YouSaid · the spoken record

Matjila

lines on the record

891

first

2016-07-12

most recent

2020-12-07

sittings or episodes

120

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un-security-council

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1. “We reiterate our previous calls urging the Federal Government of Somalia, with the support of the United Nations, AMISOM and international partners, to continue the generation, training and resourcing of capable and effective Somali national forces, which will ultimately take over the security responsibilities in line with the revised Somali transitional plan and the national security architecture. To that end, we again appeal for the international community and partners to mobilize the necessary resources, including the replenishment of the United Nations trust fund in support of AMISOM and the trust fund to support the Somali security forces, as they continue to make commendable progress towards restoring State authority, peacebuilding and State-building.”

   2020-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8755 (2020) · source

2. “The A3+1 urges all the stakeholders in Somalia to engage constructively in an inclusive dialogue to reach a political consensus on the modalities and timing of the elections. We further appeal to the international partners to coordinate their support to ensure inclusive, credible and secure elections in Somalia. Thirdly, on the security situation, the A3+1 remains concerned about the volatile security situation in Somalia. We strongly condemn the attacks by Al-Shabaab on Somali civilians, the security forces, AMISOM, the United Nations and the international community. We pay tribute to the ultimate sacrifices of AMISOM and the Somali National Army in their quest to bring about peace, stability and development in Somalia.”

   2020-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8755 (2020) · source

3. “Therefore, the A3+1 commends the recent developments related to the preparations for the elections in Somalia, in particular the adoption by the House of the People of the amendments to the political parties law and four resolutions that address the representation in Parliament of all federal member states, including the allocation of seats to constituencies for both Houses and a minimum of 24 per cent representation of women in Parliament, We are also pleased that the National Independent Electoral Commission continues its preparations for the national elections. That is evidenced by the two possible options for conducting the elections either in March or in August 2021, depending on whether the elections are held through paper-based voter registration and polling or standard biometric voter registration.”

   2020-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8755 (2020) · source

4. “We further underlined the importance of dialogue, inclusive political participation and the resolution of political differences between the Federal Government of Somalia and the federal member states, which are critical to the success of the elections and national cohesion. We reiterate that those observations remain valid today.”

   2020-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8755 (2020) · source

5. “The international community and partners of Somali leaders and stakeholders should also allow them to lead and determine their future, without interference or imposition. Furthermore, we appeal to the Somali stakeholders to undertake urgent and concerted efforts to reach a broad-based, inclusive political agreement, including on the way forward on elections and the finalization of the revised Constitution, among other key priorities. Secondly, on the preparations for the elections, the Niger, Tunisia and South Africa, as well as Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, recall their previous statement to the Council, in which they noted that the preparations and holding of one-person-one-vote elections in Somalia was a critical priority (see S/2020/436, annex XII).”

   2020-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8755 (2020) · source

6. “The Niger, Tunisia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and South Africa urge all major stakeholders in Somalia to maintain that spirit of inclusive consultations and cooperation in all follow-up meetings in order to reach a broad-based agreement on critical matters. We regard that and other developments in the relations between the Federal Government and the federal member states as a critical step towards building the essential political consensus on various important issues, including agreement on the electoral modalities, security arrangements, constitutional review and power-sharing. As the Security Council and the international community, we should all support the recent discussions held by the Federal and state leaders in Dhuusamarreeb.”

   2020-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8755 (2020) · source

7. “We agree with the Secretary-General’s observation that the long-awaited resumption of dialogue between the leaders of the Federal Government and the federal member states and the steps taken towards normalizing the Federal Government’s relations with Jubaland are critical to the restoration of collaboration between the Federal and state levels of Government. In that regard, the A3+1 further welcomes the meeting between President Farmajo and Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi in Djibouti, following their initial meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. We appreciate the continued regional and subregional efforts, as well as those of the international community, in bringing political stability to Somalia and the Horn of Africa. That is a positive development towards consolidating peace, security and development in the region.”

