YouSaid · the spoken record

Matjila

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

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“We also welcome the efforts undertaken by the Prime Minister of Ethiopia on behalf of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development and the African Union in bringing the parties together and ending months of unrest. We particularly commend the African Union Special Envoy, Mohamed El Hacen Lebatt, and the Special Envoy of the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Ambassador Mahmoud Dirir, on their role in facilitating the mediation that resulted in the power-sharing agreement. The establishment of the Sovereign Council, which includes two women, to be led in the first 21 months by Lieutenant General Abdel- Fattah Al-Burhan, is a welcome development. We also applaud the appointment of Mr. Abdalla Hamdok as Prime Minister. The real work begins now.”
2019-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8603 (2019) · source
“My delegation would like to thank you, Madam President, for convening this meeting. We would also like to thank the Under- Secretary General for Peacekeeping Operations, Mr. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, and the African Union Commissioner for Peace and Security, Ambassador Sma'il Chergui, for their comprehensive briefings. I also welcome my old friend and peer, the Chair of the Group of African States for this month, Ambassador Omer Siddig of the Sudan. I would like to focus my intervention on two key issues, namely, the political situation and developments in Khartoum and the situation in Darfur. On the political situation, we welcome the recent signing of the constitutional declaration in the Sudan and congratulate the parties for reaching this historic milestone.”
2019-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8603 (2019) · source
“South Africa believes that nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation are mutually reinforcing processes that require continuous and irreversible progress on both fronts. The selective focus on non-proliferation measures and the lack of progress on nuclear disarmament undermines the NPT and weakens the non-proliferation regime. The total elimination of nuclear weapons and legally binding assurances that they will never be produced again is the only guarantee that those weapons will never be used as we saw in Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945. In conclusion, South Africa wishes to reiterate its commitment to multilateralism and the centrality of the United Nations in resolving today's challenges, including that of nuclear disarmament.”
2019-08-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8602 (2019) · source
“South Africa reaffirms its view that the TPNW is a bold and positive step towards the total elimination of nuclear weapons and strengthens the NPT. The NPT remains the cornerstone of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. However, we are deeply concerned that the NPT continues to be subjected to significant tensions as a result of the non-implementation of the nuclear disarmament obligations under article VI of the Treaty and the related undertakings made at the 1995, 2000 and 2010 Review Conferences of the Parties to the NPT. The current NPT review cycle, which will coincide with the fiftieth anniversary of the Treaty, presents an opportunity to make urgent progress on nuclear disarmament.”
2019-08-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8602 (2019) · source
“South Africa's support for the total elimination of nuclear weapons is informed by our own experience as the only country to date to have developed and then voluntarily eliminated its nuclear weapons for the sake of our children and generations to come. South Africajoins the majority of Member States in voicing our deepest concern regarding the humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons, as aptly outlined in the Treaty on Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), which opened for signature on 20 September 2017. We call upon the United Nations community to sign and ratify the Treaty at the earliest possible time so that the TPNW can enter into force as soon as possible. We need just two more signatures for the Treaty to come into force.”
2019-08-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8602 (2019) · source
“As the international community will commemorate the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons on 26 September this year, let it serve as a constant and painful reminder to the international community of its unfulfilled commitments and obligations to eliminate nuclear weapons, as envisaged in the very first resolution (resolution 1 (I)) adopted by the General Assembly in 1946 - 73 years ago. As we approach the seventy-fifth anniversary of the United Nations in 2020, it is our view that we should reflect deeply and reaffirm our commitment to the realization of a world free of nuclear weapons.”
2019-08-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8602 (2019) · source
“It is indeed deeply troubling that a long-established arms control instrument such as the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty has unravelled, placing not only the region of Europe but the whole world at risk of a nuclear war and catastrophe. We also wish to use this timely opportunity to urge both the United States of America and Russia to resume discussions on the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) before it expires in 2021. Such an undertaking by the two premier nuclear-weapon States would be an appropriate and fitting tribute to the NPT, whose fiftieth anniversary we mark in 2020. We will also celebrate in 2020 the seventy-fifth anniversary of the United Nations - the parliament of the peoples of the world, which those two countries assisted in establishing.”
