YouSaid · the spoken record

Mona Juul

lines on the record: 260
first: 2020-04-23
most recent: 2021-05-26
sittings or episodes: 44
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

“It is critical that this be done through dialogue among the affected parties, and that the process lead to rebuilding and the provision of basic services. Norway also welcomes the adoption of the landmark Yazidi Female Survivors Law. Accountability and justice for survivors is essential to move towards national healing and reconciliation. However, even amid these positive developments, there is still cause for concern and a need for concerted attention during this pivotal time for Iraq. The security situation remains fragile and volatile. We remain deeply concerned about the continued terrorist activity of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant, as well as the repeated attacks against coalition forces.”
2021-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/474 (2021) · source
“Long-term stability cannot be achieved without addressing the underlying causes of conflict and instability. Economic, social and political reforms must be initiated and greater emphasis must be put on reconciliation efforts. Norway fully support Prime Minister Al-Kadhimi’s recent call for a comprehensive national dialogue following the historic visit of Pope Francis to Iraq in March. We also welcome progress on the federal budget law and the agreement between Baghdad and Erbil. We urge Baghdad and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq to continue their dialogue in order to resolve all outstanding issues and promote further cooperation. The implementation of the Sinjar agreement also needs more attention.”
2021-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/474 (2021) · source
“We support the Iraqi request for United Nations election observation, and we call for a solution to be found — and a decision to be made — in that regard in the Council as soon as possible. Free, fair and transparent elections are vital for the integrity of, and public trust in, the electoral process, as well as for the stability of Iraq. Freedom of expression and assembly remain vital for the democratic development of Iraq. Norway condemns the recent violence in Iraq, including the assassination of an activist, Ihab Al-Wazni, in Karbala last Sunday, and the shooting of a journalist in Diwaniyah yesterday. We call on the Iraqi authorities to find and hold the perpetrators accountable. As Iraq prepares for elections in October, the security and protection of all Iraqi citizens is essential.”
2021-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/474 (2021) · source
“At the outset, we thank Ms. Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), for her briefing. We greatly appreciate UNAMI’s work in Iraq and its support for the Independent High Electoral Commission in the preparations for early parliamentary elections in October. We are pleased to see that following our most recent meeting in February (see S/2021/152), the Government of Iraq has taken important steps to prepare for the election, including the necessary amendment of the Federal Supreme Court law. We also commend the establishment of a higher committee to promote and monitor women’s participation and to propose measures to prevent and address violence against women candidates.”
2021-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/474 (2021) · source
“In that context, Norway also welcomes the recent adoption of the Yazidi Female Survivors Law in the Iraqi Council of Representatives. In conclusion, let me once again thank Special Adviser Khan and Ms. Murad for their briefings today, and reiterate my gratitude to the Special Adviser for his dedicated efforts to promote accountability for crimes committed by ISIL in Iraq.”
2021-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/460 (2021) · source
“Finally, drawing upon the high-quality work and expertise that UNITAD has acquired in the field, the Team must maintain a gender- and age-responsive approach across all activities. Although horrific crimes were committed against all members of Iraqi society, we know that women and girls were particularly and systematically targeted for sexual and gender-based violence — including sexual slavery and trafficking. Indeed, ISIL carried out these crimes as a deliberate tactic to recruit fighters, instil terror and traumatize families and communities into submission. Addressing the health, psychological, legal and social aspects of such crimes, including their gendered dimension, must continue to guide UNITAD’s work moving forward.”
2021-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/460 (2021) · source
“We also strongly support the assistance that UNITAD has provided other jurisdictions in their national legal proceedings. Secondly, it is imperative that UNITAD continue to apply a survivor-centred approach to its work. Bringing perpetrators to justice and allowing for the proper burial of loved ones is key to supporting survivors’ healing and rehabilitation. Yet we must simultaneously ensure that survivors — especially those providing testimony — have proper access to psychosocial and legal support and that they are questioned in accordance with established best practices to avoid retraumatization. In that context, we commend the work of the Team’s Witness Protection and Support Unit.”
