YouSaid · the spoken record

Matjila

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891

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2016-07-12

most recent

2020-12-07

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120

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un-security-council

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1. “The South African delegation wishes to thank you, Mr. President, for having convened this important debate on transitional justice as a building block towards sustaining peace. We extend our thanks to the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ms. Michelle Bachelet; the President of the Commission for the Clarification of Truth, Coexistence and Non-Repetition of Colombia, Mr. Francisco de Roux; and Ms. Yasmin Sooka, Executive Director of the Foundation for Human Rights in South Africa, for their insightful briefings. We welcome also all the ministers and deputy ministers present today. South Africa recognizes and values the importance of national transitional justice processes in achieving sustainable peace. In our own case, as Ms.”

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

2. “The three African members of the Council welcome and support the presidential statement presented by Belgium (S/PRST/2020/3).”

   2020-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8721 (2020) · source

3. “We will continue to support all efforts throughout the conflict spectrum to address the plight of children, who are the most vulnerable in such situations. The three African members of the Council would like to conclude with a quotation by former President Nelson Mandela, who said: “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.” That is true for all nations, because protecting the rights of children secures a better future for them. Every effort should be made at the national, regional and international levels to prevent and resolve conflicts through peaceful negotiations and mediation in order to secure our children’s future.”

   2020-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8721 (2020) · source

4. “The inclusion of the protection of children against grave violations in political and peace agreements, such as in the case of the Central African Republic, is a significant development. Its implementation should demonstrate the benefits of such initiatives and will also serve as a model to be replicated in other conflict situations. As we continue to strengthen our efforts to silence the guns in Africa, we acknowledge that achieving Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want, a prosperous Africa and a better life for African children will not be possible if wars and conflicts are not brought to an end and if the rights of the child are not protected. We welcome the call for regional organizations to increase their capacity to address the multiple challenges brought about by the issues of children and armed conflict.”

   2020-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8721 (2020) · source

5. “It is within that context that national and local programmes should not disregard the experiences and voices of children; instead, those should be used to design and develop suitable programmes for affected children. We recognize that in addressing grave violations against children in armed conflict, general approaches are often applied. It is imperative that Member States also take into account country-specific situations, which may require tailored measures to address the issues. The three African members of the Council are pleased with the efforts of the AU and subregional groups in advocating for increased focus on issues related to children and armed conflict and prioritizing the implementation of relevant continental protocols and charters.”

   2020-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8721 (2020) · source

6. “In that regard, it is imperative for such communities to be equipped with the requisite resources to ensure that all aspects, including child protection, counselling and skills to handle such cases, are made possible. We have observed that not all resolutions regarding the issue include the perspectives of parents and their role as primary caregivers. In that regard, we, as the Security Council, should consider including the concept of the role of parents in the outcomes of the Council in the future. We believe that the development of integration programmes for children who are affected by armed conflict should take into account the perspectives of the children themselves.”

   2020-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8721 (2020) · source

7. “That realization on the part of warring parties and mediators can be instrumental in fostering dialogue, building confidence among parties and assisting in bringing immediate and long-term benefits to children. We believe that ending and preventing conflict-related violations against children in armed conflict is not only a moral imperative, but that it also contributes to building sustainable peace. We would like to underscore the important role played by local communities in the integration of children who have been affected one way or another by armed conflict. Communities remain the first point of contact for those children and therefore play a critical role in contributing to and paving the way for a better future for them.”

   2020-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8721 (2020) · source

8. “We welcome the development of the practical guidance for mediators to better protect children in situations of armed conflict, and commend the Kingdom of Belgium for convening this meeting and for the important work it is doing in its chairmanship of the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict. We believe that the protection of children should be addressed at all levels, including in preventive diplomacy, the mediation of peace processes and with regard to peacekeeping as an important part of the mandate of the protection of civilians. It is imperative that all concerned parties ensure that the protection, rights and well-being of children are integrated into peace processes, peace agreements and post conflict- recovery and reconstruction phases.”

