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

“I join others in thanking the briefers for their insightful presentations. I also welcome the presence of the representatives of the Sudan and South Sudan at today’s discussion. Hearing a description of the previous lack of implementation of different agreements today has been insightful. As highlighted by the Special Envoy, the most recent disruption to implementation was only two days ago. Estonia strongly condemns the military coup of 25 October in the Sudan. It is a great setback for the Sudanese people, who have worked so hard towards democratic transition, but it also has potential destabilizing effects on the wider region.”
2021-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8887 (2021) · source
“That should be followed by an inclusive and credible political process, with the aim of national reconciliation. In that context, we also reiterate the role of the African Union and encourage its continued engagement in this crisis.”
2021-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8875 (2021) · source
“Furthermore, we underline the importance of concluding the joint investigation into the allegations of human rights violations and abuses, in particular against human rights workers. The continued reports of such violations and abuse of international humanitarian law and international human rights law are deeply worrisome, and accountability for such violations must be ensured. Lastly, I reiterate that there is no military solution in Tigray. The newly appointed Cabinet in Ethiopia has a mandate from the people and an obligation to bring about a prompt and peaceful solution to the conflict and also ensure that the people of Ethiopia do not die of hunger. I urge the parties to immediately cease hostilities, ensure the protection of civilians and minimize the humanitarian consequences of the ongoing conflict.”
2021-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8875 (2021) · source
“All parties to the conflict have an obligation to facilitate safe and unhindered humanitarian access to all areas affected by the conflict and ensure the protection of humanitarian workers, in line with international humanitarian law. We urge the Government of Ethiopia to take further steps to ensure sustained access for aid convoys to Tigray, restore public services in the region and allow fuel, food and medical supplies to enter. Only 11 per cent of needed aid entering the region is unacceptable. At the same time, we call on the Tigray forces to stop their offensive in the neighbouring Amhara and Afar regions and facilitate humanitarian assistance to hundreds of thousands of displaced people.”
2021-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8875 (2021) · source
“United Nations humanitarian operations are guided by the principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence, and they have our full confidence. Any accusations against United Nations workers and humanitarian personnel of breaches of those principles should be accompanied by clear evidence. There is a process for handling any such concerns, and that has not been followed. The expulsion of the United Nations officials from Ethiopia undermines the efforts to alleviate the dire humanitarian situation and further endangers the work of humanitarian aid workers in northern Ethiopia, where they are already facing violence and harassment.”
2021-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8875 (2021) · source
“I thank Secretary-General Guterres for his briefing. We wholeheartedly support the statements he made today and last Thursday (SG/SM/20944) and the letter he sent to the Security Council on this matter. Estonia strongly condemns the decision by the Government of Ethiopia to expel seven United Nations officials, including humanitarian and human rights officials. Those personnel members were responsible for the invaluable and difficult work of delivering life-saving aid to Ethiopia and helping the Ethiopian people to cope with the unfolding man-made humanitarian catastrophe. It is essential that United Nations humanitarian operations be immediately allowed to resume in full capacity in Ethiopia.”
2021-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8875 (2021) · source
“We call on the Syrian regime to cooperate fully with the OPCW and to comply with all relevant Security Council resolutions and international law.”
2021-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8872 (2021) · source
“In addition to the consultations, we are also eager to see developments with regard to the planned meeting between Director-General Arias and Mr. Mekdad. Estonia further notes with concern that several OPCW requests for information with regard to the former chemical-weapons facility, the moving of two chlorine cylinders and the detection of a Schedule 2 chemical at the Barzah facility remain persistently unanswered by the Syrian authorities. Again, resolution 2118 (2013) and Syrian responsibilities under the Chemical Weapons Convention are not being respected. In conclusion, allow me to reiterate our full trust in the independent, impartial and professional work of the OPCW Technical Secretariat and its investigative bodies, as well as in the credibility of their reports.”
