YouSaid · the spoken record

Lipand

lines on the record: 126
first: 2021-07-27
most recent: 2021-12-22
sittings or episodes: 31
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

“The Council has stressed that the accrual of any benefits to individuals or entities designated by the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1988 (2011), whether as a result of direct provision or diversion, must be avoided. The mechanisms therein are established just for that — to guarantee that any exemptions would not benefit those under sanctions but would instead help aid reach those most in need, namely, the Afghan people. Estonia’s elected membership and penholdership in the Council is ending shortly. However, our long-term priority of supporting the people of Afghanistan will continue also after our duties in the Council have ended.”
2021-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8941 (2021) · source
“Estonia welcomes the adoption today of resolution 2615 (2021), on Afghanistan. We firmly believe that it is the obligation of the Security Council to respond to the needs of the people of Afghanistan, which are increasingly grave and urgent, and the requests of the humanitarian community that is active there. By adopting this resolution, the Council has emphasized its expectation that the Taliban will respect and uphold the norms and standards of international law, including international human rights law, and constitutional protections for the rights of all persons in Afghanistan, particularly women, girls and minorities.”
2021-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8941 (2021) · source
“We firmly believe that greater cooperation and regional integration are vital to peace and development. Therefore, we underscore the continued improvements in bilateral and regional cooperation among the countries of the region in support of the peace processes. Cooperation is even more indispensable at the time of the coronavirus disease pandemic, as well as in addressing the effects of the climate change that pose a serious threat to international peace and security and have magnified already complex consequences of the humanitarian situation. I would like to conclude by commending the continued efforts of the Special Representative, in collaboration with other United Nations entities, key actors of the region and other international partners, in facilitating efforts towards durable peace and stability in the region.”
2021-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8933 (2021) · source
“The number of incidents in Cameroon and Chad, the increased use of improvised explosive devices and attacks against civilians remain serious threats to the stability of the region. The targeted attacks on schools and schoolchildren, as well as United Nations personnel and humanitarian workers, are particularly alarming. That also applies to the Central African Republic, where Estonia strongly condemns these attacks and any hampering of the ability of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic to deliver its mandate in the country. The role of the Wagner group has been particularly destabilizing. In this regard, we call on the countries of the region to address accountability for these human rights violations and abuses and make further progress in the fight against impunity.”
2021-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8933 (2021) · source
“I join others in thanking Special Representative Fall for his comprehensive briefing. Estonia welcomes the efforts of the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA) and countries across the Central African region towards establishing peace, security and stability in the region. The region continues to confront several challenges at the political, economic and security levels. We note there is a need for consolidation of democracy. In this connection, we encourage Chad to continue its peaceful and civilian-led transition to democratic processes. We also underline the important role of further prioritizing peaceful, inclusive and credible electoral processes that would contribute to a greater representation of women in public life. We remain concerned over the lack of improvement in the security situation this year.”
2021-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8933 (2021) · source
“Estonia remains gravely concerned by Iran’s developing and testing of nuclear-capable ballistic missiles and related technologies. Those activities are inconsistent with paragraph 3 of annex B to resolution 2231 (2015) and are destabilizing for regional security. Estonia further calls on Iran not to transfer any missiles or missile components, missile technology or unmanned aerial vehicle systems to non-State actors. The prospect of restoring the JCPOA is still within reach. We call on the parties to show strong political will and flexibility and to engage in good-faith efforts to determine the steps necessary for both the United States and Iran to return to compliance with the accord.”
2021-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8930 (2021) · source
“We call on Iran to return to compliance with its nuclear commitments under the JCPOA, without delay. Estonia commends the work of the International Atomic Energy Agency, its dedication and its efforts to continue its monitoring and verification work in Iran. We regret that already for nine months Iran has suspended transparency and verification measures under the JCPOA and under the Additional Protocol, thereby considerably limiting the Agency’s ability to fulfil its mandate under resolution 2231 (2015). Iran’s failure to allow the Agency’s full monitoring activities contributes to concerns that Iran could be using its equipment for malign purposes. It further disrupts the IAEA’s efforts to ensure the continuity of knowledge of Iran’s nuclear programme.”