2019-08-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8602 (2019) · source
“We thank you, Madam President, for convening today's meeting on threats to international peace and security. My delegation also appreciates the briefing by Ms. lzumi Nakamitsu, Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs. South Africa's primary concern on matters of international peace and security is the threat posed to humankind by weapons of mass destruction, in particular nuclear weapons and their means of delivery. It is our firm view that the only guarantee against the intended or accidental detonation of those weapons is their total elimination. It is equally of concern that some nuclear-weapons States still insist on the modernization of their nuclear arsenals and their means of delivery, in flagrant violation of the letter and spirit of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).”
2019-08-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8602 (2019) · source
“has worked diligently to include the participation of women and youth in the political processes in Somalia through the holding of various events aimed at building capacity and awareness, particularly on constitutional review and election-related matters. We equally commend the Federal Government of Somalia for ratifying the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. These developments constitute positive steps towards an inclusive State-building and peacebuilding process in Somalia. It is therefore the responsibility of the international community to continue supporting the cause of the Somali people towards sustainable peace and stability. We in South Africa will play our part.”
2019-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8601 (2019) · source
“The need for assistance and support from the United Nations through UNSOM, but also in coordination with the Somali National Army and AMISOM, as well as all other international partners, is paramount for delivering secure and successful elections in 2020 and 2021 in Somalia. Creating the suitable conditions for, and ultimately holding, successful national elections will be a key milestone towards State-building and peacebuilding for Somalia, which includes resolving the reported targeted assassinations of participants in electoral processes. In conclusion, it is pleasing to note that UNSOM.”
2019-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8601 (2019) · source
“Lastly, South Africa wishes to underline the imperative of creating suitable conditions for the 2020 and 2021 national elections in Somalia. In that respect, we agree with the Secretary-General about the need for Somali stakeholders to reach consensus on key electoral issues, including the adoption of the draft electoral law and the need to mobilize financial support for conducting such electoral activities as voter registration. Above all, it is of critical importance that the electoral security coordination mechanisms be established to ensure proper planning and operations.”
2019-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8601 (2019) · source
“All together, these various developments have further increased the duration of the humanitarian situation in Somalia. For those reasons, we support the appeal by the Secretary-General for an increase in efforts aimed at supporting the delivery of life-saving assistance and protection. Continued support in addressing the humanitarian situation in Somalia remains of paramount importance. We therefore urge the international community to support the funding of the 2019 humanitarian response plan for Somalia in order for the humanitarian community to deliver necessary services to civilians in need. We also echo the Secretary- General in commending the Somali authorities for demonstrating leadership by prioritizing the scaling up of its drought response and its collaboration with aid agencies.”
2019-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8601 (2019) · source
“This includes a focus on preventing and countering violent extremism at the lower levels, thus ensuring that efforts to address Al-Shabaab are not only military but comprehensive and include the effective rehabilitation and reintegration of defectors. Thirdly, the current insecurity in Somalia is further exacerbated by the continued humanitarian situation. The ongoing climatic effects of decreased seasonal rains, drought and flooding have had a negative impact on food production, which, in turn, has increased food insecurity and adversely affected the most vulnerable communities, including children, especially among internally displaced persons. In addition, many people are also being internally displaced due to evictions, food insecurity and other factors.”
2019-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8601 (2019) · source
“continues to play in support of the SNA-led operations, but also its critical importance, together with the United Nations and international partners, in terms of addressing the security challenges facing Somalia. Furthermore, we reiterate that for Somalia to be able to take ownership of addressing its own security challenges, the area of capacity-building requires sustained and coordinated international support. In this regard, South Africa calls for the continuation of the implementation of the comprehensive approach to security, encompassing international support, coordination and joint planning by AMISOM, the Federal Government, the federal member states, UNSOM, UNSOS and regional partners, among others.”
