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

“Saint Vincent and the Grenadines welcomes today’s discussion and we thank the Secretary-General for his remarks. Peacekeepers are deployed under the most hostile conditions, where they face immense threats to their own security, as well as that of the communities they are mandated to protect. Against that backdrop, we must redouble our efforts to keep them safe as we honour them for their selfless commitments and sacrifices. To that end, we commend today’s adoption of the presidential statement on peacekeeping and technology (S/PRST/2021/17) and congratulate the Republic of India on its leadership on this important issue. A wide array of health, socioeconomic, political, security and environmental hazards threaten stability in conflict-affected countries.”
2021-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8838 (2021) · source
“Furthermore, we welcome the decision of the Human Rights Council to form an independent international commission to investigate Israeli violations of Palestinian rights. For such a time as this, let us redouble efforts and focus on increasing the protection of the rights of the population in the occupied territory. Minister Riyad Mansour underscored earlier today that this generation of Palestinians believes that there is no alternative to their freedom. This is a legitimate aspiration and we are duty-bound to ensure that it is realized.”
2021-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8826 (2021) · source
“Additionally, it is evident that Israel’s illegal 15- year blockade has devastated the economy in Gaza. In that connection, we reiterate our call on Israel to fully lift the blockade on Gaza and facilitate a greater supply of humanitarian assistance to the area. In conclusion, we echo the plea of Michael Lynk, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, to the international community to adopt a plan of action, which includes calling upon Israel to fully dismantle its illegal settlements and ensuring full accountability of Israeli leaders, who are responsible for grave breaches of international law in the occupied Palestinian territory.”
2021-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8826 (2021) · source
“Turning to the situation on the besieged Gaza Strip, we are concerned about the worsening humanitarian crisis, which has been compounded by the 11-day war in Gaza, with further attacks kept at bay by a fragile ceasefire. The rebuilding of Gaza must begin in earnest. We welcome the small steps taken in that regard, but much more must be done. The United Nations estimates that millions of Palestinian people are in need of urgent humanitarian assistance. We once again call on the international community to provide additional funding to support the programme budget of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. We were again reminded earlier today of the $100 million shortfall and imminent cash-flow crisis.”
2021-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8826 (2021) · source
“We must also act as responsible members of the international community and condemn such breaches of international law. The impact of the illegal Israeli occupation of the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, continues to highlight the daily Palestinian struggle. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines remains concerned about Israel’s policy of demolishing Palestinian homes and property in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Equally, we unequivocally condemn the most recent demolition by Israeli occupation forces in the Palestinian Bedouin community of Humsa Al-Baqai’a, in the northern Jordan Valley of the occupied West Bank. There is absolutely no justification for those actions. The international community must take effective and timely diplomatic action to end this policy.”
2021-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8826 (2021) · source
“Our goal should be to forge a secure and durable peace between Israelis and Palestinians and consolidate efforts to preserve a sustainable two-State solution, without departing from relevant Security Council and General Assembly resolutions. In that vein, we call for the activation of the Middle East Quartet to restart peace talks and negotiations as an urgent priority. On the issue of settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory, the fundamental point about settlements is that they are illegal. International law is clear on that point. Let us be reminded that in 2004, the International Court of Justice unanimously found that Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory breached article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention.”
2021-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8826 (2021) · source
“I thank all our briefers for their briefings. I also welcome our colleagues the representatives of Israel and the State of Palestine to today’s meeting. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines continues to stand in solidarity with the State of Palestine in its quest to live within safe and secure borders. As the occupying Power, Israel has an obligation to restore normal civilian life for all Palestinians and to realize the human rights of residents of the occupied territory. It is unfortunate that in recent months, tensions within the State of Palestine have been stoked from outside, thereby undermining the country and the aspirations of its people.”
2021-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8826 (2021) · source
“Throughout the delivery of humanitarian aid we must respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the State. In closing, I wish to underscore the huge debt of collective gratitude owed to humanitarian staff. Increasingly, they provide the only source of psychosocial support for women and children surviving sexual violence, critical food and water supplies for civilians on the brink of starvation, and health services to increased numbers of displaced persons. We mourn the loss of those killed in the service of civilians and call for the release of those kidnapped. In honour of their memory and sacrifice, we have an enormous responsibility to engage in decisive actions that protect and support all persons providing critical relief in conflict settings.”
