YouSaid · the spoken record

Mminele

lines on the record: 218
first: 2015-01-30
most recent: 2017-11-21
sittings or episodes: 29
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

“In that regard, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime is to be commended for its efforts to assist States to improve such capabilities. In conclusion, we welcome this opportunity to take stock of the implementation of the efforts to address trafficking in persons in conflict situations, including through resolution 2331 (2016). We are confident that this review will assist the international community in achieving its ultimate goal of eradicating this terrible crime.”
2017-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8111 (2017) · source
“Particular attention should be given to gender and age issues, exploitation and abuse in the context of trafficking, smuggling and the contemporary forms of slavery. We must also strengthen our capability to prosecute such crimes through the provision of technical assistance in areas such as international law and practice, intelligence gathering, risk analysis, investigative skills and interviewing the suspects and victims. In addition, we need to work to improve the collection, sharing and analysis of data, including data on the modus operandi and the economic models and conditions that drive smuggling and trafficking networks. Effective short- to medium-term strategies, including awareness-raising campaigns and education and training initiatives, are needed.”
2017-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8111 (2017) · source
“No single country can solve the problem alone. The transnational nature of trafficking demands a transnational response. It is critical that we strengthen and expand partnerships among stakeholders, including civil society, academia and the private sector, in supporting prevention, protection, and prosecution efforts. It is also important to deepen cooperation with the private sector in order to ensure that trafficking is eradicated within global supply chains. We also need to further strengthen efforts to build the capacity of our front-line actors, including criminal-justice system officials, social-service providers, medical personnel, and law-enforcement and border authorities in order to deal effectively with that scourge.”
2017-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8111 (2017) · source
“However, it remains imperative that international instruments are properly supported by tangible actions and political commitments at the international, regional and national levels in order for them to fulfil their respective mandates effectively. Although human trafficking remains a significant international challenge, we are encouraged by the findings of the 2016 Global Report on Trafi'icking in Persons, which shows that many countries have criminalized trafficking, as required by the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. We note that the number of countries that have done so increased from 33 in 2003 to 158 in 2016. That impressive increase has contributed to a commensurate increase in the number of prosecutions and, importantly, to the provision of more assistance to victims.”
2017-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8111 (2017) · source
“It is also imperative that we work together to address underdevelopment, which lies at the root cause of migration. That is manifested through poverty, joblessness, inequality, conflict and trafficking in persons, factors that force people to migrate beyond their borders seeking better opportunities. In that regard, South Africa stresses that issues related to trafficking are not just an issue for the Security Council to deal with; all related organs of this Organization ought to work in concert to address the matter collaboratively, so as to strengthen development and thereby sustainable and durable peace. The United Nations Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons provides a robust framework for addressing trafficking in persons.”
2017-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8111 (2017) · source
“My delegation is mindful of the fact that one of the highest risks to displaced persons - specifically refugees fleeing conflicts - is the threat of being trafficked. Trafficking operations often flourish in circumstances where Government institutions and law enforcement capacities have been eroded and weakened by sustained conflict. That undermines the rule of law, which in turn contributes to other forms of transnational organized crime, exacerbating conflict and insecurity. Our ultimate objective should be to address the conflict that has given rise to the scourge of human trafficking, including its root causes. That requires us to address development challenges and the dangers of external interventions that we have witnessed in Libya, Iraq and Syria, which have led to the proliferation of refugees and internally displaced persons.”
2017-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8111 (2017) · source
“It has been established that the illicit trafficking of drugs, stolen antiquities and small arms and light weapons often follow the same routes used by human traffickers. Those activities threaten international peace and security, for instance by sustaining terrorism, criminals and armed groups. The appalling reports over the past few days showing that African migrants in Libya are being sold as slaves is a clear indication of the urgent need for all of us to commit to the eradication of that scourge. As the Secretary-General said in his statement earlier in the meeting, slavery has no place in our world and these actions are among the most egregious abuses of human rights and may amount to crimes against humanity.”
2017-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8111 (2017) · source
“Let me take this opportunity to congratulate you, Mr. President, and your country for assuming the presidency of the Council for this month and wish you all the best in the stewardship of the work of the Council. You can rest assured of South Africa's continued support for and cooperation with the work of the Council. We consider this debate very timely, as it is an important follow-up to the adoption of resolution 2331 (2016) and provides an opportunity to evaluate our collective response aimed at ensuring that women, children, refugees, migrants and internally displaced peoples are protected from trafficking. It is inexcusable that in this day and age, and in almost every conflict situation throughout the world, human trafficking thrives.”