   2020-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8755 (2020) · source

8. “We would also like to welcome our colleague, Ambassador Osman of Somalia, to our meeting today. We pay tribute to all Somalis who have perished since our previous meeting on the situation in Somalia (see S/2020/573). The A3+1 statement will focus on four important issues and developments in Somalia, namely, first, political developments; secondly, election preparations; thirdly, security; and, fourthly, the humanitarian situation. First, on political developments, the A3+1 welcomes and commends the Federal Government of Somalia and federal member states for their recent meetings and consultations, which constitute an important first step towards building the political consensus necessary for the transition in Somalia.”

   2020-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8755 (2020) · source

9. “I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for convening this important and timely meeting on the situation in Somalia. I have the distinct honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Niger, Tunisia and South Africa, as well as Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (A3+1). At the outset, the A3+1 would like to thank the Secretary-General for his report on the situation in Somalia (S/2020/798). We would also like to thank Mr. James Swan, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), and Mr. Francisco Madeira, Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Somalia and Head of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), for their briefings. We commend them for their efforts in Somalia.”

   2020-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8755 (2020) · source

10. “In conclusion, South Africa reiterates that the only solution to the conflict in Yemen is an inclusive Yemeni-led, Yemeni-owned political settlement that will deliver on the hopes of the Yemeni people for a strong economic and political future. In this context, we call for the full and meaningful participation of women in all aspects of an inclusive political process.”

    2020-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8753 (2020) · source

11. “South Africa remains concerned regarding the lack of implementation of the Riyadh agreement. We reiterate our call for the implementation of that vital agreement between the Yemeni Government and the Southern Transitional Council. We also call for the full implementation of the December 2018 Stockholm Agreement. South Africa urges all parties to conclude the issue of the FSO Safer oil tanker by allowing critical repairs to take place and thereby avoid a man-made disaster in the Red Sea. The need to allow technical experts to undertake an assessment and initial repairs cannot be stressed enough. It is our wish that this impending threat be dealt with on a purely technical basis, without politicization.”

    2020-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8753 (2020) · source

12. “Furthermore, we call on the parties to agree on confidence-building measures, such as the payment of civil servants, the reopening of Sana’a airport and the lifting of commercial import restrictions to help the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as to provide impetus to the overall political negotiations to end the war in Yemen, as we have been asked to do. We reiterate our position that a military response is not a viable solution, and call on all parties to approach the resumption of the political negotiations in a spirit of compromise, placing the interests of Yemenis at the centre of a negotiated political settlement — that means all Yemenis, including, as has been requested this morning, those 4 million people with disabilities. We appeal to all parties to avoid approaches of seeking to gain absolute positions.”

    2020-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8753 (2020) · source

13. “It is vital for all parties to abide by their obligations and responsibilities under international humanitarian and international human rights law, and to take all measures necessary to end and prevent violations against civilians. Investigations into alleged violations must be pursued to uphold the standards of integrity, transparency and accountability. On the political impasse, fighting continues in the region of Yemen’s northern border with Saudi Arabia, on the edge of Mar’ib city, Al-Hudaydah and Taiz. The proposed ceasefire remains unimplemented and there has been no substantial progress on any of the political agreements. South Africa calls on all parties to cease hostilities, in line with the Secretary-General’s global ceasefire call and resolution 2532 (2020).”

    2020-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8753 (2020) · source

14. “South Africa therefore calls on all authorities in the various governorates to agree to a unified set of measures to counter the spread of COVID-19 in Yemen and alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people. It is imperative to allow full access into the country, to accelerate customs clearance of personal protective equipment and medical supplies, and to facilitate air travel of humanitarian staff into the country for staff rotations, as well as to communities in need in both the north and the south of Yemen. This will enable health- care workers and the humanitarian community to slow the rate and spread of infection.”

