YouSaid · the spoken record

Kristel Lõuk.

lines on the record

25

first

2020-06-18

most recent

2021-03-30

sittings or episodes

5

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

1. “The comprehensive review is an excellent opportunity to reflect on the scope of the resolution and the mandate of the Committee and its Group of Experts. Estonia stands ready to ensure that the review process is inclusive, thorough and substantive, and that it takes into account the evolving nature of risks of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. As terrorists and non-State actors adapt to new realities and technologies and the threat landscape evolves, so too must our responses. Resolution 1540 (2004) is an essential part of the international disarmament and non-proliferation architecture. Estonia remains fully committed to supporting and contributing to the work of the 1540 Committee.”

   2021-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/325 (2021) · source

2. “We also welcome its active engagement and cooperation with the Office for Disarmament Affairs, with international organizations, such as the International Atomic Energy Agency, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and INTERPOL, as well as with civil society, industry and academia. The biannual Wiesbaden Conferences are a good example of how private sector engagement can provide support by identifying measures to prevent non-State actors from acquiring weapons of mass destruction. Despite the disruptions caused by coronavirus disease pandemic, we are hopeful that the Committee can soon finalize the comprehensive review on the status of the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004).”

   2021-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/325 (2021) · source

3. “We encourage those States that have not yet submitted their reports to do so without delay. We also agree with the Chair of the Committee that national implementation action plans are useful tools for identifying gaps and vulnerabilities in regulations and control mechanisms so that necessary and appropriate action can follow. We like to see that States continue to submit their national implementation plans and share their best practices. Assistance and cooperation measures can help make the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) more effective. We welcome the Committee’s efforts to provide assistance by matching States’ requests with offers of assistance from other States or international, regional and subregional organizations.”

   2021-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/325 (2021) · source

4. “The use of chemical weapons in Syria and Iraq by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant, the proliferation of missiles and its components to non-State actors in the Middle East are some recent reminders of the risks involved. Resolution 1540 (2004) remains one of the most critical instruments for preventing and countering those threats. Over the years, it has demonstrated its relevance in guiding Member States to take all necessary measures to prevent non- State actors from acquiring nuclear, chemical, biological or radiological weapons, or the equipment necessary for their production. We need to ensure that the resolution and its implementation remains effective and strong. In that context, it is encouraging to see that the number of States that have submitted their first reports to the Committee has reached 184.”

   2021-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/325 (2021) · source

5. “Let me begin by thanking Ambassador Juan Ramón de la Fuente Ramírez for his briefing and for his and his team’s work since he assumed the position of Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004). I also wish to commend the dedicated and professional work of the 1540 Committee’s Group of Experts. Their expertise and knowledge provide greatly support the work of the Committee and have been instrumental in strengthening the implementation of the resolution. The risk of terrorists or other non-State actors acquiring weapons of mass destruction is a real and serious threat to international security.”

   2021-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/325 (2021) · source

6. “I agree with the Special Representative on the importance of introducing a joint working group to support the implementation of the joint strategy on the progressive transfer of tasks and sustainable drawdown of MONUSCO.”

   2021-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/316 (2021) · source

7. “Alternative economic opportunities for ex-combatants and their communities should be provided through the swift implementation of decentralized programmes for disarmament, demobilization, community reintegration and stabilization. Lastly, I would like to commend MONUSCO for its effective performance in strengthening its response to threats against civilians, despite the impact of COVID-19. On MONUSCO transition, we believe that further consensus-building between MONUSCO and local protection actors would contribute to the implementation of community-based security sector reform. We likewise see benefits in the Joint Justice Reform Support Programme addressing the strengthening of justice and prison sector reforms.”

   2021-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/316 (2021) · source

8. “Moreover, the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, the resurgence of Ebola, the migration of peoples, food insecurity and protection issues have aggravated the existing challenges, leaving 19.6 million Congolese in need of protection and humanitarian assistance and causing 5.2 million persons to be internally displaced. We appraise the commitment of the new political coalition to overcoming the humanitarian challenges, in cooperation with international partners. The root causes of the conflict must be addressed and concrete steps taken. That includes combating hate speech and addressing the illegal exploitation of natural resources and the traffic in small arms.”

   2021-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/316 (2021) · source

9. “We believe that further cooperation between MONUSCO and the Congolese authorities, the United Nations Joint Human Rights Office and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights would help Congolese authorities in their efforts to combat impunity and bring justice to civilians who suffer atrocities. We are still struck by the recent tragic incident and the loss of the Italian Ambassador and the World Food Programme convoy staff. The incident and complex humanitarian situation, however, underline the reality of the Congolese people.”

