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

“The Council's unwillingness to take meaningful action to move the peace process forward has led directly to the complete breakdown of the negotiation process and to the resulting escalation of tension and violence in Israel and Palestine. South Africa calls on the Security Council to urgently respond to the situation in Israel. Unified and impartial action by the Council is long overdue. As a first step, we believe that the Council should urgently pave the way for the cessation of violence and create the opportunity for the parties to be able to meet. It is clear that there is no trust between the parties and that the restoration of some degree of trust is required to begin the long road back to the negotiations on a two-State solution.”
2015-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7540Resumption1 (2015) · source
“In addition, the depressed economic situation in the occupied Palestinian territories, especially in Gaza, and the illegal settlement activities that continue unabated have compounded the rage of the Palestinians, who believe that violence is the only option left to them. Statements and debates in the Security Council over the past years have proved ineffective to address the deteriorating situation in Palestine. We keep meeting in this Chamber to no effect, and it is depressing to realize that the Council has become unable to address major crises, mainly because the narrow interest of a few member States has rendered it toothless.”
2015-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7540Resumption1 (2015) · source
“We call upon the authorities in Israel and Palestine to respond to the current developments with restraint and in a measured manner. South Africa agrees with the assessment by the Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs on Friday, 16 October, when he stated that the collective punishments carried out by the Israeli Defence Forces are in contravention of international law and should be terminated without delay. Israel and the international community must understand that the outrage among Palestinians has been created by developments on the ground, which have rendered a viable Palestinian State nearly unattainable.”
2015-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7540Resumption1 (2015) · source
“South Africa denounces all attempts to change the decades-long status quo in the Holy Land, which has preserved mutual respect for the holy sites of the world's three major monotheistic religions. It is especially disconcerting that the reverence for those sites has been exploited politically and used to incite violence. South Africa reiterates, in the strongest terms, its condemnation of violence in all its forms, regardless by whom it is perpetrated. We convey our sincere condolences to the families and friends of the victims on all sides who have been killed or injured. We support calls for both the Government of Israel and the State of Palestine to conduct investigations into the latest killings and to ensure that the perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.”
2015-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7540Resumption1 (2015) · source
“My delegation is grateful to be able to participate in this debate, and we thank the Secretary-General for his report (S/2015/677). South Africa appreciates the statements made by the Foreign Minister of the State of Palestine and the Permanent Representative of Israel. We also align ourselves with the statement delivered by the representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement. We meet at a critical moment of great concern. The escalation of violence and inflammatory rhetoric in the occupied Palestinian territories and East Jerusalem, especially around the holy sites of the Temple Mount - the Haram Al-Sharif compound - including the Al-Aqsa Mosque and Joseph's Tomb, are a source of great concern.”
2015-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7540Resumption1 (2015) · source
“However, if that does not happen, we believe that the new permanent members of the Council should not be at a disadvantage and should be afforded all the rights and privileges that come with a permanent seat, including the right of veto.”
2015-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7539Resumption1 (2015) · source
“We reiterate our stance that improving the working methods of the Council is but a small step in making the Council more effective. The only way to truly and profoundly improve its efficiency is by instituting a substantive reform of the Council to make it representative of the geopolitical realities of this century. It cannot be that in the seventieth year of its existence, the Council still excludes vast geographical areas in its permanent composition. In that connection, we reiterate our commitment to the Ezulwini Consensus, which seeks to provide Africa with two permanent seats and five non-permanent seats. In tandem with over two thirds of the United Nations membership, we call for the abolition of the use of the veto, which only serves to promote the interests of a few.”
2015-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7539Resumption1 (2015) · source
“A recent example in that regard is the situation in South Sudan, where some members of the Security Council were ready to impose sanctions despite the African Union Peace and Security Council being seized with the matter and the unfolding processes at the African Union level. We wish to thank those permanent and elected members of the Security Council that heeded the call of the African Union. South Africa welcomes the debate on the use of the veto and on restricting the use of the veto, which has featured prominently in discussions over the past few years. While South Africa in principle agrees to a discussion on the use of the veto, we wish to reiterate that the fundamental question that needs to be addressed remains the composition and reform of the Security Council.”
2015-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7539Resumption1 (2015) · source
“In that regard, South Africa implores the Security Council to give effect to resolution 2033 (2012), which calls on the Council to elaborate further ways of strengthening relations between the two Councils, including through achieving more effective annual consultative meetings, the holding of timely consultations and collaborative field missions of the two Councils, as appropriate, to formulate cohesive positions and strategies on a case-by-case basis in dealing with conflict situations in Africa. While we have noted significant areas of improvement in the strategic coordination between the Security Council and the African Union Peace and Security Council, we are concerned about the inconsistency with which the Security Council coordinates its position with that of the African Union.”