    2020-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8753 (2020) · source

15. “My delegation would like to reiterate that, as Mark Lowcock said, the disturbing humanitarian situation in Yemen, aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic, is inextricably linked to the political impasse. As such, my intervention will focus on those two elements, namely, the humanitarian and the political situation. With regard to the humanitarian situation, South Africa remains deeply concerned about its devastating impact on the people of Yemen, in particular women, children, the elderly, internally displaced persons and those with disabilities, as we just heard. As Ms. Almasabi mentioned, it is a harrowing reality that persons with disabilities are disproportionately affected in situations of risk and face multiple barriers to accessing protection and humanitarian assistance.”

    2020-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8753 (2020) · source

16. “We thank Special Envoy Martin Griffiths and Under-Secretary-General Mark Lowcock of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Aid for their chilling accounts of the Yemeni crisis. We also thank Ms. Raja Abdullah Ahmed Almasabi for her moving testimony, as well as Ms. Wafa′a Alsaidy. Ms. Almasabi and Ms. Alsaidy took us, as the Council, to their houses and the streets of Yemen, where ordinary people live. We thank them for sharing their daily lives and challenges with us. South Africa reiterates its support to the Special Envoy in his arduous pursuit for a peaceful solution to the situation in Yemen despite the escalating violence that persists amid the unyielding coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.”

    2020-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8753 (2020) · source

17. “All parties — the United States, Europe, Russia, China and neighbouring countries — should support that process, because in it lies a lasting solution for Afghanistan.”

    2020-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8742 (2020) · source

18. “South Africa would like to join colleagues in commending the United States of America and the Taliban for reaching this agreement. We would especially like to thank the State of Qatar for making its resources and time available for that meeting. I would like to make three points. First, indeed, one should make friends with one’s enemies and make peace with them. Secondly, there is no substitute for negotiations and peaceful discussion and resolution. Thirdly, it is through the process that Afghanistan is to embark on now — a process among the Afghan parties themselves — that a homegrown, long-lasting solution will ultimately be forged. The Security Council needs to accompany that process towards a home-grown, intra-Afghan negotiation.”

    2020-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8742 (2020) · source

19. “In this regard, it is important that we maintain the Mission’s current capacity and ensure that it has the requisite mandate and capacity to discharge its duties. Lastly, we have reached a crucial milestone. However, this is just the beginning. As the international community, we need to sustain our valuable support to all aspects of the peace process in order to prevent a relapse into conflict. In this regard, South Africa remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting the peace process in country with the overall aim of building a peaceful, stable, united and prosperous South Sudan.”

    2020-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8741 (2020) · source

20. “The dire humanitarian situation requires our collective action. We call on international donors to support the South Sudan Humanitarian Response Plan 2020, which requires $1.5 billion to meet the life-saving needs of 5.6 million people. Furthermore, we urge all parties to fulfil their commitments to ending and preventing violations against children. In this regard, we welcome the signing by the Government of a comprehensive action plan to end and prevent all grave violations against children. On the mandate for UNMISS, we first have to commend the Mission for the important role it continues to play in South Sudan. We are also encouraged by its continued cooperation with the Government and call on it to continue on this trajectory in supporting the Transitional Government of National Unity.”

    2020-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8741 (2020) · source

21. “It will have to create an appropriate environment for internally displaced persons and refugees to return home, schools to open where they had been closed, and children to pursue their dreams. Like my colleague from Viet Nam, we call for the concomitant removal of sanctions to support these positive developments. On the humanitarian and security front, we are encouraged by the sustained cessation of hostilities, which is a testament to the political will of the leaders. However, we would like to raise our concern over the intercommunal violence and sub-clan clashes in the Jonglei and Pibor regions resulting in civilian deaths and internal displacement. We urge the Government to address skirmishes of intercommunal violence that could threaten peace and stability; they have already claimed significant lives and displaced millions.”

