YouSaid · the spoken record

Kelly Craft

lines on the record: 426
first: 2020-03-31
most recent: 2021-01-20
sittings or episodes: 61
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

“Neither they nor their family members should face retaliation or detention for speaking out. All young women and men have the fundamental right to take part in public life — a right they possess regardless of their nationality, ethnicity, caste, class, religion, gender, sexual orientation or political affiliation. As we strive to include young people, the Council must recognize that leaders face a deficit of trust. Many young people do not have high levels of faith in Government institutions. Furthermore, when young people are marginalized or discriminated against, it becomes easier for terrorist groups to recruit and target S/2020/346 S/2020/346 them.”
2020-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/346 (2020) · source
“The United States has already emphasized that effective mitigation of COVID-19 requires Government transparency and accountability, the full participation of civil society and access to information. But as we heard from Ms. Al-Sakkaf today, the situation also demands the engagement of young people. Unfortunately, barriers to that engagement remain, including through intimidation and attacks violating young people’s human rights and insufficient investments in systems that facilitate their inclusion, and most especially education. As States Members of the United Nations, it is our responsibility to guarantee a safe environment for all human rights defenders, including young human rights defenders and peacebuilders. We remain concerned about attacks and limitations on young people’s freedom of speech, movement, assembly and association.”
2020-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/346 (2020) · source
“Ninety per cent of the 1.85 billion young women and men in the world today come from developing countries. Twenty-five per cent of them — more than 400 million people — are directly affected by violence or armed conflict. Surely this cannot continue to be the norm. When schools are shut down, hospitals are targeted or aid gets blocked, it is youth who are the most vulnerable. Now the imperative to protect them is even greater: on top of the social, education and health systems that have already been weakened by conflict or disaster, the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic is triggering multiple, interlinked crises affecting hundreds of millions of young people.”
2020-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/346 (2020) · source
“Five years ago, the Security Council adopted resolution 2250 (2015), the first resolution fully dedicated to the vital role that young people play in the maintenance of international peace and security. Two years ago, we adopted resolution 2419 (2018), which urged the Secretary-General and his special envoys to incorporate the views of young people and involve them at decision-making levels. Today we have come together to take stock of the progress made and to consider the steps required to improve youth participation and ensure the full implementation of these resolutions. There should be no doubt that the Security Council takes young people and their concerns seriously. In so many conflicts, youth continue to be caught in the crosshairs.”
2020-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/346 (2020) · source
“I thank Mr. Singer Weisinger for hosting this important discussion today. I also thank Secretary-General Guterres for his briefing and for his report (S/2020/167) on such a critical issue. I know I am not alone in saying that our future truly does rest in the hands of our young people and that we must do everything in our power to remove the obstacles that limit their meaningful participation in public life. One way we can include young people is by listening to their voices. I am therefore delighted that we were able to welcome to the Security Council today three amazing young leaders: Jayathma, Olla and Gatwal. I wish to acknowledge their courageous work in improving communities around the world.”
2020-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/346 (2020) · source
“In conclusion, the United States commends the countries of the Great Lakes for continuing to engage constructively as they work towards lasting peace and stronger economic ties. Just as they have worked together, the United States will continue to work closely with the Great Lakes countries to address COVID-19. We are fully committed to helping save lives and to ensuring that the progress made since the signing of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework is not lost.”
2020-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/325 (2020) · source
“The potential impact of the pandemic on the ability of Burundian citizens to fully participate in the electoral process raises new concerns. We are therefore encouraged by the Government of Burundi ensuring that all citizens can fully and safely participate in the 20 May elections. Beyond elections, we are gravely concerned by the reports of repression of freedom of expression, assembly and association. These come in addition to reports of other serious human rights abuses and violations, including arrests, disappearances, killings, torture and sexual violence. Our message to the Government of Burundi remains clear: inclusive, peaceful, transparent and credible elections that reflect the will of the Burundian people are critical to reducing long-term grievances, improving security and enabling economic growth.”
2020-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/325 (2020) · source
“Currently, the positive momentum for peace and economic integration will surely be slowed by the pandemic, but it must not be reversed. To prevent any such reversal and improve progress, we would encourage more regular reporting, in standard United Nations products, on the efforts of the Office of the Special Envoy. The United States emphasizes the importance of follow-through on the quadripartite outcomes between Rwanda and Uganda. We express our sincere appreciation to the Governments of Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo for their leadership in mediating this dispute, and for encouraging the Governments of Rwanda and Uganda to continue to engage in constructive dialogue to resolve their differences. Turning to Burundi, we note that, as the May elections rapidly approach, there is an increasing COVID-19 caseload.”
