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

“Any ballot paper containing votes for more than five names will be considered invalid. I should like to inform Council members that, in accordance with established practice, the ballot papers in the Security Council will not be counted until it has been verified that the ballot papers in the General Assembly have also been collected. Finally, as stated in the joint letter dated 4 November 2020 from the Presidents of the General Assembly and the Security Council, in view of the coronavirus disease pandemic, the way in which the secret ballots will be held in the two organs will have to be adjusted in order to safeguard public health, and the note annexed to the letter outlines the adjusted modalities for the elections.”
2020-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8773 (2020) · source
“Members of the Council should have already received a ballot containing the names of all the candidates. No withdrawal will be accepted once the Council has commenced the voting process. However, it will be possible to withdraw between ballots. Members of the Council will be requested to place an “X” in the box next to the names of the candidates for whom they wish to vote. Only those candidates whose names appear on the ballot are eligible for election. If a ballot paper contains any notation other than votes in favour of specific candidates, those notations will be disregarded. I should like to remind members of paragraph 11 of the Secretary-General’s memorandum (S/2020/618), which specifies that “[e]ach elector may vote for not more than five candidates on the first ballot”.”
2020-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8773 (2020) · source
“Only when five candidates, not more or fewer, have obtained the required majority in the Security Council will the President of the Council notify the President of the General Assembly of the names of the five candidates. If, upon comparison of the respective lists of candidates who have obtained an absolute majority in the Security Council and the General Assembly, fewer than five candidates have been thus elected, the Council and the Assembly will proceed, again independently of one another, at a second meeting and, if necessary, a third meeting, to elect candidates by further ballots for the seats remaining vacant, pursuant to Article 11 of the Statute, the results again being compared after the required number of candidates have obtained an absolute majority in each organ. The voting will be held by secret ballot.”
2020-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8773 (2020) · source
“If, in the first ballot, the number of candidates obtaining an absolute majority is fewer than five, then pursuant to rule 61 of the provisional rules of procedure of the Security Council, the Council will proceed to a second ballot on the remaining vacancies, to be held at 11 a.m. on 12 November 2020. Balloting will continue in the same manner until five candidates have obtained the required majority of votes. If, on the other hand, more than five candidates obtain the required majority, according to the established practice and as set forth in paragraph 15 of the Secretary-General’s memorandum, a new vote will be held on all the candidates. This rule will also apply to any subsequent ballots if the number of candidates obtaining the absolute majority is fewer or greater than the number of vacancies remaining.”
2020-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8773 (2020) · source
“I am also informed that the Legal Counsel made a similar recommendation to the President of the General Assembly. The nomination of the aforementioned national group is as follows: for Georg Nolte, Luxembourg. The Security Council has before it a memorandum by the Secretary-General, contained in document S/2020/618, describing the present composition of the Court and setting out the procedure to be followed in the conduct of the election. I should like to remind the Council that under Article 10, paragraph 1, of the Statute of the International Court of Justice, “Those candidates who obtain an absolute majority of votes both in the General Assembly and in the Security Council shall be considered as elected.” The required majority in the Security Council is eight votes.”
2020-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8773 (2020) · source
“I should like to inform members of the Council that I have received a letter addressed to me by the Legal Counsel, dated 9 November 2020, informing me, on behalf of the Secretary-General, that after the established deadline for nominating candidates, namely, 24 June 2020, a national group submitted a nomination to the Secretariat. I should like to draw the Council’s attention to the fact that the additional nomination relates to a candidate already nominated by other national groups and whose name therefore already appears in document S/2020/615. The Legal Counsel recommended that, in accordance with established practice, I inform Council members orally on the day of the election about the decision of the aforementioned national group.”
2020-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8773 (2020) · source
“The Security Council will now proceed to the election of five members of the International Court of Justice, in accordance with the Statute of the International Court of Justice, to fill the five seats that will become vacant upon the expiry of the terms of the following Judges on 5 February 2021: Judge Giorgio Gaja (Italy), Judge Yuji Iwasawa (Japan), Judge Julia Sebutinde (Uganda) Judge Peter Tomka (Slovakia) and Judge Xue Hanqin (China). The nominated candidates are as follows: Taoheed Olufemi Elias (Nigeria), Yuji Iwasawa (Japan), Georg Nolte (Germany), Julia Sebutinde (Uganda), Maja Seršić (Croatia), Peter Tomka (Slovakia), Emmanuel Ugirashebuja (Rwanda) and Xue Hanqin (China). The list of candidates, indicating the national groups by which each candidate was nominated, is contained in document S/2020/615.”
