YouSaid · the spoken record

Mabhongo

lines on the record: 226
first: 2004-10-28
most recent: 2023-05-03
sittings or episodes: 41
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

“We would like to highlight several areas where the Security Council could assist in strengthening the protection of civilians. First, where possible, the Security Council and Member States should continue to support non-violent and community-based protection mechanisms such as political mediation, early-warning activities and unarmed civilian protection. The effective protection of civilians begins with safe and inclusive dialogue with conflict-affected communities, States and other stakeholders at all levels. Additionally, grass-roots peacemaking efforts should be promoted, along with the roles that women and young people play in those initiatives.”
2022-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9042Resumption1 (2022) · source
“We continue to urge for ensuring that objects that are indispensable to civilian populations are protected at all costs, and for the stringent implementation of resolution 2573 (2021), pertaining to attacks on civilian infrastructure, in order to uphold international humanitarian law. Non-combatants, including journalists, must be protected in keeping with the principle of distinction and other protective measures of the Geneva Conventions. We remain concerned about the continued politicization of humanitarian corridors, with detrimental effects on the civilians most in need of assistance. Yet despite those challenges, humanitarian personnel continue to do their work bravely and provide assistance to the most vulnerable communities.”
2022-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9042Resumption1 (2022) · source
“It is therefore crucial that urgent measures be taken to ensure that COVID-19 vaccines are also made available to those in conflict situations. Despite being protected under international humanitarian law, civilians, including the most vulnerable — children, women, refugees, displaced and disabled persons, and humanitarian and medical personnel — continue to be the victims of direct, deliberate, systematic and violent targeted attacks by armed forces. Similarly, access to humanitarian assistance has been compromised by the continued destruction of hospitals and attacks on medical transport and essential services.”
2022-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9042Resumption1 (2022) · source
“We would like to thank the United States for convening this open debate. South Africa welcomes the Secretary-General’s report (S/2022/381), which informs our discussions today. Furthermore, we wish to thank all the briefers for their presentations. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic continues to have impacts on new, ongoing and protracted conflicts, exacerbating existing inequalities and vulnerabilities and drawing further attention to protection concerns. We have witnessed escalating humanitarian needs in conjunction with the displacement of persons, disruptions to global supply chains, food insecurity and famine. Vaccines have enabled many parts of the world to bring the pandemic under control, but their distribution remains unequal.”
2022-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9042Resumption1 (2022) · source
“Finally, the international community must shore up political will and act immediately and without selectivity to protect human lives and peacefully and justly resolve the conflicts plaguing our world. In doing so, we must not be seen to favour the protection of some people while ignoring the plight of others. It is important that we work together to reduce violence and help cities and communities better cope with fragility in order to mitigate the effects of wars on people.”
2022-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8953Resumption1 (2022) · source
“The Security Council may wish to consider adjusting the procedure for drawdowns based on a benchmark system similar to the one implemented in the Central African Republic. That could better ensure that countries are adequately competent to protect civilian populations before drawdowns take place. Such benchmarks may also assist in better gauging the situation of conflict on the ground while the future of a mission is considered. Thirdly, Member States ought to engage and encourage partnerships with local authorities, the International Committee of the Red Cross and other humanitarian organizations to protect and assist in building essential urban services that are resilient, especially during challenging times.”
2022-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8953Resumption1 (2022) · source
“The use of explosive weapons exacerbates the humanitarian crisis for people living in the Gaza Strip and negatively impacts civilians’ living conditions and livelihoods. The destruction of civilian infrastructure, such as houses, schools and hospitals, as well as the impact on the environment, will further intensify the long-term consequences of the escalation of violence. We now wish to make a few points. First, the Security Council and Member States need to be pragmatic and innovative in developing tailor- made solutions to the specific needs of the affected communities, taking into consideration the particular dynamics of each context. Secondly, we suggest that drawdowns of United Nations missions include a protection-of-civilians mandate.”
