YouSaid · the spoken record

Lacroix

lines on the record: 1,191
first: 2006-08-31
most recent: 2023-11-14
sittings or episodes: 115
sources: un-security-council

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“It is not feasible for MINUSMA to implement its additional strategic priority in the centre without additional resources. Attempting to do so has resulted in dangerous gaps in areas in northern Mali where the Mission’s presence is critical and urgently needed, such as Ménaka and Gao. In order to address that challenge, MINUSMA has developed a viable plan to adapt its uniformed components within the authorized troop and police strength, while taking into account the needs of the civilian component to effectively implement its mandate in central and northern Mali.”
2020-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8703 (2020) · source
“Its increased presence and activity in the Mopti region has contributed to preventing a further escalation of intercommunal violence and large-scale massacres. The establishment of temporary operating bases has increased MINUSMA’s ability to provide security, protect the local population and facilitate the return of the national security forces and Government services to the Koro, Bankass and Bandiagara cercles. Recent visits to the Mopti region, conducted by the Malian authorities and MINUSMA, have further reinforced the collaboration between the Mission and the host Government. The Mission’s added focus on central Mali has required it to divert key capabilities — such as air assets, its quick reaction force, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets — from Gao to Mopti, as outlined in the report (S/2019/983).”
2020-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8703 (2020) · source
“I would also like to express my gratitude to Special Representative of the Secretary-General Annadif and MINUSMA colleagues, who have provided critical support for the accelerated disarmament, demobilization and reintegration process and for facilitating the deployment of those units to Kidal and eventually the entire north, further demonstrating the critical role that MINUSMA plays in creating the conditions for the peace process to unfold. In recent months, in line with resolution 2480 (2019), MINUSMA has done its utmost to implement its second strategic priority in the centre of the country, while continuing to carry out tasks in support of its primary strategic priority in the north.”
2020-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8703 (2020) · source
“The redeployment of the reconstituted units of the Malian defence and security forces to northern Mali remains an urgent priority. On 6 January, the Malian authorities started the deployment of the first reconstituted battalion from Bamako to Kidal via Gao. It is expected to arrive in Kidal by the end of the month. That is an important step towards restoring State authority across the country. The deployment of the reconstituted units will also pave the way for the redeployment of a more effective State administration and public services — most importantly, justice officials, teachers and health workers in the north. I commend the Malian parties for reaching agreement on the modalities for the redeployment and the progress made to date. Their continued commitment and perseverance will be essential to achieving that important goal.”
2020-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8703 (2020) · source
“But more needs to be done in a context where growing security challenges threaten to reverse the hard-won gains made since the signing of the peace agreement. (spoke in English) The rapid and thorough implementation of the peace agreement remains the only viable path for the stabilization of Mali. It provides a framework for the political and institutional reforms required to restore and decentralize State authority in order to build a Malian State that reflects the diversity and interests of all its citizens. The peace agreement also provides for mechanisms to address the grievances of those Malians who feel excluded from the country’s political life and economic development and who see little hope for their future.”
2020-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8703 (2020) · source
“We hope that the conclusion of the dialogue will also give new and urgent impetus to the implementation of the peace agreement. It is now important that the Agreement Monitoring Committee resume its meetings. In that connection, I welcome the forthcoming session of that high-level Committee on 19 January. It is essential that the signatory parties seize that opportunity to agree on concrete next steps to achieve the goals set out in resolution 2480 (2019). Significant progress has been made, including the disarmament and integration of former combatants into the defence and security forces and the creation of the legal framework for the establishment of the northern development zone.”
2020-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8703 (2020) · source
“We regret, however, the absence of opposition parties from the national dialogue. The conclusion of the inclusive national dialogue is a welcome development. It is now important that the Government of Mali respect its commitment to implementing the outcome and continue to reach out to members of the opposition. That will require charting a clear path for the future, including the adoption and implementation of a revised electoral and reform timetable, as well as the holding of legislative elections and a constitutional referendum. I urge all political actors to work together constructively to implement the conclusions of the dialogue. The Malian people need to see and feel that their voice has been heard and their concerns taken into account.”