2019-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8601 (2019) · source
“forces, the Somali security forces and international partners. These continued atrocities on the part of Al-Shabaab must be condemned and cannot go unpunished. We also believe in the importance of increasing efforts to address inter-clan and communal clashes, which have, regrettably, resulted in the loss of lives. However, we commend the ongoing success of the Somali National Army (SNA) on its offensive operations and stabilization activities, with the support of AMISOM. and international partners, in Lower Shabelle as a clear demonstration of its efforts to counter and degrade Al-Shabaab. This further underscores not only the significant role that AMISOM.”
2019-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8601 (2019) · source
“Equally significant are efforts that include the reiteration of commitments to dialogue between Somalia and "Somaliland"; the roll- out of the National Reconciliation Framework to the federal member states by the Federal Government; and efforts towards regional and local-level reconciliation meetings. With regard to the prevailing security situation, we note with serious concern that Al-Shabaab has increased its acts of terror in Somalia, including in Mogadishu. Of concern is its increased capability to use improvised explosive devices and vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices in attacks conducted by the group. Al-Shabaab continues to undertake attacks on Government personnel and facilities, which include the killing of civilians, United Nations staff and humanitarian workers, AMISOM.”
2019-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8601 (2019) · source
“We also urge support and encouragement for stakeholders to undertake dialogue and broad-based and inclusive reconciliation at the regional level, with the support and participation of the Federal Government and the administrations of federal member states. That will ensure that any differences or disagreements over regional electoral processes are attended to as soon as possible and resolved in a peaceful manner. South Africa therefore welcomes the progress made in the legislative process, especially the resumption of cooperation between the two Houses of Parliament; the submission of key legislation in Parliament; the completion of the preliminary technical review of the last five chapters ofthe Provisional Federal Constitution; and the draft electoral bill.”
2019-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8601 (2019) · source
“First, South Africa wishes to underline the critical importance of ensuring that the political process in Somalia is sustained. In that regard, my delegation reiterates that the gains achieved in Somalia can be strengthened and sustained only when all leaders of the Federal Government and the federal member States resume their efforts to engage in a genuine national dialogue. That is the only way to address the outstanding political issues and challenges that they are currently encountering. That will require compromise, cooperation and consensus on key issues on the part of all stakeholders.”
2019-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8601 (2019) · source
“My delegation commends the role that UNSOM, the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS), AMISOM, the African Union (AU) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, as well as international partners, have been playing in facilitating State-building and peacebuilding processes in Somalia. We pay tribute to the sacrifices that are being made by AMISOM. and the Somali security forces to ensure that the vision ofa peaceful and stable Somalia is realized. My delegation would like to address the following three issues: first, the political process and the imperative of national dialogue and reconciliation; secondly, the necessity of addressing security and humanitarian issues; and, thirdly, the importance of creating suitable conditions for the 2020-2021 national elections.”
2019-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8601 (2019) · source
“South Africa wishes to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary- General and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), Mr. James Swan; the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Ms. Pramila Patten; the Special Representative ofthe Chairperson ofthe African Union Commission for Somalia and Head of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), Ambassador Francisco Caetano Jose Madeira; and our sister, the Executive Director of the Somali Women Development Centre, Ms. Amina Arale, for their briefings.”
2019-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8601 (2019) · source
“In conclusion, we would also like to emphasize the importance of the implementation of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and of the objective of achieving a nuclear-free Middle East. In Syria, the Geneva agreement should be implemented. In Yemen, the Stockholm Agreement should be implemented. The peace process between Israel and Palestine should be relaunched. The zone of peace and stability and the economic boom enjoyed by the Gulf countries could be utilized to stimulate an environment of peace across the Middle East, and perhaps begin a grand debate about the future of the Middle East.”
2019-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8600 (2019) · source
“South Africa believes that in order to address the root causes of the peace and security challenges in the Middle East, the Council needs to display the necessary political will and good faith to resolve long-standing and festering conflicts such as the question of Palestine, which has been a source of tension in the region for many decades. South Africa believes that only multilateral and collective action and a continued commitment to preventive diplomacy and inclusive dialogue, as opposed to confrontation and conflict, will reduce such tensions, culminating in a more peaceful and prosperous region that is rich in diversity, culture and civilization.”