   2021-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/316 (2021) · source

10. “However, intercommunal tensions and clashes between community- based armed groups, accompanied by incidents of conflict-related sexual violence, continue to escalate. We believe that raising confidence in the Congolese security and defence forces would serve as an additional tool to strengthen FARDC capabilities and reducing tensions. In the context of human rights, it is a worrying trend that human rights violations and abuses, including conflict-related sexual violence, continue to be perpetrated by State agents and armed groups alike.”

    2021-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/316 (2021) · source

11. “At the same time, these positive developments are overshadowed by ongoing human rights violations and abuses by armed groups in eastern provinces, in particular by the Allied Democratic Forces, some of which may amount to crimes against humanity. It is critical that Congolese security and defence forces enhance the preparedness of the Forces armées de la République démocratique du Congo (FARDC) and its ability to conduct operations effectively, and ensure the timely and coordinated investigation and prosecution of perpetrators of the serious violations and international crimes. It is important to ensure Congolese ownership throughout the process. We note that in some provinces the attacks against civilians have slightly declined.”

    2021-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/316 (2021) · source

12. “I thank the briefers of their comprehensive review. Let me also use this opportunity to congratulate the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Bintou Keita, on her appointment. At the outset, we welcome the developments in the political situation and the formation of a majority coalition. We believe that these developments bring positive prospects of stability to the Congolese people and international actors. We likewise praise commitments by President Tshisekedi to encouraging the greater representation of women in the national Parliament and their participation in public life.”

    2021-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/316 (2021) · source

13. “We call upon all Palestinian factions to commit to democratic principles and urge the Israeli authorities to facilitate the holding of elections across the entire Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem.”

    2021-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/302 (2021) · source

14. “We regret the continued settlement activity by Israel in the occupied Palestinian territories, including in East Jerusalem. It is also worrying that the demolition and confiscation of Palestinian structures and properties is continuing at a growing pace. We urge Israel to halt these activities as they are contrary to international law. Another matter of concern is the persistent acts of sporadic violence. We call upon all parties to refrain from fuelling incitement to violence and hate speech and make further efforts to break the cycle of violence. We welcome the continued engagement of the Palestinian factions to prepare for the upcoming legislative, presidential and National Council elections.”

    2021-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/302 (2021) · source

15. “We welcome the cooperation in combating the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and urge the parties to undertake further coordinated efforts, ensuring access and distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine to all Palestinians. There is also room for increased cooperation to overcome the economic crisis. Such steps would be to the benefit of both parties. We hope that this week’s Israeli elections increase political stability and improve dialogue. Unfortunately, the situation on the ground continues to be worrying, as we also heard in the Special Coordinator’s briefing. Estonia condemns the recent rocket attack in Beer Sheva by Hamas. We reiterate our call to all parties to implement resolution 2334 (2016) and refrain from any unilateral steps that increase tensions or undermine the viability of the two-State solution.”

    2021-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/302 (2021) · source

16. “I thank Special Coordinator Wennesland for his briefing. Estonia remains committed to supporting a two-State solution, based on international law, relevant Security Council resolutions and internationally agreed parameters. We call for and support the active engagement of the members of the Middle East Quartet as well as the countries in the region to help create favourable conditions for the resumption of direct meaningful negotiations on all final-status issues. Finding a long-lasting solution to this conflict is in the interest of the whole region and beyond. We also call for continued practical steps by the parties to strengthen bilateral cooperation and rebuild mutual trust and confidence.”

    2021-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/302 (2021) · source

17. “That organization continues to mount attacks on international security forces as well as local communities in the tri-border area of Mali, Burkina Faso and the Niger. In those areas, terrorism is closely interlinked with other forms of communal violence. Therefore, in order to address extremism and terrorism, we need a holistic approach that could build truly resilient communities. Greater attention must be given to lowering intercommunal tensions and nurturing political reconciliation. Such activities often start at the grass-roots level. Finally, the question of accountability and denying impunity to the perpetrators of crimes against civilians is an essential part of countering terrorism. It is also vital to healing communities, restoring trust and creating the conditions for sustainable peace.”