2021-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8930 (2021) · source
“We echo the call of the Secretary-General to build on the work already accomplished in previous rounds of diplomatic engagements and avoid any further nuclear provocations. Estonia is deeply concerned that, since 2019, Iran has continued to reduce the implementation of its nuclear nuclear-related commitments under the JCPOA. The level of uranium enrichment that Iran has undertaken, together with its research and development activities related to uranium metal production, has no plausible civilian justification. Some of those activities have permanently and irreversibly improved Iran’s nuclear capabilities, exposing the international community to significant nuclear proliferation risks and undermining regional as well as international peace and security.”
2021-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8930 (2021) · source
“I thank Under-Secretary- General Rosemary DiCarlo and Ambassadors Skoog and Byrne Nason for their briefings. Estonia remains strongly committed to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Its full restoration and implementation remain the best possible option to uphold the nuclear non-proliferation regime, prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon and eventually bring greater security to the region and the world. We therefore welcome the resumption of dialogue and negotiations in Vienna towards restoring and preserving the agreement. We very much hope that the coming weeks will bring positive progress. Any further delays or unconstructive engagement risk undermining the viability of the JCPOA and its ability to ensure that the Iranian nuclear programme remains exclusively peaceful.”
2021-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8930 (2021) · source
“As this is Estonia’s last meeting with the Mechanism during its membership in the Security Council, allow me to extend our gratitude to the Mission of Viet Nam for facilitating our discussions on Mechanism-related issues as Chair of the Informal Working Group on International Tribunals. Finally, allow me to once more express Estonia’s deep gratitude to the President and Prosecutor of the Mechanism and their staff for their outstanding work. We take note that the periodic evaluation of the Mechanism is under way and wish the Mechanism success in the 2022 review process and in the day-to- day work with our common aim of ensuring justice for victims.”
2021-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8927 (2021) · source
“The international community and the Security Council must work together to ensure justice for the countless victims and survivors. At the same time, domestic jurisdictions also need to assume their role. We welcome the efforts of the Mechanism aimed at providing assistance to national jurisdictions in prosecuting international crimes committed in the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda, and we call on States to increase their efforts in this regard. Estonia remains deeply concerned about the ongoing denial of the genocides and the glorification of convicted war criminals, which is unacceptable and must stop.”
2021-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8927 (2021) · source
“The Mechanism relies on cooperation from States in conducting its work. Estonia remains concerned about the challenges in securing effective cooperation from national authorities in apprehending the remaining fugitives. We strongly urge States, especially those African States where fugitives are suspected of being at large, to intensify their cooperation with the Mechanism in order to arrest and surrender all of the remaining fugitives. Moreover, Estonia continues to deeply regret that Serbia is persistently disregarding its obligations under international law to comply with the Mechanism’s orders. We call on Serbia to fulfil its obligation to execute the arrest warrants for Petar Jojić and Vjerica Radeta. International criminal justice and the fight against impunity continue to rely heavily on collective effort.”
2021-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8927 (2021) · source
“I thank Judge Carmel Agius and Prosecutors Serge Brammertz for the detailed progress reports submitted to the Council, as transmitted by the Secretary-General in document S/2021/694, and for their informative briefings today. Estonia commends the important work of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals in ensuring accountability for the most serious crimes under international law. We positively note the progress made by the Mechanism in carrying out its judicial activities during the reporting period, including the delivery of three judgments during the month of June. We note the two cases entering stages of appeal and ongoing judicial activity in the Kabuga case, and we are also mindful of the implementation of the wide range of further residual functions with which the Mechanism has been entrusted.”
2021-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8927 (2021) · source
“While Estonia’s term as an elected member of the Security Council will soon come to an end, we reiterate the importance of keeping this most important topic on the Security Council’s agenda and weigh on the conscience of other current and incoming members to continue to do so.”
