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

“South Africa's experience with the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) has demonstrated that the challenges of WMD proliferation can be overcome by, first, strengthening national legislation and implementation capabilities, including export controls; secondly, building capacities and strengthening technical expertise, especially in developing countries, including in Africa; thirdly, strengthening international cooperation with other related international organizations and agencies; and fourthly, strengthening coordination with regional organizations, such as the African Union, that play a critical role in supporting the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004).”
2016-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7837 (2016) · source
“Regarding the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004), over the years South Africa has strengthened its implementation capability through comprehensive national legislation focusing on WMDs and their means of delivery, which includes the establishment of the Council for the Non-Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction, whose role is to coordinate the national implementation of our international WMD obligations and regulations, and to monitor compliance across all relevant stakeholders. The Council has also played an invaluable role in assisting countries of our region and beyond in strengthening their national controls, legislation and capacity over sensitive items that may contribute to the development of WMDs.”
2016-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7837 (2016) · source
“However, that requires the clear commitment and necessary political will of all States to faithfully fulfil their obligations in a non-selective manner. Furthermore, while dealing with the challenges posed by WMDs, it is imperative that no warranted restrictions be imposed on the inalienable right of States Members, particularly developing countries, to use any related materials, equipment and technologies for peaceful purposes. In that context, the opportunities provided by such technologies, for example in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals and particularly in such areas as food security, public health and clean energy, cannot be overlooked.”
2016-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7837 (2016) · source
“South Africa reiterates its view that, given the existential threats that I have described and that are succinctly outlined in the concept paper (see S/2016/1013, annex), the only guarantee that WMDs will never be used by anyone is their total elimination and the legally binding assurances that they will never be produced again. We therefore encourage all Member States to participate constructively in the United Nations Conference to begin in 2017, which will negotiate a treaty prohibiting nuclear weapons. The global threats and challenges of the use and continued existence of WMDs can be addressed in a balanced, non-discriminatory and comprehensive manner within the relevant multilateral instruments and organizations, including those covered by resolution 1540 (2004).”
2016-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7837 (2016) · source
“South Africa is of the view shared by the majority of States Members that have expressed grave concern about the catastrophic consequences of use or the threat of the use of weapons of mass destruction, including by non-State actors. South Africa reaffirms that no cause could ever justify the use of WMDs anywhere, by anyone or under any circumstances. In that context, since the dawn of our democracy in 1994, South Africa has remained steadfast in its commitment to muitilateralism in addressing peace and security challenges facing the global community, including the horizontal and vertical proliferation of WMDs and their means of delivery.”
2016-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7837 (2016) · source
“My delegation joins others in thanking you, Sir, for convening this timely and relevant open debate under the item "Preventing catastrophe: A global agenda for stopping the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction by non-State actors". My delegation welcomes and appreciates the leadership demonstrated by Spain as Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004) and as the facilitator of the 1540 comprehensive review process this year. South Africa is looking forward to the release of the report that we hope will strengthen the resolution and provide an added impetus in tackling the challenge of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs). Allow me to share South Africa's perspective on the theme before us.”
2016-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7837 (2016) · source
“Selectivity and discriminatory practices will not serve our collective interests in strengthening international peace and security. What is required is a faithful and balanced implementation of the various international legally binding instruments.”
2016-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7758 (2016) · source
“Fourthly, we need to ensure adequate and predictable funding for the relevant international organizations and implementation-support structures to enable them to implement their mandates. Fifthly, we must strengthen cooperation between regional organizations and the relevant multilateral organizations. Sixthly, and lastly, we need to enhance cooperation with civil society and the private sector. In conclusion, the threat of WMD proliferation can be dealt with effectively only through increased international cooperation and assistance and the strengthening of the relevant multilateral instruments and institutions. Non-proliferation is not a goal in itself, but a means towards the goal of a world free from the threat posed by weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery.”
2016-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7758 (2016) · source
“Furthermore, the exchange of scientific information, equipment and materials for peaceful purposes is greatly needed in Africa to deal with the spread of infectious diseases, which could derail socioeconomic growth and development if not adequately addressed. South Africa's experience with the implementation of WMD regimes has demonstrated that the challenges of WMDs and their delivery systems can be addressed through the following ways. First, we must strengthen national legislation and implementation capabilities. Secondly, we need to accelerate the provision of capacity-building and technical expertise, especially to developing countries, including those in Africa. Thirdly, we must strengthen international cooperation with other related international organizations.”