2021-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8872 (2021) · source
“Paragraph 7 of resolution 2118 (2013) stipulates that, in order to fulfil its mandate, the Syrian Arab Republic shall cooperate fully with the OPCW, including by accepting personnel designated by the OPCW and providing the respective personnel access to and the right to inspect sites. It is clear that the Syrian regime is not complying with that resolution and its international obligations by refusing to issue the entry visa for a member of the Declaration Assessment Team. As a result, the twenty- fifth round of consultations are still on hold, and there has been no progress in clarifying the outstanding issues on the Syrian declaration. That lack of progress continues to pose a threat to the Syrian people and to international peace and security.”
2021-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8872 (2021) · source
“I also thank High Representative Nakamitsu for her briefing. I very much appreciate her persistent calls for Security Council unity to uphold the norm against chemical weapons. Estonia reiterates that the identification of, and in particular accountability for, those responsible for the use of chemical weapons is imperative. Impunity is not an option. It must be ensured that those individuals who ordered, enabled or carried out chemical weapons attacks in Syria since 2013 will face a reckoning, and their victims will see justice done. Without accountability, there is no credible prospect for lasting peace in Syria. Upon reading the OPCW Director-General’s latest monthly report (S/2021/842, annex), we regret to see that Syrian cooperation with the OPCW continues to deteriorate.”
2021-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8872 (2021) · source
“However, given the challenges and instability of cross-line aid, it is clear that it does not replace cross-border deliveries, which remain essential. In the context of the ongoing conflict, more attention should also be addressed to the impact on women and vulnerable groups, such as children and persons with disabilities, who remain exposed to increased protection risks. Women are also particularly impacted when they or their family members are detained. We demand the release of all arbitrarily detained persons and political prisoners. We also call for accountability for the many war crimes and crimes against humanity so as to put an end to impunity.”
2021-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8861 (2021) · source
“There is an urgent need to improve the dire humanitarian situation, where access is restricted, food and basic services are limited and over 36,000 people, mostly women and children, have been displaced. In addition to the dire humanitarian situation caused by ongoing violence and corruption, we are also worried about the increase of coronavirus disease infections, especially in north-western Syria, as well as the water crisis in north-east Syria, which is causing a rise in outbreaks of water-borne diseases. We call upon all parties to ensure safe, sustained and unimpeded humanitarian access to all Syrian people in need. Estonia notes the first cross-line delivery to north- western Syria as a step in a right direction.”
2021-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8861 (2021) · source
“I thank Under-Secretary- General Griffiths for his briefing and thank Ms. Qaddour for her moving statement. Estonia remains worried about the ongoing tensions and violence in several parts of Syria, which continue to impact civilians and contribute to the deterioration of the humanitarian situation. Estonia strongly condemns the continued shelling of urban areas in Idlib, where several civilians have been killed in a series of attacks conducted by the forces of the Syrian regime and its allies. Civilians must be protected at all times and attacks on civilian objects must stop. We are also concerned about the situation in Dara’a. Despite the agreement reached between the Syrian regime and the local forces, tensions remain high.”
2021-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8861 (2021) · source
“All alleged human rights violations, mass killings, torture and enforced disappearances must be thoroughly investigated. It is crucial to continue the fight against impunity and ensure accountability. Lastly, Estonia reiterates its full support for the work of UNSMIL. The United Nations-led mediation efforts in the framework of the Berlin process remain the basis for international efforts in support of achieving peace and stability in Libya.”
2021-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8855 (2021) · source
“Another essential element of the ceasefire agreement is implementing the Libyan-led and Libyan-owned ceasefire monitoring mechanism. We welcome the Secretary-General’s assurances that the United Nations is urgently proceeding with the initial deployment of a scalable ceasefire monitoring component of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya, and we look forward to a swift deployment of the international support team. Estonia remains alarmed at the humanitarian situation in the country, in particular, the lack of access for humanitarian aid and humanitarian workers. The situation of migrants and asylum seekers also continues to be of great concern. Arbitrary detention and exposure to violence, including sexual and gender- based violence, needs to end.”
