YouSaid · the spoken record

Michael Kiboino

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81
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2021-02-16
most recent
2021-05-21
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16
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un-security-council

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  1. The Kenya delegation thanks Mr. Ján Kubiš, Special Envoy of the Secretary- General on Libya and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), for his briefing. We congratulate him, this being the first time he is briefing the Council since taking up office, and assure him of our support and cooperation. I also welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of Libya, Taher Elsonni, in this meeting. The milestones we celebrate today would not have been achieved without the resilience of and strong push by the people of Libya. Therefore, Kenya commends the people of Libya for their abiding commitment to peace in their country. We congratulate them for the establishment of a Government of National Unity.

    2021-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/292 (2021) · source

  2. On the sanction regime, Kenya’s delegation is of the view that any review of the 1988 sanction measures, targeted on the Taliban, should be in line with resolution 2513 (2020) and predicated on the Taliban demonstrating commitment to ceasing all forms of violent activities and targeted attacks. Further, any proposal to delist some of its members should be considered only on the merits and on a case-by-case basis. To conclude, I wish to reiterate the imperative of making progress in the Afghanistan peace process. Any setback or a failed Afghan peace process would be costly, given the enormous material and human capital already invested and the desire of the Afghan people for durable peace and stability.

    2021-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/291 (2021) · source

  3. Thirdly, sustainable peace in Afghanistan will require a comprehensive and inclusive Afghan-led, Afghan-owned peace process that is aimed at a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire, as well as an inclusive political settlement. In this regard, Kenya fully supports the ongoing intra-Afghan peace talks and hopes that the aspirations of the population for peace and stability will be delivered, bringing the decades-old conflict to an end. Fourthly, the inclusive political peace process must have the full, equal and meaningful participation of women. Although women’s networks continue to amplify calls for a ceasefire, they remain underrepresented in key bodies, including both negotiating teams, as well as the High Council for National Reconciliation.

    2021-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/291 (2021) · source

  4. First, the Government of Afghanistan should do more to stem the culture of impunity. It must conduct thorough investigations into the ongoing killings and other forms of violence and promote genuine accountability and ensure that the perpetrators are prosecuted. Secondly, it is imperative for the parties to honour their obligations under international humanitarian law in all circumstances, including the protection of civilians and in facilitating humanitarian access. Kenya notes that Afghanistan is facing an acute food-insecurity crisis with more than 40 per cent of the population at crisis or emergency levels. Regrettably, the widespread insecurity, which grew by 146 per cent from 2019 to 2020, regularly delayed assistance and prolonged the suffering of vulnerable people.

    2021-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/291 (2021) · source

  5. Our sympathies and condolences go out to the families of the targeted civil servants, judiciary staff, media and health-care personnel, members of the civil society and ethnic and religious minorities who have been affected by the violence in one way or another. Kenya is opposed to the use of terrorism or any form of violence and intimidation as a means for political ends. We urge all parties to immediately cease hostilities, bring a stop to targeted attacks and embrace dialogue as the only viable means to achieve sustainable peace. In this regard, we welcome regional and international efforts in support of the peace process. In order to maintain the desired renewed commitment and sustain the efforts to advance the inter-Afghan negotiations, Kenya’s delegation wishes to make four points.

    2021-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/291 (2021) · source

  6. My delegation thanks Deborah Lyons, Special Representative of the Secretary- General for Afghanistan and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, and Ms. Shaharzad Akbar, Chairperson of the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission, for their briefings, and welcomes the participation of the Afghanistan Permanent Representative at today’s meeting. We also thank the Secretary-General for his report (S/2021/252) and for appointing Mr. Jean Arnault as his Personal Envoy on Afghanistan and Regional Issues. Kenya’s delegation notes with concern that, since September 2020, when the Afghanistan peace negotiations began, the number of targeted attacks and killings have continued to rise. Kenya joins other delegations in condemning these atrocities.

    2021-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/291 (2021) · source

  7. Resolution 2564 (2021), which we adopted on 25 February, broadly expresses the concerns and aspirations that the Security Council has with regard to Yemen. We have also had the opportunity to listen to the voices of Yemeni women and youth. We believe that they should be enabled to meaningfully contribute to a Yemeni-led and Yemeni-owned peace process. We encourage the Special Envoy to include the voices of the victims of terrorism in Yemen; the voices of women, in their quest for empowerment and inclusion; and civil voices from the religious community, renowned for advocating for freedom of religion. We recognize ,with thanks, the countries and institutions contributing to the humanitarian relief effort in Yemen, and encourage them to sustain their compassionate commitment.