2021-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8822 (2021) · source
“Adequate resourcing is needed to protect humanitarian space. That includes ensuring sustainable financing for security efforts to protect civilians and humanitarian staff. Humanitarian organizations must be able to access funding to support training for context analyses, negotiation skills and improved communication equipment. Donors should ensure that their funding agreements provide scope for adequate and ongoing risk assessment and management, as a means through which to ensure the safety of humanitarian workers. Finally, and notwithstanding the foregoing, I must emphasize that humanitarian aid must not be an end in itself. Similarly, humanitarian aid should not be used as a tool to impose foreign policy objectives from afar.”
2021-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8822 (2021) · source
“Similarly, sanctions and counter-terrorism measures, set out in various Security Council resolutions, must not restrict the ability of humanitarian workers to undertake relief efforts. In fact, there is greater need for more systematic monitoring and reporting on the impact of sanctions regimes on humanitarian actions. Efforts to systematize reporting can be undertaken by the Secretariat. Humanitarian impact and risk assessments should precede the establishment and renewal of all sanctions regimes. We also wish to add that notwithstanding the existing capacity challenges at the national level, States must be supported in their efforts to improve accountability mechanisms to end impunity for violence against civilians and humanitarian workers, in keeping with resolutions 2175 (2014) and 2286 (2016).”
2021-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8822 (2021) · source
“Regarding insights drawn from humanitarian workers and their experience of brokering access with diverse and dispersed non-State armed groups, they note that moral and legal obligation is simply not enough to secure adherence to international humanitarian law. In practice, there is no one-size-fits-all to negotiating access. Context-specific, pragmatic arrangements become necessary. Whether through multi-agency negotiations with parties to conflict or more formal peace agreements, the principles, protocols and ground rules must emerge through collective dialogue. Secondly, national counter-terrorism legislation and policies must avoid criminalizing critical actions undertaken by humanitarian organizations and workers.”
2021-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8822 (2021) · source
“In conflict settings, last year saw a widespread increase in instability, resulting from the compounding effects of the health crisis, contracting economies and climate-related security risks. Accompanying that rapidly eroding humanitarian context is the increased incidence of fatal and non-fatal violence against humanitarian workers, the overwhelming majority of which is committed against national staff. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines takes this opportunity to make the following recommendations as we urgently seek to improve the safety of humanitarian workers and to preserve and increase humanitarian space to meet the growing needs of civilians in affected countries and regions.”
2021-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8822 (2021) · source
“We wish to recognize the participation of the Foreign Ministers and to thank the briefers for their remarks. Attacks against humanitarian workers and the infrastructure needed to sustain aid delivery have risen dramatically since the start of the coronavirus disease pandemic. Heightened and extended volatility in conflict-affected countries and regions has also led to an exponential increase in the need for humanitarian assistance. Collectively, we have advocated for the preservation and expansion of humanitarian access in the light of the adverse effects of multiple crises on civilian populations, increased displacement and the intensification of violence against humanitarian workers. The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs estimates that over 235 million persons globally are in need of humanitarian assistance in 2021.”
2021-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8822 (2021) · source
“However, we note the difficulties in reaching consensus on the legal framework to hold elections and remain hopeful that the parties can exhibit compromise to reach consensus on that vital issue. Of equal importance is the need to unite critical institutions, including the central banks, to address financial shortcomings, treat socioeconomic deficiencies and tackle the pandemic, which continues to take its toll. We further encourage the parties to settle their differences on the 2021 budget. In closing, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines commends all Libyans, who have toiled, compromised and exhibited their resolve to change their country’s path and who continue to strive to do better in pursuit of lasting peace and stability. We remain in solidarity with them.”
