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

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“The Security Council must take responsibility for ensuring, through a neutral, balanced approach, that it can assist the parties in progressing towards a mutually acceptable settlement of the situation. In considering the draft before us, South Africa seriously considered not supporting resolution 2468 (2019), which is why we abstained in the voting. As we have stated, the Council's resolutions on MINURSO continue to address the issue in an opaque and non-inclusive manner. Council members are not given enough time or opportunity to meaningfully negotiate on the texts. They are a fait accompli by the penholders and their supporters. That prevents Council members from effectively exercising the mandate entrusted to us by the General Assembly to contribute to the maintenance of international peace and security.”
2019-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8518 (2019) · source
“Our own national experience has taught us the value of the international solidarity that brought down the repressive system of apartheid. Similarly, it is international solidarity that will ultimately realize the foremost aspiration of the people of Western Sahara, which is to eventually be independent and free. That is why the Southern African Development Community recently hosted a solidarity conference with the Sahrawi people. As long as the Sahrawi people do not enjoy their basic right to self-determination, they will continue to be denied the opportunity to develop, prosper and enjoy a brighter future. People who have to live with uncertainty, whether under colonialism or in refugee camps, are severely disadvantaged.”
2019-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8518 (2019) · source
“We want to reiterate that the Council's working methods on this matter, whereby it delegates responsibility to the Group of Friends of Western Sahara, remain a serious source of concern for South Africa. We have consistently raised this issue as problematic, particularly given the unrepresentative nature of the Group, which does not include a single African member of the Council, despite the fact that this is an African issue. This is yet another example of an African issue being decided by non-Africans. It is unjust. South Africa would like to reiterate its principled position on the situation in the Western Sahara, which remains the last colony on the African continent, listed by the United Nations as a non-self-governing territory.”
2019-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8518 (2019) · source
“Fourthly, South Africa regrets that the Council continues to resist a human rights monitoring mandate for MINURSO, despite the fact that many around this table eagerly propose such mechanisms in other mandates, without exception. We have not seen the same vigour or determination in terms of MINURSO, which creates the impression that the human rights of the people of Western Sahara are not held in the same regard as those of other peoples elsewhere in the world. That lack of consistency undermines the Council's credibility. Lastly, we want to note that the text must differentiate between the parties to the conflict, which are Morocco and the Frente Popular para la Liberacion de Saguia el-Hamra y de Rio de Oro, and the neighbouring States of Algeria and Mauritania.”
2019-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8518 (2019) · source
“Secondly, the use of terms such as "realistic" and "realism", as well as additional references to "compromise", are of concern to us. It is unclear as to what is meant by these terms as the principle of self-determination for the people of Western Sahara is well established by numerous General Assembly and Security Council resolutions, as I said earlier. We should not in any way dilute that principle through unclear and ambiguous terms and language. The Council must reaffirm its commitment to the right to self-determination for the people of Western Sahara in an unqualified manner. Thirdly, the resolution should not try to unduly influence the direction of the political process or to pre-empt any final status of the negotiations.”
2019-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8518 (2019) · source
“The role of the Security Council in supporting the Personal Envoy and the Special Representative in the discharge of their respective mandates is critical in seeking a solution to the situation in Western Sahara. Although resolution 2468 (2019) contains numerous paragraphs with which South Africa can agree, there remain several elements of concern to our delegation. These include the following. First, the current text as it stands is not balanced and does not provide a true reflection of the efforts undertaken by the two parties, Morocco and the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, which are both States members of the African Union. The mandate as approved tends to favour one party over the other, which is not conducive to a neutral political process.”
2019-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8518 (2019) · source
“South Africa wishes to reiterate its unequivocal and strong support for the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), which was established by the Council under resolution 690 (1991). That was the beginning of the issue. We recall that MINURSO was created primarily to facilitate the holding of a referendum in Western Sahara to enable its people to realize their right to self-determination. We also wish to emphasize our firm support for the political process facilitated by the Secretary-General's good offices through his Personal Envoy for Western Sahara, Mr. Horst Kohler. We express our appreciation for the work he is undertaking, as well as for the efforts of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Western Sahara and Head of MINURSO, Mr. Colin Stewart.”