2020-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8703 (2020) · source
“The inclusive national dialogue was concluded in Bamako on 22 December, nine months after it was announced. The process was at times difficult, but the consultations within the framework of the dialogue were thorough and inclusive, without any taboo subjects. I congratulate the Government of Mali and all stakeholders who have participated peacefully and constructively throughout the country. Their ideas, opinions and concerns are important and should be taken into account as we move forward. I am particularly encouraged by the high level of participation of women in that respect. There can be no lasting peace without their contribution. I also commend the Coordination des mouvements de l’Azawad for having joined the final stages of the dialogue and for its valuable contribution to the discussions.”
2020-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8703 (2020) · source
“We have seen an increase in improvised explosive device attacks on our convoys, which have wounded several Blue Helmets. These incidents occur almost daily or at least with great frequency. I also note that the protective measures that the force has been taking for over a year have helped to limit casualties, although more must be done in that regard. Terrorism continues to fuel intercommunal violence in central Mali. There are now more displaced people suffering from hunger in the Mopti region than in the past. Politically, the implementation of the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali has been slow and uneven. Important decisions have been postponed due to disagreements between and among the signatory parties. However, significant progress has also been made.”
2020-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8703 (2020) · source
“I thank you, Mr. President, for the opportunity to address the Council today in the presence of His Excellency Mr. Tiébilé Dramé, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Mali, on the recent developments in the situation in Mali. I welcome Mr. Dramé. The security situation in Mali and in the Sahel region as a whole is deteriorating at an alarming rate. Last week, 18 peacekeepers were wounded in an attack on the camp of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) in Tessalit, and recently 89 Nigerien soldiers were killed in an attack on their base near the Malian border. On 4 January, 14 children lost their lives in an attack on a bus close to the Malian border in northern Burkina Faso. Terrorist groups are proliferating in the Ménaka and Gao regions.”
2020-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8703 (2020) · source
“Therefore, these training programmes have been developed in very close consultation with Member States and by listening carefully to what our mission has to say in that regard. Of course, we are also making more and more requests to our police-contributing countries to provide us with police officers with those specific skills, which are increasingly needed in our mission.”
2019-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8661 (2019) · source
“I would also like to address what the representative of Indonesia referred to regarding some of the key elements that we would like to enhance in order to improve the skills and capacity of our police component. I already mentioned the issues of language, facilities and accommodations and further increasing the role and participation of women, but I think it is also important to highlight the increasing need for very specific skills in the United Nations Police and which some statements have referred to. They include skills in criminal investigation, gender-based violence and organized crime, among a number of other things. What I would like to say in that regard is that the Police Division has developed very specific training groups and programmes to address this increasing need for some of the skills that I mentioned, inter alia.”
2019-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8661 (2019) · source
“As the Council knows, we are in the process of working with the Sudanese authorities within the tripartite task force that we created with the AU to determine, in very close consultation with the Sudanese authorities, what the modalities and key priorities of a follow-on presence could be. It is a bit early to say more about that, but it seems to be quite clear that it is likely that this follow-on presence could have a strong capacity-building element following what the State liaison functions are doing. When we talk about capacity-building in peacekeeping or peacebuilding, I think that we are essentially talking about the key State capacities that have to do with security and the rule of law, and therefore the role of the police is very important.”
2019-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8661 (2019) · source
“I would also like to highlight that the last United Nations Police Commanders course, which was organized with the support of Germany, had 50 per cent female attendees. I think that there is therefore a lot being done to further open the possibility for women to apply and be deployed, including in senior positions. The President asked a question about the follow- on presence of the United Nations and the African Union (AU) in the Sudan, and Darfur in particular. The State liaison functions certainly have a very important rule-of-law component, including a police component. They are very active in capacity-building. The State liaison functions are a vehicle for transitioning from peacekeeping to peacebuilding.”