    2020-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8741 (2020) · source

22. “We also welcome the valuable role played by the women of South Sudan, and through Ms. Sunday and through Ambassador Malwal we would like to pay particular tribute to ordinary women in the far corners of South Sudan who have supported the peace process. We want to thank the women in the Government and in the political parties who have made sure that women’s voices are not only heard but are respected and influence the current political developments in the country. Women of South Sudan deserve to be at the table, and the 35 per cent or more quota should be fulfilled throughout the stages of the political process. The Government of National Unity will have to deal with security sector reform and the formation of unified security agencies.”

    2020-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8741 (2020) · source

23. “The progress needs to be translated into peace dividends that ordinary people in South Sudan can see in their daily lives, through socioeconomic development, security and sustained stability. South Africa commends the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, the African Union and the international community for their role in facilitating the formation of the revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity. Furthermore, we also commend the Community of Sant’Egidio for facilitating the Rome declaration with the non-signatory groups, which agreed to a ceasefire in South Sudan and to joining the peace process. This is a critical process that addresses inclusiveness with a view to averting spoilers in the political process that could undermine the valuable progress that has been made to date.”

    2020-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8741 (2020) · source

24. “In that regard, we would like to congratulate the Government of South Sudan and all political parties on the overall progress achieved to date in the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan. South Africa applauds President Salva Kiir Mayardit, Mr. Riek Machar and the leaders of the other opposition groups for reaching an agreement to form the inclusive revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity on the agreed date of 22 February. With that renewed hope, we encourage all parties to continue to address the outstanding issues pertaining to the implementation of the peace agreement, as well as to sustain the dialogue that has allowed them to make notable progress to date. In that regard, we look forward to the convening of the national dialogue conference on 16 March.”

    2020-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8741 (2020) · source

25. “We thank you, Mr. President, for convening today’s important meeting on South Sudan. We also thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Mr. David Shearer and our sister, Ms. Betty Sunday, for their briefings. We commend them and their teams for their work in South Sudan and their contribution to the country’s stability. We also welcome our colleague and friend, the Permanent Representative of South Sudan, to the Council Chamber and look forward to his presentation on the developments in his homeland. I will limit my intervention to three issues, namely, the political, security and humanitarian situations and the renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). On the political situation, South Sudan’s leaders have presented their country with a dawn of renewed hope through sacrifice and compromise.”

    2020-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8741 (2020) · source

26. “The international community must do its part to assist Iraq on this journey while respecting the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country. For their part, the people of Iraq must strive for an inclusive political process that will set the country on a path to lasting peace, prosperity and development.”

    2020-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8739 (2020) · source

27. “South Africa welcomes the latest developments regarding missing Kuwaitis, and all efforts to identify any potential mortal remains of Kuwaiti citizens are highly appreciated and help to bring closure to and end the pain of the Kuwaiti people. We congratulate the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and the Iraqi Government for efforts to identify such mortal remains. The situation in Iraq has improved substantially in the past 17 years. The country was devastated by a conflict that resulted from misguided military misadventures. Today the country is going through a period of reconstruction and development as it rebuilds itself, which will require support on the part of the international community.”

    2020-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8739 (2020) · source

28. “South Africa urges continued cooperation between the Government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government in order to promote peace and stability throughout the country. On the important role of women during the political transition in Iraq, South Africa welcomes the new electoral law and the appointment of a female Chief Executive Officer of the Independent High Electoral Commission. Women in Iraq continue to play a vital role in calling for political and economic reform. We welcome the upsurge in women’s activism in Iraq, as this augurs well for the future of the country. South Africa also joins the Secretary-General in encouraging the Council of Representatives to disseminate the text of the electoral law and to clarify all outstanding issues regarding the text.”

    2020-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8739 (2020) · source

29. “With regard to the security situation, South Africa joins others in condemning the recent incidents that occurred in Anbar, Diyala, Kirkuk, Ninawa and Salah al-Din, resulting in casualties and the destruction of crops. That is indicative of the deadly threat that persists in the country, which requires continued support and sustained efforts by the international community to bolster the Iraqi Government’s efforts to gain full control of the security situation in the country. Peace and security are fundamental prerequisites for Iraq to develop and grow its economy and provide basic services to all its citizens. In that regard, South Africa supports the full consolidation of control by the Iraqi army over its territories and the efforts of the Government to eradicate the threat posed by ISIL.”