2021-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8855 (2021) · source
“With regard to political processes, we have to reiterate the crucial importance of ensuring the full, equal, and meaningful participation of women and the inclusion of youth at all stages and levels. Women must be able to participate in all aspects of political life — as candidates, as activists and as voters — without fear of retaliation. We very much welcome the participation of Ms. Asma Khalifa at today’s briefing and thank her for her insightful comments. Estonia is encouraged by the progress in the implementation of the 23 October ceasefire agreement, especially the opening of the Misrata-Sirte coastal road. It is of utmost importance to continue with the full implementation of the agreement, in particular, the swift removal of all foreign fighters and mercenaries.”
2021-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8855 (2021) · source
“I would also like to thank the briefers for their comprehensive overviews on the latest developments. Libya has made great strides forward on the political, security and economic tracks over the past year. It is now important not to let the progress stall. The tasks ahead for the coming months are clear. All preparations need to be made to hold free, fair, inclusive and credible elections on 24 December, as set out in the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum road map and in resolution 2570 (2021). In that regard, we are encouraged by yesterday’s announcement that the House of Representatives has adopted draft legislation for the upcoming presidential elections. We call for further engagement of all relevant authorities and for urgently establishing the legal basis for the upcoming parliamentary elections.”
2021-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8855 (2021) · source
“Moreover, those steps do not match earlier public statements made by the Taliban, thereby undermining confidence in its other claims. Estonia again emphasizes that sustainable peace in Afghanistan can be ensured only through an inclusive political settlement that upholds constitutional protections for the rights of all the people of Afghanistan, particularly women, children and persons belonging to minorities. I end with special thanks to the staff of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan and the broader United Nations in Afghanistan, whose efforts for the benefit of the people of Afghanistan have been vital during this time of crisis.”
2021-09-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8853 (2021) · source
“In particular, we condemn the recent use of violence against peaceful protesters and journalists, for whom Afghanistan continues to be one of the most dangerous places in the world in which to work. The Taliban, having declared control over Afghanistan, bears great responsibility for, and accountability to, the Afghan people. The makeup of the caretaker Government has been noted here 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. Not only does that undermine women’s right to full and equal participation in decision-making, but it also fuels concerns over continued future instability in the country.”
2021-09-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8853 (2021) · source
“This year, especially today, on the International Day to Protect Education from Attack, the eyes of the world are on Afghanistan and whether all girls in the country will be able to continue with their schooling safely, as well as whether their mothers, and all other Afghan women, will be allowed to continue moving about freely and participating in employment. Estonia’s commitment to the people of Afghanistan continues. 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. Violations and abuses of human rights must stop, and the perpetrators must be brought to justice.”
2021-09-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8853 (2021) · source
“However, the delivery of aid still faces obstacles inside the country, notably in the delivery of essential health services for women and girls, who have been particularly impacted by the changes over the past three weeks. Estonia reiterates its call on all parties to allow immediate, safe and unhindered humanitarian access for United Nations humanitarian agencies and other actors providing assistance, including for female aid workers to deliver assistance to those in need. In Estonia, the start of September means the start of a new school year for our children.”
2021-09-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8853 (2021) · source
“I wish to thank Special Representative Lyons, Ms. Frogh and Ms. Yousafzai for their briefings and for sharing their experiences. It has been less than two weeks since we last met to discuss Afghanistan (see S/PV.8848). One of the welcome developments in the meantime has been the flash appeal for aid to address the increasingly precarious humanitarian situation in Afghanistan. Even before the recent surge in hostilities, the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan was one of the worst in the world. Together with the ministerial meeting to be hosted by Secretary-General Guterres next Monday, we hope the appeal will provide for the necessary increase in aid for the people of Afghanistan. We understand that the first humanitarian aid flights and shipments have already arrived.”
2021-09-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8853 (2021) · source
“In conclusion, we commend the dedication and integrity of the OPCW and its Technical Secretariat in fulfilling their task of upholding the norm against the use of chemical weapons. We call on the Syrian regime to cooperate fully with the OPCW and comply with the Security Council resolutions and with international law.”
