YouSaid · the spoken record

Mathu Joyini

lines on the record: 106
first: 2021-02-17
most recent: 2021-10-19
sittings or episodes: 13
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

“In conclusion, South Africa underscores that the continued struggle of the Palestinians should leave an indelible mark on the world’s collective consciousness. As Members of the United Nations, we are tasked with the responsibility to oppose oppression. Our morality compels us to use our voice in these international platforms to fight oppression wherever it attempts to creep into the fabric of any society and plague it with the disease of subjugation, segregation, denial of basic human rights, destruction and disregard for international law.”
2021-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/884 (2021) · source
“The Security Council has shown that it is prepared to act in other cases where its resolutions are violated. Failing to act on Israeli violations perpetuates the argument that some in the Council are not even-handed when it comes to this matter — and that undermines the Council’s credibility. To uphold the integrity of the Security Council, it is imperative that those who violate Security Council resolutions be held accountable. If the Council wants to be seen as impartial and as discharging its mandate efficiently, it must act accordingly. The Council must be consistent in its approach to addressing conflict situations on its agenda and urge all Member States, across all continents, to adhere to Council resolutions.”
2021-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/884 (2021) · source
“The two-State solution remains the only path to ensuring that Palestinians and Israelis can both realize their legitimate aspirations, living side-by-side in peaceful and secure States, based on the 1967 borders and with Jerusalem as the capital of both States. We must ask ourselves: How, then, can a solution be sought, or a successful outcome be attained, if one party is advancing in the direction of the international call for a two-State solution while the other party vehemently pursues an intent of domination through illegal occupation? It is paramount that negotiations ensue with sincerity and bona fide intent. How long will we bear witness to the flagrant violation of Security Council resolutions by the State of Israel without taking any action.”
2021-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/884 (2021) · source
“South Africa is appalled by the habitual tensions, instability and targeted aggression that innocent Palestinian men, women and children living in the occupied Palestinian Territories are subjected to on a daily basis. That systematic discrimination and repression based on national, ethnic, racial or religious identity goes against the inherent dignity and equal inalienable rights of all of humankind. South Africa maintains that international efforts must be geared towards the realization of the two-State solution, which has been supported by the United Nations for over seven decades.”
2021-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/884 (2021) · source
“My delegation expresses its appreciation to Kenya for convening this open debate on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian Question. We stress the necessity for these open debates to focus on the situation in Palestine and Israel and allow the broader United Nations membership an opportunity to engage on the matter. South Africa would like to focus its remarks on the following three points: first, the necessity for bona fide negotiations leading to a two-State solution; secondly, the continued flagrant disregard for international humanitarian law and international human rights law; and, thirdly, crimes against humanity and apartheid- like policies and persecution being committed.”
2021-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/884 (2021) · source
“In conclusion, I appeal to all Member States to actively support efforts aimed at the establishment of a viable Palestinian State, existing side by side 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 internationally agreed parameters.”
2021-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/685 (2021) · source
“The 11-day hostilities which erupted in May between Israel and Palestinians living in Gaza has crippled the infrastructure and livelihoods of those Palestinians, further exacerbating the dire humanitarian conditions on the ground. This is of grave concern to South Africa, and in this regard, we appeal to the international community to provide the necessary support in the form of much-needed humanitarian aid to assist with the reconstruction of Gaza.”
2021-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/685 (2021) · source
“Relentless provocation is the order of the day as Palestinians are subjected to forced expulsions and demolitions of their homes in occupied Jerusalem. In recent weeks, we have again witnessed the increasing of violence against Palestinians and the violation of their religious symbols. It is particularly disturbing that security services and defence forces carry out this violence with almost full impunity, with total disregard for the human suffering to which it leads. South Africa condemns these acts of aggression by Israel and its use of excessive force, including lethal force, which is unlawful, unjustified and disproportionate. Moreover, these actions have the potential to escalate hostilities and jeopardize the already fragile ceasefire agreement.”