2015-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7539Resumption1 (2015) · source
“South Africa believes that the membership should be kept abreast of developments and that the names of candidates, as well as their curriculums vitae, should be circulated. Member States should also be given an opportunity to formally engage with candidates through a series of interactive dialogues in the General Assembly. Finally, South Africa fully supports the call for the Council to send more than one name to the General Assembly, in order for the entire membership to make the appointment and for the next Secretary-General to be appointed for only one term of seven years. South Africa is pleased with the Council's enhanced strategic cooperation with the African Union Peace and Security Council.”
2015-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7539Resumption1 (2015) · source
“In view of the fact that the term of office of the current Secretary-General is drawing to an end, one ofthe most immediate changes the Council could embark upon would be to increase its engagement with the broader United Nations membership. That could be achieved by the holding of Arria Formula meetings to discuss that matter. Pursuant to General Assembly resolution 69/321, South Africa calls on the Security Council to coordinate closely with the President of the General Assembly in formally starting the process as early as possible. That should be accompanied by a list of criteria, developed in consultation with Member States and drawing on the Charter of the United Nations and additional sources, such as previous Joint Inspection Unit reports on the criteria for senior management positions in the United Nations.”
2015-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7539Resumption1 (2015) · source
“We are especially pleased by the format outlined in the concept note (S/2015/793, annex) drafted by your delegation, Sir, which aims to reduce the overall length of the debate and produce an outcome - with that outcome being drafted after the debate in order to take into account the positions of non-Council members. That is only proper, as, after all, the Council acts on behalf of all os us, not just on behalf of the privileged 15 members. Over a number of recent years, we have debated ad infinitum the question of Security Council working methods. However, little has happened in terms of implementing the useful proposals put forth by the general membership of the United Nations in terms of improving the Council's working methods. One of the key areas of reform identified has been the selection and appointment of the Secretary-General.”
2015-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7539Resumption1 (2015) · source
“My delegation expresses its appreciation to you, Mr. President, for organizing this debate, and we welcome the invitation to the President of the General Assembly, Mr. Lykketoft, to participate in this important meeting. His participation in this debate is an important step in improving cooperation and coordination between the principal organs of the United Nations. We hope that the Council will invite the President of the Assembly to participate in its work more often. We also thank the Deputy-Secretary-General for his briefing, as well as that by the Vice-President of the Economic and Social Council. South Africa aligns itself with the statement delivered earlier by the representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement.”
2015-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7539Resumption1 (2015) · source
“In conclusion, in South Africa we believe that cooperation between the United Nations and the region and its subregions can further enhance capacity so as to ensure complementarity and minimize the duplication of efforts. Ultimately, however, we must draw on the strengths of each organization and be prepared to adopt more flexible and sometimes more robust approaches to addressing conflicts in a more effective manner. The United Nations needs to adjust to an environment that requires a more nuanced approach rather than rigid procedures that have proved ineffective.”
2015-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7505Resumption1 (2015) · source
“Steps, however minimal, taken by those directly affected by a conflict, including regional and subregional organizations, should be taken into consideration and, where possible, built upon. South Africa believes that, given the scarcity of financial and human capital, a clear division of labour and productive burden-sharing between the United Nations and regional organizations is critical to sustainable conflict resolution and prevention efforts. We also believe that regional organizations could benefit from flexible and predictable financial support from the United Nations and other international institutions and stakeholders.”
2015-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7505Resumption1 (2015) · source
“Further examples of such cooperation are the hybrid model of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur, the assistance provided to the African Union Mission in Somalia and, recently, the robust mandate developed for the Intervention Brigade of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Such collaborative efforts, benefitting from the experience of the more robust mandates espoused by regional and subregional bodies, illustrate the importance of closer collaboration between the United Nations and Chapter VIII bodies. We must also be aware that the principles of national ownership and the sovereignty of States, which should be respected ifwe are to create lasting peace, are central to the sustainability of peace initiatives.”
2015-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7505Resumption1 (2015) · source
“Moreover, their strategic thrust is aimed at promoting political and legislative coherence between the Security Council and the AU Peace and Security Council in dealing with African peace and security challenges. Since that time we have seen the benefits of the collaboration between the United Nations and the African Union and its subregional organizations. At the operational level, the United Nations Secretariat has been active in supporting the AU's Peace and Security Architecture through the implementation of a 10-year capacity-building programme. Both organizations also benefit fromthe deploymentofjointtechnicalassessment missions.”