2020-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8773 (2020) · source
“We appreciate the unstinting efforts of the Special Envoy, Martin Griffiths, and his team, as well as the work of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the United Nations Mission to Support the Hudaydah Agreement and all other organizations operating to bring relief to the people of Yemen. However, before closing, we must also reiterate our continued concern for the lack of concrete progress on the FSO SAFER oil tanker. That is an issue that must be resolved as soon as possible if we are to avoid a humanitarian and environmental catastrophe in Yemen and the wider region.”
2020-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8770 (2020) · source
“We recognize that the world is overwhelmed by the coronavirus disease and its consequences, but the people of Yemen are fighting on too many fronts all at once. They are our brothers, they are our sisters and their children are our children, all of whom continue to cry out for our help. On their behalf, today I make a plea to the international community to do better and to do more before it is too late. I implore the actors within Yemen to work with the Special Envoy, in good faith, to resume negotiations. We welcome the additional funding that has been pledged and encourage all donors to disburse funds as soon as possible. We regard the recent prisoner-exchange agreement, and the advancements made towards it, as a huge breakthrough in the political process and a much- needed confidence-building measure.”
2020-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8770 (2020) · source
“Too many children in Yemen, some of whom can sooner describe the sound of a gun and pangs of hunger and of grief than they can spell, read or write their own name, have been deprived of their education. Too many Yemeni children have never known peace. Too many Yemeni children have only ever known war. Let us allow that to sink in. Those are the children for whom we are meant to guarantee peace and security. Yet, under our watch, schools continue to be attacked, children continue to be maimed and killed, and there continue to be reports of sexual assault and humanitarian access denied. Far too many children, if they survive, will be forever scarred. We are failing them, and that can never be justified. It is time to heed the call of Yemeni women.”
2020-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8770 (2020) · source
“Lowcock said in his briefing, much is being asked of the parties, but we need to ask a great deal of them because enough is enough. Let us put this protracted conflict into perspective. We need to truly grapple with the magnitude of its impact. The people of Yemen have been enduring this conflict for far too long and, while no one within Yemen has been left unscathed by it, we know that the children of Yemen have been, and will continue to be, the most affected. The children of Yemen will suffer psychologically and to an unfathomable extent, even after the conflict finally comes to an end. Too many children in Yemen go to sleep hungry as the country suffers an unprecedented humanitarian crisis.”
2020-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8770 (2020) · source
“We wish to express our gratitude to Martin Griffiths and Mark Lowcock for their updates and continued cooperation with the Security Council. We also commend their unwavering dedication to the people of Yemen and their efforts to find a lasting solution to the conflict. I begin by reiterating that Saint Vincent and the Grenadines stands in solidarity with the people of Yemen, who have suffered, and continue to suffer, immeasurably. We underscore yet again that the only viable solution to the crisis is an inclusive Yemeni- led and Yemeni-owned political process. That cannot be overstated. We continue to see that attempts at a military solution are counterproductive and come at the expense of the Yemeni people. As Mr.”
2020-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8770 (2020) · source
“The Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines reaffirms its principled position in relation to the Palestinian question and remains committed to achieving a negotiated two-State solution in conformity with the international consensus. We wish to emphasize our commitment to a peaceful and just solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Finally, I would also like to express our condolences on the passing of His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad, Amir of the State of Kuwait, who will most certainly be remembered for his dedication and contribution to peace and security in the region.”
2020-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8762 (2020) · source
“We commend the United Nations and its partners for their continued efforts aimed at implementing urgent humanitarian and economic interventions to help sustain lives and livelihoods of the Palestinians in Gaza. We call on Israel to end its blockade of Gaza. We commend the work of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in its rapid and responsive support to the needs of Palestinian refugees that have been exacerbated by the coronavirus disease. UNRWA continues to deliver in a constrained financial environment. In this regard, we call on the international community to redouble its support to the Agency’s new humanitarian appeal from August through December 2020 in order to address the worst impacts of the pandemic on Palestine refugees across its five fields of operation.”