2021-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/460 (2021) · source
“Norway is also pleased to note progress in UNITAD’s priority investigations, particularly the completion of case briefs for crimes committed against the Yazidi community in Sinjar and for the massacre of unarmed personnel at Tikrit Air Academy. I would now like to highlight three cross-cutting priorities that Norway considers crucial to UNITAD’s ongoing work. First, accountability is key. There can be no justice for victims or survivors and no reconciliation for the country at large, in the absence of accountability for perpetrators. In that regard, we welcome the ongoing engagement between Iraq and UNITAD in order to resolve outstanding legal obstacles that will allow the Team to share its collected evidence with national authorities, in accordance with its terms of reference.”
2021-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/460 (2021) · source
“The Team’s work to collect, store and preserve evidence of crimes committed by ISIL in Iraq is crucial to ensuring accountability for perpetrators and justice for victims and survivors — prerequisite conditions for achieving sustainable peace, with the rule of law at its core. Norway is encouraged to note several positive developments since the Special Adviser’s previous briefing to the Security Council (see S/2020/1193). In particular, we were moved by news of the burials of Yazidi victims that took place in February in Kojo, which finally offered loved ones a sliver of closure after years of uncertainty. We commend UNITAD for the support they provided Iraqi authorities in the exhumation and identification processes, allowing the burials to take place.”
2021-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/460 (2021) · source
“First, allow me to thank Special Adviser Khan for his comprehensive briefing today, as well as for his outstanding work leading the United Nations Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da’esh/Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (UNITAD) over the past three years. Norway is grateful for his service and looks forward to supporting him in his future role as the next Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court. Let me also thank Ms. Murad for her strong testimony. Her determination and perseverance in demanding justice for victims of crimes committed by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) is an inspiration and a clear call to action that the Security Council must strive to meet. Norway is a staunch supporter of UNITAD.”
2021-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/460 (2021) · source
“I would like to conclude by reiterating Norway’s steadfast confidence in the OPCW. We firmly reject any efforts to discredit their important work. We must not tolerate this impunity or allow the essential global norm against the use of chemical weapons to erode.”
2021-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/446 (2021) · source
“Turning now to the monthly report from the OPCW, Norway welcomes the deployment of the Fact-Finding Mission in the Syrian Arab Republic to collect information and conduct interviews regarding incidents in Kafr Zita, Hama, in October 2016. And we look forward to a report of their findings in due time. However, we note with concern the opening of a new outstanding issue on top of the 19 issues which have remained outstanding now for far too long. This latest issue regards the detection of a neat chemical warfare agent found in samples collected by the Declaration Assessment Team’s last September. The Syrian authorities must provide information to resolve this finding immediately and at the latest during the next round of consultations with the Declaration Assessment Team.”
2021-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/446 (2021) · source
“With this, the IIT and the OPCW-United Nations Joint Investigative Mechanism have now attributed a total of eight cases of chemical weapons use to the Syrian authorities and two cases to the so-called Islamic State. Norway condemns the use of a chemical weapon in Saraqib, just as we condemn any use of chemical weapons, under any circumstances, by anyone. Norway welcomes the April decision of the Conference of the States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention to suspend certain rights and privileges of the Syrian Arab Republic under the Convention. As you know, the decision was made in response to the conclusions in the IIT’s first report from April last year (S/1867/2020). We urge the Syrian Arab Republic to fulfil its obligations in accordance with the Chemical Weapons Convention and resolution 2118 (2013).”
2021-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/446 (2021) · source
“I thank you, High Representative Nakamitsu, for your briefing, and Director General Arias for the monthly report of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) (see S/2021/422). Unfortunately, we meet again without major positive developments since last month on the full elimination of chemical weapons in Syria. We have received a second report from the OPCW’s Investigation and Identification Team (IIT), and we applaud it for collecting, comparing and scrutinizing evidence amid the challenges posed by the global pandemic. The IIT, in its rigorous, evidence-based analysis, unfortunately concludes that there are reasonable grounds to believe that the Syrian Arab Air Force was responsible for an attack with chlorine on Saraqib in February 2018.”
