YouSaid · the spoken record

Matjila

lines on the record: 891
first: 2016-07-12
most recent: 2020-12-07
sittings or episodes: 120
sources: un-security-council

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

“I now invite Council members to informal consultations to continue our discussion on the subject. The meeting rose at noon.”
2020-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8778 (2020) · source
“In conclusion, the A3+1 reaffirms its commitment to promoting and achieving an African continent that is peaceful and prosperous and that contributes to a world that is just and equitable through effective multilateralism at subregional, regional and global levels. It is for this reason that our delegations support the Secretary-General’s recommendation for the extension of MONUSCO’s mandate for one year, with its current authorized troop and police strength and strategic objectives, namely, the protection of civilians, indeed, all the people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. I now resume my functions as the President of the Council. I give the floor to the representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2020-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8778 (2020) · source
“We commend the completion of all negotiations undertaken to reconfigure the FIB, including the strengthening of FIB headquarters by staff officers from non-FIB TCCs, as this will ensure the FIB’s operational effectiveness in conducting targeted operations against negative forces in the eastern the Democratic Republic of the Congo and in protecting civilians. The SADC continues to request the accelerated approval of all planned operational orders directed at conducting targeted operations against negative forces jointly with the Forces armées de la République Démocratique du Congo — or single-handedly — as the continued delays embolden armed groups’ attacks against the defenceless population in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and they greatly undermine and erode the confidence the population has in MONUSCO to protect civilians.”
2020-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8778 (2020) · source
“With regard to the cooperation between the United Nations and SADC, the A3 +1 support SADC’s long- standing commitment to assisting the Democratic Republic of the Congo to achieve sustainable peace, security and stability and are encouraged by the AU- United Nations cooperation and their undertaking to continue engagement in support of the consolidation of stability and democratic governance in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In this context, our delegations underscore the SADC Extraordinary Organ Troika Summit’s appreciation and support for the United Nations, as well as its pledged regional support to the development and implementation of a joint strategy on the progressive and phased drawdown of MONUSCO in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2020-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8778 (2020) · source
“We underscore that MONUSCO and its FIB should be adequately capacitated in accordance with the recommendation of the report prepared by Lieutenant General (Retired) Carlos Alberto dos Santos Cruz, entitled “Improving Security of United Nations Peacekeepers”, to address the challenges with regard to the effectiveness of the entire United Nations Mission without compromising existing capacity, including key force enablers.”
2020-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8778 (2020) · source
“We regret the loss of six MONUSCO personnel from Malawi, Ukraine and Bangladesh, who died after contracting the virus, and convey our condolences to their families. On the phased and responsible drawdown of MONUSCO, the Niger, Tunisia, South Africa and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines continue to emphasize the utmost necessity of the Council’s unwavering commitment to providing MONUSCO with all the necessary means to execute its mandate in close collaboration with the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The A3+1 reiterates its considered view that a budget-driven, rushed exit of MONUSCO would be disastrous and undermine decades of investment in peacekeeping.”
2020-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8778 (2020) · source
“Turning to the Mission’s effectiveness, it is commendable that MONUSCO is increasing its operations in spite of the COVID-19 pandemic and in creating spaces for women and girls in the context of the women and peace and security agenda in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The A3+1 is therefore satisfied with the integration of female engagement teams in major units, which has contributed to improving the force’s performance. Our delegations continue to be concerned about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the overall Mission and its personnel. In that regard, we call for the safety and security of all personnel to be ensured as the Mission continues to discharge its mandate.”
2020-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8778 (2020) · source
“In addition to the challenges related to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, a worsening economic situation and the hazards of climate change have intensified harsh living conditions for many in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Today, an estimated 21.8 million people are experiencing acute food insecurity and 5.2 million remain internally displaced. We express our concern at the increase in COVID-19 and call for sustained international support of the country’s authorities so as to mitigate the pandemic’s negative impact on the Congolese people and the economy. On a positive note, we commend MONUSCO for its support in helping the Government address the outbreak of the Ebola virus disease.”
