YouSaid · the spoken record

Kais Kabtani

lines on the record: 129
first: 2020-04-16
most recent: 2020-08-27
sittings or episodes: 22
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

“Tunisia is deeply troubled by the recurring, yet unresolved, issue of disruption to clean water and electricity supplies as a result of hostilities, which is limiting access to such basic services for innocent Syrians and hindering core sanitation and hygiene measures against COVID-19. We stress that it is critical to rehabilitate electrical lines and water pipes as part of any sustainable solution to this issue, while reiterating our call on parties to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law. At the same time, the rehabilitation of shattered hospitals and schools, following nearly a decade of conflict, is a moral imperative in order to make the lives of children and other vulnerable Syrian populations modestly better and focus on the true battle of saving lives and future generations.”
2020-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/866 (2020) · source
“Fourthly, the alarming rise in food insecurity, aggravated by inflation, massive poverty and unemployment, underscores the need for sustainable assistance for livelihoods, as well as for strengthening safety nets and building long-term resilience. We appreciate, in this respect, the scaled up assistance by the World Food Programme to millions in need throughout Syria, taking into account, in particular, the economic impact of COVID-19. Fifthly, there is a need to rehabilitate critical public services, such as hospitals, schools and water, electricity and sanitation supplies.”
2020-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/866 (2020) · source
“The challenges arising from the use of a single border crossing, pursuant to resolution 2533 (2020), highlight the need for commitment, cooperation and dialogue among the relevant parties in order to maintain safe, timely, unhindered and sustained humanitarian access into the north-west. Thirdly, a systematic focus on the underequipped and underresourced Syrian health-care system becomes ever-more necessary to avert a catastrophic spread of the disease. It is critical to step up efforts related to adequate funding, scaling up of testing capacity and provision of medical supplies, as well as support for humanitarian partners and protection of medical and humanitarian workers.”
2020-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/866 (2020) · source
“Ultimately, a political process that is firmly on track and enables a just, Syrian-led, Syrian-owned and United Nations-facilitated political solution in line with resolution 2254 (2015) would resolve the humanitarian crisis and bring peace and prosperity to the Syrian people. Secondly, I recall the importance of a needs-based, vulnerability-based, whole-of-Syria approach to humanitarian assistance using all access modalities. We welcome the resumption of cross-border operations from Bab Al-Hawa into north- west Syria in implementation of resolution 2533 (2020), as well as the scaling-up in overall humanitarian relief from Damascus in the first half of 2020, including into the north-east. We also take note of the progress in planning the cross-line mission to Atarib in north-western Syria.”
2020-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/866 (2020) · source
“We remain deeply disturbed by the fragile security situation across Syria and the impact it has had on the physical integrity of civilians, including women and children, as well as on civilian infrastructure. In recent weeks, tensions and unrest have grown more tangible in several parts of northern and southern Syria. Furthermore, international humanitarian law and ceasefire violations have regrettably not abated, notwithstanding the appeal of Special Envoy Pedersen for a nationwide ceasefire and the understandings on the de-escalation zone in Idlib. We reiterate our call on all parties to exercise the utmost restraint, de-escalate tensions and protect civilians and civilian objects in all circumstances. The Syrian people cannot withstand a new wave of widespread hostilities.”
2020-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/866 (2020) · source
“We are deeply disturbed by the humanitarian and socioeconomic disaster in the making in Syria as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic fallout and economic collapse. It is therefore urgently necessary to address vulnerability, fragility and the drivers of instability in order to mitigate the worsening humanitarian crisis. Tunisia believes that focus should be placed on five key priorities: the ceasefire, humanitarian access, health care, food security and rehabilitation of critical public services. And I would like to further elaborate on these priorities. First, ending hostilities and restoring calm throughout Syria are both urgent prerequisites and long-term goals to effectively cope with the humanitarian emergency brought about by COVID-19 and put Syria on the path of sustainable and lasting peace.”