2019-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8518 (2019) · source
“We must embrace the positions that bring us closest to a definitive solution to the conflict - indeed, the solution that is the most fair and inclusive - based on previous initiatives and consensus agreements, and on a renewed political will, with a view to our future generations and the most vulnerable populations - women and children - while remaining faithful to our responsibilities as individuals and nations of the world that respect the multilateral framework and identify with universal rights and development goals towards the fulfilment of a two- State solution.”
2019-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8517 (2019) · source
“Another situation of great concern is the delicate financial situation that the Palestinian Government is going through, with several factors that exacerbate it, including the involuntary withholding of collected taxes and the decrease in international assistance, which have generated a loss of 65 per cent of its income, inducing its leaders to take austerity measures that, in a vicious circle, create greater pressure on the economy, thereby increasing demands on people's living conditions. We need to be aware of the critical moment in which we find ourselves if we are to achieve a negotiated and lasting peace in the Middle East that recognizes the right of all peoples to self-determination, independence and sovereignty, and the right to live in peace and security within clearly recognized borders.”
2019-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8517 (2019) · source
“In this regard, we acknowledge the work of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, in providing, with international support, relief to the inhabitants of Gaza. The picture described by our speakers today of the impact of water scarcity on the region's economic and social development exacerbates an already fragile social situation and increases vulnerability to food insecurity, which itself puts at risk the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and the human development obj ectives forthe most affectedpopulations. Such aspects as water pollution, overexploitation, urbanization and a long conflict have come together and resulted in the current worrying situation.”
2019-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8517 (2019) · source
“The safety and well-being of the civilian population must be our highest priority, overcoming all differences and obstacles to sustainable peace. We therefore strongly condemn any act of violence and intimidation against the civilian population, especially the indiscriminate firing of rockets, mortars and incendiary devices, and the excessive use of force. With respect to the population, it is also with great disquiet and concern that we see the persistent deterioration of the humanitarian and economic situation in Gaza, which is experiencing a severe state of insecurity and lack of basic necessities for well-being, including delivery of such key services as electricity, water and health, as well as the lack of jobs.”
2019-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8517 (2019) · source
“The exercise of democracy through elections, Government formation and fresh governing mandates marks a new stage of optimism, ideals, hopes and renewed energy, which gives us the opportunity to revive those things that have been stagnant or inert, such as the will to resolve this conflict, which is the pivotal point for peace in the Middle East. We continue to witness with regret the increase in tensions between the parties because of the persistence of elements that gave rise to it: widespread violence, particularly against civilians, including women and children, provocation and use of inflammatory rhetoric, actions against and in violation of international law and order, and the lack of internal reconciliation.”
2019-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8517 (2019) · source
“We are convinced that the transboundary nature of water makes it necessary for it to be included in any attempt to build peace, so we take this opportunity to congratulate them on the admirable work they are doing in helping countries collaborate on such a crucial issue as cooperation on shared waters. We would like to begin by congratulating the new Palestinian Prime Minister, Mohammad Shtayyeh, on the formation of his Government, in the hope that it will overcome the great challenges facing the Palestinian people and its nation-building project. Similarly, we congratulate Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on his victory in his recent election to a fifth term of office, hoping that he will continue to lead his country along the path of development.”
2019-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8517 (2019) · source
“The United Nations, its membership and the Security Council cannot sit back and wait for the solution to be presented to it by somebody somewhere. This is not and has never been the role of the United Nations and the Security Council. We must do all we can to carry out this vital responsibility bestowed upon us by the Charter of the United Nations. Mr. Trullols Yabra (Dominican Republic) (spoke in Spanish): We join others in thanking Under-Secretary- General Rosemary DiCarlo for her ever-concise briefing, and Nada Majdalani and Gidon Bromberg for briefing us on the environmental dimension of the peace process and the precarious situation in Gaza and the West Bank in the face of such challenges as serious water shortages.”