2017-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8111 (2017) · source
“We believe that would contribute immensely to peace and security throughout the Middle East and resolve one of the most protracted conflicts the past century has known.”
2017-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8072 (2017) · source
“As a member of the group made up of India, Brazil and South Africa (IBSA), we will provide humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people through the IB SA fund. Furthermore, in cooperation with the Palestinian Authority and other international organizations, we support projects in Nablus and in Gaza. In conclusion, South Africa concurs with the international community that the only way to bring about genuine and lasting peace between Israel and Palestine is through comprehensive and unconditional negotiations. Such negotiations should deal with all final-status issues, including the unrelenting expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories, the lifting of the illegal Gaza blockade and the continuing occupation of the Palestinian territory.”
2017-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8072 (2017) · source
“We also call on the Israeli authorities to implement in full and immediately the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, known as the Nelson Mandela Rules, as well as the Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners, known as the Bangkok Rules. My delegation is furthermore concerned about the funding gap in the operational budget of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). In the absence of a lasting political solution, the international community cannot abdicate its responsibility and duty towards Palestinian refugees and for ensuring the continuation of the agency's work on a sound financial basis. For its part, South Africa will continue to support UNRWA through its financial contributions.”
2017-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8072 (2017) · source
“South Africa welcomes the positive outcome of the Palestinian reconciliation deal and hopes that it will provide an effective and unified base on which to govern Gaza and promote greater national unity within Palestine. Such unity should prove vital not only in pursuing a better life for Palestinians in Gaza, but in presenting a unified and coherent articulation of Palestinian concerns. My delegation continues to express deep concerns regarding the situation of Palestinian prisoners and detainees, specifically women and children. This situation remains of serious concern to the international community as well. In that regard, we call on Israel to respect the human rights of all Palestinian prisoners and abide by the relevant international humanitarian law, including the Fourth Geneva Convention.”
2017-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8072 (2017) · source
“Unemployment in Gaza stands at 38.4 per cent, with youth and women unemployment at a shocking 60 per cent and 84 per cent, respectively. This economic situation has not been helped by Palestine's state of energy dependence on Israel, and can only fuel resentment among a disenfranchised youth population. The ongoing occupation and the situation in Gaza makes it virtually impossible to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. These recent actions are part of a long-established pattern of stifling the development of a viable Palestinian State and illustrate a disingenuous approach to finding a solution to the crisis, which has persisted for half a century without resolution.”
2017-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8072 (2017) · source
“There is no doubt that the pattern of human rights violations associated with the occupation is inextricably linked to the settlement enterprise. The ongoing settlement activities by Israel in the occupied Palestinian territories seriously undermines the two-State solution and threatens the viability and territorial contiguity of the future Palestinian State. It is an enduring impediment to peace, security, stability and development in the wider Middle East region. South Africa would like to emphasize the urgent need for Israel to lift the illegal land and naval blockade on Gaza, which has now entered its eleventh year. The blockade continues to worsen the already dire socioeconomic and humanitarian situation in Gaza.”
2017-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8072 (2017) · source
“It should also include an assessment of the long-term humanitarian impact of such violations. This open debate is taking place against the backdrop of the announcement by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the construction of 3,800 new housing units in the West Bank for Jewish settlers has been approved. The increased settlement expansion constitutes a contravention of international law, particularly the 1949 Fourth Geneva Convention. It also illustrates continued disregard for international norms necessary for the Security Council to fulfil its primary mandate of pursuing international peace and security, as well as a direct violation of resolution 2334 (2016). The situation on the ground cannot be allowed to continue. It is a blight of on the conscience of the international community.”
2017-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8072 (2017) · source
“We join other Member States in expression appreciation to you, Madam, and the delegation of France for organizing this open debate on the situation in the Middle East, including the question of Palestine. South Africa aligns itself with the statement made by the representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela on behalf of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries (NAM). We also welcome the report (S/2017/515) of the Secretary-General on the implementation of resolution 2334 (2016). However, we reiterate the position, articulated by the representative of Venezuela on behalf of NAM, on the need for a substantive written report, which would provide a valuable record of the implementation process and dissuade continued violations of the resolution.”