2016-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7758 (2016) · source
“South Africa remains ready to continue to play its part in assisting countries in our region and beyond in strengthening national controls over sensitive items that may contribute to the development of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery. While dealing with the the challenges I have mentioned, it is imperative that no unwarranted restrictions be imposed on the inalienable right of Member States, particularly developing countries, to use any related materials, equipment and technologies for peaceful purposes. In that regard, the opportunities provided by nuclear technologies in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in areas such as food security, public-health technologies and clean energy, cannot be overlooked.”
2016-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7758 (2016) · source
“Over the years, South Africa has strengthened its implementation capability through comprehensive national legislation focused on WMDs and their means of delivery, which includes the establishment of the Council for the Non-Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction. That Council is responsible for coordinating the national implementation of our international WMD obligations and regulations and for monitoring compliance across all the relevant stakeholders. Our domestic legislation is subject to continuous review, which takes into account new technological developments and experiences in national implementation.”
2016-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7758 (2016) · source
“We share the concern of the international community with regard to the threat posed by non-State actors acquiring weapons of mass destruction. In that regard, we remain committed to the strengthening of transfer controls, as called for in resolution 1540 (2004). We recognize the need for international assistance and cooperation, especially for States that may not have the requisite resources to give effect to their obligations. South Africa participated in the formal consultations on the comprehensive review of resolution 1540 (2004), which were ably organized by Spain in June. We look forward to the review outcomes, which we hope will strengthen the resolution and provide an added dynamic in tackling the challenges of WMD proliferation, particularly with regard to non-State actors.”
2016-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7758 (2016) · source
“With the upcoming 2016 Review Conference of the Biological Weapons Convention, South Africa will work constructively towards an outcome that would strengthen the Convention and its balanced implementation, including through an enhanced inter-sessional process and an appropriately resourced implementation-support unit. In terms of the Chemical Weapons Convention, South Africa welcomes the progress made towards the destruction of chemical weapons around the globe. In that regard, we welcome the progress made in the elimination of the Syrian chemical weapons and facilities. We furthermore welcome the progress made by the Russian Federation and the United States of America, which are scheduled to complete their destruction activities in 2020 and 2023, respectively.”
2016-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7758 (2016) · source
“While such a treaty may not achieve immediate results, it could, as an interim step, address a glaring gap in the international legal architecture on the legality of nuclear weapons. Such a treaty would also strengthen the NPT and underline the urgency of accelerating the implementation of nuclear-disarmament obligations and related commitments. With regard to biological and chemical weapons, South Africa remains committed to the universalization of the relevant instruments and to the full implementation of all legally binding obligations.”
2016-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7758 (2016) · source
“The three international Conferences on the Humanitarian Impact of Nuclear Weapons held since 2012 and the Open-ended Working Group of the General Assembly to develop proposals to take forward multilateral nuclear disarmament negotiations for the achievement and maintenance of a world without nuclear weapons, which was convened in Geneva this year, provided inclusive platforms for the international community to explore options for taking forward multilateral nuclear-disarmament negotiations aimed at achieving and maintaining a world without nuclear weapons. In that context, the Open-ended Working Group has now recommended to the Assembly that it convene a conference in 2017 to commence negotiations on a treaty prohibiting nuclear weapons.”
2016-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7758 (2016) · source
“Regrettably, the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), which constitutesthefoundationofthenuclearnon-proliferation regime, continues to be subject to significant tensions resulting primarily from the non-implementation of the nuclear-disarmament obligations under article VI of the Treaty and the related commitments made at the 1995, 2000 and 2010 NPT Review Conferences.”
2016-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7758 (2016) · source
“Since 1994, South Africa has been steadfast in its commitment to multilateralism in addressing the peace and security challenges facing the global community, including the horizontal and vertical proliferation of WMDs and their means of delivery. South Africa reaffirms that no cause could ever justify the use or threat of use of weapons of mass destruction anywhere, by anyone or under any circumstances. While significant progress has been achieved in the elimination of biological and chemical weapons through the universalization and implementation of the conventions prohibiting biological and chemical weapons, progress towards a world free of nuclear weapons continues to lag behind. Significantly, nuclear weapons remain the only WMDs yet to be subject to a global prohibition.”
