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

“It is critical that we respect, safeguard, enhance and implement the multilateral agreements constructed around the pillars of development, human rights, peace and security. We recognize that the Security Council remains the primary multilateral body charged with the maintenance of international peace and security. However, the Council has been confronted with challenges where it has been prevented from acting due to structural impediments that, at times, undermine its ability to promote conflict prevention and protect the most vulnerable. It is therefore imperative that the Council continue to be united and steadfast in realizing its multilateral commitment to achieving peace and tangible dividends for vulnerable people on the ground.”
2018-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8395 (2018) · source
“Two months ago, during the Nelson Mandela Peace Summit of the General Assembly, our leaders reaffirmed their commitment to global peace, in honour of and to revive the values that leaders like Nelson Mandela stood for, by placing human dignity at the centre of our actions. They made a strong call to safeguard multilateralism, in recognition of the new challenges and threats that our nations face. Emerging threats to peace and security can threaten any nation, no matter how stable and prosperous it may be, and a coordinated and global response is needed to overcome those threats. Through the political declaration adopted at the Summit (resolution 73/1), our leaders committed to redoubling their efforts to build a just, peaceful, prosperous and inclusive world.”
2018-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8395 (2018) · source
“The world is a significantly different place to what it was when the United Nations was founded, and the need for multilateral approaches to address our common challenges is even more necessary and pertinent today. South Africa, like many other countries, has benefited from the support of the States Members of the United Nations, which, through the Organization, were able to mobilize the international community to help isolate and defeat the apartheid system. The United Nations was a beacon of hope that contributed to the transformation of our country. For that, we remain grateful.”
2018-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8395 (2018) · source
“It is our intention to work together, and with other free peoples, both in war and peace, to that end". In 1945, 50 nations, including South Africa, formed the United Nations and collectively agreed to the Charter of the United Nations. The aspirations set out in the Charter are more important today than ever before. The increased threats to multilateralism undermine the principles to which we subscribed over 70 years ago, when the Organization was established. The complexities of conflict have evolved, and we are increasingly more interdependent as nations. That means that we are all affected in some way by conflicts that we might have thought were far away from us.”
2018-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8395 (2018) · source
“I would like to congratulate your country, Mr. President, on assuming the presidency this month and convening this open debate. The theme of the debate is indeed timely and crucial in the light of the growing geopolitical challenges with which we are faced. The current multilateral system was imposed on us as a consequence of war. Seventy-seven years ago, on 9 June 1941, the allied representatives of Australia, Belgium, Canada, Czechoslovakia, France, Greece, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, South Africa, the United Kingdom and Yugoslavia met in St. James Palace, London. They declared that "[t]he only true basis of enduring peace is the willing cooperation of free peoples in a world in which, relieved of the menace of aggression, all may enjoy economic and social security.”
2018-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8395 (2018) · source
“In conclusion, we believe that the Security Council should take firm and concrete action to ensure that our children, and youth in general, are shielded from the horrors of conflict and other violations that threaten to undermine our future prospects for the maintenance of international peace, security and development. That stance should be applied consistently, devoid of double standards, to ensure that children are protected no matter where and in what context they may find themselves.”
2018-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8305 (2018) · source
“Therefore, we call for the urgent and imperative need to hold accountable all perpetrators of human rights violations and abuses and international humanitarian law Violations, irrespective of their status or political affiliation. To further that aim, South Africa welcomes the Secretary-General's call for cooperation with regional and subregional organizations in coordinating efforts to address violations against children in armed conflict. We would also like to highlight the need for dedicated child protection capacities within regional mechanisms and to encourage further engagement with the United Nations to prioritize the development of tools to forestall grave violations, including through the adoption of prevention plans aimed at institutionalizing preventive measures.”