2021-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/685 (2021) · source
“As the international community, we cannot be bystanders and allow this form of discrimination to continue. Therefore, the Security Council and the international community at large must redouble their efforts to strengthen international action and uphold international norms and standards. A key aspect of this would be for the Security Council to implement its resolutions and uphold international law. In this regard, Council resolution 2334 (2016) reaffirms “that the establishment by Israel of settlements in the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem, has no legal validity and constitutes a flagrant violation under international law”, yet the Government of Israel continues unabatedly to advance its settlement plans in the occupied West Bank.”
2021-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/685 (2021) · source
“South Africa calls on the parties to abide by the ceasefire agreement and to work towards intensifying efforts, with the support of the international community, to foster trust and initiate dialogue among the parties in order to resuscitate a political track. As much as we would all want to see a resuscitated political track between the Palestinians and the Israelis, we should be cognisant of the fact that this cannot happen if we do not address the root cause of the problem. Palestinians continue to be subjected to daily targeted violations of human rights and discriminatory practices, as enforced by the Israeli Government through its laws. Israeli laws which discriminate against Palestinian people are an unjust system which accommodates a different set of rules for different peoples.”
2021-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/685 (2021) · source
“My delegation is grateful to the President of the Security Council for convening this open debate on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question. At the outset, South Africa remains concerned over the recurring tensions, instability, and the protraction of conflict, including the systematic discrimination and repression based on national, ethnic, racial and religious identity exercised against Palestinians. It is disconcerting to note that, 69 days since the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas was reached, tensions remain high, as both parties have been in breach of the ceasefire.”
2021-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/685 (2021) · source
“The international community must take urgent and effective action to put an end to violations of the rules of international law, particularly those relevant to children’s rights, and to ensure justice to child victims of grave violations by holding perpetrators accountable. It is our collective responsibility to put an end to these crimes and create the conditions for this generation to enjoy a childhood and youth in dignity and a future in prosperity.”
2021-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/617 (2021) · source
“The protection and safety of schools is of particular importance as it forms part of the backbone of any peacebuilding effort, enabling future development growth and sustainable peace. I wish to conclude by highlighting that children are the most vulnerable at times of armed conflict as they are incapable of taking necessary measures to maintain their wellbeing and are thus entirely dependent on others to meet their survival needs. Therefore, children are not only affected by direct targeting leading to their death or injury but are also gravely affected by any harm to their guardians, homes, schools and hospitals as it puts enjoyment of their basic needs in jeopardy.”
2021-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/617 (2021) · source
“States must undertake all the necessary actions to preserve the fundamental value of the children, as the most precious resources for the future of humankind. To break the cycle of violations affecting children, we must take a systematic and coherent approach, from prevention to accountability and reintegration; Secondly, we call upon Member States to continue to support existing and develop new implementation action plans to protect children in armed conflict and encourage States to adopt and implement protocols for the handover of children to civilian protection actors; Thirdly, we encourage all peacekeeping operations to undertake all the appropriate and necessary actions to reduce the impact of armed conflicts on the life of children by integrating into the military training the protection and rights of children; and Lastly, parties to conflict, whether governmental forces or non-State armed groups, must keep schools and hospitals safe and not use them for military purposes.”
2021-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/617 (2021) · source
“The collaboration between the African Union Commission’s Department for Political Affairs, Peace and Security and the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict with the support of UNICEF and its collective effort to protect children from the scourge of violence and war is commended. With more children suffering horrific abuses in conflict areas across the globe, we desperately need to reinvigorate and double our efforts to raise awareness about the grave violations in order to provide children with the protection they deserve. In this regard, I wish to highlight the following. Firstly, the international community must take care of the special short-term and long-term needs of children involved in armed conflicts, both while conflicts are occurring and after they are finished.”