2017-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8072 (2017) · source
“South Africa believes that ending the occupation is in the interests of both Israel and Palestine, and we call on both parties to take concrete steps to that end. The recent past has seen no movement on the peace process. The international community must recommit itself to restart the stalled peace process on the basis of international legality and accountability.”
2017-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8011Reprise1 (2017) · source
“We call on Israel to abide by, and respect the provisions of, the Convention as an occupying force. South Africa is also deeply concerned about the escalating tensions and violent clashes taking place in and around the Old City of Jerusalem. Given the particular sensitivities surrounding the holy sites in Jerusalem and the need to ensure security, the Quartet have called on all parties to demonstrate maximum restraint, refrain from provocative actions and work towards de-escalating the situation. We strongly believe that the situation on the ground cannot be allowed to continue unchanged, as it remains an impediment to the security, peace, stability and development of the broader Middle East region.”
2017-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8011Reprise1 (2017) · source
“We firmly believe that the only just solution to the Palestinian question is an independent, sovereign, viable and united Palestine, with East Jerusalem as its capital, functioning within recognized and secure borders and living side by side in peace with Israel and its other neighbours, as endorsed in the Quartet road map, the Madrid principles, the Arab Peace Initiative and the relevant Security Council resolutions. South Africa is concerned about the arrest and subsequent imprisonment, without charge or trial, of Palestinian Legislative Council member Ms. Khalida Jarrar, who was arrested in Ramallah on 2 July by the occupying Israeli military, and calls for her immediate release. Israel is a signatory of the Fourth Geneva Convention, which stipulates the right to a fair trail and the right of an accused to defend himself or herself.”
2017-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8011Reprise1 (2017) · source
“My delegation is intensely aware that the opportunities for a two-State solution are being eroded The ongoing Israeli settlement activity in the occupied territories is a fundamental obstacle to a return to negotiations and a grave threat to the very existence of a future Palestinian State, as well as to a safe and secure Israel. Every settlement takes land away from Palestinians, who need homes, farmland and other infrastructure. South Africa has a long-standing record ofsolidarity with the Palestinian people and supports the Palestinian cause.”
2017-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8011Reprise1 (2017) · source
“South Africa calls for the effective and immediate implementation of resolution 2334 (2016), which reaffirms that Israeli illegal settlements have no legal validity, that they constitute a flagrant violation under international law and that they are a major obstacle to the vision of two States living side by side in peace and security, within internationally recognized borders. We call on Israel to immediately and completely cease all settlement activities, as demanded by the resolution, and remind Israel that no changes to the 1967 lines will be recognized, including with regard to Jerusalem, other than those agreed by the two sides through negotiations.”
2017-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8011Reprise1 (2017) · source
“It is long overdue for the Council to assume its responsibility under the Charter of the United Nations to maintain international peace and security, and to work to reverse the negative trends that threaten peace and the two-State solution. The Security Council must renew its commitment to keep to its mandate and contribute to resolving the conflict. It has become clear that the conflict between Israel and Palestine feeds into the wider regional dynamics by having a negative effect on peace, economic development, socio-political progress and security throughout the entire region. The Middle East peace process therefore remains one of the central issues shaping international relations within the region and in the world.”
2017-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8011Reprise1 (2017) · source
“The situation in Gaza is even more dire. The conclusion in the report of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development that the area could be uninhabitable in less than five years if current economic trends were to continue is becoming all the more real. The Security Council has been seized of the matter of the Middle East, in particular the question of Palestine and Israel, for over 70 years. The people of Palestine continue to look to the United Nations, notably the Security Council, to help them realize their right to self-determination. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has become entrenched over the decades.”
2017-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8011Reprise1 (2017) · source
“We join other Member States in expressing our appreciation to you, Mr. President, and the Chinese delegation for convening this open debate on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestininian question. South Africa aligns itself with the statement to be made by the representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela on behalf of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries. This year marks 50 years of Israel's occupation of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. The vast majority of Palestine's population have lived their entire lifetimes under Israeli occupation. In the past 50 years, civilians have been denied their dignity and fundamental rights to free movement, education, health care and even the right to life. With each passing day, the number of Palestinians in need of humanitarian assistance increases.”
2017-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8011Reprise1 (2017) · source
“He also called for that partnership to be based on solid, predictable funding, including for peacekeeping missions ofthe African Union, supported by the Security Council. In conclusion, South Africa emphasizes that debates of this nature should result in practical steps aimed towards strengthening institutional collaboration between the Security Council and the AU Peace and Security Council.”