2019-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8517 (2019) · source
“When discussing issues in the Middle East, it is also important to focus on the impact of the conflict on Palestinian women. A recent study indicated that the occupation disproportionately impacts the daily lives of Palestinian women. As we delay action and the Security Council is immobilized, lands and cities are being systematically handed over to Israel. We do not recognize that. United Nations agencies are immobilized and emasculated. More and more settlements are being built in occupied Palestinian territories. We do not recognize them. No people in history have accepted oppression forever. The same is true for the Palestinians. In conclusion, the United Nations cannot abdicate its responsibility and outsource its core mandate of maintaining international peace and security.”
2019-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8517 (2019) · source
“Unilateral actions by Israel, including its refusal to renew the mandate of the Temporary International Presence in Hebron and its continued withholding of the tax revenue that it collects on behalf of the Palestinian Authority have done nothing but exacerbate the security and humanitarian situation in Palestine. As long as the situation remains unresolved and the territories remain occupied, we run the risk of changing the facts on the ground. The recent unilateral developments related to the occupied Syrian Golan are a case in point. Final status issues cannot be pre-empted by Changing the conditions and facts on the ground, but must be negotiated by the parties. We commend the German presidency for highlighting women's issues during this month.”
2019-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8517 (2019) · source
“The only credible solution must be built on the two-State solution, within the 1967 borders and with East Jerusalem as the capital of the Palestinian State, where Palestinians and Israelis can live side by side in peace and security. The Security Council must make every effort to bring both parties to the negotiating table in order to reach a solution. The guidelines for those negotiations, as the representative of France pointed out, must be based on the established international legal framework, which includes General Assembly and Security Council resolutions, the Madrid principles, the Arab Peace Initiative and the Quartet road map, to name but a few.”
2019-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8517 (2019) · source
“When responding to violations of international law and the Charter of the United Nations, we must act in a consistent manner. When we act, or rather do not act, when it comes to the matter of Palestine, we jeopardize the integrity and credibility of the Council. The Council must act decisively, as it does on other matters on its agenda, to ensure that there is a resolution to the conflict through a negotiated process. We must reaffirm that there can be no sustainable solution to the crises in the Middle East that does not include two independent States, one for the people of Palestine and one for the people of Israel.”
2019-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8517 (2019) · source
“South Africa wishes to express its solidarity with those who have perished in the recent terrorist attacks in their places of worship in Sri Lanka, the United States of America and, yesterday, in Burkina Faso, which the Council visited last month. May their souls rest in peace. We also express our solidarity with Mozambique, which has been visited repeatedly by devastating cyclones this past month, setting its development agenda back decades. The Council deals with the maintenance of international peace and security on a daily basis. It is our primary responsibility to ensure that all peoples of the world are able to live without the threat of the scourge of war and enjoy the ability to live in larger freedom. In carrying out that mandate, the Council must act in a fair and balanced manner.”
2019-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8517 (2019) · source
“We would like to express our appreciation to the AU High-level Implementation Panel, led by former President of South Africa Thabo Mbeki, former President of Nigeria Abdulsalami Abubakar and former Foreign Minister of Algeria Ambassador Lamamra. The Sudan is the biggest African country in terms of landmass. It borders with more than nine African countries and numerous countries currently facing security challenges, as we all know. The manner in which the Council approaches the Sudanese crisis and its resolution may have a particular impact on Darfur and the neighbourhood. Let us find a common cause and assist the Sudanese in finding one another as they build peace. We hope that our own national interests will not outweigh the interests of the Sudanese people.”
