YouSaid · the spoken record

Lõuk

lines on the record

33

first

2020-08-20

most recent

2023-10-25

sittings or episodes

6

sources

un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

1. “Estonia admires the bravery and resilience of women and girls worldwide in our common pursuit to build societies that are safe, resilient, inclusive and peaceful, and will continue to support UN-Women, UNICEF and the Offices of the Secretary-General’s Special Representatives on Sexual Violence in Conflict and for Children and Armed Conflict in their activities.”

   2023-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9452Resumption1 (2023) · source

2. “In that regard, change cannot happen without the engagement of men and boys as crucial contributors. We are deeply worried about the impact of the increasing numbers of military conflicts on the situation of women and girls around the world. We are following the developments in Israel and Gaza with great concern. We condemn the terrorist organization Hamas’s brutal attacks on Israel. Solving this crisis must be fully in line with international humanitarian law, and the protection of civilians should be imperative.”

   2023-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9452Resumption1 (2023) · source

3. “Despite the horrors that Russian armed forces and affiliated mercenaries have committed against women and girls in Ukraine, we want to commend the incredible leadership that Ukrainian women have shown by taking assertive roles in the political, military and humanitarian arenas in resisting Russia’s heinous war. Russia must immediately and unconditionally withdraw all its troops and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders. Estonia stands tirelessly in solidarity with Ukraine and reiterates that women are a driving force of change. Women’s full, equal and meaningful participation and leadership are the only way to achieve sustainable and lasting peace. That said, our main focus should be on conflict prevention rather than on dealing with the aftermath.”

   2023-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9452Resumption1 (2023) · source

4. “We are all responsible for achieving gender equality and for the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000), each of us in our own way. Estonia is currently in the process of putting together a midterm review of its third national action plan for implementing the resolution on women and peace and security. It includes references to women’s involvement in peacekeeping and peace negotiations through planned activities increasing women’s representation in political life, as well as their participation in military service. The annual International Conference on Women, Peace and Security was recently held in Tallinn and this year focused on Ukraine.”

   2023-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9452Resumption1 (2023) · source

5. “Ms. Lõuk (Estonia): Estonia welcomes the Security Council’s open debate on women and peace and security and affirms its dedication to advancing that agenda. Estonia aligns itself with the statement made earlier today on behalf of the European Union. Nearly a quarter of a century has passed since the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000) on women and peace and security. Despite that, it appears that globally we are far from achieving gender equality. In fact, as the report of the Secretary-General indicates (S/2023/725), we are moving backwards. Implementing the women and peace and security agenda requires comprehensive, all- inclusive efforts. But those efforts are made up of small steps that we have to take every day and everywhere.”

   2023-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9452Resumption1 (2023) · source

6. “Let me also recall the European Union’s solidarity lanes initiative, which has helped to export 41 million tons of food from Ukraine. In conclusion, the global community must do better and hold to account those actors who are using starvation as a method of warfare and violating international humanitarian law. Estonia remains a committed partner to the United Nations in tackling global hunger and addressing its root causes.”

   2023-08-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9392Resumption1 (2023) · source

7. “As the Secretary-General stated, it is not a handful of donations to some countries that will correct the dramatic impacts affecting everyone, everywhere. Estonia supports the United Nations in trying to salvage the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which had been a functioning solution to a problem Russia itself created by invading Ukraine. We call upon Russia to stop its war against Ukraine. Estonia is committed to helping those regions in most desperate need. We have contributed additional humanitarian aid to the Horn of Africa and Yemen this year, and our regular contributions to the World Food Programme, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the Central Emergency Response Fund, UNICEF and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees help to respond to humanitarian crises globally.”

   2023-08-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9392Resumption1 (2023) · source

8. “As the world is thinking of ways to continue Ukrainian food exports, Russia has further escalated its war against food by bombing Ukrainian granaries and food export facilities. Just yesterday, it bombed the Izmail port on the river Danube, destroying 40,000 tons of grain destined for countries in Africa, China and Israel and increasing global wheat prices by 4 per cent. Furthermore, Russia has attacked Ukrainian energy infrastructure, which powers the agricultural sector, and is threatening all vessels heading to and from Ukrainian ports. The recent decision by Russia to offer a small amount of free grain to six African Member States is yet another attempt by Russia to create a false illusion of its capabilities to replace Ukrainian grain.”

   2023-08-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9392Resumption1 (2023) · source

9. “The Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Horn of Africa, Afghanistan, Yemen and Syria are just some of the places facing famine due to armed conflicts. Hunger tends to create vicious cycles that lead to new conflicts and hinder any possible progress. In that context, it is shameful that a key United Nations-facilitated initiative to improve global food security — the Black Sea Grain Initiative — was unilaterally abandoned by a permanent member of the Council. Russia’s selfish and cynical decision to weaponize food by terminating the implementation of the Black Sea Grain Initiative is a catastrophic loss for people in need everywhere. The Initiative kept global food prices stable and enabled 33 million tons of Ukrainian wheat to reach 45 countries across the globe, with 65 per cent of exports going to developing countries.”