2019-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8600 (2019) · source
“South Africa regrets the withdrawal of the United States from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). We continue to urge our friends in the United States of America to reconsider their position in that regard. The JCPOA is the most important diplomatic achievement in the area of nuclear non-proliferation in a very long time. It is a significant multilateral success that contributes to the maintenance of international peace and security. We also urge Iran to continue abiding by its obligations under the JCPOA.”
2019-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8600 (2019) · source
“South Africa firmly believes that the question of Palestine and Israel remains the core issue and that its resolution will have a positive impact on the entire region for many generations to come. South Africa is deeply concerned about the humanitarian cost of the various conflicts in the Middle East, which remains the most acute of any other region, as can be illustrated by the prolonged and continued suffering of refugees, internally displaced persons and those caught up in the midst of armed conflict in Syria, Iraq, Yemen and elsewhere. We call on the international community to pay equal attention to Yemen, which remains the worst humanitarian crisis in the world, and call on the parties to the Yemeni conflict to respect international humanitarian law, including the Stockholm Agreement.”
2019-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8600 (2019) · source
“The destruction of property and infrastructure caused by bombings in the Middle East is unprecedented and devastating. The satellite pictures of the region show destruction resembling the kind of ruins last seen during the Second World War, 74 years ago. The unprecedented human suffering and the destruction of physical and social infrastructure should be stopped. Millions of women and children have perished and been permanently disfigured. Millions have been internally displaced and millions more made refugees in faraway lands - some since childhood. They have never known peace. The upsurge in the radicalization of young people and terror-linked insurgent groupings, which are causing havoc in the region and beyond, are of great concern to South Africa.”
2019-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8600 (2019) · source
“We thank you, Mr. Minister, for presiding once again over the Council's deliberations. We thank the Polish delegation for having convened today's debate on the challenges to peace and security in the Middle East. My delegation also appreciates the insightful briefing of Ms. Viotti, Chef de Cabinet in the Executive Office of the Secretary-General. We also welcome the Secretary of State of the United States and the State Secretary of the Federal Foreign Office of Germany to the Council and thank them for their statements. South Africa welcomes the debate on the threats and challenges to peace and security in the Middle East, and we wish to emphasize that there is no one-size-fits- all solution to those challenges, given the diversity of the challenges facing each of the countries in the region.”
2019-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8600 (2019) · source
“We welcome the full reopening of the World Food Programme's aid distribution after its partial closure in June. We remain hopeful that that critical aid channel will remain open and free of misuse. The continued violence by all parties to this conflict is not conducive to peacebuilding measures. To enable the latter, South Africa calls on all parties to de-escalate the fighting in other parts of the country and commit to a general ceasefire to enable dialogue and inclusive peaceful negotiations. 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 that puts the interests and well-being of all the citizens of Yemen first.”
2019-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8598 (2019) · source
“To date, over 15 million people - halfthe population onemen - are facing starvation; 1.1 million people are affected by cholera; and 3 million people have been forced to flee, according to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Vulnerable groups, especially women and children, most often face the severe consequences of war, and that is no different in Yemen. This unprecedented humanitarian crisis of epic proportions is a strong indicator of the human toll of continued military action and conflict in Yemen, which requires an urgent commitment to a ceasefire and the pursuit of a negotiated, peaceful and inclusive solution to the crisis. South Africa also calls on all parties to abide by their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law.”
2019-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8598 (2019) · source
“The recent developments in southern Yemen are of deep concern. We wish to encourage players in the region to continue the process of seeking a solution to this new development that will support the United Nations- mediated process and the Stockholm Agreement. We are encouraged by positive developments in the region to increase cooperation and work to achieve that goal. We further call on all the countries of the region to prioritize dialogue to address any political differences that might exist. Secondly, concerning the humanitarian situation, South Africa remains extremely concerned about the serious humanitarian crisis in Yemen.”