2021-09-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8849 (2021) · source
“Failure to grant a visa in a timely manner for an OPCW staff member to be deployed in Damascus is not acceptable, nor is the unauthorized movement of the two chlorine cylinders that were part of the evidentiary material of the Douma incident. In resolution 2118 (2013), the Security Council decided that Syria shall cooperate fully with the OPCW, including by complying with their relevant recommendations and providing the respective personnel access to — and the right to inspect — sites in order to fulfil their mandate. The implementation of this provision — paragraph 7 of the resolution — is clearly inadequate. We positively note the prospect of a meeting between Director-General Arias and Mr. Mekdad and hope this meeting can take place soon to instigate much needed progress in this file.”
2021-09-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8849 (2021) · source
“Turning to the monthly report of the Director- General of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) (S/2021/764, annex), the outstanding issues with the initial declaration unfortunately persist, and Syrian cooperation with the OPCW is deteriorating. We note with concern that despite the OPCW Technical Secretariat’s efforts, the next round of consultations has still not taken place. The tripartite agreement that facilitates the Technical Secretariat’s mandated activities in Syria was, at the request of Syria, extended for only three months, hampering the OPCW’s ability to plan and conduct its activities in the country.”
2021-09-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8849 (2021) · source
“Estonia strongly condemns the attacks in Ghouta, but also those in Khan Shaykhun, Douma, Ltamenah and Saraqib, as well as the numerous other instances that have taken place in Syria since the start of the conflict. Impunity for these atrocity crimes cannot be tolerated. Estonia continues to support accountability mechanisms that have been put in place by a wide United Nations membership to combat impunity, such as the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism and the Commission of Inquiry. The opening of criminal inquiries by judicial authorities in France, Germany and Sweden are encouraging steps towards ensuring justice for the victims of the Ghouta sarin attacks.”
2021-09-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8849 (2021) · source
“I join other speakers in thanking India for its successful presidency of the Security Council during the month of August. I wish Ireland all the best for its presidency for the month ahead. I also thank High Representative Nakamitsu for her briefing. Last month, on 21 August, we marked the eighth anniversary of the chemical-weapons attack that took place in the Damascus suburb of Ghouta. The attack remains one of the most horrendous, large-scale atrocities conducted during the Syrian conflict by the Al-Assad regime against its own people. Thousands of individuals were killed or injured. The vast majority of them were civilians, including hundreds of women and children. It was an act in clear violation of international law.”
2021-09-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8849 (2021) · source
“I would highlight four: we all have called for strengthened efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan; we have all acknowledged that for peace to be sustainable and inclusive, a negotiated political settlement must be reached, with the full, equal and meaningful participation of women; we have together underscored the importance of adherence to international norms and standards on human rights, in particular for women, children and minorities; and we all have reaffirmed the importance of combating terrorism in Afghanistan. With that in mind, I want to simply conclude that we look forward to building upon those aspects, in the interest of all the people of Afghanistan.”
2021-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8848 (2021) · source
“In the light of the uncertain developments in Afghanistan and the urgent and precarious security situation at Kabul airport, Estonia gave its support to resolution 2593 (2021) today. The humanitarian situation in Afghanistan is deteriorating. Humanitarian organizations and the United Nations have committed to staying and to delivering relief and assistance, but they need unimpeded access and assurances that their staff and aid providers can work and deliver assistance without interference or threats to their safety. That includes the need for a functioning and secure airport in Kabul that enables people and goods to move as necessary. Furthermore, although a lot about the situation in Afghanistan is currently unclear, the past two weeks have shown that there are many aspects on which there is agreement.”
2021-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8848 (2021) · source
“We call upon the Government of Israel to refrain from advancing such activities, as they are contrary to international law. In conclusion, considering the tensions on the ground, threatening the stability of Israelis and Palestinians as well, I would like to reiterate the importance of international and regional efforts supporting the parties to take practical steps to restore confidence, help reconstruction and stabilization in Gaza and create a horizon for meaningful negotiations. It is also essential to resume the intra-Palestinian reconciliation process.”