2020-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/866 (2020) · source
“I thank Acting Assistant Secretary-General Ramesh Rajasingham for his briefing. My delegation also takes note of the latest report of the Secretary-General on the humanitarian situation in Syria pursuant to relevant Security Council resolutions (S/2020/813). Recent reports suggest Syria is currently faced with a harrowing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) situation. As it stands, the pandemic is rising exponentially in a way that is threatening the most vulnerable and halting the smooth conduct of the much-needed, much-awaited work of the Constitutional Committee in Geneva. Moreover, millions of Syrians are slipping into deep poverty and food insecurity as a result of the economic freefall, thereby making a dire humanitarian situation actually worse.”
2020-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/866 (2020) · source
“We recall the twenty-sixth report of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team (see S/2020/717), dated 26 June, which details the critical terrorism reality in the levant as well as in Iraq, especially against the background of COVID-19. We stress once again the crucial importance of joint and resolved efforts in order to address effectively the issue of terrorist and extremist groups in Idlib and beyond and to stymie their plans to exploit, spoil or defeat the peace process.”
2020-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/823 (2020) · source
“We further reiterate our call on all parties to respect international humanitarian law and take constant care to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure. The threat of terrorism and violent extremism has reached staggering levels in Syria. Tunisia is troubled by the growing resilience, sway and expansion, particularly of listed terrorist groups such as Islamic State in Iraq and the Sham, Al-Qaida and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. We are equally troubled by the continuing provocations of terrorist groups and extremists in Idlib. We condemn the second attack carried out against the joint Turkish-Russian patrol along the M4 highway earlier this week.”
2020-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/823 (2020) · source
“Tunisia expresses deep concern about the precarious security situation across Syria and the rise of the number of victims of violence among innocent civilians. Following overall improvement in recent months, there are presently foreboding signs of a relapse into large-scale violence, particularly in view of the repeated violations of the standing arrangements in northern Syria. Military reinforcements on the ground, tensions and military strikes registered in recent days highlight once again the fragility of a full and lasting stabilization of the de-escalation zone in Idlib. We reiterate our appeal for a stepped-up role of the Special Envoy in mustering ceasefire efforts and making full use of his mandated prerogatives to ensure an enduring cessation of hostilities.”
2020-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/823 (2020) · source
“Without a conducive environment of enduring calm, sustained humanitarian relief, economic recovery and confidence- building, inclusive peace and development will remain elusive and terrorism, militias, corruption, crime and COVID-19 will fill the vacuum. It is therefore crucial for the Syrian parties to break the deadlock and rise to the critical moment Syria is going through today. We urge them to engage constructively and in good faith in the Constitutional Committee talks, seek common ground and put the good of their own people and their own country first. We express hope that this third round will identify in earnest concrete agreed steps for Syria’s constitutional drafting, while we express support for Special Envoy Pedersen’s facilitating efforts to this end.”
2020-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/823 (2020) · source
“This process has since been deadlocked by violence, terrorism and entrenched divisions, and subsequently delayed by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). There is no panacea to the Syrian crisis. Only a just political solution within the terms of resolution 2254 (2015) that is formulated by and for the Syrians and facilitated by the United Nations would bring about lasting peace and restore Syrians’ dignity and Syria’s sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity. Without a negotiated settlement backed by multi-stakeholder cooperation and support, this conflict will only bring further loss, destruction, human suffering and social unrest, and fan regional instability.”
2020-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/823 (2020) · source
“I thank United Nations Special Envoy for Syria Pedersen for his briefing. I also wish the Deputy Special Envoy, Ms. Khawla Matar, a quick recovery. I also would like to welcome the new Permanent Representative of Belgium and wish him good luck. As the Syrian Constitutional Committee is set to reconvene next week in Geneva, this is a timely opportunity for Council members to appraise where we stand in the implementation of resolution 2254 (2015) and exchange views on the way forward. The establishment of the Constitutional Committee a year ago was a significant development and a glimmer of hope, in that it was the first political agreement between Syrians — Government and opposition — to begin implementing a key aspect of resolution 2254 (2015), which is the setting of a schedule and a process for drafting a new constitution.”