2021-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/446 (2021) · source
“We therefore continue to call on all parties to ensure women’s full, equal and meaningful participation in all aspects of peacebuilding, and we encourage Bosnia and Herzegovina to fully implement its national action plan on women and peace and security. We would welcome an update on this issue in the next report. Let me conclude by reiterating that Norway will remain an active partner in supporting reforms and promoting European cooperation and integration with Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
2021-05-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/436 (2021) · source
“We also encourage the Government to make further efforts to strengthen the rule of law. Upholding standards of judicial impartiality and integrity and of police independence and accountability is essential to ensure that Bosnia and Herzegovina develops as a State based on the rule of law. Among other things, that means that it must abide by its international commitments on human rights and implement all the relevant judgments of the European Court of Human Rights. We also welcome the decision by the Council of Ministers to establish the Commission for Cooperation with NATO. By endorsing the new programme of reforms with NATO for 2021, Bosnia and Herzegovina will make progress on necessary reforms within its armed forces and secure increased interoperability with the alliance. Women are key to peace.”
2021-05-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/436 (2021) · source
“That said, we would like to commend the holding of local elections last year. The year 2021 now constitutes a window of opportunity for reforms, as it is a year with no elections planned. We urge political actors to use this momentum for dialogue and to make a genuine commitment to democratic principles, towards a common agenda. Appointing a new Government in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina should be a high priority, as two and a half years have already elapsed since the most recent general elections. Continued reforms are necessary to ensure the stability and welfare of the people. Reforms are also a prerequisite for further European cooperation and integration. All parties must prioritize the implementation of comprehensive reforms in a manner benefiting all citizens. That will require political will and strong leadership.”
2021-05-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/436 (2021) · source
“And let me confirm that we fully support the sovereignty, territorial integrity and fundamental structure of Bosnia and Herzegovina as a single, sovereign State comprising two entities. Bosnia and Herzegovina has been greatly affected by the coronavirus disease crisis, experiencing significant negative socioeconomic and political impacts. There are worrisome trends of increasing unemployment, loss of income, setbacks within the health and education sectors and an increase in domestic violence. We express our support to, and sympathy with, the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina during these daunting and exceptional times. However, it is a sad reality that neither the Government of Bosnia of Herzegovina nor other levels of Government have been able to cope adequately with the crisis and mitigate the challenges now faced by the population.”
2021-05-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/436 (2021) · source
“We fully support the Office of the High Representative and its ongoing work on the implementation of the “5 plus 2” agenda of five objectives and two conditions. And let me thank High Representative Inzko for his briefing today. We also appreciate his report on the current situation, outlining the challenges Bosnia and Herzegovina continues to face (see S/2021/409). It shows there is still considerable work to be done before we can see the full implementation of the Peace Agreement on Bosnia and Herzegovina. Norway also welcomes the continued work of the European Union-led Operation Althea. Its contribution to maintaining stability and a safe and secure environment in Bosnia and Herzegovina is important.”
2021-05-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/436 (2021) · source
“In closing, we know that progress on the political track is the key to a sustainable peace in Syria — a peace with human rights and rule of law at its core. A political solution remains vital to reducing the huge humanitarian needs, to development, to the return of refugee and to stability. We — and, above all, the people of Syria — need to see progress on this file. It is long overdue.”
2021-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/418 (2021) · source
“In this respect, the inclusion of women in all political talks is essential, and the role of the Syrian Women’s Advisory Board remains vital. I would also like to highlight and commend the role being played by middle third component of the small body of the Constitutional Committee and the Syrian Civil Society Support Room, and the support of these two entities to the peace process. Syrian elections have now been announced. According to resolution 2254 (2015), elections should be held based on a reformed constitution, agreed between the Syrian parties, and free and fair for all Syrians. In this respect, we would like to have seen resolution 2254 (2015) honoured and elections held based on a reformed constitution. It is regrettable that the drafting of a new constitution has not yet started.”
2021-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/418 (2021) · source
“We remain concerned that the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant is still operating and able to carry out attacks. We are also concerned that the issue of arbitrarily detained persons remains unaddressed. The release of those arbitrarily detained, especially women and children, is crucial both for the sake of the Syrian people and for being a confidence-building measure. We call on the Syrian authorities to take steps to address this issue, as a measure of good will and in line with their international legal obligations. The importance of an inclusive political process cannot be underestimated. Experience shows that the inclusion of those who are the most affected by a conflict leads to the best results.”