2020-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/325 (2020) · source
“We were saddened to learn of the resurgence of Ebola cases just days before being able to declare an end to the outbreak, but we believe that there will be progress again in the very near future. Today the United States again reiterates the need for transparency and the timely sharing of public health data with neighbours, and with the international community, in order to tackle public health challenges. This is a difficult moment, and Special Envoy Xia’s role is more critical than ever. We urge his Office to innovate, including by using video-teleconferencing technology to support the Great Lakes Governments. They will need that support, especially as they balance their focus on both the COVID-19 response and the political, security and economic needs that remain essential to regional peace and security.”
2020-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/325 (2020) · source
“More than six years since the signing of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Region, the United States remains optimistic that the countries of the Great Lakes region can engage constructively on issues related to insecurity. These include tackling illicit flows of goods, which contribute to corruption, and addressing the threat posed by armed groups. I want to note that our confidence has been rewarded by positive regional momentum over the past year. As the international community responds to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, we recall the extraordinary measures taken in the past year and a half by Congolese and international actors to contain the Ebola outbreak in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo.”
2020-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/325 (2020) · source
“We have all endorsed the Secretary-General’s call for the cessation of hostilities in Yemen, and the United States emphasizes the need to concentrate efforts on mitigating the spread of COVID-19 and ensuring principled humanitarian assistance operations and the unhindered access of health-care workers and medical assistance. Now is the time to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, not each other.”
2020-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/313 (2020) · source
“They have also forced the United States Government to partially suspend existing assistance awards in Yemen’s north for all but the most critical life-saving treatments and threaten international efforts to provide assistance crucial to preventing the spread of COVID-19 in Yemen. The Trump Administration restates its call to the Houthis to allow United Nations inspection and maintenance of the FSO SAFER oil tanker. United Nations officials must have immediate access to inspect and maintain the FSO SAFER in order to prevent an environmental catastrophe that would have far-reaching effects in Yemen and around the Red Sea. The Houthis must stop blocking a solution to this problem and permit required assessments and repairs.”
2020-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/313 (2020) · source
“Additionally, we urge all Member States to fully comply with the arms embargo established in resolution 2216 (2015), and note our concern about ongoing reports of Iranian interference in the conflict, including through the provision of lethal aid to the Houthis. Once again, we are forced to call out Houthi obstruction of humanitarian operations. The Houthis’ deliberate interference with aid delivery limits the ability of the United Nations and other humanitarian organizations to help the most vulnerable Yemenis. Such obstructions are unacceptable and have already caused significant delays to existing aid programmes.”
2020-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/313 (2020) · source
“The Houthis’ ballistic missile attacks on Riyadh are unacceptable and directly contravene their stated support for the Organization’s global ceasefire initiative. All parties must renew their commitment to de-escalation and resume talks toward a political solution, as further military escalation will only hinder the access of health-care workers and limit the access of the Yemeni people to health care. Special Envoy Griffiths and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have been working diligently to convene a crisis meeting to address the fighting. We urge the Yemeni parties to accept the invitation and attend that meeting.”
2020-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/313 (2020) · source
“I thank Mr. Martin Griffiths. As always, it is great to see him, and I thank him for his briefings and the ongoing dedicated work of his teams, especially in these challenging times. We were pleased to see the parties’ statements in support of the Secretary-General’s call for a global ceasefire and for countering the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). We welcome the Saudi Government’s unilateral ceasefire, as well as the response from the Government of Yemen to comply with the ceasefire. We urge the Houthis to make the same commitment. Unfortunately, as is too often the case in Yemen, many areas of concern remain. In Ma’rib, internally displaced people and host communities remain equally vulnerable to continued ground fighting and the very real danger of a COVID-19 outbreak.”
2020-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/313 (2020) · source
“Allow me just a moment at this time of crisis to reflect back on the beginning of my statement — on complimenting the progress that the Colombians have made and to let them know that, once again, that the Trump Administration will continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Government and the people of Colombia as they advance towards peace and prosperity.”
2020-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/305 (2020) · source
“We note Colombia’s continued progress in counter-narcotics efforts, and reiterate our commitment to continued partnership with the Duque Administration to combat the destructive illegal drug trade. The Trump Administration stands fully engaged with the Government of Colombia to reduce coca cultivation and cocaine production, extend State presence and promote integrated rural development. We know that significant challenges remain. Implementing rural reforms, reintegrating ex-combatants across the country and ensuring that victims of conflict continue to be heard, including through Colombia’s transitional justice mechanisms, will not be easy steps, but they must be taken.”
2020-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/305 (2020) · source
“Amid these challenges, we welcome the steps taken by the Government of Colombia to ensure the continued implementation of peace accord programmes, and its cooperation with regional and local Governments, including officials who recently assumed their posts. However, we must reiterate the urgent need to protect Colombia’s human rights defenders, social leaders, ex-combatants, rural communities and other vulnerable populations that have been most affected by ongoing violence. Criminal groups have targeted several high-profile social leaders in recent weeks, coinciding with the onset of COVID-19. Ending this violence is essential, and those responsible must be held accountable.”
