YouSaid · the spoken record

King

lines on the record: 841
first: 2000-04-07
most recent: 2021-12-15
sittings or episodes: 127
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

“Strengthened partnerships between the United Nations and regional, subregional and interregional organizations are required to combat the incessant illicit trade, in line with resolution 2457 (2019). At the regional level, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) recognizes the need for mechanisms to protect our people. Even though we do not manufacture small arms and light weapons or import them on a large scale, our region continues to be severely impacted by irresponsible and illicit weapons f lows, aided by permissive gun laws in many manufacturing countries. CARICOM has therefore accelerated the Roadmap for Implementing the Caribbean Priority Actions on the Illicit Proliferation of Firearms and Ammunition across the Caribbean in a Sustainable Manner by 2030.”
2021-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8874 (2021) · source
“We commend Kenya for convening this very important and well-timed briefing. We also thank our briefers for their presentations. The illicit transfer, destabilizing accumulation and misuse of small arms and light weapons have contributed to instability and insecurity in many regions and constitute threats to international peace and security. For that reason, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, as a State party to the Arms Trade Treaty, recognizes the importance of sustained international cooperation and national action to mitigate the global impact of illicit weapons f lows. We firmly support the implementation of the Programme of Action on Small Arms and the International Instrument to Enable States to Identify and Trace, in a Timely and Reliable Manner, Illicit Small Arms and Light Weapons at all levels.”
2021-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8874 (2021) · source
“We must show greater solidarity and stand side by side with Haiti, while shouldering our responsibilities as the international community, including unity within the Council. Having celebrated more than 200 years as an independent nation, Haitians must also own their existing challenges to overcome the current crises through the indomitable spirit of their forebears, such as Dutty Boukman, Cécile Fatiman, Jean-Jacques Dessalines, Toussaint Louverture, Marie-Jeanne Lamartiniére and Henri Christophe. The magnificent and triumphant Haitian Revolution is a testimony to us all that, no matter how difficult the challenges and ordeals, Haiti will overcome. Kenya, the Niger, Tunisia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines stand in solidarity with Haiti.”
2021-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8871 (2021) · source
“Just a few weeks ago, during the general debate of the seventy-sixth session of the General Assembly, our leaders renewed their commitment to implementing the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action — a landmark anti-discrimination framework adopted 20 years ago. It is time to put that Programme of Action into operation, commencing with placing the issue of reparations for victims of the slave trade high on the agenda. The current situation presents a unique opportunity for the international community to assist in preventing Haiti from further descending into the abyss. The common citizen in Haiti is frustrated with the systemic instability and the daily struggle to put food on the table. The expression of fatigue in relation to the situation in Haiti is totally unacceptable.”
2021-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8871 (2021) · source
“We express our fervent hope that elemental humanity and international human rights law will be strictly observed, even during times when countries are securing their borders. The challenges facing Haitian migrants and refugees are stark reminders that addressing their root causes is critical. That brings us to our repeated call for reparations for Haiti. Clearly, Haiti’s legacy of underdevelopment cannot be divorced from the historic injustices meted out against it in standing up against slavery and preparing the foundation for the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and inspiring many liberation struggles.”
2021-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8871 (2021) · source
“It is disturbing that high-profile cases, including the assassination of Monferrier Dorval, Emmanuel Constant and Netty Duclaire, remain unresolved. We are appreciative of the immediate response by all international partners and humanitarian agencies to assist in the delivery of humanitarian support. We commend the launching of the $187.3 million flash appeal in support of the most vulnerable communities and encourage the international donor community to support that initiative, as well as scale-up contributions to the humanitarian response plan, which remains only 30 per cent funded. The A3+1 must pronounce its deep concern about the distressing situation surrounding the inhumane large-scale deportation of Haitians witnessed in recent weeks.”
2021-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8871 (2021) · source
“We therefore repeat our call for international support to strengthen the State’s security machinery. We need to cast our net wider and extend our support to the Haitian Government to include measures that address corruption and illicit financial flows into and out of the country. In that way, we may be able to counter the ever-increasing and evolving threat to the people of Haiti and neighbouring States posed by armed gangs that are becoming more emboldened. The ever-deteriorating human rights and humanitarian situation is extremely troubling. Impunity cannot continue, and investigation into emblematic cases — such as those of Grand Ravine, La Saline and Bel-Air — must be conducted swiftly and the perpetrators must be held accountable.”