2017-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8006Reprise1 (2017) · source
“We hope that continued cooperation between the AU Commission and the Secretariat, characterized by mutual respect and understanding, will thus expand and strengthen cooperation on many other issues that the two organizations face. Finally, we are pleased that many of our proposals are aligned with the nine areas of reform outlined by the Secretary-General in a statement made in early April. In that statement, the Secretary-General committed the Secretariat to enhancing its technical cooperation and capacity building partnership with the African Union Commission to further strengthen the partnership between the two organizations, especially regarding political issues and peacekeeping operations on the continent.”
2017-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8006Reprise1 (2017) · source
“South Africa therefore calls on the international community to strengthen the capacity of the African Peace and Security Architecture to deliver to the necessary assistance and support to the affected countries to ensure long-term, sustainable peace. Thirdly, we welcome the signing of the joint United Nations-African Union Framework for an Enhanced Partnership in Peace and Security by both organizations this year. The Framework elevates cooperation between the two organizations to a higher level. The continent continues to experience challenges, particularly in combating terrorism, piracy, transnational organized crime and human trafficking.”
2017-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8006Reprise1 (2017) · source
“Secondly, the mutually reinforcing relationship between the United Nations and the AU should extend beyond the period of conflict, to critical areas such as peacebuilding, and post-conflict reconstruction and development within the paradigm of security sector reform. The peace, security and development nexus underscores the importance of peacebuilding and post-conflict reconstruction and development in post- conflict settings. That is in support of strengthening the resilience of countries through a process of institutional capacity building to mitigate the risk of a relapse into conflict. The African Peace and Security Architecture also provides the continent with conflict prevention, resolution and management measures, as well as mechanisms for post-conflict peacebuilding and reconstruction.”
2017-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8006Reprise1 (2017) · source
“First, the financing of AU peacekeeping operations remains one of the biggest challenges for peacekeeping on the continent. As far back as resolution 1809 (2008), adopted in 2008, the Council recognized the need to enhance the predictability, sustainability and flexibility offinancing regional organizations when they undertake peacekeeping under a United Nations mandate. South Africa believes that AU peace operations, authorized by the Security Council, must be adequately funded and resourced. In that regard, we support the AU call for the use of United Nations assessed contributions to secure predictable, sustainable and flexible financing for AU peace operations authorized by the Security Council.”
2017-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8006Reprise1 (2017) · source
“It is therefore imperative for the United Nations to work closely with the AU and the various regional economic organizations on the continent to achieve sustainable peace on the African continent. That would necessitate notjust collaboration on peacekeeping but also in building capacity in mediation and peacemaking efforts, as well as post- conflict peacebuilding and reconstruction. President Alpha Conde, in his capacity as Chairperson of the AU, has appointed my President, President Zuma, to promote partnership between the AU and the United Nations towards enhancing African capabilities in peacekeeping operations. In that regard, South Africa continues to encourage a strong collaborative relationship between the United Nations and the AU. In that regard, my delegation would like to highlight the following four points.”
2017-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8006Reprise1 (2017) · source
“However, as we have frequently reiterated, it is often regional organizations such as the AU that are the first responders to conflicts and deploy early in order to stabilize conflict situations, thereby creating a more favourable environment for the United Nations to deploy and for peace processes to start. This is by no means accidental, as regional organizations are often better positioned to understand the root causes of armed conflicts owing to their knowledge of the region. This advantage benefits all efforts to influence the prevention and resolution of conflicts. Furthermore, regional bodies have a comparative advantage due to their collective political resolve to address a conflict situation and to prevent regional instability.”
2017-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8006Reprise1 (2017) · source
“It is important for the United Nations at all levels to work closely with the African Union in achieving our common security and developmental objectives, as encapsulated in the African Union Agenda 2063 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It should be noted that the Summit recommitted Africa to the AU Master Road Map of Practical Steps to Silence the Guns in Africa by the Year 2020. It also declared the month of September of every year until 2020 as African Amnesty Month for the surrender and collection of illegally owned weapons and arms, in line with African and international best practice. At the outset, South Africa recognizes that in terms of the Charter of the United Nations, the Security Council has the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security.”