    2020-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8739 (2020) · source

30. “Following the military defeat of ISIL, Iraq continues to face severe security challenges as a result of violent extremism and the transnational nature of the threat. The mandate of UNAMI remains crucial in coordinating United Nations efforts to support Iraq. South Africa supports the mandate of UNAMI in assisting the Government’s efforts and the electoral processes in Iraq. South Africa welcomes the reforms proposed by the Government of Iraq to improve governance structures and the implementation of service delivery to its people. We also support the drive for an inclusive Government that will bring together the diverse elements of Iraqi society in governance structures. We believe that national reconciliation and unity in Iraq are vital to promoting lasting and sustainable peace in the country.”

    2020-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8739 (2020) · source

31. “Let me first congratulate you, Mr. President, and the people of the People’s Republic of China on assuming the presidency of the Security Council for March. I pledge my delegation’s support and cooperation in your work. We would also like to thank Belgium for its excellent presidency in February. We would like to thank Ms. Hennis-Plasschaert, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), for her briefing and, through her, her colleagues on the ground for their steady work in very difficult circumstances. Iraq has been ravaged by numerous cycles of conflict, crippling sectarianism and, most destructively, the threat of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).”

    2020-03-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8739 (2020) · source

32. “The Council must be united in calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Syria, for all sides to exercise maximum restraint so as to prevent a further escalation of hostilities, and for the parties to adhere to their international obligations under international humanitarian law, particularly with regard to the protection of civilians South Africa reiterates its position that the only way forward is an inclusive Syrian-led and Syrian-owned dialogue aimed at achieving a political solution that is reflective of the will of the Syrian people, based on the provisions of resolution 2254 (2015). The violence must stop and negotiations must begin. We hope that the ongoing discussions between Russia and Turkey will bear fruit.”

    2020-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8738 (2020) · source

33. “All parties must adhere to their obligations under international human rights and international humanitarian law, particularly with regard to the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure. As we have stated in the Council previously, the increase in violence has a devastating knock-on effect on the humanitarian situation. We cannot expect innocent civilians in the region to endure any further hardship or threats to their safety.”

    2020-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8738 (2020) · source

34. “I would like first to thank the Secretary-General and Rosemary DiCarlo for their briefings on the unfolding situation in north- western Syria. Let me begin by stating that there can be no military solution to the conflict in Syria. As with any conflict, in the end all sides must come to the table to negotiate a long-term, peaceful settlement for the benefit of all. Syria is no exception. South Africa is deeply concerned at the escalation of violence in north-western Syria and the further deterioration of the situation. It is essential for all parties to exercise the utmost restraint in order to prevent the further inflammation of tensions. We support the Secretary-General in his call for an immediate ceasefire and for the parties to step back from the edge of direct military confrontation.”

    2020-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8738 (2020) · source

35. “Thirdly, and lastly, South Africa supports a responsible drawdown, with due consideration for the situation on the ground, so as to avoid the reversal of the significant progress that has been registered so far. We furthermore support the implementation of the transition plan for the gradual drawdown and transfer of tasks to the United Nations country team, the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel and international partners with a view to a prospective completion by 31 December.”

    2020-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8724 (2020) · source

36. “We support the recommendations contained in the Secretary-General’s report, which states that “[t]he strengthening of land, maritime and air border control is critical in confronting this threat.” (S/2020/105, para. 89) In that regard, we commend the efforts being undertaken, in partnership with UNIOGBIS, to provide strategic and technical advice and to support the Government of Guinea-Bissau in combating drug trafficking and transnational organized crime, in close cooperation with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. It is important that the requisite support be provided in order to avoid fuelling terroristic activity in the region.”