2021-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8871 (2021) · source
“We fully support CARICOM’s offer of its good offices to facilitate a Haitian-led and Haitian- owned solution to the current situation, which remains a serious regional concern. We encourage our Haitian brothers and sisters to maximize the use of the tools and instruments available through CARICOM to assist in that process. The assassination of President Moïse has laid bare the security deficiencies. While we acknowledge efforts to strengthen the Haitian National Police and bolster the State security apparatus, including through the Peacebuilding Fund projects on community violence reduction and disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, gang violence, sexual and gender-based violence and kidnapping continue unabated — exemplifying the inadequacies of existing measures to ensure the safety of citizens.”
2021-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8871 (2021) · source
“The only solution to the existing political impasse is through a genuine, inclusive, broad-based Haitian- owned and Haitian-led national dialogue process. That must include the full participation of women and youth and also be accompanied by a national reconciliation process. The A3+1 therefore calls on all Haitian stakeholders and contending political forces to set aside their differences, build trust and unite in the common interests of the Haitian people, including advancing towards a democratic electoral process. To that end, we echo the view of Caribbean Community (CARICOM) on the importance of creating the enabling conditions without which there can be no transparent, inclusive or secure elections.”
2021-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8871 (2021) · source
“That, together with the devastating earthquake on 14 August and Tropical Storm Grace, compel the Security Council and the international community to deepen solidarity, enhance partnership and strengthen cooperation with Haiti. We urge all Haitian law enforcement authorities to spare no effort to ensure that the perpetrators of such heinous acts are brought to justice and extend our call for the assistance of the international community. The A3+1 also takes this opportunity to offer the following observations. The deteriorating political situation needs to be arrested immediately, security needs to be restored fully and the rule of law needs to prevail. We are aware of ongoing political dialogue initiatives, but note difficulties among stakeholders and political forces to engage in a comprehensive national dialogue process.”
2021-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8871 (2021) · source
“In our previous statement on 17 June (see S/PV.8799), the A3+1 expressed deep concern about the multifaceted crises facing Haiti and stressed that our sister Caribbean nation required urgent attention and specific and sustained support from the international community. We also emphasized that political inertia cannot continue if Haiti is to achieve its aspirations for peace, stability and prosperity. Today the situation in Haiti requires the intensified attention of the international community to restore some semblance of normalcy. The dastardly attack on Haiti’s democracy through the abhorrent assassination of President Moïse has complicated an already- worrisome situation, especially on the political and security fronts.”
2021-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8871 (2021) · source
“It is indeed a privilege for me to deliver this statement on behalf of the three African members of the Security Council — Kenya, the Niger and Tunisia — as well as Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (A3+1). On behalf of the group, allow me to congratulate Ireland for its outstanding presidency in September. We also warmly welcome Kenya to the role and wish it every success. We also thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ms. Helen La Lime, and Ms. Emmanuela Douyon, founder and Executive Director of Policité, for their presentations. We further welcome His Excellency Mr. Claude Joseph, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Worship of the Republic of Haiti.”
2021-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8871 (2021) · source
“In conclusion, we echo the warning of President Abbas that undermining the two-State solution based on international law and the relevant United Nations resolutions will open the way for other alternatives imposed on the Palestinians by the situation on the ground, as a result of the continued Israeli occupation of the State of Palestine.”
2021-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8869 (2021) · source
“Notwithstanding, the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to be exacerbated by the 14-year Israeli blockade. Yet again, we call on Israel to lift the blockade to allow humanitarian access, building materials and construction equipment for the reconstruction of Gaza. Furthermore, we condemn all punitive measures against the Palestinian people that exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Despite the many challenges, we commend the ongoing efforts of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in providing humanitarian assistance to ease the plight of the Palestinian refugees. The certainty of support for UNRWA from the international community is critical to the Agency’s ability to promote human development and meet the most urgent humanitarian needs of the Palestinian refugees.”