2021-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/418 (2021) · source
“It is not enough that solely the Syrian parties negotiate. Broader international engagement is needed, in particular from those involved on the ground. We support the Special Envoy’s call for a new international format to find a solution. We need a different dynamic to move away from the current stalemate, which is benefiting neither the Syrian people nor the region. We heard again today how extremely difficult the situation is on the ground. Although it is less violent than in earlier stages of the conflict, the situation remains fragile. Every week there is active fighting and violence. Resolution 2254 (2015) called for a nationwide ceasefire — one that, sadly, is still very much needed — and we will continue to urge its full implementation.”
2021-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/418 (2021) · source
“Even though there have been no new meetings of the Constitutional Committee since our last Council meeting on the political situation in Syria (see S/2021/265), we know that a great deal of work has been done. The two Chairs, their delegations and the middle third component of the small body of the Constitutional Committee have made efforts to move forward and prepare for the next meeting. We support Special Envoy Pedersen’s demands for concrete results in the next round of negotiations. Further, we urge the parties to contribute to the process in good faith and in a constructive way. The constitutional process must move forward with the aim of starting the drafting of a reformed constitution for Syria. However, the constitutional process must be part of a larger effort towards a political solution in the country.”
2021-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/418 (2021) · source
“I make this statement on the Syrian political situation in my national capacity and will begin by thanking Special Envoy Pedersen for his briefing. We commend him and his team’s tireless work with the Syrian parties — and the international community — to seek progress towards a political solution and the implementation of resolution 2254 (2015). That is certainly not an easy task, but it is a very important one. For Norway, it is particularly good to hear that the Syrian Women’s Advisory Board was finally able to meet in person this week. We have supported the Board’s work and inclusion from the beginning and would re-emphasize its critical role in the political process.”
2021-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/418 (2021) · source
“The leaders of the Sudan and South Sudan should seize the opportunity afforded by their close and friendly relations to craft an agreement on the final status of Abyei.”
2021-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/408 (2021) · source
“Furthermore, we believe that the implementation of joint mechanisms — as stipulated in the June 2011 agreement — is important. It will strengthen cooperation and build trust between the communities on the ground. We call on the parties in particular to organize a meeting of the Abyei Joint Oversight Committee without delay. Another significant step would be for South Sudan to nominate personnel to the joint police service. Protection of civilians and the rule of law are the basis for peaceful development. There can be no doubt that the people living in Abyei deserve a sustainable solution. The key to this rests with the Governments in Khartoum and Juba. A long-term and sustainable solution to the status of Abyei cannot be found without the political will and courage of the parties.”
2021-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/408 (2021) · source
“The inclusion of women in these efforts seems to have been particularly effective, as demonstrated in the meeting in Aweil in February this year, where, despite the failure of the conference to reach a formal agreement, the women of the two communities were able to find common ground. We strongly encourage the ongoing engagement of UNISFA in supporting women-led peace initiatives in Abyei. For UNISFA to be able to deliver on its mandate effectively, it is critical that outstanding visas for the formed police units are issued, the Anthony airstrip is operationalized and the deployment of a civilian deputy head of mission is approved. We also urge the Sudanese and South Sudanese authorities to permit the deployment of human rights experts.”
2021-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/408 (2021) · source
“There is also a risk that tensions between Ethiopia and the Sudan may have adverse effects on UNISFA and therefore on the security situation in Abyei and beyond. The combination of the conflict potential in Abyei and a possible security vacuum owing to a sudden exit of Ethiopian troops, gives us cause for serious concern. It is therefore appropriate that we reconfirm our commitment to UNISFA at this critical time. There is no doubt that UNISFA plays an invaluable role in providing security and stability in Abyei. We also acknowledge UNISFA’s efforts in building dialogue and trust between the Ngok Dinka and Misseriya communities.”
2021-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/408 (2021) · source
“We think it is important to start by reminding ourselves that Abyei is a contested area with a very troubled past. In the light of that, the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), with its strong and clear mandate, is needed until the parties — the Sudan and South Sudan — agree on all pending issues. A sustainable solution must also take into account the views of the local populations. Abyei has the potential to showcase the recent building up of relations between the Sudan and South Sudan, which has been marked by increased trade, development, peaceful coexistence and, most notably, the Juba Peace Agreement. However, these positive developments are unfortunately not reflected in the situation on the ground in Abyei. We see continued tensions between the Ngok Dinka and the Misseriya.”
