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 organization continues to mount attacks on international security forces, as well as local communities in the tri-border area of Mali, Burkina Faso and the Niger. In those areas, terrorism is closely interlinked with other forms of communal violence. Therefore, in order to address extremism and terrorism, more attention must be given to lowering intercommunal tensions and nurturing political reconciliation. We are facing new complex security challenges, such as cyberthreats and hybrid ones, as well as capabilities such as drones, which increase the real-time threat from terrorists to civilian populations and our men and women on operations and peacekeeping missions across the world.”
2021-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8839 (2021) · source
“United Nations reporting emphasizes that the threat has persisted and increased in conflict zones, such as Afghanistan and the Sahel. We remain concerned about those and other areas, where ISIL and Al-Qaida continue to undermine regional security. The deteriorating situation in Afghanistan remains of substantial concern. The number of civilians killed and injured has reached the highest on record. Half the population in Afghanistan is in need of humanitarian aid. Estonia calls for those in power to adhere to international law, respect human rights and ensure that terrorism finds no support or shelter there. Estonia further recognizes the threat posed by the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara.”
2021-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8839 (2021) · source
“I would like to start by thanking Under-Secretary-General Voronkov and Executive Director Coninsx for their comprehensive briefings, introducing their fresh findings on threats posed by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and its affiliates. As one of the penholders on Afghanistan, we also highly appreciate the insights provided by Mr. Davood Moradian. The Secretary-General’s report (S/2021/682) notes that the pandemic has had a substantive impact on the threat of terrorism. The measures taken to tackle the spread of the virus have complicated terrorist planning and operations. Transportation, recruitment and fund- raising have become more difficult in many parts of the globe. However, we must remain vigilant.”
2021-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8839 (2021) · source
“I end with special thanks to the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan. The efforts of the Mission are now more important than ever, as is the safety and security of its staff.”
2021-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8834 (2021) · source
“Only an inclusively negotiated political solution can lead to a durable peace in the country, as well as stability in the region. I would like to reiterate Estonia’s commitment to the people of Afghanistan. However, our cooperation with any future Afghanistan leadership will be based on its willingness to uphold the positive achievements of recent decades and act according to the norms and standards of international law, including international human rights law. Our political and financial support continues to be conditional on the preservation of the country’s human rights and democratic achievements. We welcome the efforts by Afghanistan’s neighbours and partners that have offered their help by providing shelter to those escaping the dangers and uncertainties that accompany armed conflict.”
2021-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8834 (2021) · source
“It is of critical importance to ensure that humanitarian access not be hindered and that aid providers can work in safety. We call on all parties to allow immediate, safe and unhindered humanitarian access for United Nations humanitarian agencies and other actors providing assistance. This is the time for building, repairing and healing, not retaliating, looting and profiteering. It is the critical time to establish peace. The people of Afghanistan deserve peace and security. A sustainable end to the conflict in Afghanistan can be ensured only through an inclusive political settlement that upholds the constitutional protections for the rights of all people of Afghanistan, particularly women, children and persons belonging to minorities.”
2021-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8834 (2021) · source
“I welcome the presence and strong messages of the Secretary-General and the Permanent Representative of Afghanistan. Last week (see S/PV.8831) we highlighted our grave concern that the number of civilians killed and injured in Afghanistan had reached the highest on record, with the Taliban responsible for the largest share of casualties. Today, having declared control over Afghanistan, the Taliban bears even greater responsibility and accountability for the safety and security of all people in Afghanistan. Estonia calls on those in power and in positions of authority in Afghanistan to adhere to international law, in particular international humanitarian law, and uphold the norms and standards concerning human rights. What has not changed is that more than half the population of Afghanistan is in need of humanitarian aid.”
2021-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8834 (2021) · source
“Therefore, in the planning for the post-2021 mission, it is of paramount importance that the key players, including the Federal Government of Somalia, the United Nations, the African Union and the European Union, develop a common approach that is realistic in its timelines, tasks and goals. Finally, Estonia is deeply concerned about the dire humanitarian situation. Routine spikes in humanitarian needs call for a more strategic approach. Climatic shocks continue to severely affect Somalia and require comprehensive solutions that offer prevention and threat mitigation. Estonia encourages further efforts that will proactively address those challenges, including in the upcoming the mandate renewal of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia. In conclusion, allow me to reiterate Estonia’s full support for Somalia and its people.”
2021-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8833 (2021) · source
“Estonia is alarmed by the increase of sexual and gender-based violence and the number of Somali women and children who remain trapped in a cycle of violence. This matter requires urgent attention by Somali authorities. Estonia calls on the Federal Government to accelerate the adoption of the new national action plan for ending sexual violence in conflict. The security situation remains a major challenge. We condemn in the strongest terms the continuing attacks by Al-Shabaab, and we express our condolences to the victims and their families. The security sector can only improve if all stakeholders work together towards this important goal.”