   2020-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8721 (2020) · source

9. “I deliver this statement on behalf of the three African members of the Security Council: the Niger, South Africa and Tunisia. We would like to extend a special and warm welcome to His Majesty King Philippe, King of the Belgians, and Queen Mathilde, who have graced us with their presence today. We would like to pay tribute to the sterling work that they have done in the area of children and armed conflict. I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome and thank Secretary-General António Guterres; the African Union (AU) Commissioner for Peace and Security, Ambassador Smaïl Chergui; and Ms. Becker, Chair of the Advisory Board of the non-governmental network Watchlist on Children and Armed Conflict, for their insightful briefings this morning. We would also like to welcome the presence of the Deputy Ministers in the Chamber.”

   2020-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8721 (2020) · source

10. “The Council should decisively address the hopelessness of both Israeli and Palestinian children, who see no end to the conflict that their grandparents and parents started. In conclusion, we reiterate our call for the Council to reconsider a visit to the region, which would be a clear indication — and not an infringement on the internal affairs of any parties — that the international community continues to support the resolution of the core and oldest conflict in the Middle East. As with other Council field visits, it would also provide an opportunity to meet all relevant actors in both Israel and Palestine and encourage them to move towards lasting peace for the sake of their own people. Israel and Palestine need help. The Council can provide that help.”

    2020-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8706 (2020) · source

11. “We must highlight that overt violations of Security Council resolutions would usually elicit harsher measures imposed on the party responsible for such infractions. We also call for the continuation of written reports by the Secretary-General on the implementation of resolutions 2334 (2016). With regard to trust between the parties, the Council must work towards restoring trust in the legitimate peace process that has been pursued for decades in order to prevent the further development of antagonism between the parties. We therefore call on the Council to be united and unified in encouraging gestures of hope and the building of trust between the parties in an effort to defuse tension and towards creating an environment conducive to the resumption of dialogue.”

    2020-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8706 (2020) · source

12. “Threats and pronouncements of annexation, including large parts of the occupied West Bank, further undermine prospects for peace and hinder any chance of finding a sustainable settlement to the crisis. Ms. DiCarlo gave details on the ongoing Israeli land-grab of Palestinian territories, carried out in defiance of the Council’s resolutions and overwhelming global condemnation. South Africa reiterates that the continued expansion of settlements violates international law, undermines the prospects for peace and contravenes the decisions of the Council, effectively damaging its credibility as the organ mandated to maintain international peace and security. We therefore continue to insist on the full implementation of resolution 2334 (2016).”

    2020-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8706 (2020) · source

13. “South Africa believes that the current crises in Gaza will lead only to parties moving further and further apart from each other and undermine any hope for the resumption of negotiations. South Africa thanks Egypt and the Secretary-General for brokering the latest ceasefire between Israel and Gaza. The current security situation and the continued blockade imposed on Gaza negatively affect the humanitarian situation, as we heard from Ms. Mueller today. In that regard, we commend the staff and officials of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East for continuing to provide essential aid, including health and education services, to the people of Gaza. With respect to the continued land-grabbing in Palestine, in these uncertain times, additional instability will only heighten tension.”

    2020-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8706 (2020) · source

14. “We call on all parties to make a concerted effort to ensure that safe and inclusive elections are held throughout the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem. The Council has always emphasized, including Secretary- General António Guterres, that a surge in diplomacy is a critical tool for the mediation of seemingly intractable conflicts. Where is that surge in diplomacy on this more than 60-year-old conflict? On the security situation, South Africa is deeply concerned by the tension around the Gaza Strip, which has led to further killing and a perpetuation of the conflict. In that regard, we call for a cessation of violent attacks by both sides and for a return to negotiations.”

