YouSaid · the spoken record

Mele Colifa

lines on the record: 408
first: 2018-03-08
most recent: 2019-12-11
sittings or episodes: 63
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

“Equatorial Guinea therefore urges Nigeria's central Government and local Governments in the areas affected to work together to take immediate steps to bolster the security of pastoralists and farmers, enhance mediation, conflict resolution, reconciliation and peacebuilding mechanisms, and initiate long-term efforts to reform livestock management practices. The political tensions that various countries of the region are experiencing, in some cases as a result of internal disagreements or electoral disputes, must always be addressed by prioritizing a peaceful solution through inclusive, constructive and objective dialogue between the warring parties, and, if necessary, with the mediation of international institutions.”
2018-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8313 (2018) · source
“The crisis has led to an increase in the number of people who are severely food insecure and deserves the full attention of the Security Council. The report of the Secretary-General refers to a situation that is also of concern to my Government. The violent clashes between nomadic pastoralists in northern Nigeria and sedentary farming communities in central and southern Nigeria have intensified in recent years and are spreading southwards, threatening the security and stability of the country. Such clashes are becoming as dangerous as the Boko Haram insurgency itself in north-eastern Nigeria.”
2018-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8313 (2018) · source
“Threats from groups such as Boko Haram in the Lake Chad basin - which, incidentally, just attacked and occupied a military base at the northern tip of Nigeria near Lake Chad - and the growing number of security challenges faced by Mali and its neighbouring countries must not be viewed as isolated threats or problems of concern only to areas directly affected; they must be addressed holistically as a threat to the entire African continent. That is why it is essential that national parties and international partners pool their efforts and generate synergies in the quest for a lasting solution. It should be recalled that the violence of the terrorist group Boko Haram has unleashed an unprecedented humanitarian crisis in the area that has resulted in millions of forced internal displacements and caused many to leave their homes.”
2018-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8313 (2018) · source
“It is with great regret that we note that the peace and security landscape remains bleak, owing primarily to instability and the increase in the number of terrorist threats and attacks in the region, which fuel criminal activities and transnational organized crime, such as trafficking in human beings. Such activities are a source of serious concern and pose a threat to economic, social and political stability in the Gulf of Guinea region, and this to Equatorial Guinea.”
2018-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8313 (2018) · source
“Mrs. Mele Colifa (Equatorial Guinea) (spoke in Spanish): First and foremost, we would like to reiterate our gratitude and support for Mr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas and his entire team for their good offices and ongoing efforts to bring about lasting peace in West Africa and the Sahel. We would also like to thank him for his briefing on the situation in the region, based on the comprehensive and detailed report of the Secretary- General on the activities of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (S/2018/649). It has been exactly six months since we addressed the situation in the region of West Africa and the Sahel for the first time as non-permanent members of the Security Council (see S/PV.8156).”
2018-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8313 (2018) · source
“The goal is to better detect and confiscate improvised explosive devices and related materials in an effort to build a world that is safer, fairer, more peaceful, prosperous and, above all, respectful of societies so as to continue to ensure peaceful coexistence among peoples. In conclusion, I would like to welcome and support the recommendations contained in a recent report of the Secretary-General, in which he requests a formal follow-up to the issue, with periodic reports on the status of the implementation of relevant resolutions. In that regard, Equatorial Guinea will seek to ensure that the issue is included on the Security Council's agenda.”
2018-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8304 (2018) · source
“Given that bleak backdrop, we would like to express our deepest gratitude and appreciation to our Bolivian colleagues for their valuable contribution in this field. Just a year ago, on its own initiative, the Council adopted resolution 2365 (2017), which, to our surprise, was the first international legal text dedicated to condemning and demanding collective and coordinated action against the indiscriminate use of such cowardly weapons. The Republic of Equatorial Guinea urges States, by mandate of the Security Council, to adopt the necessary regulatory mechanisms governing the use, possession and illegal trafficking of mines and other improvised explosive devices. It is essential to adopt joint strategies to ensure greater control and security at airports, ports, border posts and crossing points, roads and in communications among States.”