2018-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8305 (2018) · source
“South Africa underscores the importance of addressing the present problem of grave violations against children during war times as a critical prerequisite of future sustainable peace. In that regard, South Africa fully supports the strengthening of mechanisms for the protection of children in armed conflict. That could take the form of specific provisions in United Nations peacekeeping missions, as well as the engagement of the United Nations with armed groups on the matter. We also welcome adoption this morning of resolution 2427 (2018), which condemns the attacks and the threats of attacks, in contravention of international law, against schools and health centres. We need to ensure the safety of children in schools and health facilities during conflict.”
2018-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8305 (2018) · source
“It is vital that we not lose sight of the fact that today's children could become future rebel leaders, who would have learned that in order to fend for themselves in an environment of little-to-no legitimate economic opportunities and political marginalization, they would have to take up arms. Instead, we should create a conducive environment where today's children can play a positive role in society. In that regard, South Africa would like to emphasize the recommendation made in the report of the Secretary-General (S/2018/465) that the funding gap for the reintegration of children recruited by armed groups back into normal society be urgently addressed. We fully support the establishment of the multi-year funding mechanism, which will allow for the early release of children into long-term viable alternatives to military life.”
2018-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8305 (2018) · source
“Nevertheless, the work of the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict is admirable and we applaud the delegation of Sweden, as the Chair of the Working Group, for its continued efforts in moving forward the children and armed conflict agenda. However, we believe that more resources and attention could be assigned to the agenda. Addressing the root causes of conflict, the effectiveness of long-term peacebuilding and the preventative diplomacy approach hinge strongly on the protection of children from the adverse influences and grave violations committed against them during armed conflicts.”
2018-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8305 (2018) · source
“The involvement of children, the most vulnerable group of victims, in armed conflict is tantamount to sowing the seeds of war, which will bear insidious and destructive consequences in later years. We commend the work of the Secretariat and the briefings by Ms. Gamba, Ms. Fore and Ms. Londofio in bringing to the attention of the Council the grave violations that continue to be perpetuated by State and non-State actors alike. Indeed, it is a most vital responsibility of the Council to respond to those violations and hold those responsible to account. The fact that those violations have increased is a matter of serious concern, which indicates that our efforts so far have not been completely effective.”
2018-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8305 (2018) · source
“Let me first congratulate you, Madam President, and the Swedish delegation on assuming the presidency of the Security Council for the month of July. In the year of the centenary of our former President Nelson Mandela, it is instructive to draw on his wisdom when he remarked, "Our children are our greatest treasure. They are our future. Those who abuse them tear at the fabric of our society and weaken our nation." Today's debate is extremely relevant and timely, particularly given the rise in the incidence of violations of the rights of children not only in armed conflict but also in terms of emerging asymmetrical threats to global peace and security, such as terrorism. The debate should also be seen within the context of preventative measures and addressing the root causes of conflict.”
2018-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8305 (2018) · source
“While it still remains that the membership of the Council and the right to the veto are determined by long-outdated historical circumstances, no number of changes to its methods will prevent the interests of a few hindering the maintenance and pursuit of peace and prosperity for all. There needs to be a comprehensive reform of the Security Council. The goal of African countries is to be fully represented in all the decision-making organs of the United Nations, in particular in the Security Council. We must therefore stress the fundamental need to urgently reform the Council if we are to avoid further erosion of not only the legitimacy and credibility of this organ, but also its ultimate effectiveness in a world that is very different from the one that existed when the United Nations was founded, over 70 years ago.”
2018-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8175 (2018) · source
“Fourthly, in note 507 the Security Council commits itself to seeking the views of Member States that are parties to a conflict and/or other interested and affected parties. That commitment should be applied uniformly. Therefore, it is necessary for the Council, as a matter of principle, to always consult with all the relevant parties to a conflict before deliberating on a matter, to ensure that it has at its disposal all the relevant facts. In conclusion, while we fully support the implementation of working methods that improve the inclusivity and transparency of the work of the Council, those incremental changes do nothing to address the Council's structural problems.”