2020-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8778 (2020) · source
“Furthermore, our delegations underscore the importance of developing and implementing a comprehensive and coordinated security sector governance and reform programme in the Democratic Republic of the Congo that, among other things, ensures women’s representation at all levels and recognizes the role of young people in peacebuilding and recovery, as articulated in resolution 2553 (2020). The A3+1 also calls for further efforts by regional and international partners to tackle the illicit extraction of and trade in mineral resources, which remain a key driver of conflict and a major source of revenue that sustains armed group activities in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. On the humanitarian and health situations, our delegations reiterate our concern about the volatile situation.”
2020-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8778 (2020) · source
“It is our hope that the Democratic Republic of the Congo will continue with efforts to finalize and implement a strategy aimed at addressing the peace and security challenges, including through building the capacities of the defence and security services. Against that backdrop, our delegations underscore the importance of addressing the root causes of the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and encourage efforts to support its Government in the DDR process. We also call for international support for broader peacebuilding in the relevant regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2020-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8778 (2020) · source
“Such interventions by MONUSCO contribute to countering disinformation and reducing anti-MONUSCO sentiment. The military operations conducted by the Force Intervention Brigade (FIB) against the Allied Democratic Forces, as detailed in paragraph 12 of the Secretary General’s report, are also a welcome development. It is in that context that our delegations commend MONUSCO, the FIB and all troop- contributing countries (TCCs) for their efforts to stabilize the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and protect civilians from the ongoing threat posed by armed militias and groups in the region. The Niger, Tunisia, South Africa and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines emphasize the importance of protecting civilians and urge the coordination of deployment so as to avoid creating security gaps.”
2020-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8778 (2020) · source
“However, the A3+1 wishes to reiterate its concern over the ongoing indiscriminate attacks against civilians, security personnel and MONUSCO, as well as the harassment and kidnapping of humanitarian aid workers by armed groups in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. We condemn those attacks in the strongest terms and call on the country’s authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice. The A3+1 welcomes MONUSCO’s increased engagement with, and outreach to, local communities. We also commend the community-based disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) approach and framework, which ensure that local communities play an integral role in resolving conflict and in creating measures to promote long-term peace, stability and development.”
2020-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8778 (2020) · source
“The trust- and confidence-building initiatives with neighbouring countries demonstrate a continued commitment towards the full implementation of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as observed in the recent bilateral cooperation talks held between the Governments of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Burundi. It is our view that the improving security situation in certain parts of the country is also due to those regional meetings. On the security situation, we are pleased to see an improvement in various regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2020-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8778 (2020) · source
“On neighbourhood relations, the Niger, Tunisia, South Africa and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are satisfied with the implementation of the strategic approach to conflict resolution and peacebuilding in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the region. The virtual summit among the Presidents of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Angola, Rwanda and Uganda is indicative of the resolve of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the region as a whole to address the threat posed by armed groups in the Great Lakes subregion.”
2020-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8778 (2020) · source
“The A3+1 welcomes the meeting organized in the Democratic Republic of the Congo by the Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, His Excellency Mr. Moussa Faki Mahamat, between the coalitions led by President Félix Tshilombo Tshisekedi and former President Joseph Kabila, held on the margins of Mr. Mahamat’s working visit on 2 and 3 December. It is our hope that this initiative will contribute positively to finding a lasting solution in order to preserve peace and security in the country. Furthermore, we strongly support the Secretary-General’s call on all stakeholders to resolve their differences through dialogue, in the greater interest of the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2020-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8778 (2020) · source
“Our delegations commend the role and leadership displayed by Special Representative Zerrougui with regard to critical issues in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and to MONUSCO discharging its mandate effectively. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Secretary-General for his comprehensive report of 30 November (S/2020/1150), prepared in accordance with paragraph 51 of resolution 2502 (2019). The A3+1 statement is structured around the following issues: the political situation, neighbourhood relations, the security and humanitarian situations, the phased and responsible drawdown of MONUSCO, and cooperation between the United Nations and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). On the political situation, our delegations note with concern the political tensions observed during the period under review.”
2020-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8778 (2020) · source
“I will now make a statement in my capacity as representative of South Africa and on behalf of the African members of the Security Council — the Niger, South Africa and Tunisia — and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (A3+1). Let me begin by joining other delegations in thanking Ms. Leila Zerrougui, Special Representative of the Secretary-General, for her briefing on the activities of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO). Furthermore, we recognize and commend MONUSCO’s fundamental role in the protection of civilians and in addressing the perennial instability in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2020-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8778 (2020) · source
“I thank Ms. Zerrougui for her briefing. I now give the floor to those members of the Council who wish to make statements.”