2021-07-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8820 (2021) · source
“We note the Secretary-General’s repeated calls for urgent attention to migrants and refugees in detention centres and emphasize the utmost importance of ensuring the protection and safety of those groups in vulnerable situations. We also reiterate that Libya is not a safe port for the disembarkation of migrants and refugees. Peace, security and development must go hand in hand, and the Council ought to fulfil its obligations and ensure that the necessary conditions prevail to give effect to Libya’s full stability. After 10 years of uncertainty and extreme difficulties, Libyans are on the verge of mending a fractured country. The upcoming elections represent movement in the right direction.”
2021-07-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8820 (2021) · source
“Libya’s historical circumstances and existing conditions require all stakeholders in the political process to honour their obligations. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines repeats its urgent call for full adherence to international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law, respect for Libya’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity and full compliance with the arms embargo and the relevant Security Council resolutions, including resolutions 2570 (2021), 2571 (2021) and 2578 (2021). We urge all Libyan stakeholders and influential external actors to assist in that regard. The human rights and humanitarian situation facing the groups made vulnerable, in particular refugees, migrants, internally displaced persons and women and girls, is concerning.”
2021-07-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8820 (2021) · source
“Saint Vincent and the Grenadines welcomes the Conference and endorses its outcome document (S/2021/595, annex). As Libya continues its quest for lasting peace, stability and development, some critical tasks must be finalized. Those include, inter alia, the fulfilment of arrangements for the holding of inclusive, free, fair, transparent and credible elections on 24 December; the reunification of Libya’s institutions; the full implementation of the 23 October ceasefire agreement, including the complete and properly supervised withdrawal of all foreign fighters and mercenaries to avoid grave ramifications for the Sahel region and the wider continent; and the initiation of a national reconciliation process, supported by the African Union.”
2021-07-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8820 (2021) · source
“We welcome the instrumental role of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) and reaffirm our support for the United Nations multitrack Libyan-led and Libyan-own process. We also look forward to the renewal of the UNSMIL mandate in September, and we call for the strengthening of UNSMIL’s capacity to carry out disarmament, demobilization and reintegration activities aimed at assisting the countries of origin of returned fighters and mercenaries, along with addressing the influx of illegal weapons. We further express appreciation for the very important work and initiatives of the African Union, the League of Arab States, the European Union and other international partners. Last month’s second Berlin Conference on Libya embodies the international community’s commitment in supporting Libya.”
2021-07-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8820 (2021) · source
“At the outset, permit me to welcome His Excellency Mr. Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity of Libya, as well as the Foreign Ministers and Cabinet officials and the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States here with us today. I also thank Mr. Ján Kubiš, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General, for his briefing. Over the past few months, Libyans have experienced significant advances through shared objectives, responsibilities and strong commitment in their pursuit to restore peace and stability. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines hails those developments and encourages the Government of National Unity to stay the course. Consolidating the existing momentum is critical to Libya’s rebirth.”
2021-07-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8820 (2021) · source
“As the peace process approaches its fifth anniversary, we call on the parties to advance with its full implementation in order to reap peace dividends and ensure stability and prosperity for the Colombian nation. Kenya, the Niger, Tunisia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines reaffirm our full support for the Colombian peace process and emphasize the paramount importance of the comprehensive implementation of the Final Peace Agreement. Colombians, the people of Latin America and the Caribbean and the international community can ill afford for the peace process to relapse.”
2021-07-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8818 (2021) · source
“The A3+1 attaches great importance to the ethnic chapter of the Final Peace Agreement. It is disheartening that we have not witnessed any action on that important chapter, in spite of recommendations provided through the High-Level Forum of Ethnic Peoples to address issues facing former combatants of indigenous and Afro-Colombian descent. We appeal to the authorities to forge forward with the implementation of that chapter. We further reiterate the need for regular updates on the progress of that implementation. Finally, we recognize the efforts of various stakeholders encouraging the Government and the Ejército de Liberación Nacional to engage in dialogue. We hope that those parties will heed the calls. We reiterate our support for all constructive efforts aimed at consolidating the peace process.”