2018-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8175 (2018) · source
“We therefore thank Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for putting more energy into strengthening the relationship between the United Nations and the AU on many fronts in order to deal with the issues of peace and security. Thirdly, South Africa stresses the need to continue enhancing the relationship between the Council and the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC). In its advisory capacity, the PBC serves as a platform that contributes to improving coordination and enhancing coherence among the United Nations, the AU and other international actors in the areas of sustaining peace in Africa and preventing the region from relapsing into conflict. We also believe that the Council could do more to draw on the expertise of the PBC, in particular during the renewal of mission mandates.”
2018-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8175 (2018) · source
“The African Union and other regional bodies have the comparative advantage of a nuanced understanding of their own region and being able to respond quickly to crises as they occur. We should avoid a practice where the Council is selective in its approach and relationships with regional bodies are merely utilized in times of political convenience. The language in note 507 could therefore be strengthened to emphasize the necessity of such cooperation, in the light of Council resolutions, such as resolution 2033 (2012), adopted subsequent to the issuance of note 507, which provides an array of strategies that could ensure strategic coherence.”
2018-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8175 (2018) · source
“Such consultations are also important throughout the life cycle of a mission, as well as in the planning and transition phases. Secondly, the importance of annual joint consultative meetings and informal dialogues with the Peace and Security Council of the African Union (AU) is quite essential. The Council has consistently agreed to continue to expand consultations and cooperation with regional and subregional organizations, including the African Union, as set forth in note 507, undertaking to invite relevant organizations to participate in the Council's public and private meetings, when appropriate. Additionally in note 507, the Council commits itself to continue to informally consult with regional organizations when drafting, inter alia, resolutions, presidential statements and press statements, as appropriate.”
2018-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8175 (2018) · source
“We welcome Kuwait in assuming that role, and we pledge our full support to Kuwait's chairmanship of the Informal Working Group. I would like to highlight four practical suggestions that South Africa believes can help to develop a more effective Security Council. First, I would like to see the implementation of the commitment in note 507 for more regular consultations and coordination between the Council and troop- and police-contributing countries. That is specifically necessary when considering the renewal of mandates. Such consultations are vital mechanisms to ensure peacekeeping mandates are informed by the knowledge of realities on the ground that the troop- and police-contributing countries have and that expectations are realistic and well understood.”
2018-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8175 (2018) · source
“South Africa stresses that note 507, as well as the Council's provisional rules of procedure, should become permanent so that this organ can be more effective, accountable and predicable, with well understood rules. It is our strong belief that the more the Council shares information, consults and accepts the Views from those relevant to a particular conflict, the more operative, accountable and transparent it will be. Further to that, the more responsive the Council becomes, the better placed it will be to meet the challenges presented by a continuously more complex world. In that regard, my delegation would like to thank Portugal, Argentina, Angola and Japan for their sterling work in moving that matter forward as respective Chairs of the Informal Working Group on Documentation and other Procedural Questions.”
2018-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8175 (2018) · source
“Furthermore, it allows for only five to prevent progress on any matter, thereby securing the interests of one at the expense of us all. Each Member State of the United Nations has very specific contextual circumstances, and restoring or maintaining peace in each of our States and/or regions requires an awareness and account of the particular complexities entailed. Therefore, transparency and inclusiveness do not come as a matter of courtesy, but necessity, if the Council is to be effective. The newest iteration of note 507, issued in 2017, further improves the work of the Council. However, the test is not what is in the concept note itself, but rather the test is whether the Council is willing to implement what is contained therein.”
2018-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8175 (2018) · source
“First, we would like to congratulate you, Mr. President, and your delegation on assuming the presidency of the Security Council for this month. The matter of the working methods of the Council remains one of the most pertinent issues before the Council, as it relates to the manner in which the Council seeks to resolve crises affecting the entire globe. We therefore welcome this open debate, which itself is in keeping with the provisions of the note by the President S/2017/507, which calls for greater involvement by non-members of the Council in its work and for creating transparency. From its inception, the structure of the Council has been contested particularly because it charges 15 of the United Nations States Members with the responsibility to pursue and maintain peace and security on behalf of 193.”