2021-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8926 (2021) · source
“We know that there is no credible answer from those Council members that have chosen to ignore those challenges that pose a threat to international peace and security, which is the Security Council’s primary responsibility. By adopting the draft resolution, the Security Council would have sent a strong message to thousands of Pacific islanders from across the Blue Pacific who have been repeatedly saying that climate change is the most persistent and gravest threat to peace and security in their region. We would also have shown all others most vulnerable to the effects of climate change that their voices are being heard.”
2021-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8926 (2021) · source
“Estonia voted in favour of draft resolution S/2021/990, presented today by Ireland and the Niger, and co-sponsored by a clear majority of the United Nations membership because the effects of climate change pose a clear and serious threat to international peace and security, to stability and, in some cases, even to the existence of States. We firmly believe that the United Nations Security Council has a critical role to play in responding to climate-related security risks. Therefore, the outcome of today’s vote is disappointing. The draft resolution presented would have ensured a more structured and systemic approach and created the necessary tools to enable the United Nations to do its part in preventing and resolving conflicts that are driven by the effects of climate change.”
2021-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8926 (2021) · source
“Estonia condemns the use of chemical weapons in the strongest terms. We call on members of the Security Council and those that start their term next month to stand up for international law. It is important that the Council continue to discuss this important issue on a monthly basis until Syria’s chemical weapons are declared and destroyed and accountability is ensured. Estonia will continue supporting the OPCW and fight against the use of chemical weapons, including outside the Council.”
2021-12-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8921 (2021) · source
“The great majority of the OPCW States parties reacted by condemning those acts and suspended Syria’s rights and privileges under the Chemical Weapons Convention. With the exception of very few Syrian allies, support for the OPCW is strong, and the message is clear: the use of chemical weapons has consequences. The next steps should be to ensure accountability. Resolution 2118 (2013) states clearly that those individuals responsible for the use of chemical weapons must be held accountable. The facts are there; the evidence is there. What we need is political will, a sense of responsibility and Council unity. Impunity, tolerance and inaction cannot be an option when chemical weapons are used against civilian populations. In conclusion, the use of chemical weapons presents a serious security threat to all States.”
2021-12-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8921 (2021) · source
“On 30 November, we commemorated the Day of Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical Warfare. According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, more than 1,500 Syrians have been killed by chemical weapons, and more than 12,000 have been injured. A great majority of those victims were civilians, including women and children. The Syrian regime has repeatedly used chemical weapons against its people to spread terror, suppress opposition and force people to leave their homes and surrender. That has happened in Ghouta, Douma, Sarmin, Khan Shaykhun and elsewhere. The OPCW’s Investigation and Identification Team released two well-researched, evidence-based and impartial reports in 2020 and 2021 that attributed responsibility to Syrian Government forces for the use of chemical weapons.”
2021-12-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8921 (2021) · source
“Over the past two years in the Council, we have witnessed a systematic disinformation campaign to discredit and sow distrust against the most competent organization in dealing with chemical weapons, solely because the OPCW has come to conclusions that are inconvenient for Syria and its protectors. Enabling Syria to retain and use chemical weapons and undermining the authority of the OPCW has serious consequences. We are allowing the norm against the use of chemical weapons to erode. We are allowing for setting in a new normal where chemical weapons are used to eliminate political rivals and punish the opposition. An alarming increase in their use have already taken place over the past years — in Malaysia, in the United Kingdom and, most recently, in Russia, with the assassination attempt of Alexei Navalny.”
2021-12-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8921 (2021) · source
“As long as those weapons are not fully declared and destroyed, the possibility remains that they will be used again. Those 20 unresolved issues also represent the Syrian regime’s persistent attempts to obstruct and stall the work of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and its investigative mechanisms. Failing to issue visas and ignoring the OPCW’s requests for information and offers of assistance is a clear demonstration of Syria’s lack of cooperation, lack of seriousness and lack of good will to comply with its international norms and obligations. Unfortunately, that lack of compliance has sponsors.”