2021-07-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8818 (2021) · source
“We are encouraged by the positive developments reported by the Secretary-General on the development programmes with a territorial focus, but note the lack of progress on access to land outside of territorial areas for training and reintegration. We call on the authorities to resolve the controversies surrounding the full implementation of the comprehensive rural reform chapter, as well as those differences on the National Reintegration System. These, together with enhanced efforts towards the sustainable reintegration of all former combatants, will ultimately determine the long-term sustainability of peace in Colombia. We also repeat our call for the parties to capitalize on the Commission for the Follow- up, Promotion and Verification of the Implementation of the Final Agreement to resolve their differences.”
2021-07-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8818 (2021) · source
“The A3+1 is pleased with the continued progress in the Comprehensive System for Truth, Justice, Reparation and Non-Repetition. We express satisfaction with the work within the Truth Commission and the Special Jurisdiction for Peace, including efforts on Case 01 and ongoing work on Case 03. Accepting wrongdoings for transgressions committed over the years is pivotal in ensuring justice, reconciliation and sustainable peace for the victims. In terms of reintegration, the A3+1 renews its call for enhanced measures to facilitate the proper reintegration of former combatants into Colombian society, including adequate access to basic services.”
2021-07-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8818 (2021) · source
“We note, however, diverging views on the Strategic Plan for Security and Protection for former combatants, following its adoption, and encourage all parties to settle those differences through dialogue. We also urge the Colombian authorities to contribute more resources for the implementation of the comprehensive security and protection programmes and renew our call for regular meetings of the National Commission on Security Guarantees. The central pillars of the Security Council — peace and security — are interlinked with the fight against human rights violations. Accordingly, we urge the authorities to advance with investigations and address impunity in instances of human rights violations so that perpetrators are held accountable. Transitional justice remains a cornerstone of peace processes.”
2021-07-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8818 (2021) · source
“The killing of 277 former combatants of the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (FARC) since the signing of the peace agreement and the decision by former combatant lawyers to pursue legal actions in search of protection guarantees underline the gravity of the security situation, which remains deeply troubling. Clearly, there must be greater impetus in strengthening the State’s security machinery to curb the relentless violence, especially against the groups made most vulnerable, including former FARC combatants, Afro- and Indigenous Colombians, and social, human rights and women leaders. We reiterate our appreciation for the adoption of the public policy guidelines for the dismantling of illegal armed groups and urge its full implementation.”
2021-07-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8818 (2021) · source
“We deplore the senseless killings and disappearance of a number of people, as underscored in the recent report of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. Those difficulties demonstrate the utmost importance of frontally tackling the underlying causes of conflict, including inequality. The A3+1 notes the advances and setbacks to the implementation of the Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace, enunciated in the Secretary-General’s most recent report (S/2021/603). We welcome the advances and encourage greater effort to address outstanding challenges.”
2021-07-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8818 (2021) · source
“It is a privilege to deliver this statement on behalf the three African countries on the Security Council — Kenya, the Niger and Tunisia — as well as Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (A3+1). I begin by thanking Special Representative of the Secretary-General Ruiz Massieu and Ms. Melissa Herrera, Founder and Director of the Latin American Foundation Viva la Vida, for their briefings. We have taken note of Ms. Herrera’s recommendations. The A3+1 reiterates its full support for the efforts of the United Nations Verification Mission and welcomes the participation of Her Excellency Ms. Marta Lucía Ramírez, Vice-President and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Colombia. The unprecedented social unrest experienced in Colombia and its concomitant violence in recent months are extremely worrisome.”
2021-07-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8818 (2021) · source
“Accordingly, it is in their collective interests to find a palatable solution to ensure that they can provide a dignified future for their peoples. Despite the current setbacks, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines remains very optimistic that the parties will reach a lasting agreement, especially since they have already agreed on approximately 90 per cent of the issues. We hope that the parties recommit to negotiations, in good faith, under the auspices of the African Union. We believe that this would benefit all three parties and ensure the continuation of their peaceful and harmonious coexistence.”