2019-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8513 (2019) · source
“The need to address the socioeconomic needs of the Sudanese people will be paramount in the rebuilding of the Sudan, as that constitutes part of the root causes of the current impasse. Seventh, on accountability, we should give space to the Sudanese to utilize their own internal mechanisms to address accountability issues and chart their future. That will also lay the groundwork for the future peace and reconciliation of the Sudanese people and, if possible, promote ethnic, religious and regional tolerance. Lastly, it is important that the Council call for calm and for the situation to be resolved peacefully and amicably through inclusive political processes.”
2019-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8513 (2019) · source
“Fourth, in its engagement in the Sudan the Council should further be guided by the regional approaches and through the African Union (AU) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development. The African Union Peace and Security Council communique of 15 April on the situation in the Sudan urgently appeals to all the AU partners and the international community to support their efforts through the adopted communique. The unity of the Council in supporting that approach is vital. Fifth, the Council should support the Secretary- General's endeavours in supporting the African Union in trying to find an acceptable settlement of the Sudan crisis through peaceful means. Sixth, South Africa is of the firm view that support to the Sudanese economy is essential.”
2019-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8513 (2019) · source
“First, with regard to the wider Sudan, it is critical that the Sudanese people seize this opportunity to address all their current differences and ensure an inclusive arrangement for all Sudanese people as they find a durable settlement for the current crisis because the developments in Darfur are inextricably linked to those in the Sudan and the wider region. Second, South Africa underscores the importance of a credible and inclusive transition and transparent processes and arrangements that will assist in unifying the Sudan. Third, the international community should rally behind the aspirations ofthe Sudanese people as a whole as they find a pathway to the future of their country.”
2019-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8513 (2019) · source
“It is essential that there be an eventual transition from humanitarian support to reconstruction and development in the Darfur area as UNAMID ultimately exits. Let me pay tribute to development partners for their kind generosity and humanitarian assistance to Darfur and the wider Sudan. South Africa supports the fact that UNAMID should continue its mission and the course for the drawdown. But I would like to ask Joint Special Representative Ambassador Mamabolo if he is proposing a revised timetable for the drawdown in Darfur given the current political situation in Khartoum. We would like to make the following remarks on the situation in the Sudan and Khartoum.”
2019-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8513 (2019) · source
“Our continued efforts should preserve the gains that have been made in recent years. It is our hope that the developments in Khartoum will not negatively affect the gains made thus far. We should continue to build on the gains made in advancing the Darfur peace process and the implementation of the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur. It is important that the international community continue to support those important processes and encourage all stakeholders to implement the outstanding provisions of the various commissions and agreements. It is imperative that adequate support be provided to internally displaced persons, particularly focusing on the prevention of sexual violence against women and children. The importance of humanitarian support to affected areas in the Sudan remains a significant lifeline for many people.”
2019-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8513 (2019) · source
“We would like to express our appreciation to you, Mr. President, for convening and presiding over today's meeting. We agree with most of your views and recommendations with regard to Darfur and the situation in the Sudan. We also want to thank the African Union-United Nations Joint Special Representative for the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID), Ambassador Jeremiah Mamabolo, for his enlightening briefing, as well as the useful information provided by Ms. Ursula Mueller. We are particularly grateful to UNAMID for their continued efforts in Darfur in their pursuit of peace albeit under difficult security and climate change-related challenges. The united efforts of the United Nations and the international community have led to substantial progress in building peace in Darfur and the wider region.”
2019-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8513 (2019) · source
“In that regard, the support for the work of the United Nations through its Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia, as well as the relevant United Nations agencies, civil society and international partners, has been invaluable. We urge Members and the international partners to support and encourage the people of Colombia to preserve and fully implement the peace agreement in addressing the concerns and rights of victims, access to justice, reparation, guarantees of non-repetition, inclusive dialogue and peaceful negotiations to resolve all outstanding issues in Colombia.”
