YouSaid · the spoken record

Matjila

lines on the record: 891
first: 2016-07-12
most recent: 2020-12-07
sittings or episodes: 120
sources: un-security-council

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“South Africa will continue to offer South Sudan humanitarian assistance, especially as many communities return to their villages and towns. Lastly, we would like to echo my colleagues from the United States and the public statements by most Council members in welcoming the forthcoming Security Council visit to South Sudan, led by South Africa and the United States. We hope that it will provide further impetus to the parties in the implementation, without delay, of all the provisions of the Revitalized Agreement.”
2019-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8621 (2019) · source
“In that regard, we commend the work of UNMISS and the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring Mechanism in their role to support the Revitalized Agreement, to be signed and, hopefully, implemented by 12 November. On the humanitarian situation, the crisis unfolding and the magnitude ofthe number ofpeople in distress, as highlighted in the Secretary-General's report, is totally reprehensible. Such human suffering is an indictment of us all, as humankind. We urge the international stakeholders to continue contributing to post-conflict reconstruction and development programmes and to support efforts to repatriate and resettle internally displaced persons and returning refugees in South Sudan - as they return in the thousands.”
2019-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8621 (2019) · source
“South Africa appreciates the ongoing work by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, in conjunction with the African Union, to facilitate and mediate the peace process in South Sudan. It is important that the Council continue to support and complement those efforts. On the security situation, we are encouraged that the cessation of hostilities continues to hold and has led to a significant reduction in security-related incidents, as Special Representative Shearer reported this morning. However, we remain concerned about ongoing violent incidents with opposition groups, as well as the intercommunal violence that is taking place.”
2019-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8621 (2019) · source
“There are many grass-roots peace initiatives throughout the country have been taken in earnest, because the people of South Sudan are yearning for peace. The leadership of South Sudan needs to redouble its efforts and join with the people through action in the form of the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement. The inclusion of women and their meaningful participation in the peace process remains an integral part of ensuring that all citizens' aspirations are addressed. We are encouraged by the work already being undertaken by women-led civil society organizations to contribute to the peace process and rebuild the country. By appointing a woman Foreign Minister, President Kiir has acknowledged the capacity and capability of South Sudanese women. We congratulate the Government for taking that step.”
2019-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8621 (2019) · source
“South Africa would like to thank the new authorities in Khartoum for assisting their family in the south to meet and talk. We also want to thank the Prime Minister of Ethiopia for his ongoing tireless efforts to further peace and stability in the Horn of Africa. The road ahead has been charted. The implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan is key in addressing a number of challenges that the people of South Sudan continue to grapple with, including instability, security and humanitarian and human rights crises. We have to address the root causes that led to the conflict. Otherwise we will continue to deal with the perennial symptomatic features, which include humanitarian challenges and conflict-related sexual violence.”
2019-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8621 (2019) · source
“The decades of instability, conflict and underdevelopment will continue to require our collective and steadfast commitment to ensuring that we put South Sudan on a trajectory of peace and prosperity. I would like to limit my statement three issues: the political process, the security situation and the humanitarian situation in South Sudan. With regard to the political situation, South Africa welcomes the recent face-to-face meetings between President Salva Kiir and Mr. Riek Machar as a step in the right direction. It was a much-anticipated meeting, as there is a clear realization that it will help in unlocking the political impasse that has stalled the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan.”
2019-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8621 (2019) · source
“We join other delegations in thanking you, Mr. President, for convening today's meeting. We also express our heartfelt gratitude to Special Representative David Shearer for his briefing, which was, as usual, comprehensive. We thank him and his team from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) for their tireless work in peacemaking in South Sudan. We further welcome the report (S/2019/722) of the Secretary- General on UNMISS and on the protection of civilians and its recommendations (S/2019/74l). We also want to welcome our friend and colleague the Permanent Representative of South Sudan. We look forward to his statement to the Council, which he will make in a few minutes' time.”