2019-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8598 (2019) · source
“In that regard, we call on all sides to carry out their respective obligations as set forth in the Stockholm Agreement. Its implementation is of paramount importance, as it will assist in building confidence among the parties and improve the chances of reaching a broader political agreement. We welcome any positive steps taken by the parties to resolve the conflict so far, which help de-escalate tensions. South Africa firmly believes that, in order to ensure a long-term solution to the crisis in Yemen, it is necessary for all parties to commit to a political process. We continue to support a negotiated political settlement that engages all parties in an inclusive all Yemeni-led dialogue to resolve differences and address the legitimate concerns of all Yemenis in accordance with the relevant Security Council resolutions.”
2019-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8598 (2019) · source
“We thank the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen, Mr. Martin Griffiths, and the Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Ms. Ursula Mueller for their briefings. South Africa wishes to express its support for the Secretary-General's Special Envoy and commend him on all the efforts that he is undertaking to find a peaceful solution to the situation in Yemen. My delegation would like to address two points in our intervention today, namely, the political situation and the humanitarian situation. First, with regard to the political situation, we continue to urge all parties involved in the war in Yemen to cease hostilities and fully implement the Stockholm Agreement. We believe that, in order to achieve sustainable peace in Yemen, differences among the parties cannot be resolved militarily.”
2019-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8598 (2019) · source
“We cannot overemphasize the fact that accountability is critical to ensuring respect for international humanitarian law. Likewise, impunity must be eliminated. The responsibility to end impunity by prosecuting alleged perpetrators for crimes against humanity and war crimes lies first with States, including through improved ways of carrying out mutual legal assistance. In conclusion, the Geneva Conventions and the relevant Protocols are strongly supported. Our aim should be for respect for international humanitarian law to be strengthened and enhanced. We believe that the relevance of the Geneva Conventions remains intact in their seventieth year of existence and that their implementation should be encouraged in order to ensure the continued protection of civilians.”
2019-08-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8596 (2019) · source
“Otherwise, such insecurity will persistently hinder efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to people in need of relief. The root causes of war crimes, including abject poverty, the violation of women's rights and political corruption, must be addressed. The best way to ensure respect for international humanitarian law and to end the suffering of civilians and vulnerable persons is to prevent armed conflict. Conflict prevention and inclusive dialogue remain critical mechanisms that have proven to be effective in averting possible deadly conflicts when combined with strong political will and support from regional and international partners. The Council has the responsibility to redouble its efforts to prevent and resolve conflicts in its quest to maintain international peace and stability.”
2019-08-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8596 (2019) · source
“Modern technology has brought about many positive developments but, on the grim side, it is increasingly characterized by the use of an array of new and lethal methods of warfare, including remote-controlled weapons and automated systems that contribute decisively to the dehumanization of war. Their use and the destruction that they can cause have serious legal, ethical, moral and practical implications for international humanitarian law. We underscore the need to respect international humanitarian law and international human rights law by all parties to armed conflict. Access to people in distress in conflict areas by humanitarian workers remains a serious challenge and cause for concern. As members of the Security Council, we need to ensure unfettered access to and the prioritization of security for humanitarian workers in key areas.”
2019-08-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8596 (2019) · source
“We have witnessed an upsurge in violent extremism and terror attacks in which thousands of innocent civilians are targeted by armed terrorist groups. In this new era of extremism, the respect that has existed historically for aid workers, medical personnel, schools, hospitals and other essential civilian facilities is no longer abided. Our historical heritage and cultural property continue to be indiscriminately decimated. At the same time, communities that have traditionally lived in peace are now turning against one another violently as they compete for access to resources. Some armed conflicts are playing out in Africa and delaying the achievement of peace and security as key prerequisites for Africa's prosperity. This challenge is becoming more alarming with the changing face of contemporary armed conflicts.”
2019-08-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8596 (2019) · source
“We remain grateful to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and Mr. Peter Maurer for their continued commitment to preserve human lives, dignity and well-being. We commend the ICRC's outstanding work in its quest to reach people who urgently seek humanitarian assistance and relief. The ICRC continues to contribute to the development and implementation of international mechanisms and frameworks for providing effective humanitarian assistance to people who are negatively affected by war and armed conflict, particularly women and children. Conflicts have evolved in recent years. The new emerging nature of conflicts and the resurgence in violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law, which compels people to seek refuge elsewhere, is a matter of concern.”