2019-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8661 (2019) · source
“We hope that the possibility of reducing the length of deployment to six months will make it easier for women, particularly women with families, to consider deploying in the United Nations Police. The Police Division has rolled out a number of training programmes and encouraged women to apply to them, with a view to enhancing the capacity of female police officers to apply for a position in the United Nations Police. There are also a number of training sessions that are only for female police officers. I attended one in China last year and was very impressed not only by the level of training but also by how motivated the female officers being trained were and how eager they were to be deployed.”
2019-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8661 (2019) · source
“The second element has to do with the continuing issue of bias and misperception, which I believe was raised by my colleague to my left. As I said, I think that there is an awareness of the critical importance of increasing the number of women in United Nations Police among Member States, and certainly among ourselves. But we still have to work on those biases and misperceptions, which have to do with providing adequate training and improving sensitization. The Police Division has also made it easier for women to deploy for a shorter length of time, which is something that the Office of Military Affairs has done for female police officers as well.”
2019-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8661 (2019) · source
“Mr. Lacroix: I will be brief. There were a few additional questions on women, and I am sure that there will be many elements in the answer to that question by the Heads of the police component. But I think that on the issue of what needs to be done, we should not only be increasing the number of women in peacekeeping and the United Nations Police but also making the environment more welcoming and appropriate for them. The first question in that regard was about accommodations and facilities. I think that it is quite clear that although a lot of work has been done in that regard, for which I would like to salute the role of the Department of Operational Support, more needs to be done to make the physical environment of our peacekeeping operations fully welcoming to women, particularly in the police.”
2019-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8661 (2019) · source
“We do encourage our troop- and police-contributing countries, especially those where neither French nor Arabic is commonly spoken, to make a specific effort to train at least some of their officers in those languages. Of course, having additional skills in local languages is also very important. I think the question of language is generally important in our peace operations, but it is even more so when it comes to police, and we are strongly encouraging our police-contributing countries to continue their language efforts. Moreover, this area lends itself to partnerships.”
2019-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8661 (2019) · source
“As the Council knows, we are promoting all kinds of innovative ways of filling those gaps, including with the concept of equipment- contributing countries or any kind of partnership. I would also mention two important areas. I already mentioned the first area - the importance of continuing our efforts to increase the number of women in our units. The second deficit we are facing has to do with language. We are too often confronted with not enough formed police units and, particularly police officers, with adequate skills in the languages that are common in the areas where we have peacekeeping operations deployed. In that regard, I would mention French and Arabic.”
2019-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8661 (2019) · source
“We are making ongoing efforts to enhance gender-sensitive training, which I mentioned previously, and have gender advisers and other staff in our mission who are engaged in gender-sensitive conflict analysis. The representative of the United States asked a question about major shortcomings we still find in units we wish to deploy. I will mention a few. First of all, I think it is fair to say that we still have equipment deficits. There was a reference to the shortcomings of some units with regard to key protective equipment, including, in some cases, mine-protected vehicles. On that issue, the percentage of units with severe equipment deficits has decreased globally, but we still have to continue in that direction.”
2019-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8661 (2019) · source
“Most of our police-contributing countries are gradually increasing the number of women formed police units. We have a number of heads of police components who are women. There is already awareness of the issue. What is important now is to continue to encourage the police-contributing countries to maintain those efforts and to make sure that there is adequate training, not only for female police officers and senior leadership, but also to make people aware of the importance of having a female-friendly work environment and to include women in our police and military contingents. There was another question regarding the gender perspective. I think this has to do with training and analysis.”
2019-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8661 (2019) · source
“We must also improve our ability to protect our personnel and further raise awareness of personnel behaviour and discipline, which has led to a reduction in allegations made against police and in the number of victims of hostile actions. There is still work to be done in several important areas: review of standard operating procedures, review of specific policies and guidelines on bolstering the security and safety of units. More generally, we are in the process of organizing a workshop next month in Entebbe in order to take stock of our efforts with regard to the effectiveness of our police units. (spoke in English) There was a question about our efforts with regard to women. I think that there is now greater awareness among police-contributing countries regarding the importance of providing us with more women peacekeepers.”
