YouSaid · the spoken record

Kariuki

lines on the record: 832
first: 2021-08-16
most recent: 2023-12-19
sittings or episodes: 199
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

“I welcome the Secretary-General’s focus on the issue through the Action for Peacekeeping (A4P) agenda and his A4P+ priorities. For our peacekeepers’ efforts to be worthwhile, we must continue reinforcing our support for such solutions long after peacekeeping missions draw down. In the Sudan, as we have heard, the establishment of the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan, following the drawdown of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur, has enabled the continuation of international support to the Sudan’s efforts to build lasting peace and security in Darfur. Sustainable transitions require United Nations peacebuilding structures, the peace and security architecture and the development system to work together.”
2021-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8851 (2021) · source
“Peacekeepers from the United Kingdom, working closely with Mission planners, have helped Malian officials and civilian human rights colleagues in MINUSMA to increase their reach — a powerful example of the military support in the United Nations system and of promoting local governance. United Kingdom troops and their partners fulfil our expectations of peacekeepers — preventing violence, building host State capacities and laying the foundations for long-term peace and a sustainable mission transition. However, no matter how effective our operations, long-term peace and successful transitions in Mali and elsewhere rely on finding sustainable political solutions. That requires our collective, coherent and consistent response at all levels — multilateral, bilateral and regional.”
2021-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8851 (2021) · source
“Last year, the United Kingdom deployed peacekeepers to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), delivering a capability that directly improves the reach, agility and responsiveness of the Mission, particularly in protecting civilians. Working alongside Bangladeshi, Swedish, Nigerien, Irish and German partners, among others, the forces of the United Kingdom have engaged with Malian communities that had never before met United Nations peacekeepers to understand their needs and concerns. They have gathered intelligence to support mission planning and improve overall mission performance and responsiveness to threats.”
2021-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8851 (2021) · source
“I thank you, Madam President, for convening today’s debate. I also thank the Secretary-General, Her Excellency Mrs. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf and Ms. Adam for their powerful briefings today. I would like to thank you, Madam President, for leading us today in paying tribute to those killed or injured in the service of the United Nations. Our peacekeepers serve in some of the most challenging circumstances — supporting peace processes, protecting civilians and building the conditions for the transition to lasting peace. Many make the ultimate sacrifice. We must therefore ensure that all peacekeepers have the necessary training, equipment and support, including the right medical capabilities, to perform at their best. They should be assured that we have done our utmost to enable and build on their work.”
2021-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8851 (2021) · source
“We support the efforts by the Secretary-General, Under- Secretary-General Griffiths and the African Union (AU) to make that possible. We therefore welcome the announcement today of the appointment of former President Obasanjo as the AU High Representative for the Horn of Africa. It is abundantly clear what the parties need to do now to end the dreadful toll of human suffering in Ethiopia. The United Kingdom joins the Secretary-General and other members of the Council in calling on all parties to cease hostilities, allow unfettered humanitarian access, comply with international law and begin a process of dialogue to resolve the conflict.”
2021-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8843 (2021) · source
“Thirdly, let me underline the urgency of pursuing political dialogue to end the crisis. The United Kingdom is a long-standing friend and partner of Ethiopia. We have been proud to work alongside Ethiopians to support their progress in reducing poverty and building sustainable economic growth. The current conflict is already reversing that progress. It now threatens the long-term stability and prosperity of the country, and the region. We want to see Ethiopia return to a positive trajectory. Ten months in, it is clear that there is no military solution to the conflict. The only way that Ethiopia can return to peace and prosperity is through an inclusive political settlement. That requires talks between the parties, urgently and without preconditions.”
2021-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8843 (2021) · source
“Secondly, I want to emphasize the need for all parties to ensure the protection of civilians and to comply with international humanitarian and human rights law. The Secretary-General’s briefing gave further weight to the reports we have been receiving of atrocities committed by all sides. Such atrocities include brutal and systematic sexual violence, massacres and the indiscriminate shelling of towns. We have also witnessed an increase in hate speech and attacks on the humanitarian community. The United Kingdom fully supports the joint investigation by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission. It is crucial to prospects for peace and reconciliation that the investigation be thorough and robust. The perpetrators of atrocities must also be held to account.”
2021-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8843 (2021) · source
“Banking, electricity and communications services remain suspended, posing serious obstacles to humanitarian operations. The spread of fighting into neighbouring Amhara and Afar states, displacing tens of thousands of civilians, will only extend the human suffering and prolong the conflict. We therefore call on Tigrayan forces to immediately cease fighting in Amhara and Afar. We reiterate that Eritrean troops must withdraw completely from Ethiopia, as the Government of Ethiopia has requested. We call upon the Ethiopian Government to fully enable humanitarian access, including by removing bureaucratic barriers to aid delivery and allowing sufficient cash and fuel into Tigray to enable humanitarian operations.”