2022-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8953Resumption1 (2022) · source
“The Geneva Conventions and the principles of international humanitarian law clearly stipulate the obligations of parties to armed conflict to primarily protect civilians and civilian objects. South Africa underlines the importance of all actors, including those who are involved in armed conflicts, to ensure that they comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law. It is regrettable, however, that the plight of civilians in protracted conflict situations, such as in Palestine and Western Sahara, seems to not receive adequate attention, while accountability for violations against civilians in those territories remains elusive. Current and recent armed conflicts, such as the conflict in Gaza, have continued to expose the devastating effects on civilians of the use of heavy explosive weapons in populated areas.”
2022-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8953Resumption1 (2022) · source
“South Africa wishes to thank Norway for convening this important open debate, which highlights the effects of conflict on civilians, including those in urban settings, as well as the imperative to enhance efforts to ensure their protection. I also wish to thank the briefers for their insightful briefings this morning. Urban areas are largely concentrated and are centres of social and economic activities. It is therefore of grave concern that urban areas are often deliberately targeted in escalating and protracted wars. We have heard from other speakers about the detrimental impacts of conflict in urban settings, including the death and injury of civilians and damage to infrastructure.”
2022-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8953Resumption1 (2022) · source
“Thirdly and finally, South Africa calls for the equal, full and effective participation of women — including in leadership roles — in all policy, planning and implementation processes around efforts to address the impact of small arms and light weapons. That is especially important given the disproportionate impact of the use of those arms on women and children.”
2021-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8909Resumption1 (2021) · source
“First, South Africa would like to call on the Council to encourage support for initiatives undertaken at the national and regional levels, consistent with the Programme of Action, through international cooperation and assistance, not only in material support but also in information exchange, technology transfer and, importantly, in capacity-building, to ensure that countries are able to take ownership of controlling this scourge and threat. We should address the challenge at its root to enable an effective response. Secondly, South Africa also supports efforts to bring the work of the Council in line with and complementary to all other initiatives to prevent, combat and eradicate the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons, thereby further operationalizing the Programme of Action.”
2021-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8909Resumption1 (2021) · source
“Six years on from the adoption of resolution 2220 (2015), this open debate presents an opportunity to take stock of its implementation, as well as to reflect on certain pertinent related developments. Recently, however, the Council has recognized the adverse impacts on international security of the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons, particularly on the African continent, through the adoption of resolution 2457 (2019), concerning cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations in maintaining international peace and security — Silencing the Guns in Africa. South Africa wishes to make three points.”
2021-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8909Resumption1 (2021) · source
“South Africa notes with appreciation the convening of this open debate on the impact of the diversion and trafficking of arms on peace and security. We believe that it is timely to build on the successful outcomes of both the seventh Biennial Meeting of States to Consider the Implementation of the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects, as well as the seventh Conference of States Parties to the Arms Trade Treaty, in order to give greater attention to this matter. South Africa is also pleased to note the adoption by the First Committee this year of the annual draft resolution on the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in all its aspects (A/C/1/76/L.43), of which South Africa, Colombia and Japan are traditionally the main sponsors.”
2021-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8909Resumption1 (2021) · source
“Post-conflict educational provision has been shown to impact positively on the sustainability of peace, while post-conflict economic policies, on the other hand, have had a mixed record. Peace agreements often address grievances believed to be driving violent conflicts. However, few agreements make specific provisions aimed at addressing key economic issues like systematic inequalities in employment. Those are some of the areas on which we need to give greater focus as we move forward.”
2021-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8900Resumption1 (2021) · source
“We must accept that women’s inclusion and meaningful participation in peace processes have a positive impact on the implementation and sustainability of peace agreements. Young people are often victims of multiple and interlocking forms of discrimination that can lead to their exclusion from peacemaking and conflict prevention efforts. The inclusion of young people has broad benefits. We need, therefore, to invest in their capabilities to contribute to greater economic growth and development, diminishing civil unrest and the promotion of sustainable peace. In conclusion, I would like to highlight that preventing conflict from erupting and degenerating into full-scale wars remains the best option for promoting global sustainable peace.”