    2020-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8706 (2020) · source

15. “Any attempts to divert from those fundamental concepts and the premature closure of final-status issues are but a distraction from the internationally accepted framework for resolving the crisis. In that regard, we reaffirm that the only way to achieve peace and stability in the Middle East is through reaching a lasting peace between Palestine and Israel — there is no other alternative — and restoring all the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, in accordance with the two-State solution and the relevant resolutions and international terms of reference. With regard to the announcement of Palestinian elections, we thank Ms. DiCarlo for the update on the United Nations efforts to ensure the holding of inclusive Palestinian elections.”

    2020-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8706 (2020) · source

16. “Turning first to the political situation, the dark clouds hanging over the Middle East, tensions between the United States and Israel and Iran, tensions in Lebanon and ongoing difficulties in Syria, Iraq and Yemen are diverting attention away from the core problem in the region: the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. South Africa calls on the Security Council and all other players to refocus on that core problem. The lack of progress in the Middle East peace process is of great concern to South Africa. As we have heard before, and as many Council members have said here today, the only viable and sustainable solution to the crisis in the Middle East is a two-State solution that allows for a sovereign, independent Palestinian State based on the 1967 borders and with East Jerusalem as its capital, alongside a safe and secure State of Israel.”

    2020-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8706 (2020) · source

17. “Allow me to begin by thanking Ms. Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary- General of the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, and Ms. Ursula Mueller, Assistant Secretary- General for Humanitarian Affairs, for their informative and factual yet chilling briefings on the situation between Israel and Palestine. Ms. Mueller’s report on the humanitarian situation in the occupied Palestinian territory was sobering, especially with regard to unaccompanied Palestinian children seeking medical aid in foreign lands. We also note the compelling testimony of the Ambassador of the State of Palestine. We would like to address four issues this morning, namely, the political process, the security concerns, the continuous land grabbing of Palestinian lands, and trust between Israel and Palestine.”

    2020-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8706 (2020) · source

18. “That would require us to recommit to upholding and returning to the letter and spirit of the Charter and its central principles, through which we pursue international peace and security and continue to pursue the mutual benefit and development of all. That is not an optional approach but a prerequisite and necessity for international peace and security and for creating a world that understands that the interests of each nation are imbedded in the interests of all of us.”

    2020-01-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8699 (2020) · source

19. “In the first few years of the Organization’s existence, Member States were willing to make the necessary amendments to the Charter, and the five Charter amendments that were made accommodated the growing membership of the United Nations. However, it has been 47 years since the most recent Charter amendment. For the Organization to be effective and remain relevant, it must reflect the current state of the world, and we must be willing to make the changes necessary to ensure that Member States are adequately represented in all the principal organs, including the Security Council. We must use the opportunity of the commemoration of the seventy-fifth anniversary of the Charter and the United Nations itself to recommit to the aspirations we had when it was signed.”

    2020-01-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8699 (2020) · source

20. “As Members of the United Nations, we must continue our efforts to strengthen cooperation and coordination with regional arrangements to ensure that our efforts are complementary and mutually reinforcing. While the Charter remains relevant, we must acknowledge that the world today is very different from the world that existed 75 years ago, when the Charter was signed. At the time of signing, there were 51 Member States. The majority of Member States from Africa and Asia that make up today’s 193 Member States were not yet independent but still colonized. While the values that underpin the Organization should not be changed, Charter amendments are necessary to ensure that the Organization reflects the current global reality.”

    2020-01-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8699 (2020) · source

21. “The Charter is explicit on the role of regional organizations, as reflected in Chapter VIII, which makes provisions for regional arrangements to address matters relating to the maintenance of international peace and security. That is a testament to the vision of the drafters of the Charter, as, at the time, regional organizations were not as developed or equipped to deal with peace and security matters as they are today. Today Chapter VIII is even more relevant in terms of regional organizations, particularly the African Union and regional economic communities on the African continent, as they have established peace and security mechanisms, including those dealing with mediation, peacekeeping and peacebuilding.”