2018-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8304 (2018) · source
“Fifthly, during a civil war in 1864, General William T. Sherman used words that subsequently became famous to describe the use of mines. Due to the brutality of their effects, he stated that their use was "not an act of war, but a homicide". The international community must take into account the fact that in 1995 the United Nations declared that mines were "one of the most widespread, lethal and long-lasting forms of pollution we have yet encountered". In a conflict, it is impossible to accurately estimate the number of unexploded mines and ammunition. The threat posed by unexploded ordnance is therefore now a serious concern for the international community because of the humanitarian consequences, in particular of anti-personnel mines, and such consequences must be properly assessed.”
2018-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8304 (2018) · source
“They were widely used in international and internal conflicts alike. Mines remain an ongoing threat to civilian populations even long after the cessation of hostilities. Similarly, unexploded ordnance - bombs, howitzers or grenades - and other ammunition that did not explode when it was employed continue to wreak havoc in post-conflict communities around the world and are likely to be even more numerous. Secondly, the threat of the mines goes far beyond killing, maiming and injuring thousands of people every year, whether or not there is a conflict. Thirdly, such weapons continue to have social, prolonged and, in many cases, serious economic and environmental consequences. Fourthly, from 2002 to June 2003, thousands of landmine casualties were recorded in 65 countries, the majority of which - 41 - were at peace, not at war.”
2018-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8304 (2018) · source
“Mrs. Mele Colifa (Equatorial Guinea) (spoke in Spanish): Let me begin by congratulating Mr. Alexander Zouev on his excellent briefing on the report of the Secretary-General (S/2018/623), which is of critical importance, and by wishing him every success in his work as Head of the United Nations Office of Rule of Law and Security Institutions. We would also like to congratulate the members of the Council, united in our strong commitment to contributing actively and positively to the results and contributions that today's meeting hopes to achieve. My brief statement on mine action focuses on the following reflections and observations. First, landmines were created before the twentieth century, but their use did not become widespread among the many groups and armed forces until the Second World War.”
2018-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8304 (2018) · source
“Central Africa, for example, hosts two peacekeeping missions, and we have seen an increase in terrorist activity and transnational organized crime by armed groups, both on the ground and at sea, as well as incidents of violent extremism. We believe that the Central African region requires the same level of attention as other regions in Africa, so as to ensure cooperation to support peacebuilding. In that regard, we believe that one of the added values of the Peacebuilding Commission is to complement the reports of the Secretary-General by identifying blind spots and gaps in the implementation of regional strategies aimed at peacebuilding, as well as potential risks related to dedicating resources to a single region, country or initiative. The meeting rose at10.35 am.”
2018-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8301 (2018) · source
“In order to achieve the ultimate goal of establishing solid and lasting world peace, it is necessary to strengthen relations among diverse stakeholders, including regional and subregional organizations, international financial institutions, national Governments, various civil society groups and private organizations, in all aspects of conflict cycles. It also entails prevention, peacekeeking, special political missions, conflict resolution and peacebuilding. We take this opportunity to comend the work of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel in supporting regional strategies in the Sahel and the Lake Chad basin, as well as its work in the Great Lakes region. Accordingly, we propose considering similar initiatives in other areas of the continent that require them.”
2018-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8301 (2018) · source
“In that regard, we commend and encourage the efforts that have been made on focusing on conflict prevention and post-conflict stablization, such as those of the Joint United Nations-African Union Framework on Sustainable Development and Peace and Security and the subsequent memorandum of understanding between the African Union Commission and the Peacebuilding Support Office. The implementation of the Peace Fund by the African Union demonstrates the commitment ofAfrican countries to peace and security, both on the African continent and internationally. Due to the complex nature of conflicts, however, ensuring the maintenance of peace and conflict prevention in a sustainable manner requires international cooperation. Similarly, the United Nations cannot address the large number of international security challenges alone.”