2020-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8762 (2020) · source
“In this context, it is relevant to underscore that international efforts to promote a peaceful settlement can bear success only by facilitating direct and meaningful negotiations between the parties. We call on the Middle East Quartet to renew its efforts and restore belief among Palestinians and Israelis that a negotiated peace agreement remains possible. Turning to Gaza, Israel continues to intensify measures of repression against the Palestinians under its control, most flagrantly by its illegal inhumane blockade of Gaza. Over the years, the blockade has deepened poverty in Gaza. According to State of Palestine, Atlas of Sustainable Development 2020, poverty rates in Gaza are higher and more severe than in the West Bank, 53 per cent versus 13.9 per cent.”
2020-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8762 (2020) · source
“We therefore call on those responsible to respect their obligations under the Fourth Geneva Convention to ensure civilian safety, protection and well-being. We wish to draw urgent attention to the grave breaches of international law being perpetrated by Israel, despite the international community’s continuous calls for the complete, immediate cessation and reversal of settlement activities. Israel continues its illegal activities in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Demolitions and settlement activity contravene international humanitarian law and human rights law and erode the viability of the two-State solution. We strongly call on Israel to fully respect resolution 2334 (2016) and all other relevant provisions of international law and United Nations resolutions.”
2020-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8762 (2020) · source
“I also thank the Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Nickolay Mladenov, for his comprehensive briefing. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines remains deeply concerned about the trends unfolding on the ground. It is time for us as the Security Council to take significant steps that would stabilize the current situation and promote meaningful progress towards a two-State solution. The prolonged occupation and conflict have caused immense suffering for the Palestinian people, as clearly highlighted in the latest report of the Secretary-General on the implementation of resolution 2334 (2016). Consequently, we remain particularly concerned about the numerous reports of violent incidents against civilians throughout the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem.”
2020-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8762 (2020) · source
“More must be done, and more must be done now. Time is not on our side. I agree with what the Permanent Representative of Indonesia just said: it is time to make better choices.”
2020-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8757 (2020) · source
“We reaffirm our support for Special Envoy Martin Griffiths and his team, as we stand in solidarity with the people of Yemen. Finally, I must add that I am tired of saying the same thing and hearing the same thing over and over and over again in response to the reports of Mr. Griffiths and Mr. Lowcock of the fast-approaching catastrophic point of no return. I am heartbroken and frustrated. Last night on CNN, I was reminded of the horrific inhumanity when I saw the painfully disturbing images of emaciated children — countless children sick and dying of starvation — and of helpless mothers pleading for us to step up our efforts. Yes, where is our compassion? Children are dying. People are suffering. Famine in the twenty-first century is unacceptable and will be an utter disgrace — a stain on the international community.”
2020-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8757 (2020) · source
“Of equal importance to sustainable peace is accountability for all infractions of international law, including human rights abuses. We encourage the international community and all relevant actors to support Yemen’s justice system through capacity- building to allow for the effective prosecution of these crimes and to promote justice and reconciliation. We call on all parties to take concrete steps to address the issue of the FSO SAFER oil tanker. To this end, we make a resounding appeal to all parties to prioritize the environment and the people of Yemen and of the wider region. The threat posed by the FSO SAFER oil tanker is avoidable, and inaction on this issue can only be regarded as reckless. It is with a great sense of urgency that we encourage actors with influence to actively engage with the parties to make progress on this issue.”
2020-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8757 (2020) · source
“These are the perfect conditions for the realization of Under- Secretary-General Lowcock’s grave warning. In this regard, we urge all donors that have pledged funds to make the necessary disbursements as soon as possible. We recognize that humanitarian aid is not a solution, but it is indeed an avenue through which we can provide relief to the people of Yemen until a sustainable solution can be achieved. The security situation remains extremely tense and volatile, and we reiterate the need for an inclusive Yemeni-led and Yemeni-owned political process. This point cannot be overstated. The only solution is a political one, and there will be no durable political solution unless it is inclusive of all people and groups, regardless of gender, ethnicity, religious belief or other demographic variables.”