    2020-01-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8699 (2020) · source

22. “The Charter provisions of the equality of nations, mutual respect and adherence to international law must be upheld if we are to resolve current disputes through negotiated settlements and prevent the outbreak of further conflicts. This approach is necessary in the context of emerging threats to international peace and security such as the growing number of intra-State and trans-State conflicts, the rise of non-State actors, terrorism, transnational organized crime and other such acutely global threats. We should not allow for competing political interests to undermine respect for international law and self-determination in cases such as that of the Western Sahara and the occupied Palestinian territories.”

    2020-01-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8699 (2020) · source

23. “Additionally, the Charter provides that States may act in self-defence, including confronting imminent threats; but such threats must be credible, real and objectively verifiable for the use of force without Security Council authorization to be justifiable. South Africa is of the view that, to uphold the original intention of the Charter, which ultimately is predicated on peace, even in the event that there is evidence of a real and credible threat, any recourse to the use of force based on self-defence should be brought to the Security Council for authorization. Ultimately, the Charter seeks to prevent the use of force. Therefore, the issue is not just about whether the use of force is legal or not, but whether its use contributes to the Charter’s vision of a more peaceful and prosperous world.”

    2020-01-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8699 (2020) · source

24. “Article 2.1 of the Charter maintains that the United Nations is based on the principle of the sovereign equality of all its Members; however, unilateral actions and disregard for international law continue to this day. We must stress that the Charter is a compact that Member States have agreed to voluntarily abide by for their mutual benefit. There cannot be selective adherence to the Charter, as that would undermine the very credibility of the compact. The selective implementation of the Charter undermines the Organization and the post-Second World War international system of governance that we have developed. The Charter makes very clear that the Security Council is the sole body that can authorize the use of force.”

    2020-01-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8699 (2020) · source

25. “We recognize that since its inception the Charter has played a significant role in regulating relations between Member States by forbidding the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State and advocating for the peaceful settlement of disputes. While the Charter reinforces respect for the sovereignty of nations, it also, in Article 33, calls on all nations to collectively pursue a non-antagonistic and mutually beneficial approach to its international relations. Despite the noble aspirations of the Charter and its positive impact, some Member States have violated, and continue to violate, some of its central tenets.”

    2020-01-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8699 (2020) · source

26. “The signing of the United Nations Charter was and remains an expression of hope that the peoples of the world can live in peace and prosperity, in larger freedom. The United Nations Charter represents a normative and contractual framework for the values that we as nations of the world aspire to and the commitments we intend to abide by. Following the unsuccessful attempt of the Covenant of the League of Nations to create an environment in which another world war could be averted, the United Nations Charter succeeded in the creation of a multilateral system of governance that has ensured that countries are able to convene within a rules-based environment and framework to discuss and promote issues of international peace and security, human rights and development.”

    2020-01-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8699 (2020) · source

27. “The denial of entry to the States Members of the United Nations — in this case to one that participated in the drafting of the Charter and deposited its instrument of ratification on 24 October 1945 — to participate in a United Nations debate contravenes the 1947 hosting agreement and undermines the resolution of disputes through constructive dialogue. The signing of the Charter of the United Nations in San Francisco in 1945 was a seminal moment in the relations of States that invoked a sense of unity for a common cause — a moment during which, as the second Secretary-General, Dag Hammarskjöld, later pointed out, “The hopes that were then aroused in many hearts outran the limitations of human nature” (see SG/382).”

    2020-01-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8699 (2020) · source

28. “President, for dedicating the first thematic debate, during this historic seventy-fifth year of the Organization, to the Charter of the United Nations, which forms the foundation of the Organization’s very existence and our ongoing work. As a founding Member of the United Nations, South Africa — together with fellow African States Ethiopia, Egypt and Liberia — participated in the drafting and adoption of the Charter in San Francisco. South Africa deposited its instrument of ratification on 7 November 1945. We note with regret that the Foreign Minister of Iran was not granted a visa to attend this meeting, thereby denying an important actor in the troubled Gulf region an opportunity to express the country’s views on peace and security in the context of a debate on the United Nations Charter.”