2019-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8511 (2019) · source
“In that context, we support the statement that was issued on 11 March by the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia, in which it highlighted the importance of preserving the gains made in the peace process by guaranteeing the rights of victims. We should be firm in creating conditions conducive to the full and free functioning of the Special Jurisdiction for Peace as part of the peace agreement. South Africa therefore calls on all parties to respect the constitutionally mandated mechanisms and frameworks established to assist the political and judicial transition. In its own struggle to overcome decades of division and mistrust and in seeking a better future for all, South Africa was significantly supported by the international community.”
2019-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8511 (2019) · source
“The Special Jurisdiction for Peace is a vital component of the agreement and any further delay in its implementation could undermine the political, socioeconomic and security prospects of Colombia. South Africa's process of reconciliation and reconstruction was underpinned by the establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which presented an opportunity to facilitate reconciliation between the perpetrators and the survivors of such human rights violations. In the words of our Constitution, the Commission process allows for the cultivation of "a need for understanding but not for vengeance, a need for reparation but not for retaliation, a need for ubuntu but not for victimisation". That process was essential to the long-term consolidation of hard-won freedom in South Africa.”
2019-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8511 (2019) · source
“We agree with the Secretary-General that Colombia's peace process is at a critical juncture, and the implementation of the agreement remains at the heart of the situation in Colombia. We note President Duque's decision to undertake a process of review of the Special Jurisdiction for Peace, which he has indicated could be an opportunity to create a national consensus regarding transitional justice in Colombia. It is trusted that this process will not result in heightened tensions in the country. It is important to deepen efforts to de-escalate tensions, address the reintegration processes and allay the concerns of the former combatants, particularly with regard to legal and security guarantees.”
2019-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8511 (2019) · source
“Initiatives that enhance their skills and create opportunities for the broader communities in which they live are positive strides towards reintegrating into Colombian society and contributing to the economy. However, there are many challenges to be addressed moving forward. South Africa fully supports the Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace, which was signed between the Government of Colombia and the FARC-EP in 2016. We commend the progress made in its implementation, including on the demobilization and reintegration processes of former members of the FARC-EP. We wish to call for the full implementation of the peace agreement and of the statutory law of the Special Jurisdiction for Peace, in accordance with the provisions of the agreement.”
2019-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8511 (2019) · source
“We wish to commend the efforts of the Colombian Government in trying to address issues such as social security, basic services and land and rural development, as well as economic opportunities and legal protection, particularly for former combatants and members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia - People's Army (FARC-EP). In addition, the visits and engagements by high- level officials of the Colombian Government, including by President Ivan Duque Marquez, to the territorial areas for training and reintegration represent a positive development. We also wish to commend the efforts of the former combatants in contributing to the peace process.”
2019-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8511 (2019) · source
“As per your directive, Mr. President, I will not thank the briefers, but I will join my neighbours in welcoming the Foreign Minister to the Council. The briefing and details provided by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia, Mr. Carlos Ruiz Massieu, led some of us to relive the difficult past in South Africa and the very similar processes taking place in Colombia. That is why we pledge our utmost support to Carlos and his team as they implement the mandate with which the Council entrusted them in contributing modestly to the peace process in Colombia. Consolidating peace after decades of conflict and mistrust is not an easy task.”
2019-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8511 (2019) · source
“We should also do so through other international organizations, such as the International Committee of the Red Cross, in order to promote the much needed neutrality and impartiality for the provision of humanitarian assistance to Venezuela.”
2019-04-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8506 (2019) · source
“Lowcock advised - in order to match those needs with appropriate support and totally steer away from the possibility of humanitarian intervention being used as a pretext for increased tensions, including the possibility of military intervention. South Africa therefore urges all parties to respect the need for impartiality, neutrality and independence in the provision of humanitarian assistance to Venezuela. We also call on the international community to support the channelling of humanitarian assistance through United Nations agencies. We are very grateful to be able to say that we have increased personnel capacity to more than 400. We hope to see more in Venezuela and an increased United Nations presence in neighbouring countries.”