2018-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8301 (2018) · source
“We also believe that the outcome of the reform will enable the United Nations to develop additional capacity to comprehensively respond to today's security challenges, including, inter alia, maximally reducing the duplication of structures and overlapping mandates and ensuring greater transparency and responsibility and better planning and budgeting. We think that it is important for the Security Council to understand the catalysing value of the Peacebuilding Fund. Peacebuilding and peacekeeping are essential to the implementation of development programmes and sustainable peace and security on the African continent.”
2018-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8301 (2018) · source
“It has been underscored time and again that peace and security, development and human rights are inextricably linked. Closer collaboration among the various organs of the United Nations and other stakeholders is therefore needed to build peaceful and inclusive societies. Addressing institution-building and ensuring political and operational consistency throughout the United Nations system is therefore absolutely essential to ensure that conflict, peacekeeping and peacebuilding are priorities for the Organization as it conducts its work and activities. That is basically what the reforms of the Secretary-General seek to address, and the African members of the Security Council fully support the reform process under way.”
2018-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8301 (2018) · source
“As experience in our brother countries of Cote d'Ivoire, Liberia and other African countries has shown, supporting the sovereignty of countries is the cornerstone of peacebuilding. Such support is crucial in order to ensure an effective and permanent transition from peacekeeping operations to peacebuilding initiatives, which helps build resilience and foster sustainable development in countries and their institutions. Given the huge peace and security challenges we now face, prioritizing conflict prevention is not just an option, it is an obligation. The concepts ofpeacekeeping and peacebuilding are perfectly in line with that important priority, and they have certainly caused a paradigm shift in the way we ought to address peace and security issues.”
2018-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8301 (2018) · source
“Mrs. Mele Colifa (Equatorial Guinea) (spoke in Spanish): We sincerely thank His Excellency Mr. Ion Jinga, Permanent Representative of Romania to the United Nations and current Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission, and His Excellency Mr. Cho Tae-yul, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Korea to the United Nations and former Chair ofthe Commission, for today's informative briefings on the work of the Peacebuilding Commission in 2017. I shall deliver my statement on behalf of the three African Member States on the Security Council - Ethiopia, cote d'Ivoire and Equatorial Guinea. Our group congratulates the Peacebuilding Commission on its consistent efforts to maintain peace and security, while always respecting the sovereignty of countries.”
2018-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8301 (2018) · source
“The international community must therefore continue to provide robust support to Afghanistan so that it can respond to the many political, economic and security challenges. To conclude, we would once again like to reiterate our praise for all the efforts made by the Government of Afghanistan that are reflected in the report presented today (S/2018/539). We encourage it not to give up on developing a strategy based on open and inclusive negotiations so as to achieve stability for the Afghan people. Clearly, we once again underscore the commendable work of Mr. Yamamoto and of his entire team in supporting Afghan society, in promoting and monitoring the human rights situation, in furthering peace and reconciliation and in providing valuable assistance to the Government of Afghanistan.”
2018-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8294 (2018) · source
“It is vital that the Independent Election Commission and all the political parties concerned join forces so that transparent, inclusive and credible elections can be held on the scheduled date in the manner lawfully established by the country's national legislation. To that end, the United Nations must play an significant role in supporting the holding of free and fair elections. We commend UNAMA in particular for supporting the Afghan Government in ensuring that voter registration is completed in accordance with the agreed deadlines. Like all the representatives who have spoken here today, we believe that the only effective way to ensure the long-term security and stability of Afghanistan is by means of a political process and broad and inclusive reconciliation that are Afghan-led and Afghan-owned.”
2018-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8294 (2018) · source
“The threat of terrorism and the drug problem are closely linked. Drugs continue to be an significant source of funding for terrorists in Afghanistan. Close cooperation between the Government and the relevant regional organizations is therefore necessary to combat the trafficking in such drugs, especially opium. Bearing in mind that the elections constitute a crucial moment for the renewal of political trust and the forging of the desired stability in Afghanistan, the Government of Equatorial Guinea welcomes the decision of the Independent Election Commission to set a date for the parliamentary and district council elections.”