2020-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8778 (2020) · source
“In accordance with rule 37 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to participate in this meeting. In accordance with rule 39 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite Ms. Leila Zerrougui, Special Representative of the Secretary- General and Head of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to participate in this meeting. The Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. I wish to draw the attention of Council members to document S/2020/1150, which contains the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. I now give the floor to Ms. Zerrougui.”
2020-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8778 (2020) · source
“Before we proceed, may I pay tribute to the sterling work done by Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in presiding over the Security Council for the month of November. All Council members credited the sterling work that Saint Vincent and the Grenadines did, and we will try to emulate it. I therefore very much thank Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Adoption of the agenda The agenda was adopted. The situation concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (S/2020/1150)”
2020-12-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8778 (2020) · source
“In conclusion, South Africa reiterates its position that direct dialogue and negotiation between the relevant parties on an equal footing is the only credible and sustainable path to peace in the Middle East. We must all do our part to bring the parties together, instead of driving them further apart.”
2020-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8762 (2020) · source
“Of additional concern is the destruction of critical infrastructure, such as water, hygiene and sanitation facilities, during a pandemic where universal guidance leans towards the need for regular hand-washing and social distancing. All resolutions adopted by the Security Council, be they unanimous or not, must be uniformly implemented. We cannot pick and choose which Council resolutions should be implemented. In a similar vein, overt violations of Council resolutions, as is the case with the continued settlement activity in the occupied Palestinian territory, usually evoke stricter measures on the party responsible for the infringement.”
2020-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8762 (2020) · source
“With regard to the demolition and seizure of Palestinian property, the recent statement by Mr. Jamie McGoldrick, Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, is deeply disturbing. From March to August 2020, we saw the demolition or seizure of 389 Palestinian-owned structures, the highest average destruction rate in four years. This activity took place despite the Israeli authorities’ indication that they would refrain from such actions during the global pandemic. As Special Coordinator Mladenov indicated, these demolitions and seizures have left 442 Palestinians homeless, at a time when Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories are under lockdown. Where are these Palestinians, deprived of their rightful homes, meant to go? Where must they go?”
2020-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8762 (2020) · source
“We therefore support President Abbas’ call in his statement at the general debate of the seventy-fifth session of the General Assembly for the Secretary-General, together with the Middle East Quartet and the Security Council, to begin preparations for an international conference with the participation of all the parties concerned and for discussions on a genuine peace process, including to resolve all final-status issues. Turning to the implementation of resolution 2334 (2016), South Africa once again calls for the full implementation of this and previous resolutions on the question of Palestine. The Council heard today that, while settlement activity may have slowed slightly due to the ongoing coronavirus disease pandemic, this illegal practice by the Israeli authorities continues, in contravention of international law.”
2020-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8762 (2020) · source
“South Africa will continue to work with like-minded countries to support international 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 capital of both States, in line with all relevant United Nations resolutions, international law and internationally agreed parameters.”
2020-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8762 (2020) · source
“In that regard, South Africa reiterates its position that no peace plan or initiative can have any merit or succeed if it does not include all parties to the conflict in the talks as equal partners from the very beginning. Any initiative aimed at a resolving the Israeli occupation must take into account the needs and aspirations of the Palestinian people. In addition, any such peace plan must ensure that Palestinian statehood is not reduced to an entity without the basic tenets of sovereignty, territorial contiguity and economic viability. A realistic and credible peace plan will result in a genuine two- State solution; not one viable State and a Bantustan.”
2020-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8762 (2020) · source
“Palestine is one of the world’s oldest unresolved international conflicts, firmly entrenched in the agendas of both the General Assembly and the Security Council for almost as long as the United Nations has been in existence. Nevertheless, 72 years later, the status quo remains and little progress has been made to ensuring the right of Palestinians to self-determination, independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty. Despite numerous agreements and newly forged partnerships, it is shameful that Palestinians continue to live under occupation and are denied their very basic civil and human rights. We should ask ourselves — do these agreements that some of us welcome change the day-to-day lives of those living under occupation?”