2018-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8175 (2018) · source
“In our own subregion, South Africa will be hosting a capacity-building programme for young leaders in the Southern African Development Community, as part of South Africa's contribution to youth development in line with Security Council resolution 2250 (2015) on youth, peace and security, which focuses on the role of young men and women in peacebuilding and countering violent extremism. In conclusion, as our late President Nelson Mandela once remarked, "The true character of society is revealed in how it treats its children". We believe the Security Council should take a firm and concerted stance in ensuring that our children, and young people in general, are shielded from the horrors of conflict and other Violations that threaten to undermine our future prospects for the maintenance of international peace, security and development.”
2017-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8082 (2017) · source
“In that regard, we also welcome the Secretary- General's call for Member States and regional and subregional organizations involved in negotiating the cessation of hostilities or peace agreements to include, from the outset, specific child-protection provisions in order to prioritize the prevention of grave violations. The Peace and Security Council of the African Union has held a number of open sessions based around the theme of children and armed conflict, and has called for collective security efforts to deal with the scourges of terrorism, Violent extremism and radicalization in Africa, with a View to ensuring respect for child rights and welfare.”
2017-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8082 (2017) · source
“Graca Machel on the impact of armed conflict on children (see A/51/306), in relation to General Assembly resolution 51/77, on the rights of the child. It signalled the start of a new consensus among Member States on the need for dedicated attention, advocacy and coordinated efforts to address the particular vulnerabilities and violations faced by children in conflict-related situations. South Africa welcomes the recommendations and focus of the report of the Secretary-General (S/2017/821) on cooperation with regional and subregional organizations in coordinating efforts to address violations ofthe protection of children in armed conflict.”
2017-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8082 (2017) · source
“The Cape Town Principles and Best Practices on the Prevention of Recruitment of Children into the Armed Forces and on Demobilization and Social Reintegration of Child Soldiers in Africa, which were adopted in 1997, are indicative of our long-standing support for this process. They formed the basis for the Paris Commitments to protect children from unlawful recruitment or use by armed forces or armed groups and the Paris Principles and Guidelines on Children Associated with Armed Forces or Armed Groups, and we therefore call on all parties to pledge their firm and unwavering commitment to the Paris Principles. My delegation also reiterates its support for resolution 1612 (2005), on children and armed conflict. We welcomed the findings ofthe report ost.”
2017-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8082 (2017) · source
“While we support the efforts of Member States that have taken measures to address their inability to adhere to these commitments, we also fully support accurate and credible reporting mechanisms, including the listing of those who commit Violations, in order to dissuade them from such practices. Nevertheless, the main challenge lies not in our ability as Member States to adhere to these commitments, but rather how we address the issue of non-State actors who violate the rights of children and often do not respect the principles and goals of States Members of the United Nations in their pursuit of a peaceful and prosperous world. New strategies must be developed to counter this threat. South Africa has been at the forefront of processes aimed at strengthening the commitments to the protection of children in armed conflict.”
2017-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8082 (2017) · source
“South Africa calls for greater resources to be devoted to the issue, especially with regard to assisting the Working Group in handling the volume of reporting and incidents in order to enable it to report back effectively in a timely manner. We condemn in the strongest terms all violations of commitments related to the protection of children in armed conflict, including those against recruitment, the use of sexual violence, killing and maiming, attacking schools and hospitals, and abductions. We also call on all countries to work to ensure humanitarian access to civilians affected by violence.”
2017-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8082 (2017) · source
“Children are indeed the most vulnerable members of our society, as even in times of peace they require care, security and a stable environment to ensure they reach their potential as positive contributors to society. The question that we ought to ask ourselves in this debate is, Are we doing enough? Are the initiatives we are taking sufficient? What more should we do to ensure that we take on the responsibilities to protect the most vulnerable in our societies? The work of the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict is admirable. We applaud the delegation of Sweden, as Chair ofthe Working Group, for injecting much-needed impetus into the Group's conduct and completion of its work.”