2021-12-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8921 (2021) · source
“I thank High Representative Izumi Nakamitsu for her briefing today. During our two years of membership of the Council, we have very much appreciated her commitment and persistent calls for Security Council unity to uphold the norm against chemical weapons. It has been eight years and 98 reports on the progress of the elimination of the Syrian chemical weapons programme. Progress on that file has been hard to achieve and only a few advances have been made over the years. As we heard today, out of the 24 issues opened by the Declaration Assessment Team, 20 remain unresolved. Those 20 do not represent minor issues or pure technicalities but involve the retention and production of unknown quantities of chemical weapons, chemical warfare agents and chemical munitions.”
2021-12-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8921 (2021) · source
“Moving forward, we hope that the strong partnership between Somalia and the European Union can grow from strength to strength and that it will be based on respect, dialogue and willingness to take into account each other’s concerns.”
2021-12-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8917 (2021) · source
“The bottom line is that we should avoid hasty decisions, which would risk creating a security vacuum. The worst-case scenario would be to lose the significant gains made over the past 13 years in the fight against piracy. Therefore, we emphasize the need to remain vigilant and thoroughly think through the next steps. We fully acknowledge Somalia’s wish to update the mandate, but also count on its understanding when planning for it. The European Union and its member States, including Estonia, have been long-standing supporters of Somalia. The European Union has dedicated a significant amount of funds throughout the years with the goal of helping Somalis to enjoy a brighter future.”
2021-12-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8917 (2021) · source
“At the outset, I would like to thank the penholder — the United States — for all of its efforts to adopt resolution 2608 (2021), which authorizes States and regional organizations to take part in the fight against piracy and armed robbery at sea off the coast of Somalia. Estonia voted in favour of the resolution. However, we regret the short length of the adopted mandate. The collective efforts to fight off piracy on the Somali coast have been successful. We welcome the fact that there have been no piracy attacks in the recent years. That was achieved in part thanks to the efforts of the European Union Naval Force Operation Atalanta. The short mandate adopted today, however, will likely adversely affect the operating conditions of Operation Atalanta and related activities.”
2021-12-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8917 (2021) · source
“We welcome the active cooperation with regional and international organizations, the private sector and civil society that the Committee and its Group of Experts have shown. We hope that the 1540 Committee can finalize its comprehensive review soon and that, in renewing its mandate, it will also take into account the threats posed by the malicious use of new technologies. In conclusion, we welcome the Council’s efforts to enhance cooperation among the 1540 Committee, the Counter-Terrorism Committee and the ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee. Multilateral and multi-stakeholder engagement is essential in preventing and countering terrorism and violent extremism.”
2021-12-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8915 (2021) · source
“From our point of view, virtual dialogues could be here to stay, and we encourage keeping them in the CTC’s toolbox in post-pandemic times as well. They enable the Security Council and the Committee to be more flexible and efficient in their work. Resolution 1540 (2004) remains one of the key instruments in addressing the emerging threats from weapons of mass destruction. The use of chemical weapons in recent years in a number of different countries shows that those threats have been growing and remain acute. We fully support the 1540 Committee’s assistance and outreach efforts to ensure that States have put in place appropriate measures to prevent nuclear, biological, chemical and radiological weapons from falling into the hands of non-State actors, including terrorists.”
2021-12-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8915 (2021) · source
“The Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) held a special meeting and adopted an outcome document wherein all the Security Council members reaffirmed their commitment to addressing terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and to work in an open manner with all stakeholders to achieve effective results in implementing Security Council resolutions. As we are in the process of negotiating the renewal of the mandate of the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate, we hope that we can keep that commitment and consensus in mind. We appreciate that, despite the roadblocks set by the coronavirus disease pandemic, the CTC has managed to find consensus on the working methods pro tempore, which enable it to undertake hybrid visits to Member States. As of today, there have been 13 virtual visits in total, including to Estonia.”