2019-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8621 (2019) · source
“Those statistics shows that the humanitarian crisis in Yemen continues to be the world's worst, and the Council has to pay more attention and dedicate more time to addressing it. South Africa joins Mr. Lowcock in calling on all parties to abide by their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law and human rights law. In conclusion, we wish to reiterate that the only sustainable solution to the conflict will be a negotiated, Yemeni-led political settlement that is inclusive and fair and puts the interests and well-being of all the citizens of Yemen first.”
2019-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8619 (2019) · source
“The continued violence committed by all parties to the conflict is not conducive to peacebuilding measures. South Africa reiterates its call on all parties to de-escalate the fighting in other parts of the country and commit to a general ceasefire so as to enable dialogue and inclusive peaceful negotiations. South Africa remains extremely concerned about the serious humanitarian crisis in Yemen. To date, over 15 million people - more than half the population of Yemen - are facing starvation; 1.1 million are affected by cholera, and 3 million have been forced to flee their country. Vulnerable groups, especially women and children, often face the most severe consequences of war, and this is no different in Yemen.”
2019-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8619 (2019) · source
“On the humanitarian situation, South Africa remains extremely concerned about the dire humanitarian crisis in Yemen, which has caused immeasurable suffering for millions of civilians, as reported this morning by Under-Secretary-General Lowcock. We note the latest report of the Group of Eminent International and Regional Experts on Yemen (A/HRC/42/ 17), which calls on all the parties to do their part to address the humanitarian situation in Yemen. The impact ofthe conflict on civilians in Yemen has been devastating, as over 24 million people, or nearly 80 per cent of the population, requires humanitarian assistance and protection. The number of civilian casualties continues to rise, and the Human Rights Council has certified 7,508 civilian deaths - including those of 1,997 children - since March 2015.”
2019-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8619 (2019) · source
“It is only through a diplomatic and negotiated solution that the people of Yemen can achieve sustainable and lasting peace. We therefore continue to stress that the differences among the parties in Yemen cannot be solved by military means, as such a course of action would only further aggravate the situation. We call upon the Council and the countries of the region to spare no effort in supporting the political process in Yemen. South Africa welcomes all efforts and interventions of neighbouring countries to find an inclusive, peaceful political settlement in Yemen. Moreover, we believe that accountability is an essential part of achieving lasting peace and stability.”
2019-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8619 (2019) · source
“My delegation would like to address two points in our statement today: first, the political situation, and secondly, the dire humanitarian situation in Yemen. First, on the political situation in Yemen, we continue to call on all parties involved in the conflict in Yemen to de-escalate tensions and fully commit to the implementation of the Stockholm Agreement. We reiterate our support for a negotiated political settlement that engages all parties in an inclusive Yemeni- led dialogue to resolve differences and address the legitimate concerns of all Yemenis, in accordance with the relevant Security Council resolutions. South Africa supports dialogue and the cessation of hostilities in the country, including in the southern region of Yemen.”
2019-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8619 (2019) · source
“We thank Mr. Martin Griffiths, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen, and Mr. Mark Lowcock, Under-Secretary- General for Humanitarian Affairs, for their briefings. South Africa wishes to express its support for Mr. Griffiths and commends his efforts to find a peaceful solution to the situation in Yemen. We also welcome our colleague from Yemen and look forward to his briefing. We further welcome the appointment of Lieutenant General Guha as Head of the United Nations Mission to Support the Hodeidah Agreement, and we wish him well in his Mission. We condemn the attack on the Saudi oil facilities and call on all the countries ofthe region to de-escalate tensions that might undermine security and stability in the Gulf region, the supply and security of global energy, and the security of maritime trade.”
2019-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8619 (2019) · source
“We hope that with the necessary cooperation and support among the parties, the presidential elections will be credible, free, fair and transparent, and that the 9.6 million registered Afghans can go to the polls as scheduled.”