2021-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8900Resumption1 (2021) · source
“The General Assembly, the Economic and Social Council and the Peacebuilding Commission all have specific responsibilities to address the conditions that give rise to conflict. The role of the Peacebuilding Commission, in particular, in promoting inclusiveness and building sustainable peace remains crucial. It is therefore important that we continue to strengthen the collaboration between the Security Council and the Peacebuilding Commission. Successful conflict prevention also requires collaboration and cooperation with subregional and regional organizations, such as the African Union. It is vital that women be included in political, economic and social life, as they have proven to play a key role in influencing society’s inclination for peace.”
2021-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8900Resumption1 (2021) · source
“We need to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In his report Our Common Agenda, the Secretary-General provides us with a road map for hastening the implementation of our development goals at the national and international levels. With conflicts becoming increasingly protracted and transnational, the existing global conflict resolution architecture must adapt, and we should identify innovative ways to confront today’s challenges. The Security Council must continue to identify new and emerging threats to peace and security and adopt proactive approaches to addressing them. Conflict prevention and sustaining peace, however, are not the responsibility of the Security Council alone.”
2021-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8900Resumption1 (2021) · source
“At the outset, let me to congratulate you, Mr. President, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of November. I wish to thank you for convening this important open debate. I also wish to thank the briefers for their insightful and detailed briefings this morning. In various societies inequality and exclusion have proved to be among the root causes of fragility, violence and conflict. We need collective will to address inequality and exclusion and generally create conditions for the betterment of all people in all countries. The coronavirus disease pandemic has once again illustrated glaring inequalities in the world. We see unequal access to vaccines and medical treatments. We also see some having more resilience to the economic hardships caused by the pandemic than others.”
2021-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8900Resumption1 (2021) · source
“We call on the Council, in the interests of its mandate of maintaining international peace and security, to support the efforts of all to realize the entry into force of the CTBT as soon as possible. We cannot ignore the catastrophic threat posed by these weapons and their testing to our people and our environment. The meeting rose at 11.45 a.m.”
2021-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8865 (2021) · source
“For its part, and as co-President of the article XIV Conference and a participant in the Group of Eminent Persons, South Africa will continue its active role in the work of the CTBTO from both a technical and political perspective. That includes support for concrete, actionable steps towards the early entry into force and universalization of the Treaty such as using avenues to encourage further signatures and ratifications as well as outreach activities, which our participation in this Council meeting today illustrates. We encourage the full implementation of and commitment to those actionable steps by all States parties to the Treaty. We look forward to working with all States parties as well as with the Executive Secretary, Mr. Robert Floyd, with whom we are glad to share this platform today and whose work we support going forward.”
2021-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8865 (2021) · source
“However, it seems that for some the escalation in vertical advancement and stockpiling, and the horizontal spread of the development of nuclear arsenals and their means of delivery remains an ill-conceived factor in their strategic thinking. South Africa therefore urges the nuclear-weapon States and those that possess these horrific weapons to make urgent progress towards the achievement of the total elimination of nuclear weapons. For us, the CTBT serves as a solid foundation for the achievement of a world free of nuclear weapons, and we remain concerned about the lack of progress in the ratification of the Treaty, in particular by the eight remaining annex 2 States. However, we recognize the positive developments that have taken place since 2019, such as the recent ratifications of the Treaty by the Comoros and Cuba.”
2021-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8865 (2021) · source
“A quarter of a century is far too long a period for the spectrum of nuclear-weapon tests to loom, despite commitments made on a moratorium on these tests, especially given the catastrophic humanitarian and environmental consequences of a nuclear weapon detonation, whether by accident or by design, and in any environment. A moratorium should not be seen as a viable long-term replacement for the legally binding commitment of States signatories of the CTBT. In fact, it may even distract from the urgency of such a binding legal commitment. South Africa realized this urgency early on, and the importance it attaches to the CTBT and its objectives has been demonstrated by the fact that we were one of the first countries to sign and ratify the Treaty, and we will continue to strongly support its entry into force.”