2019-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8661 (2019) · source
“It allows us to assess the strengths and weaknesses of each unit and, following that assessment, to have a dialogue with the troop- and police-contributing countries to overcome any shortcomings or possible weaknesses. Following the implementation of those tools, I think that first we are now able to have a very clear picture of the situation regarding the different units and to increase the efforts of troop- and police-contributing countries in terms of training, both of the leadership of the units and of their personnel. We have also seen an improvement in our equipment levels, although more progress is needed in that regard.”
2019-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8661 (2019) · source
“In other words, it is a comprehensive tool that illustrates the outcomes of each of the mission components in the overall implementation of the mandate. That is the first thing. Despite the fact that this tool has been deployed within missions relatively recently, it allows each of the mission's stakeholders to have a more overall picture of the criteria that allow us to evaluate whether the mission is fulfilling its mandate and to what extent and to develop a common vision of the main goals and the main assessment criteria. We now have a second tool that has been developed and implemented for police units more specifically. That also exists for military units. It is a specific tool for evaluating police units.”
2019-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8661 (2019) · source
“Mr. Lacroix: I believe there was a question on the performance assessment tool that we have rolled out from the representative of Belgium. (spoke in French) Regarding the performance assessment tools, there are two relevant categories. The first is the comprehensive performance assessment system, which covers all relevant aspects for evaluating mandate implementation. The assessment system is already being implemented in six missions. It will be rolled out in four more missions by next spring. It is a holistic evaluation. That is to say, based on various evaluation elements, it allows us to assess the way in which the mission is discharging its mandate. With respect to the police component, the tool allows us to evaluate the performance of the different units in terms of the entire mandate.”
2019-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8661 (2019) · source
“UNPOL is fully committed to our collective effort to improve the performance and impact of peace operations. Allow me to reiterate that we are grateful for Member States' ongoing commitment to our work in all areas of A4P, and in particular for the support provided to United Nations police. I trust that we can continue to count on that support.”
2019-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8661 (2019) · source
“Our continued vigilance remains essential, and we rely on the full cooperation of all troop- and police-contributing countries to advance our goal of fully implementing a zero-tolerance policy. In conclusion, while much progress has been made through the Action for Peacekeeping (A4P) initiative on making peacekeeping, including United Nations police, fit for the challenges we face, we are still at the start of the journey and we cannot go it alone. For our part, I commit to reinforcing our efforts to support political processes, enhance our performance and make peacekeeping missions stronger and safer. By aligning our reporting with the A4P agenda, we aim to provide clearer, more consistent information to inform decision-making by our Member States.”
2019-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8661 (2019) · source
“I would like to pay tribute to Major Diouf from Senegal, currently serving in the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, who was awarded the title of female police officer of the year yesterday. Her dedication and commitment are an inspiration to all ofus and, most certainly, to her fellow female police officers, as well as to the vulnerable women she is helping every day. We all know that the whole of United Nations peacekeeping is undermined when our standards of conduct are violated, especially when it comes to sexual exploitation and abuse. I am therefore pleased to report that we have seen a steady downward trend in claims of sexual exploitation and abuse in peacekeeping, from 104 claims in 2016 to 55 in 2018.”
2019-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8661 (2019) · source
“To oversee those efforts, the Police Division has created a task force to address the needs of our police officers across the spectrum, from predeployment assessment and training to in-mission and specialized training to post-duty care. Increasing the number of women peacekeepers means making peacekeeping more effective. To date, we have met our targets for the percentage of women peacekeepers deployed as individual officers and as part of formed units, which stands at 26.8 per cent and 10.9 per cent, respectively. As the targets are baselines not ceilings, more work remains to be done. I therefore call on police-contributing countries to redouble their efforts to deploy more women.”