2017-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8006Reprise1 (2017) · source
“Allow me to congratulate you, Mr. President, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of July. I also thank you and the Chinese delegation for convening this timely open debate on peace and security in Africa, under the theme "Enhancing African capacities in the areas of peace and security". South Africa aligns itself with the statement delivered by the representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela on behalf of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries. This debate is timely as it follows immediately on the successful conclusion of the twenty-ninth African Union (AU) Summit in Addis Ababa, where the African Union considered issues that are of utmost importance to the continent, including the African Union's aspirations outlined in its Agenda 2063.”
2017-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8006Reprise1 (2017) · source
“The Council should ensure that activities of this nature are investigated and do not go unpunished. Ensuring accountability for these crimes is crucial in ensuring that the credibility of the United Nations is maintained, which is key to delivering global justice.”
2017-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7951 (2017) · source
“We reiterate that the selective application of the protection of civilians mandate undermines the credibility of the international community in pursuing this goal. Thirdly, the Security Council should at all times condemn all instances of arbitrary withholding of consent to impartial humanitarian relief operations or any actions to deprive civilians of means indispensable to their survival, including wilfully impeding access to relief. Such acts constitute violations of international humanitarian law and are therefore unacceptable. Lastly, we call on all parties to conflicts to comply with their obligations to respect and protect humanitarian and medical personnel and objects, as well as to condemn direct and indiscriminate attacks in this regard.”
2017-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7951 (2017) · source
“First, we support the Secretary-General's call for increased efforts in mediation and preventive diplomacy in our quest to protect civilians. The Security Council should therefore ensure that the protection of civilians remains a core aspect of all political strategies to prevent and resolve conflicts. In pursuing that goal, we call on the United Nations to strengthen and streamline regional partnerships, including the African Union-United Nations partnership, in fulfilling its mandate to protect civilians and health workers. Secondly, South Africa supports the adoption and implementation of measures pursuant to resolution 2286 (2016), which emphasizes the protection ofthe wounded and sick, medical personnel, medical facilities and equipment, and the sharing of best practices and lessons learned.”
2017-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7951 (2017) · source
“We wish to underline that, while it remains the primary responsibility of States to protect civilians, including humanitarian personnel and health workers within their borders, all parties, including armed opposition groups, must also bear responsibility for ensuring that civilians and health workers are protected. All parties to a conflict should fully comply with their obligations under international law, as stated in resolution 2286 (2016). Furthermore, we believe that Member States have an obligation under international humanitarian law to allow and facilitate the safe and unhindered passage of humanitarian relief, including medical missions and their personnel and supplies. My delegation wishes to emphasize the following four points.”
2017-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7951 (2017) · source
“Ifthe Council cannot play its role in this regard, it then fails in its responsibilities toward the international community that it seeks to serve. We wish to begin by commending the humanitarian workers and medical staff who carry out their duties so valiantly, often under the most difficult of circumstances. South Africa has been involved in a number of initiatives that highlight the circumstances in which health-care and humanitarian workers operate, including the Health Care in Danger project of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.”
2017-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7951 (2017) · source
“We congratulate you, Mr. President, and your delegation on the able manner in which you are presiding over the Security Council. We thank you for organizing this open debate on such an important issue. We also thank the Secretary-General for his statement, and the representative of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Ms. Christine Beerli, and Mr. Bruno Stagno Ugarte for their briefings. We align ourselves with the statement delivered by the representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela on behalf of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries. Debates of this nature are necessary, as protecting civilians from the scourge of war is at the core of the Security Council's mandate to maintain international peace and security.”
2017-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7951 (2017) · source
“Furthermore, I would like to reiterate my delegation's commitment to continue working within the United Nations and other multilateral structures to seek ways of countering the threat posed to international peace and security by terrorist acts in an effective and efficient manner.”
2017-04-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7929 (2017) · source
“Last but not least, we wish to highlight the plight of Palestinian prisoners, especially during this time when, according to reports, 1,100 of the 6,200 in eight prisons in Israel are on hunger strike, in protest over conditions in Israeli prisons. They are calling for improved conditions, including regular family visits, improved medical care and an end to the practice of holding hundreds of detainees without charge. In conclusion, my delegation firmly believes that dialogue and negotiation remain the only way forward to finding a lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.”