2020-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8757 (2020) · source
“We begin by extending our gratitude to Special Envoy Martin Griffiths and Under-Secretary-General Mark Lowcock, not only for their updates this morning, but also for their continued commitment to the people of Yemen. The situation in Yemen demands urgent action, and now, more than ever, we must maintain our engagement. While the window of opportunity for peace has not yet closed, it is quickly narrowing. I recall Mr. Lowcock’s previous caution to the Security Council in which he stressed that if we do not help now, Yemen may fall into the abyss (see S/PV.8753). We must act expeditiously to save Yemen and its people, who have been affected by years of conflict and now are assailed by the coronavirus disease pandemic, the threat of famine, torrential rains, economic adversity and an underfunded humanitarian response plan.”
2020-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8757 (2020) · source
“Consequently, in advancing this issue, these concerns must remain a priority, ahead of political interests and political dynamics. To avoid a catastrophe, an assessment of the condition of the tanker must be carried out and appropriate steps to eliminate any threat taken. We need to do more; we need to do better. In concluding, we reiterate our appeal to all parties to cease hostilities and return to the negotiating table. While we encourage constructive engagement with the Special Envoy, we recognize that an effective outcome can be achieved only through an inclusive Yemeni-led and Yemeni-owned political process. This is the only palpable path to the advancement of Yemen’s people, institutions and political expressions. I close by echoing Mark’s plea. We must help Yemen now or watch Yemen fall into the abyss.”
2020-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8753 (2020) · source
“We reaffirm our support for the work of the Special Envoy and all actors that have been facilitating dialogue between the parties. As Ms. Raja Abdullah Ahmed Almasabi said, we need to do more; we need to do better. We express concern over the shortfall in funding, which is impacting and hindering humanitarian operations. The disbursement of pledged funds is urgently needed to ensure the continued delivery of life-saving assistance. We need to do more; we need to do better. The Council recently convened a meeting to discuss the issue of the FSO Safer oil tanker, which remains unaddressed. We underscore that the environment, economy and people of Yemen and the region will be gravely impacted by any explosion or leak that occurs.”
2020-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8753 (2020) · source
“We extend our sincere appreciation to our briefers for their valuable updates and insights into the situation on the ground, which is, frankly, heartbreaking. The protracted conflict in Yemen continues to deteriorate, as the security situation remains volatile without a viable political solution. Coupled with this is the worsening of the humanitarian situation, which has been significantly compounded by the coronavirus disease pandemic. To that end, we underscore the need for unhindered passage of humanitarian aid to those people who are most in need. Urgent as this is, however, it is not a solution, but merely a measure to assuage the abject consequences of the crisis. The only sustainable solution is a political one.”
2020-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8753 (2020) · source
“Colombia must stay the course for its sustainable development. We extend our sincerest congratulations to Minister Blum de Barberi and all the people of Colombia as they celebrate the 210th anniversary of independence next Monday.”
2020-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8749 (2020) · source
“We are cognizant that Colombia is tasked with implementing the final agreement under extreme and difficult circumstances, but we believe that the same spirit that Colombians displayed through the fever of its history will aid them in moving forward. We are therefore confident that the resolve and tenacity exhibited by Colombian forebears in laying the solid foundation for the country through hard work and sacrifice will be renewed and demonstrated during these challenging times. The A3+1 reaffirms its support to the Government and the people of Colombia in their pursuit of lasting peace, as well as to the United Nations verification mechanism and the country team, whose work in Colombia continues to be invaluable in supporting the comprehensive implementation of the final peace agreement.”
2020-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8749 (2020) · source
“We therefore encourage the Colombian Government to continue in that vein, and we emphasize the fundamental importance of the reconciliation process, as many of our countries today have benefited from the positive aspects of such processes. Equally, we commend the efforts of the Special Investigation Unit of the Attorney General’s Office in bringing peace to victims, and urge the authorities to expedite remaining cases. Likewise, we appreciate the progress within the tripartite mechanism on transition to legality of former FARC combatants. We encourage continued cooperation to resolve outstanding issues.”