2017-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8082 (2017) · source
“South Africa welcomes the convening of this special and crucial open debate on children and armed conflict, particularly given the increase in Violations of the rights of children, not only in armed conflict but also in terms of emerging asymmetrical threats to global peace and security, such as terrorism. We also welcome the briefings by the Secretary-General and his Special Representative, and commend Mr. Mubin Shaikh for his brave testimony and the advocacy role he has played in preventing children from being recruited into terrorist groups. South Africa echoes the Secretary-General's concern about the severity of the violations against children in situations of armed conflict. We are deeply concerned and appalled that more than 8,000 children were killed or maimed in conflict situations in 2016.”
2017-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8082 (2017) · source
“Furthermore, we fully support the various solidarity missions to Africa that have been led by UN-Women and the African Union recently. South Africa looks forward to further cooperation and the sharing ofexperiences with Member States, UN- Women, the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and other partners that seek to further incorporate gender perspectives and the concerns of women in order to enhance the sustainability of peace and security in all conflict situations. We support the slogan HeforShe.”
2017-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8079 (2017) · source
“That well- deserved and timely award is a clear recognition of the role played by civil-society organizations in the area of nuclear disarmament in pursuit of a world free of nuclear weapons. Allow me to pay special tribute to women's organizations for their active role in the abolishment of nuclear weapons, including the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom based in Geneva. In order to strengthen the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) and the resolutions that build upon it, including resolution 2242 (2015), my country continues to engage with representatives of civil society and academia to find ways to further empower women and remove obstacles that impede their participation in peacekeeping missions and mediation efforts on the African continent.”
2017-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8079 (2017) · source
“That initiative includes participants from across the African continent and inspires women to play more important leadership and peacebuilding roles than they have traditionally played, without necessarily being part of an official delegation. That Forum also provides a platform that women can use to share their experiences, reflect on existing policies and challenges, and thereafter make recommendations to national, regional and international institutions. This year saw the adoption the historic Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons on 7 July, and we are pleased that South Africa was one of the first countries to sign that Treaty on 20 September. South Africa wishes to warmly congratulate the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons for being awarded the 2017 Nobel Peace Prize.”
2017-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8079 (2017) · source
“South Africa provides training for women mediators in the African region. Such mediators will make up an African women mediators' network that can assist in peace negotiations. In addition to that, the South African National Defence Force operates the Peacekeeping Training Centre in Pretoria, where women peacekeepers from South Africa and throughout the region receive training. It must be stressed that the National Defence Force is highly aware of the fact that gender issues need to be highlighted, which is reflected in the fact that at present 30 per cent of our National Defence Force comprises women. Additionally, we recently held the third Gertrude Shope Annual Dialogue Forum on Conflict Resolution and Peacemaking in Africa.”
2017-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8079 (2017) · source
“South Africa is committed to contributing to the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000). My country's history illustrates the relevance of the role that women play in achieving and maintaining peace and security in a post-conflict environment. South Africa's women have been at the forefront of efforts to drive reform and to develop and advance responsible policies and legislation aimed at advancing the role of women in society. Today, at the level of political decision-makers, 42 per cent of South Africa's representatives in Parliament and 41 per cent of the national cabinet are women. That illustrates the progress that is being made towards a 50-50 representation in both houses of Parliament and the cabinet. Furthermore, both the speaker of the national Parliament and that of the house of Provinces are women.”
2017-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8079 (2017) · source
“The resolution remains a significant milestone in the progress towards women's full enjoyment of their rights and equality throughout the world, a world in which for the first time women are given a significant and necessary voice in the field of peace and security. Despite that honourable objective, much more needs to be, and must be, done. Women remain excluded within peace processes, including in the drafting of peace agreements, and their involvement in United Nations peacekeeping within the military, police and civilian components is limited. In addition, the contribution of women and girls to the peacebuilding process remains undervalued and underresourced, leaving a vital tool regarding transformative change and sustainable peace underutilized.”