2021-12-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8915 (2021) · source
“We welcome that the Council has recognized the different impacts of terrorism on the human rights of women and girls and their frequent targeting by terrorist groups. That includes sexual and gender-based violence used as a tactic of terrorism. The recognition of the importance of women’s leadership and participation is key to developing counter-terrorism strategies. The past year saw the commemoration of the twentieth anniversary of the Council’s adoption of resolution 1373 (2001) and the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001), concerning counter- terrorism.”
2021-12-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8915 (2021) · source
“The robust implementation of sanctions measures is one of the key elements in combating terrorism. In that regard, standards of due process and human rights need to be respected for sanctions regimes to remain effective. We reiterate our firm position that all counter-terrorism measures must be carried out in accordance with international law, including international human rights law and international humanitarian law. Counter-terrorism measures cannot be used as a justification for human rights violations. Estonia reiterates its full support for the work of the Ombudsperson and regrets the difficult decision he made to resign. Estonia hopes that a new Ombudsperson will be appointed shortly and that the status and conditions of service of his Office will be reviewed to guarantee its independence and full functioning.”
2021-12-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8915 (2021) · source
“Estonia thanks the Ambassadors of Tunisia, Norway and Mexico for their briefings and for their excellent chairmanship of their respective Committees. Their leadership has been crucial in guiding the work of the Committees through the difficulties posed by the pandemic, as well as by austerity measures. We would also like to commend the good and critically important work of the expert groups: the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team, the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate and the Group of Experts of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004). Together, the Committees and their expert bodies remain essential components of counter- terrorism and non-proliferation efforts. The global terrorist threats persist and evolve and continue to spread violence.”
2021-12-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8915 (2021) · source
“We further condemn the recent terrorist attacks, which have multiplied across the country, and recall the expectation that the territory of Afghanistan would not be used as for terrorist activity against any country. I would like to conclude by giving special thanks to the staff of UNAMA and to the broader United Nations personnel in Afghanistan, whose efforts in delivering aid and stability for the benefit of the people of Afghanistan have been vital during this time of crisis.”
2021-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8908 (2021) · source
“We welcome the rapid establishment of the United Nations Development Programme Special Trust Fund for Afghanistan and encourage further measures that would assist in strengthening its economy and liquidity. Estonia remains committed to helping the people of Afghanistan. However, our cooperation with any Afghanistan leadership will be based upon its willingness to uphold the positive achievements of recent decades and act by the norms and standards of international law, including international human rights law. We condemn the use of violence against peaceful protestors and journalists, for whom Afghanistan continues to be one of the top-most dangerous places in the world to work in, despite a general improvement in the security situation in the country.”
2021-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8908 (2021) · source
“Humanitarian aid is greatly needed right now in Afghanistan. Estonia and all other European Union members together pledged almost $800 million for humanitarian assistance as part of the flash appeal in September. It is positive to see that aid has started moving into Afghanistan through a number of different channels, but to reach those in need, all parties have to allow immediate, safe and unhindered humanitarian access for United Nations humanitarian agencies and other actors to provide assistance, including for women aid workers to deliver aid, for women health- care workers to provide medical care and for women teachers to educate students.”
2021-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8908 (2021) · source
“Estonia again emphasizes that sustainable peace in Afghanistan can be ensured only by respecting and upholding international norms and standards and constitutional protections for the rights of all the people of Afghanistan, particularly women, girls and persons belonging to minorities. By excluding women from employment and public life, restricting their mobility, and by undermining the right of women to full, equal and meaningful participation in decision-making and all other aspects of Afghan society, as well as their access to justice, Afghanistan will not enjoy development or prosperity. Without the participation and support of women, Afghanistan will not be able to provide all its children with an education or ensure the delivery of humanitarian assistance to everyone in need.”