2021-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8869 (2021) · source
“Furthermore, as reinforced by resolution 2334 (2016), we condemn all measures aimed at altering the demographic composition, character and status of the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967. As we have said many times, freedom and justice for the Palestinian people can be achieved only through a lasting two-State solution that allows for the peaceful existence of the State of Palestine, based on the pre-1967 borders, and the full recognition of their sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence. Moreover, the continued oppression of the Palestinian people undermines their legitimate claims to dignity, equality and human rights. On a positive note, we welcome plans for the reconstruction of Gaza, which will start in October.”
2021-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8869 (2021) · source
“I thank the briefers for their powerful and enlightening presentations. The grave security situation that continues in the State of Palestine is of particular concern to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The Palestinian people and the territory of the State of Palestine are in more urgent need of international protection, as Israel continues its ongoing settlement activities and the demolition of Palestinian structures in the occupied territory. We therefore reiterate here again today that the ongoing occupation of Palestinian territories constitutes a flagrant violation of international law and remains a significant threat to lasting and comprehensive peace. We call on Israel, the occupying Power, to cease all settlement activities and to abide by its legal obligations and responsibilities under the Fourth Geneva Convention.”
2021-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8869 (2021) · source
“Special Envoy Pedersen emphasized that what is needed is constructive diplomacy. The Security Council has a responsibility to engage pragmatically in order to adequately support the political process, which is the only viable path to return peace and stability to Syria.”
2021-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8866 (2021) · source
“As such, the adverse impact of unilateral coercive measures on the civilian population should not be ignored, and we appeal for such measures to be immediately lifted. Also, conditions must be cultivated for the safe, dignified and voluntary return of refugees and internally displaced persons. Naturally, that must include the reconstruction of homes, schools, medical facilities and other essential infrastructure that have been decimated. We once more encourage the international community to contribute to Syria’s rebuilding. Furthermore, the continued presence of unauthorized foreign forces on Syria’s sovereign territory should be given due attention, and their withdrawal must be prioritized. With the socioeconomic conditions rapidly deteriorating in the country, a political solution is needed now more than ever.”
2021-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8866 (2021) · source
“A collaborative and targeted approach that is strictly within the confines of international law is therefore required. There exists a well-established link between justice and peace, and it has long been recognized that neither one is able to thrive in isolation of the other. We therefore reiterate that accountability for the atrocities committed since the commencement of the war ought to remain a high priority. Ten years of war have eroded the social fabric of the country. It is therefore important to make concrete steps on critical issues, such as those of detainees, abductees and missing persons. Action on those matters of concern will serve as expressions of goodwill, cultivate trust and promote reconciliation within Syria. Practical steps must be taken by the international community to address the plight of the Syrian people.”
2021-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8866 (2021) · source
“There is a close link between the nationwide ceasefire and the parallel political process, and the perpetuation of hostilities denies an environment conducive to the achievement of the goals and objectives set out in resolution 2254 (2015). As such, we strongly urge the parties to the conflict to exercise maximum restraint, de-escalate and fully abide by their obligations under international law for the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure. Furthermore, we welcome all international diplomatic efforts to reduce hostilities and cement a ceasefire, particularly in Dara’a Al-Balad. Security Council-designated terrorist entities continue to pose a grave threat to Syria’s people, sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
2021-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8866 (2021) · source
“We welcome the announcement of the convening of a sixth session of the Committee in October, and we encourage all the parties to work together in a spirit of mutual respect and compromise to make much-needed progress. The full participation of women in the political process must be guaranteed to ensure a sustainable and equitable peace for all Syrians. Ms. Mhaissen underscored that during her briefing. We laud the work of the Syrian Women’s Advisory Board, and we take note of its meeting currently being held in Finland. We are certain that the discussions will be constructive and meaningful. We remain concerned by the sporadic violence across the country.”