2021-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8816 (2021) · source
“It is our principled position that the African Union is best-suited to facilitate the pacific settlement of disputes on the motherland, and we further underscore the importance of respecting the principle of subsidiarity, as well as Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations. More pertinently, the existing disagreement is among family members. To that end, we are fully confident that Egypt, Ethiopia and the Sudan will resolve their difficulties, as all families do, with wisdom and harmony. In conclusion, we underscore that the Nile remains a beacon of hope and prosperity and a sanctuary for millions of people. Our sister nations have a common and shared history that is linked by the Nile and whose futures will be interwoven by it.”
2021-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8816 (2021) · source
“Such agreements between riparian States become even more critical as climate change increases both flooding and drought in the river, as highlighted earlier by the UNEP Executive Director, Ms. Inger Andersen. The good offices of the African Union remains pivotal to facilitate constructive dialogue and meaningful negotiations. In that context, we are appreciative and pleased that the African Union is fully seized of the issue and commend the current mediation efforts of President Tshilombo Tshisekedi, as well as those of his predecessor, His Excellency Mr. Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa.”
2021-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8816 (2021) · source
“Saint Vincent and the Grenadines acknowledges the paramount importance of the River Nile and its intrinsic value as a transboundary water resource to each of the parties and, by extension, all riparian States in order to enhance the quality of life of their peoples. That was underscored during our meeting last year (S/2020/636) and is worth repeating today. Indeed, the Nile is indispensable to the sustainable and socioeconomic development of each of the parties and we note their disagreements and credible concerns pertaining to its usage. We encourage them to assuage their entrenched positions and continue with the trilateral negotiations in good faith in order to reach an amicable, equitable and reasonable agreement.”
2021-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8816 (2021) · source
“At the outset, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines expresses its appreciation to the representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, speaking on behalf of the African Union, the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for the Horn of Africa and the Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) for their comprehensive briefings on this very important, yet complex and sensitive topic. We also welcome the Foreign Ministers of Egypt and the Sudan, as well as the Minister of Water, Irrigation and Energy of Ethiopia ,to today’s meeting and reaffirm our unwavering solidarity to our sister nations.”
2021-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8816 (2021) · source
“In closing, we remain committed to working with the parties and members of the Security Council for an end to the occupation with the creation of a thriving Palestinian State living side by side in peace with Israel, within secure and recognized borders, and a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in the Middle East, in accordance with relevant General Assembly and Security Council resolutions, the Road Map and the Arab Peace Initiative.”
2021-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8804 (2021) · source
“We commend the role of the United Nations and its partners in implementing the critical economic and humanitarian interventions. However, more needs to be done to build back better, improve resilience and successfully recover Palestinian livelihoods. At this critical juncture for Palestinians in Gaza, it is imperative that the international community increase funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East and support the flash appeal requesting $95 million to address the needs of 1.1 million Palestinians in the areas of protection, health, water and sanitation, education and food security.”
2021-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8804 (2021) · source
“We reiterate our call to Israel to adhere to international law and comply with relevant Security Council resolutions, in particular resolution 2334 (2016), and to end the ever-increasing settlement activities, property demolitions and evictions in Palestinian territory. The Security Council must assume its obligations and responsibilities in maintaining peace and security. We must send the strong, clear and unequivocal message to the Israeli Government that policies of violence against civilians, of provoking religious sentiment and of political prevarication will not lead to a positive outcome. In Gaza, reconstruction demands several urgent steps, including a unified Palestinian Government and the lifting of the 15-year-old Israeli blockade.”
2021-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8804 (2021) · source
“Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is deeply troubled by the progressively worsening situation on the ground, which is moving us further and further away from the two-State solution. We strongly condemn the Israeli air strikes in Gaza on 15 June in violation of the announced ceasefire of 21 May. We call on all parties to refrain from violence and any acts that would impede the resumption of constructive dialogue between them. My delegation rejects the status quo of the continued Israeli occupation and displacement of Palestinians in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, as well as the blockade of Gaza that led to the recent hostilities. We continue to be concerned about the possible eviction of several Palestinian families from their homes in the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood of occupied East Jerusalem.”