2017-04-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7929 (2017) · source
“Fifthly, with regard to the central stance reflected in the concept note (S/2017/305, annex), the upsurge in acts of terrorism globally and in the Middle East reaffirms that terrorism continues to be a threat not only to international peace and security but also to fundamental rights and freedoms. South Africa condemns in the strongest terms possible terrorist acts wherever they occur and by whomsoever they are committed. We support the approach that continues to place the United Nations at the centre of multilateral efforts to counter terrorism. We remain firm in our belief that no country can address the challenging and complex threat on its own, and that terrorism will not and cannot be defeated by military means.”
2017-04-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7929 (2017) · source
“On that score, South Africa remains committed to working with Israel and Palestine, and with the international community, to find a lasting and durable solution to the conflict within the parameters of international law. Fourthly, my delegation is of the View that it may also be useful to note in today's debate that, as there is increasing focus on a more effective implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) pertaining to women and peace and security, the reports from the Secretariat to the Council on the situation in the Middle East should also regularly include a specific focus on the impact of the conflict on women, who face specific challenges under the occupation.”
2017-04-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7929 (2017) · source
“Abbas urged the international community to exert greater effort than before to establish a truly independent Palestinian State, and called on Israel to recognize the State of Palestine and put an end to its occupation, so that the State of Palestine can coexist alongside the state of Israel in peace and security as good neighbours. He said that in the context of the fiftieth anniversary this June of Israel's occupation. According to reports, during that period over 48,000 homes and related structures were demolished in West Bank and Gaza; 586,000 acres of Palestinian land confiscated, and 300,000 Palestinian refugees created.”
2017-04-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7929 (2017) · source
“That resolution affirmed that the establishment by Israel of settlements in the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem, has no legal validity and constitutes a flagrant violation of international law. We hold the view that this development by Israel will undermine the conditions for successful final status negotiations and for advancing the two-State solution through those negotiations. Thirdly, we note with disbelief that 2017 will mark the fiftieth year of Israel's military conquest of Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem. In his speech to the General Assembly in September (see A/71/PV.14), Palestinian President Mr.”
2017-04-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7929 (2017) · source
“While several Security Council resolutions have been previously adopted - including most recently resolution 2334 (2016) last December, condemning the establishment of Israeli settlements in Palestinian territory - the Council has failed to act decisively on the matter. It remains a stain on the Council's record. Therefore, while there has been no progress on the matter in the Security Council, today's open debate, at the very least, should provide the wider United Nations Membership with an opportunity to express their views on the conflict. Secondly, on 3 April my Government issued a press statement through which it expressed its deep concern at Israeli plans to continue with its illegal settlements, in defiance of resolution 2334 (2016).”
2017-04-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7929 (2017) · source
“We join other Member States in expressing our appreciation to the United States for convening today's open debate on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question. South Africa aligns itselfwith a statement delivered by the representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela on behalf of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries. Nevertheless, my delegation wishes to make remarks on six critical issues. First, South Africa is of the view that this quarterly debate should not stray from the core Israel-Palestine issue that has been on the Security Council's agenda for over 70 years.”
2017-04-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7929 (2017) · source
“In particular, we echo the global study on the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000), which noted that the prevention of conflict must be the priority, not the use of force, thereby stressing the need for both short-term prevention measures and longer-term measures to address the root causes and structural drivers of conflict. The Security Council should not act as the proverbial man with the hammer. Instead, using all aspects of the Charter at the disposal of the United Nations system, including the good offices role of the Secretary-General, we must commit ourselves to doing everything we can to prevent conflict and sustain peace.”
2017-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7857 (2017) · source
“In addition to traditional threats to international peace and security, the nature of conflict is changing, with a multiplicity of armed actors, many employing asymmetric methods. Against that background, the United Nations faces new challenges to its efforts to ensure peace and security, promote sustainable development, protect human rights and deliver humanitarian aid. In conclusion, South Africa continues to recognize the importance of carrying out the recommendations of the reviews on peacekeeping, peacebuilding and on women and peace and security.”
2017-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7857 (2017) · source
“South Africa further welcomes and reaffirms its commitment to cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations in matters relating to the maintenance of international peace and security. That allows for consistency with Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations. As the United Nations has already recognized, regional organizations are well positioned to understand the causes of armed conflicts, owing to their knowledge ofthe region, which can strengthen their efforts to influence the prevention or resolution of those conflicts. Furthermore, they have a comparative advantage, owing to their increasing political resolve to address the situation. It would be beneficial for the United Nations to work closely with regional and subregional organizations in their mediation and peacemaking efforts.”
2017-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7857 (2017) · source