    2021-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/266 (2021) · source

  8. Kenya encourages humanitarian agencies to deploy new and innovative solutions that invest in strengthening local food production. It is clear that terrorist groups in Yemen, and elsewhere, are a present and future threat to any established peace. The Special Envoy should practice the utmost caution in ensuring that the peace process does not offer those groups a way to insert and escalate their ideological reach and operations. Furthermore, we strongly recommend that the peace resolution and recovery process have in-built disarmament, demobilization and reintegration plus. That plus represents a disengagement process that uses psychosocial and counter-narrative tools, including family trust-building, and robust vetting to minimize the risk to disengaged combatants who have fought for terrorist groups.

    2021-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/266 (2021) · source

  9. We should be progressing further with a political negotiation that is the basis for sustained peace, rather than the reversals that we are observing. The ongoing fuel blockade, which has prevented commercial ships from bringing fuel into Al-Hudaydah, further exacerbates the already dire humanitarian situation. Kenya calls on all stakeholders with any impact on humanitarian-related infrastructure in Yemen to ensure that it is protected and that there are no deliberate or inadvertent blockages. We urge the Council to take note of objective and verified information regarding any party that may be deliberately undermining or frustrating the United Nations humanitarian relief effort. All efforts must be made to ease the unnecessary suffering of millions of civilians.

    2021-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/266 (2021) · source

  10. I thank Special Envoy Martin Griffiths, Under-Secretary-General Mark Lowcock and Ms. Nirvana Shawky for their sobering briefings. Kenya’s delegation learned with sadness of the fire incident that occurred on 7 March at the immigration holding facility in Sana’a. We convey our heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wish a quick recovery to the injured. We call for a quick investigation into the incident. Kenya is gravely concerned over the escalating conflict in Ma’rib. The reports of further displacement of over 15,000 people who were already living in informal settlements and the uncertainty faced by the more than 1 million internally displaced persons near Ma’rib is quite disturbing. We are further concerned by the intensified hostilities between factions with access to more weaponry.

    2021-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/266 (2021) · source

  11. We reaffirm that the parties have the opportunity to demonstrate a willingness to find common ground and recognize the need for all Syrians to move beyond this protracted state of conflict. Kenya firmly believes that the Security Council and the multilateral order must prioritize the interests and needs of the Syrian people by supporting a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned inclusive dialogue with a view to finding a robust political solution.

    2021-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/265 (2021) · source

  12. This requires addressing the situation of detainees, including by facilitating the release of such detained vulnerable groups as the elderly, women and children, and by clarifying the status of missing persons. These would be significant confidence-building measures. Finally, there is the imperative that all the parties honour the nationwide ceasefire. In this regard, Kenya commends the Astana guarantors for their continued assurances to uphold the ceasefire. We condemn the attacks in towns near the Syrian- Turkish border and the mutual shelling and targeted air strikes between armed groups. We are also gravely concerned by the sporadic attacks using improvised explosive devices that have resulted in civilian deaths and injuries. These must come to a halt. Let me conclude by once again echoing the Secretary-General.

    2021-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/265 (2021) · source

  13. For us to begin to witness the much-needed change in Syria, it is important to revamp the political track underpinned by the following three imperatives. First is the resumption of the Constitutional Committee, with a genuine engagement by all parties to consider tangible proposals and solutions with a view to preparing and drafting the new Constitution. It is our hope that the recent visit of Special Envoy Pedersen to Damascus will generate momentum in this direction. It is critical that the Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political solution adheres to the principles set out in resolution 2254 (2015), including ensuring free and fair elections. Second is the need for constructive international diplomacy to bridge existing divides to revive the political track, as called for by the Special Envoy.

    2021-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/265 (2021) · source

  14. In his remarks on 10 March 2021, the Secretary-General said that the people of Syria “have endured some of the greatest crimes the world has witnessed this century”, which has caused him to repeatedly plead with the Security Council to achieve a consensus on this crucial matter. The devastating reality of the situation in Syria is an indictment of multilateralism, and particularly of the Security Council, which is at the vanguard of international peace and security. Kenya’s delegation therefore calls on all members of the Council, especially those that have divergent positions, to close ranks to facilitate a long-desired consensus towards a political solution for the sake of the Syrian people.