2021-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/617 (2021) · source
“On 16 June 2021, the African Union commemorated one of the most important AU Charter aimed at advancing children’s rights: the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, which was adopted 30 years ago, under the theme: “30 years after the adoption of the Charter: accelerate implementation of Agenda 2040 for an Africa fit for children”. The Day of the Child is a demonstration of the African Union’s commitment to safeguarding the rights and welfare of the child. It is also an important day to reflect on progress made in implementing the provisions of the Charter and addressing the numerous remaining challenges faced by boys and girls affected by armed conflict.”
2021-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/617 (2021) · source
“While progress in protecting children in armed conflict is slow, we do note that some progress is being made. In this regard, we welcome the progress in dialogues with warring parties in Afghanistan, the Central African Republic, Nigeria, the Philippines, South Sudan and Syria. We further welcome the new commitments and other engagements that were reached in 2020, to better protect children, including two new action plans signed in Myanmar and South Sudan. South Africa is encouraged to learn that armed groups and forces freed more than 1,643 children from their ranks following the United Nations engagement, and many more boys and girls were spared from recruitment due to age screening processes in situations where the United Nations has action plans with Governments to stop child recruitment and use.”
2021-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/617 (2021) · source
“Considering that we are in uncharted waters, we must ensure that each and every individual gets vaccinated, this includes children in armed conflict area situations. Children have for far too long carried the brunt of war. They represent an alarming percentage of the casualties of war; as refugees and internally displaced children, unaccompanied minors, trafficking or sexual slaves. Their basic rights to education and health are undermined and threatened as schools and hospitals are closed or cease to function for extended periods as a result of violent attacks in many conflict areas. These senseless and violent attacks against children are unacceptable and goes against the grain of international humanitarian law. We thus urge that the perpetrators be held accountable for grave violations against children in armed conflict.”
2021-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/617 (2021) · source
“We are now faced with the COVID-19 pandemic, which seem to have increased children’s vulnerability to abduction, recruitment and sexual violence. This is evident in the annual report of the Secretary-General on children and armed conflict, which states that 26,425 verified grave violations were conducted against children in 2020. This is deeply concerning considering that we find ourselves in the midst of a global health emergency. It is in this context that South Africa continues to advocate for the accelerated and equitable distribution and access to vaccines, diagnostics and therapeutics. Preliminary medical studies suggest that the recent variants of the Corona virus spread more easily among unvaccinated persons, including children, putting them at risk of contracting the virus as well.”
2021-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/617 (2021) · source
“At the outset, I wish to thank Estonia for convening the open debate on children and armed conflict. This debate is timely as the year 2021 marks the twenty-fifth Anniversary of the creation of the children and armed conflict agenda and the mandate of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict by the General Assembly. I also wish to thank the briefers for their insightful briefings and for highlighting the pressing need to protect all children especially those living amidst hostilities and armed conflict. It is concerning that after 25 years of the creation of the children and armed conflict agenda, we still witness alarmingly high and grave violations against boys and girls in armed conflict.”
2021-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/617 (2021) · source
“We believe that more remains to be done to strengthen the role of peacekeeping, particularly in protecting women and children, as well as other vulnerable groups, against grave violations, in line with the objectives of the Action for Peacekeeping initiative. We reiterate the need to establish clearly defined, context-specific, adequately resourced and realistic peacekeeping mandates in order for peacekeeping operations to deliver effectively on those mandates, including with respect to the protection of civilians. In conclusion, the international community must shore up the political will and courage to act immediately and without selectivity to protect human lives and to peacefully and justly resolve the emerging and outstanding conflicts plaguing our world.”
2021-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/505 (2021) · source
“It is important that efforts be made to ensure accountability for violations, including by condemning those who violate international humanitarian law. We believe that accountability mechanisms at the domestic level are essential. Broader regional and international mechanisms should continue to support them, based on the principles of complementarity and subsidiarity. Finally, although host States have the primary responsibility to protect their civilians, we commend the continued efforts of United Nations peacekeeping operations, where mandated, in protecting civilians and promoting and protecting human rights in situations of armed conflict.”