2016-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7758 (2016) · source
“South Africa welcomes the convening of today's open debate on the challenges we face in addressing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), their means of delivery and related materials. The subject of today's open debate is very important and relevant, particularly in the wake of the continuous threats to international peace and security posed by the continued possession, use and threat of use of WMDs and their means of delivery. Such threats are further compounded by the ever- increasing chances that such weapons could end up in the hands of non-State actors. South Africa associates itself with the statement made by the representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran on behalf of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries. I would like to share South Africa's perspective on the topic before us.”
2016-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7758 (2016) · source
“Finally, we call for the broadening of the concept of peacebuilding support to include not only financing for development, but also, in keeping with the idea behind the African Solidarity Initiative, in-kind support, such as the training and capacity-building of State institutions. Such in-kind initiatives will go a long way towards rebuilding State capacity to ensure peace, stability and development in a given country. The idea of peacebuilding is based significantly on the understanding that peace cannot exist without development and that development cannot thrive without peace and stability. We believe that should underpin the United Nations approach to fulfilling its central mandate of the maintenance of international peace and security, which is strongly dependent on a prosperous and peaceful Africa.”
2016-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7750 (2016) · source
“Even at present, the Peacebuilding Fund is assisting in supporting the African Union Commission's efforts to provide peacebuilding initiatives in Burundi, which serves as a practical example of an action that illustrates the strengthening of cooperation between the AU and the United Nations in sustaining peace. The lack of State authority and weak State institutions are conditions conducive to conflict. South Africa therefore supports strengthening the governance institutions of countries emerging from conflict and the promotion of good governance. It should be noted that the AU has adopted an African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, which sets out the continent's vision for good governance, which, in turn, ultimately supports peacebuilding and sustainable peace.”
2016-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7750 (2016) · source
“The operationalization of the AU Peace Fund will be complemented by the establishment of a 0.2 per cent levy on eligible imports so as to address the previous financial challenges faced by the AU. The AU Peace Fund will, among other things, address factors regarding mediation, preventive diplomacy, institutional capacity-building and peace-support operations. We must not lose sight of the sterling work that the Peacebuilding Commission and the Peacebuilding Fund have undertaken and continue to do. We are mindful of the fact that all of the countries on the PBC agenda are from Africa and that those countries have also received an estimated 80 per cent of the allocations granted by the Peacebuilding Fund between 2007 and 2014.”
2016-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7750 (2016) · source
“As is always the case, the development of national policies in the aftermath of conflict will not succeed without the positive provision of adequate, predictable and coherent funding, which in turn increases the possibility for sustainable peace. South Africa, like other Member States, is intensely aware of the various challenges that the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) faces as a result of restricted funding. Therefore, the Security Council should welcome the announcement made by the African Union on Mandela Day, 18 July 2016, in Kigali, regarding the establishment of an African Union Peace Fund. We believe that that process will help balance and build on the actions of the PBC.”
2016-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7750 (2016) · source
“In 2014, the AU also launched its African Solidarity Initiative, aimed at mobilizing support from within the continent for peacebuilding measures. All of those initiatives contribute to the ambition of the African Union's "Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want" in promoting dialogue-centred conflict prevention, so that by 2020 all guns will be silent. We welcome resolution 2282 (2016), as well as the identical General Assembly resolution 70/262, adopted in April, which considered the review of the United Nations peacebuilding architecture. Those resolutions recognize the important work of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) as a body presiding over and ensuring strategic coherence in international peacebuilding efforts.”
2016-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7750 (2016) · source
“Guarding against the spiralling of instability into full- blown conflict therefore becomes critical. In that regard, the sustained attention of the international community to countries emerging from conflict and the positive contributions from the international community to the stability, economic growth and development of such countries are fundamental to the global peace and security agenda. In order to strengthen States in the continent emerging from post-conflict situations, the African Union (AU) has developed a post-conflict reconstruction and development policy. It is a guide for the development of comprehensive policies and strategies that seek to consolidate peace and prevent a relapse into conflict violence.”
2016-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7750 (2016) · source
“Consequently, South Africa agrees with the assertion in the report of the Advisory Group of Experts for the 2015 Review of the United Nations Peacebuilding Architecture that peacebuilding "must be the principle that flows through all the Organization's engagements, informing all its activities - before, during and after violent conflicts - rather than being marginalized." (S/2015/490, p. 3) In some way or form, the majority of Member States have been affected by conflict. What prevents those conflicts from having a disproportionate impact on Member States is the capacity of States, economies and societies to withstand such threats to their stability. That is the central tenant underlying the peacebuilding agenda: ensuring sustainable development and good governance in order to avoid relapses into conflict.”