2020-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8762 (2020) · source
“Let me begin by thanking Special Coordinator Mladenov for his useful and frank briefing on the current situation in the occupied Palestinian territory. I join my colleague from the United States in offering our heartfelt condolences to Kuwait for the passing on of His Highness the Amir of Kuwait. During the recently held general debate of the General Assembly at its seventy-fifth session, we heard many Member States reflect on the birth of the United Nations and its shared values of peace, justice, equality and dignity for all, as well as the notion of saving successive generations from the scourge of war. However, despite those august ideals, Palestine and its people remain under illegal occupation and continue to be deprived of the shared values and ideals we spoke about.”
2020-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8762 (2020) · source
“It is the considered view of the Niger, Tunisia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and South Africa that the global environment remains difficult and uncertain. Thirty-two million people have been infected by COVID-19, and a million have perished. All of our economies have been battered, with no exceptions. None of us in this Chamber — the permanent five and the elected ten alike — could have predicted in September 2019 that in September 2020 we would be living through the turbulent times occasioned by the pandemic — no one. The Sudan is part of this world that we are talking about, as are Africa and the Caribbean, and all our countries and regions.”
2020-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8761 (2020) · source
“The A3+1 look forward to the urgent appointment of a Special Representative of the Secretary-General to assume overall authority, provide strategic direction for all activities of UNITAMS, fulfil an advisory and advocacy role at the political level and coordinate the efforts of the international community in support of the strategic objectives of the UNITAMS mandate. As it shares borders with key countries in its region of Africa that are pivotal to unlocking the peace and security of the region and the whole African continent, the Sudan is of geostrategic importance. It is therefore imperative that the Security Council continue to ensure stability in the Sudan. As Chair of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, the Sudan is critical in building cohesion in the Horn of Africa.”
2020-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8761 (2020) · source
“On the security front, we welcome the transitional Government’s efforts aimed at working with the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) to tackle the increased levels of intercommunal violence in the country. We also welcome the steps the transitional Government has made towards the national plan for protecting civilians. As UNAMID draws down, the A3+1 encourage it to continue working with national- and local-authority stakeholders, as well as the United Nations country team and other partners, in protecting civilians, facilitating mediation and addressing underlying issues of access to land and resources.”
2020-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8761 (2020) · source
“The report of the Secretary-General clearly highlights that “[s]piralling inflation, continuing shortages of key commodities, a growing public deficit and dropping revenues have placed the country’s economy in a critical state” (S/2020/912, para. 41). Consequently, the A3+1 call for the lifting of all sanctions against the Sudan, as they have outrun their course. In fact, they are further hindering prospects for progress in the country. The Niger, Tunisia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and South Africa welcome the pledges made during the High-Level Sudan Partnership Conference to assist with the socioeconomic situation in the country. We trust that this support will aide in alleviating a number of the hardships with which the Sudan is currently grappling.”
2020-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8761 (2020) · source
“In this regard, the Niger, Tunisia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and South Africa welcome the efforts of the Sudanese transitional Government as it continues to pursue political reforms, make progress in the peace process and tackle the rapidly deteriorating economic situation. Furthermore, the A3+1 is also encouraged by the signing of the 29 August agreement with the Sudan Liberation Army/Minni Minawi and the Sudanese Revolutionary Front and of the 3 September agreement on principles, which mark significant steps forward on a trajectory towards achieving lasting peace in the Sudan. The A3+1 recognizes that the transitional Government is operating amid conditions characterized by a dire economic situation, the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and a tense political climate.”
2020-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8761 (2020) · source
“We are confident that it will successfully navigate the mammoth task ahead of it. The A3+1 also welcome our colleague, the Permanent Representative of the Sudan, to today’s Security Council meeting, and we are looking forward to his statement on the latest developments from home. As the international community, we have been steadfast in our commitment to assisting in bringing about peace, stability and prosperity in Darfur for over a decade. Although it has been a turbulent journey, significant strides have been made in the process. It is in this context that, as we start a new chapter with the new special political mission, we wish to ensure that we will work to preserve the gains and continue to assist in bringing forth the peace for which ordinary Sudanese have yearned and for which they still urgently yearn.”