2021-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8804 (2021) · source
“I also thank Special Coordinator Wennesland for his briefing. Today we are called on to reflect together on the ongoing crisis in the occupied Palestinian territory. For more than 54 years, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has afflicted the Middle East landscape. For the situation to be mutually acceptable and conducive to a desirable future for Palestinians and Israelis alike, the violence must end, and a negotiated political agreement must conform to a two-State solution, putting an end to Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territory. Indeed, Special Coordinator Wennesland just re-emphasized the critical importance of the latter. In our view, this is the only way to achieve lasting peace in the Middle East.”
2021-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8804 (2021) · source
“Attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, in violation of the fundamental principles of international law, must be met with condemnation, and the perpetrators of those indefensible acts must be held accountable. Also on civilian protection, the deteriorating security situation in displacement camps, particularly in Al-Hol, is disturbing. Civilians residing and working in those camps must be afforded safety and access to basic services. That necessitates immediate action. As has been said many times in this Chamber, there is no military solution to the Syrian conflict. A Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process, in line with resolution 2254 (2015), is the only viable path to peace, stability and the protection and prosperity of the Syrian people.”
2021-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8803 (2021) · source
“Millions are dependent on its supply for drinking water, the irrigation of crops and the generation of electricity. A sustainable solution to safeguard lives and livelihoods must be pursued. On that point, we recall that water and water systems should never be weaponized. Civilians are forced to endure the consequences of the continued hostilities across Syria. Regrettably, death, displacement and the destruction of essential civilian infrastructure are an everyday occurrence. A nationwide ceasefire is therefore immediately needed for the protection of civilians and to guarantee the uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian aid.”
2021-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8803 (2021) · source
“It further demands the preservation and the scaling-up of both the cross-border mechanism and the cross-line modality. There remains no alternative to ensuring timely, safe, sustained and unimpeded humanitarian access, in line with the humanitarian principles, to those desperately in need in Syria. Failure to reauthorize the mechanism not only will put an end to the critical lifeline of aid to millions but also will create disruptions in the distribution of the much-needed coronavirus disease vaccines. It is imperative that humanitarian assistance not be politicized and that the Syrian people be prioritized. We are deeply concerned by the worsening situation in the Euphrates River basin. Drought and other troubling factors have led to alarmingly low water levels.”
2021-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8803 (2021) · source
“That remains a primary concern, and we reiterate our appeal for the lifting of those sanctions for the benefit of the Syrian people. Syria’s arduous road to recovery is also highly reliant on the international community’s goodwill in providing reconstruction aid, without which millions will be deprived of vital social services and safe and dignified living conditions. Support for the rehabilitation of the country’s basic infrastructure is therefore urgently needed. Unquestionably, Syria is one of the worst humanitarian crises of our time. Needs are steadily rising across the country, and women and children are disproportionately affected. Addressing the multidimensional and complex challenges requires continued constructive engagement with the Syrian Government and international humanitarian agencies.”
2021-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8803 (2021) · source
“I thank the Secretary-General, His Excellency Mr. António Guterres, the Acting Under-Secretary- General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Mr. Ramesh Rajasingham, and Ms. Sherine Ibrahim for their briefings. After 10 years of war, a political solution to the Syrian conflict is still absent and the Syrian people continue to pay the highest price with their untold suffering. Their despair is further deepened by the severe socioeconomic decline, which has precipitated commodity shortages and acute food insecurity. Furthermore, the continued application of unilateral coercive measures has had an indirect adverse impact on life-saving humanitarian operations and has hindered the country’s overall socioeconomic recovery.”
2021-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8803 (2021) · source
“We therefore call on them once more to collectively find sustenance from the tried and tested values of their forebears and to unite, reconcile and advance on the path to peace, development and stability. The A3+1 celebrates their rich and diverse culture, as displayed during their heritage month in May, recognizing that Haiti symbolizes the first black nation to gain independence by overcoming colonialism and slavery. To that end, it would be remiss of us not to repeat our call for reparations from former colonial Powers to assist in repairing the malignant legacy of slavery. We believe that, within this decade focused on the upliftment of persons of African descent, proper attention must be given to this just cause.”