   2023-08-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9392Resumption1 (2023) · source

10. “Ms. Lõuk (Estonia): I thank you, Mr. President, for convening this important open debate. I thank the briefers for their valuable input. Estonia aligns itself with the statement delivered by the representative of the European Union earlier today. Global food security has continued to worsen in recent years. According to the United Nations, 258 million people in 58 countries faced acute food insecurity in 2022 owing to climate change, armed conflicts and the effects of the coronavirus disease pandemic. The World Food Programme estimates that those numbers have continued to grow this year. The implementation of resolution 2417 (2018) remains highly relevant, as 70 per cent of the world’s hungry people live in areas afflicted by war and violence.”

    2023-08-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9392Resumption1 (2023) · source

11. “We call for accountability for the violations perpetrated against children in Ukraine, just as we have continued to call for accountability in Syria, Iraq, Mali, Afghanistan and in other situations reflected in the report of the Secretary-General (S/2022/493). For its part, Estonia will continue to support, including financially, the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General as well as UNICEF in their daily crucial work to protect children around the world.”

    2022-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9096Resumption1 (2022) · source

12. “That follows the long trail of blood left by the Russian Federation in Ukraine and the cruel and targeted attacks against civilians, including children. The pattern of the killing and maiming of children, sexual violence, denial of humanitarian access, deportations and illegal adoptions, and deliberate attacks on schools and hospitals perpetrated by the Russian Federation, are grave violations against children. We call on the Secretary- General to ensure the monitoring and reporting of violations against children in Ukraine without delay, along with the necessary child protection capacity in Ukraine. We also call on him to engage closely with Ukraine through his Special Representative.”

    2022-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9096Resumption1 (2022) · source

13. “It includes focusing attention on the violations against children, with the urgency they deserve, in every single Security Council discussion of a country situation on its agenda. That is what Estonia aimed to do during its Security Council membership. We welcome the steps being taken to further develop the analysis of the gender dimensions of children and armed conflict. The rise in the proportion of grave violations against girls, including sexual violence and abduction, is alarming and requires the Council’s attention. We condemn the restrictions on and attacks against girls’ education, including in Afghanistan. We cannot turn back the clock on the rights of girls anywhere. The Secretary-General has designated Ukraine as a situation of concern with immediate effect.”

    2022-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9096Resumption1 (2022) · source

14. “Those violations destroy lives and communities, fuel conflict and have an impact on international peace and security that lasts for years. The reasoning for the relevance of the children and armed conflict mandate is clear; action by the Council, the United Nations system and national actors must follow. That includes promoting compliance with international law and ensuring accountability for violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law, including through international mechanisms such as the International Criminal Court and the exercise of universal jurisdiction. It includes the incorporation and use of criteria related to children and armed conflict in sanctions regimes. It includes political, financial and operational resources for United Nation child protection activities.”

    2022-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9096Resumption1 (2022) · source

15. “Ms. Lõuk (Estonia): We thank Brazil for convening this high-level meeting and the briefers for their presentations. We also thank Special Representative Gamba de Potgieter and her Office and UNICEF, as well as all child-protection actors, for their tireless work. Estonia aligns itself with the statement to be delivered by the observer of the European Union. The children and armed conflict mandate, including its Monitoring and Reporting Mechanism, is a unique and essential part of the Security Council’s work to ensure peace and security, and it should be utilized accordingly. The significant and devastating impact of conflicts on children is clear. The number of verified grave violations last year reached nearly 24,000.”

    2022-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9096Resumption1 (2022) · source

16. “The fundamental principles of respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity and refraining from the use of force are to be respected by every country and are not up for debate. We resolutely condemn Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. We urge Russia once again to immediately stop its indiscriminate attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure and to immediately and unconditionally withdraw all its troops and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders. Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania stand with Ukraine and the Ukrainian people.”

    2022-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9080 (2022) · source

17. “Recent reports have shown that Russian forces have been systematically stealing grain and other products from local farmers in occupied areas of Ukraine. As a result of Russia’s military activity, more than 20 million tons of grain are currently blocked in Ukraine. We fully support the efforts of the United Nations to find an urgently needed solution for the export of Ukraine’s grain and urge Russia to ensure the free passage of shipping from Ukrainian ports. Let me reiterate that it is the obligation of each member of the international community to stand up against those who violate the principles and rules of international law, including the Charter of the United Nations; failing that, we risk losing the international rules-based order that we built and have committed to since the end of the Second World War.”