    2021-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/265 (2021) · source

  15. I thank Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Syria Geir Pedersen and Mr. Bernard Duhaime for their briefings. As we mark the tenth anniversary of the protracted conflict in Syria, it is heartbreaking that the people of that country continue to suffer in an internationalized state of senseless violent wars that have resulted in up to 593,000 deaths, generated a colossal refugee and internal displacement emergency, ignited a humanitarian crisis of unimaginable proportions and literally impoverished the entire population of a country that once knew peace and dignity.

    2021-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/265 (2021) · source

  16. With political will and genuine inclusive dialogue, tangible and sustainable peace can be achieved in all conflict situations.

    2021-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/256 (2021) · source

  17. I also commend the OSCE for its inclusion of civil society in the interests of the people and the stability of the broader region to ensure lasting solutions to conflict. I take note that the OSCE works to prevent conflicts from arising and promotes peacebuilding and post-conflict rehabilitation. In particular, we commend the organization for putting in place a wide range of early-warning and conflict- management tools, such as its network of field operations and the OSCE Conflict Prevention Centre. We recommend that the OSCE share its experiences and expertise with other regional organizations across the world. As I conclude, let me reiterate that Kenya supports the OSCE in its pursuit of genuine dialogue as the primary option in resolving all conflicts within the OSCE region.

    2021-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/256 (2021) · source

  18. Kenya believes that it is the responsibility of all relevant parties, including the OSCE, to ensure a sustainable environment conducive to Kosovo’s long-term peace and stability. On Nagorno-Karabakh, we support the work of the OSCE Minsk Group Co- Chair countries, particularly their call on all the parties to the conflict to comply with their commitments, including to the non-use of force to settle the dispute. We commend the Chairperson-in Office of the OSCE for stressing the inclusion and meaningful participation of women in all phases of the conflict cycle and the importance of moving forward on the women and peace and security agenda in line with the organization’s concept of comprehensive security.

    2021-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/256 (2021) · source

  19. In this regard, the cooperation between the United Nations and the OSCE as the primary organ for the maintenance of international peace and security throughout the OSCE region is commendable. Kenya lauds the OSCE for its record of preventive diplomacy and multilateral cooperation on peace, security and development. We note that the organization has made efforts in Ukraine as it continues to execute its mandate in monitoring the implementation of the 2015 Minsk agreements, endorsed by the Security Council in resolution 2202 (2015). I reaffirm Kenya’s support for the OSCE’s Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine, which should continue to have unobstructed access in order to monitor and verify compliance with the Minsk agreements pursuant to its mandate.

    2021-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/256 (2021) · source

  20. Let me welcome Her Excellency Ms. Ann Linde, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden and Chairperson-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), and thank her for her briefing. I also congratulate Ms. Linde on assuming her role at the helm of the OSCE and wish her success as she advances the Swedish priorities for the organization, which focus on maintaining the European security order, addressing protracted conflicts and enhancing democracy, gender equality, human rights and the rule of law. The importance of cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations is critical to the maintenance of international peace and security.

    2021-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/256 (2021) · source

  21. Surely we have to find ways of helping the Yemeni people to surmount the challenges facing them in order for them to rebuild their lives. Kenya is committed to working closely with the members of the Council towards that end.

    2021-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/167 (2021) · source

  22. To make matters worse, the humanitarian situation provides opportunities for radicalization and recruitment into terrorism. We call on the international community to urgently step up the necessary support, including participation in the upcoming pledging conference on Yemen on 1 March, to be convened by the Secretary-General and co-hosted by Sweden and Switzerland, in order to prevent the country from sliding into famine. The parties to the conflict should, on the other hand, de-escalate, with a view to facilitating humanitarian access in accordance with international humanitarian law. It has been a decade since the people of Yemen passionately voiced their aspirations for a better future. Sadly, we have only seen the situation in Yemen deteriorate and its people endure unbearable misery and distress.

    2021-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/167 (2021) · source

  23. We therefore support the Special Envoy’s efforts towards a political settlement, and, in agreement with the Special Envoy, we further emphasize that the only sustainable solution has to be an inclusive Yemeni-led and Yemeni-owned peace process. We are also concerned at the continued delays and bottlenecks that are hindering the inspection and repair of the FSO SAFER tanker. In that regard, we urge all parties to expedite the necessary logistical arrangements for the facility to be attended to as a matter of urgency, in order to avert a looming environmental catastrophe. The humanitarian situation as painted by Mr. Lowcock remains alarming. The increasing fighting being witnessed in Ma’rib and elsewhere will put the lives of millions more of civilians at risk, further exacerbating the already dire humanitarian situation.

