YouSaid · the spoken record

Juul

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1,152
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2005-02-17
most recent
2023-07-27
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232
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un-security-council

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  1. As co-penholders of the Syrian humanitarian file, Ireland and Norway abstained in the voting on draft resolution S/2022/541, which was submitted by Russia. We believe it is essential to renew the mandate for cross-border aid. Draft resolution S/2022/538, which was submitted by Ireland and Norway and which we consider a fair and careful compromise among the views expressed during the negotiations, was unfortunately vetoed. Draft resolution S/2022/538 included a 6 + 6 extension of the mandate. That is a practical issue, not a political one. For the humanitarian organizations operating on the ground, a predictable mandate is necessary to be able to plan and implement humanitarian responses. It is critical for cross-border and cross- line operations and for the implementation of early- recovery projects.

    2022-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9087 (2022) · source

  2. We believe this draft resolution is a fair compromise. It represents a balance between the different positions of Council members. We are grateful to all Council members for their constructive engagement to that end. We now commend the draft resolution to the Council and ask all members to support it.

    2022-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9087 (2022) · source

  3. As co-penholders, Ireland and Norway engaged carefully and consistently with all Security Council members throughout the negotiations. The result of our effort is the amended draft resolution that members now have before them (S/2022/538). Throughout, we were guided solely by the humanitarian needs of the Syrian people. We started with 12 months in our first draft in blue. The vast majority of Council members support such a 12-month extension. Our amended text, which we will vote on now, has a 6 + 6 month extension. This is our effort to reach a compromise. The draft resolution would renew the Bab Al-Hawa border crossing. The draft resolution would ensure that humanitarian assistance reaches all those in need, facilitate further early recovery and encourage regular follow-up meetings on its implementation.

    2022-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9087 (2022) · source

  4. Let me conclude by paraphrasing the Secretary- General, who recently reiterated that the only way to end the humanitarian tragedy in Syria is through a truly nationwide ceasefire and a political solution that enables the Syrian people to determine their own future. We urge the Syrian parties and the countries involved in Syria to move forward towards an inclusive political solution — one that will first and foremost benefit the Syrian people, as well as neighbouring countries and the broader international community.

    2022-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9083 (2022) · source

  5. Its contributions to the process are important. Norway is pleased to support its work and will continue to urge the full, equal and meaningful participation of women in the political process. Let me now turn to the Syrian authorities’ announced amnesty decree. The issue of detainees and missing persons in Syria is a matter of great concern. We are closely following the implementation of the amnesty decree, and we call for more information from the Syrian authorities about the scope of the amnesty and what systems will be put in place to verify, systematize and provide transparency. We worry about the escalations we have seen in the northern parts of Syria. Such escalations of violence lead to increased human suffering for the population. We urge all actors to contribute to de-escalation and uphold international law.

    2022-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9083 (2022) · source

  6. I would like to thank Special Envoy Pedersen and Mr. Omar Alshogre for their briefings. We appreciate the Special Envoy’s updates, including on the previous session of the Syrian Constitutional Committee. It is positive that the delegations were able to discuss the submitted revisions to the text and that areas of common ground were identified. We do, however, share the Special Envoy’s view that there is a need for more expediency in the Constitutional Committee’s work, as well as strengthened efforts by all parties to produce concrete results. We welcome its newest round of negotiations, to be held in July. Norway continues to urge the members of the Committee to contribute constructively and with a spirit of compromise. We note that the Syrian Women’s Advisory Board also met recently in Geneva.

    2022-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9083 (2022) · source

  7. For years MONUSCO has contributed to stability, increased security and the protection of civilians in the province. In the post-drawdown period, it will be important to safeguard the gains made and draw on lessons learned. Furthermore, the Congolese authorities and the United Nations system must be ready to take over certain tasks when MONUSCO leaves. In that regard I want to underline the importance of transparency and communication among all the relevant actors. Norway stands ready to work with all stakeholders for a sustainable and responsible recalibration of MONUSCO and for peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

    2022-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9081 (2022) · source

  8. We encourage the further engagement of Special Envoy Xia and Special Representative of the Secretary- Genera1 Keita in reducing tensions in the region, and we commend the seven Heads of State of the East African Community (EAC) for their leadership in the process. It is important that the Nairobi process support the Disarmament, Demobilization, Community Recovery and Stabilization programme in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. With regard to the proposed deployment of an EAC regional force to the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, Norway would like to underline the need for thorough coordination with United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) and other actors on the ground. A new milestone will be reached when MONUSCO draws down from Tanganyika province this month.