2019-04-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8506 (2019) · source
“We totally agree with the Secretary-General in that respect. The Council should not politicize humanitarian assistance. Secondly, it is important that the effective and unhindered provision of humanitarian assistance take place in coordination and cooperation with the Venezuelan Government, acknowledging the fundamental principles of State sovereignty, as reflected in the Charter of the United Nations. It is therefore necessary to acknowledge and work with established structures in Venezuela so as not to create parallel structures that may also cause increased tensions in that country. Thirdly and finally, the provision of humanitarian assistance should be based on an adequate and accurate needs assessment of the situation - as Mr.”
2019-04-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8506 (2019) · source
“The political situation and continued economic difficulties in Venezuela are the result of myriad factors, including conflicting geopolitical dynamics. That necessitates the Council's focus on the resulting humanitarian situation in Venezuela and its adverse impact on ordinary people. In that regard, I wish to reiterate South Africa's position on three issues. First, the provision of humanitarian assistance must be provided in accordance with the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence and in full compliance with General Assembly resolution 46/182. Those principles have enabled the Council to act in other difficult situations in order to support people in need of urgent humanitarian assistance. That should be the central approach of the Council in this matter.”
2019-04-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8506 (2019) · source
“My delegation wishes to recognize the presence of the Secretary-General, Mr. Antonio Guterres, and earlier on, Mr. Mike Pence, Vice-President of the United States of America. We would like to thank all the briefers, especially Mr. Lowcock and his excellent staff in Venezuela. We ask him to convey our utmost gratitude and appreciation for the sterling job they are doing in Venezuela, as they dispatch and offer much-needed assistance to the people of Venezuela in the midst of uncertainty and political contestation. International solidarity is a hallmark of most of us in developing countries, including Cuba. The situation in Venezuela requires a constructive and united Security Council in addressing both the humanitarian and political situation facing the country.”
2019-04-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8506 (2019) · source
“Finally, and ceding some ofmy time to my colleague from the Dominican Republic, the continued support of the international community for the Government and the people of Haiti remains a critical element in achieving security, stability and inclusive democracy in the country and the region.”
2019-04-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8502 (2019) · source
“We believe it is important that the Council continue to play a stabilizing role in Haiti, which would require close monitoring of the situation on the ground as well as a needs assessment, particularly in the lead-up to the October elections. Furthermore, it is important to note that election processes can give rise to uncertainty but also the possibility of calm later on. As such, United Nations support in the run-up to and aftermath of the elections in Haiti will be important, including by working closely with the Government and authorities of Haiti to ensure a smooth transition as the MINUJUSTH mandate comes to an end in October.”
2019-04-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8502 (2019) · source
“Furthermore, we believe that it is the role of the United Nations and the Government, in partnership with civil society organizations, to bring together all disputing parties in order to reach an agreement that benefits the people of Haiti. Civil society has much to contribute in that regard given its experience of realities on the ground, including the security situation, the economic crisis and deteriorating humanitarian conditions. South Africa has noted the proposals of the Secretary-General in his latest report on Haiti (S/2019/ 198), particularly with regard to the drawdown of the United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti (MINUJUSTH) and the establishment ofa special political mission thereafter.”
2019-04-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8502 (2019) · source
“It is worth noting that a State that takes steps towards reconciliation not only unites its people and encourages a nationally owned process but also, through those efforts, creates environments that are conducive to more effective institutions. It is in that context that the Foreign Minister should understand that South Africa supports the call by the Secretary-General for a national and inclusive dialogue among Haitians in order to encourage calm and long-term stability in their country. The United Nations has historically played a critical role in Haiti through the Secretary-General and his good offices, by building the capacity ofinstitutions like the Haitian National Police, which is critical for strengthening efforts aimed at the democratization in Haiti.”
2019-04-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8502 (2019) · source
“At the outset, we wish to welcome the positive gains and progress made in Haiti, particularly in the development of the national police force, which showed its professionalism and efficiency under heavy pressure during the recent demonstrations. We wish to express our concern about the deteriorating security situation in the country. The recent protests throughout the country not only exacerbated the humanitarian and human rights situation but also undermined prospects for the conduct of peaceful elections in October this year. I would remind the Haitian Foreign Minister that those events highlighted the persistent need for reconciliation in the country.”