2019-08-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8596 (2019) · source
“Thousands of people continue to bear the brunt of armed conflict, particularly women and children, and have been forced to leave their homes, sometimes taking extreme and dangerous routes to seek refuge in safer countries far away. In addition, victims and their communities must be given access to resources in order to limit the negative effects that such crimes have on societies. In some armed conflicts, parties to conflict have often resorted to the recruitment of children and have used sexual exploitation and abuse as a method of war. Ensuring respect for international humanitarian law has been extremely challenging in such conflicts, and there is a clear serious compliance deficit. The international community has the obligation to address the situation urgently.”
2019-08-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8596 (2019) · source
“Their adoption in the aftermath of the Second World War firmly established that those who are not, or no longer, taking direct part in hostilities - the sick and prisoners of war, including civilians living under occupation - must be protected and their dignity upheld without adverse distinction. We wish underscore that all parties involved in armed conflict are obligated to respect international humanitarian law in all circumstances. We are disturbed by reports of war crimes in some parts of the world and the tremendous harm inflicted on civilian populations and vulnerable persons, which illustrate blatant violations of international humanitarian law.”
2019-08-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8596 (2019) · source
“I deliver this statement on behalf of the African members of the Security Council - Cote d'Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea and South Africa. We would like to thank the briefers this morning for their comprehensive briefings and for particularly re-emphasizing the importance of respecting international humanitarian law. We would also like to welcome the Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany, Mr. Heiko Maas. Allow us to also thank Poland for organizing this briefing on international humanitarian law on the seventieth anniversary of the Geneva Conventions. The four Geneva Conventions of 1949 form the cornerstone of international humanitarian law. They have been complemented by the two Protocols Additional of 1977 and Protocol III Additional of2005.”
2019-08-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8596 (2019) · source
“Geir Pedersen's role in facilitating political dialogue, particularly on the matter of prisoners and missing persons, among the various stakeholders in the Syrian conflict In conclusion, I would like to reiterate South Africa's position that the only way to achieve long-term peace and stability in Syria is through an inclusive Syrian-led and -owned political dialogue, facilitated by the United Nations, on the basis of resolution 2254 (2015). In order to continue to make progress on the matter of missing persons and detainees, progress must be made in the political process.”
2019-08-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8593 (2019) · source
“South Africa urges all parties to agree to additional prisoner exchanges and to move away from one-to-one exchanges in favour of the release of larger numbers of detainees by both parties to the conflict. In order to continue to build on that positive momentum, South Africa calls on all parties to make every effort to release civilians - particularly women, children, the elderly, the sick and those with disabilities - from detention as a gesture of good faith and confidence-building among the parties to the conflict. No child should be kept in detention indefinitely, under any circumstances. In the meantime, and in order to enhance accountability to our own societies and communities, let us make efforts to welcome and receive our nationals into our countries from Syrian refugee and detention centres. That would support Mr.”
2019-08-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8593 (2019) · source
“We would also like to highlight the importance of addressing the return of mortal remains to families as a way to begin the healing process. From our own history and experience of national reconciliation, I would like to highlight the importance of truth, justice and accountability in solidifying the peace process, bringing closure to families and beginning the process of reconciliation and integration. The ultimate goal is long-term peace, stability and prosperity for all - victims and the State alike. In that regard, my delegation would like to welcome the efforts of the Astana group and the United Nations that resulted in the recent prisoner swap on 31 July between the Syrian Government and the opposition parties in Abu Al-Zindeen, in northern Aleppo.”
2019-08-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8593 (2019) · source
“Four hundred years after we were first forcefully removed from Africa as slaves, we are still waiting for full accountability for the persons who went missing during those years. The long-term impact of being unable to account for missing persons in armed conflict extends beyond the victims themselves and, as we have heard here today, has lasting and prolonged consequences for affected families, friends, communities and countries as a whole. In that regard, all parties to a conflict, be they an occupying Power, a State or a non-State actor, must be cognizant of and respect their legal and moral obligations to ensure that the people within their borders, areas of control or occupation are protected and that detailed records are kept of those detained.”