    2020-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8724 (2020) · source

37. “We urge the leaders of Guinea-Bissau to pursue the spirit of cooperation with ECOWAS by fully implementing the reform agenda as stipulated in the Conakry Agreement. That road map highlights the need for constitutional reforms, inclusive political dialogue and national reconciliation processes to be implemented. Furthermore, the role of the international community has been critical in supporting Guinea- Bissau in the electoral and peace processes. We urge the international community to continue its strong support so that Guinea-Bissau may achieve socioeconomic development and build an inclusive society. Secondly, our delegation remains concerned about the threat that transnational organized crime poses for Guinea-Bissau and the region.”

    2020-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8724 (2020) · source

38. “We also call on all the parties in Guinea-Bissau to exercise calm and restraint in response to the recent tensions around the election results and to allow the legal process to take its course as the current impasse is overcome. Inclusivity is paramount as the country moves forward. The participation of women and gender equality remain critical issues that should be addressed. Similarly, the engagement of youth in the political sphere should be prioritized. The demographic dividend should be harnessed to its full potential in order for the country to attain sustainable peace and development. Similarly, South Africa commends the strong leadership of ECOWAS, under the Foreign Minister of the Niger, and its support of the mediation efforts to further the aspirations of the citizens of Guinea-Bissau.”

    2020-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8724 (2020) · source

39. “I would like to focus my observations on three issues, namely, political developments, transnational organized crime and the implementation of the mandate of the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNIOGBIS). First, with regard to political developments, my delegation would like to join other Council members in congratulating the people of Guinea-Bissau on the presidential elections, which were carried out in a free, fair and credible manner. That is a positive milestone, especially the fulfilment of the electoral cycle. South Africa is confident that this will put the country on a trajectory towards stability and prosperity.”

    2020-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8724 (2020) · source

40. “I thank you, Mr. President, for convening this meeting, one year after the Security Council visited Guinea-Bissau, where it had an opportunity to interact with Ms. Sori- Coulibaly. We join others in welcoming the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, African Integration and Nigeriens Abroad and are mindful that the Niger is the current Chair of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). We thank Ms. Sori- Coulibaly for her presence and her update on the developments of the past 12 months. We further welcome His Excellency Ambassador Ronaldo Costa Filho and appreciate the work of the Guinea-Bissau configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission.”

    2020-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8724 (2020) · source

41. “In addition, new progressive institutions should also be established with a view to strengthening, consolidating and safeguarding peace and democratic governance in order to avoid a potential relapse into conflict. As former President Mandela said, “Peace is not just the absence of conflict; peace is the creation of an environment where all can flourish, regardless of race, colour, creed, religion, gender, class, caste or any other social markers of difference.””

    2020-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8723 (2020) · source

42. “While there is expansive and commendable literature in the field of security sector reform, there is scant research on the role of locals in the form of young people, women, traditional leaders, chiefs and community- and village-based organizations in security sector reform processes. As a result, the methods and approaches used tend to be elite-focused and -driven. We should therefore bolster United Nations support for locally driven and generated security sector reform in an effort to enhance the peace dividend and reinforce strategic pillars in order to avoid relapse. One of the greatest challenges in transitional justice is institutional reform. It is therefore imperative that institutions that were previously the instruments of repression be restructured for the good of society so as to create trust between victims and institutions.”

    2020-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8723 (2020) · source

43. “Grass-roots populations in conflict-ridden regions generally tend to be the most affected by the scourge of conflict. Transitional justice therefore requires the active participation of all sectors of society. The role of women should also not be underestimated. The African Union Transitional Justice Policy Framework, for instance, promotes women’s representation and participation in the transitional justice process by expressly stipulating their participation in peace agreements, laws and policies. Less attention is paid to ensuring local grass- roots participation and the inclusiveness of security sector reform in post-conflict situations.”