2016-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7750 (2016) · source
“We commend you, Sir, for hosting this open debate of the Security Council on peacebuilding in Africa and for your country's continual support for Africa's development agenda. The Security Council is charged with the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, and conflict prevention and peacebuilding, particularly on the African continent, form part of that mandate and, indeed, the mandate of the United Nations in general. South Africa believes that the key to sustainable peace consolidation lies in the strengthening of political approaches, including preventive diplomacy, conflict prevention and management, mediation and peacebuilding. That would ensure that countries not only seek to avert conflict but also address the challenges that could prevent countries from sliding back into conflict.”
2016-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7750 (2016) · source
“South Africa urges the Security Council to provide the membership with regular updates on its consideration of the candidates so as to ensure the transparency and credibility of the process. In conclusion, the Council should continue to work towards increasing and improving its transparency and accountability, thereby ensuring the greater effectiveness and legitimacy of its work. Furthermore, superficial changes to the working methods do not detract from the fundamental need for a reform of the Council and the expansion of its membership in both the permanent and non-permanent categories. We must therefore speed up the reform of the Council if we are to avoid the further erosion of the legitimacy and credibility of this organ.”
2016-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7740 (2016) · source
“Fourthly, briefings by the Council's presidency to the general membership at the beginning and end of the month have become a regular occurrence. The Council has agreed that the Council presidency should provide substantive and detailed briefings to Member States in a timely manner, preferably shortly after informal consultations of the whole. We encourage members of the Council to ensure that they maintain this practice to promote transparency and keep Member States informed about its work. This meeting is being held in the context of the implementation of seminal reforms related to the way in which the United Nations selects and appoints its Secretary-General.”
2016-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7740 (2016) · source
“Secondly, while there has been significant improvement in consultations between the Council and troop-contributing countries (TCCs), as called for in note 507, we believe that more can be done. In that regard, regular and timeous consultations and coordination between the Council and TCCs are required, specifically when considering new or the renewal of mandates. Thirdly, the Security Council has committed itself in note 507 to seeking the views of Member States that are parties to a conflict and/or other interested and affected parties. That commitment should be uniformly applied. It would therefore be necessary for the Council, as a matter of principle, to always consult with all relevant parties to the conflict to ensure that the Council has at its disposal all relevant facts before deliberating on a matter.”
2016-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7740 (2016) · source
“The resolution provides, among other things, concrete action for the Council to undertake to foster a more strategic relationship with the AU. Currently there are processes under way in Africa to verify the readiness of the African Standby Force to enable the AU to intervene in conflicts within a short time. The AU has the political will and human resources to deploy troops anywhere in the continent, as reflected by the fact that the majority of peacekeeping troops in Africa originate from the continent itself. What is required is the consistent and regular strategic consultation and coordination between the Council and regional bodies, as well as assistance with regard to capacity-building.”
2016-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7740 (2016) · source
“Additionally, in note 507 the Council commits itself to continuing to informally consult with regional organizations when drafting, inter alia, resolutions, presidential statements and press statements, as appropriate. During South Africa's presidency of the Security Council in 2012, we championed strengthening strategic cooperation between the Security Council and the African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council, as well as the promotion of the rule of law in conflict and post-conflict situations. The Security Council also adopted several outcomes, including resolution 2033 (2012), which recognizes that regional organizations are well placed to understand the nuances and complexities of conflicts and that their proximity to a given conflict allows them to directly influence its prevention or resolution.”
2016-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7740 (2016) · source
“We wish to align ourselves with the statement delivered by the representative of the Islamic Republic ofIran on behalf ofthe Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). In addition to the proposals put forward by NAM, I wish to also focus on four practical suggestions, as requested by the concept note for this meeting (S/2016/585, annex), which South Africa believes can further contribute to creating a more effective Security Council. First, the Council has consistently agreed, including in note 507, to continue to expand consultation and cooperation with regional and subregional organizations, undertaking to invite relevant organizations to participate in its public and private meetings, when appropriate.”