2019-08-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8593 (2019) · source
“Allow me to begin by thanking Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo for her briefing. I also thank the civil society briefers, Dr. Hala and Ms. Khoulani, for their statements this morning. Since the creation of the United Nations in 1945 from the vestiges of the brutal and devastating Second World War, the United Nations and its Member States have had to acknowledge and address the challenges of missing and detained persons as a result of conflict. Today, in a world of seemingly endless conflicts, the question of missing and detained persons prevails in all parts of the world - in Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Libya, Afghanistan, Palestine, Western Sahara, Colombia and other trouble spots worldwide. And since the colonial subjugation of Africans and the slave trade of centuries past, many Africans have perished in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.”
2019-08-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8593 (2019) · source
“It is imperative that we partner globally, regionally and nationally to combine our efforts to collectively strengthen institutions and services for children, including justice, education and health services. In conclusion, addressing the root causes ofconflict should be the primary objective to prevent violations against children. My delegation wishes to emphasize the importance of providing the necessary support to such boys and girls so that they can thrive in their reintegration processes and have opportunities for a better and brighter future. We should all remember an African saying: any child is my child.”
2019-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8591 (2019) · source
“A hundred of them were shot dead and in the weeks of protests that followed, more hundreds of children were killed and a thousand injured. To honour their courage and in memory of those killed, in 1991 the Organization of the African Unity established the Day of the African Child. The Day also draws attention to the lives of African children today. The Day of the African Child's objective is to remember those children as well as to inspire sober reflection and action towards addressing the plethora of challenges that children in Africa face daily. Children are fundamental to the future of peaceful and prosperous societies in all corners of the world.”
2019-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8591 (2019) · source
“Even in cases where programmes and mechanisms to advance accountability exist, they often fail to achieve tangible outcomes for children. Access to justice is imperative for the advancement of children's rights and for defending their legitimate interests. That is paramount to their psychological and psychosocial development in ensuring that they are able to grow and develop into adulthood free from fear and unintended irreversible consequences, such as those described in Peter Awan's testimony. On 16 June 1976, thousands ofblack South African children took to the streets to protest about the inferior quality of education to which they were subjected and demanded the right to be taught in their native languages.”
2019-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8591 (2019) · source
“States have an obligation to ensure that relevant programmes are put in place to ensure that children are reintegrated into society after they have been released from armed groups. South Africa applauds the measures put in place by countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Central African Republic and South Sudan to improve the protection of children and emphasizes that a greater focus needs to be placed on extensive child reintegration programmes, as was recommended by Ms. Kamara this morning. We therefore commend the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and UNICEF for launching the Global Coalition for the Reintegration of Former Child Soldiers in September 2018 to encourage greater support for child reintegration. We are aware that, in many situations, perpetrators of grave violations remain unidentified.”
2019-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8591 (2019) · source
“However, we remain concerned about the manner in which children are forced to take an active part in hostilities, including carrying out suicide bombings against civilians. We call upon the armed groups to stop the recruitment and use of children in armed forces, as Mr. Awan justified this morning. We are aware that children, particularly girls, associated with such armed conflicts are vulnerable to sexual abuse, including sexual slavery. Resolution 2467 (2019) is instrumental, as it aims to prevent those grave violations and provide for the protection of girls from sexual violence during conflict. The detention of children who are part of, or perceived to be associated with, parties to conflict is worrisome. It is important that such children be treated primarily as victims.”
2019-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8591 (2019) · source
“Those are some of concerns to which we are witness. South Africa welcomes the efforts of Mrs. Gamba de Potgieter, Special Representative of the Secretary- General for Children and Armed Conflict, to sign action plans with the parties to armed conflict so as to end and prevent the recruitment and use of children, as well as other grave violations. It is paramount that such action plans be concrete and their timebound measures be implemented. We also commend Ms. Fore, Executive Director of UNICEF, for the Fund's rapid response to urgently support children in emergencies and engagements with all parties to negotiate humanitarian access and build trust on all sides in order to serve children. South Africa welcomes the release of 13,000 children from armed forces and armed groups.”
2019-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8591 (2019) · source