2020-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/823 (2020) · source
“Last but not least, the dire economic situation in Syria warrants that humanitarian and non-humanitarian assistance go hand in hand to cope with the fragility, help achieve recovery and build the resilience of Syrians over the longer term. At this critical juncture, it is essential that the economic engagement and assistance of the international community be ensured, along with strengthened joint projects of the United Nations humanitarian and development agencies, not least in rehabilitating severely damaged hospitals, schools and water, electricity and sanitation supplies.”
2020-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/758 (2020) · source
“As the Syrian medical infrastructure has been largely downgraded, underequipped or destroyed, it is essential that the safe, unhindered and sustained delivery of tests, treatments and medicine be ensured across Syria, using cross-line and cross-border modalities. Secondly, we remain concerned about the persistent low-intensity violence in the north-east, the north-west and the south of Syria. The recurring disruption of water and electricity systems in the north-east is particularly concerning amid growing tensions in this region. We recall that access to clean water and sanitation are key components of tackling COVID-19. We call on all parties to exercise S/2020/758 self-restraint and to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure in line with their obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law.”
2020-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/758 (2020) · source
“Those key provisions cannot be overemphasized. However, I would like to underscore the additional following points in the light of the developments on the ground. First and foremost, there is an urgent need to enhance prevention, mitigation and response measures in order to deal adequately with the mounting spread of the coronavirus disease. We welcome the ongoing efforts of the United Nations country team and the World Health Organization in Syria, in collaboration with the Syrian Government and other relevant actors, pursuant to a needs-based, vulnerability- based approach for all Syria.”
2020-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/758 (2020) · source
“Tunisia welcomes the results of the pledging conference for Syria and the region held at the end of last month in Brussels. We underline the importance of ensuring that financial needs be met, as per the United Nations humanitarian response plan and the COVID-19 response plan. The Security Council charted earlier this month the course for action in conflict situations, including that of Syria, especially as they are faced with the COVID-19 pandemic. In that regard, resolutions 2532 (2020) and 2533 (2020) have set out the framework for Syria through specific provisions on the general and immediate cessation of hostilities and a durable humanitarian truce to enable a United Nations-led, United Nations-coordinated effort for tackling the coronavirus, as well as on cross-border humanitarian relief into north-western Syria, respectively.”
2020-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/758 (2020) · source
“It is unacceptable and intolerable that ordinary innocent Syrians continue to bear the brunt of the conflict, economic meltdown and impact of COVID-19. We should not let them suffer or die due to the lack of access to food and medicine or the lack of economic prospects. From the outset, Tunisia’s consistent position has been to state that there is no viable alternative to a political settlement in line with resolution 2254 (2015) in order to end the human suffering and put Syria on a resolute and forward-looking trajectory of inclusive peace and sustainable development. Until a political solution is reached, principled life-saving aid must continue to be scaled up throughout Syria to meet the growing needs and grapple with the aggravated risks and vulnerabilities.”
2020-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/758 (2020) · source
“I thank Under-Secretary-General Mark Lowcock and civil society representative Amany Qaddour for their briefings. Syria is today on the brink of an economic collapse that is likely to worsen the humanitarian crisis. The fallout from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak has only exacerbated the economic crisis and compounded the multiple problems facing the country. All economic conditions have reached alarming levels, ranging from food insecurity to hyperinflation and massive unemployment, along with the spread of the coronavirus getting increasingly out of control. The Syrian plight is further seen in deeply impoverished communities, crumbling State institutions and a deeply fractured society among aggrieved populations, militias and corrupt circles.”
2020-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/758 (2020) · source
“We reiterate that there is no viable alternative to a political solution, in line with resolution 2254 (2015) — a solution that is by and for the Syrians, puts an end to terrorism and foreign intervention and preserves Syria’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
2020-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/743 (2020) · source
“Put together, Syria is unfortunately today ground zero for a regional collapse that requires the due attention and collective action of the international community and the Council to reverse the negative security, humanitarian and socioeconomic trends.S/2020/743 We look forward to the resumption of the Constitutional Committee talks in Geneva next month. This is perhaps the only glimmer of hope amid the worsening crisis. The critical situation within which Syria is engulfed today commands all the more the Syrian parties to work constructively together and seek compromises and common ground in order to make swift progress on the political process under the able facilitation of Special Envoy Pedersen.”