    2022-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9081 (2022) · source

  9. We reiterate that all civilians, including children, must be protected. We also emphasize that all countries must respect the sovereignty of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Norway encourages continuing engagement among the Congolese authorities, armed groups and regional stakeholders through the Regional Heads of State Conclave and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region. We support the inclusion of all relevant stakeholders in that process, including members of civil society, women and young people. We also welcome the participation of additional armed groups, which could ultimately reduce the security threat to civilians in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.

    2022-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9081 (2022) · source

  10. We are also concerned about the resurgence of hate speech and the incitement of violence in the wider Great Lakes region, together with the reports of repeated acts of violence over the past few weeks against Rwandaphones in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The declaration of the state of siege has been one tool for addressing the security threats, but the intended results do not seem to have materialized. The fighting in the east is picking up regardless, and reports show that abuses and violations of human rights and violations of international humanitarian law continue. We are particularly concerned about the reported dramatic increase in cases of sexual violence. Norway urges all stakeholders to carefully evaluate the benefits of the state of siege before proceeding with its renewal.

    2022-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9081 (2022) · source

  11. I thank Special Representative of the Secretary-Genera1 Keita for her remarks and also thank Julienne Lusenge for her powerful testimony and recommendations. As the Special Representative of the Secretary- Genera1’s informative briefing and the report of the Secretary-General (S/2022/503) clearly show, the security situation in certain parts of the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo is regrettably deteriorating, specifically as a result of confrontations between the Mouvement du 23 mars and the Forces armées de la République démocratique du Congo. The Allied Democratic Forces, the Coopérative pour le développement du Congo and other armed groups also remain a constant threat to civilians. We are deeply concerned about those attacks.

    2022-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9081 (2022) · source

  12. Thirdly, violations of international law cannot go unchallenged. All violations need to be investigated, and perpetrators of any crimes must be brought to justice. We support the investigations by the International Criminal Court and the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine and other international investigations. As the war in Ukraine continues, it is inflicting terrible cumulative harm on the civilian population, undermining prospects for peace and security. The protection of civilians and human rights is a prerequisite for sustainable peace after conflict. In Ukraine, the best way to protect civilians is clear. It is for Russia to end this war.

    2022-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9080 (2022) · source

  13. We condemn in the strongest terms the reported killings of Ukrainian civilians, and we call on Russia to immediately end the indiscriminate and deliberate attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure in Ukraine. The targeting of residential areas, such as the devastating missile attack against a shopping centre in Kremenchuk yesterday, is unacceptable. Urban warfare and intensified Russian missile attacks against Kyiv, Kharkiv and other cities is causing immense civilian suffering. We reiterate our demand and the demands of international law that the civilian population be protected and that all necessary measures be taken to avoid civilian casualties. International humanitarian law must be fully respected and implemented. We condemn Belarus for facilitating Russia’s attack on Ukraine.

    2022-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9080 (2022) · source

  14. I thank Under-Secretary- General DiCarlo for shedding further light on the situation in Ukraine and the continued attacks against civilians by Russian forces. I also welcome the strong testimony of President Zelenskyy, who spoke on behalf of the people of Ukraine. First, Norway reiterates that Russia’s war is in and of itself a violation of international law. The principles of the Charter of the United Nations are clear on the illegality of the acquisition of territory by force. We reiterate our call for Russia to stop its illegal attack on Ukraine immediately. Secondly, Norway strongly condemns all violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law.

    2022-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9080 (2022) · source

  15. It is important that the Mission can continue its work to advance compliance with human rights obligations and a rights-based reconciliation process in Libya.