2021-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/505 (2021) · source
“First, the Security Council and Member States should continue to support non-violent and community-based protection mechanisms, where possible, such as political mediation, early-warning activities and unarmed civilian protection. The effective protection of civilians begins with safe and inclusive dialogue among conflict-affected communities, States and other stakeholders at all levels. Grass- roots peacemaking efforts, including those led by women and young people, should also be promoted. Secondly, the Security Council and States must fulfil their commitment to the full protection of civilians, including by promoting and implementing the relevant and applicable legal and policy frameworks.”
2021-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/505 (2021) · source
“The continuation of the bombardment of innocent civilians in Palestine, including through attacks on women, children and civilian infrastructure such as health-care and education facilities, is alarming. The people of Palestine have suffered grave breaches of international humanitarian law, while Israel, the occupying Power, continues to act with absolute impunity, in contempt of the law and the relevant Security Council resolutions. It is important for the Security Council and Member States to take urgent and practical steps to respond to the challenges that remain in protecting civilians in armed conflict. We wish to highlight several areas in which the Security Council could assist in protecting civilians caught in armed conflict.”
2021-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/505 (2021) · source
“Despite such challenges, humanitarian personnel continue to carry out their work with bravery and provide assistance to vulnerable communities. South Africa underlines the primary responsibility of States to protect civilians and humanitarian personnel within their borders. In that regard, we reiterate our call on all parties to armed conflict — State and non-State actors alike — to comply with the obligations applicable to them under international humanitarian law and take the required steps to protect civilians. It is regrettable that the plight of civilians in protracted conflicts, such as Palestine and Western Sahara, does not seem to receive adequate attention and that accountability for violations against civilians in those territories is lacking.”
2021-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/505 (2021) · source
“Similarly, access to humanitarian assistance is being compromised by the continued destruction of hospitals and attacks on medical transport and essential services. Objects indispensable to civilian populations must be protected at all costs, and the recently adopted resolution 2573 (2021), on attacks against civilian infrastructure, should be implemented stringently in order to uphold international humanitarian law. The protection of civilians during armed conflict is a cornerstone of international humanitarian law. Equally, we remain concerned about the continued lack of safety and protection for humanitarian workers. The politicization of humanitarian corridors in Gaza, northern Syria and Yemen continues to have detrimental effects on civilians who are in the greatest need of humanitarian aid.”
2021-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/505 (2021) · source
“In that regard, we welcome the announcements by some countries in support of waivers to international property rights in order to expedite the global response to the pandemic and accelerate the production and distribution of affordable vaccines, diagnostics and therapeutics. During armed conflict, civilians often experience harsh realities. They face daily threats of violence and death, as they find themselves inadvertently caught up in the middle of conflict. Despite being protected under international humanitarian law, civilians, including the most vulnerable — children, women, refugees, displaced and disabled persons, as well as humanitarian and medical personnel — continue to be directly, deliberately, systematically and violently targeted by armed forces.”
2021-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/505 (2021) · source
“Civilians living in conflict zones continue to experience the devastating impacts of conflict-related violence. We concur with the Secretary-General’s assessment in his report that it is vital that urgent measures be taken to ensure that COVID-19 vaccines are also made available to those in conflict situations. Civilians, internally displaced persons, refugees, migrants and people with disabilities are particularly at risk of exclusion from national vaccine programmes in conflict areas. We reiterate our call for ensuring timely and equitable universal access to COVID-19 vaccines for all populations, which is crucial for preventing the spread of the pandemic and the realization of a post-pandemic world.”
2021-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/505 (2021) · source
“We thank you, Mr. President, for convening this annual open debate on the protection of civilians, which is opportune as the Security Council continues to address conflict situations on its agenda during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. South Africa welcomes the report of the Secretary-General (S/2021/423), which underpins the discussions today. We also wish to thank the briefers for their insightful briefings. The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on new, ongoing and protracted conflicts, exacerbating existing inequalities, vulnerabilities and protection concerns, and it has also contributed to the escalating humanitarian needs, including the displacement of persons, famine, food insecurity and desperate medical shortfalls.”