2020-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8749 (2020) · source
“While we acknowledge that the spread of COVID-19 is an additional obstacle, it is all the more reason for redoubling efforts to promote the livelihoods and development of former combatants to ensure sustainable integration and overall peace. Thirdly, we welcome the advances within the Comprehensive System of Truth, Justice, Reparation and Non-Repetition, especially within the Special Jurisdiction for Peace, particularly to ensure that communities and victims of the conflict are prioritized in the peace process. The adjustment in the working modalities to adapting to current realities is testament to the decision by the Government to continue implementing the agreement despite the pandemic.”
2020-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8749 (2020) · source
“Secondly, the implementation of the development programmes with territorial focus are crucial to the peace process. We therefore urge the Agency for Reintegration and Normalization and the National Reintegration Council to address delays in the implementation of productive projects of the national comprehensive programme for illicit crop substitution. We also call for the resolution of the situation pertaining to the allocation of lands and for the situation concerning former combatants residing outside of the territorial areas for training and reintegration to be addressed urgently. Those residual issues are indispensable for the collective reintegration of former FARC combatants, especially since economic and housing projects are vital safeguards for lives and livelihoods that facilitate successful reintegration.”
2020-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8749 (2020) · source
“In that regard, we echo the call by the Secretary-General for strengthening efforts towards longer-term reintegration with benefits for all former combatants, which will ultimately determine the long- term sustainability of peace in Colombia. Similarly, we continue to call for the cessation of hostilities of armed groups and organizations, which continue to exacerbate the suffering of Colombians through violence. We regret that the unilateral ceasefire ended and urge full compliance with the recently adopted resolution 2532 (2020), which is especially necessary during this time as the country battles the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. We further encourage the Government and the Ejército de Liberación Nacional to engage in a constructive and inclusive dialogue to that end.”
2020-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8749 (2020) · source
“We encourage the National Commission on Security Guarantees to regularly convene meetings to address security issues. It is also imperative that the authorities redouble their efforts, strengthen institutions and enhance coordination to robustly tackle this scourge of violent killings and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable. Security protection mechanisms to guarantee the safety and protection of former FARC combatants and their families must also be efficaciously applied, as they remain crucial for the proper reintegration of former combatants into Colombian society. In addition, the protection of those particularly vulnerable groups will be an important yardstick for the effectiveness of the security measures in general.”
2020-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8749 (2020) · source
“The A3+1 acknowledges the progress highlighted in the Secretary-General’s recent report (S/2020/603), including the inclusion of the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia-Ejército del Pueblo (FARC-EP) in processes to formulate regional and local development plans. However, it is of concern that the COVID-19 pandemic is delaying progress in the implementation of the peace agreement. Therefore, the A3+1 urges all parties to address more assuredly the lingering challenges outlined in the report. We take this opportunity to highlight the following. First, we are pained by the senseless killings of former combatants, human rights defenders and indigenous and Afro-Colombian leaders. The persistent violence against these most vulnerable groups, including women and children, is particularly troubling.”
2020-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8749 (2020) · source
“We also encourage the international community, including the United Nations and the Security Council, to continue providing support. Since the conclusion of Colombia’s final peace agreement, there have been setbacks as well as progress. The A3+1 urges all parties to continue advancing with the comprehensive implementation of the 2016 agreement. It remains key for the security and prosperity of all Colombians and, by extension, of the region of Latin America and the Caribbean. We are mindful that there will be impediments along the way. But Colombians must remain enterprising and prudent, as the circumstances demand the same spirit that saw them move forward on a path to sustained peace in order to overcome encumbrances and new challenges with the same tenacity.”
2020-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8749 (2020) · source
“In Colombia’s journey towards a prosperous future, the 2016 Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace is very integral. We believe it is the only viable, sustainable solution to resolving the conflict, which must be nationally led and in the interests of the Colombian people. As the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic wreaks havoc across the globe, challenging our ideas of the world as we know it and testing the resilience and tenacity of Governments and peoples, countries emerging from difficult conflicts, such as Colombia, are faced with additional challenges. The A3+1 remains in solidarity with the Government and the people of Colombia and commends the efforts by Colombians in responding to the pandemic.”
