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

“We reiterate our support for a stepped-up role of the United Nations and its Special Envoy in mustering ceasefire initiatives in line with resolution 2254 (2015), with a view to ensuring a nationwide and durable ceasefire in the country. The activities of terrorist organizations, including the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and Al-Qaida affiliates Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham and Horras Al-Din, are yet another worrisome trend. Attacks carried out by ISIL have been on a steady rise for months now in Syria and Iraq and require due attention from the Security Council. Tunisia reiterates that marshalling collective counter-terrorism efforts is necessary if any solution to the conflict is to take hold in the long run.”
2020-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/551 (2020) · source
“This month witnessed a surge of violence in north-west Syria, which engendered renewed displacements in southern Idlib and northern Hama and reversed the recent returns of internally displaced persons to their areas of origin. We are concerned about the potential breakdown of the ceasefire, in the light of the resumption of air strikes and the reported arrival of military reinforcements on the ground in Idlib. Such developments undermine the political process on track, as the Constitutional Committee discussions are slated for resumption in Geneva at the earliest opportunity. We call on parties to exercise the utmost self-restraint and work together to sustain the truce. The north-west, as much as the rest of Syria, cannot endure a new humanitarian catastrophe.”
2020-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/551 (2020) · source
“I thank the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Syria, Mr. Geir Pedersen, for his briefing. Tunisia’s support for Special Envoy Pedersen’s efforts aimed at promoting the return of peace in Syria against the backdrop of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic remains constant. In the last quarter since the Special Envoy’s call for a durable nationwide cessation of hostilities, there have been some encouraging developments. Remarkably, the last month registered the lowest civilian-death toll since the start of the conflict. However, the overall political and security trends observed in Syria and across the wider region remain particularly worrisome. While the 6 March ceasefire in Idlib seemed to have held and violence dropped in May, the pace of recruiting Syrians to fight in Libya increased significantly in the same month.”
2020-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/551 (2020) · source
“We stress the importance of the ongoing coordination between UNOCA and the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel and welcome the political coordination meetings between these two United Nations bureaux aimed at supporting synergies across mandated activities, particularly in the field of maritime security and the fight against terrorism and organized crime. In conclusion, the A3+1 reiterate their continued support for the efforts and activities of the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and his able team in the fulfilment of the Office’s mandate as they aim to further enhance peace, security and sustainable development in the Central African region.”
2020-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/542 (2020) · source
“The subregion continues to face humanitarian, socioeconomic and human rights challenges that have exacerbated the humanitarian and human rights crises and triggered displacements and large waves of refugees. We appreciate Cameroon’s efforts aimed at hosting thousands of refugees and asylum seekers from the region. However, we express our concern at the ongoing crisis in the Lake Chad basin that has led to the displacement of thousands of people in Chad, the Niger and Nigeria. We emphasize the importance of cooperation between the Governments of the region and such regional, subregional and international organizations as the United Nations, the African Union, the Economic Community of Central African States, the Central African Economic and Monetary Community, the Lake Chad Basin Commission and other relevant actors.”
2020-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/542 (2020) · source
“Maritime security is another source of concern. The Gulf of Guinea has become the centre of worldwide piracy and armed robbery by terrorist groups. Nevertheless, we are encouraged by the commitment of the leaders of the region to the importance of sustained bilateral cooperation in dealing with this issue. We share the Secretary-General’s concern about the effects of climate change and natural disasters on security and stability in the region. Climate-change effects have triggered displacements hampering the ongoing efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. In this regard, we support the efforts of the relevant bodies of the United Nations aimed at systematically integrating climate-change and natural- resource management aspects into conflict prevention, mediation, peacebuilding and development processes in the region.”