2019-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8661 (2019) · source
“The evaluations of our police commissioners give us a comprehensive view of strength, capacities and limitations and allow us to make more informed selection decisions through monthly performance meetings, which I chair. The roll-out of the comprehensive performance assessment system (CPAS) in five missions provides a platform to assess the overall performance of our components, including that of police components. What we have seen so far is that CPAS has strengthened unity of purpose and cross- component planning, while enhancing data collection. We are also revising our approach to training. A new curriculum based on the Strategic Guidance Framework for International Police Peacekeeping will enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of all UNPOL activities in the field.”
2019-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8661 (2019) · source
“Owing to increased crime, the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei police component has started to expand those committees, particularly among women. A total of 172 members of joint protection companies, including 18 women, have received basic training from UNPOL to provide law and order in the Amiet common market. Commissioner Gahonzire will brief the Council on the community protection committee concept in more detail. Our efforts to enhance performance are guided by the provisions of resolution 2436 (2018). We have made significant progress in that regard, including by strengthening internal evaluations as a core element of the action plan to improve the safety and security of United Nations peacekeepers. Since January 2018, we have undertaken over 40 assessments of operational readiness visits.”
2019-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8661 (2019) · source
“The role of United Nations police in ensuring the delivery of the mandated activities of the state-liaison function is critical, particularly with regard to UNAMID's efforts to strengthen rule of law capacities. In Mali, police of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali are contributing to building key national rule of law capacities and are partnering in that effort with other stakeholders, such as the European Union. Protection is also one of the key roles of United Nations police, in close cooperation with our civilian and military colleagues. In Abyei, protection committees have been established to fill the void in the absence of a functioning police service.”
2019-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8661 (2019) · source
“Partnerships with regional and subregional organizations, as well as across the United Nations system, are critical in every area of our work and particularly in facilitating transitions. In Darfur, we are collaborating closely with the African Union to plan for the transition and exit of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) with a view to sustaining gains and preventing a relapse into conflict. UNAMID and the United Nations country team have pioneered a unique approach to jointly deliver programmatic activities in four states, through state-liaison functions in three key areas, namely, the rule oflaw, durable solutions, resilience and livelihoods, and human rights.”
2019-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8661 (2019) · source
“In fact, our missions are increasingly faced with challenges that call for a response that the United Nations police is particularly well placed to provide, including the challenge of dealing with high concentrations of the population, whether it be in urban areas or internally displaced persons camps, the need to respond to such emerging challenges and threats as organized crime and international terrorism, and the need to build the national capacities of host States, particularly in the area of the rule of law. I would like to pay tribute to our dedicated men and women serving in UNPOL, both at Headquarters and, particularly, the field, often in very difficult and challenging conditions.”
2019-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8661 (2019) · source
“I thank everyone - police, troop and financial contributors, members of the General Assembly and the Security Council - for supporting A4P. Today I will highlight some of what we have achieved through ongoing efforts to reinforce peacekeeping, as well as those areas that require progress. I also welcome Member States' plans for advancing the A4P agenda. While the overall number of peacekeepers has decreased in recent years as a result ofthe closure ofsome of our missions that have completed their mandates, the role of police in peacekeeping is likely to grow in the near future.”
2019-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8661 (2019) · source
“Mr. Lacroix: Thank you, Mr. President, for convening this briefing on the strategic priorities of United Nations police components in peace operations. I am pleased to be joined by our Police Commissioners currently serving in Abyei, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Mali. This annual briefing serves as an opportunity to reaffirm the vital role that United Nations police (UNPOL) play in peace operations and to reflect on the ways in which we might better support their essential work, from conflict prevention to peacekeeping and peacebuilding. In 2018, the Secretary-General launched the Action for Peacekeeping (A4P) initiative, calling on all stakeholders to collectively address the challenges facing peacekeeping and to renew their collective engagement.”