    2022-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9078 (2022) · source

  16. It is essential that all actors in Libya contribute to upholding the ceasefire and preserving the calm. The progress achieved since 2020 must not go to waste. Libya needs stability, not another violent conflict. We are therefore worried by the rapid deterioration in public services, particularly the education and health services, as well as about the significant protection challenges. The further destabilization of political dynamics might threaten the ceasefire agreement and the Government’s viability, thereby risking a resumption of the conflict. Let me also reiterate our concern about the situation for civil society and human rights defenders in Libya. The Libyan authorities must uphold their human rights obligations. Lastly, Norway supports the extension of the mandate of the Independent Fact-Finding Mission on Libya.

    2022-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9078 (2022) · source

  17. I thank Under-Secretary- General DiCarlo for her briefing and Ms. Bushra Alhodiri for her insightful remarks. Let me start by reiterating our support for the United Nations and for Special Adviser Williams, in particular for her efforts to facilitate talks in Cairo between the House of Representatives and the High Council of State. We are encouraged by the progress achieved during the most recent round of negotiations towards agreeing on a constitutional framework for elections. We call on the leaders on both sides to hold follow-up meetings to resolve outstanding issues. We are pleased to learn that such a meeting will be held in Geneva this week. The aim must be to hold free, fair and inclusive national elections as soon as possible. We are worried by the increased tensions in recent weeks, especially in and around Tripoli.

    2022-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9078 (2022) · source

  18. Norway also remains deeply concerned by the Palestinian Authority’s ongoing financial crisis. We are committed to working with the parties to move the Palestinian Authority onto a firmer fiscal footing. We encourage the parties and development partners to implement all commitments made during the meeting of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee for the Coordination of International Assistance to Palestinians held in Brussels in May. We also welcome the recent expansion of the approved quota for Palestinians from both Gaza and the West Bank to enter Israel for work. Let me conclude by reiterating Norway’s commitment to the two-State solution, whereby Israelis and Palestinians can live side by side, in peace and prosperity. That is the only viable solution to secure the rights and safety of both peoples.

    2022-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9077 (2022) · source

  19. Let me reiterate Norway’s condemnation of all forms of terrorism. We also condemn rockets and attacks from Gaza towards Israel. We recognize Israel’s need to defend itself against such attacks, while underlining that any measures taken must comply with international law. I shall now turn to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). The Agency’s funding crisis — as well as increased food prices globally — has the potential for dramatic consequences, including for regional stability. UNRWA plays a critical role in promoting the rights and serving the essential needs of Palestinian refugees. We urge donors to increase their contributions, and we support increased cooperation with other organizations within the limits of UNRWA’s mandate.

    2022-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9077 (2022) · source

  20. Let me reiterate that all measures aimed at altering the demographic composition of the occupied areas are in violation of international humanitarian law. We therefore urge Israel to refrain from carrying out this plan. Furthermore, we repeat our call on the Israeli authorities to halt all settlement expansions, evictions and demolitions. We underscore that all civilians, including children, must be protected. Everyone has the right to live in security. Let me also highlight the high number of Palestinian civilians killed this year. Of the 48 Palestinians killed between January and May, 14 were children. That situation is untenable and cannot continue. Security forces must act proportionally and in line with international law. There have also been several terror attacks, killing 10 Israeli and three foreign civilians.

    2022-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9077 (2022) · source

  21. I thank Special Coordinator Wennesland for his remarks. It is clear from the Secretary-General’s report that resolution 2334 (2016) is not being implemented. Settlement-building, demolitions and evictions have continued since 2016. We are especially concerned about plans to demolish several villages in the Masafer Yatta area and, as we have heard from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Israel has already started military training in the area. The inhabitants are vulnerable and have lived there for generations. If those plans are carried out, the humanitarian consequences will be dire, and 1,200 residents — over 500 of whom are children — will lose everything, including their homes, schools and access to water.