2018-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8294 (2018) · source
“The incessant attacks in public places and the indiscriminate use of improvised explosive devices by anti-Government elements and suicide bombers are nothing more than cowardly attacks on the vulnerable in society. Such attacks are highly disturbing. We therefore urge all parties to the conflict to take all possible measures to protect the civilian population, in particular women and children, in accordance with the provisions of international humanitarian law and the basic norms of human rights. Likewise, the Republic of Equatorial Guinea is concerned about the ongoing increase in the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict. In that regard, we welcome Mr. Yamamoto's remarks with regard to urging the Government to adopt the necessary measures to ensure referral and rehabilitation mechanisms for the victims.”
2018-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8294 (2018) · source
“Mrs. Mele Colifa (Equatorial Guinea) (spoke in Spanish): Allow me to thank Mr. Yamamoto for his comprehensive and informative briefing on the situation in Afghanistan and the activities of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). I also thank Mr. Yury Fedotov, Mr. Vladimir Voronkov and the Permanent Representative of Afghanistan, Mr. Mahmoud Saikal, for their excellent statements. Despite the ongoing efforts of the Afghan Government, which the Republic of Equatorial Guinea commends and supports, it is evident that the peace, security and, consequently, stability and prosperity for the people of Afghanistan seems like a pipe dream for those who, on a daily basis, suffer the catastrophic consequences of lethal attacks.”
2018-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8294 (2018) · source
“We simply wish to point out that, in keeping with the foreign policy of our Government, we always advocate dialogue, close cooperation and cooperation. Lastly, the Republic of Equatorial Guinea is firmly committed to an international order based on the rule of law with the United Nations at its core, whereby the Security Council must continue promoting mechanisms such as the establishment of tribunals to combat the culture of impunity in post-conflict situations.”
2018-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8278 (2018) · source
“We agree with his observation that, for accountability and an international order based on the rule of law to truly take hold, officials of national jurisdictions will have to shoulder the lion's share of this work, since it is only through broad-based national participation and by using all the tools at our disposal, including universal jurisdiction, that we may hope to address the shortcomings in accountability. Any training policy for national legal institutions in that regard will therefore enjoy the strong support of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea. We also support the recommendations of OIOS and call on States to redouble their efforts to collaborate with the Mechanism. I would like to underscore that all of my remarks should in no way detract from the excellent and arduous work being carried out by the Mechanism.”
2018-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8278 (2018) · source
“In establishing the Mechanism, to cite but one example, the Security Council once again demonstrated its commitment to peace and to upholding international law and international humanitarian law by supporting the peaceful settlement of disputes, ensuring accountability and promoting the fight against a pervasive culture of impunity. However, to echo what Judge Meron said a few weeks ago in this very Chamber (see S/PV.8262), demanding accountability for international crimes entails doing much more than simply cooperating with international tribunals and specialized entities.”
2018-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8278 (2018) · source
“We therefore urge the Mechanism to cooperate with victims and take into account their opinions, especially in cases of pardon or early release ofpersons duly convicted of war crimes, genocide or crimes against humanity, always in accordance with due process. There is no peace without justice, and it is important that victims feel that justice has been done, since decision may foment attitudes of revenge and hatred. We underscore the need for the Security Council to show unity in upholding the rule of law, ensuring accountability and preventing impunity, in particular for those responsible for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes, as well as other serious violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law, in order to ensure they are not repeated.”
2018-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8278 (2018) · source
“However, we must note that we have observed a lack of uniformity in the application of rule 151 of the Rules of Procedure and Evidence, referring to the General Rules for the Granting ofPardon, Commutation of Sentence and Early Release. Specifically, we refer to the latest persons convicted by the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda to have been released before having served out their full sentences. While those rulings were issued following the consideration of circumstances held to justify a reduction in sentence or a pardon, it is also true that the gravity of the crimes committed and the irreparable damage caused are not open to discussion.”
2018-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8278 (2018) · source
“Mrs. Mele Colifa (Equatorial Guinea) (spoke in Spanish): At the outset, I should like to thank you, Sir, for having organized today's meeting, and to welcome Judge Theodor Meron and the Prosecutor of the International Residual Mechanism of Criminal Courts, Mr. Serge Brammertz, and thank them for their valuable, informative and enlightening briefings. We also want to thank the Chair of the Informal Working Group and his entire team for the outstanding work they are carrying out. In general terms, the Government of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea welcomes the significant progress in the execution of the mandate of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals, as recognized in the March 2018 evaluation report (S/2018/206) of the Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS).”