2019-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8661 (2019) · source
“In that regard, we seek the support ofthe Security Council for the Secretary-General's recommendations as set out in the report before the Council and to extend the mandate of UNISFA and its support to the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism by an additional period of six months.”
2019-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8644 (2019) · source
“Their presence has had a deterrent effect, filling the gap deriving from the absence of the formal governance institutions and supporting community reconciliation and law and order efforts. In that context, the Secretary-General has recommended that the role and capacity of UNISFA to engage in local mediation, provide political support for dialogue between the two parties and fulfil protection-related tasks should be strengthened. At this critical juncture of transition in both countries, it is critical that the only international mechanism of writing in the border area be equipped with the appropriate mandate, capabilities and assets. That would also send a strong signal to the parties that the United Nations remains committed to maintaining stability in the Area.”
2019-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8644 (2019) · source
“Both countries have never been closer to achieving sustainable peace with each other and with their armed oppositions as they continue to support respective peace processes. Building on the recent positive developments in their bilateral relations, the two sides need to resume direct talks immediately to resolve outstanding provisions of the agreements in relation to the final status of Abyei and border issues. We continue to work closely with the African Union, in particular the African Union High-level Implementation Panel, in support of a political process between the two parties. In the meantime, UNISFA and the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism continue to play a key role in stabilizing the security situation on the ground.”
2019-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8644 (2019) · source
“The review mission also stressed the urgent need to deploy civilian personnel with expertise in political and civil affairs to Mission headquarters, JBVMM headquarters and the liaison offices in Khartoum, Juba and Addis Ababa. A small office should also be established under the Community Liaison Office to focus on criminality, justice and detention issues. As for the request by the Council to appoint a civilian deputy head of mission for UNISFA, the Sudan maintains its objection on the grounds that such an appointment would be inconsistent with the 2011 Agreement. We witnessed an unprecedented opportunity to resolve the border-related issues between the Sudan and South Sudan.”
2019-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8644 (2019) · source
“Informed by those recommendations, the two options presented to the Council include, first, to comply with the reduction of troops set out in resolution 2469 (2019), and, secondly, to seek the postponement of the second phase of the reduction of the additional 295 troops until the end ofthe dry season, in April 2020. The second option would be preferable, as it would provide UNISFA with the sufficient forces to fulfil its mandate, given the recent security and political developments on the ground. In any event, further efforts will be made to implement the police-related provisions of resolution 2469 (2019), including the deployment of at least one formed police unit and 140 individual police officers by January 2020.”
2019-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8644 (2019) · source
“We stand ready to take every possible effort in order to enable the J BVMM. to reach its full operating capability, provided that the two countries abide by their commitment to implementing the outcomes of the border management discussions. As for the reconfiguration of UNISFA, the military and police capabilities studies have recommended that the Mission update its operational concept and improve its capabilities with regard to peacekeeping intelligence and the protection of civilians by readjusting its enablers. Specifically, the proposed actions included upgrading its mobility with night-flying assets, enhancing its engineering and medical capabilities and deploying personnel with the appropriate skills. The new operational concept is expected to take six months to implement.”
2019-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8644 (2019) · source
“The overall objectives ofthose exercises were to assess the capacity of UNISFA to implement its mandate and support for the JBVMM, and to propose recommendations regarding its structure, capabilities, and posture to fulfil all its mandated tasks, based on the current and projected security situation. With respect to UNISFA support to the JBVMM, in the light of the recent efforts taken by the Sudan and South Sudan on border issues, we welcome the decision of the Security Council to allow a one-month technical roll-over of the mandate of the Mission until 15 November. Furthermore, in his letter to the Security Council dated 20 September (S/2019/768), the Secretary-General proposed a six-month extension of UNISFA's support to the JBVMM. The JBVMM. plays an important role as a monitoring and confidence-building measure between the parties.”