    2022-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9077 (2022) · source

  22. Civil society and the media also play an ever more crucial role in collecting and sharing evidence and spreading the message that perpetrators will be held to account. Above all, accountability is vital to ensuring justice for the victims and to deterring and preventing future violations. We must also be alert to the needs of victims and survivors, in all their diversity. Those committing atrocities, such as we have seen in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Central African Republic, Myanmar, Syria, Ukraine and elsewhere, must face justice. Let me be clear: international law is not optional, and violations will not go unchallenged. A culture of impunity increases the risk of conflict recurring. Accountability, justice and the protection of civilians are crucial to long-term international peace and security.

    2022-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9052 (2022) · source

  23. Norway sees the ICC as a beacon of international criminal law — stepping in if national accountability mechanisms are not able to. Yet the authority of the Security Council to refer cases to the ICC is underutilized. We must be better at following up the cases that we refer. We call on all to facilitate access, support investigators and hand over wanted individuals to the Court. Norway joined 40 other nations in a referral of the current situation in Ukraine to the Court. We are pleased that the ICC is investigating possible war crimes and crimes against humanity. Successful accountability measures include representatives from all facets of society. We must insist on women’s full, equal and meaningful participation, not merely as an end in itself, but as a prerequisite for peace and stability.

    2022-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9052 (2022) · source

  24. Together, as an international community, we have put in place significant international mechanisms and initiatives to ensure accountability. We look to the International Court of Justice to adjudicate cases between States and to the International Criminal Court (ICC) to prosecute individuals, as well as to the Human Rights Council to deploy fact-finding and special procedure mechanisms. Let me underline the important role of the International Court of Justice in the peaceful resolution of disputes. We are appalled by the blatant examples of the disregard of the Court’s rulings. We in the Security Council have a special responsibility to do what we can to ensure that parties faithfully abide by binding decisions rendered by the Court.

    2022-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9052 (2022) · source

  25. I congratulate you, Mr. President, on assuming the presidency of the Security Council for the month of June and for organizing this very important meeting. We offer our condolences on the passing of Judge Cançado Trindade. Norway also joins others in thanking today’s briefers for clearly underlining the need for accountability for serious international crimes, including those related to Ukraine. We understand accountability to include both State responsibility under international law and individual criminal responsibility. The more political type of accountability, as it is exercised at the United Nations, is also important. In essence, we are talking about ensuring much-needed reactions to those who disregard international law, including international humanitarian law, international human rights law and international criminal law.

    2022-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9052 (2022) · source

  26. Finally, the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s admission into the East African Community will also enable closer cooperation between the countries of the region. That can promote trust and reduce cross-border threats to stability, with benefits for the Congolese people. The people in the conflict-affected areas of the Democratic Republic of the Congo have suffered for too long. Norway reiterates its support for all efforts that can contribute to stabilization and sustainable peace.

    2022-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9051 (2022) · source

  27. Some of those issues are cross-border in nature, and Norway therefore welcomes efforts to strengthen regional cooperation. The second Regional Heads of State Conclave, convened in April, was an important step in that regard. The broadest possible participation should now be sought. Follow-up on the decisions made at the Conclave will be important to promoting peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and we thank Kenya for its leadership, as well as the countries in the region for their commitment to the process. We are concerned about the recent tensions between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and we urge all parties to participate in constructive dialogue to improve relations among the countries of the region. We also welcome the readiness of some of the armed groups to participate in that process.

    2022-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9051 (2022) · source

  28. It is also crucial that eligible armed groups lay down their weapons and participate in the Disarmament, Demobilization, Community Recovery and Stabilization programme so as to reduce the security threat to civilians in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and lay the foundations for social and economic development. The root causes of conflict must be addressed if we are to end the violence and protect the civilian population in the eastern areas of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. A lack of protection fuels conflict, displacement and mistrust. In addition to implementing the Disarmament, Demobilization, Community Recovery and Stabilization programme, challenges such as the lack of security-sector reform, impunity and the illicit trade in natural resources must be addressed.