2020-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/743 (2020) · source
“We stress the importance of a collective approach towards eradicating the safe haven that Security Council-listed terrorist organizations, such as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and Da’esh, have established in Idlib and beyond in order for any peace to take hold in Syria and the region over the long term. In that regard, we welcome the ongoing efforts to tackle Da’esh on all its fronts, including its financing and economic structure in Syria and the region. Tunisia is particularly concerned about the unabated recruitment of fighters from Syria who are transferred to fuel conflict and unrest in neighbouring Libya. This is a stark reminder that the Syrian vacuum left by conflict and economic collapse is enabling wider forces of instability, stretching from the Middle East to North Africa.”
2020-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/743 (2020) · source
“On the political and security front, we are concerned about the early signs of a relapse into conflict in northern Syria following several weeks of general calm, along with rampant insecurity and unrest in southern Syria. We have been witnessing in recent days continued terrorist provocations along the contact lines in Idlib, military reinforcements on the ground and the resumption of limited military operations in rural Idlib and rural Aleppo. We reiterate our call on all parties to keep their abiding commitments, de-escalate tensions and exercise utmost self-restraint to enable sustained calm and a truce. We are also following closely the ongoing process of either absorbing or dismantling competitors, enemies and spoilers among terrorist and extremist factions in Idlib.”
2020-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/743 (2020) · source
“Syria is facing economic freefall and further pauperization of the population, which are exacerbated by the impact of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and economic difficulties. The United Nations has warned of the risks of famine in the light of food insecurity reaching unprecedented levels, as well as massive poverty and unemployment rates. The surge in recent days of COVID-19 cases and mortality numbers across Syria is another concerning development that is likely to worsen the humanitarian crisis, particularly in vulnerable areas. We stress that the tackling of the coronavirus spread needs to be urgently stepped up, including through the sufficient and unimpeded provision of tests, treatments and medicine, as well as support for Syria’s downgraded medical infrastructure, in order to avert a worst-case scenario.”
2020-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/743 (2020) · source
“I thank the United Nations Special Envoy for Syria, Mr. Pedersen, and Ms. Mustafa for their briefings. I would also like to take this opportunity to express Tunisia’s support for Mr. Pedersen’s good offices in pushing the implementation of resolution 2254 (2015). After nearly a decade of conflict and destruction, the prospects for Syria, the Syrian people and the region at large have never looked bleaker. Special Envoy Pedersen eloquently captured in his briefing those worrisome trends, and I would like to underline some of them in my national capacity. On the economic and humanitarian fronts, the picture is grim and, we believe, needs the urgent focus of the Security Council.”
2020-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/743 (2020) · source
“The international peace conference proposed by President Mahmoud Abbas should be fully promoted since it could constitute a new start towards a more stable and peaceful Middle East.”
2020-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/736 (2020) · source
“In his latest report (S/2020/555) on the implementation of resolution 2334 (2016), the Secretary-General urged Israel to ease the restrictions on the movement of goods and people to and from Gaza, reaffirming that only by fully lifting the debilitating closures, in line with resolution 1860 (2009), could we hope to sustainably resolve the humanitarian crisis. In conclusion, we urge the international community to intensify collective endeavours to re-engage the parties in negotiations based on the internationally endorsed terms of reference and parameters in order to put an end to the occupation of Palestinian territory as of 4 June 1967, including East Jerusalem, ensure the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, put an end to its long suffering and guarantee security, peace and prosperity for all the peoples of the region.”