2019-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8613 (2019) · source
“We call on all parties to ensure the protection of civilians and to adhere to their obligations under international humanitarian and international human rights law. My delegation continues to condemn the unlawful recruitment and use of children in armed forces and groups and calls for their immediate release and reintegration into Afghan society. In conclusion, the Afghan people are expected to go to the polls on 28 September and exercise their hard-won right to choose their own President. In that regard, South Africa calls on all participants in the election process to work together to ensure that the elections go ahead as planned as mandated by the Afghan Constitution.”
2019-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8613 (2019) · source
“Thirdly and finally, on the security situation in Afghanistan, South Africa is deeply concerned at the levels of violence and insecurity in Afghanistan, especially attacks targeting innocent civilians through the use of improvised explosive devices and suicide attacks. The ongoing violence only erodes the positive progress made in recent years. As the Secretary- General stated, those deplorable acts cannot bejustified and must come to an end. We pay tribute to those who have sacrificed their lives in assisting Afghanistan on the road to peace and stability. The effect of that violence is particularly felt by the most vulnerable in society, notably women, children and those living with disabilities.”
2019-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8613 (2019) · source
“We hope and have no doubt that she will continue to fly her country's flag high and that she will be a shining example of what the women of Afghanistan can achieve. Equally, we join Ambassador Raz in thanking Deputy Secretary- General Amina Mohammed and the Executive Director of UN-Women for their visit to the country in July and their engagement with the women and the Government of Afghanistan in the area of women and peace and security. Peace in Afghanistan can be achieved only by the Afghan people themselves. My delegation urges all stakeholders to work towards that noble and achievable goal.”
2019-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8613 (2019) · source
“However, it is also important that all sectors of the Afghan Government and society be included in those discussions to ensure that a comprehensive and inclusive peace is established and sustained. Secondly, on the role of women, South Africa strongly believes that an integral aspect of those engagements is the inclusion and participation of Afghan women. That would safeguard the significant progress and gains achieved regarding women's and girls' rights and provide the necessary views and voices of all segments of Afghan society. We welcome the Government of Afghanistan's efforts to advance the promotion and protection of women's rights and urge that this commitment continue during future discussions. In that regard, we welcome President Ghani's appointment of Ambassador Raz as the Permanent Representative to the United Nations.”
2019-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8613 (2019) · source
“We would like to highlight the following three points in our statement: first, the peace process; secondly, the role of women; and, thirdly, the security situation in Afghanistan. First, regarding the peace process, South Africa believes that the only way for Afghanistan to achieve durable peace and stability is through a comprehensive and inclusive Afghan-led and Afghan-owned political process leading to a negotiated settlement. My delegation is of the opinion that any engagement or peace initiative towards lasting peace and security in Afghanistan should be considered, including that of the United States of America or other parties of the region.”
2019-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8613 (2019) · source
“Please allow me to begin by thanking the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), Mr. Tadamichi Yamamoto; the Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Mr. Yury Fedotov; and Ambassador Djani, Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1988 (2011), for their insightful briefings. In that regard, I would also like to commend UNAMA's personnel and Mr. Yamamoto for their vital contribution in supporting Afghanistan's efforts towards restoring peace and stability in the country, especially given the challenging circumstances in which they operate.”
2019-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8613 (2019) · source
“We reaffirm our support for strengthened cooperation between the Peacebuilding Commission and the Security Council, in particular when the Council is considering the review and drawdown of peacekeeping operations. In conclusion, we would like to pay tribute to those peacekeepers who have paid the ultimate price while executing the mandate of the Council.”
2019-09-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8612 (2019) · source
“Furthermore, South Africa provides additional in-mission training interventions on a continuous basis to reinvigorate troops' situational awareness and mission readiness on command-and- control matters, leisure time utilization, the protection of civilians, human rights standards and sexual exploitation and abuse. From June 2018, we also introduced practical steps to fight the scourge of sexual exploitation and abuse by introducing DNA tests to all deployed South African troops. That has proven to be a best practice. With regard to transitions, the Security Council must ensure at the outset that peacekeeping mandates are realistic, tailored and flexible in order for missions to achieve their desired outcomes in terms of keeping the peace and creating an enabling environment for peacebuilding processes.”