2021-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8865 (2021) · source
“It is our hope that the debate will form part of sustained and enhanced efforts aimed at encouraging the signing and the ratification of the Treaty. Today’s Council meeting also provides us, as the international community, with an opportunity to once again highlight the dangers and threats posed to international peace and security by nuclear weapons and their tests and to pay tribute to those who have been victims of the use of nuclear weapons. This meeting is also consistent with the Final Declaration adopted by the Article XIV Conference, in which States resolved to “[s]pare no effort and use all avenues open to us to encourage further signature and ratification of the Treaty, and urge all States to sustain the momentum generated by this Conference and remain seized of the issue at the highest political level”.”
2021-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8865 (2021) · source
“We thank Izumi Nakamitsu, Robert Floyd and Magdalene Wangui Wanyaga for their briefings today. The Security Council’s convening of today’s open debate to mark the twenty-fifth anniversary of the opening for signature of the Comprehensive Nuclear- Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) is timely. Not only does it mark a significant anniversary of the Treaty, but it also follows very closely on the successful holding of the twelfth Conference on Facilitating the Entry into Force of the CTBT, also known as the Article XIV Conference, on 23 and 24 September, over which South Africa and Italy had the honour to preside. We are therefore grateful to Ireland as President of the Security Council during this very busy month for convening today’s debate.”
2021-09-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8865 (2021) · source
“In conclusion, South Africa reiterates that the only solution to the conflict in Yemen is an inclusive Yemeni- led and Yemeni-owned political settlement that delivers on the hopes of the people for a strong economic and political future. In that context, we also call for the full and meaningful participation of women in all aspects of an inclusive political process.”
2020-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8770 (2020) · source
“South Africa calls on all parties to engage in good faith and without preconditions with Special Envoy Martin Griffiths in order to reach a comprehensive, negotiated settlement to end the conflict, and that this be done in parallel to continued efforts to implement the Stockholm and Riyadh agreements. We applaud the progress made under the Stockholm Agreement, which led to the exchange of more than 1,000 prisoners. We urge the parties to rapidly implement that agreement and for further measures to be taken towards implementing the Agreement. We also are encouraged that such progress can resolve the lack of access and inspection of the FSO SAFER oil tanker so that this looming threat will be dealt with on a purely technical basis, without politicization.”
2020-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8770 (2020) · source
“We therefore urge all parties to the conflict to immediately cease hostilities in line with the Secretary- General’s call for a global ceasefire and resolution 2532 (2020), and to also agree on confidence-building measures, such as the payment of civil servants. The reopening of Sana’a airport and the lifting of the siege are required to restart the peace process. We reiterate our position that the military response is not a viable solution, and we call on all parties to approach the resumption of political negotiations in a spirit of compromise, placing the interests of all Yemenis at the centre of a negotiated political settlement. We appeal to parties to avoid the stance of going for absolute positions in the negotiations.”
2020-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8770 (2020) · source
“We have consistently highlighted the importance of all parties abiding by their obligations and responsibilities under international humanitarian law and international human rights law and taking all the measures necessary to end and prevent violations against civilians. On the political impasse, South Africa is concerned that the fighting in Yemen has intensified in recent days, threatening to unravel an already stalled peace process and deepen the world’s worst humanitarian catastrophe. This past week, Al-Hudaydah saw the worst escalation in violence since the truce two years ago. The number of civilian casualties nationwide in September was the highest since last November, with 67 killed and 123 injured.”
2020-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8770 (2020) · source
“Although there has been ongoing humanitarian assistance, more than 20 million Yemenis still face the harsh reality of food insecurity. Millions of Yemenis do not know where their next meal will come from, or are in acute need of assistance to obtain drinking water, and millions of children require treatment for malnutrition. South Africa calls on all parties to the conflict to agree to a unified set of measures to counter the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, improve the delivery of humanitarian aid and provide impetus to the overall political negotiations to end the war and alleviate the suffering of the people.”