2021-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8866 (2021) · source
“I thank Special Envoy Pedersen and Ms. Rouba Mhaissen for their briefings. It bears repeating that there is no military solution to the conflict in Syria. The only solution is through a Syrian-owned and Syrian-led credible, balanced and inclusive political process that meets the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people. We reiterate that the political and humanitarian situations are inextricably linked, as without a political solution to the conflict the humanitarian crisis will worsen, and the suffering of the Syrian people will continue. For that reason, we continue to support the unwavering efforts of the Special Envoy to facilitate the wider political process, of which the Constitutional Committee remains an integral component.”
2021-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8866 (2021) · source
“We strongly urge all States that have not yet done so to sign and ratify the Treaty without delay so as to strengthen the norm against nuclear testing. We recall resolution 2310 (2016) and implore States to remain fully committed to the preservation of the agreement to end nuclear testing, maintain moratoriums and continue to explore all avenues, including through regional agreements and legislation, to completely eliminate nuclear weapons. Nuclear disarmament must remain a high priority on the agenda of the international community. The CTBT, along with other indispensable instruments such as the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, is essential to realizing our collective vision of a safer world that is nuclear-weapon free. Today, let us recommit ourselves to this goal of safeguarding the future of humankind.”
2021-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8865 (2021) · source
“We laud the professional and all-important work of the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization to promote and ensure compliance with the Treaty’s provisions, in particular through the Treaty’s verification regime. The CTBTO’s continued efforts bolster our confidence that no nuclear explosion will escape detection. We further commend and support the CTBTO’s activities aimed at enhancing the national capabilities of signatories and promoting international cooperation. The CTBT has received overwhelming support from the international community, as seen by the 185 States that have so far signed and the 170 that have ratified the instrument. We are, however, concerned about the positions of the annex 2 States, whose ratifications are required for the Treaty’s entry into force.”
2021-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8865 (2021) · source
“The full implementation of the CTBT is therefore a global imperative. The existence, development and testing of nuclear weapons threatens international peace and security, and that threat is heightened by rising geopolitical tensions and fragmentation across the multilateral system. Nuclear science and technology ought to be employed only for safe, secure and peaceful uses. Indeed, the exploration of those technologies can assist in our collective pursuit of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. We therefore recognize and respect the sovereign right of States to do so, guided by the oversight of the International Atomic Energy Agency.”
2021-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8865 (2021) · source
“Underscoring the contribution of nuclear- weapon-free zones across the world to the overall objectives of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, the A3+1 welcomes the convening of a United Nations conference on the establishment of a Middle East zone free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction, pursuant to General Assembly decision 73/546. We encourage all invited States to constructively participate in the forthcoming sessions of the Conference. A world without nuclear weapons is fundamental to the fulfilment of the legitimate aspirations of humankind, such as peace, security and development. Nuclear explosions not only threaten human lives but also have disastrous long-term environmental consequences. They can substantially undermine biodiversity and destroy land and marine ecosystems.”
2021-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8865 (2021) · source
“As we recognize the twenty-fifth anniversary of the opening for signature of the Treaty, we reaffirm our commitment to upholding the global norm against nuclear testing. The Caribbean and Africa have, through meaningful action and partnership, remained unwavering in our call for the total elimination and non-proliferation of nuclear weapons and nuclear testing. Through the Tlatelolco Treaty for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America and the Caribbean and the African Treaty of Pelindaba, our regions have vigorously pursued and reinforced the objectives of the CTBT.”
2021-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8865 (2021) · source
“I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the three African members of the Security Council — Kenya, the Niger and Tunisia — as well as Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (A3+1). We thank Under-Secretary-General Nakamitsu and the Executive Secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear- Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), Mr. Robert Floyd, for their comprehensive briefings. We are also particularly pleased to have one of our very own young women, Ms. Magdalene Wanyaga of the CTBTO Youth Group, brief us today on the scientific aspects of the Treaty. The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) is a critical component of the nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation architecture and as such remains a vital instrument in our quest to achieve a world free of nuclear weapons.”
2021-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8865 (2021) · source
“We encourage closer coordination between the Peacebuilding Commission and the Security Council, including on issues related to climate, security and peacebuilding. Finally, we will not effectively tackle this issue without the inclusion of all stakeholders, especially those who have been consistently underrepresented and yet are the most impacted by the security consequences of climate change. Women’s full, equal and meaningful participation and leadership is critical as we seek solutions. Similarly, young people must be included and engaged in these discussions and decision-making processes. Climate change has multi-layered and compounding effects in fragile and conflict contexts. The Security Council has recognized that, even if framed as a possibility, in a number of resolutions, but we need to act on it.”