2020-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/542 (2020) · source
“We also salute the confidence-building measures taken by Sao Tome and Principe in the framework of its ongoing efforts toward strengthening dialogue among all political stakeholders. While we acknowledge the positive dynamics in the political situation across Central Africa, we remain concerned with the security situation prevailing in the region, in particular the continued attacks perpetrated by Boko Haram, the high number of civilian fatalities resulting from these attacks and the high risk of conflict- related sexual violence. We are even more concerned at the unresponsiveness of extremist groups to the Secretary-General’s call for a global ceasefire, and we strongly deplore the terrorist activities of the Lord’s Resistance Army, which has undertaken several attacks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2020-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/542 (2020) · source
“With regard to the situation in the Pool region, we welcome the easing of tensions thanks to the efforts led by the Peacebuilding Fund, and we take this opportunity to encourage all stakeholders to implement the comprehensive disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programme as a prerequisite for a long-lasting peace in the region. We encourage the steps being taken by the Government of Equatorial Guinea towards political rapprochement, which have led, inter alia, to the release of a number of detainees from opposition parties, and we welcome the recent dynamics that characterized the bilateral relations between Equatorial Guinea and Gabon in efforts aimed at resolving their border dispute through the International Court of Justice.”
2020-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/542 (2020) · source
“In this respect, we call on all armed actors to refrain from attacks against civilians and to respect international humanitarian law and human rights law. While we share the Secretary-General’s concern about the tense situation in Chad, especially with regard to intercommunal violence, we are nevertheless looking forward to the holding of the legislative and presidential elections in this country. We are also looking forward to the next presidential elections in Republic of the Congo, which are scheduled for March 2021.”
2020-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/542 (2020) · source
“The A3+1 also praises the Government of Cameroon for taking its first steps towards implementing the recommendations of the Major National Dialogue, in particular by granting special status to the North-West and South-West regions of the country. However, we express our concern at the continuation of violence in the Far North, North-West and South-West regions, and we call on all parties to refrain from acts of violence and to, instead, turn to dialogue as the sole means of resolving their disputes. We take note of the holding of legislative and municipal elections in Cameroon, but we deplore the incidents of violence that marked those elections and appeal to the authorities of Cameroon to further work towards maintaining peace and security.”
2020-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/542 (2020) · source
“We took note with satisfaction of the positive response of one armed group in Cameroon to the appeal of both the Secretary-General and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for an immediate global ceasefire in the wake of COVID-19, and we look forward to seeing similar steps taken that will further enhance peace and security in the region and reflect the shared aspiration of the African continent to achieving the noble objective of silencing the guns. We welcome the positive dynamics in Central Africa and the continued progress towards improving relations among its States, especially Angola, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We specifically commend the efforts of the Republic of Angola in fighting corruption and in implementing institutional reforms.”
2020-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/542 (2020) · source
“The situation in Central Africa has witnessed significant positive progress. However, the situation remains volatile and the region continues to face a number of political, economic, social, humanitarian and security challenges, which unfortunately have been exacerbated by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. In this regard, we commend the efforts of the countries of the region aimed at mitigating the impact of the pandemic, especially on the most vulnerable populations, and we share their concerns with respect to the need for a more coordinated, solidarity-based response in addressing the economic and social impacts of the pandemic, both at the regional and international levels.”
2020-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/542 (2020) · source
“I have the pleasure of delivering this statement on behalf of the three African States members of the Security Council, namely, the Niger, South Africa and Tunisia, as well as Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (A3+1). Let me first express our appreciation to Mr. François Louncény Fall, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA) for his comprehensive and informative briefing on the situation in Central Africa and on the activities of the Office. We commend the work carried out by UNOCA in promoting peace in the region through its good offices, mediation and preventive diplomacy, as well as its efforts in supporting election processes in several countries and capacity-building activities in several fields.”
2020-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/542 (2020) · source
“Meaningful interaction between the ICC and the Sudanese Government is therefore necessary to steer efforts towards common goals and help foster options for the joint objective of effective investigations and prosecutions, with due account taken of the constraints and realities of the Sudanese transition. In conclusion, let me reiterate Tunisia’s unwavering commitment to the Rome Statute and support for the impartial and independent work of the ICC, free from any interference. At a time when the multilateral system faces many challenges, it is crucial to empower the only permanent international court as part of efforts to promote a rules-based world order and support the global fight against impunity for the gravest crimes.”