    2020-08-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/836 (2020) · source

18. “However, we must remain vigilant. We appreciate the role played by the European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation and the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation in combating all forms of terrorism in European Union and beyond, and we welcome the increased cooperation of those agencies with the United Nations. Despite the aforementioned positive developments, we remain concerned about conflict-affected areas where ISIL continues to undermine regional security. As such, we note that compared with last year, attacks have increased in ISIL core areas, in both Syria and Iraq. Estonia further recognizes the threat posed by the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara.”

    2020-08-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/836 (2020) · source

19. “We thank Under-Secretary-General Voronkov and Assistant Secretary- General Coninsx for their comprehensive briefings, which introduced fresh findings as contained in the report of the Secretary-General (S/2020/774) on the threat posed by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and its affiliates. Estonia notes that the command-and-control arrangements between the ISIL core and its so-called provinces are loosening. Further, the ongoing pandemic has resulted in travel restrictions, which, according to the report, have complicated terrorist planning and operations, making it harder for terrorists to move, recruit and raise funds. In the light of those changes, it is encouraging to hear that at least temporarily, the direct threat posed by terrorism appears to have decreased in various regions across the globe.”

    2020-08-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/836 (2020) · source

20. “Today this has become even more relevant, as there is an urgent need to identify and reach vulnerable people efficiently from a distance during periods of lockdown and travel restrictions while simultaneously guaranteeing their security and privacy. Finally, as this year we are marking World Refugee Day in this time of COVID-19, I would like to underline that the international community should better address the needs of displaced persons during this pandemic, ensuring that they are fully protected by international human rights law, humanitarian law and refugee law.”

    2020-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/560 (2020) · source

21. “Estonia has contributed to alleviating the IDP situation in Ukraine by supporting the UNHCR’s programmes with earmarked funds of $200,000. In addition, the Estonian non-governmental organization Refugee Help has worked towards securing the livelihoods of refugees and IDPs in Ukraine.It has become more evident than ever that we need digital solutions in improving the ability of the international community to collectively respond to crises. The COVID-19 pandemic has proved that digitization is key to securing business continuity and service delivery in global health crises. During the Global Refugee Forum, Estonia pledged to cooperate with the UNHCR on digital identification, and since then we have been taking steps to implement that pledge.”

    2020-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/560 (2020) · source

22. “Estonia is committed to helping those in need and has financially contributed to help to alleviate the effects of COVID-19 in Syria and Libya and in the framework of the Regional Refugee and Migrant Response Plan for Refugees and Migrants from Venezuela. As we just heard from the High Commissioner, the global number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) is estimated at around 46 million. It is deplorable that owing to the Russian aggression in Ukraine, which has lasted six years already, there are more than 1.4 million IDPs across the country. The situation of displaced persons in Ukraine is precarious. Women and children residing in rural areas, as well as elderly people, are in especially vulnerable positions.”

    2020-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/560 (2020) · source

23. “The situation is worsened when displaced people face barriers in accessing health services and experience food insecurity due to various factors. We need immediate measures as well as contributions to mitigate the unprecedented social and economic impact on refugees and other forcibly displaced people. Given the critical humanitarian situation in north-west Syria, where there are some 2.8 million people in need, we call on the members of the Security Council to support the renewal of the cross-border aid mechanism in July. With regard to the dire situation in Yemen, where more people have been displaced as a result of the continued fighting and where there is the possibility of a cholera outbreak, full access into and within Yemen for international aid workers, medicine and medical supplies must be ensured.”

    2020-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/560 (2020) · source

24. “We recognize the crucial role of the Council and its member States in seeking to take unified action to address the root causes of displacement. Resolving global security crises and sustaining peace is our joint responsibility. For that reason, we are glad to see international efforts, such as the European Union Naval Force Mediterranean Operation IRINI, working in close cooperation with the United Nations Support Mission in Libya in tackling the growing terrorism threat and transboundary criminal activities such as arms and human trafficking. In the light of the global pandemic, humanitarian aid has become more important than ever. People on the move are much more likely to find themselves in vulnerable positions that can expose them to the risks associated with COVID-19.”

    2020-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/560 (2020) · source

25. “I would like to thank the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Mr. Grandi, for his comprehensive briefing today and for the resilient and determined efforts he has shown throughout his work. As refugees and other people displaced by conflict are especially vulnerable to the impact of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) crisis, we highly commend the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) for scaling up the responses in these critical times. Estonia has been a stable contributor to the UNHCR. Since 2001 we have supported the Office with operational grants as well as with direct contributions towards helping to alleviate specific humanitarian crises around the world. Today we are witnessing an unprecedented number of people around the world being forced from their homes by conflict or persecution.”

    2020-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/560 (2020) · source