2015-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7505Resumption1 (2015) · source
“Regional and subregional organizations also have the distinct advantage of being able to respond rapidly to conflicts that arise, as evidenced by the various African-led international support missions, such as those in Mali and the Central African Republic. Such rapid response missions have acted as bridges to the more sustainable United Nations peacekeeping missions. In 2012 South Africa piloted the adoption of resolution 2033 (2012), which built on resolution 1809 (2008), adopted during the April 2008 South African presidency of the Security Council. The two resolutions encourage the strengthening of regular interaction, consultation and coordination between the two bodies on matters of mutual interest.”
2015-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7505Resumption1 (2015) · source
“For its part, the African Union (AU) has established, as part of the African Peace and Security Architecture, the African Union Peace and Security Council, which is, among other things, a standing decision-making organ for the prevention, management and resolution of conflicts on the African continent. Despite the challenges faced by the African Union and its subregional organizations, such as a lack of predictable sources of funding, they remain a reservoir of critical knowledge about the nature of conflicts on the continent. They have a distinct comparative advantage in addressing conflicts in often complex environments and are usually able to deploy troops to areas of conflict without delay.”
2015-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7505Resumption1 (2015) · source
“I would like to begin by joining previous speakers, Madam President, in congratulating you and your delegation on your assumption of your important role, and in wishing you success in steering the work of the Security Council during your presidency. South Africa commends you for giving special attention to this important topic during your presidency, and we welcome today's debate, which will, we hope, help to strengthen cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations. Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations recognizes that cooperation with regional and subregional bodies can improve collective security.”
2015-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7505Resumption1 (2015) · source
“In conclusion, South Africa urges the international community to fulfil its commitments to SIDS and to help them build their capacity in strategic areas such as trade, information and communications technology, investment, capacity-building, disaster management, the environment, food and agriculture, the oceans, water, energy, health and education. That will help them to push back against the plethora of challenges that have been identified in today's debate.”
2015-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7499 (2015) · source
“Specific challenges for small island developing countries include, among other things, environmental degradation, natural disasters, food insecurity, water scarcity, HIV/AIDS, narco-trafficking, small-arms trafficking and the impact of terrorism on the economic sectors, particularly tourism. The implementation of the sustainable development agenda for small island developing States must proceed despite the current emphasis on security. In that regard, we must acknowledge the increased financial and administrative obligation at the national level that this places on all small island developing States, as part of the global fight against terrorism.”
2015-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7499 (2015) · source
“Strong domestic action and robust global cooperation is the only way to tackle those global challenges, particularly through the adoption of a fair and ambitious multilateral agreement in Paris at the end of the year at the twenty-first session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Climate Change Conference. We believe that the Paris agreement should give equal priority to mitigation and adaptation, while establishing clear linkages between the action that is required of countries and the means of implementation. That should include enhanced support for country-driven climate action, including for climate change-related disaster risk management and for building resilience in all vulnerable regions, such as SIDS, least developed countries and Africa. Furthermore, SIDS represent a multidimensional concept.”
2015-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7499 (2015) · source
“Even climate change scenarios reflecting moderate warming during this century could have devastating consequences, as increases in extreme weather and slow onset events could further worsen food and water security challenges, undermine community development, compromise critical infrastructure, weaken State governance and strain social cohesion. Such threats, if not addressed in a timely fashion, could well reshape the future global security environment by affecting vulnerable countries' political and social stability and economic security.”
2015-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7499 (2015) · source
“Peace, security, stability and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the right to development, as well as respect for cultural diversity, are essential for achieving sustainable development and ensuring that sustainable development benefits all. All countries will face the adverse impacts of climate change, but the world's most vulnerable peoples will suffer the most. And yet, those societies are the least responsible for the global challenges that we are now facing. In addition to that shared challenge, rising sea levels owing to climate change ultimately pose an existential threat to SIDS.”
2015-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7499 (2015) · source
“South Africa therefore supports the efforts of SIDS to: First, combat trafficking in persons, cybercrime, drug trafficking, transnational organized crime and international piracy; Secondly, promote the accession, ratification and implementation of applicable conventions; Thirdly, enact and apply legislation that prohibits trafficking; and, Fourthly, promote strong institutions and improve protection mechanisms to ensure adequate care for victims of sex trafficking and forced labour, in accordance with the relevant national and international agreements and treaties. Furthermore, my delegation supports the development of action plans in SIDS aimed at eliminating violence against women and girls, who are often targets of gender-based violence and are disproportionately affected by crime, violence and conflict.”