2021-09-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8864 (2021) · source
“Fifthly, as they are integral to the whole-of- system approach, peacekeeping, peacemaking and peacebuilding should be pursued concurrently as part of a peace and security, development and humanitarian continuum. In order to be sustainable, plans and strategies must include climate change considerations at all policy stages, namely, early warning and assessment, planning and financing, implementation and monitoring. Failing to account for the reality of the adverse effects of climate change in those contexts can have long-term impacts, undermining agreements and settlement arrangements in peace negotiations due to the changed environmental conditions. Sixthly, the Peacebuilding Commission plays a valuable role, alongside partner institutions, in assisting Member States with advancing peacebuilding in line with national priorities.”
2021-09-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8864 (2021) · source
“Thirdly, as the foremost way to avert climate-driven security risks remains significant mitigation action, major and historical emitters must honour their commitments made under the Paris Agreement on Climate Change and act to keep temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Fourthly, it is also crucial that developed countries meet their overseas development assistance commitments and provide greater support for climate adaptation and mitigation as part of a strategy to avert climate-related security risks. Scaled-up support to conflict-affected countries through concessionary loans, debt relief and quick-impact projects should be provided to alleviate some of the challenges encountered.”
2021-09-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8864 (2021) · source
“To be sure, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change remains the primary body tasked with the responsibility to address climate change. At the same time, by utilizing the tools at its disposal, the Council can take tangible actions. Such actions include requesting increased training and enhanced reporting on climate and security; strengthening coordination with relevant actors at the local, national and regional levels; and adopting a focused draft resolution to better enable the Council to address climate and security risks. Furthermore, the Council’s Informal Expert Group on Climate and Security is a useful forum to help the Council improve its awareness and understanding of the issues, and it should be supported.”
2021-09-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8864 (2021) · source
“First, in order to tackle climate-related security risks in relevant situations on the Security Council’s agenda, we must build capacity and enhance expertise across the United Nations. That includes embedding climate security advisers in relevant operations and considering the appointment of a special representative of the Secretary General on climate-related security risks to strengthen coordination within the system on the issue. We commend the work of the Climate Security Mechanism, which has enhanced the capacity of the United Nations system to address climate-related security risks in an efficient and logical manner. Secondly, the Security Council must not sidestep its responsibility to address the security implications of climate change.”
2021-09-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8864 (2021) · source
“We are confronted by the continued deepening of the planetary crisis that is climate change. As a small island developing State particularly affected by that existential threat and facing ever-increasing loss and damage from the adverse impacts of climate change, we value this timely meeting. I thank the Secretary- General and Ms. Elman for their excellent contributions to advancing understanding in that context. We hope that today’s meeting contributes to comprehensive multilateral approaches that systematically address the consequences of climate change for international peace and security. Allow me to share our views on how we should approach that threat multiplier.”
2021-09-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8864 (2021) · source
“Syria is a grim humanitarian emergency with multidimensional challenges. Geopolitical dynamics have compounded the complexities of the conflict, including through the continued presence of unauthorized foreign forces on Syria’s sovereign territory. The Syrian people should be our primary concern and constructive international diplomacy ought to be encouraged and prioritized to ensure support for them. The well-being of the Syrian people is paramount, and they deserve peace and stability. The conflict and the attendant humanitarian crisis will only continue in the absence of a political process that meets the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people. We therefore have a duty to engage constructively towards a political solution with the Syrian people at the forefront.”
2021-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8861 (2021) · source
“Reconstruction is a costly undertaking that requires support from the international community. We ought to be reminded that it is also a necessary condition for the return of refugees and internally displaced persons to their places of origin. Therefore, we encourage Syria’s partners to assist in their reconstruction and to help the country achieve its long- term development goals. The water crisis demands immediate attention. The worst drought in decades, precipitated by the existential threat of climate change and in combination with other troubling factors, has put millions of lives and livelihoods in peril. A sustainable solution must be urgently pursued. On that point, we reiterate and recall that water and water systems should never be weaponized. As Mr. Griffiths reminded us earlier, access to clean water is a human right.”