2019-09-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8612 (2019) · source
“We further urge all Member States to work in unison to ensure that the General Assembly Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations (C-34) continues to discharge its mandate and provide support to the Council's work. The impasse that led to the C-34 not adopting its annual report at its substantive session, held in March, should not be repeated. South Africa is fully committed to the zero- tolerance policy against sexual exploitation and abuse in peacekeeping operations. We have developed and institutionalized a predeployment sexual exploitation and abuse induction programme to raise the level of consciousness, efficiency and command accountability for our deployed troops.”
2019-09-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8612 (2019) · source
“South Africa is proud to be among the countries with a high number of women deployed in United Nations peacekeeping missions and will continue to work diligently towards increasing the number of women police officers and military troops, in line with resolutions 2242 (2015) and 2382 (2017). We commend the Elsie Initiative for Women in Peace Operations, which is aimed at the realization of those goals. Furthermore, we recognize the important work done by the Working Group on Peacekeeping Operations over the past number of years. We should continue to utilize that mechanism for the discussion of thematic and related issues, in a timely and detailed manner.”
2019-09-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8612 (2019) · source
“We also recognize the vast experience and expertise of TCCs and PCCs in Africa in the field of peacekeeping and their potential in strengthening the capacity of peacekeeping operations. We therefore urge the Secretariat, in consultation with African countries with resident training centres, to enhance cooperation in the field of training, capacity-building, experience-sharing and best practices. We further welcome the operationalization of regional initiatives such as the African Standby Force, which is based on standby arrangements with the AU's five subregions to allow it to respond swiftly to any crisis on the continent. We also call for increased funding and support for regional and national peacekeeping centres and for ensuring that the peacekeeping curriculum is streamlined and periodically reviewed for accelerated performance.”
2019-09-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8612 (2019) · source
“South Africa would like to recall that in resolution 2378 (2017), the Council undertook to give further consideration to practical steps that can be taken and the conditions necessary to establish the mechanism through which African Union-led peace-support operations authorized by the Security Council and under the Council's authority under Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations could be partly financed through United Nations assessed contributions. That will further be on a case-by-case basis, in compliance with the relevant agreed-upon standards and mechanisms, so as to ensure strategic and financial oversight and accountability, taking into account the work carried out by the United Nations Secretariat and the African Union Commission in that regard. We await a decision by the Council to address that pertinent issue.”
2019-09-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8612 (2019) · source
“We appreciate the considered efforts of Under-Secretary-General Jean-Pierre Lacroix to work closely with AU Commissioner for Peace and Security Chergui on peace endeavours in various African conflicts, as well as of Secretary-General Guterres and AU Commission Chairperson Faki Mahamat in going forward in those areas. We reiterate our call for sustainable and predictable funding for AU-led peace-support operations authorized by the Security Council, as recognized in many Council resolutions, in particular resolution 2378 (2017).”
2019-09-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8612 (2019) · source
“In that regard, South Africa reiterates its support for the Action for Peacekeeping (A4P) Declaration of Shared Commitments on Peacekeeping Operations, adopted in 2018, which provides an opportunity for the United Nations and its Member States to undertake future peacekeeping operations that are fit for purpose. We also acknowledge the increased and vital role that regional organizations play in peacemaking and peacekeeping efforts. In that regard, there is always room for strengthening cooperation between the Security Council and regional organizations such as the African Union.”
2019-09-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8612 (2019) · source
“South Africa appreciates the efforts of the Secretary-General aimed at strengthening cooperation on peacekeeping among the Security Council, the Secretariat and the troop-contributing countries (TCCs) and police-contributing countries (PCCs). Cooperation among those three important stakeholders should take place during the planning phase of defining mandates, the implementation phase and the assessment phase, when possible exit strategies are considered, consistent with resolution 1353 (2001). Furthermore, such cooperation should extend beyond discussing the mandates of peacekeeping operations. It should also include the provision of support to peacekeepers, such as for their safety and security, training, conduct and discipline, equipment and national caveats, among others.”