    2020-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8723 (2020) · source

44. “As the newly elected Chair of the African Union for 2020 and in line with the AU’s collective aspiration to silence the guns on the African continent, South Africa will focus its efforts on conflict resolution across the continent. That includes supporting transitional justice processes in our peacebuilding efforts. In that regard, South Africa will continue to advocate for AU-United Nations cooperation. As we witness the drawdown of peacekeeping missions and see countries transition from conflict to post-conflict situations, South Africa wishes to highlight the importance of including reconciliation, through transitional justice, in holistic comprehensive transition plans. That includes taking into account community-based justice mechanisms and ensuring that the most vulnerable, particularly women and young people, are represented.”

    2020-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8723 (2020) · source

45. “Transitional justice must be driven by those emerging from conflict and tailored to their circumstances in order to ensure that it results in long-lasting peace. In February 2019, the African Union adopted its transitional justice policy to assist African Union member States to develop their own context-specific comprehensive policies, strategies and programmes towards democratic and socioeconomic transformation and achieving sustainable peace, justice, reconciliation, social cohesion and healing. It thus serves as a guide for countries to develop a comprehensive policy while maintaining national ownership, which is imperative to ensure that any transitional justice process is successful.”

    2020-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8723 (2020) · source

46. “It thus fails to address the broader structural challenges that likely contributed to violence in the first place and that may very well cause a State to fall back into conflict. South Africa is of the view that the United Nations should be enabled to provide more support to national transitional justice processes through peacekeeping missions, the Peacebuilding Commission and other United Nations structures and representation. The Security Council has an important role to play in promoting sustainable peace through transitional justice by encouraging adherence to international guidelines and regional policies. Healing, however, comes from within and cannot be imposed from without. It is therefore important that ownership of transitional justice processes not be appropriated by the international community.”

    2020-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8723 (2020) · source

47. “The Commission also had the broad strategic objective of promoting national unity and reconciliation in a spirit of understanding which transcends the conflicts and divisions of the past. Regrettably, South Africa’s experience of a repressive regime is not unique. Many countries emerging from authoritarian rule and conflict also suffered extensive human rights violations and often crimes of a heinous nature. Where atrocities were committed on such a widespread scale, holding individual perpetrators accountable may not be possible or even the most desirable result. While ensuring justice by means of individual accountability is an important mechanism to achieve peace, it often overlooks the complexity of conflict and the structural nature of violence.”

    2020-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8723 (2020) · source

48. “This would necessarily entail that the whole spectrum of transitional justice be explored, including criminal prosecutions, truth commissions, reparations and restitution programmes, exhumation of mass graves, apologies, amnesty and various kinds of institutional reforms to redress human rights abuses. Such a process should, however, not follow a one-size-fits-all approach but, rather, respond to the specific context of the country concerned. For South Africa, the restorative justice approach we chose through the Truth and Reconciliation Commission sought to combat impunity and recreate a culture of accountability, uncover the truth about gross human rights violations and assist the families of the victims in getting closure.”

    2020-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8723 (2020) · source

49. “However, the sustainable peace that former President Mandela and his colleagues sought to build did not have the narrow goal of just ending conflict but aimed to rebuild the political, security, social and economic dimensions of a society emerging from conflict. This included addressing the root causes of conflict and promoting social and economic justice, as well as putting in place political structures of governance and the rule of law to help consolidate peacebuilding, reconciliation and development. South Africa notes that transitional justice has an enormous role to play as countries evolve from conflict situations to peacebuilding.”

    2020-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8723 (2020) · source

50. “Sooka said, transitional justice was a vital cog in securing a relatively peaceful transition from apartheid to the stable constitutional democracy we are today. To that end, it is important to note that this debate is taking place shortly after our country marked the thirtieth anniversary of the release from imprisonment of one of the most notable champions of transitional justice and reconciliation, our former President Nelson Mandela, a global icon of our struggle. Former President Mandela and his leadership collective recognized as early as the time of his release from 27 years of imprisonment that national reconciliation rather than vengeance and retributive justice would be the only viable foundation on which sustainable peace in a democratic South Africa could be constructed.”

    2020-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8723 (2020) · source