2017-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8079 (2017) · source
“My delegation wishes to express its appreciation to the Chef de Cabinet for the Secretary-General, Ms. Viotti, for her statement and for the annual report on the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) (S/2017/861). We also welcome the insightful contributions that were made by Ms. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Executive Director of UN-Women, as well as by Ms. Charo Mina-Rojas, representative of civil society, and Ms. Michaelle Jean, Secretary-General of the International Organization of la Francophonie. The year 2017 will mark the seventeenth anniversary ofresolution 1325 (2000), which formally acknowledged the changing nature of warfare, in which civilians are increasingly being targeted and women continue to be excluded from participation in peace processes.”
2017-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8079 (2017) · source
“The fact that more people are presently displaced today than at any other time since the Second World War is a huge challenge, which exposes people worldwide to a range of human rights violations, including trafficking. Working within its mandate, the Security Council should take an assertive and decisive stance in their prevention so that even islands of terrorism, trafficking, armed groups can no longer be allowed to profit in any way from human trafficking.”
2017-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7898 (2017) · source
“On 22 September 2016, the South African Government and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime jointly launched this initiative, which strongly emphasized South Africa's firm commitment to countering trafficking in persons and the smuggling of migrants. In conclusion, I wish to reiterate that South Africa remains highly concerned and seized with the matter of human trafficking within our borders, but equally within our region, continent and elsewhere in the world. The particular impact that the trafficking in persons in situations of armed conflict has on women and children, increasing their vulnerability to gender- based and sexual violence, is of particular concern.”
2017-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7898 (2017) · source
“South Africa has signed and ratified the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children. This Convention provided valuable guidance to South Africa in the creation of the Prevention and Combatting of Trafficking in Persons Act of 2013, which is South Africa's first comprehensive legislation on human trafficking, which among other things seeks to implement South Africa's international obligations with regard to this challenge. In 2016, the Global Action to Prevent and Address Trafficking in Persons and the Smuggling of Migrants was launched internationally. South Africa was one of the first 13 countries identified to participate in this important initiative.”
2017-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7898 (2017) · source
“In 1981, the African Union adopted the African Charter on Human and People's Rights, which prohibits slavery and human trafficking. The Charter is further complemented by the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child and the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa, which make specific provisions for the protection of women and children against slavery. Furthermore, the Ouagadougou Action Plan to Combat Trafficking in Human Beings, Especially Women and Children, adopted by the African Union in 2006, reaffirmed the provisions, provided for an international instrument on human trafficking and encouraged African States to adopt legislation and institutional measures to combat trafficking in human beings.”
2017-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7898 (2017) · source
“This requires that we address development challenges as well as external interventions, such as those we have recently witnessed in Libya, Iraq and Syria, which have led to the proliferation of refugees and internally displaced persons. Africa awaits with keen interest the appraisal of the United Nations Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons, which will follow in the wake of the international community's efforts to implement the Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on trafficking in persons. These are important steps forward in galvanizing our joint response to countering human trafficking, and we welcome them wholeheartedly. South Africa also wishes to recognize and remind Member States of the role of the African Union, which has paid specific attention to the issue of trafficking in persons.”
2017-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7898 (2017) · source
“My delegation is mindful of the fact that one of the highest risks to displaced persons is the threat of being trafficked, especially refugees fleeing from conflict. Trafficking operations often flourish in circumstances where institutions and law-enforcement capabilities are eroded and weakened by sustained conflict. This undermines the rule of law, which in turn contributes to the other forms of transnational organized crime, exacerbating conflict and insecurity. This is a vicious circle that requires from us united, concerted, sustained and cooperative efforts, whose ultimate objective is to address conflict, including its root causes.”
2017-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7898 (2017) · source
“I wish to thank you, Mr. President, and the delegation of the United Kingdom for having convened this timely open debate on trafficking in persons in conflict situations, forced labour and other similar practices. We wish to begin by commending the Secretary- General for his November 2016 report on the implementation of measures to combat trafficking in persons (S/2016/949) and the recommendations contained therein. In almost every conflict situation throughout the world, human trafficking thrives. It has been established that illicit trafficking in drugs, stolen antiques and small arms and light weapons often follows the same routes used by human traffickers. These activities threaten international peace and security, for instance by sustaining terrorism as well as criminal and armed groups.”