    2022-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9051 (2022) · source

  29. We are also deeply concerned about the situation for civilians in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, including in areas where the Allied Democratic Forces and the Coopérative pour le développement du Congo continue to attack the civilian population. Full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access is crucial to protecting and assisting those in need. Norway urges all parties to respect and comply with their human rights and international humanitarian law obligations. We call on all armed groups, including the M-23, to participate unconditionally in the consultation process initiated by the second Regional Heads of State Conclave for the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

    2022-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9051 (2022) · source

  30. I would like to thank Assistant Secretary-General Pobee and Special Envoy Huang Xia for their informative briefings. I would also like to warmly welcome the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as well as the representatives of Uganda and Rwanda, to our meeting today. Let me start by condemning the recent attacks in North Kivu by the Mouvement du 23 mars (M-23) on the Forces armées de la République démocratique du Congo and the troops of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Deliberate attacks on those trying to secure stability are unacceptable and the perpetrators must be held accountable.

    2022-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9051 (2022) · source

  31. Resolution 2634 (2022) will hopefully help make a strong push towards fully addressing the threat and cost of piracy and armed robbery in the Gulf of Guinea.

    2022-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9050 (2022) · source

  32. Their safety is crucial for the development and economic welfare of dozens of countries in West, Central and Southern Africa. According to a recent United Nations study, piracy in the Gulf of Guinea costs coastal States at least $2 billion a year. Even with the encouraging progress being made, with the help of renewed efforts from countries like Nigeria, the Gulf of Guinea remains the world’s most dangerous place for ships and seafarers. That is why resolution 2634 (2022) is so important. It aims to increase security for ships and sailors in the Gulf and at the same time safeguard the economic potential of countries in the region. The resolution also reaffirms that UNCLOS sets out the legal framework for all ocean activities globally. Next year marks the tenth anniversary of the Yaoundé Code of Conduct.

    2022-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9050 (2022) · source

  33. Let me start by thanking all Security Council members for their constructive engagement over the past months towards reaching an agreement on resolution 2634 (2022). In particular I want to thank our co-penholder, Ghana, for its excellent cooperation every step of the way. Our thanks also extend to the other two African members of the Security Council and regional countries for their support since the start of the process. We have just adopted unanimously the first Council resolution on maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea in 10 years. At this difficult moment for the world, the resolution addresses an issue that is important for the relevant African regions themselves and beyond. Every day, more than 1,000 boats and ships criss- cross the waters of the Gulf of Guinea.

    2022-05-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9050 (2022) · source

  34. We call on the Secretariat to produce such a report in consultation with the Chair of the Informal Working Group on Documentation and Other Procedural Questions, and to annex to it the précis- verbal from this meeting. The current path of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is not only a threat to regional and international peace and security, but it also aggravates an already dire economic, humanitarian and human rights situation for the people of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. The United Nations cannot remain silent simply because of the veto in the Security Council.

    2022-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9048 (2022) · source

  35. That would have been a timely update given the critical humanitarian needs in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, especially in the wake of the recent reports of the spread of coronavirus disease throughout the country. We regret that the use of the veto prevented the Security Council from fulfilling its mandate and taking necessary action on this very serious and escalating security and humanitarian situation. We recognize that in accordance with its consensus resolution 76/262, the General Assembly will now take up this issue for discussion in line with its own responsibilities with regard to international peace and security. And we expect the Council to comply with the provision of resolution 76/262 inviting it to submit a special report on the issue for the Assembly’s consideration.

    2022-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9048 (2022) · source

  36. Norway strongly condemns the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s recent series of ballistic-missile launches, including the launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile, in clear violation of several Security Council resolutions. We are also deeply concerned about the disturbing rhetoric we are hearing about nuclear weapons and developments in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s nuclear programme. Norway therefore voted in favour of draft resolution S/2022/431 in response to those developments and the threat that the actions of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea poses to both regional and international peace and security. The proposed draft resolution would have broadened the humanitarian exemption mechanisms considerably.