2020-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/538 (2020) · source
“Tunisia also praises the commitment of Sudanese Prime Minister Hamdok to implementing the human rights, accountability and rule of law provisions of the Constitutional Document. But, despite their best commitment, Sudanese authorities will require both time and resources for institutional capacity-building in the context of a challenging post-conflict transformation. Sudanese courts should therefore be given a fair opportunity and breathing space to exercise jurisdiction, thus making complementarity a practical reality. Similarly, Sudanese authorities may explore opportunities provided for by the complementarity scheme as a tool for capacity- building, burden-sharing and a division of labour.”
2020-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/538 (2020) · source
“The ICC is said to be a backstop to national jurisdictions — an ultimate guarantee against impunity. ICC trials must not therefore come at the expense of domestic ownership of the political transition and judicial capacity-building to ensure sustainable and lasting rule of law. Tunisia emphasizes that accountability in Darfur is best advanced through dialogue and the empowerment of national proceedings, premised on both the primacy of domestic jurisdiction and the necessity for international justice. We are encouraged by the commitment of the ICC to maintain a cooperative relationship with the Government of the Sudan based on a spirit of respect and constructive engagement.”
2020-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/538 (2020) · source
“The need for resolution 1593 (2005) and for the ICC’s intervention back in 2005 in the Sudan/Darfur situation reflected the failure then to prevent mass atrocities. Now the future of international engagement in the new Sudan is to be guided by the principle of Sudanese ownership of its ongoing transition and by a renewed sense of partnership, cooperation and support for the Sudanese Government from the Security Council and the broader international community. It is within this framework, which was charted last week by the Council, that Tunisia views the future ICC course in the Sudan in relation to accountability for core international crimes allegedly committed by Darfur suspects: in a manner consistent with the principles of complementarity of the Rome Statute and of Sudanese ownership of post-conflict justice.”
2020-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/538 (2020) · source
“I thank Ms. Fatou Bensouda, Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), for her Office’s thirty-first report on the situation in Darfur, pursuant to Security Council resolution 1593 (2005), and for her informative briefing today. I also wish to welcome the Permanent Representative of the Sudan to this meeting. Tunisia welcomes the surrender and transfer to the custody of the ICC yesterday of suspect Ali Kushayb from the Central African Republic on counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Darfur. This is a momentous development in international justice for core crimes and a reminder that perpetrators of such atrocities cannot enjoy impunity. But in order to better appraise international accountability for serious crimes committed in Darfur, we must situate prosecutions in their proper contemporary context.”
2020-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/538 (2020) · source
“Against that backdrop, we urge the principals to further strive for efficiencies and minimize costs by achieving economies of scale, streamlining activities, identifying potential duplications and promoting synergies within, as well as between, the Mechanism’s branches. We express our satisfaction at the overall gender balance maintained in the Mechanism, and we encourage further enhancement of its geographical diversity. We further stress the importance of providing the Council with clear and focused projections of completion timelines as the COVID-19 pandemic situation unfolds. Finally, Tunisia looks forward to the furthering of the Mechanism’s operation so that it continues to carry out its important work in the expected efficient and effective manner.”
2020-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/527 (2020) · source
“We firmly condemn such revisionist accounts, which seek to undermine truth, lasting peace and coexistence, as well as intercommunal reconciliation. Lest we forget that the Rwandan genocide took place because early warning signs were disregarded, the international community must continue to heed these pernicious ideologies and address them accordingly. Tunisia recognizes that the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has put a halt to judicial proceedings of the Mechanism and disrupted fixed timelines for their completion, along with foreseen implications for its budget next year.”