2020-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8770 (2020) · source
“We thank Special Envoy Martin Griffiths and Under-Secretary-General Mark Lowcock for their briefings this morning. South Africa would like to reiterate that the dire humanitarian situation in Yemen, intensified by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, is indistinguishably linked to the political impasse. As such, our intervention today focuses on the humanitarian as well as the political situation. On the humanitarian situation, South Africa continues to express its concern regarding the devastating effect of the conflict on the people of Yemen, in particular women, children, the elderly, internally displaced persons and those living with disabilities. We express our concern that the surging violence risks worsening the widespread human-made hunger crisis in Yemen, where two thirds of the population require food aid.”
2020-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8770 (2020) · source
“As I conclude, I should like to join other delegations in taking this opportunity, on behalf of the South African delegation, to congratulate Karen on her new appointment and to wish her well on her upcoming duties in Washington. We will miss her friendship and activism, not just in the Security Council but on a broad array of issues around the United Nations as a whole.”
2020-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8745 (2020) · source
“We reiterate our call for the full implementation of the Riyadh agreement and the December 2018 Stockholm Agreement. We call on all the parties to the conflict to allow free, regular and unimpeded passage of food and other humanitarian aid and not to take actions that would deprive civilians of their rights to food and basic health services. In this regard, we remind the parties to the conflict that all necessary measures should be taken to respect the Geneva Conventions. We also stress that the only sustainable solution to the conflict in Yemen is a negotiated, Yemeni-led political settlement that is inclusive and fair and puts the interests and well-being of all the citizens of Yemen first.”
2020-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8745 (2020) · source
“It would be important for all parties to observe a nationwide cessation of hostilities and return to the negotiation process in an effort to work towards a comprehensive and sustainable political solution for Yemen. We are particularly concerned about the impact this crisis has had on the civilian population, specifically as war casualties spike in such places as the Al-Hazm, Ma’rib and Al-Jawf governorates. The war in Yemen is having a disproportionate impact on Yemeni women and girls, who are exposed to increased risk of violence, exploitation and abuse. More than 3.25 million women in Yemen are facing increased health and protection risks. South Africa commends the efforts of the Special Envoy and UN-Women to promote women’s inclusion in the peace process through initiatives such as the Yemeni Women’s Pact for Peace and Security.”
2020-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8745 (2020) · source
“We wish to thank Martin Griffiths, Special Envoy of the Secretary- General for Yemen, and Ramesh Rajasingham, Acting Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, for their briefings this morning. South Africa remains steadfast in supporting the work of the Special Envoy in his tireless efforts aimed at finding a peaceful solution to the situation in Yemen. We would like to express our concern about the persistent and dire humanitarian situation and our dismay at the recent escalation in hostilities, which is hampering progress towards a political solution. We remain concerned at the latest clashes, which come after a months-long lull and relative calm, particularly because the parties had displayed such sturdy interest in de-escalation.”
2020-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8745 (2020) · source
“Consequently, all final-status issues, including illegal Israeli settlements, the status of Jerusalem and the right of refugees to return to their homeland, must be settled in accordance with international law. In conclusion, 11 February is a historic day in South Africa’s history, and indeed in the history of oppressed people worldwide, for it is on this day, 30 years ago, that Nelson Mandela was released from prison after 27 years in captivity. His release and eventual election to the highest office as the President of a united and democratic South Africa demonstrated that what for some had seemed to be an intractable conflict was actually solvable. May that serve as a lesson for finding peace between Palestinians and Israelis.”
2020-02-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8717 (2020) · source
“South Africa maintains its principled position that any peace plan should not allow Palestinian statehood to devolve into an entity devoid of sovereignty, territorial contiguity and economic viability. Doing so would severely compound the failure of previous peacemaking efforts, accelerate the demise of the idea of a two-State solution and fatally damage the cause of durable peace for the Palestinians and the Israelis alike. Any solution must therefore be premised on a just settlement with just laws. It must focus on rights and facilitate equality and equity for all who have a right to live in the territories of Israel and Palestine. That includes sovereign equality between States.”