2021-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8847 (2021) · source
“Turning to the West Bank, we are worried about the continued incidents of violence, including the recent clashes between the Palestinians and the Israeli security forces. We call on all parties to refrain from violence and incitement to provocation. We are concerned about the recent arrests of Palestinian activists calling for transparency in the investigation related to the killing of the political activist Nizar Banat. We call on the Palestinian Authority to ensure freedom of expression and freedom of assembly and to conclude a transparent investigation of the death of Nizar Banat. We are also concerned about Israel’s settlement activity, as well as the evictions and demolition of Palestinian property in the West Bank.”
2021-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8847 (2021) · source
“We are concerned about the continued tensions around Gaza, and we reiterate our call to the parties to continue to respect the ceasefire and do their utmost to prevent further violence. The continued launching of incendiary balloons, as well the recent launch of a rocket towards Israel, is unacceptable. Israel has a right to defend itself, while ensuring the safety and protection of the civilian population. Estonia fully supports the international and regional efforts for reconstruction in Gaza and to improve the dire and unsustainable humanitarian and socioeconomic situation on the Gaza Strip. The agreement reached by the United Nations and Qatar on distributing aid to Gaza was a positive step in that regard. We call upon all parties to facilitate unimpeded humanitarian access.”
2021-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8847 (2021) · source
“I thank Special Coordinator Wennesland for his briefing. Estonia remains committed to supporting efforts to find a lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As stated many times before, the only viable path towards that is through direct negotiations aimed at a two-State solution based on international law and the relevant Security Council resolutions. Until the conditions for such negotiations are established, we urge the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority to take practical steps to rebuild confidence. For instance, further coordinated efforts to enhance economic cooperation are vital and would benefit the citizens of both sides. Meanwhile, it is essential that all refrain from any unilateral steps that undermine the viability of the two-State solution.”
2021-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8847 (2021) · source
“In that context, we reiterate the importance of the ongoing joint investigation by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission. The perpetrators must be held accountable and brought to justice. We are also worried about reports of arbitrary detentions and enforced disappearances of ethnic Tigrayans in Addis Ababa. We call on the Ethiopian authorities to investigate those possibly unlawful and discriminatory practices. In conclusion, the people of Tigray have suffered enough. While the immediate priority must be ending the hostilities, that should be followed by an inclusive and credible political process, with the aim of national reconciliation. The conflict in Tigray can be resolved only through dialogue.”
2021-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8843 (2021) · source
“We also urge the Government to facilitate overcoming the challenges faced on the ground by humanitarian aid organizations in order for them to be able to assist those in need. Estonia is increasingly concerned about the conflict-driven food security crisis, which has been deteriorating primarily owing to the interruption of supply lines. Approximately 400,000 people are already living in famine — the direst level of acute food insecurity — with 4 million more people approaching the same situation. Continued reports about violations and abuses of international humanitarian law and international human rights law, including widespread sexual and gender-based violence, are deeply worrisome.”
2021-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8843 (2021) · source
“We join the Secretary- General in calling on the parties to cease hostilities, as an immediate priority, and start negotiations for a permanent ceasefire. We call on the Tigray forces to stop their offensive, in particular in the neighbouring Amhara and Afar regions, which has already caused massive displacement and will only expand the scope of the devastation and suffering. At the same time, we call on the Government of Ethiopia to request the immediate withdrawal of Eritrean troops from Tigray to ensure unfettered humanitarian access to the region and restore basic services, including water, fuel, electricity, communications and banking in all areas affected by the conflict.”