    2022-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9080 (2022) · source

18. “We are concerned that yet again Russia has resorted to dangerous and irresponsible nuclear rhetoric by announcing its intention to transfer nuclear-capable missiles to Belarus and upgrading Belarus’s warplanes to make them capable of carrying nuclear weapons. We urge Russia and Belarus to act in line with their international commitments and cease the destabilizing nuclear sabre-rattling. Any use of weapons of mass destruction is unacceptable and would lead to severe consequences. We herewith strongly condemn the involvement of Belarus as Russia’s accomplice in the aggression against Ukraine. We also strongly condemn Russia weaponizing food to increase food shortages and global hunger and thus destabilize international security.”

    2022-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9080 (2022) · source

19. “The international community should spare no effort to ensure that those responsible for those atrocity crimes are held to account. We need collectively to give our strongest support to the ongoing work by the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine mandated by the Human Rights Council and the work of the expert missions under the Moscow Mechanism of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, as well as the national investigation by the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine. Justice will be brought to victims and their families.”

    2022-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9080 (2022) · source

20. “Russia has repeatedly ignored the calls by the General Assembly as well as the order of the International Court of Justice to immediately suspend military operations on the territory of Ukraine and withdraw its armed forces from Ukraine. The borders of a country are not to be changed by force; that demand is the heart and soul of the Charter. The systematic violations of humanitarian law and human rights, deliberate attacks on civilian objects and civilians, executions, sexual and gender- based violence, arbitrary arrests, abductions, enforced disappearances and forced deportations of civilians, including of unaccompanied children to Russia as well as their illegal adoption, committed against the Ukrainian people amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity, and possibly even genocide.”

    2022-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9080 (2022) · source

21. “The shelling of a crowded shopping centre in Kremenchuk as well as numerous other intensified attacks on Ukrainian cities — Slovyansk, Kharkiv and Kyiv — in recent days had no military justification whatsoever, no justification other than to kill, injure and cause extensive human suffering in the hope that the spirit of Ukrainian people will be broken, calls for peace at all costs will grow and that the demands of the aggressor will subsequently be met. That is diplomacy the Russian way, using terror and blackmail. Those Russian actions represent flagrant violations of international law, including the Charter of the United Nations.”

    2022-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9080 (2022) · source

22. “Putin’s regime has unleashed a colonial, neo-imperialist, expansionist war against Ukraine, amplified by the obscene, dehumanizing disinformation campaign against Ukraine and the identity, language, history and right to exist of the Ukrainian people. The Security Council must urgently perform its duties to stop that unfolding catastrophe. As we have seen over the course of four months — 124 days now — Russia’s military, unable to defeat the defenders of Ukraine on the battlefield, is seeking to achieve its aims by terrorizing civilians. We have already seen this too many times: maternity hospitals, schools, kindergartens, residential buildings and now also shopping centres are being targeted indiscriminately and without any remorse. Russia’s terror knows no bounds.”

    2022-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9080 (2022) · source

23. “Ms. Lõuk (Estonia): I speak on behalf of the Baltic countries — Latvia, Lithuania and my own country, Estonia. I thank the Albanian presidency for having organized this briefing and Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo for the updates on Russia’s full-scale barbaric military aggression against an independent and sovereign country that wishes nothing more than to live in peace and freedom to choose its own destiny — free from foreign interference in its internal affairs. We warmly welcome President Zelenskyy’s participation in this meeting and commend him and the Ukrainian people on their heroic courage and resistance, for the freedom of their country and for the freedom of us all. The crime of aggression is a major crime against international law.”

    2022-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9080 (2022) · source

24. “That includes the investigation of, and full accountability for, the Russian crimes in Ukraine. We commend the tireless efforts of humanitarian organizations, in particular local organizations, as well as the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross, in working to ensure humanitarian access and deliver assistance to those people in dire need. We underline the need for safe and unhindered humanitarian access throughout Ukraine. The Security Council needs to step up its action to protect civilians everywhere, including by showing political will and providing adequate protection capacity for its peacekeeping and political missions. Otherwise, it will continue to fall short of the aims set for its role in the Charter of the United Nations.”

    2022-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9042Resumption1 (2022) · source

25. “It has been characterized by violations of international law amounting to war crimes and crimes against humanity; targeted systematic violence against the most vulnerable, including women and children; and extensive shelling and sieges of cities. It has led to millions being displaced and thousands being deported, disappeared, tortured or subjected to sexual violence. It has also been characterized by massive disinformation, including here at the Council, about the Russian actions towards the civilians in Ukraine and their inhuman intent, as well as cynical and surreal attempts by Russia to claim that its actions comply with international law. Estonia has continued to emphasize the importance of accountability for all violations of international law through national, regional, international and hybrid mechanisms.”