2019-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8644 (2019) · source
“While the Government of the Sudan has indicated its willingness to participate in a joint planning exercise for the establishment of the Abyei police service, South Sudan has not responded to such an initiative. That is of paramount concern, since the general security situation in Abyei remains fragile, with persisting intercommunal tensions, the increase in criminality and the sporadic presence of armed elements in the area. The community protection committees, which act as the alternative local security response mechanism, continue to suffer from a lack of logistical, administrative and financial resources. In accordance with paragraph 34 of resolution 2469 (2019), in August and September the Secretariat conducted an assessment mission, in conjunction with a military and police capability study.”
2019-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8644 (2019) · source
“In addition, from 11 to 13 October, the ad hoc committee for the disputed 14 Mile Area visited the JBVMM's sector headquarters in Gok Machar and its team site at Sumayah/War-Abar to assess the redeployment of forces and the opening of the Meiram- Aweil border crossing. The 14 Mile ad hoc committee is to hold one more meeting before the next meeting ofthe Joint Political and Security Mechanism in Khartoum, which is scheduled to take place on 4 December. Meanwhile, those positive developments have not extended to a settlement with regard to the final status of Abyei. No meetings of the Abyei Joint Oversight Committee have taken place since November 2017. No progress has been made on the establishment of joint governance institutions such as police, court and corrections institutions.”
2019-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8644 (2019) · source
“On 2 and 13 October in Juba, South Sudan and the Sudan convened, respectively, two ordinary sessions of the Joint Political and Security Mechanism. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to implementing the Cooperation Agreement between the Republic of the Sudan and the Republic of South Sudan, signed on 27 September 2012, and, inter alia, withdrawing all the forces, including the Sudan People's Liberation Movement in Opposition, from the Safe Demilitarized Border Zone, with immediate effect, as well as their commitment to setting up border crossing corridors, reopening the Kosti-Renk Nile river corridor and Meiram-Aweil road corridor, and establishing customs and immigration posts. The Joint Political and Security Mechanism also urged UNISFA to accelerate the opening of sector headquarters in Malakal and Buram.”
2019-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8644 (2019) · source
“Further to the reciprocal visits of President Salva Kiir Mayardit and Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok to their respective capitals in the past two months, since 14 October Juba has hosted peace talks between the Sudanese transitional authority and armed opposition groups. On 21 October, the negotiating parties signed a political agreement, which includes a renewed ceasefire. The delegation of the Security Council also met with President Kiir and Mr. Riek Machar in Juba a few days ago, in support of the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan, of which the Sudan is a guarantor. Building on that momentum, we have seen some positive steps with regard to the border arrangements.”
2019-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8644 (2019) · source
“Mr. Lacroix: I thank you, Mr. President, for this opportunity to brief the Security Council on the latest developments pertaining to the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), including its support to the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism (JBVMM). I will provide a brief update on the situation since the publication of the Secretary- General's report before the Council (8/2019/817), as well as the key recommendations contained therein on the way forward with regard to UNISFA and the J BVMM. The continued partnership between the Sudan and South Sudan, notwithstanding the recent change of Government in Khartoum, presents a unique opportunity to move the political process forward on the border issues.”
2019-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8644 (2019) · source
“We are committed to doing everything that we can to accompany the Government, according to its vision and its pace, to build an inclusive and lasting peace in Darfur and the wider Sudan. I hope that we can count on the Council's support in that critical endeavour.”
2019-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8643 (2019) · source
“However, from all accounts, resource mobilization remains a major challenge that bears the potential to unravel the positive gains made thus far by the Sudanese leadership and the people on the path to political and economic stability. In that regard, the Secretary-General has made a strong call for the lifting of all economic and financial sanctions on the Sudan and for the removal of the Sudan from the list of countries sponsoring terrorism. The United Nations system is actively engaged with partners of the Sudan in forging a path towards alleviating some of the most pressing economic challenges facing the country. The Sudan is at a historic crossroads. We have a unique opportunity to support the authorities in ending the conflicts that have plagued the country for years.”
2019-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8643 (2019) · source