2019-04-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8502 (2019) · source
“Before we begin, we would like to welcome and support the German presidency for its innovation. We hope that drawing open its curtains and shedding light on the Security Council will lead to greater transparency in its work and perhaps ultimately to the reform of the Council demanded by most Member States, especially the African States. We would like to thank Germany for convening this meeting following the recent developments in Haiti. We will not thank the briefers, pursuant to the President's directive, but perhaps it would be appropriate to welcome the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Haiti to our meeting.”
2019-04-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8502 (2019) · source
“President, for facilitating the press statement to be adopted later. Finally, I would like to leave the Council with a quote from a South African President: "There are no safe hands for nuclear weapons".”
2019-04-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8500 (2019) · source
“Nuclear-weapon-free zones will continue to play an important role in preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons. In that regard, I highlight the importance of the Treaty of Pelindaba; this year marks the tenth anniversary of its entry into force. In the same vein, my delegation calls for the early establishment in the Middle East of a zone free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction, as outlined in the 1995 resolution. South Africa strongly supports the full implementation of the NPT and its universality in pursuit of the goal of achieving and maintaining a world free from nuclear weapons. In this regard, we would do well to remember that the strength, credibility and utility of the NPT rests on a fundamental bargain, which all of us should uphold. We express our profound appreciation to you, Mr.”
2019-04-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8500 (2019) · source
“We therefore urge the Council to fully respect the inalienable right of the States parties to the NPT to use nuclear technologies for peaceful purposes, as envisaged in the Treaty. We further call upon the Council and the international community to continue to support the Agency's technical cooperation projects and activities. The Agency, furthermore, continues to verify and monitor the implementation by Iran of its nuclear-related commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), one of the recent success stories of multilateral diplomacy. We call upon the Council to continue to support and encourage these contributions to international peace and security by the Agency and reiterate our calls for the preservation of the JCPOA.”
2019-04-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8500 (2019) · source
“We want to use this opportunity to encourage Member States that have not done so to sign and ratify the TPNW at the earliest possible time in order to ensure its early entry into force. For us, the TPNW is a positive and bold step towards a world free of nuclear weapons. It complements and reinforces the NPT. A mass movement towards and a general call for a nuclear-free world has begun, and the process is unstoppable. It would be remiss of me not to commend the sterling role played by the IAEA in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The implementation of the 2030 Agenda is critical for the socioeconomic development of developing countries, especially on the African continent.”
2019-04-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8500 (2019) · source
“While we are aware that some States are arguing for the creation of a so-called special environment for nuclear disarmament, it is our View that this was already established with the entry into force of the NPT on the basis of its "grand bargain". We believe that the success of future Review Conferences will be determined by the extent to which these undertakings are implemented. Despite the lobbying and immense pressure on South Africa, as well as other States Members of the United Nations, we clearly demonstrated our commitment to nuclear disarmament when we deposited our instrument of ratification of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) on 25 February, joining the 21 other Member States that have ratified the Treaty.”
2019-04-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8500 (2019) · source
“Almost 50 years since the entry into force of the NPT, we cannot be complacent about the continued threat posed by nuclear weapons and the lack of implementation of the disarmament obligations flowing from article VI. We must respect the Treaty and the outcomes of its Review Conferences in order to maintain its continued longevity. Measurable progress, in particular on nuclear disarmament, must therefore be a major determinant in achieving and sustaining international peace and security. With this in mind, South Africa believes that the 2019 Preparatory Committee should respect the agreements arrived at in 1995, 2000 and 2010 in order to strengthen global security. The 2020 Review Conference should likewise not roll back or reinterpret previously agreed commitments, which constitute the current nuclear-disarmament benchmarks.”
2019-04-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8500 (2019) · source