2020-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8749 (2020) · source
“I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the three African States members of the Security Council, namely, the Niger, Tunisia and South Africa, as well as Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (A3+1). We extend warm greetings to Her Excellency Ms. Claudia Blum de Barberi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Colombia, and we thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Carlos Ruiz Massieu, and Ms. Clemencia Carabalí Rodallega for their briefings. Today’s meeting is taking place six days prior to the celebration of a significant day in Colombia’s history — Independence Day — which is an auspicious occasion when Colombians everywhere are filled with unbridled elation, reflect on the past, acknowledge the present and contemplate a prosperous future for their country.”
2020-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8749 (2020) · source
“Before I cede the floor, and since this will be the last time that we have the privilege of having our colleague, Ambassador Karen Pierce with us in the Chamber, I would also like to wish Ms. Pierce all the best in her next assignment. We will surely miss her. I had so welcomed the opportunity to learn from her vast experience, knowledge and wisdom. I will cherish the short time I did share with her and continue her work and her methods. She makes all women proud. She is our dame.”
2020-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8745 (2020) · source
“The importance of inclusion in addressing and defusing underlying tensions that have ruptured the social fabric cannot be overstated. To that end, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines encourages the unconditional creation of opportunities for the meaningful involvement of all groups, particularly the marginalized. Before concluding, I must once again express our concern about the continuing denial of access to United Nations staff to the FSO SAFER oil tanker. We appeal for access to be granted in order to avoid an environmental disaster in the Red Sea. We close with a call for de-escalation and dialogue, with an immediate emphasis on saving lives and the longer-term goals of rebuilding Yemen, addressing underdevelopment and re-establishing the rule of law.”
2020-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8745 (2020) · source
“We call on the parties to the conflict to work towards a nationwide ceasefire, which would help to create an environment that can facilitate positive talks. As we seek to promote dialogue between the parties, the Council must, at a minimum, strongly discourage any actions that would jeopardize the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Yemen. Lasting peace can only be achieved through an inclusive process that allows for the recognition of the aspirations of all persons for whom peace is secured. In our endeavours towards durable peace, we emphasize the significance of ensuring an inclusive and participatory process. Such an approach would strengthen the social fabric and facilitate positive sociopolitical transformation. The involvement of all groups is critical for supporting and bolstering sustainable peace.”
2020-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8745 (2020) · source
“The commencement of such a dialogue should not depend on the implementation of agreements but rather be geared towards building trust and confidence and, ultimately, easing the suffering of people. We acknowledge that the Stockholm Agreement was able, among other things, to avert a crisis at the arterial Al-Hudaydah port, and that the Riyadh agreement addressed the immediate threat of fighting in the South. However, to await further implementation of those agreements before beginning peace talks is tantamount to inaction. Without progress on the political front, the conflict will not be resolved. In the light of the urgent need to resume dialogue, we underscore the role of the international community and urge all States to encourage the parties to engage constructively.”
2020-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8745 (2020) · source
“We thank Mr. Griffiths and Mr. Rajasingham for their updates and for their committed work and unwavering cooperation with the Council and reaffirm our support for them. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines remains deeply concerned about the worsening humanitarian situation in Yemen. At the same time, slow movement on the political track shows a deep divide between the current situation and a future of peace and prosperity for all Yemenis. However, we must not be discouraged. The Council and its members are well positioned to influence the course of events on the ground. It is clear that we need a Yemeni-owned dialogue facilitated by the United Nations, not military adventurism.”
2020-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8745 (2020) · source
“Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, as a member of the Group of Friends of Women in Afghanistan and a delegation comprised mostly of women, welcomes that the resolution recognizes the critical role of women in the peace process. However, we can and must go further than the words written on paper. We cannot emphasize enough that women are agents of change and architects of peace. This undeniable fact needs to be reflected in all peace processes. Let us do our utmost to ensure that women are crafters of, participants in and beneficiaries of peace processes.”
2020-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8742 (2020) · source
“We need to focus on the elements of sustaining peace: supporting Afghanistan’s unity, promoting reconciliation and restoring confidence in the political process. We therefore call on the international community to support the peace process and the upcoming intra-Afghan talks. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines stresses the importance of an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned peace process that leads to an inclusive, negotiated political settlement. Indeed, only through a whole-of- society approach can we make inclusive peace agreements that actually hold and bear fruit of prosperity for all of society. This means, in practical terms, having all Afghans, including minorities, young people and women, integrally involved from the making to the implementation of the peace agreement.”