2020-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8761 (2020) · source
“I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the three African States members of the Security Council, namely, the Niger, Tunisia and South Africa, as well as Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (A3+1). At the outset, on behalf of the A3+1, allow me to express our gratitude to you, Mr. President, on convening this meeting. Additionally, the A3+1 would like to thank our briefers today, Under-Secretaries- General Rosemary DiCarlo and Jean-Pierre Lacroix, for their enlightening briefing on the developments pertaining to the Sudan and the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in the Sudan (UNITAMS). The A3+1 would also like to express our appreciation to the UNITAMS planning team for its efforts and consistent consultations in order to bring life to the envisioned special political mission.”
2020-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8761 (2020) · source
“We also welcome the recent intra-Libyan dialogue hosted by the Kingdom of Morocco in Bouznika and the talks in Montreux, Switzerland, which might contribute to moving the various parties closer to a Libyan-owned and Libyan-led process, which will hopefully lead to a peaceful and durable peace in Libya.”
2020-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8758 (2020) · source
“South Africa voted in favour of the resolution to extend the mandate of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya for an additional 12 months (resolution 2542 (2020)). In this regard, we reiterate that there can be no military solution to the Libya conflict. All Libyan parties, community leaders and non-governmental organizations need to commit to a political dialogue. We reiterate the African Union (AU) Contact Group’s concern with the political deadlock and reaffirm that all Mission efforts must be aimed at the Libyan-owned and Libyan-led political process with the support of the United Nations and the international community. We welcome the cooperation between the United Nations and the AU in finding a lasting solution to the Libyan crisis. We reiterate the call by the AU Contact Group for strong cooperation with Libya’s neighbours.”
2020-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8758 (2020) · source
“In conclusion, South Africa reiterates that the only solution to the conflict in Yemen will be an inclusive Yemeni-led, Yemeni-owned political settlement that delivers on the hopes of the Yemeni people for a strong economic and political future. In this context, we also call for the full and meaningful participation of women in all aspects of an inclusive political process.”
2020-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8757 (2020) · source
“We appeal to all parties to avoid the stance of gaining absolute positions. 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 efforts to agree on a joint declaration to implement the Stockholm and Riyadh agreements. South Africa also urges the Houthis to adhere to the agreement to provide access to United Nations inspectors to access and assess the FSO SAFER oil tanker to avoid a man-made disaster in the Red Sea. We therefore hope that looming threat will be dealt with on a purely technical basis and without politicization.”
2020-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8757 (2020) · source
“At the same time, the escalating military tension and continued clashes in Yemen’s embattled Ma’rib and neighbouring Al-Jawf are also of grave concern to South Africa. We 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), as well as to agree on confidence-building measures, such as the payment of civil servant salaries, the reopening of the Sana’a airport and the lifting of commercial import restrictions. We reiterate our position that a military response is not a viable solution and call on all parties to approach the resumption of the political negotiations with a spirit of compromise, while placing the interests of Yemenis at the centre of a negotiated political settlement.”
2020-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8757 (2020) · source
“South Africa calls on all parties to the conflict to agree to a unified set of measures to contain the spread of COVID-19, improve the delivery of humanitarian aid and provide impetus to the overall political negotiations to end the war in Yemen and alleviate the suffering of Yemeni people. We have consistently highlighted the importance for all parties to abide by their obligations and responsibilities under international humanitarian law and international human rights law and to take all the measures necessary to end and prevent violations against civilians. On the political impasse, South Africa is concerned about the recent drone strikes by Houthis against targets in Saudi Arabia at the Abha International Airport, Najran and Riyadh.”
2020-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8757 (2020) · source
“We note that, despite ongoing humanitarian assistance, 14 million Yemenis are food insecure, of which nearly 10 million are acutely food insecure. The humanitarian situation in Yemen is extremely fragile, and any disruption in the pipeline of critical supplies has the potential to bring millions of people closer to starvation and death. Currently, only 25 per cent of humanitarian requirements have been funded in 2020, as Mr. Lowcock just informed the Council. United Nations agencies are now forced to reduce or close more programmes. We therefore urgently call donors to adhere to their pledges made at recent pledging conferences to avoid Yemen’s slipping into famine.”