2021-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8843 (2021) · source
“I thank Secretary-General Guterres for being with us today and for the remarks he made. Estonia welcomes today’s very timely Security Council meeting and reiterates the need to keep the situation in Tigray on the Council’s agenda. We are deeply worried about the escalating conflict in Tigray, which is aggravating an already dire humanitarian situation and increasingly threatening the wider stability of the region. The reports of the growing number of civilian casualties, especially among children, are alarming. It is essential that all parties adhere to international humanitarian law and do their utmost to protect civilians. It must be acknowledged by all that there can be no military solution to the conflict.”
2021-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8843 (2021) · source
“At the same time, it is essential that all actors respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iraq and refrain from any military action, as that would threaten the stability of the country. We support Iraq’s constructive engagement with its neighbours, including the planned conference with regional actors in Baghdad on 28 August. We also commend the constructive engagement of the Iraqi Government with respect to the issue of irregular crossings of migrants from Belarus into the European Union. I would like to highlight that Estonia strongly condemns the instrumentalization of migration and the use of innocent people to advance political goals. Turning to relations between Baghdad and Erbil, we encourage both Governments to increase efforts to implement the federal budget law and also reach agreement on other outstanding issues.”
2021-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8842 (2021) · source
“With regard to the Yazidi Female Survivors Law, we urge the Government to ensure its implementation and the development of necessary by-laws, which will ensure the return to normalcy for the survivors. The continued terrorist attacks by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), as well as attacks against diplomatic missions and coalition forces, are deeply worrisome. We strongly condemn such activity, which contributes to undermining Iraq’s stability, and we call upon the Government to ensure that those responsible are held accountable. It is clear that the fight against ISIL is not over, and Estonia remains ready to support Iraq in that regard.”
2021-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8842 (2021) · source
“Estonia welcomes the launching of the workplan of the higher committee to promote and monitor women’s electoral participation and urges the Iraqi Government to ensure the full and equal participation of women in the elections. We also express our support for the Government’s commitment to implementing economic reforms, fighting corruption and ensuring State control over all armed forces, in order to respond to the legitimate calls of Iraqis for improving the socioeconomic situation, governance and long-term stability of the country. In the context of continued attacks against demonstrators, political activists and journalists, we encourage the Iraqi authorities to increase its efforts aimed at ensuring accountability for those responsible for violations and at safeguarding the freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.”
2021-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8842 (2021) · source
“I would like to start by thanking Special Representative Hennis-Plasschaert for her thorough briefing. We would like to express our full support to the efforts of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI). I also welcome the representative of Iraq to today’s meeting. Estonia appreciates the continued commitment of the Government of Iraq to holding free and fair parliamentary elections in October and welcomes the progress in electoral preparations. We call upon all Iraqi stakeholders to contribute to an environment conducive to holding inclusive, credible and participatory elections, which are a crucial element in the path towards stability and restored public trust in the political system. The importance of public trust was well highlighted by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in her briefing.”
2021-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8842 (2021) · source
“With that in mind, the renewal of the cross-border aid mechanism for one year in July is certainly encouraging, especially when considering that no cross-line deliveries have taken place to the north-west of Syria. Political discussions are at a deadlock, as Constitutional Committee talks have not continued. Estonia encourages the Special Envoy to explore additional confidence-building measures to enhance genuine dialogue. Most important, we believe that meaningful steps with regard to arbitrarily detained people could help ease tensions. I reiterate the call of Estonia and the European Union on the need to create an international mechanism to locate missing people or their remains. There must be accountability for the many war crimes and crimes against humanity, and an end to impunity.”
2021-08-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8841 (2021) · source
“Based on resolution 2254 (2015), implementing an immediate nationwide ceasefire is a precondition for peaceful dialogue. Overall living standards also continue to deteriorate, as corruption and warlordism remain widespread across Syria. The safe and dignified return of refugees is not possible. In the light of those hardships and the coronavirus disease pandemic, I want to underline the work of international humanitarian organizations, which remains critical in reaching millions of people on the ground with the necessary medical and humanitarian aid. Estonia calls all parties to provide safe, sustained and unimpeded humanitarian access to all Syrian people in need.”