    2022-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9042Resumption1 (2022) · source

26. “Increased and consistent Council scrutiny, enhanced data collection, monitoring and reporting and ensuring accountability for violations are key tools for countering the obstacles to humanitarian access. Estonia underlines the importance of, and continues to focus on, the contribution of digital technologies to the identification and assessment of humanitarian needs. However, we take note of the Secretary-General’s emphasis on the need to adopt strategies to address their malicious use in undermining humanitarian action. The Russian aggression against Ukraine has been carried out with cynical indifference towards the protection of civilians.”

    2022-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9042Resumption1 (2022) · source

27. “We welcome the focus of today’s debate on ways to ensure better humanitarian access. We note with concern the various emerging challenges outlined by the Secretary-General, including restrictions of the activities of female humanitarian personnel, who are essential in reaching those must vulnerable, as well as the fragmentation of armed groups and the difficulties for humanitarian engagement resulting from the growing number of private military and security contractors, in particular in the Central African Republic. We also note the increasing risk borne by local humanitarian workers due to the increased risks associated with humanitarian operations. The denial of humanitarian access is a violation of international law.”

    2022-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9042Resumption1 (2022) · source

28. “We underline that existing international law also applies in cyberspace. With tens of thousands of civilians in need of assistance, we find the persistent and increasing attacks against those who strive to help them — humanitarian and health-care workers — abhorrent. Hundreds of health-care workers were killed and facilities were damaged in 2021 — a number that will increase exponentially this year due to the attacks conducted systematically and ruthlessly by Russia in Ukraine. Scores of humanitarian workers have been killed, wounded or kidnapped, 95 per cent of them national staff — most notably in Ethiopia, Afghanistan and Syria. The civilian toll continues to include dozens of killed and injured journalists, whose work adds to the information and awareness of the impact of conflict.”

    2022-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9042Resumption1 (2022) · source

29. “Ms. Lõuk (Estonia): We thank the United States for hosting today’s debate, and the briefers for their presentations. Estonia aligns itself with the statement made by the observer of the European Union. The protection of civilians is an essential part of the Security Council’s agenda. With an overwhelming majority of harm caused by conflicts borne by civilians, we cannot address the maintenance of international peace and security without a strong focus on their protection in every conflict. The report of the Secretary-General (S/2022/381) yet again reflects an enormous gap between the parties’ obligations under international law and the reality in situations of conflict around the world. Estonia reiterates its call for compliance with international law, including international human rights law and international humanitarian law.”

    2022-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9042Resumption1 (2022) · source

30. “Finally, Estonia is deeply concerned about the current humanitarian situation, which has suffered the triple shock of the COVID-19 pandemic, a locust infestation and floods. We are concerned that the humanitarian response plan remains underfunded, with 3.5 million people facing severe food insecurity for the remainder of the year. We call on the international community to address the funding gap. I would like to conclude by expressing Estonia’s gratitude and support to United Nations personnel in Somalia, the African Union Mission in Somalia and the Somali security forces for their efforts, commitment and sacrifices to bring peace and stability to Somalia.”

    2020-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8755 (2020) · source

31. “Estonia welcomes the fact that the Working Group on Children in Armed Conflict has agreed its most recent conclusions on Somalia, and we are looking forward to their implementation. The security situation remains a major challenge. We condemn in the strongest terms the attacks by Al-Shabaab and offer condolences to the victims of the attacks. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, all stakeholders must ensure that progress is also made on the security front. We further call on the Federal Government of Somalia to accelerate the updating of the transition plan. Clear timelines, clear tasks and a clear vision are crucial in order to achieve the end goal of Somalia taking full responsibility for its security.”

    2020-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8755 (2020) · source

32. “Given the high stakes of the upcoming elections, it is crucial that no unilateral actions be taken and that broad-based political agreements be reached. We hope that the stakeholders can agree on timely and inclusive elections, which represent progress beyond the 2016 model. We are concerned about the sexual-intercourse-related crimes bill proposed by the parliamentary committee and urge the Parliament not to pass any legislation that is in violation of international standards. We also call on the authorities to address the attacks on freedom of expression and to investigate attacks on journalists and media workers accordingly. Lastly, we call on the Federal Government to take steps towards establishing the national human rights commission, which has a key role in promoting and protecting human rights.”

    2020-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8755 (2020) · source

33. “Ms. Lõuk (Estonia): We join others in offering our deepest condolences to the families of the victims of the recent attack on the Elite Hotel. We also join others in thanking the briefers for their insightful overviews. It is important that despite the multiple challenges, including the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, Somalia keep moving ahead with the long- term goals of State-building. We commend Somalia on the progress made thus far and encourage them to stay on course. Estonia warmly welcomes the resumption of dialogue between the Federal Government of Somalia and the federal member states, and strongly encourages all stakeholders to continue their talks to pursue national priorities, including the modalities of timely and peaceful elections.”

    2020-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8755 (2020) · source