2020-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8757 (2020) · source
“With regard to the humanitarian situation, South Africa continues to express its concern regarding the devastating impact on the people of Yemen, in particular women, children, the elderly, internally displaced persons and those with disabilities, South Africa also expresses its concern over the suspension by the Houthis of all United Nations humanitarian flights into Sana’a and the response to the blockade by the coalition’s commercial vessels in Al-Hudaydah, an entry point for more than 70 per cent of Yemeni imports of commercial goods. We urge the parties to collaborate with the Office of the Special Envoy to seek an urgent solution to ensure the continued flow of commercial imports of food into Yemen through Al-Hudaydah port.”
2020-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8757 (2020) · source
“We thank Special Envoy Martin Griffiths and Mr. Mark Lowcock, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, for their briefings. We welcome our colleague the Permanent Representative of Yemen to the Security Council and look forward to his statement regarding developments in his homeland. South Africa reiterates its support to the Special Envoy in his quest for a peaceful solution to the situation in Yemen despite the escalating violence that persists amid the unyielding coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. My delegation would like to reiterate that the dire humanitarian situation in Yemen, aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic, is inextricably linked to the political impasse. As such, my intervention will focus on those two elements, namely, the humanitarian and the political situation.”
2020-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8757 (2020) · source
“We urge a continued and strengthened working relationship between AMISOM and UNSOM in order to assist Somalia to take ownership of addressing its own security challenges, as envisaged by the transition plan. We reiterate that the withdrawal of AMISOM from Somalia should be condition-based, as the security situation remains volatile and is characterized by frequent terrorist attacks. To conclude, the Niger, Tunisia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and South Africa support the continued presence of AMISOM and UNSOM in Somalia. In that regard, we support the renewal of the mandate of UNSOM for another 12 months when it ends on 31 August 2020.”
2020-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8755 (2020) · source
“We are concerned at and condemn the recorded incidents against humanitarian operations and providers, including recorded incidents that led to the killing, abduction and, in some instances, detaining of humanitarian workers. Finally, the Niger, Tunisia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and South Africa commend the efforts and commitment of the United Nations through UNSOM and the United Nations Support Office in Somalia, AMISOM, the United Nations Mine Action Service, the Federal Government and the federal member states of Somalia and the international partners for their continual efforts and progress in bringing about stabilization and deepening federalism and State-building in Somalia.”
2020-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8755 (2020) · source
“We are concerned that that situation will continue to exacerbate the displacement of people, food insecurity and the outbreak of water-borne diseases, as well as to adversely affect the livelihoods of those made most vulnerable across the country. In that respect, Somalia requires continued support by the international community and humanitarian partners to mitigate the impact of that triple threat. We support the call by the Secretary-General for the additional funding that is urgently needed to continue to deliver humanitarian assistance. We deplore the fact that the security situation remains a major constraint to humanitarian operations.”
2020-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8755 (2020) · source
“Fourthly, concerning the humanitarian situation, Somalia has been impacted by the triple threat and shock of the COVID-19 pandemic, an infestation by desert locusts and floods. Those challenges have deepened Somalia’s humanitarian crisis. COVID-19 in particular has exacerbated pre-existing vulnerabilities, disrupted socioeconomic gains and affected the livelihoods of ordinary Somalis. We commend the actions taken by the humanitarian partners for the expansion of their support to Somali authorities to address the impact of COVID-19. The A3+1 notes that the adverse impact of flooding due to climate change remained widespread in Somalia during the period under review.”
2020-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8755 (2020) · source
“We also strongly condemn the grave violations against children in armed conflict, including the use, abduction, recruitment, killing and maiming of children, that have been registered during the period under review. We support the calls urging that all perpetrators of such crimes be identified and held accountable. Furthermore, we have taken note of the developments in Parliament relating to the draft sexual-offences bill and the introduction of an alternative bill. Although we recognize the prerogative of the Somali Parliament to draft legislation, we call on the authorities to ensure that any new piece of legislation remains consistent with Somalia’s international law obligations.”
2020-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8755 (2020) · source
“We commend in particular the efforts of the Somali National Army in securing all recovered areas thus far. However, we recognize the challenges created by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, as well as the rains, from April to June, that have impacted the expansion of some security activities, including the liberation of more zones. We are heartened by the number of reconciliation efforts made by the State Administration and communities aimed at ending the cycle of violence among clans. We support the peaceful resolution of tensions among the communities and peaceful coexistence between the clans. We strongly condemn the reported incidents of civilian casualties and conflict-related sexual violence, particularly those affecting women and girls.”
2020-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8755 (2020) · source