    2021-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/167 (2021) · source

  24. Our particular concerns in this regard include: increasing reports of maritime insecurity along the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, especially reports of arms smuggling off the coast of Somalia, presenting a risk to peace, security and stability in the region; persistent attacks on commercial vessels along key shipping routes, undermining the movement of goods, including the flow of humanitarian aid; and rampant attacks targeting innocent civilians and civilian infrastructure, including medical facilities and schools. There can be no military solution to the crisis in Yemen. Any use of terrorism or any form of violence to advance political or ideological interests must be condemned.

    2021-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/167 (2021) · source

  25. While welcoming the increased diplomatic engagements aimed at ending the war in Yemen, Kenya is gravely concerned at the recent surge of hostilities, especially in Ma’rib and Al-Hudaydah, as well as the cross-border attacks that raise questions as to the level of commitment of the parties to the conflict to accepting a ceasefire and the resumption of political talks. That disturbing situation has greatly exacerbated regional tensions and increased opportunities for threats from terrorist groups, including Al-Qaida and Islamic State affiliates.

    2021-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/167 (2021) · source

  26. I congratulate Ambassador Rhonda King on her report to the Council and for the leadership she provides as Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 2140 (2014). I also thank Mr. Griffiths and Mr. Lowcock for their informative briefings. Kenya further commends Mr. Griffiths on his recent initiative to travel to the region to conduct meetings with the relevant stakeholders. It is our hope that such engagements will help to create a common understanding and momentum towards the necessary consensus to enable the conclusion of and subsequent implementation of the joint declaration for a nationwide ceasefire.

    2021-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/167 (2021) · source

  27. In that regard, it is essential to pay heed to the Secretary-General’s call for further concerted efforts by the Government, working with all relevant actors, to ensure the protection of all diplomatic missions and personnel in Iraq. In conclusion, Kenya calls upon all actors to uphold the political independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Iraq and emphasizes that all actions should be motivated by the interests of the Iraqi people. I reiterate Kenya’s support for the continued work of UNAMI in its contribution to the Government and the people of Iraq in their quest for sustainable peace and security.

    2021-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/152 (2021) · source

  28. However, ISIL remains an existential threat whose unrelenting depredations and other forms of inhuman violence continue to ravage innocent civilians in Iraq. Kenya condemns in the strongest terms those heinous acts, including the 21 January killing of 32 people in Baghdad, as well as yesterday’s rocket attack at the airport in Erbil. We convey our sincere condolences to the affected. Kenya urges the international community and the Council in particular to maintain the highest levels of vigilance against ISIL- and Al-Qaida-inspired terrorism not only in Iraq but also everywhere else around the world. We must redouble efforts to support Iraq to become a net exporter of peace. We are also greatly concerned by the attacks on diplomatic missions and convoys in Iraq.

    2021-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/152 (2021) · source

  29. We encourage the Government to continue undertaking structural reforms that strengthen institutional capacity for the achievement of social cohesion and inclusivity. We welcome the recent achievements in the identification of the remains of 20 Kuwaitis and third-party nationals and the subsequent closure of those files. Kenya is encouraged by the Government’s reforms aimed at turning the economy around. Although many economies globally are going through lean periods because of the coronavirus disease pandemic, the situation in Iraq is compounded by several security dilemmas, including the overspill of foreign tensions and terrorist activities by the Islamic State and other terrorist networks. Indeed, 10 December 2020 marked the third anniversary of the military defeat of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).

    2021-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/152 (2021) · source

  30. In that regard, Kenya’s delegation supports the request of the Iraqi Government for a strengthened role of the United Nations in the electoral process in a manner that the Iraqi Government deems viable and within the capability of the United Nations. The imperative for durable solutions aimed at social cohesion for all vulnerable persons and groups, including displaced persons and returnees, cannot be overemphasized. Kenya welcomes President Barham Salih’s statement at the end of 2020 affirming the need to take all measures necessary to end violence and discrimination against women and for the development of effective programmes, plans and mechanisms that support women’s economic, social, and political empowerment.

    2021-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/152 (2021) · source

  31. I thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Jeanine Hennis- Plasschaert for her insightful briefing. We also take note with appreciation of the Secretary-General’s report on the progress made towards fulfilling the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) (S/2021/120). On the political situation, Kenya commends the Iraqi authorities on the preparations for free and fair elections later in the year. Those elections should provide an opportunity for trust-building and the demonstration of inclusivity and transparency. We encourage the Government and all the stakeholders to work together to maintain conditions conducive to the elections and voters.

    2021-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/152 (2021) · source