2021-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/505 (2021) · source
“We are also pleased to have joined the recently established Group of Friends on the Safety and Security of United Nations Peacekeepers, made up of like-minded countries, which is in pursuit of the overarching objective of ensuring the safety and security of our peacekeepers. In conclusion, South Africa pays tribute to the women and men who have served in United Nations peacekeeping operations. Their commitment and dedication have saved scores of lives and continues to do so during most unprecedented times. We owe them a great deal of gratitude for their efforts.”
2021-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/501 (2021) · source
“We also would like to reiterate the importance of equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines for all peacekeeping personnel, based on their individual consent. It is also important that diverse vaccines be utilized by the United Nations, as some vaccines may not be effective on certain variants. Our final point is to buttress the importance of partnerships, especially between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations in coordinating and collaborating on various areas pertaining to the safety and security of peacekeepers. We see merit in the sharing of best practices, the pursuit of training and capacity- building between the United Nations and regional organizations, in particular the African Union, as well among the regional groups and training centres.”
2021-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/501 (2021) · source
“We will have an opportunity to discuss the use of technology to enhance the safety and security of peacekeepers at the United Nations sixth Partnership for Technology in Peacekeeping Symposium, to be hosted by South Africa in the first half of 2022. Preparations are under way to hold the event in Pretoria. We will communicate the details regarding the logistics and dates in due course. We recognize the need for early warning, peacekeeping intelligence/ information gathering and analysis to enhance the safety and security of peacekeepers. Such an activity must be undertaken with the consent of the host State. As a Champion of the women and peace and security agenda, we underline the dire need to ensure a safe, enabling and gender-sensitive working environment for women in peacekeeping operations.”
2021-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/501 (2021) · source
“We call for enhanced measures to address casualties caused by occupational safety and health hazards, including through the implementation of the comprehensive Secretariat-wide occupational and health framework. It is in the interests of all Member States to have in place a consolidated occupational safety and health incident reporting system to collect information, record data and take remedial action. We reiterate the critical importance of enhanced support to peacekeepers to mitigate attacks and threats through appropriate training and capacity-building, as well as through the use of modern and smart technology. It is imperative that the United Nations form part of the predeployment training of contingents, in order to enhance the level of training of troops.”
2021-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/501 (2021) · source
“South Africa would like to raise the following points in the context of the subject matter being considered at this meeting. We reiterate our support for resolution 2518 (2020), which focuses on the importance of enhancing the safety and security of United Nations peacekeepers. We impress upon all relevant stakeholders the importance of ensuring its full implementation. South Africa strongly condemns all malicious attacks that have resulted in injury and loss of life among United Nations peacekeepers. We urge host States to pursue the ends of justice whereby perpetrators are held accountable for those atrocities. We also call for an end to the violations of status-of-forces agreements, as some of those acts may compromise the safety and security of peacekeepers.”
2021-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/501 (2021) · source
“My delegation expresses its appreciation to the People’s Republic of China for convening this meeting and for your willingness, Mr. President, to allow the broader membership to engage on a matter that affects the women and men we deploy in dangerous situations to fulfil the mandate of the Organization. We thank the briefers for their informative briefings. Peacekeeping remains an important tool in the international community’s efforts to manage and resolve conflicts. As a troop- and police- contributing country, we find the focus of our meeting on the safety and security of peacekeepers germane to the evolving security threats and dangerous operational environment for our peacekeepers, intensified by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.”
2021-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/501 (2021) · source
“We also reiterate the importance of the full and meaningful involvement of women and youth in all efforts to promote peace and security, including in conflict prevention, post- conflict and reconstruction and recovery. In conclusion, it is of paramount importance that the Security Council continue to be proactive and address issues pertaining to conflict prevention, such as addressing the root causes and drivers of conflict, in order for it to achieve its mandate and responsibilities envisioned in the Charter of the United Nations.”