2021-08-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8841 (2021) · source
“I thank Special Envoy Pedersen and Under-Secretary-General Griffiths for their briefings on both the political and humanitarian situation in Syria. We also took note of the comments made by Mr. Khaled Erksoussi. Syria faces numerous challenges in the near future. In this regard, I want to highlight the recent military escalation in the south of the country, which is of growing concern for Estonia. Unfortunately, the Syrian authorities have failed to ensure stability in Dara’a governorate. Over 35,000 people have been displaced in the region this summer, as violence has steadily increased. Estonia condemns the shelling of urban areas by the Syrian army, threatening the well-being and safety of the most vulnerable, including women, children and the elderly.”
2021-08-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8841 (2021) · source
“We also condemn the continued attacks on schools and hospitals, as well as the recruitment and use of children in hostilities, in clear violation of international humanitarian law. In order to alleviate the dire humanitarian situation, it is important to ensure unhindered access of humanitarian actors, so as to reach all in need. It is also essential to guarantee a regular flow of fuel and other essential commodities to all parts of the country. Finally, we reiterate our call upon the Houthis to ensure immediate and full access to the FSO SAFER oil tanker for the United Nations team.”
2021-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8840 (2021) · source
“This all adds to the already dire socioeconomic conditions, the impending famine, the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and the widespread flooding, as was well illustrated by Mr. Griffiths. Turning to the effects of the conflict on children, we fully share the concerns raised by Ms. Fore. Without an end to the hostilities, humanitarian organizations have only limited means to help the 400,000 children suffering from acute malnutrition, the families affected by COVID-19, the children being deprived of education and the record number of families forced to flee their home due to the conflict. We are deeply worried about the high number of child casualties in attacks by various parties to the conflict.”
2021-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8840 (2021) · source
“We call upon the Government of Yemen and the Southern Transitional Council to refrain from actions that will further increase tensions in an already volatile situation. We urge them to resume the implementation of the Riyadh agreement, which is an essential step on the path towards achieving a wider peace. We are deeply concerned about the ongoing hostilities, which continue to have a devastating effect on the people of Yemen, especially in Ma’rib, where the Houthis’ assault continues, but also in Al-Bayda and elsewhere. Alarmingly, the number of civilian casualties has reached levels higher than before the signing of Stockholm Agreement in December 2018. In Ma’rib alone, tens of thousands have been displaced this year.”
2021-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8840 (2021) · source
“I thank Assistant Secretary- General Khiari, Under-Secretary-General Griffiths and Executive Director Fore for their briefings. I also welcome the nomination of Mr. Hans Grundberg as the new Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen. We wish him success and look forward to working with him in his efforts to achieve peace in Yemen. We also call upon all parties to engage constructively with the new Special Envoy. It has been very disappointing to witness the lack of progress over the past months, as was also lamented by Mr. Khiari. If the past six years of war have shown anything, it is that the conflict has no military solution. It is vital that all parties show willingness to compromise and agree to a sustainable and nationwide ceasefire and resume an inclusive political process, with the participation of women and youth.”
2021-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8840 (2021) · source
“Finally, States must ensure that all counter- terrorism measures comply with their obligations under international law, in particular international human rights law, refugee law and international humanitarian law. Ignoring those principles can undermine counter- terrorism activities and lead to increased radicalization, fed by violence and a sense of impunity. We condemn all attempts to misuse the counter- terrorism agenda as a pretext for human rights violations or for silencing political opponents and members of religious or ethnic minorities.”
2021-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8839 (2021) · source
“In the light of the constantly evolving nature of the threat, 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 the European Union and beyond. We welcome the increased cooperation of those agencies with the United Nations. Coordinated efforts must be made to tackle the challenges posed by foreign terrorist fighters. Estonia commends the United Nations Office of Counter- Terrorism for the coordination of the Global Framework to provide “all-of-United Nations” support to Member States on the protection, voluntary repatriation, prosecution, rehabilitation and reintegration of individuals with suspected links to terrorist groups returning from Iraq and Syria.”
2021-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8839 (2021) · source