2020-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/736 (2020) · source
“We therefore call upon the international community to increase its assistance to the State of Palestine, including in support of economic recovery efforts. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East is also facing increased demand for services due to the current global crisis. Additional funds are urgently needed to ensure the continuity of the Agency’s essential services. To that end, Tunisia recently announced a symbolic contribution to the Agency’s budget in solidarity with Palestine refugees. In the same vein, Tunisia remains seriously concerned about the dire humanitarian and economic situation in Gaza, exacerbated by the continuing cruel and inhuman blockade by Israel.”
2020-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/736 (2020) · source
“We continue to believe that the Middle East Quartet, with the support of the Security Council and other international actors, can meet the challenge of preserving the two-State solution and relaunching the peace process based on the internationally endorsed terms of reference and parameters, thus preventing a new cycle of violence and instability in the region. According to the World Health Organization, the number of people testing positive for coronavirus disease continues to surge in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Tunisia highly values the humanitarian community’s efforts to help the Palestinian Authority respond to the pandemic. However, we remain concerned about the likely further increase in cases over the coming weeks.”
2020-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/736 (2020) · source
“The international community should stand firm in upholding international law, including the relevant Security Council resolutions, and in strongly rejecting and preventing any such unilateral illegal move, which would constitute an existential threat to international peace and security and to fundamental Palestinian rights. Given the looming threat of annexation, Tunisia strongly calls upon the Security Council and the entire international community to remain steadfast and engaged in stopping further grave violations of international law, thus preserving the credibility of the entire multilateral system and the prospects for peace.”
2020-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/736 (2020) · source
“It is regrettable and scandalous that Israel, the occupying Power, persists in blatantly disregarding all such legal obligations and all repeated calls by the international community to end its illegal occupation of the Palestinian territory and its aggressive policies and practices against the Palestinian people. Despite its serious violations of international law, the decades-long impunity enjoyed by Israel, the occupying Power, constitutes one of the major reasons behind Israel’s challenge to the universal legal system, translated by its continuing occupation, settlement policies, aggressive and racist practices and, recently, by its imminent threats and declarations on the implementation of its long-planned illegal de facto annexation of Palestinian land.”
2020-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/736 (2020) · source
“Through that seminal resolution, the Security Council made it clear that Israel’s establishment of settlements in the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem, has no legal validity and constitutes a flagrant violation under international law and a major obstacle to the achievement of a two-State solution and a just, lasting and comprehensive peace. The Security Council and the international community underlined that no changes to the 4 June 1967 lines will be recognized, including with regard to Jerusalem, other than those agreed by the parties through negotiations.”
2020-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/736 (2020) · source
“At the outset, I would like to commend the State Secretary of the Federal Foreign Office of Germany, Mr. Miguel Berger, for his able leadership of this meeting. I also thank Mr. Nickolay Mladenov, Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, for his briefing and tireless efforts. Guided by the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, the Security Council reaffirmed — in its resolutions 242 (1967), 476 (1980) and 478 (1980) — the inadmissibility of the acquisition of territory by force. That prior determination is further reiterated in the Council’s more recent resolution 2334 (2016).”
2020-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/736 (2020) · source
“As we commend the leading role of the United Nations in coordinating humanitarian relief to help alleviate the appalling humanitarian situation in Syria, we reiterate the necessity for the political track to be accelerated to achieve a solution that brings a peaceful end to the crisis in Syria. In the meantime, we believe it is essential that reconstruction of destroyed or damaged hospitals, which are at the core of the humanitarian response, including the COVID-19 response, as well as of schools, be made possible on purely humanitarian grounds. Only consensus will save lives.”
2020-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/635 (2020) · source
“We also express our support for the renewal of the mandate of the two cross-border operations in the north-west for 12 months. In the north-east, Tunisia believes that there is a need for hybrid, creative and consensual solutions that enable full, sustained and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid, including of medical aid. Viable and unhindered access is also needed for the United Nations in south- eastern Syria to prevent further deterioration of the humanitarian conditions of the remaining population in Rukban. All parties should work together to that end. The war has left millions of Syrians displaced and in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. It has also devastated medical infrastructure and the Syrian economy.”