2015-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7499 (2015) · source
“With specific regard to piracy, as early as 2010 South Africa involved itself in counter-piracy engagements, which have been formalized in partnerships with other African Member States, such as Mozambique and Tanzania, under the auspices of the Southern African Development Community. That collaboration has led to various successes, as reflected by the fending- off of pirate attacks in Tanzanian waters in 2012, in cooperation with the European Union deployment, entitled Operation Copper. Furthermore, Operation Copper has set up training programmes as a capacity-building mechanism working with neighbouring countries. More recently, South Africa has also begun to focus its naval operations on counter-piracy operations in the Gulf of Guinea.”
2015-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7499 (2015) · source
“Mr. President, I thank you for ably presiding over the Security Council in July and for convening this important debate. South Africa also thanks the Secretary-General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, and the representatives of the small island developing States (SIDS) for their briefings. South Africa recognizes the fact that sustainable development and the peace and security of SIDS can be negatively affected by crime and violence, as well as by conflict, piracy, trafficking in persons, cybercrime, drug trafficking and transnational crime. In particular, the lack of sustainable livelihoods and opportunities for further education and the break down in community support structures can lead to increasing numbers of people becoming involved in crime.”
2015-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7499 (2015) · source
“Staffan de Mistura, to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict. In conclusion, South Africa also deplores the repulsive atrocities and human rights violations committed against minorities by extremists in the region. It is important for the international community to work together to counter that threat and prevent it further spread.”
2015-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7430 (2015) · source
“With regard to Syria, my delegation is deeply disappointed that the Syrian conflict has been raging for more than four years, with devastating humanitarian consequences and with no prospect of abating. It is one of the worst humanitarian disasters facing humankind, with severe political and economic consequences for the entire region. The only hope for the Syrian people lies in the willingness of all the parties to the conflict to immediately put an end to the violence and to start engaging each other constructively and without preconditions, with the aim of reaching an agreement on a political transition in the spirit of reconciliation, based on the Geneva communique of June 2012 (S/2012/522, annex). South Africa supports the ongoing diplomatic efforts of the Special Envoy, Mr.”
2015-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7430 (2015) · source
“We believe that, as a State, Palestine has the right to join whatever organizations it pleases, and we will support Palestine's membership application to the United Nations, which has stalled in the Council. South Africa looks forward to the release of the report of the Human Rights Council's Commission of Inquiry established to investigate war crimes committed during the last Gaza conflict. We acknowledge the difficulties the Commission has faced, but we hope that it will not affect the impartiality or the thoroughness of the report and that it will be a first step towards the realization ofjustice for the many victims of the Gaza conflict. We remain committed to a just, lasting and peaceful solution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and we support international efforts aimed at the establishment ofa viable Palestinian State.”
2015-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7430 (2015) · source
“South Africa reiterates its condemnation of all forms of violence, including that perpetrated by individuals, as detrimental to the teetering peace process. South Africa welcomes the announcement by Israel and Palestine on Saturday, 18 April, that an agreement had been reached to release hundreds of millions of dollars in tax revenues and customs duties withheld from the Palestinian Authority since the beginning of the year. We hope that the agreement will be implemented without delay. We reiterate that withholding tax revenue is illegal collective punishment in response to Palestine's accession to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and to other international agreements and organizations.”
2015-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7430 (2015) · source
“Moreover, Israel's actions in Gaza also constitute a violation of international humanitarian law, including article 23 of the Fourth Geneva Convention, and violate resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1973), 1515 (2003) and 1860 (2009). To date, the Security Council has failed to hold Israel responsible for its violations of Council decisions, thereby enabling Israel's impunity. The dire situation is punctuated by provocations and attacks against the holy sites in East Jerusalem, by the violent response to peaceful protests by Palestinians and by attacks by illegal settlers against Palestinian communities. We recently witnessed the effect of those attacks, with individual Palestinians retaliating.”
2015-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7430 (2015) · source
“Essentially, the Israeli settlement activities are confiscating Palestinian territory essential for a future State and aim to isolate East Jerusalem from other main Palestinian cities, thus seriously threatening the very achievement of the two-State solution in line with the overwhelming call for the creation of a sovereign, independent, viable and contiguous Palestinian State coexisting peacefully alongside the State of Israel on the basis of the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. We again call on Israel to immediately stop its settlement activities as an obligation under various Security Council resolutions and international law.”