    2020-01-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8699 (2020) · source

29. “As this is the first open debate for the year 2020, South Africa would like to take this opportunity to welcome the new elected members — Estonia, the Niger, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Tunisia and Viet Nam — to the Security Council. We wish them all the best during their two- year terms. We have no doubt that the newly elected members will play a constructive role in the work of the Council, and we look forward to working with them to that end. We also thank the outgoing elected members — Côte d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Kuwait, Peru and Poland — for their positive contributions to the work of the Council. Finally, we thank you, Mr.”

    2020-01-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8699 (2020) · source

30. “In conclusion, the three African member States on the Security Council reaffirm their support and appreciation for AMISOM, UNSOM, the United Nations Support Office in Somalia and all other international partners for their important contributions to the restoration of peace and stability in Somalia. We also pay tribute to and salute the gallant peacekeepers who paid the ultimate sacrifice in assisting Somalia in its struggle to ensure the peace and safety of its people.”

    2019-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8671 (2019) · source

31. “The deterioration of the humanitarian situation, in particular owing to drought, food insecurity and the increase in the number of internally displaced persons, is a cause of serious concern for the African members of the Security Council. The situation, in fact, increases the need to help and protect those populations in distress. It is therefore urgent that the international partners continue to redouble their efforts to provide the funds that are lacking in the financing of the 2019 humanitarian response plan and support the humanitarian response in 2020 in order to address the food-security crisis faced by more than 2 million people.”

    2019-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8671 (2019) · source

32. “It will be recalled that in the fulfilment of its mandate, as stipulated in the relevant Security Council resolutions and AU Peace and Security Council communique's, AMISOM has already reconfigured and drawn down its force strength by 2,000 troops. By February 2020, another 1,000 effectives are expected to be withdrawn from the Mission's theatre of operations. The African Security Council members urge the Council to ensure that any AMISOM. drawdown or reconfiguration, as well as the transition, is conditioned and guided by the actual situation on the ground. That should also be based on the capacity and capability of the Somali security forces to guarantee security and stability for the country's people.”

    2019-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8671 (2019) · source

33. “It is therefore crucial to find ways of supporting the force generation of Somali security forces to ensure that they undertake joint operations with AMISOM, hold newly liberated territories, protect civilian centres and secure the main supply routes. The three African Security Council members encourage the AU, AMISOM, the United Nations and the Federal Government of Somalia to undertake a joint threat assessment of the situation in Somalia, pursuant to resolution 2472 (2019) and the communique of the AU Peace and Security Council, in order to prepare for the upcoming AMISOM. troop reduction of 1,000 by 28 February 2020.”

    2019-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8671 (2019) · source

34. “However, Al-Shabaab retains its operational capabilities, as evidenced by consistent counter-attacks and systematic attacks against security forces, civilians, AMISOM, the United Nations and international actors. In that regard, the three African Security Council members strongly condemn the mortar attack on the United Nations and AMISOM. compounds on 13 October. We extend our wishes for a speedy and full recovery to the injured personnel and call for the enhancement of international efforts to counter the threat of terrorism and violent extremism in Somalia. In addition, the pace of generating Somali security capacities and force transition from AMISOM. have been slow and well short of expected timelines.”

    2019-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8671 (2019) · source

35. “Women secured 24 per cent of the seats in the current Parliament. It is also important to create the conditions for the political mobilization of youth and enable them to participate fully and responsibly in the future elections in Somalia. In that regard, it is important to commend the work ofUNSOM. to help better identify the obstacles to youth participation and to call on the Somali authorities, national civil society and the international community to strengthen their actions in that regard. The African members of the Security Council commend the progress made in the security sector in Somalia with the support of AMISOM. The process that led to the capture from A1-Shabaab and continued holding of the bridge towns of Sabiid, Bariire and Awdheegle in Lower Shabelle is the most telling example in that regard.”