2021-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8833 (2021) · source
“Looking ahead to the next election cycle, in order to ensure that Somalia is making progress in its democratization process, Estonia strongly supports the development of an agreed pathway to one-person-one-vote elections in 2025. Since the elections lay the foundation for Somalia’s next chapter, the importance of women’s participation cannot be over-emphasized, and in that I welcome Ms. Gaballe’s message at today’s meeting. We therefore call on Somali leaders to urgently identify a mechanism that would ensure the implementation of the 30 per cent women quota in the upcoming elections in order to safeguard their political representation. We also see the need to do more to advance women’s rights in society more broadly. It is crucial that women’s rights are codified in the revised constitution and other legal frameworks.”
2021-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8833 (2021) · source
“I join others in thanking the briefers for their insightful overviews. I would also like to welcome the Permanent Representative of Somalia in today’s discussion. Estonia warmly welcomes the recent political developments in Somalia, including the 27 May agreement, and the continued dialogue between the leaders of the Federal Government and the federal member states on the electoral process. We sincerely hope that this positive momentum continues and that it will enable credible, transparent and inclusive elections to be held without further delays. Equally important are robust electoral security arrangements, which would ensure that the elections proceed smoothly.”
2021-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8833 (2021) · source
“We will continue our political and financial support, conditional upon the preservation of the country’s human rights and democratic achievements. Any easing or lifting of sanctions must be in line with resolution 2513 (2020). The Taliban must first demonstrate a credible commitment to peace. Estonia also welcomes the diplomatic efforts in Doha by Afghanistan’s neighbours and regional Powers. We encourage intensified coordinated efforts that contribute to a lasting peace in support of the people of Afghanistan. Peace and stability in Afghanistan will provide new opportunities for development and growth for the entire region.”
2021-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8831 (2021) · source
“The Security Council has been clear in its messaging. The Taliban and the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan must meaningfully engage in a comprehensive and inclusive peace process in Doha. Parties must respect their obligations under international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians. There is no military solution to this conflict, and we do not support the restoration of an Islamic emirate. I would like to reiterate that Estonia’s commitment to the people of Afghanistan remains steadfast. We emphasize the importance of the full, equal and meaningful participation of women in the peace process and wish to see that the outcome of the peace process preserves constitutional protections for the rights of women and minorities.”
2021-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8831 (2021) · source
“Since the start of the ongoing Taliban offensive, in particular the assaults on population centres, the number of civilians killed or injured has reached the highest on record, with the Taliban responsible for the largest share of casualties. Half the population in Afghanistan is now in need of humanitarian aid; yet humanitarian access is shrinking, and humanitarian aid providers are being killed at an alarming rate. That worsening humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, which has been described in detail today, is human-made and could have been averted. Estonia reiterates the call, in particular on the Taliban, for an immediate ceasefire to save the Afghan people from more meaningless suffering. Only a negotiated political solution can lead to a sustainable peace in the country, as well as stability in the region.”
2021-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8831 (2021) · source
“I would like to start with by expressing our special thanks to Ms. Akbar and the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission for their courageous work despite the current situation in Afghanistan. Hearing today about the deliberate killings of civilians, including Dawa Khan Menapal, and the mounting civilian casualties was most troubling. I would also like to thank Special Representative Lyons for all her tireless work, in particular on supporting peace talks and on the humanitarian response. Attacks against United Nations personnel and compounds, such as the recent incident in Herat, are utterly reprehensible and may constitute war crimes, the perpetrators of which must be brought to justice. I also welcome the participation today of Ambassador Isaczai of Afghanistan.”
2021-08-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8831 (2021) · source
“We continue to call on the Russian Federation to disclose, fully and in a transparent manner, all circumstances of the incident and to inform the Security Council accordingly.”
2021-08-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8830 (2021) · source
“The use of a weapon of mass destruction by anyone, anywhere is not and cannot become acceptable. I would also like to reiterate Estonia’s full support to the professional and impartial work of the OPCW and its Technical Secretariat. The organization has demonstrated full dedication and integrity in fulfilling its task of upholding the norm against the use of chemical weapons. We call on the Syrian regime to cooperate fully with the OPCW Technical Secretariat and its investigative mechanisms. Finally, 20 August will mark one year since the poisoning of Mr. Navalny with a chemical nerve agent of the Novichok group. It is unacceptable that the circumstances of this poisoning still remain unclear.”