2021-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/408 (2021) · source
“Agreements are needed to make significant progress in several key projects relating to customs, water, electricity and other matters. Norway also calls on donors to maintain in their financial and technical support. We welcome the willingness of several donors to take the lead in coordinating support within key sectors, including the efforts to better balance the fiscal and financial situation of the Palestinian Authority. In conclusion, let me welcome the decision by the United States of America to resume economic, development and humanitarian assistance to the Palestinians, including through the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. We urge other donors to step up and contribute towards securing the continued work of the Agency for Palestine refugees.”
2021-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/404 (2021) · source
“More and more Palestinians are receiving the coronavirus-disease vaccine, and we commend the Palestinian Authority for rolling out its vaccination programme, Israel for facilitating vaccine distribution and for vaccinating Palestinians, and the United Nations and the international community for their crucial logistical and other support. While this is all encouraging, there is still an urgent need for support for increased access to vaccines. Several crucial projects to build basic infrastructure across Palestine are also showing progress, in particular in the areas of water, sanitation and energy. They will benefit all Palestinians and ensure that Gaza continues to be habitable. In this respect, we call on the parties to sign the long-awaited and nearly finished technical agreements.”
2021-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/404 (2021) · source
“Negotiations should build on the previous agreements between the parties and be based on international law, the relevant Security Council resolutions and internationally agreed parameters. We remain concerned about the continued negative developments relating to settlement activities, including demolitions and evictions, as well as the incidents of violence against civilians, as reported by Special Coordinator Wennesland. The plans to evict 37 families from their homes in Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan, in East Jerusalem ,are particularly worrisome. Norway is, however, encouraged by progress on issues that were highlighted at the last meeting of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee in February, and which will be on the agenda for the forthcoming ministerial meeting this autumn.”
2021-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/404 (2021) · source
“We expect Palestinian Governments to adhere to the Palestine Liberation Organization’s commitments in previous agreements, through both their words and their actions. Under those agreements, the Palestine Liberation Organization recognized Israel’s right to exist and committed to upholding non-violence and continuing peaceful negotiations. Norway remains ready to contribute to the resumption of meaningful negotiations towards a political solution, and we hope that successful Palestinian elections will contribute to such an end, as well as to strengthening cooperation between the parties. While it may be too early to define the format or modalities of such negotiations, it is increasingly urgent to solve the territorial issues before settlement expansions and other developments totally undermine the two-State vision.”
2021-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/404 (2021) · source
“The dialogue between factions to ensure that elections are held in a free, fair and competitive manner is encouraging. We have urged the Palestinian Authority and Israel to cooperate to facilitate the elections, abiding by their commitments in the Oslo II Accord. Here in the Security Council, and in all our engagements before and after the elections, we must make our best efforts to support the Palestinian people in building a legitimate Government in Palestine. I would like to reiterate our expectation that any Palestinian Government, in its composition and political platform, provide a good basis for cooperation with partners, and the pursuit of State-building and peace efforts.”
2021-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/404 (2021) · source
“Thank you to Special Coordinator Wennesland for his briefing. Since the Oslo Accords, Norway has been a consistent partner for building Palestine as a free, democratic and prosperous State, with security, the rule of law and living in peace and mutual recognition with Israel. We therefore welcome the announcement of Palestinian elections. The expectations of the Palestinian people are high, and it is essential that the elections be executed as planned. We are encouraged by the Palestinian people’s great enthusiasm for what will be the first elections for many years and note that more women than before are included on lists as candidates. We have urged the Palestinian Authority to take steps to better include youth as well.”
2021-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/404 (2021) · source
“We call on all parties, especially the Houthis, to show mercy and compassion by engaging in an unconditional nationwide ceasefire and political talks. All parties should enter into such arrangements without preconditions. And there is a need for all parties to make difficult compromises. It is their duty to prevent the onset of widespread hunger and put a final stop to the ever- worsening humanitarian crisis.”