2020-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/527 (2020) · source
“We urge the Mechanism to maintain consistent action in that direction so that international justice is also relevant domestically. Identifying a permanent solution for persons who have been acquitted or released by the ICTR and who currently reside in a safe house in Arusha has become a weighty matter. We encourage all efforts aimed at their voluntary and dignified return to Rwanda as part of reconciliation efforts in the country. It is often said that time heals all wounds. However, the current trends observed in the former Yugoslavia and among Rwanda’s diaspora differ from that saying. The resurgence of genocide denials and the glorification of convicted war criminals are matters of serious concern.”
2020-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/527 (2020) · source
“We salute the crucial contribution of the French authorities towards accomplishing the former. We also appreciate the unrelenting prosecutorial efforts of Mr. Brammertz and his Office that helped to shed light on the fate and whereabouts of those two suspects. As the Mechanism is predicated on State cooperation, it is essential that States continue to provide full and timely cooperation to the Mechanism so that the six remaining fugitives indicted by the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) are arrested and brought to trial. We stress that accountability that is proximate to the victims and affected communities must be at the core of any viable model of justice and central to meaningful reconciliation efforts.”
2020-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/527 (2020) · source
“I thank President Agius and Prosecutor Brammertz for their briefings. We appreciate the ongoing efforts of Judge Agius at the helm of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals towards fulfilling the Security Council’s vision of the Mechanism as a small, temporary and efficient institution, whose functions and size will diminish over time. Despite its residual character, the Mechanism continues to enshrine the formidable and vivid legacy of contemporary ad hoc tribunals as the catalysts for global and permanent accountability for atrocity crimes and the post-conflict rebuilding of domestic judiciaries. Tunisia commends the recent developments in the work of the Mechanism with the arrest of Rwandan fugitive Félicien Kabuga in France in mid-May and the confirmation of Augustin Bizimana’s death.”
2020-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/527 (2020) · source
“We urge the Syrian parties to exercise flexibility, seek commonalities and engage constructively and without preconditions in the negotiations of the Constitutional Committee. Tunisia expresses its support for the good offices of Special Envoy Pedersen in the Committee’s work and in the political process broadly termed. Finally, Tunisia reiterates that there is no military solution to the conflict. The only viable way forward is a political settlement that enjoys Syrian ownership and leadership, as well as United Nations sponsorship, pursuant to resolution 2254 (2015) — a settlement that safeguards Syria’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and unity and meets Syrians’ legitimate aspirations for freedom and dignity. The political solution to the Syrian crisis is long-overdue. The Syrians’ resilience is over-stretched.”
2020-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/420 (2020) · source
“We emphasize that understandings on the ceasefire in Idlib remain temporary solutions of respite, until they jointly and genuinely address the presence of terrorists of Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham and other affiliated extremist groups and eradicate the safe haven these groups have established in the region. The recent agreement reached between the Syrian parties on the agenda of the Constitutional Committee has been an encouraging development and an important step on the road to lasting peace in Syria. Tunisia recognizes that COVID-19 has caused the Constitutional Committee’s discussions and other peace processes across conflict zones to grind to a halt. We look forward to the convening of the third round of the Constitutional Committee in Geneva when the situation so allows.”
2020-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/420 (2020) · source
“We also recall the close nexus between the ceasefire and the parallel political process in Syria set forth in resolution 2254 (2015). We renew our support for the efforts to achieve both aims by Special Envoy Pedersen, acting within his mandated prerogatives under the resolution. The resurgence of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Sham (ISIS) is a matter of grave concern and a serious reminder that the threat of terrorism is far from over. In fact, ISIS made an enormous leap in the number of claimed attacks in Syria and in Iraq in April as compared to prior months. Tunisia again stresses the importance of collective and determined counter-terrorism efforts aimed at eradicating Council- designated terrorist groups in Syria and beyond. Such efforts are fundamental for a long-term political solution to the Syrian conflict.”