    2019-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8671 (2019) · source

36. “In that regard, improved collaboration and cooperation between the Federal Government and its federal member states are crucial to advancing security, including the integration and generation of forces to fight side by side with AMISOM, the implementation of the transition plan, deepening federalism and completing the constitutional review process. The three African members of the Security Council also want to emphasize the important role of women. Through continued engagement and advocacy, notably of women in AMISOM. and the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), together with Government officials, Somali women's participation in the political process, including in the electoral process, is increasing. Prior to the 2016-2017 elections, the aim was to secure and achieve 30 per cent representation in Parliament.”

    2019-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8671 (2019) · source

37. “The African members of the Security Council call on the Council to support the work of the National Independent Electoral Commission on the finalization of the preparations for the upcoming elections, such as public outreach and pre-voter registration preparations, including the identification of voter registration locations that can be secured and supported by AMISOM. The completion of the constitutional review process is a critical milestone for Somalia as it forges ahead in laying the foundations for lasting and sustainable peace and security in the country.”

    2019-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8671 (2019) · source

38. “However, Somalia needs the support of all its partners to harness and sustain ongoing efforts towards effective stabilization and assistance in preparing for post-conflict reconstruction and development across the country. In that regard, critical questions remain with regard to prospects for credible and timely one-person-one-vote elections in 2020 and 2021. As the focus shifts to elections, there is the potential for increased political tensions. The federal member states' agreement on the electoral law, security planning and funding will be crucial. The international community should push for accelerated electoral preparations, including the legal framework, as well as security and logistics.”

    2019-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8671 (2019) · source

39. “We also join other colleagues in offering our condolences to the family of Ms. Almaas Elman, who was killed in Somalia yesterday. The African members of the Council are pleased to note that Somalia is making progress on the road to political, security, economic and social recovery, despite enormous challenges. That progress is a result of Somalia's continued focus on national priorities that are guided by the Somali transition plan and the National Development Plan framework. The African Union, through AMISOM, continues to support the efforts of the Federal Government to ensure inclusive and enhanced relations with the federal member states.”

    2019-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8671 (2019) · source

40. “On behalf of the three elected African members of the Security Council - Cote d'Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea and South Africa - I would like to start by thanking Mr. James Swan, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (AMISOM); Mr. Francisco Caetano Jose Madeira, Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission for Somalia and Head of the African Union Mission in Somalia; Ms. Halima Ismail Ibrahim, Chair of the National Independent Electoral Commission of Somalia; and Mr. Osman Moallim, Executive Director of Somalia Youth Development Network, for their briefings. The African members of the Security Council also welcome our colleague the Permanent Representative of Somalia to this meeting concerning his homeland.”

    2019-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8671 (2019) · source

41. “As our late President Mandela said at a banquet in Cape Town during the visit of President Yasser Arafat in 1998, "Our own humble experience has shown that negotiated solutions can be found even to conflict that the world has come to regard as insoluble. It has taught us that such solutions emerge when former opponents reach out to find common ground." In conclusion, I would like to say that South Africa is fully committed to ensuring that a two-State solution, and the agreed peace processes aimed at ensuring two viable States coexisting side by side for the mutual benefit of all peoples in the region, especially Israelis and Palestinians, becomes a reality. We are ready to play our part to assist the parties in finding durable peace for the sake of their children and future generations.”

    2019-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8669 (2019) · source

42. “With regard to my third issue, on the power of peaceful conflict resolution, the security of Israel and its future generations does not lie in the annexation of Palestinian territories, the imprisonment ofPalestinians, the erection of high concrete walls and checkpoints or the continued blockade of Gaza but rather in a peaceful, stable and happy neighbour and a sovereign and independent Palestinian State, whose children, like Israeli children, can go to school, play, attend places of worship and compete in sporting activities with their Israeli friends in peace and security. That can be achieved through sustained dialogue, negotiation and mediation, through both sides respecting one another and through compromise and understanding.”

    2019-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8669 (2019) · source

43. “Those actions perpetuate the dire security and humanitarian situation in the area, and we welcome last week's announcement of a ceasefire brokered by the United Nations and Egypt. In that regard, we call for a halt to the violent attacks on both sides and for all parties to begin negotiations. Additionally, South Africa is concerned about the continued human rights violations in the occupied territory and reiterates that such Violations only foster hatred between the peoples of Palestine and Israel.”