2021-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/490 (2021) · source
“We also see merit for both the PBC and the Security Council to consider appointing focal points to ensure coordination regarding development issues in Africa and to monitor the impact of the advice from the PBC to the Security Council, particularly on mandate renewal of relevant peacekeeping missions, special political missions and transitions. The international community can also support the African continent in addressing the root causes of conflict while promoting post-pandemic recovery by strengthening partnerships within and outside of the United Nations with different stakeholders, such as the private sector and civil society organizations at the local level. That will promote and ensure national ownership, inclusivity, community engagement and preventative diplomacy based on nationally led solutions.”
2021-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/490 (2021) · source
“The implementation of those instruments is therefore cardinal to post-pandemic recovery efforts on the continent. South Africa also believes that post-pandemic recovery will require support for peace processes by supporting peacebuilding initiatives. The United Nations, through its bodies such as the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) and the Security Council, should harmonize its engagement with the AU and regional economic communities/regional mechanisms on recovery and reconstruction efforts as determined by the concerned countries. That will also reduce any overlapping and duplication of effort on the ground.”
2021-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/490 (2021) · source
“The AU also recognizes that key to recovery efforts is the need to address the financial impact of the pandemic with international financial institutions to discuss financial support and debt relief for African countries in order to extricate them from the predicament caused by the pandemic. We remain supportive of the existing normative frameworks of the AU that promote peace and security on the continent within the context of the African Peace and Security Architecture and the African Governance Architecture. Issues pertaining to good governance, early warning, conflict prevention, preventative diplomacy, post- conflict reconstruction and development are firmly entrenched in those normative frameworks that guide members of the AU.”
2021-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/490 (2021) · source
“We look forward to the outcomes of negotiations currently under way at the World Trade Organization in that regard. For South Africa, that is an essential step towards sustainable post- pandemic recovery efforts on the African continent. Post-pandemic recovery efforts will require partnerships and financial support for regional and subregional institutions. Under the leadership of the former Chairperson of the African Union (AU), President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, who is also the AU Champion for COVID-19 Response, together with all African countries, developed a comprehensive COVID-19 strategy, which included, among other things, the AU COVID-19 Response Fund, the African Vaccine Acquisition Task Team and the African Medical Supplies Platform, all aimed at contributing to the recovery efforts of countries on the continent.”
2021-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/490 (2021) · source
“South Africa reiterates its call for the international community to ensure equitable and universal access to COVID-19 vaccines for all countries, including African countries. We also restate our firm condemnation to vaccine nationalism, which is counter-productive to the realization of a post-pandemic world, because no one country is safe until all countries are safe. We welcome the recent announcements by different countries in support of waivers to intellectual property rights, which are permitted in existing mechanisms, to expedite the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic. That will boost supply to accelerate the production of affordable vaccines, diagnostics and therapeutics, which will save many lives and livelihoods, particularly in Africa.”
2021-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/490 (2021) · source
“We have seen its effects across the world, especially on sustainable development and economic growth, both of which are important to address barriers to lasting peace and stability, especially in fragile situations. We have observed positive developments in countries, a majority of which are developed, where responses to the virus have been effective, particularly in countries where vaccines and socioeconomic recovery plans have been administered and implemented respectively. However, many countries have unfortunately been left behind, particularly in Africa, wherein the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated pre-existing vulnerabilities and already strained and under-resourced public health systems and infrastructure.”
2021-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/490 (2021) · source
“We note that the Security Council has deliberated at length over the years about the challenges facing various countries and regions that may impede their stability. In the case of the African continent, the root causes and drivers of conflict are persistent, myriad and well-documented. However, there are also emerging threats that require collective efforts to be resolved, such as the current COVID-19 pandemic. We are pleased that the Security Council has been involved as part of the global response to the pandemic, as its impact is cross-cutting and affects global peace and security, particularly in countries affected by conflict.”