2021-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8908 (2021) · source
“There have been a number of different meetings concerning Afghanistan recently, in different locations and formats, including the extended troika that took place this past week, but the main messages that all of these events have all been similar and could be summed up as a call on the Taliban to fulfil its promises and live up to its public statements. First and foremost, this means the formation of an inclusive and representative Government. The make-up of the current Administration is being viewed with great disappointment. Ignoring the diversity of the people of Afghanistan and excluding women are clear decisions that go against the expectations of the international community and fuel concerns over the continued future instability of the country, as Ms. Karim highlighted very eloquently in her statement today.”
2021-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8908 (2021) · source
“I want to thank Ms. Karim for her message and her courage today. I also wish to thank Special Representative Lyons for her briefing. It is evident that the situation in Afghanistan has become more dire, and the role of the United Nations and the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) in that regard are now more necessary than ever. The importance of UNAMA in coordinating humanitarian aid delivery and relations with authorities, monitoring and reporting on the security and human rights situations and assisting in governance and rule of law cannot be understated.”
2021-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8908 (2021) · source
“I would like to conclude by expressing gratitude and strong support to all United Nations peacekeepers — women and men — whose dedication and sacrifice bring hope to all of us. Like others, we extend our particular congratulations to the winner of the 2021 United Nations Woman Police Officer of the Year award, Superintendent Sangya Malla of Nepal from the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2021-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8901 (2021) · source
“Estonia will continue to underline the importance of implementing the women and peace and security agenda, in particular in ensuring the full, equal and meaningful participation of women in peace processes, but also in UNPOL by emphasizing the importance of the implementation of resolution 2538 (2020). We note with appreciation the fulfilment and surpassing of the intermediate gender parity targets for 2020. In view of the goal of the Uniformed Gender Parity Strategy to create an enabling environment for uniformed women in peacekeeping operations, today’s briefings have been insightful. It has been enlightening to hear from the Commissioners about their priorities in creating a safe, enabling and gender-sensitive working environment for women.”
2021-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8901 (2021) · source
“It is likewise imperative to remain vigilant on zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse. Estonia welcomes the specific focus today on accelerating the implementation of the women and peace and security agenda in United Nations policing. A more gender-equal composition of United Nations police components plays a critical role in effective policing and ultimately strengthening the effectiveness of peacekeeping operations. It is also crucial in increasing the effectiveness of community policing, countering the spread of misinformation and preventing and eliminating conflict-related sexual and gender- based violence.”
2021-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8901 (2021) · source
“United Nations police have a pivotal role in ensuring increased security, the protection of civilians and the return of law and order, whether in cooperation with host State law enforcement agencies or, in some instances, unilaterally, responding to public order issues. Estonia believes that the efforts of UNPOL in strengthening the rule of law, building the capacities of people-oriented national police services and assisting in security sector reform based on human rights are fundamental in establishing lasting stability in conflict-affected countries. We will continue to support the Action for Peacekeeping Plus initiative, and place high importance on its goals of improving the performance and accountability of peacekeeping, implementing the women and peace and security agenda and addressing capability and integration gaps.”
2021-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8901 (2021) · source
“I would like to thank Under- Secretary-General Lacroix and Police Commissioners Lusala and Boughani, of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) and the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali, respectively, for their comprehensive presentations and a thorough overview of the current situation on the ground and challenges in United Nations policing. At the outset, I would like to recognize the contribution of United Nations police (UNPOL) to United Nations peacekeeping and peacebuilding processes, as well as their continued operational readiness throughout the coronavirus disease pandemic.”
2021-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8901 (2021) · source
“Investigative mechanisms such as the Human Rights Council’s Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic and the General Assembly’s International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism to Assist in the Investigation and Prosecution of Persons Responsible for the Most Serious Crimes under International Law Committed in the Syrian Arab Republic since March 2011 are important tools to reach that goal.”