2021-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8861 (2021) · source
“We urge all parties to continue working together to expand that modality and to ensure that existing access arrangements are preserved and scaled up to reach every Syrian in need. That is especially important to assist in the effective and efficient distribution of coronavirus disease vaccines. Beyond humanitarian aid, further practical steps must be taken to assist Syria and Syrians in need. That requires the lifting of all unilateral coercive measures that have been imposed on the country. Those measures have had an indirect adverse impact on the civilian population and are incompatible with international law. It further requires assistance for Syria’s reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts. The conflict has devastated Syria’s infrastructure, leaving millions vulnerable without access to shelter and essential services.”
2021-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8861 (2021) · source
“Syrians should no longer continue to pay the highest price for a conflict that they did not create and over which they have no control. The economic crisis plaguing the country and its people is undoubtedly made worse by the effects of the global pandemic. Millions remain food insecure, and basic commodities are inaccessible, even as we approach the winter months. Unquestionably, Syrians must continue to be supported through humanitarian aid, and the cross-border mechanism is of critical importance. However, the mechanism is not enough on its own. Other indispensable modalities, such as cross-line deliveries, are necessary to complement the mechanism and ensure sustained and unimpeded humanitarian access. We are therefore pleased to note that the first cross- line operation to the north-west took place at the end of August.”
2021-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8861 (2021) · source
“I too thank Under-Secretary-General Griffiths for his usual insightful updates. I also thank Ms. Amany Qaddour for her vivid and heart-wrenching account of the plight of Syrians, in particular Syria’s children and Syrian relief workers. We remain profoundly concerned about the security situation in Syria. Sporadic and indiscriminate violence across the country continues to threaten civilians and civilian objects. Hostilities have further exacerbated displacement and obstructed vital humanitarian access. It is past time for a nationwide ceasefire to be implemented and fully respected by all. Civilian protection remains the highest priority. Military objectives and counter-terrorism operations, although necessary, should never take precedence over civilian protection, and impunity for violations of international law should not be tolerated.”
2021-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8861 (2021) · source
“We call on all actors on the ground, and those with influence over them, to concentrate efforts on achieving a nationwide ceasefire that would support credible political negotiations undertaken in good faith and in the spirit of compromise.”
2021-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8840 (2021) · source
“We call on all actors within Yemen to ensure unhindered and equal access to health care and to humanitarian assistance. Mohamed Khaled Khiari began his briefing this morning by underscoring that since the most recent briefing on Yemen to the Security Council (see S/PV.8797), there has been no progress. Let me close by emphasizing that the unrelenting efforts towards military gain, the impact of which is unjustifiably borne by the civilian population, must cease immediately. Nothing in the six years of this conflict has indicated that this approach is an appropriate or justified one. The only way to achieve a successful end to the war is through an inclusive and balanced Yemeni-led, Yemeni-owned and Yemeni-focused dialogue.”
2021-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8840 (2021) · source
“Let all of us around this table fulfil our responsibilities to the most vulnerable in the world and tackle the problem of climate change in earnest. As the world continues to grapple with the ongoing coronavirus disease pandemic, let us not forget that for many in Yemen, this is another toxic dimension to the conflict that further exacerbates its socioeconomic impact. We recognize all international efforts made towards providing aid to Yemen, but there must be internal accountability as well. We urge all authorities to continue their efforts and divert their attention away from fighting. The pandemic is affecting an already vulnerable population, and a fragile health-care system is now breaking under the weight of it all.”
2021-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8840 (2021) · source
“We also welcome the recent funding announcements made by international partners and call on the international community to maintain the momentum. We take this moment to underscore the link between the economic and the humanitarian situations, both of which are dependent on one another. Without support for the economy, many Yemenis are unable to afford the basic food and services needed for everyday survival. In that context, we emphasize the importance of remittances from abroad, on which many Yemenis rely. Those remittances are a crucial lifeline to those within Yemen, the loss of which would only exacerbate the humanitarian and economic situation. We must also emphasize a humanitarian and existential risk that is beyond the control of the parties in Yemen, namely, climate change.”