2018-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8278 (2018) · source
“With regard to UNMISS, what should be changed, improved or abandoned in order to ensure that mandates are correctly and properly implemented? On whom does the success of a peacekeeping operation depend?”
2018-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8251 (2018) · source
“We would like to pay tribute to all those who risk their lives every day on behalf of the Organization in various parts of the world but, above all, on the African continent. In the spirit of this meeting, we would like to put forward the following questions. With regard to UNAMID, for its success, what challenges does the mission face in fulfilling its mandate? What should the Security Council do to ensure that mandates are fully implemented without amending them? Concerning the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic, what is lacking for the tasks to be carried out correctly? In order to fully implement its mandate, what needs to be improved both, on the ground and in terms of the materials used and developed during operations?”
2018-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8251 (2018) · source
“Mrs. Mele Colifa (Equatorial Guinea) (spoke in Spanish): Iwould like to thank Mr. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, for his valuable briefing on his mandate. I would also like to thank Lieutenant General Leonard Ngondi, Force Commander of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID); Maj or General Jean-Paul Deconinck, Force Commander of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali; and Lieutenant General Frank Mushyo Kamanzi of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) for briefing us on the situations of their peacekeeping missions. Equatorial Guinea expresses its gratitude for the work being done in these difficult missions. They represent the true essence of this Organization and the operationalization of its ideals.”
2018-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8251 (2018) · source
“In that regard, we understand that it is of vital importance that the international community continue to support existing mediation efforts, especially those of IGAD and the African Union, and look for ways to ensure the success ofthe new phase ofthe High-level Revitalization Forum on the peace agreement. I will conclude by expressing the joy felt by my Government at the news of the liberation of more than 200 children by armed groups in South Sudan, bringing the number of children released this year to more than 500. My Government also welcomes the news of the liberation of seven humanitarian organization workers in South Sudan, days after being detained by Sudan People's Liberation Army in Opposition forces in Morobo county.”
2018-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8249 (2018) · source
“Virginia Gamba de Potgieter, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, to the Committee established pursuant to resolution 2206 (2015). That practice must cease immediately. To that end, we urge the department of child protection to carry out its work to monitor and denounce these serious violations in South Sudan and, in collaboration with the Government of South Sudan, to combat impunity for the perpetrators. As we have done on previous occasions, we reiterate that it is important that the parties to the conflict refrain from taking actions that could worsen the situation and that they take action to implement and honour the signed agreement, which entails the cessation of hostilities, the protection of civilians, access to humanitarian aid and an immediate return to the negotiating table.”
2018-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8249 (2018) · source
“The fulfilment of that responsibility will be a success only if humanitarian operations are facilitated and the threats and risks faced by humanitarian assistance organizations and their courageous staff are eliminated. Therefore, the Government of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea urges the Government of the Republic of South Sudan to cooperate with UNMISS, so that together they may achieve the sole objective, which is none other than to grant the peace and stability that the people of South Sudan deserve. For my country's Government, the humanitarian situation in South Sudan remains unacceptable. The constant, increasing and ongoing violations of human rights, and especially the violations perpetrated against children in armed conflicts, which are even used as tools of war, were confirmed by the report presented on 11 April by Mrs.”
2018-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8249 (2018) · source
“The Department of Peacekeeping Operations submitted an information sheet on violations of the UNMISS status of forces agreement, in which, among other obligations, the Government of South Sudan undertook to take "all appropriate measures to ensure the security and safety ofUNMISS, its members and associated personnel and their property and assets". Without going into each of the violations set out in the information sheet, we would like to remind the Government of the Republic of South Sudan and the other parties involved that, in addition to seeking peace, there is a humanitarian obligation to save lives and help the millions of South Sudanese who are facing poverty, food insecurity and a shortage of basic services.”