2021-08-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8830 (2021) · source
“The steps taken by the Syrian regime in addressing the identified gaps, inconsistencies and discrepancies in the initial declaration remain clearly unsatisfactory. This lack of progress continues to pose a threat to the Syrian people and to international peace and security. I would like to reiterate the importance of accountability. It is of the utmost importance for the Security Council to provide a clear and united response to the outcomes of the independent and professional investigations by the Joint Investigative Mechanism and the Investigation and Identification Team. Holding those responsible to account and ensuring justice to the victims is needed to prevent such attacks from happening again. The Security Council needs to take clear steps in fulfilling its mandate and implementing its resolutions.”
2021-08-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8830 (2021) · source
“I join others in thanking France for their presidency of the Security Council in July and wish India all the best with its presidency now in August. I would like to thank Mr. Markram for his briefing and for the opportunity to discuss the latest updates on progress in the elimination of the Syrian chemical weapons programme. Unfortunately, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Director-General’s ninety-fourth report (S/2021/692, annex) on progress in the elimination of the chemical weapons in Syria does not, in fact, reflect much progress. The deployment of the Declaration Assessment Team was scheduled to take place in May, but is, regrettably, still on hold due to the lack of response by Syria.”
2021-08-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8830 (2021) · source
“Lastly, regarding the postponement of the elections in Palestine, we encourage all relevant stakeholders to support efforts in establishing a new election date and ensuring that the elections are free, fair, inclusive and take place throughout the occupied Palestinian territory, including in East Jerusalem.”
2021-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8826 (2021) · source
“Estonia is concerned about Israel’s continued settlement expansion, evictions and demolitions of Palestinian property in the West Bank, including in East Jerusalem. They run contrary to international law and are escalating tensions in an already-tense environment. We are also deeply concerned about the death of activist Nizar Banat during his arrest by the Palestinian Authority’s security forces in Hebron and the clashes between protesters and security forces in Ramallah that followed. We call for a full and independent investigation of the incident. The exercise of freedom of expression must be ensured for all.”
2021-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8826 (2021) · source
“All parties should take steps to improve the humanitarian and socioeconomic situation in Gaza, while taking into consideration Israel’s security concerns. Efforts must be continued to create the necessary conditions for the resumption of direct negotiations on a two-State solution, based on international law and the relevant Security Council resolutions. Until such conditions are met, we urge the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority to take practical steps to rebuild confidence. Further coordinated efforts to combat the coronavirus disease pandemic, as well as enhance economic cooperation, are vital and would benefit the citizens of both sides. We also call on all parties to calm the volatile situation in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. The status quo of the holy sites must be upheld and respected.”
2021-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8826 (2021) · source
“I thank Deputy Special Coordinator Hastings and Ms. Oppenheimer for their briefing. Estonia aligns itself with the statement submitted on behalf of the European Union and its States members. I would first like to touch upon the ongoing fragile situation between Israel and Gaza. It is essential that the parties continue to respect the ceasefire and do their utmost to avoid further violence. The launching of incendiary balloons towards Israel is unacceptable. Israel has the right to defend itself, while ensuring the safety and protection of the civilian population. We fully support the international and regional efforts towards securing long-term peace, enabling the reconstruction in Gaza and ensuring unimpeded humanitarian access throughout the Strip.”
2021-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8826 (2021) · source
“On that note, allow me to emphasize that Estonia remains firmly committed to supporting the Sudan’s democratic transition to a fully legitimate and inclusive civilian Government, which would ensure peace, freedom and justice for all Sudanese people. Finally, I would like to thank all personnel of UNAMID for their sacrifice and efforts in helping to leave Darfur in a better condition than they found it in. UNAMID will certainly be remembered for its invaluable contributions to peace efforts in Darfur.”
2021-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8825 (2021) · source
“The pursuit of peace, justice and civilian protection in Darfur will remain relevant after the closure of UNAMID. That is why the importance of the implementation of the Juba Peace Agreement cannot be overemphasized. We also urge the Government of the Sudan to take extra measures to ensure that the protection of civilians is provided for all people in Darfur, especially for populations who are more vulnerable, including women, children and the internally displaced. We call on the Sudan to cooperate closely with the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in the Sudan to help build up the necessary capacities for civilian protection and to consolidate peacebuilding in Darfur more broadly. Peace in Darfur is also critical to the Sudan’s historic transition.”
2021-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8825 (2021) · source
“I join others in thanking Under-Secretary-General Atul Khare for his comprehensive briefing. At the outset, allow me to commend everyone involved who made it possible to wrap up the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) at a historic speed. That was no easy endeavour, and we appreciate the effort it took. Estonia also welcomes the Sudan’s cooperation with both the United Nations and the African Union during the UNAMID drawdown. Now it is important to ensure that the liquidation process goes according to plan. We call on the Government of the Sudan and other relevant stakeholders, including the Juba Peace Agreement signatories and other armed opposition movements, to cooperate fully with the United Nations and the African Union during UNAMID’s liquidation.”
2021-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8825 (2021) · source