2021-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8840 (2021) · source
“They are living their lives against the backdrop of crisis-level food insecurity, a pandemic, ongoing hostilities and a humanitarian crisis so grave that it has been designated the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. Restricted access to education is directly impacting those children and indirectly damaging the prospects for building a stronger and more stable Yemeni civil society. We take this opportunity to welcome the work that UNICEF and its partners have been doing to combat the collapse of the education situation, provide access to formal and non-formal education and ensure the healthy and sustainable growth of children. On the humanitarian front, we welcome the additional funding of the humanitarian response plan, which has preserved a number of life-saving humanitarian operations.”
2021-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8840 (2021) · source
“We begin by welcoming the remarks provided by Assistant Secretary-General Khaled Khiari and Under- Secretary-General Martin Griffiths, with whom it is indeed a pleasure to continue working. We also welcome Ms. Fore, Executive Director of UNICEF, and thank her for her remarks. The recent UNICEF report entitled “Education disrupted” is illuminating. The figures highlighting the number of children out of school and those in need of emergency education support are of concern, as well as the number of children in need of humanitarian help, including those without access to safe water, sanitation or hygiene — all of which contribute to a very desolate and disheartening picture. Of particular concern is the fact that some of the children born into the conflict have known only this dismal quality of life, which is indeed heartbreaking.”
2021-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8840 (2021) · source
“We also welcome all efforts to increase the use of renewable energy technology in United Nations peacekeeping missions. Those technologies improve climate compliance, enhance mission efficiency and bolster the safety and security of United Nations personnel. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines encourages the further integration of modern technology into peacekeeping and emphasizes that those technologies must always be reliable, gender-responsive and environmentally friendly, while meeting the practical requirements of peacekeepers in the field. They must also, in every circumstance, fulfil the national needs and priorities of the host countries in which they are deployed.”
2021-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8838 (2021) · source
“It is imperative that modern technologies that assist with explosive ordnance detection, management and disposal be made available to all mission settings whenever possible and transferred to host countries that grapple with the residual risks of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and other remnants of war. IEDs have claimed the lives of far too many uniformed and civilian personnel. It is also crucial that peacekeepers be provided with safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines to protect them and the host communities in which they are deployed. To conclude, my delegation commends all efforts to modernize peacekeeping through measures such as the Secretary-General’s Action for Peacekeeping initiative and the Strategy for the Digital Transformation of United Nations Peacekeeping.”
2021-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8838 (2021) · source
“In that regard, it is crucial that all stakeholders, including troop- and police-contributing countries, Member States and the Secretariat work closely together to provide each mission with adequate resources as well as clear, focused and actionable mandates to ensure that peacekeepers are able to discharge their duties safely and efficiently. Enhanced triangular cooperation is essential to implementing resolutions 2436 (2018) and 2518 (2020), as well as other relevant outcomes that address peacekeeping performance and bolster the safety and security of peacekeepers.”
2021-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8838 (2021) · source
“It is widely accepted that innovative technologies serve as force multipliers in mission settings by improving surveillance through information gathering and peacekeeping intelligence; by increasing situational awareness and strengthening force protection; by enhancing strategic communications, including capacities for monitoring and countering disinformation, misinformation and hate speech; and by supporting decision-making and mandate delivery at the strategic, operational and tactical levels. We must strive to ensure that those competencies are made widely available to each peacekeeping operation.”
2021-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8838 (2021) · source
“Those interconnecting challenges — which include the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, the climate crisis and asymmetric threats posed by terrorists, armed groups and organized criminals — undermine the effectiveness of peace operations and place at risk the lives of their uniformed and civilian personnel. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines condemns in the strongest terms recent hostilities that targeted peacekeepers in northern Mali and aggressions against the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan compound. Those incidents provide a striking reminder that all attacks against United Nations personnel and infrastructure, wheresoever and by whomsoever committed, must be promptly investigated and those found responsible held to account. Under no circumstance should impunity for attacks against peacekeepers be tolerated.”
2021-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8838 (2021) · source