attacks on health care as a way to better understand the context and dynamics of attacks.”
2021-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8822 (2021) · source
“As we know, denial of humanitarian access affects the most vulnerable in armed conflict, in particular children. It is critical that humanitarian organizations can carry out their life-saving mandates safely, without interference or politicization. We have all seen the deadly consequences when that is not the case. The Security Council has just unanimously adopted resolution 2585 (2021) in order to secure humanitarian access to some of the most vulnerable people affected by the conflict in Syria. Cross-border humanitarian assistance remains a lifeline for millions of people. Access is negotiated by humanitarian actors on a daily basis as they engage with local communities and authorities. Such front-line negotiations are complex and done best by the humanitarian organizations themselves.”
2021-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8822 (2021) · source
“I thank you, Mr. President, for organizing this important meeting, and I thank the briefers for their presentations. We also welcome the participation of the Deputy Secretary-General, Foreign Ministers and other high-level representatives. Internationalhumanitarianlawis clear — humanitarian aid workers and facilities should never be targets. Yet, we see widespread and increasing violence directed against humanitarian workers, their activities and their spaces. This is unacceptable. Protecting civilians, including the effective protection of humanitarian personnel and assets, must be a priority for all parties to conflicts. Upholding humanitarian principles is key as humanitarian organizations negotiate and secure humanitarian access, which must not be unlawfully denied or withheld.”
2021-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8822 (2021) · source
“We urge the facilitation of safe and unhindered access for humanitarian workers in Libya to protect and assist people in need. In conclusion, let me reiterate Norway’s support for UNSMIL and Special Envoy Kubiš, as well as UNSMIL’s continued and active facilitation of the Libyan-led and Libyan-owned political process. Their support for the holding of elections on 24 December is essential.”
2021-07-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8820 (2021) · source
“Norway supports the European Union Naval Force Mediterranean Operation IRINI in implementing the United Nations arms embargo on Libya. My fourth and final point is to express Norway’s continued concern about the tragic drowning of migrants and refugees trying to cross the Mediterranean. We urge the Libyan authorities to respect international law relating to search and rescue operations. We are also concerned about the reports of the arbitrary detention of migrants and refugees, including children, in official and unofficial detention centres. Safeguarding those most vulnerable and ensuring that their rights are protected is a priority for long-lasting peace and cohesion, and international humanitarian law and international human rights law must be respected. Humanitarian access also continues to pose a challenge.”
2021-07-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8820 (2021) · source
“We also recognize the concerns of countries in the region regarding the possible destabilizing effects of returning foreign fighters and/or mercenaries. It is therefore necessary to ensure a comprehensive disarmament, demobilization and reintegration process. Both UNSMIL and regional organizations can play important roles in facilitating the process and cooperation among the relevant countries. My third point concerns the arms embargo. As the Panel of Experts on Libya has stated, the embargo remains ineffective. The illicit flow of arms and military equipment into Libya is a clear obstacle to peace and progress in the country. We once again urge all actors to abide by the arms embargo and avoid further fuelling the conflict.”
2021-07-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8820 (2021) · source
“We expect the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum, with the active support and facilitation of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), to take steps as necessary, in accordance with the road map agreed by its members to facilitate the holding of elections on time. Free, fair and inclusive elections are vital for Libya to move forward. That means that the full, equal and meaningful participation of women, both as voters and candidates, must be ensured. Secondly, the October 2020 ceasefire agreement must be fully implemented. As Libyans themselves have called for, it is critical that all foreign forces and mercenaries leave the country and that the mandate of resolution 2570 (2021) for the deployment of ceasefire monitors be implemented as soon as possible to safeguard the existing ceasefire.”
2021-07-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8820 (2021) · source
“I thank Mr. Kubiš, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General, for his very useful briefing. We also welcome the high-level participation of the parties concerned. I would like to highlight four issues today. The first is the importance of holding presidential and parliamentary elections on 24 December this year. While we welcome the progress made, we are nevertheless concerned about the deadlock over the constitutional basis for elections, which threatens to undermine everything that has been achieved in the past year. We urge the High State Council and the House of Representatives, as well as other relevant State institutions, to do their part to clarify the constitutional basis and enact the necessary legislation by 1 August.”
2021-07-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8820 (2021) · source