2020-02-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8717 (2020) · source
“We have consistently called for a peaceful, negotiated settlement and continue to support international efforts aimed at the establishment of a viable Palestinian State, existing side by side and in peace with Israel, within internationally recognized borders, based on those existing on 4 June 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in line with all relevant United Nations resolutions, international law and other internationally agreed parameters. That is also in line with the sentiments expressed in the African Union summit just concluded in Addis Ababa, where African Union leaders reaffirmed the African continent’s solidarity with the people of Palestine in support of their inalienable right to self-determination.”
2020-02-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8717 (2020) · source
“Peace initiatives aimed at resolving the Israeli- Palestinian conflict must conform to the internationally agreed terms of reference and parameters, including the Madrid principles, the Arab Peace Initiative, the initiatives of the Quartet and the relevant resolutions of the General Assembly and Security Council — resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1973) and 2334 (2016), among others. Flagrant violations of international law, at the expense of what is deemed by some as political reality or expediency, undermine the rule of just law and the global multilateral system, which has developed over the past 75 years. South Africa’s position on the question of Palestine is very clear.”
2020-02-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8717 (2020) · source
“It is only through initiatives developed with the full participation of all parties, specifically the Palestinians, that lasting peace and stability can be achieved. A genuine, inclusive and open dialogue, where both parties are at the table, is the only means to resolve this current impasse. Peace cannot be imposed. It can be premised only on a mutually acceptable and just solution. It has been universally acknowledged, in the Security Council and in other international forums, that the only way peace can be established between the Israelis and the Palestinians is through direct negotiations between them. The Security Council must help create an environment that will allow Israel and Palestine to come together, as equals, to resume the peace process.”
2020-02-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8717 (2020) · source
“In the over 72 years since then, we have, unfortunately, not progressed in resolving this matter, as the views and aspirations of the Palestinian people have been consistently ignored. In that context, the Palestinian people have once again sought to come to the Council to set out their substantive legal and political case. It is our responsibility, as the organ tasked with maintaining international peace and security, to take on this task and assist both the Palestinians and the Israelis. South Africa notes the recent developments that have brought renewed focus and attention to this decades-long conflict. Unfortunately, the recent initiative and proposal do not take into account the substantive views and aspirations of the Palestinian people.”
2020-02-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8717 (2020) · source
“South Africa is grateful to Belgium for scheduling this meeting today. We welcome in particular the President of the State of Palestine, His Excellency President Mahmoud Abbas, to the Security Council and thank him for his important statement, in which he has articulated the true aspirations and the voice of the people of occupied Palestine — a people who lives under occupation in an asymmetrical environment and, for decades, has fought for its right to self-determination and for the recognition of its basic human rights. We also wish to thank the Secretary-General and his Special Coordinator for the Middle East for their important briefings this morning. The Security Council held its first meeting on the matter of Palestine (see S/PV.222) on 9 December 1947.”
2020-02-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8717 (2020) · source
“In conclusion, we reiterate our position that a comprehensive approach that includes addressing the root causes of insecurity and instability is very important for the realization of sustainable peace in West Africa and the Sahel.”
2020-01-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8698 (2020) · source
“That recommendation resonates with the call made in resolution 2493 (2019) encouraging regional and subregional groups to consider convening meetings in the lead-up to the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000) with the participation of Governments, relevant stakeholders and civil society to review the implementation of the women and peace and security agenda. We also commend the efforts made to improve gender parity in countries of West Africa through the adoption of relevant legislation, which will increase the number of women appointed to senior positions and improve the involvement and meaningful participation of women in decision-making processes.”