    2022-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9048 (2022) · source

  37. Finally, we remain gravely concerned about the reported arrest and detention of members of civil society, human rights organizations and international non-governmental institutions. We are also alarmed by the violence and harassment targeting women activists and officials. I want to underline that it is the duty of States to respect, protect and fulfil their human rights obligations, including by ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable.

    2022-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9047 (2022) · source

  38. We also welcome the Commission’s recent meeting with Special Adviser Williams on the margins of the workshop on disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) in Spain and applaud the renewed commitment to an inclusive, rights-based DDR process. We encourage further cooperation with neighbouring countries and the African Union in that regard. The disruption of oil production must also be avoided. Libyan natural resources are important to the global energy supply at a time of increasing demand. More importantly, they are a source of income for the Libyan people that is essential to improving public services and securing reliable funding for the nation’s priority needs. The oil sector must not be politicized, and the ongoing oil blockade must be lifted, thereby enabling full oil production and export.

    2022-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9047 (2022) · source

  39. We call on all the parties to exercise maximum restraint, refrain from provocative actions and rhetoric and ensure the protection of civilians, which are critical to avoiding a new escalation of violence. We are pleased to see that the ceasefire is still holding, and we commend the work of the 5+5 Joint Military Commission in that regard. However, as we underlined at the previous briefing (see S/PV.8996), it is very important that the Commission’s essential work continue and not be obstructed by the ongoing political tension. It has made great progress in preserving stability and improving the daily lives of the Libyan people.

    2022-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9047 (2022) · source

  40. That is an encouraging sign of progress, and we urge the parties to build on the consensus in order to reach agreement on the remaining articles when they meet again in June. We trust that they will live up to their responsibilities and provide a firm constitutional framework that can enable the holding of inclusive national elections as soon as possible. As we all know, there are 2.8 million Libyans who have registered to vote and expect timely and safe elections. The only viable path to legitimate political leadership is to allow the Libyan people to choose their leaders. Attempts to seize or hold on to political power through violence will only hurt the people of Libya.

    2022-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9047 (2022) · source

  41. I thank Under-Secretary- General DiCarlo and Ambassador Tirumurti for their briefings. We also welcome our Libyan colleague to today’s meeting. We would like to commend the work of Ms. Stephanie Williams, the Special Adviser of the Secretary-General, and the United Nations Support Mission in Libya in convening the Joint Committee of the House of Representatives and the High Council of State earlier this month in Cairo. The United Nations plays a critical role in assisting the Libyan-led and Libyan-owned political process, and particularly in bringing the parties together to discuss the much- needed constitutional arrangements. Let me also thank Egypt for hosting the parties. We further commend the Joint Committee for reaching an initial consensus on 137 articles in last week’s round of talks.

    2022-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9047 (2022) · source

  42. We call on all the parties to use the constructive spirit built by the AHLC to further address the underlying causes of the conflict and make progress on the political track. A political horizon is urgently needed. Improvement of the economic situation alone will not resolve the conflict. The two-State solution remains the only viable solution to secure the rights, safety and prosperity of both Israelis and Palestinians.

    2022-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9046 (2022) · source

  43. There are also new arrangements that provide more water and more wastewater treatment, and more goods are entering and being exported from Gaza. Those steps are important for the development, economic growth and sustainability of the Palestinian Authority. However, the AHLC is impatient to see more progress. Announcements by the PA of unrealistic wage increases are causing concern and the much- needed reforms aimed at balancing the budget cannot wait any longer. The PA remains in a deep financial and political crisis. The two parties must further intensify their cooperation to stabilize the Palestinian economy, increase revenues to the PA and facilitate economic growth. Israel must also reduce the restrictions imposed by the occupation, avoid escalatory actions and take more active steps to strengthen the PA.

    2022-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9046 (2022) · source

  44. Norway and the European Union convened the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee for the Coordination of the International Assistance to Palestinians (AHLC) on 9 to 10 May in Brussels. The aim of the AHLC is to help build the foundation of a Palestinian State and help realize the two-State solution. Transferring authority to the Palestinian Authority (PA) is a key element of that process. The AHLC commended the parties for the positive achievements realized since their meeting held in Oslo in November 2021. For example, the pilot for the electronic transfer of value-added tax has been launched. Barriers to trade between Palestine and Jordan are being removed. And access for Palestinians to the Israeli labour market has been increased from both the West Bank and Gaza.