2020-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8742 (2020) · source
“Let me take this opportunity to congratulate Afghanistan’s President, Ashraf Ghani, on assuming office for his second term. I would also like to acknowledge the presence of our colleague, the Permanent Representative of Qatar, and applaud her country’s role in the recent agreement that was signed in Doha on 29 February. I would like to express my gratitude to the United States for its leadership in creating the important and timely resolution 2513 (2020). Saint Vincent and the Grenadines voted in favour of the resolution with the hope that it will promote inclusive intra-Afghan negotiations that will achieve a political settlement and a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire. It will also promote the efforts of all regional and international partners of Afghanistan in informing and mobilizing support for the peace process.”
2020-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8742 (2020) · source
“Saint Vincent and the Grenadines stands in solidarity with our Haitian brothers and sisters and remains optimistic that, as the country traverses this new course in its unique history, it can achieve greater success in its goals of bringing hope to its people by building peace, stability and sustainability. We must accompany Haiti in its noble pursuit of prosperity and never abandon its people.”
2020-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8729 (2020) · source
“As we commence the second half of the Decade for People of African Descent 2015-2024, let us not lose the opportunity to address the genesis of Haiti’s underdevelopment and encourage appropriate recompense for Haiti. The fact that Haiti was made to pay, rather than receive, reparations for its experiences of mass enslavement remains lamentable. More pertinently, given that 80 per cent of its national budget was extracted for reparatory payments up until the mid-twentieth century meant that significant vacuums were created in its efforts at nation-building. The persistent underdevelopment of Haiti, rooted in those past experiences, remains crucial when considering its current reality. As the first free black nation in the Western hemisphere, Haiti is a cornerstone of our Caribbean civilization.”
2020-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8729 (2020) · source
“The prevalence of sexual and gender-based violence against women and girls and the associated lack of accountability and the impunity by members of the society, as well as those assigned by State and international bodies to protect the Haitian people, are exceedingly tragic. Those situations, coupled with the increase in food insecurity, the exploitation of Haitian children and the adverse effects of climate change require urgent attention. As Haiti navigates uncharted waters, having recently transitioned to the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti, the cross-cutting nature of peace, security and development needs to be reflected and prioritized. Before I conclude, it would be remiss of me not to stress the importance of reparations for Haiti.”
2020-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8729 (2020) · source
“Given Haiti’s kinship in our Caribbean Community (CARICOM) family and our shared history, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, together with CARICOM, is duty-bound to exhaust all possibilities to assist the people of our sister Caribbean nation in finding a peaceful solution to the present crisis. We remain steadfast in that endeavour. My delegation is mindful of lingering issues that plague Haiti, in particular the institutional shortcomings relating to the rule of law, including the need to reappoint, or replace, 32 judges and address graft and the limited participation of women in political processes, which is far-removed from the Constitution’s mandated quota of 30 per of women in the Government.”
2020-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8729 (2020) · source
“The resolution of Haiti’s constitutional crisis is paramount in that regard, and the first step towards restoring some semblance of stability in the country. Accordingly, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines calls on all Haitian parties to urgently engage in inclusive dialogue in a spirit of good faith, with a view to resolving the protracted crisis. The inability to reach an immediate political settlement by the parties can result in the recurrence of violence. Furthermore, the concomitant breakdown of law and order could have detrimental effects in the region.”
2020-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8729 (2020) · source
“Permit me, on behalf of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, to express our sincerest condolences to the Government and the people of Haiti on the deaths of babies and children in last week’s fire at the Orphanage of the Church of Bible Understanding in Port-au- Prince. Our prayers and thoughts are with the families of the victims. We welcome and thank today’s briefers for their very informative presentations. The current situation in Haiti is unquestionably dire, which today’s briefings underscored. The international community has a formidable task in providing comprehensive and sustained support to assist Haiti in the alleviation of its difficulties, specifically the ongoing political impasse, which has paralysed the country.”
2020-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8729 (2020) · source