2020-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/635 (2020) · source
“There should be no selective approach to humanitarian access in Syria. Rather, a combination of cross-border and cross-line modalities remains pertinent, with neither modality being exclusive or sufficient alone. We stress the importance of this dual approach being incremental and adequately calibrated in a way that respects and ultimately safeguards Syria’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity and responds to the needs of the Syrian people. In north-western Syria, we welcome the announcement by Under-Secretary- General Lowcock earlier today on the progress made in the operational planning of the cross-line mission in Idlib, in line with the Secretary-General’s recommendation on using combined access modalities for the delivery of humanitarian relief.”
2020-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/635 (2020) · source
“We believe that there is no viable alternative to the search for a settlement in line with resolution 2254 (2015), in order to put an end to the human suffering and recover Syria’s full sovereignty over its entire territory. Until a political solution is reached, principled humanitarian delivery of aid must continue to be scaled up throughout Syria to meet growing needs and cope with multiplied risks and vulnerabilities as a result of COVID-19. As the Council prepares to renew the cross-border mechanism, it is important that humanitarian considerations prevail and that we speak to consensus and compromise. Tunisia will be joining consensus on any proposal aimed at ensuring sufficient delivery of impartial and depoliticized humanitarian aid to those in need and enabling the renewal of the cross-border mandate.”
2020-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/635 (2020) · source
“I thank Under-Secretary-General Mark Lowcock and civil society representative Susannah Sirkin for their briefings. I would also like to extend a warm welcome to our colleagues, the Permanent Representatives of Syria and Turkey. The Syrians have been suffering long years of conflict and economic hardship. The threat of the sweeping coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic risks aggravating their plight even further. At the same time, Syria has reached a tipping point of territorial and economic disintegration, as trends suggest, with potentially far-reaching consequences for the stability of the region. Syria’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity are crucial, and the Security Council has a major responsibility to preserve them.”
2020-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/635 (2020) · source
“Sanctions measures should be seen as a cooperative rather than coercive tool to bolster confidence and trust among the South Sudanese parties and promote sustainable peace and economic growth in the country. Last but not least, we emphasize the importance of addressing root causes and structural factors of conflict in South Sudan in order to prevent a relapse of violence and conflict, ensure holistic respect for human rights and lay the foundation for durable inclusive peace and sustainable development.”
2020-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/582 (2020) · source
“In the light of the pandemic-related restrictions imposed on the operation of UNMISS, it is important for the Mission to maintain consistent public outreach and engagement with communities, foster closer dialogue with the South Sudanese Government and enhance mobility and a light-footprint approach to its operations. Tunisia’s firm belief is that South Sudan needs to be backed by adequate international support and flexibility, including that of the Council, with due consideration of the humbling realities of the South Sudanese transition. We stress that the meaningful engagement of the Council in South Sudan hinges on its genuine willingness to lift sanctions and accept a paradigm shift in the sanctions mandate.”
2020-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/582 (2020) · source
“We urge international partners to extend the needed technical and medical support, which, regrettably, remains in short supply. We urge the South Sudanese authorities to commit to full and inclusive governance throughout the country so as to enable comprehensive humanitarian outreach to communities in need, ensure the protection of civilians and respect for human rights, and strengthen the rule of law. We commend the continuous and crucial engagement of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development in mediating solutions between the parties and in ensuring the implementation of the peace agreement. We welcome the continued provision of assistance and technical capacity- building by UNMISS in connection with its core mandated activities, and support the use of its good offices for promoting the peace process.”
2020-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/582 (2020) · source
“I thank Special Representative Shearer and activist Yakani for their briefings. The spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic across South Sudan seriously threatens to reverse the positive course embraced by the country towards inclusive and sustainable peace. We stress that effective mitigation of the COVID-19 pandemic is at the core of efforts to protect civilians and is crucial to the implementation of key remaining terms of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan, notably the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration processes, and to the advancement of the peace process at large. We welcome the steps taken by the South Sudanese Government to tackle the pandemic, particularly the appointment of a dedicated task force.”