2020-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/305 (2020) · source
“The United States Agency for International Development is providing $8.5 million to help Colombia respond to the pandemic, and this assistance will help monitor the spread of the virus, provide water and sanitation supplies, manage cases and more. The rise in COVID-19 cases is worsening an already-fragile humanitarian situation, and it is stretching available health and social services for vulnerable populations. This includes more than 1.8 million Venezuelan refugees and other displaced persons living in Colombia. We welcome President Duque Márquez’s call for solidarity with, and support for, Venezuelans in Colombia at this extraordinarily difficult time.”
2020-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/305 (2020) · source
“I thank Mr. Ruiz Massieu and Mr. Santiago for their briefings. I also wish to welcome Foreign Minister Blum to the Security Council today. We are very glad to have everyone joining us. The United States stands with Colombia as we all confront the challenges posed by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). This being a personal commitment for me as well, as when I visited Colombia back in November, I would be remiss not to compliment and acknowledge Colombia’s behaviour and their full treatment of respect and acknowledge the dignity that they gave everyone, including refugees and displaced persons in the country. They treated them as family. And Colombians should know that they are a part of our family.”
2020-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/305 (2020) · source
“Finally, the United States recognizes the important work that the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan is doing in supporting the Afghan people and congratulates Ambassador Deborah Lyons on her appointment. We look forward to working with Ambassador Lyons to advance peace and stability in Afghanistan.”
2020-03-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/274 (2020) · source
“As we look toward this opportunity for peace, we are mindful of the progress that has been made in Afghanistan over the past 19 years in expanding the rights of women and girls. The Trump Administration will work to preserve those gains. No future Afghan Government can expect the support of the international community, donors or businesses if women’s rights and participation are revoked or ignored. As we pursue peace, the United States is in the process of drawing down 8,600 troops and remains committed to ensuring that terrorist organizations are never again able S/2020/274 to use Afghanistan as a safe haven. Any further reduction in troop levels will be strictly conditions-based and coordinated closely with NATO.”
2020-03-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/274 (2020) · source
“As we adjust our aid on the decisions of Afghanistan’s leaders, we are maintaining our support to the Afghan people, as demonstrated by our announcement of $15 million in assistance to help combat the spread of COVID-19 in Afghanistan. We hope that other donors will join us in helping to address the threat that the virus poses in Afghanistan. Secretary Pompeo also travelled to Doha to meet with the Taliban on 23 March to press the Taliban to comply with its commitments on reducing violence. The recent attacks waged by the Taliban are not in keeping with its stated commitments to achieving a negotiated peace process. We call on the Taliban to immediately reduce the levels of violence. We remind it that the United States maintains its commitment to defend the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces.”
2020-03-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/274 (2020) · source
“As Secretary Pompeo said, we are disappointed that Afghanistan’s leaders have failed to form such a Government. Afghan leaders demonstrated commendable commitment to peace this week by establishing a negotiating team and adopting practical steps to releasing prisoners; they should extend that commitment to the challenge of Government formation. The United States Government is preparing to adjust our spending in Afghanistan, including by immediately reducing assistance by $1 billion this year. Should Afghan leaders choose to form an inclusive Government that can provide security and participate in the peace process, the Trump Administration is prepared to support these efforts and revisit the assistance review initiated this week.”
2020-03-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/274 (2020) · source
“We also commend the progress made towards an exchange of prisoners. During constructive technical meetings, representatives of the Taliban and the Afghan Government agreed that the exchange of prisoners was an important confidence-building measure as the sides prepare for the immediate launch of intra- Afghan negotiations. However, obstacles to progress remain. To enter negotiations, the Afghan people will need an inclusive Government that can both provide security and participate in the peace process. On 23 March, Secretary Pompeo visited Kabul to urge Mr. Ghani and Mr. Abdullah to set aside their differences and form a Government that could do just that — stabilize their country and advance the peace process, as well as tackle the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).”
2020-03-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/274 (2020) · source
“Afghanistan has now suffered through 40 years of war. The United States remains committed to helping the country achieve a political settlement to end this constant state of conflict. That is why the Trump Administration is making efforts to create the conditions for Afghans to begin intra-Afghan negotiations, which we believe can result in a durable peace. Recent developments reflect the promise of peace as well as the critical challenges that must be overcome to realize that promise and end a conflict that claims the lives of Afghans every single day. The 26 March announcement of the formation of an inclusive negotiating team for the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan — a team that includes the Afghan Government, political leaders and civil society — is an important milestone for talks with the Taliban.”
2020-03-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/274 (2020) · source