2021-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8843 (2021) · source
“Let me also offer the United Kingdom’s condolences in connection with all those who lost their lives in today’s terrorist attack in Kabul. I thank the Secretary-General for his briefing. He described a desperate situation, and it is right that the Council considers how it can help. I would therefore like to make three points in response to what we have heard. First, all parties must cease hostilities, and unfettered humanitarian access must be provided to relieve the toll of the conflict on ordinary Ethiopians. As the Secretary-General told us, more than 400,000 people in Tigray are experiencing famine conditions, which is more than in the rest of the world combined. Only a fraction of the 100 trucks of aid required every day are getting into Tigray.”
2021-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8843 (2021) · source
“With regard to the political process, the United Kingdom urges the implementation of the steps enshrined in resolution 2254 (2015), namely, a nationwide ceasefire, unhindered aid access, the release of those arbitrarily detained, the establishment of conditions for safe refugee return and free and fair elections, pursuant to a new Constitution. These represent the only way out of the conflict. Special Envoy Geir Pedersen and Under-Secretary- General Martin Griffiths have our full support for their continued efforts to make progress on this file.”
2021-08-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8841 (2021) · source
“We also remain concerned about the escalation of violence in the north-west of Syria, in violation of the ceasefire agreement. We are appalled at UNICEF reports that at least 45 children have been killed or injured since the beginning of July. We urge all parties to the conflict to respect the ceasefire and ensure the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers, in line with international humanitarian law. Finally, with regard to the humanitarian situation, there is a need to address water scarcity through an inclusive, multisectoral response plan, coordinated at a whole-of-Syria level, with support from the United Nations Syria regional response hub in Amman. We welcome recent progress in that regard and look forward to consolidated analysis and response planning.”
2021-08-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8841 (2021) · source
“In particular, we call for immediate humanitarian access to be granted to Dara’a al-Balad, where an estimated 5,000 to 6,000 families have been without access to humanitarian aid and support since 5 August. We welcome the recent statement made by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights addressing the appalling humanitarian situation, as well as the remarks today by Special Envoy Pedersen and Under-Secretary-General Griffiths. We would welcome an update from the United Nations on progress on efforts to develop contingency plans and ensure a positive response to the request for an inter-agency convoy to Dara’a. All people of Dara’a must have access to vital support services and food. The besiegement must stop.”
2021-08-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8841 (2021) · source
“I thank today’s briefers. As we have heard, the situation in Dara’a is severe. Some 50,000 civilians have been besieged there since June. Heavy bombardment has led to the displacement of 37,000 people, and at least eight civilians have been killed. Civilian infrastructure has been targeted by the Syrian regime, as it has throughout the conflict, with shelling rendering parts of the Dara’a national hospital inoperable. Civilians continue to contend with shortages of fuel, cooking gas, water and bread, as a result of the regime’s behaviour. The United Kingdom calls on all parties to ensure and expedite impartial humanitarian access through all modalities, including through partners not registered in Damascus.”
2021-08-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8841 (2021) · source
“The conflict is having a disproportionate effect on the marginalized people of Yemen, particularly children, as we heard from the Executive Director of UNICEF, and each day that peace is delayed, they are being robbed of a future. The United Kingdom supports the important work of UNICEF, having provided more than $16 million so far this year, with a further payment of at least $6.5 million expected next month.”
2021-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8840 (2021) · source
“However, a relatively well-funded humanitarian response will not be able to keep pace with the deteriorating economy forever. We also continue to be concerned about the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). It is only a matter of time before the delta variant reaches Yemen and exacerbates an already terrible situation. The authorities must acknowledge that impending risk rather than suppress the collection of health data. They should encourage rather than impede the vaccination programme. In partnership with the World Bank and the World Health Organization, the United Kingdom will fund the roll-out costs for nearly 2 million doses of the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine allocated to Yemen by the COVID-19 Vaccine Global Access Facility.”
2021-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8840 (2021) · source
“As highlighted by our briefers, urgent steps are needed to address the economic crisis. In the south, the Yemeni rial recently passed the symbolic mark of 1,000 rials to the dollar for the first time. That decline is symptomatic of the health of the wider economy. As Mr. Griffiths said, dire humanitarian conditions are driven by the lack of purchasing power, not by the lack of goods themselves. The Yemenis cannot afford food or to pay for a trip to the hospital, let alone pay for treatment once they get there. External financial support is needed, but urgent reform is required by the Government of Yemen in order to facilitate that. I would also like to recognize and thank the United States and Gulf donors for their recent additional contributions to the humanitarian appeal, which have helped Yemen avoid famine for now.”