2020-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/582 (2020) · source
“Many African countries have demonstrated a remarkably high level of solidarity, providing asylum to refugees at a time of increased anxiety, xenophobia, border closure and denial of asylum in many parts of the world.”
2020-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/560 (2020) · source
“Properly addressing the structural causes of problems of refugees requires a holistic approach that strengthens the nexus among peace, security and development and which also investigates newly identified causes, such as climate change, as the High Commissioner has noted. Fifty-one years ago, the Organization of African Unity (OAU) Convention Governing Specific Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa was adopted, and 11 years ago, the African Union (AU) adopted the Convention for the Protection and Assistance for Internally Displaced Persons in Africa. These pioneering legal and policy instruments reflect the AU’s strong commitment to the protection of refugees, internally displaced persons and vulnerable migrants in all circumstances, which we wholeheartedly commend.”
2020-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/560 (2020) · source
“In this regard, the international community should take action to prevent all forms of exploitation of refugees and displaced persons for political gains and to stop the boats of death from attempting to cross the seas in search of safety. To address the issue of refugees, we need to focus not only on curing symptoms but also on identifying the root causes of flows of refugees and internally displaced persons. Armed conflicts continue to be the principal drivers of the plight of refugees. The Security Council and its members have a major responsibility and role to play in preventing conflicts from erupting.”
2020-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/560 (2020) · source
“The resolution of the problem of refugees and displaced persons is a matter of high priority. It is clear that promoting long-term conditions for peace, stability, national reconciliation and development is not possible without taking adequate steps to ensure the dignified voluntary and safe return of refugees and internally displaced persons to their homes and places of original residence, to reverse the consequences of conflicts and to heal as much as possible the wounds they have caused. Otherwise, their plight will remain unresolved, with all the impact that that could have on the global situation. In the meantime, it is crucial to facilitate the flow of humanitarian assistance and provide protection to these populations.”
2020-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/560 (2020) · source
“Unfortunately, the statistics today indicate that the problem is getting worse, since the numbers of refugees and internally displaced persons have been growing, owing to conflicts, war, poverty, underdevelopment and environmental degradation related to climate change. While we commend the crucial role that UNHCR and the other humanitarian organizations play in providing assistance to these populations, we underline the urgent need to multiply and intensify regional and international efforts aimed at addressing the root causes of the problem. This is a sad reflection of the status of peace and security in world today after 75 years of multilateralism, and it is putting the financial and human resources of humanitarian and refugee organizations under enormous strain.”
2020-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/560 (2020) · source
“At the outset, I would like to thank High Commissioner Filippo Grandi for his informative briefing, and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) for the efforts it has made in the challenging times presented by the coronavirus disease and with the risks the pandemic poses for international peace and security, especially in conflict zones and war-devastated countries, and particularly on the most vulnerable populations — refugees, displaced persons and returnees. The question of refugees and displaced persons remains a major source of concern, as it reflects to what extent our world is unstable.”
2020-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/560 (2020) · source
“Such violations are contrary to the Charter of the United Nations, the principles of international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, including resolution 350 (1974), on the disengagement between the Israeli and Syrian sides, and resolution 497 (1981). Finally, let me reiterate that there is no military solution to the Syrian crisis. The only way forward is through a political solution in line with resolution 2254 (2015) that ends the suffering of the Syrian people and safeguards Syria’s sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity. Indeed, it bears repeating: the political solution must be one that safeguards Syria’s sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity.”
2020-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/551 (2020) · source
“We reaffirm that the ceasefire remains a temporary form of relief until a joint and genuine solution has been identified to address the threat of Council-designated terrorist groups and eradicates the safe haven that these groups have established in the region. The latest approval by Israel of a plan to build a new settlement in the Golan is a blatant move in Israel’s endless series of actions undertaken in systematic contempt of international law, international legality and the international community. Tunisia reiterates that the Golan is a Syrian Arab territory occupied by Israel. We condemn Israel’s repeated and flagrant violations of the unity, independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty of Syria in its territories, including the Golan territory.”
2020-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/551 (2020) · source