2015-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7430 (2015) · source
“The illegal Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip continues to inflict grave suffering to the lives of 1.8 million Palestinians, worsening the already pervasive humanitarian crisis. We reiterate our deep concern that the solution envisioned by the Oslo Accords more than 20 years ago is being taken apart piecemeal with every new settlement that is announced. The settlements are not only illegal under international law, but also remain a major stumbling block to the achievement of sustainable peace.”
2015-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7430 (2015) · source
“Moreover, all three stalled negotiations were followed by wars in Gaza, leaving the Strip devastated and worsening the humanitarian situation on the ground. That led Mr. Serry to call for a new strategy to be adopted by the United States and the international community to prioritize the situation in Gaza. He also urged the Security Council to take the lead and to present a framework for the negotiations to the parties. He expressed the belief that it would be the only way to preserve and achieve the two-State solution. Mr. Serry cautioned that the situation on the ground was developing towards a one-State "solution", which is not a solution. South Africa believes that the time to act is long overdue.”
2015-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7430 (2015) · source
“Nickolay Mladenov as the new Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process and Personal Representative of Secretary-General to the Palestinian Liberation Organization and the Palestinian Authority. We wish him every success in carrying out his duties and assure him of our strong support for his work. Mrs. Kawar took the Chair. South Africa associates itself with the statement delivered by the representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement. In his last briefing to the Council (see S/PV.7417), Mr. Serry recalled that, during his tenure in office, three United States-led peace initiatives remained inconclusive and did not bring us closer to the urgently needed peace agreement based on the two-State solution.”
2015-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7430 (2015) · source
“Let me to join others, Mr. President, in congratulating you and your country on Jordan's assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for this month. We also wish to thank the President for convening this important debate. For many years, South Africa has called for increased engagement by the Council on the question of Palestine, as we hold the view that the Council has an obligation to step in to end impunity on the ground and to move the stalled peace process forward. We express our appreciation to the Secretary-General, His Excellency Mr. Ban Ki-moon, for his important briefing. At this time, we wish to express our gratitude to Mr. Robert Serry for his years of service and for his work in trying to resolve one of the world's most intractable conflicts. My delegation welcomes the appointment of Mr.”
2015-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7430 (2015) · source
“There is a need to understand and address the conditions that make terrorism an attractive option to the disaffected and to develop appropriate strategies to address them. In that regard, concerted efforts must be made to resolve conflicts in all parts of the world, including the Middle East. In conclusion, South Africa would like to reaffirm its commitment to working with the international community in our collective quest to fully eradicate all forms of intolerance.”
2015-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7419 (2015) · source
“Chapter 2 of our Constitution states that everyone has the right to freedom of religion, belief and opinion. Section 9 of the Constitution prohibits unfair discrimination on various grounds, including religion. Section 39 protects the right ofpersons belonging to a religious community to practice their religion in peace, and Sections 185 and 186 provide for the promotion and protection of the rights of cultural, religious and linguistic communities. South Africa believes that these principles are sacred, and will continue to promote them in all of our engagements. South Africa is also of the View that in addressing terrorism, it is important to focus on its fundamental causes.”
2015-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7419 (2015) · source
“It is therefore imperative that the international community reaffirm the rights of the individuals who are suffering persecution to live in peace in their countries. As we move towards the seventieth anniversary of the Organization, which was built on the ashes of the most devastating war and the most horrific crimes against humanity, we are obliged to uphold and enforce the principles of the Charter and to reaffirm the fundamental human rights of all humankind. We should also be particularly firm in focusing on the eradication of the root causes of all forms of intolerance and find ways of addressing fundamental ideologies that create hatred. South Africa comes from a past that is defined by racial discrimination and racial intolerance.”
2015-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7419 (2015) · source
“We are dismayed by the report of the High Commissioner for Human Rights of 13 March, and again today, that it appears that the Islamic State in Iraq and Sham (ISIS) may have committed war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. ISIS's threat of violence against ethnic and religious minorities and the rape of women and girls, who are often captured as sex slaves, are deplorable, as are the forced conversions and the forced recruitment of child soldiers. It is our collective duty as States Members of the United Nations to reject all forms of intolerance and its manifestations, regardless of where they occur. Our own country's history has taught us that racial, religious and ethnic intolerance is immoral.”