2020-01-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8698 (2020) · source
“In that context, we encourage UNOWAS to continue to pursue collaboration with ECOWAS, its mediation missions and its good offices, especially in view of the planned elections in many countries of the region over the course of 2020. We welcome the commitment of countries in the region to implementing the women and peace and security agenda, in line with resolution 1325 (2000). We are particularly pleased with the recommendation emanating from the annual consultations of the Working Group on Women, Peace and Security in West Africa and the Sahel held in October 2019 regarding the organization by UNOWAS of an annual regional forum for women and young people.”
2020-01-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8698 (2020) · source
“We believe that the implementation of those plans, envisioned in the aforementioned strategies, will contribute towards addressing the challenges faced by the region. The partnership between UNOWAS and regional and subregional bodies, including the African Union, ECOWAS, the Lake Chad Basin Commission, the Multinational Joint Task Force and the G-5 Sahel, as well as the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa, to strengthen coordination efforts towards the implementation of regional strategies is of paramount importance. The continuation of consultation processes and national dialogues to address election-related issues by countries of the region is commendable in preserving peace and stability.”
2020-01-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8698 (2020) · source
“The decision taken by the extraordinary summit on terrorism of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), held in September 2019, is indicative of the determination and political will of African leaders to collectively address the security challenges in the region. The region’s resolute determination should be equally matched by the intensified support of the international community so as to assist in successfully implementing the stabilization strategy for countries affected by Boko Haram, the priority investment plan of the Group of Five for the Sahel (G-5 Sahel), the United Nations Integrated Strategy for the Sahel and the United Nations Support Plan for the Sahel.”
2020-01-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8698 (2020) · source
“We are also deeply concerned by the increase in intercommunal violence, which is increasingly becoming a security threat and exacerbating the security and humanitarian situation in West Africa and the Sahel. Effective measures need to be devised to resolve the farmer and herder disputes as well as intercommunal violence. In that context, we welcome the collaboration of UNOWAS with the Peacebuilding Support Office and the Peacebuilding Fund in supporting national and cross-border programmes to address tensions associated with conflicts related to transhumance, prevent violent extremism and empower young people and women in peacebuilding processes and conflict-prevention mechanisms. We are encouraged by the initiatives undertaken by countries in the region to improve the security situation.”
2020-01-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8698 (2020) · source
“We commend the efforts of UNOWAS to strengthen national and regional capacities for conflict resilience and to promote an environment conducive to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in the region. That is imperative, as continued efforts to improve such capacities — in tandem with security strategies — pave the way for peace and stability. South Africa remains concerned about the continued terrorist attacks against civilians, security and defence forces, as well as peacekeepers in Burkina Faso, Mali, the Niger and countries of the Lake Chad basin, which have resulted in many fatalities. It is disturbing that the terrorist attacks are spreading to other countries in the region that were previously not affected.”
2020-01-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8698 (2020) · source
“At the outset, I would like to congratulate Viet Nam on its assumption of the presidency of the Security Council. I also wish to welcome all the new members that have just joined the Council. I also wish to thank Special Representative Chambas for his briefing today and would like to take this opportunity to commend his efforts and those of his team in efficiently discharging their mandate in an increasingly challenging environment, as we heard from his briefing. South Africa wishes to express its full support for the role of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) in the West African region and the Sahel. We support the renewal of the mandate of that important Office, on which the Council will deliberate during the course of this month.”
2020-01-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8698 (2020) · source
“My delegation also recognizes the importance of providing the assistance needed for those remaining in Rukban and call on the relevant parties to ensure that. In conclusion, South Africa urges all the parties to exercise the utmost restraint and to work to de-escalate the hostilities and ensure respect for Syria's territorial integrity and sovereignty. As we have said many times before, the situation in Syria cannot be solved through military means. The only way for long-term peace, stability and prosperity for Syria and her people is through dialogue, negotiation and the full implementation of resolution 2254 (2015). We look forward to Special Envoy Pedersen's briefing tomorrow, particularly with regard to the work of the Constitutional Committee.”
2019-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8694 (2019) · source