2020-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/420 (2020) · source
“I thank the United Nations Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, for his briefing. At this moment of global uncertainty and hardship, a renewed and straightforward focus on peace and calm in Syria in line with the appeal of Special Envoy Pedersen is an imperative necessity in order to enable the effective tackling of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and promote progress in the Syria’s political process. While violence has been de-escalated to a significant extent, calm remains tentative in the north-west of the country, tangible tensions persist in the north-east, terrorism is on the rise in central Syria, and security remains fragile in the south. Tunisia reiterates its call on all parties to keep their abiding commitments, exercise self-restraint and work together to maintain an environment of sustained calm throughout Syria.”
2020-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/420 (2020) · source
“In conclusion, my delegation reiterates its full support for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s efforts to stabilize the country and promote reconciliation among its various ethnic groups, and stands ready to work with partners to support lasting peace and security and sustainable development.”
2020-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/379 (2020) · source
“We call on all political leaders to prioritize the national interest of all the citizens in Bosnia and Herzegovina and pave the way for younger generations to build a better future based on ethnic and cultural unity. In this context, Tunisia expresses its full support for the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina. We urge all parties to take the necessary steps to strengthen the rule of law and to ensure the participation of young people and women in various level of the political processes. The month of July 2020 will mark the anniversary if the Srebrenica genocide, and we remain deeply concerned by the continued perpetration of genocide denial and appeal against the glorification and memorialization of war criminals.”
2020-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/379 (2020) · source
“My delegation supports the efforts of the Office of the High Representative, in line with the Dayton Peace Agreement and relevant Security Council resolutions, and calls on all parties to make concerted efforts to implement the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina. With regard to the agenda of five objectives and two conditions for the closure of the Office High Representative, we encourage all parties to fulfil their commitments with a view to ensuring Bosnia and Herzegovina’s full autonomy. While the end of this year will mark the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Dayton Peace Agreement, the report of the High Representative underlines that many issues remain unresolved. In this regard, we would like to express our concern over the continued rhetoric of incitement and divisive statements.”
2020-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/379 (2020) · source
“As underscored in the report, the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrates that acting within the constitutional and legal framework to ensure the full functionality of all institutions and their close coordination is in the common interest of all levels of Government and of all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina. We believe that such coordination contributes to reconciliation among all the communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. My delegation welcomes the appointment by the end of December 2019 of the new State-level Council of Ministers, following the 2018 elections. We note, however, that some cantonal Governments have yet to be appointed.”
2020-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/379 (2020) · source
“I thank Mr. Valentin Inzko, High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, for his briefing and his report (S/2020/345, annex) on the implementation of the Peace Agreement on Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Ms. Irena Hasić, Executive Director of Youth Initiative for Human Rights in Bosnia and Herzegovina, for her presentation. I would also like to welcome the representatives of the European Union, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and Serbia. At the outset, I wish to express our support for and solidarity with authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina and commend their coordinated efforts to combat the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and mitigate its effects.”
2020-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/379 (2020) · source
“In this delicate context, the most pressing priority in Libya remains a commitment by the Libyan parties to a permanent ceasefire, creating conditions conducive to the political process and the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Tunisia reiterates its call for a comprehensive and lasting political solution based on an intra-Libyan dialogue, free of any foreign intervention, that would preserve Libya’s territorial integrity and sovereignty and spare its people the effects of conflict and chaos. In closing, let me say that Tunisia believes that in transitional contexts, peace and accountability must be seen as mutually reinforcing in a way that uses appropriate mechanisms and ultimately promotes conflict transformation, victim healing and social harmony.”
2020-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/371 (2020) · source
“Tunisia supports the ICC Prosecutor’s efforts to actively encourage Libyan- led prosecutions of crimes within the ICC’s jurisdiction, in accordance with the complementarity scheme and taking into consideration the humbling realities of Libya’s transition. We welcome Libya’s commitment to justice and the continued engagement of its competent authorities with the ICC as set out in the ICC Prosecutor’s report, including on assistance requests. It is essential that the international community provide all assistance and support needed for empowering Libya’s judicial system so as to enable genuine and consistent national proceedings according to the highest standards, thus further strengthening the principles of cooperation and complementarity with the Court.”