2015-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7419 (2015) · source
“At the outset, let me congratulate you, Mr. President, for ably steering the work of the Security Council for the month of March and for hosting this important debate. In the same breath, I wish to thank Secretary- General Ban Ki-moon and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Prince Zeid Ra'ad Zeid Al-Hussein, and other briefers for their insightful and informative briefings. Today's debate takes place against the backdrop of a world that in recent months has witnessed deplorable systematic persecutions of individuals belonging to different ethnic, religious or other minority groups. Like the rest of the world, South Africa has been appalled by the cold-blooded public execution of religious and ethnic minorities throughout the region.”
2015-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7419 (2015) · source
“In conclusion, I would like to highlight the preamble of the Charter of the United Nations, which commences by identifying the objective "to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war". That speaks directly to our children and the next generation. We must remember that promise of a more peaceful and safer world to our children.”
2015-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7414 (2015) · source
“My delegation strongly rejects the mass atrocities committed by extremist groups such as Boko Haram, which also have a direct impact on children. South Africa wishes to amplify the international community's call with regard to the "Bring Back Our Girls" campaign. It is disturbing to note that, on 14 April, it will be exactly one year since that horrendous incident occurred. South Africa will continue to support actions aimed at preventing child recruitment, and ensure that child soldiers are reintegrated back into their community during the demobilization and reintegration phases. Moreover, South Africa supports actions aimed at child protection in the training of peacekeepers. Protection of civilians, in particular women and children, must also take into account the interlinkage between security and development.”
2015-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7414 (2015) · source
“Others are displaced from their communities and homes, and allowed to suffer untold emotional, developmental, physical, psychological, mental and spiritual harm, as seen in the indoctrination of children into extremist non-State armed groups. In addition, armed conflict destroys State structures that provide social services. The lack of those services further prevents children from accessing basic services such as education, health, water, sanitation and nutritious food, thereby deepening poverty. These are factors of key importance for national and international peace and security that demand immediate as well as long-term collective attention by the international community. The importance of children having access to basic services during conflict as well as post-conflict periods cannot be stressed enough.”
2015-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7414 (2015) · source
“As conflicts are increasingly being experienced within States and involve non-State groups such as terrorist or rebel groups, such groups are less likely to be concerned with or to abide by humanitarian laws that provide for the protection of children. Much more must be done by the international community with regard to addressing violence against children. Furthermore, mechanisms to promote and defend children's collective security need to be highlighted. That includes the use of child soldiers in conflict. Despite that noble call, children continue to be kidnapped and forcibly conscripted or recruited into service throughout the world as sex slaves, helpers, guards and armed fighters. In that process children's rights are being violated with impunity. Many die.”
2015-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7414 (2015) · source
“South Africa believes that all children deserve protection, not exploitation. They belong in school, not armies and fighting groups. Children should be armed with pens and textbooks, not guns. That campaign complements other United Nations efforts, such as the Global Education First Initiative, to secure children's rights and provide dignity, opportunity and a better life. We support the Secretary-General's call on "all concerned Governments, regional and non-governmental organizations to work with the United Nations to intensify efforts to meet our goal of zero use of children by any Government forces by 2016". One of the African Union's aspirations for agenda 2063 is that by 2020 all guns will be silent and Africa will be a peaceful and secure continent with harmony among communities of nations.”
2015-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7414 (2015) · source
“The Secretary-General's "Children, Not Soldiers" campaign, launched on 6 March 2014 by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict and UNICEF, presented another opportunity to pay particular attention to this challenge. Additionally, on 7 March 2014, a historical landmark was documented when the Council unanimously adopted resolution 2143 (2014). That resolution expresses deep concern about the military use of schools by armed forces and non-State armed groups. It also condemns "all violations of applicable international law on recruitment and use and abuse of children by parties to armed conflict". In that regard, my delegation condemns such attacks and recruitment of children and calls upon all concerned parties to protect children, as well as their schools.”
2015-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7414 (2015) · source
“I would like to congratulate you, Mr. President, on assuming the presidency of the Security Council this month, and for convening this important debate. Furthermore, I would like to extend our appreciation to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the rest of the briefers for their insightful information. South Africa attaches high importance to the protection of children in armed conflict. My delegation recognizes that the protection of civilians, including women and children in conflict situations is, by its very nature, the primary responsibility of individual Member States. My delegation reiterates our support for resolution 1612 (2005) on children and armed conflict on this significant tenth anniversary of the mandate.”
2015-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7414 (2015) · source