2019-09-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8612 (2019) · source
“However, as long as peacekeeping is needed on the continent, South Africa remains committed to ensuring that it becomes more effective so as to be able to contribute to the maintenance of international peace and security. We therefore welcome the continued discussions on improving or rather reforming United Nations peacekeeping, to make it adaptable to the changing nature of security threats. Some of the important issues that must be addressed in the context of peacekeeping reform are the process of developing mandates, better cooperation among the relevant stakeholders, sufficient funding, the role of regional organizations, improving gender balance and stepping up training and capacity-building.”
2019-09-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8612 (2019) · source
“In that regard, we want to welcome the positive developments in the Sudan and South Sudan; considering the rapprochement between Eritrea and Ethiopia, stability in the Horn of Africa is improving. We also welcome the recent signing of a peace agreement in Mozambique. We further welcome the entry into force of the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement in May as contributing to sustainable development in Africa and, ultimately, the maintenance of peace and security. Those are positive steps towards the implementation of the African Union's (AU) Agenda 2063 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and will also contribute to the implementation of the joint United Nations-AU framework for enhancing partnership in peace and security.”
2019-09-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8612 (2019) · source
“We appreciate the convening of today's debate. Similarly, we would like to join colleagues in condemning the terrorist attack in Burkina Faso that claimed 29 lives. My delegation would like to thank the Under- Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Mr. Jean- Pierre Lacroix, for his detailed briefing. We would like to reaffirm that peacekeeping is one of the most effective tools available to the United Nations in the promotion and maintenance of international peace and security, as well as in the prevention, management and resolution of conflicts. Let me from the outset state that we continue to call for the prioritization of mediation, negotiations and dialogue to resolve ongoing conflicts.”
2019-09-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8612 (2019) · source
“Finally, we wish to urge the Special Representative of the Secretary-General to ensure the inclusion of women in the processes to resolve the crisis, as Ms. Mohamed requested. Women form an important constituency in Libya. As such, their involvement in the formal and informal political processes remains critical. That is in line with a number of resolutions adopted by the Council that advocate for the full and equitable participation of women in public life in order to build and sustain a strong and vibrant democracy.”
2019-09-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8611 (2019) · source
“South Africa supports the observation of the Secretary-General that the rule of law be restored throughout Libya. That should be accompanied by the full restoration of State control, including a holistic security strategy that is built on professional, accountable and unified security institutions. South Africa wishes to impress on the Council that for as long as there is conflict over Libya's resources, achieving consensus on a resolution will be difficult. As such, we call for a comprehensive dialogue that includes agreement on resource sharing by all political stakeholders for the sake of reaching a lasting, sustainable peace for all Libyans. De-escalating the Libyan conflict necessitates resolving that long- standing financial dispute.”
2019-09-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8611 (2019) · source
“In that regard, we commend the role played by the United Nations Support Mission in Libya in supporting those processes. Secondly, my delegation remains convinced that the resolution of the Libyan crisis lies in close consultation and cooperation among the United Nations, the African Union, the European Union and the League of Arab States. Equally, we call on neighbouring countries and those with influence on the political stakeholders to promote a negotiated settlement. Thirdly, South Africa emphasizes that there should be full implementation of the arms embargo. The arms embargo is important not only to curb the flow of arms into Libya but also to stem the illicit flow of arms into the Sahel region and beyond, which fuels conflicts and causes instability elsewhere on the African continent.”
2019-09-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8611 (2019) · source
“South Africa wishes to echo the sentiments of the African Union Peace and Security Council in stressing "the need for a peaceful and consensual solution to the Libyan crisis, which continues to impact negatively on the security and the stability of neighbouring countries". I wish to take the opportunity of today's meeting to focus my intervention on three key issues. First, there can be no military solution to the conflict in Libya. South Africa therefore calls all on parties to agree to a permanent ceasefire and to return to political dialogue. South Africa will continue to support the convening of a Libyan national peace and reconciliation forum, preceded by a national dialogue conference with a view to unifying the people of Libya.”