2018-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8249 (2018) · source
“The Government of Equatorial Guinea once again commends the hard work and outstanding efforts of IGAD, the African Union and the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) to bring the warring parties closer to constructive and direct dialogue in search of peace and stability in South Sudan. We believe that the participation of the parties in the round of consultations to be held in Addis Ababa from 10 to 12 May will be crucial in providing continuity and reorienting the dialogues during the third phase of the High-level Revitalization Forum. However, it should be noted that the Republic of Equatorial Guinea is entirely dismayed and concerned by the content of the latest reports and statements received on the situation in South Sudan.”
2018-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8249 (2018) · source
“Mrs. Mele Colifa (Equatorial Guinea) (spoke in Spanish): First of all, allow me to thank you, Madam President, for the information you have provided in your capacity as Chair of Committee established pursuant to resolution 2206 (2015), concerning South Sudan, and Mr. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, for the hard work he has carried out in the context of his responsibilities and especially for the excellent briefing he delivered. In the same vein, we would also like to thank Mr. Ismael Wais, Special Envoy of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and Ms. Jackline Nasiwa of the Centre for Inclusive Governance, Peace and Justice.”
2018-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8249 (2018) · source
“Equatorial Guinea also voted in favour because it is convinced that the initiatives under way can lead to the desired resolution of the conflict.”
2018-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8246 (2018) · source
“The text seeks the adoption of measures to guarantee peace and security in the region, while demanding total and unconditional respect for all agreements reached with MINURSO under the auspices of the Secretary-General, whose tireless efforts in the search for an acceptable and mutually beneficial solution we commend. We call on the international community to resolutely support those efforts. We take this opportunity to acknowledge the efforts and sacrifices of the parties involved in the conflict, which has raged for decades on the African continent, with a view to reaching a definitive and mutually satisfactory solution as soon as possible in order to finally bring the Saharan people the peace they yearn for and stability to the subregion.”
2018-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8246 (2018) · source
“Mrs. Mele Colifa (Equatorial Guinea) (spoke in Spanish): We thank and commend the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General for Western Sahara, Mr. Horst Kohler, for his efforts. We also thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Western Sahara, Mr. Colin Stewart. The Republic of Equatorial Guinea, which always advocates the peaceful resolution of conflicts, wholeheartedly welcomes the renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO). We voted in favour of resolution 2414 (2018) because we understand that the provisions of this new resolution commit all the parties to continue advancing towards a political process that has stagnated for quite some time without significant progress.”
2018-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8246 (2018) · source
“That is why we call for the international community and the various entities of the United Nations, within their respective mandates, to invest in international policies that promote equality, cooperation and brotherhood among countries with the aim of ensuring conflict prevention, sustainable development and lasting peace and security with the participation of young people and in the context of respect for the sovereignty of countries.”
2018-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8241 (2018) · source
“They include scholarship systems at both the national and the international level, access to decent housing and initiatives for the creation of decent jobs as part of our Horizon 2020 national development plan. In conclusion, we want to underscore our support for General Assembly resolution 70/262 and Security Council resolution 2282 (2016) with regard to improving young people's abilities and skills and to creating jobs for them, with a view to contributing actively to sustaining peace. We also encourage the international community to support young people in that regard. Africa is the youngest continent in the world and the only region where the number of young people continues to grow. African youth represents the future of the whole world, not just of Africa. The young people of any region represent the future of all of us.”
2018-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8241 (2018) · source
“That faith in Africa's young people has been a constant during his presidency, as he has demonstrated through his support for African Union initiatives such as the Youth Volunteer Corps, the 2017 theme of harnessing the demographic dividend through investments in youth for sustainable development, the annual China- Africa youth festival and the fifth summit of the African Union and the European Union, which served to strengthen those initiatives. At the national level, Equatorial Guinea held its first national youth congress in 2010, which led to the adoption of national policies aimed at ensuring respect for the political, economic, social and cultural rights of young people.”