2016-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7740 (2016) · source
“I thank you, Sir, for organizing this open debate on the working methods of the Security Council. I wish to commend Japan for its sustained efforts over the past 10 years in working to improve the working methods of the Security Council, particularly with regard to its work on strengthening presidential note S/2010/507. The note remains a useful guideline in improving the transparency, efficiency and inclusiveness of the Council. The consistent implementation of the provisions of note 507 is key to ensuring its success. South Africa reiterates that the reforms to working methods, as reflected in note 507, as well as the Council's provisional rules of procedure, should become permanent so that this organ can be held accountable and have predictable and transparent rules.”
2016-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7740 (2016) · source
“The Council must play its part in dissuading unilateral measures that may impede the realization of the two-State solution that has eluded the peoples of the region for too long. It is high time that the Security Council assume its full responsibility with respect to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.”
2016-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7736 (2016) · source
“As the Secretary-General has stated, the continuing construction of settlements "raises legitimate questions about Israel's long-term intentions, which are compounded by continuing statements of some Israeli ministers calling for the annexation of the West Bank". The fact that Israel was able to make that announcement immediately following the call in the Quartet report for a halt in settlements further undermines the effectiveness of the Quartet. The message emanating from Paris is that the time has come for the parties to resume negotiations with the full support of the international community, based on the existing international legal framework, and to work towards a two-State solution.”
2016-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7736 (2016) · source
“The international conference proposed in Paris is an opportunity for the international community to play such a role. The Security Council, in turn, must play its part in support of the international efforts. The Council has been known to support other peace processes with resolutions demanding compliance with international obligations. That approach has led to successful conclusions of conflicts as parties to the conflict recognized that non-compliance would result in punitive measures. The same is needed in the Israeli- Palestinian context. We deplore the fact that four days following the release of the Quartet report, Israeli authorities announced plans to build additional housing units in the West Bank. That has detracted from any progress made in resolving the conflict.”
2016-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7736 (2016) · source
“The report rightfully calls upon each side to "independently demonstrate, through policies and actions, a genuine commitment to the two-State solution and refrain from unilateral steps that prejudge the outcome of final status negotiations". However, the reaction of the parties, in particular the Palestinians, is indicative of some level of disenchantment with the Quartet. For a long time, our responsibility has been deferred to the Quartet, to which the United Nations provides moral legitimacy. In the light of the Quartet's recent report, the international community must assert its moral and legal weight by insisting that the Israeli- Palestinian peace process take place in accordance with the international legal framework whereby the United Nations will play its role as neutral arbiter.”
2016-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7736 (2016) · source
“We also welcome the Paris communique, recalling relevant Security Council resolutions, further highlighting the importance of the Arab Peace Initiative and the key role of the Quartet, and welcoming the French offer to coordinate an international conference before the end ofthe year. It is essential that the General Assembly and Security Council resolutions, the Madrid principles, the Arab Peace Initiative and the Quartet road map constitute the international legal framework of those initiatives. The Quartet report that was released last week was eagerly anticipated to provide leadership and direction for moving the peace process forward.”
2016-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7736 (2016) · source
“The French initiative endorsed by the international community in Paris in June is welcome as an effort to resuscitate the peace process and thereby prevent the two-State solution from slipping away. As South Africa's Minister of International Relations and Cooperation stated at the Paris meeting, "this initiative is like the first raindrop after a long drought, and we hope it will nourish the peace process". South Africa would like to highlight the views of the participants in Paris, stressing that both sides should demonstrate their commitment to the two-State solution and resolve all permanent status issues through direct negotiations based on resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973).”
2016-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7736 (2016) · source
“We also express our appreciation to Japan's predecessor, the French Republic, for the manner in which it led the deliberations of the Council during the month of June, as well as its continued commitment to finding a lasting solution to the Israeli- Palestinian conflict. While we reiterate that the central responsibility for achieving peace is primarily in the hands of Palestinians and Israelis, the international community does have a responsibility to support and encourage the parties towards that endeavour. South Africa is of the opinion that the basis of the negotiations, which has been the two-State solution, is being threatened by the increasing construction of illegal settlements in occupied territories, as well as by heightened tension and sporadic acts of violence between Palestinians and Israelis.”
2016-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7736 (2016) · source
“At the outset, Mr. President, we would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you and your country on assuming the presidency of the Security Council for the month and ensuring sustained attention in the debate on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question. South Africa fully supports the Security Council's convening of regular open debates on this matter, as it allows all Member States an opportunity to express their Views and to inject greater impetus into the negotiations, as this is one of the most protracted matters on the Council's agenda.”
2016-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7736 (2016) · source