2020-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/371 (2020) · source
“While being mindful of the apparent lack of enforcement of ICC arrest warrants and the impact of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on its fieldwork, Tunisia appreciates the progress that the Office of the Prosecutor has made towards bringing additional submissions before the ICC concerning migrant-related crimes, based on a flexible and evidence-based process. The drafters of the Rome Statute mandated the ICC to be complementary of States, acting as a last resort — giving the primary responsibility to national courts where they are willing and able to genuinely prosecute international crimes.”
2020-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/371 (2020) · source
“Tunisia reiterates its call on all parties to respect the key international humanitarian law principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution and to take constant care to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure during military operations. A sustained period of calm leading to a permanent ceasefire in Libya cannot be overemphasized. Tunisia appreciates the ongoing mandated efforts of the ICC’s Prosecutor and her Office in Libya, pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011) and the Rome Statute, in deterring would-be perpetrators, thus contributing to the prevention of future atrocities.”
2020-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/371 (2020) · source
“Nearly a decade after the Council referred the Libyan situation to the ICC’s Prosecutor, prospects for justice and lasting peace in Libya remain regrettably elusive. Tunisia remains gravely concerned about the endemic cycle of violence, atrocities and impunity in Libya, which is causing unspeakable suffering for the brotherly Libyan people. The report of the ICC Prosecutor lists a wide-ranging spectrum of crimes allegedly perpetrated in Libya, including indiscriminate attacks on civilians, unlawful killing, torture, abduction, enforced disappearance, unlawful detention and other serious human rights abuses, including against migrants and refugees.”
2020-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/371 (2020) · source
“I thank Ms. Fatou Bensouda, Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), for her nineteenth report and her informative briefing today. I also acknowledge the presence of the Permanent Representative of Libya and welcome him to the Council. Let me begin by expressing Tunisia’s unwavering commitment to the Rome Statute and voicing our support for the ICC in the fight against impunity. The advent of the only permanent international criminal court has been a major achievement in the development of the international criminal justice architecture. Supporting its independent and impartial work is essential to bring to account individuals responsible for the worst crimes known to humankind and so to help prevent the commission of such crimes in future.”
2020-05-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/371 (2020) · source
“Finally, let me state that, in these trying times, humanitarian considerations must prevail over political agendas to enable an effective mitigation of the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak in Syria and a focus on the true battle of saving lives.”
2020-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/354 (2020) · source
“That can be ensured, in particular, by exploring the feasibility of air, land and sea options in collaboration with the Syrian Government and based on the United Nations and its partners’ assessment of needs. It is of crucial importance that all parties set their differences aside and facilitate cooperation with the United Nations across the front lines in order to maintain timely, safe, unhindered and sustainable access, including for medical aid, to populations in need. We urge further cooperation between the Syrian Government and the United Nations, including through its country team, to remedy outstanding approvals of vital medical assistance.”
2020-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/354 (2020) · source
“We stress the importance for that approach to be incremental in a way that respects, and ultimately restores, Syria’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, in line with international law and the principles of humanitarian action. As the Secretary-General set out in his report (S/2020/327), the COVID-19 crisis has heavily impacted the ability of humanitarian workers to operate, with the closing of most land border crossings into Syria. Cross-border and cross-line humanitarian access therefore needs to be recalibrated, especially in north-eastern Syria, so as to maintain a principled delivery of humanitarian aid, including medical aid.”
2020-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/354 (2020) · source
“We stress the critical importance of upholding respect for the 6 March ceasefire in Idlib and of restoring calm throughout Syria to enable the principled delivery of humanitarian aid to those areas where it is most needed. We reiterate our call on all parties to comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law and international law to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure. We also condemn the killing of humanitarian workers by armed groups in southern Syria. We stress the imperative of ensuring the safety of humanitarian staff who are on the front line of the emergency response, including the COVID-19 health response. A hybrid approach that combines cross-border and cross-line modalities remains vital to ensure the delivery of humanitarian assistance, especially in northern Syria.”