2017-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7898 (2017) · source
“An open-ended approach and process are by now a luxury that the international community cannot afford, given the changing reality on the ground in Palestine, which poses an immense risk to the achievement of a Viable, contiguous and independent Palestinian State, as well as of an escalation in violence. Fifty years of occupation is too long. South Africa would like to emphasize once again that, at the end of the day, the prime responsibility for peace falls squarely in the hands of both Palestine and Israel. As the international community, we can only support, encourage, advise and thereafter reward.”
2017-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7863 (2017) · source
“We regard it as a vehicle that can help to relaunch effective and serious peace talks between Israel and Palestine, leading to the creation of an independent, free and sovereign Palestinian State coexisting side by side in peace and security with the State ofIsrael, based on the borders of 4 June 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital. In conclusion, South Africa is of the opinion that negotiations between Palestine and Israel should take place within a clear, mutually agreed-on framework that includes a reasonable timetable and clear sanctions to be applied to parties that do not live up to their commitments.”
2017-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7863 (2017) · source
“The guidelines for the negotiations are based on an established international legal framework that includes the relevant General Assembly and Security Council resolutions, the Madrid principles, the Arab Peace Initiative and the Quartet road map, to mention only a few of its elements. South Africa supports all international efforts aimed at brokering a just solution to the Israeli- Palestine conflict. In that regard, we welcome the Middle East Peace Conference held in Paris this past weekend and align ourselves with the statement issued there.”
2017-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7863 (2017) · source
“The reality, however, is that the illegal Israeli settlements continue unabated. They have led to the fragmentation of the West Bank and continue to threaten the viability and territorial contiguity of a future Palestinian State. The illegal and unilateral Israeli policies, practices and activities impede the peace process. We also believe firmly that continuing the settlement activities will undermine Israel's own immediate and long-term security prospects and help to radicalize the entire region. Negotiations and dialogue are the only way forward, if we are to reach a lasting solution.”
2017-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7863 (2017) · source
“What is of specific relevance regarding resolution 2334 (2016) is the fact that it emphasizes the illegal nature of the activities undertaken by the Government of Israel, which include the building of settlements, the confiscation of land, the demolition of Palestinian property and the displacement of Palestinians. The resolution conveys the resolve of the Security Council not to recognize any changes to the internationally agreed lines of4 June 1967 as the basis of a negotiated settlement. My delegation wishes to highlight the fact that Israel, as a State Member of the United Nations, is obliged, under Article 25 of the Charter, to comply with the decisions of the Security Council. In that regard, South Africa urges Israel to comply with all of its obligations under international law.”
2017-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7863 (2017) · source
“Wejoin other Member States in expressing our appreciation to Sweden for convening this open debate on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question. It is our belief that these periodic open debates are necessary in order to mobilize the international community, especially the Security Council, and to assist both Israel and Palestine in finding a lasting solution to the conflict that continues to prevail in both of those countries. As we engage in this important open debate, we need to reflect on resolution 2334 (2016), adopted in late December 2016. The Security Council's decision is welcome and long overdue, bearing in mind that that was the first time since January 2009 that the Council was able to adopt a decision on the Middle East peace process.”
2017-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7863 (2017) · source
“Ultimately, South Africa's experience has illustrated that the transparent, irreversible and verified elimination of WMDs and measures prohibiting their production, transfer and use remain the most effective means to address the threats posed by such weapons. In conclusion, the challenges and threats posed by the proliferation of WMDs and their possible use by non-State actors require the increased cooperation of the international community. Equally important are the strengthening and increased capacity of relevant multilateral institutions and instruments. Non-proliferation is not a goal in itself, but a means towards a world free of WMDs and their means of delivery. Therefore, selective and discriminatory practices will not serve our collective interest in strengthening peace and security.”
2016-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7837 (2016) · source