2021-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/490 (2021) · source
“That means that some of the lingering challenges that those countries face, such as a lack of effective and efficient State institutions, unemployment, inequality and poverty, remain — and in some cases have deteriorated due to the pandemic. In many parts of Africa, the pandemic has undermined the progress made thus far towards achieving durable peace and development, particularly in conflict- affected countries on the continent. It has also impacted progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and the region’s aspirations espoused in Agenda 2063 of the African Union. However, it has also presented unique opportunities. In that context, allow me to make the following points. South Africa remains concerned about the threats and risks that impede efforts to maintain international peace and security.”
2021-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/490 (2021) · source
“I would like to thank the President of the Security Council for convening this timely open debate on “Peace and security in Africa: addressing root causes of conflict while promoting post-pandemic recovery in Africa”. We also thank the briefers for their insightful briefings. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has had a devastating impact across the world, affecting many countries but to different degrees. Due to their fragility, conflict and post-conflict countries, as well as countries in transition, are more affected by this pandemic, especially when their scarce resources for conflict prevention, peacebuilding, recovery and reconstruction had to be diverted to addressing the pandemic.”
2021-05-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/490 (2021) · source
“In conclusion, South Africa is of the view that if the Security Council is unable or unwilling to act, then this matter must be referred to the General Assembly for consideration. That will ensure that the United Nations does not shirk its responsibility to maintain international peace and security.”
2021-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/480 (2021) · source
“Any peace plan should reject attempts to restrict Palestinians to balkanized territories that are devoid of sovereignty, territorial contiguity and economic viability, which would be similar to the Bantustans of apartheid South Africa. A lasting solution must be premised on a just settlement with just laws that are rights- based and that 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. The recent developments require the urgent attention and appropriate response of the Security Council. The Security Council must call for an immediate cessation of all attacks by the occupying Power, Israel, on civilians, including children, and Israel should also not impose any conditionalities for negotiations towards a ceasefire agreement.”
2021-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/480 (2021) · source
“South Africa is also appalled by the violence of vigilante-style groups and mobs against Palestinians, as well as the violation of religious sites. As Secretary- General Guterres has stated, leaders have a responsibility to curb inflammatory rhetoric and calm the rising tensions. South Africa remains unequivocally committed to working towards a situation where the fundamental human rights and freedoms of all people on both sides of the Green Line are promoted and respected and where all live free from violence, occupation and oppression based on race, religion or any other status. South Africa remains committed to reviving a political process that would see the realization of those rights and values.”
2021-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/480 (2021) · source
“Israel’s ongoing attacks against Palestinians, including on civilian infrastructure, which violates United Nations resolutions, including resolutions of the Security Council, justifies an urgent call for the intervention of the international community. Those actions should be addressed by the International Criminal Court — a Court that was set up by the international community to address crimes against humanity. The Council has in the past not hesitated to refer crimes of that nature to the International Criminal Court and should not hesitate to do so again in this case. Failure to do so will fuel the perception of double standards. The continuing illegal settlement activity of Israel, including the planned evictions of Palestinian families in the Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan neighbourhoods, must be condemned by the Council.”
2021-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/480 (2021) · source
“We thank the People’s Republic of China for having convened this emergency meeting on the escalation of violence in the occupied Palestinian territory. South Africa strongly condemns the continuing escalation of attacks by Israel against Palestinians in Gaza and East Jerusalem. Those actions are totally unjust and shameful, in particular the targeting of the most vulnerable section of the Palestinian community: civilians, including children, women and the elderly. The resulting casualties, loss of livelihoods, ensuing hostilities and surge in intercommunal violence engulfing the occupied Palestinian territories bear the sole responsibility of the occupying Power, Israel. We express our condolences to the families of all who have been injured or lost their lives.”
2021-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/480 (2021) · source