2021-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8840 (2021) · source
“I welcome Mr. Griffiths, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, in his new functions. I would like to thank all of our briefers today, and I would like to welcome the Secretary-General’s appointment of Ambassador Grundberg as Special Envoy to Yemen. We look forward to working with him, as we did with Under- Secretary-General Griffiths. Ambassador Grundberg’s appointment is an opportunity to inject new momentum to peace efforts in Yemen. We all know that there is no military solution. Over a year and a half since it began, the Houthi offensive on Ma’rib remains entrenched, and they resort to enlisting child soldiers. The Houthis must not replicate previous patterns of behaviour and should engage in good faith with the new Special Envoy to secure a political solution to the conflict.”
2021-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8840 (2021) · source
“When countering terrorism, we must all ensure that we protect and promote human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law. We must integrate the gender-sensitive and whole-of- society approach into those efforts. In that way, we will uphold the very principles on which the United Nations was founded. The United Kingdom will remain steadfast in the global fight against terrorism and violent extremism. We will continue to stand up for our shared values and interests. We will continue to work with our partners and through the multilateral system to that end.”
2021-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8839 (2021) · source
“Meanwhile, Da’esh continues its attempts to incite and recruit supporters around the world, particularly using social media and encrypted online platforms. Terrorism is global and requires a global response. Multilateral cooperation lies at the heart of that global response. At the United Nations level, we welcome the continued efforts of the Office of Counter-Terrorism, CTED and other United Nations agencies in supporting States to tackle it. At the same time, we must be agile in recognizing the other new and emerging threats, including the use and misuse of new technologies. We should continue efforts to counter terrorist financing and extreme right-wing terrorism and to prevent terrorists’ misuse of the internet. Finally, we believe it is important to bring our values to that effort.”
2021-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8839 (2021) · source
“While it is vital that we focus on the immediate threats Da’esh poses, we must also work together to tackle the long-term drivers of terrorism. That is why the United Kingdom recently announced an additional £2.6 million of funding to support stabilization in north- eastern Syria. We must also remain alert to the rising threat in other geographies. What is happening now in Afghanistan is a tragedy. We will remain vigilant to the return of the terrorist threat. We all share an interest in making sure Afghanistan does not again become a safe haven for terrorists. The threat continues to grow in Sub-Saharan Africa. We are providing security, stabilization and humanitarian assistance in many countries to help them tackle the threat, build stability and support communities that are affected.”
2021-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8839 (2021) · source
“We remain an active and committed member of the Global Coalition against Da’esh. We are a co-leader of the Coalition’s counter-propaganda effort and we host the Counter-Da’esh Coalition Communications Cell in the United Kingdom. We continue to provide significant humanitarian and stabilization support to those liberated areas of Iraq and Syria. We also continue to facilitate the return of unaccompanied or orphaned children, on a case-by- case basis and subject to national security concerns. However, we remain clear that those who have fought or supported Da’esh should face justice for their crimes in the most appropriate jurisdiction. Often that will be the region where those crimes were committed.”
2021-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8839 (2021) · source
“I thank you, Mr. President, for convening today’s important debate. Two years on from its territorial defeat, Da’esh remains a significant global threat. The recent attacks in Baghdad and the continuing violence in Syria provide further tragic evidence of that fact. We therefore welcome the Secretary-General’s report on the threat posed by Da’esh (S/2021/682). I would like to thank Under-Secretary-General Voronkov and Executive Director Coninsx for their briefings, and Mr. Moradian, in particular, for his moving presentation. We are also indebted to the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team, the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism and the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) for their important work in analysing the threat. The position of the United Kingdom in countering Da’esh is very clear.”
2021-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8839 (2021) · source
“Through the effective use of technology, peacekeeping, the safety and security of peacekeepers and the health of our planet can be improved. We should seize this opportunity together.”
2021-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8838 (2021) · source
“As we have already heard today, we must do better if we are to meet the Secretary-General’s climate-action plan targets, and that starts with United Nations action. For example, the overwhelming majority of MINUSMA’s energy requirements are met through diesel. The mission anticipated using 55.8 million litres of fuel in the last financial year, which is a 13 per cent increase over the year before. It is therefore time to look at using such alternative renewable-energy sources as solar. The fact that Mali and many sub-Saharan African countries with large United Nations missions are already feeling the impacts of climate change should give us an even greater sense of urgency. There is an opportunity in this context.”