2019-09-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8611 (2019) · source
“South Africa commends the Secretary-General and Special Representative Salame for their tireless efforts to bring together all the Libyan parties and stakeholders with the aim of reaching an agreement on a permanent ceasefire. In that regard, we welcome the Special Representative's three-step proposal to bring an end to the conflict, as echoed by Ms. Mohamed. Eight years since the start of the Libyan conflict, the country remains deeply divided and on the brink of a civil war. The failure by the Libyan parties to reach an agreement to end the conflict has dire consequences for Libya and the broader region in Africa. Furthermore, the crisis has exacerbated the ongoing migrant crisis.”
2019-09-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8611 (2019) · source
“At the outset, I would like to congratulate you, Sir, and the Russian Federation on assuming the presidency ofthe Security Council this month. You can count on our support. We would also like to thank Poland for the way they managed the work of the Council in August. I would like to thank Mr. Ghassan Salame for his briefing on the situation in Libya. I also thank Ambassador Juergen Schulz, Chair of the Security Council established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011), concerning Libya, for his briefing on the work of the Committee. And I thank Ms. Marwa Mohamed, Head of Advocacy and Outreach at Lawyers for Justice in Libya, for sensitizing the Council to the impact of the Libyan conflict on women and ordinary citizens throughout Libya.”
2019-09-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8611 (2019) · source
“As we approach the seventy-fifth anniversary of the United Nations, and concurrently the seventy-fifth anniversary of the Security Council, we should recall and implement the relevant Security Council resolutions establishing the State of Israel, which we did, and the State of Palestine, which we are failing to establish. We look forward to any initiative, including on the part of the United States of America or any other party or parties, that can inject positive momentum into the Israeli-Palestinian question. This crisis must be resolved in our lifetime.”
2019-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8604 (2019) · source
“Similarly to the Council's other field visits, it will also provide Council members the opportunity to meet relevant actors on the ground, including the Governments of Israel and Palestine, convey our good wishes to them and help them resolve this question. In conclusion, South Africa remains firmly convinced that dialogue is the only viable option that can effectively address the issue of self-determination for the Palestinian people and calls on the Council to implement its resolutions, including resolution 2334 (2016). South Africa remains hopeful, and we continue to urge both the Israeli and Palestinian sides to resume the peace process to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting resolution to the Palestinian question.”
2019-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8604 (2019) · source
“The Council should urge the current generation of Israeli and Palestinian leaders to resolve this core issue in the Middle East. Passing the problem onto the fourth generation of Palestinians and Israelis since 1948 would be disastrous, and the Council would regret it for many years to come. South Africa therefore proposes that the Council also reconsider its long-delayed visit to the region. In that regard, should some members of the Council be unwilling to participate in the visit, the Council should consider a mini-mission, which could include those members interested in taking part in such a visit. We believe a visit to the region will be a clear indication that the international community has not washed its hands of the core and long-standing conflict in the Middle East.”
2019-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8604 (2019) · source
“We further call for the written response by the Secretary-General on this matter in accordance with resolution 2334 (2016), and we look forward to the circulation of the written report ahead of the next reporting cycle in September. Furthermore, we also express our concern about the continued human rights violations in the occupied territories and emphasize that those violations only contribute to the festering hatred between Palestinians and Israelis. We believe that, instead of antagonistic acts, such as building additional barriers and walls, closing schools and killing civilians, the Council should encourage gestures of hope and the building of trust between the parties, namely, the Palestinians and the Israelis, which has long since been lacking.”
2019-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8604 (2019) · source
“If the Council cannot uphold its own decisions, it will lose its effectiveness and purpose. We continue to call for the implementation of resolution 2334 (2016) and note that the overt violation of Security Council resolutions usually evokes stricter measures on the party responsible for such infringements. The Council should be consistent and fair vis-a-vis all United Nations Member States. South Africa believes that the Council ought to work towards restoring the trust in the legitimacy of the peace process that has been pursued for decades and prevent the further development of antagonism between the parties. The rockets fired into Israel from Gaza in recent days and the deadly Israeli responses are clear indications that, as long as the impasse continues, the instability will be perpetuated and more lives will be lost.”
