YouSaid · the spoken record

Merekaje

lines on the record
10
first
2019-04-11
most recent
2022-06-20
sittings or episodes
2
sources
un-security-council

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  1. “I urge the Council and all United Nations organs to invest in existing mechanisms for supporting the work of civil society globally and encourage periodic consultation with civil-society groups globally, so as to amplify the voices of citizens who may not get the opportunity to channel their concerns through Government organs or through humanitarian agencies on the ground.”

    2022-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9067 (2022) · source

  2. “Civil-society groups and organizations are not against the State, but rather complement the roles that the State has neglected. In order to enhance the contribution of civil society, I therefore recommend two points. First, we should establish periodic forums in which civil society can engage with the leadership of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) in order to facilitate better in-country interaction and analysis. Secondly, the Security Council should authorize UNMISS to facilitate or host periodic engagement with the Government and civil society or citizens’ groups to build confidence and support forward thinking for the country. As I end my remarks, I would like to express my appreciation to the Council for creating this opportunity to brief it.”

    2022-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9067 (2022) · source

  3. “That has contributed immensely to the turmoil, and a country in the state that South Sudan is currently in cannot hold credible elections without sufficient international support. I therefore strongly recommend and appeal to the Security Council to consider involving the United Nations in the organization and conduct of the anticipated national elections for South Sudan. Civil-society groups globally have continued to amplify the voices of ordinary citizens and marginalized people and communities. It is a service that each of us has voluntarily chosen to undertake for the sake of humankind. The role of civil society globally has contributed in many ways to State- and nation-building processes. It is disheartening when the civic space is deliberately stifled.”

    2022-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9067 (2022) · source

  4. “However, that can be realized only if South Sudan is helped with the necessary technical support, first to enable it to strengthen the capacity of the institutions and personnel required to conduct a credible election; secondly, to create an environment conducive to the operation of free media and civic engagement without intimidation and reprisals; and thirdly, to strengthen the necessary legal framework. Until we achieve that, and based on my engagement with South Sudanese from various walks of life and in a scenario development exercise, for which the report entitled Scenarios for South Sudan 2025 will be launched on 22 June, there is a clear realization that the country has serious gaps in several aspects of national governance.”

    2022-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9067 (2022) · source

  5. “While it is important to acknowledge that there are ongoing efforts towards the processes and establishment of the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing, other important processes, such as that of drafting a constitution, have significantly slowed, and the much- heralded public financial management reform process also seems to be being frustrated. The country is facing immense institutional gaps in terms of setup and institutional culture. There is no doubt that the people of South Sudan want to be given an opportunity to choose their leaders and participate in the design of a progressive agenda for the country.”

    2022-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9067 (2022) · source

  6. “Unfortunately, the unpredictable wave of conflict in the country seems to have a pattern. Even as memories of the violence in Tambura/Yambio, Kitgwang and other parts of the country remain vivid, a similar conflict has reared its head in Kajo Keji, Nimule and other parts of the country. The country is deeply fragmented and bleeding. Following the signing of the agreement, there was hope for the people of South Sudan. And yet paradoxically, the sporadic waves of intercommunal conflict and its intensity continue to puzzle many. Women and girls in particular continue to face the imminent threat of conflict-related sexual violence and sexual and gender-based violence even where there is no active conflict, including in the capital of Juba. The incidence of rape and murder of the victims is rising.”

    2022-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9067 (2022) · source

  7. “There seems to be insufficient commitment by the parties to fully implement the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan, signed in 2018. It is important to acknowledge that the validity of the agreement comes to an end in a few months’ time, with the parties clearly failing to implement critical elements of a deal they negotiated and signed. The big question is — what is next for the people of South Sudan? We must increase pressure and urge the guarantors of the peace agreement to support the people of South Sudan in designing a concrete road map for the country when the agreement is no longer valid. Continued violence and heinous human rights violations in the country continue to exacerbate trauma and elicit insecurity. South Sudan may be one of the most insecure places for anyone.”

    2022-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9067 (2022) · source

  8. “Ms. Merekaje: I am deeply honoured and humbled by the invitation to brief the Security Council during this meeting dedicated to discussing the situation in my beloved country. Today I address the Council not as the Secretary General of South Sudan Democratic Engagement, Monitoring and Observation Programme, but as an activist. Please allow me to emphasize the importance of this meeting, especially when we the people of South Sudan are faced with many uncertainties and a worsening economic situation, characterized by high prices of basic food commodities, shrinking space for civic engagement, escalating violence and human rights violations. Nevertheless, the country is anticipating conducting elections pursuant to the agreement.”

    2022-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9067 (2022) · source

  9. “We have seen cases where young women have encountered an obstacle to serving in a mission because they do not know how to drive a manual vehicle. If that requirement were to be made clear in advance, then young women would be able to prepare themselves to qualify and join the service. In that way we will be able to get more women in the service and they can then qualify to go on peacekeeping missions. I would like to excuse myself because I have to catch up with the curfew outside.”

    2019-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8508 (2019) · source

  10. “Ms. Merekaje: I wish to express my appreciation for everyone's comments. We are making progress. We are heading somewhere. I would like to say that, first, there is a need to improve on the facilities so that we are able to retain those who are already in peacekeeping missions. Secondly, we need to strengthen mentorship programmes so that we are able to prepare more young women to take up roles in peacekeeping operations. Thirdly, the troop- and police-contributing countries need to look at their in-country legislation so that they are able to create environments that encourage young women to join the service. The standards for joining the service should be set out for young women so that they are prepared to meet the required standards for service.”

    2019-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8508 (2019) · source