2021-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8888 (2021) · source
“Estonia expresses concern over recent reports of currency manipulation by the Syrian regime, which has forced international aid agencies to use a distorted exchange rate. I thank Special Envoy Pedersen for his efforts, but after six rounds of Constitutional Committee talks, there have been no substantial discussions on the constitution, no regularity in meetings and no meaningful progress. The Constitutional Committee has failed the Syrian people. We are witnessing delaying tactics and empty promises. In that light, we encourage the Special Envoy to explore other confidence-building measures to help mediate conflicting interests. Finally, the topic of locating missing people, whether deceased or arbitrarily detained, remains a priority for Estonia.”
2021-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8888 (2021) · source
“The new wave of violence serves to highlight the fact that, unfortunately, the war is far from over. As noted by Ms. Albarouki today and by Ms. Mhaissen last month (see S/PV.8866), refugees do not intend to return to Syria under those circumstances. We reiterate that the return of refugees must be voluntary, safe and dignified. Looking at the humanitarian situation, we commend the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs for reaching an average of 5 million people in both August and September with humanitarian aid. As noted by Mr. Griffiths, cross-border aid deliveries remain essential in providing food and life-saving support to millions of internally displaced persons. That support is crucial as overall living standards continue to deteriorate due to widespread corruption and warlordism.”
2021-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8888 (2021) · source
“I thank Special Envoy Pedersen and Under-Secretary-General Griffiths for their informative briefings today. We welcome the participation of Ms. Mounerfah Albarouki and appreciate her insightful comments. Estonia condemns, in the strongest terms, the acts of violence that took place last week across Syria. That includes the attack on a military bus in Damascus and missile attacks in Ariha on 20 October. At least 10 civilians, including four children, where killed in the town of Ariha, in Idlib governorate, on that day. We reiterate our call for a nationwide ceasefire, which is a precondition for peaceful dialogue, based on resolution 2254 (2015). All parties must adhere to international law and provide safe, sustained and unimpeded humanitarian access to all Syrian people.”
2021-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8888 (2021) · source
“I would also like to emphasize that Abyei people deserve better than the current status quo. We therefore call on the parties to capitalize on their improved relationship to push for progress on the question of Abyei, and on the Council to take decisions that are in the best interests of the people of Abyei.”
2021-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8887 (2021) · source
“On this note, we thank the Secretary- General for the strategic review, and we are giving it careful consideration. Lastly, we call on the Sudan and South Sudan to take steps to build a viable political process to resolve the final status of Abyei. This political process could be aided by strengthening the civilian component of the UNISFA mission, including by the appointment of a civilian deputy head of mission. We also encourage regional actors to actively engage the parties on the Abyei question, as their support could make a significant contribution. My statement today is probably the last time that Estonia will speak on the question of Abyei as a member of the Security Council. I would like to thank United Nations peacekeepers for their long-standing commitment and sacrifice in support of peace in Abyei.”
2021-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8887 (2021) · source
“Simultaneously, we continue to call for the operationalization of Anthony airstrip and the timely issuance of visas for UNISFA personnel, including the police component, which is crucial for the effective implementation of UNISFA’s mandate. Estonia is concerned about the continued cycle of intercommunal violence and its negative impact on civilians. The increase in cases of sexual violence over recent months is alarming. We encourage authorities to join efforts for more accountability to deter further violations. To better address these issues, we echo the Secretary-General’s call for the inclusion of human rights expertise in the mission. Additionally, in order create an environment more conducive for the rule of law, Estonia fully supports the integrated approach to the protection of civilians promoted by the strategic review.”
2021-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8887 (2021) · source
“We call on the Sudan’s military authorities to refrain from violence and immediately return to the road map for transition to civilian rule, as laid out in the Constitutional Document and the Juba Peace Agreement. We are concerned about the serious deterioration of the operating conditions of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) and strongly condemn the recent attacks on UNISFA in Gok Machar and the team sites. The situation has already claimed too high of a toll with the death of one peacekeeper. We offer our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased. Such incidents must not happen again. We call on the Government of South Sudan to facilitate the unimpeded implementation of UNISFA’s mandate. At the same time, we also call on UNISFA to address the concerns of local communities.”
2021-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8887 (2021) · source