2019-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8604 (2019) · source
“I would like to express South Africa's unwavering support for the two-State solution and the agreed peace processes aimed at ensuring two viable States of Israel and Palestine with the possibility of them coexisting side by side to the mutual benefit of all the people in the region. We also express our grave concern about the continued disregard for the prevailing and long-standing Middle East peace process, such as the systematic foreclosing of the final-status issues, particularly with regard to the borders and the status of Jerusalem. South Africa believes that the continued expansion of settlements violates international law, undermines the prospects for achieving peace and contravenes the decisions of the Security Council, effectively damaging its credibility.”
2019-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8604 (2019) · source
“We welcome you to New York, Mr. President, and thank you for presiding over this meeting of the Security Council today. My delegation would also like to thank the Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Mr. Nickolay Mladenov, for his briefing and tireless efforts in taking forward the Israeli-Palestinian question. At the outset, South Africa would like to remind the Council of the United Nations and the Council's own decisions taken in resolution 242 (1967) calling for Israel to withdraw its armed forces from the territories occupied in the conflict.”
2019-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8604 (2019) · source
“Lastly, the international community must support the parties in the Sudan as they work towards consolidating peace and stability in their country. That support should address socioeconomic challenges, with the primary focus being on economic development and the mobilization of necessary financial resources to bolster the country in its economic recovery. We commend the countries that have already contributed in that regard. It is our view that the Sudanese people must capitalize on the prevailing positive environment to identify, drive and direct priorities, strategies and activities for building and sustaining peace during the transition and the UNAMID drawdown process, as well as for managing outstanding and unresolved issues between the Sudan and South Sudan. South Africa welcomes and supports the visit to the Sudan by both Mr.”
2019-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8603 (2019) · source
“The report is expected to provide an assessment of the situation on the ground and recommendations on the appropriate course of action regarding the drawdown of UNAMID, as well as ajoint African Union-United Nations political strategy detailing options for a follow-on mechanism to UNAMID. In the meantime, it is worth underlining that the root causes ofthe situation in Darfur must be addressed in a sustainable manner. As such, the rejuvenation of the Doha peace process is very important, particularly given its current unclear trajectory. We trust that the renewed hope ushered in by the current agreement will create impetus for the peace process in Darfur and we encourage all armed groups to cooperate and join the political dialogue with a view to working towards comprehensive peace and reconciliation throughout the Sudan.”
2019-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8603 (2019) · source
“We urge the leaders in the region to continue this positive momentum of political dialogue, to strengthen regional stability and to utilize the same determination to help resolve the Somalia question. The situation in Darfur continues to improve. However, remnants of insecurity find expression in the form of human rights and humanitarian challenges. Therefore, it is imperative for the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) to continue discharging its mandate as issued by the Security Council. South Africa looks forward to the joint report of the Secretary-General and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission in September.”
2019-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8603 (2019) · source
“The support of the international community remains a critical part of enhancing the work of the region and unlocking those international institutions and processes that will allow the Sudan to rebuild its economy. Moving forward, it is imperative to create an enabling environment and provide support to the parties to ensure the full implementation of the agreements. We should safeguard against external interference and give the parties the space to chart their trajectory towards peace and development. We are encouraged by the improving relations between the countries in the region. This rapprochement is a step in the right direction for regional peace and stability and will contribute to the ideal of silencing the guns on the continent by 2020.”
2019-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8603 (2019) · source
“We urge all Sudanese stakeholders to implement the commitments made in the agreements, in order to meet the aspirations of the Sudanese people for sustainable peace, security, reconciliation and development. The people of the Sudan have yearned for peace for too long and sacrificed too dearly. Their aspirations need to translate into tangible dividends on the ground. In that regard, we urge all parties to redouble their efforts to work together to rebuild a united, inclusive and strong Sudan underpinned by democratic principles. It is vital that the region and the African Union continue to provide assistance to the political process in the Sudan.”
2019-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8603 (2019) · source