    2022-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9046 (2022) · source

  45. We condemn the killing of Al-Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh and support the call for a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation. The scenes from her funeral procession in Jerusalem were deeply disturbing. Funeral processions must be shown the utmost respect, and civilians must always be protected. We reiterate our call on the Israeli authorities to halt all settlement expansions, evictions and demolitions. We urge Israel to revoke the plans to demolish several villages in the Masafer Yatta area, which will forcibly evict approximately 1,300 Palestinians. Israel should also refrain from carrying out the announced plans to advance thousands of new housing units in the West Bank.

    2022-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9046 (2022) · source

  46. I thank Special Coordinator Wennesland for his remarks and for being here with us today in person. I also want to thank Robi Damelin and Daniel Munayer for their poignant and thought- provoking remarks. We remain deeply concerned about the rising tensions, especially in East Jerusalem and the West Bank. It is essential for tensions to be lowered and for the threat posed by extremists to be controlled. The historic status quo of the holy sites must also be upheld. We condemn all acts of terrorism, and all acts of incitement and violence against civilians are unacceptable. In addition, as we have already noted in the Security Council, journalists must be protected. Their work is essential to peace and democracy.

    2022-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9046 (2022) · source

  47. The Centre of Competence on Humanitarian Negotiation is an initiative on front-line negotiations, which can improve both access and safety for humanitarian workers. Finally, counter-terrorism measures and sanctions are vital tools for protecting civilians and addressing threats to international peace and security. At the same time, we must take all necessary measures to avoid unintended negative impacts on humanitarian action, including through broad humanitarian exemptions when appropriate. The Security Council has advanced the protection of civilians and preserved humanitarian space through resolutions, mandates and conclusions in the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict. Let this inspire us to hold ourselves accountable and take further practical steps to fulfil our commitments. This demands leadership and political will.

    2022-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9042 (2022) · source

  48. Dialogue with all parties on the protection of civilians, conduct of hostilities and urgent humanitarian access and safe passage is at the core of the humanitarian mission. Moreover, there must be no impunity for attacks against humanitarian workers. Ensuring freedom of expression and access to information and documentation are essential to this end. Furthermore, parties to conflict must fulfil their obligation under international humanitarian law to allow and facilitate safe, rapid, and unhindered humanitarian access. In this regard, the Security Council has determined that denial of humanitarian access is one of the six grave violations committed against children in armed conflict. We also want to recognize that humanitarian actors must be able to, on a daily basis, negotiate and maintain access locally.

    2022-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9042 (2022) · source

  49. Finally, civilian suffering caused by urban warfare, such as in Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, is unacceptable. We welcome the political declaration proposed by Ireland on the use of explosive weapons in populated areas. Armed forces must adopt and implement specific policies and practices to avoid civilian harm. Persistent challenges to humanitarian action in conflict must also be addressed. We call for stronger support for the life-saving response mounted by local and international humanitarian organizations and for female responders to take the leading role. Local women must participate in the design and implementation of humanitarian responses. Also, neutral, impartial and independent humanitarian organizations must be allowed to carry out their mandates safely and without interference or politicization.

    2022-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9042 (2022) · source

  50. Secondly, we urge all States to endorse and implement the Safe Schools Declaration, which would strengthen the implementation of resolution 2601 (2021) on the protection of education in conflict. Thirdly, the Security Council should adopt strong protection mandates for peacekeeping operations and political missions, including during transition phases. And adequate resourcing must be ensured, including for child protection. The Handbook for United Nations Field Missions on Preventing and Responding to Conflict-Related Sexual Violence must be part of training and used in all missions. Fourthly, resolution 2286 (2016) on protection of health care must be implemented. The Health Care in Danger initiative led by the International Committee of the Red Cross has identified very useful recommendations and best practices.

    2022-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9042 (2022) · source