2018-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8241 (2018) · source
“That is why the fight against all such evils must be anchored in the commitment to sustainable development and equitable economic growth, gender equality and the empowerment and participation of young people and women at all levels. That struggle should not be on the military front alone. In his welcome speech at the seventeenth summit of the African Union Assembly, held in Malabo, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, on 1 July 2011, President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, then Chairperson of the African Union, said that he called on African youth as the legitimate heirs to Africa's future, and that for us, young people were not a problem for society but a determining factor in society's development process.”
2018-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8241 (2018) · source
“That means that on our continent most victims of conflict and those who suffer most from conflict, not counting women of all ages, are young people and children. Unemployment among African youth is high, fluctuating between 10 and 29 per cent depending on the region. Those figures are due to a lack of development, unequal development among and within countries, a lack of access to fair terms in international markets, and conflict, terrorism and violent extremism, among other issues. That combination of adverse situations makes such young people and children vulnerable to the manipulation of terrorist and organized criminal groups. However, as the report that we are discussing reminds us, most young people want and are working for peace.”
2018-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8241 (2018) · source
“In that regard, we are deeply concerned about the more than 400 million young people who live in areas affected by armed conflict, terrorist groups and organized crime and the stigma and violence of social and economic exclusion - which can be linked to the racial, ethnic and religious prejudice spread by populist movements, as well as violent predators and petty criminals - and who become passive or invisible victims trying to escape conflict. We are talking about the largest generation of young people in history. More than half of the world population is under 30 years of age. Many of them are unemployed. In fact, more than 500 million live below the poverty threshold, and about 14 million of those are refugees or displaced by conflict. In Africa, more than 60 per cent of the population is under 24 years of age.”
2018-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8241 (2018) · source
“For those reasons, Equatorial Guinea welcomes some of the recommendations of the report with regard to the importance of promoting national, regional and global alliances in order to ensure research and the collection of the necessary data on youth and peace and security so as to ensure the implementation of resolutions 2250 (2015), 1325 (2000), on women and peace and security, and 1612 (2005), on children and armed conflict, and other resolutions relevant to achieving peaceful solutions to conflicts and to protecting the civilians who will bear the responsibility for peacebuilding and sustainable development.”
2018-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8241 (2018) · source
“The Republic of Equatorial Guinea welcomes the independent progress study on youth, peace and security. We feel that the study's main results give cause for great hope, since they show that despite the current conflicts and geopolitical tensions on our planet, most of our young people not only want to participate in peace processes but also demonstrate a strong commitment to working for the peace and security of their communities and countries in many innovative ways, through initiatives based on promoting alliances and the use of new technologies. Our youth want peace and they want to facilitate its sustainability and their commitment, since investing in sustainable and equitable development among countries is a way to prevent conflicts and to turn their contribution into a peace dividend.”
2018-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8241 (2018) · source
“Mrs. Mele Colifa (Equatorial Guinea) (spoke in Spanish): Allow me to thank the Peruvian presidency for having organized this important debate on the innovative resolution 2250 (2015), on youth, peace and security, adopted three years ago. I also wish to recall and thank the leadership of Jordan for promoting the resolution. We are also grateful for the informative briefings provided by Ms. J ayathma Wickramanayake, Secretary- General's Envoy on Youth; Mr. Graeme Simpson, lead author of the progress study on youth, peace and security (see S/2018/86); Ms. Sophia Pierre-Antoine of Haiti; and Ms. Kessy Ekomo-Soignet of the Central African Republic. They have reminded us most young people of the world wish to contribute and are contributing to peace and sustainable development for all.”
2018-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8241 (2018) · source
“In conclusion, I would like to stress that we must all take advantage of the opportunities we have before us in all contexts to add our grain of sand in order to transform the lives of women wherever they are. Now is the crucial moment to seek gender equality in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, to transform the lives of Afghan women in all of its dimensions and manifestations. That is why our delegation calls upon the Government of Afghanistan and UNAMA to continue its work and to actively follow up to ensure the effective implementation of the national action plan on women, peace and security through the establishment, in due course, of strategies and mechanisms to finance the plan's budget. John F. Kennedy said, "I do not say that all men are equal in their ability, character and motivation.”
2018-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8199 (2018) · source