    2019-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8669 (2019) · source

44. “If we were to abandon the principles enshrined in the Charter, it would render the Council and its decisions obsolete. In that regard, South Africa has and will continue to insist on the full implementation of resolution 2334 (2016) and all other Council resolutions on this matter, including by calling for written reports by the Secretary-General on the implementation of resolution 2334 (2016). We cannot ignore one Security Council resolution while calling for the full implementation of others. On my second point, South Africa is deeply concerned about the recent activities in Gaza, which have led to increased tensions, the killing of more than 30 Palestinians and injuries to hundreds of innocent Palestinians and Israelis.”

    2019-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8669 (2019) · source

45. “It clearly states, in paragraph 1, that the Council "[r]eaffirms that the establishment by Israel of settlements in the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem, has no legal validity and constitutes a flagrant violation under international law and a major obstacle to the achievement of the two-State solution and a just, lasting and comprehensive peace". There is no ambiguity, legal or otherwise, in those words or in that resolution. Article 25 of the Charter of the United Nations clearly states that "[t]he Members of the United Nations agree to accept and carry out the decisions of the Security Council in accordance with the present Charter." It must be clear to all that no State Member of the United Nations is exempt from its obligations under the United Nations Charter.”

    2019-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8669 (2019) · source

46. “Since the adoption of the first resolution on the situation in Palestine - resolution 42 (1948), of March 1948, over 70 years ago, and all subsequent resolutions - the Council has failed to ensure that those resolutions are implemented or to take any concrete action to address the blatant violations of those resolutions. I now ask my fellow Council members, what will force the Council to act? I would like to remind the Council of its unanimous adoption of resolution 2334 (2016), on 23 December 2016.”

    2019-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8669 (2019) · source

47. “Israel's continuing pronouncements on the annexation of large parts of the West Bank and the building of additional settlements further undermine the prospects for peace and are glaring examples of violations of international law. Since 1967 - that is, for over half a century - Israel has systematically constructed more than 160 settlements and outposts on land seized from the Palestinian people. More than 600,000 Israelis are now living in settlements built from the ruins of demolished and destroyed Palestinian properties.”

    2019-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8669 (2019) · source

48. “In that context, we affirm that the only way to achieve peace and stability in the Middle East is by reaching lasting peace between Palestinians and Israelis themselves and by restoring all the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, in accordance with the two-State solution and the relevant United Nations resolutions and international terms of reference, including the Madrid principles, the Arab Peace Initiative and the Quartet road map, among others. The continuing disregard for those prevailing and long-standing international concepts cannot be allowed, particularly with regard to the circumvention of final -tatus issues, such as borders, the status of Jerusalem and the right to return of refugees.”

    2019-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8669 (2019) · source

49. “Let me join others in thanking Mr. Nickolay Mladenov, Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, and Ms. Tania Hary, Executive Director of Gisha, Legal Centre for Freedom of Movement, for their briefings. I also welcome the observer of the Observer State of Palestine and the representative of Israel to the Chamber for our deliberations today. I would like to address the following three issues in my statement today: the systematic annexation of Palestinian lands, the situation in Gaza and the power of the peaceful resolution of conflicts. On the first issue, regarding the systematic annexation of Palestinian lands, South Africa would like to reiterate its steadfast stance with regard to the peace process and resolving the constant stalemate in negotiations.”

    2019-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8669 (2019) · source

50. “We appreciate the commitment of the Office of the Prosecutor to monitor and expand its investigations, with a view to potentially prosecuting new crimes within its jurisdiction. At the same time, we call on all parties and stakeholders to recommit to building durable peace in Libya on the basis of inclusive political dialogue as the only viable means to achieving sustainable peace in Libya. We also acknowledge and emphasize the role of the Security Council in promoting political dialogue and supporting all efforts to bring about a peaceful settlement of this conflict.”

    2019-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8660 (2019) · source