2021-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8838 (2021) · source
“Peacekeepers with the right skills and training and the appropriate equipment are more able to effectively defend themselves against attack. Further, through our partnerships with other countries that contribute personnel, the United Kingdom provides training in a range of vital areas, including counter-improvised- explosive-device training, peacekeeping intelligence and public-order management. I would now like to highlight the benefits of technology for the environment, including within United Nations operations. Climate change remains the biggest collective challenge of our generation. To protect the generations of the future, we must look at all options to curb emissions. In 2020, United Nations peace operations accounted for 42 per cent of the United Nations system’s carbon footprint.”
2021-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8838 (2021) · source
“United Kingdom troops have gathered intelligence to support mission planning and improve mission performance. Recently, United Kingdom personnel led a cordon-and-search operation to seize weapons and equipment hidden by terrorists threatening local communities — the first for MINUSMA in some time. But technology is, of course, only one part of the challenge of mitigating risks to peacekeepers. We must also ensure that all peacekeepers receive training in basic military skills and in skills specific to their tasks. Maintaining and improving the knowledge and skills of peacekeepers will have an invaluable impact on casualty reduction. Comprehensive and mission-specific training is key to understanding and tackling threats.”
2021-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8838 (2021) · source
“Technology and innovation supported by thorough training can enhance the safety and security of all United Nations personnel. That is why the United Kingdom is proud to partner with India in support of such initiatives as Unite Aware, which is a technology platform that improves peacekeepers’ situational awareness and information analysis, which are vital elements in keeping them safe. Technologies such as these, alongside developments in peacekeeping intelligence, help protect our peacekeepers and support their ability to protect civilians. They contribute to the overall effectiveness of each mission. They provide real operational benefits. We have seen this on the ground through the recent United Kingdom deployment to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA).”
2021-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8838 (2021) · source
“I thank you, Mr. President, for convening today’s debate. I would also like to thank the Secretary-General for his remarks on the subject. Without peacekeepers, there is no peacekeeping. They are our most valuable asset for protecting civilians, championing the rule of law and ultimately paving the way to durable peace. Yet, sadly, peacekeepers continue to pay the ultimate price as they conduct their vital work implementing the mandates we set. So far this year, 83 peacekeepers have lost their lives in the service of the United Nations. It is therefore fitting that this morning we pay tribute to their service. We must work collectively to ensure peacekeepers’ safety and security, both for their protection and so that they are better empowered to deliver their mandates.”
2021-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8838 (2021) · source
“It is vital that the international community coordinate closely in the coming days and weeks to ensure that we speak with a single message in our engagement with Afghanistan. The United Kingdom will use its presidency of the Group of Seven and membership of the Council to help forge such closer coordination and address the humanitarian plight that the Afghan people now face.”
2021-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8834 (2021) · source
“Half of the population was already in need of humanitarian assistance at the start of the year, and the situation is much worse now. The Taliban must respect international humanitarian law and permit humanitarian organizations to continue their work by guaranteeing safe, unhindered access to those in need. The United Kingdom has long been a leading provider of humanitarian aid to Afghans both in Afghanistan and in the region. Over recent years, the United Kingdom has been proud to be one of the leading contributors to the Afghanistan humanitarian fund. We will continue to work with our partners in the Security Council, the Human Rights Council and, most important, the region to deliver a more stable and inclusive Afghanistan for all its people.”
2021-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8834 (2021) · source
“Secondly, it must commit unequivocally not to harbour or give safe haven to terrorist groups that endanger other countries. Thirdly, the Taliban must honour its promises to protect and uphold human rights, including those of women, girls and minorities. We have seen evidence of Taliban human rights abuses in areas where it has taken control, including the persecution of minority groups, harsh restrictions on women, allegations of forced marriage and the use of civilians as human shields. If the Taliban continues to abuse basic human rights, it cannot expect to enjoy any legitimacy in the eyes of the Afghan people or the international community. Given the fragile security situation, Afghanistan is now facing a catastrophic humanitarian crisis. The lack of access has masked the true scale of the problem.”
2021-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8834 (2021) · source
“I thank the Secretary-General for his briefing. What is happening now in Afghanistan is a tragedy. We have long believed that the only path towards sustainable peace in Afghanistan and regional stability lies in a negotiated political settlement. We have worked hard to breathe life into peace negotiations between the Afghan Government and the Taliban, working closely with the United States, our leading allies and other regional Powers. The Taliban pledged, at Doha, to engage in those talks in good faith. Its actions on the ground have betrayed that promise. The Taliban must immediately do three things. First, it needs to cease all hostilities and military action to ensure the protection of civilians and to allow the safe and orderly departure of foreign nationals and others who wish to leave.”
2021-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8834 (2021) · source