2021-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8799 (2021) · source
“Likewise, we encourage the international community to continue supporting Haiti’s 2021 national humanitarian response plan, which requires $235.6 million to respond to the needs of 1.5 million people, including 1.3 million who are severely food insecure. At the same time, we urge the scaling up of the COVID-19 vaccines supply in order for our sister nation to respond appropriately to the pandemic and ensure its sustainable recovery. We welcome the announcement made moments ago by the United States to assist in that regard. Finally, we tell our Haitian brothers and sisters that history has shown us that no matter how difficult their challenges are, they rise.”
2021-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8799 (2021) · source
“We also echo the Secretary-General’s call on the Ministry of Justice and Public Security to establish a committee on the implementation of the penal reform codes without delay in order to ensure their enactment, with a view to tackling the detention rate and serious overcrowding in prisons. Resolving the political stalemate appears to be a priority for the scheduling of inclusive, free, fair, transparent and credible elections. However, the interconnected nature of Haiti’s multifaceted challenges demands durable parallel solutions. Good governance has become a policy condition for loans, technical assistance and debt relief. It is therefore incumbent for Haitian political leaders to resolve the current impasse in order to enjoy this benefit.”
2021-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8799 (2021) · source
“Similarly, adopting the national action plan on human rights endorsed in December 2019 by the Haitian Interministerial Committee on Human Rights will be instrumental in bringing justice to the victims. The dire conditions prevalent throughout the Haitian prison system and the judicial deficiencies cannot be divorced from the security challenges. The A3+1 therefore urges the authorities to address bottlenecks within the penitentiary and judiciary systems. We welcome the establishment of the Board of the Legal Aid Council and its role in expediting legal cases.”
2021-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8799 (2021) · source
“Accordingly, we call for strict adherence to the presidential statement (S/PRST/2021/7) adopted in March, which emphasized the need for an immediate and coordinated response by Haitian authorities to demonstrate their commitment to addressing the deteriorating security situation in Haiti, including gang- related criminal activities, increases in kidnappings, homicides and rape. The A3+1 also echoes its support for the National Commission on Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration in its efforts to reduce community violence, and urges the Government to undertake measures to adopt the draft national strategy on community violence reduction. The strategy should bolster the State’s security apparatus to combat criminal activities and dismantle gangs.”
2021-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8799 (2021) · source
“The lack of progress in the efforts of the Haitian National Police to provide the necessary security and protection in the areas under assault, such as Martissant, La Saline, Bel-Air, Ravine and Cité Soleil, is extremely worrying. The high incidence of kidnappings continues apace, with ongoing robbery, cruel detention and human rights violations, including sexual and gender-based violence. Additionally, reports continue to emerge with respect to rogue police officers. The recent request by President Moïse for additional support from the United Nations attests to the gravity of insecurity in Haiti.”
2021-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8799 (2021) · source
“We look forward to the mission’s forthcoming report. In order to peacefully overcome the current crises through a Haitian-led and -owned inclusive national political dialogue, all Haitian stakeholders need to soften their deeply entrenched positions so that trust can be built and dialogue facilitated. Further, the A3+1 takes this opportunity to remind the Haitian leaders of their international law obligations and the regional commitments to which they have pledged, particularly those enshrined in the Inter-American Democratic Charter and the Charter of Civil Society for the Caribbean Community. The A3+1 is deeply disturbed about the security and human rights situation.”
2021-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8799 (2021) · source
“The prevailing conditions therefore require urgent attention and specific and sustained support from the international community. Political inertia cannot continue if Haiti is to achieve its aspirations of peace, stability and prosperity. Consistent with their responsibilities, the United Nations, the Caribbean Community and the Organization of American States (OAS) have been urging Haitian leaders and relevant stakeholders to decisively tackle its multifaceted crises. In that context, the A3+1 commends the efforts of the Permanent Council of the OAS in undertaking a good offices mission to Haiti last week, in which Saint Vincent and the Grenadines participated. We hope that the mission was successful in establishing a framework for dialogue among the various Haitian stakeholders, with the aim of reaching a palatable solution.”
2021-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8799 (2021) · source