2020-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/354 (2020) · source
“I thank Mark Lowcock, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, for his briefing. The Syrian people have suffered a particularly harsh winter of violence and terrorism, with many remaining in dire need of life-saving aid in northern Syria. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic outbreak has the troubling potential to compound their suffering and put them at very high risk. Tunisia considers the appeal by the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Syria, Geir Pedersen, for an immediate and sustainable nationwide ceasefire as a crucial guiding point for coordinated humanitarian relief efforts in Syria.”
2020-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/354 (2020) · source
“In the light of the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic spreading among detainees, their release has become more than a confidence-building measure: it is a humanitarian necessity. In conclusion, Tunisia reiterates that there is no military solution to the conflict in Syria. The only viable way forward is through a political settlement with Syrian ownership and leadership, along with United Nations sponsorship, in accordance with resolution 2254 (2015), that safeguards Syria’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and unity, and meets Syrians’ legitimate aspirations for a free and a dignified future.”
2020-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/353 (2020) · source
“Tunisia welcomes the unlocking of progress in the Syrian political process following the agreement reached among Syrian parties on the agenda for the Constitutional Committee discussions. We express our hope that the third round of the Constitutional Committee will be held as soon as possible. Tunisia extends its renewed support to the Special Envoy and his team for their able facilitation of the Constitutional Committee’s work. We urge the Syrian parties to exercise flexibility, seek common ground and engage constructively and without preconditions in the negotiations, while adhering to the terms of reference and core rules of procedure of the Committee. We also reaffirm the importance that the political process be accompanied by progress in releasing detainees and abductees.”
2020-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/353 (2020) · source
“The resurgence of Da’esh activities, particularly in southern Syria, is also very concerning. In fact, Da’esh never went away and has adapted quickly to its losses. It is now widely acknowledged that Da’esh sees the COVID-19 outbreak as a timely moment to ramp up its deadly terrorist attacks. Tunisia stresses that collective and determined efforts must be marshalled to eradicate the Islamic State in Iraq and the Sham and other Security Council- designated terrorist groups in Syria and beyond. Such efforts are essential for a long-term political solution to the Syrian conflict. We credit the 5 March agreement on Idlib with having introduced a specific reference to terrorists designated by the Security Council.”
2020-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/353 (2020) · source
“I thank Special Envoy Pedersen for his briefing. The imperative of an immediate, comprehensive and lasting cessation of hostilities in Syria cannot be overstated if progress is to be made on the political track. We again echo the call of the Secretary-General and Special Envoy Pedersen for a silencing of the guns throughout Syria. United Nations engagement is key to mustering Council members’ efforts and sustaining ceasefire initiatives in conflict zones. We remain concerned about persistent tensions, particularly in northern Syria, when focus should remain consistently on curbing the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. We call on parties to rise to this critical occasion, maintain calm and exhibit self-restraint so as to put in place the conditions for the true battle of saving lives.”
2020-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/353 (2020) · source
“In conclusion, we reiterate the importance of youth in any society, and the pivotal role they can play, when they are successfully empowered and engaged in transformation programmes, in not only maintaining peace and security but also in combating terrorism and realizing the Sustainable Development Goals.”
2020-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/346 (2020) · source
“In that regard, additional measures can be taken, such as adding specific language to mission mandates to encourage the meaningful participation of youth in peace and security efforts, including in mediation and peace negotiations; monitoring ceasefires and the implementation of peace agreements; integrating a youth, peace and security analysis into thematic and country-specific reports and briefings to the Security Council, and increasing the participation of young briefers in the Council; and developing and adopting national road maps and action plans for the implementation of resolutions 2250 (2015) and 2419 (2018).”
2020-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/346 (2020) · source
“The considerable efforts being made by the international community and within the United Nations system to recognize and promote the role of youth in peacebuilding processes must be continued and enhanced to further operationalize resolutions 2250 (2015) and 2419 (2018) and institutionalize the youth, peace and security agenda.”
2020-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/346 (2020) · source