2021-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/372 (2021) · source
“The parties to the agreement should now work constructively to ensure its implementation. We would like to stress the need for those who have supported the Government, including in the south and on the west coast, to cooperate and combine efforts. Fragmentation will serve only to undermine the prospects for peace. It is important for the Security Council to keep its attention on the situation in the south. And it will be important to support the Government’s ability to ensure good governance and the delivery of basic services to the population. This could be a beacon of hope and could enhance prospects for a peaceful solution. We also remain concerned by the FSO SAFER oil tanker. We continue to encourage the Houthis to act constructively in this regard. We have just entered the month of Ramadan.”
2021-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/372 (2021) · source
“The many reports of violations of international humanitarian law and of human rights violations and abuses are of grave concern. Recent attacks on camps for internally displaced persons in Ma’rib are appalling. I also find it especially difficult to find words to describe and respond to the continued violations and abuses against children in Yemen. They have been subjected to the denial of humanitarian access, leading to malnutrition and starvation, killing and maiming, as well as recruitment and use in armed conflict. Such acts are completely unacceptable and must immediately come to an end. Those responsible must be held accountable. The Riyadh agreement and the establishment of the new Government in December 2020 were important steps towards peace.”
2021-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/372 (2021) · source
“Norway remains very concerned by the offensive in Ma’rib, and continuing cross-border attacks into Saudi Arabia. This threatens stability not only in Yemen, but in the region. We also see the emergence of new front lines. These actions could lead to a serious escalation of the conflict. The humanitarian situation continues to be extremely troubling; where the prospect of widespread hunger and the shortage of fuel is added to by a reported second wave of the coronavirus disease pandemic now spreading through the country. We welcome recent announcements by the Government allowing a number of fuel vessels into the port to ease the humanitarian crisis; however, more steps are needed. All parties must facilitate humanitarian access and avoid using these issues politically.”
2021-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/372 (2021) · source
“I thank Martin Griffiths and Mark Lowcock for their briefings. We are encouraged by the Special Envoy’s continued efforts, in close collaboration with United States Special Envoy Lenderking and with the engagement of regional actors such as Oman and Saudi Arabia. Hopefully, this will lead to more positive developments in Yemen. We believe that inclusive political processes — in which all regions and parties to the conflict are represented — are important to building durable peace. This, of course, includes women’s full, equal and meaningful participation and taking a gender-sensitive approach to conflict resolution. The need for inclusivity must be kept in mind during the current United Nations-led consultations, and also when the parties are deciding on the members of the two negotiation teams.”
2021-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/372 (2021) · source
“Finally, we must maintain the momentum from the Oslo Conference to make the prevention of, and response to, sexual and gender-based violence key humanitarian priorities. The Security Council must be a strong voice. We cannot allow our political commitments being reversed by the coronavirus disease.”
2021-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/375 (2021) · source
“Secondly, protection against conflict-related sexual violence must remain a key priority for the Council, and we must make use of all means at our disposal. Sexual violence as a stand-alone designation criterion for sanctions must be applied when applicable, and it should be a criterion in more sanction regimes. In this respect, we welcome the recent decision by the Yemen Sanctions Committee to list individuals on the basis of sexual violence. Thirdly, our efforts must seek to prevent sexual violence. This includes fighting impunity. We must do more to ensure that perpetrators be brought to justice. We need an appropriate mechanism through which the Council can monitor compliance by parties to conflict.”
2021-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/375 (2021) · source
“Thankfully, we already have examples of best practice to build on, including the ongoing work of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan in supporting the implementation of the national action plan on conflict-related sexual violence through capacity-building and awareness-raising. We are proud to count Norwegian personnel among the United Nations police team supporting the South Sudanese police in investigating sexual and gender-based violence. In conclusion, I would like to make four points on how Norway believes we should move forward. First, we must ensure a survivor-centred approach — one that demands the full, equal, and meaningful participation of women and survivors, in all their diversity.”
2021-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/375 (2021) · source
“As Chair of the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict, we call on our fellow Council members to work to adopt strong and operational conclusions. We also need more comprehensive, coordinated and targeted efforts by peace operations in combating sexual violence. This is why we supported the production of the policy and Handbook for United Nations Field Missions on Preventing and Responding to Conflict-Related Sexual Violence, which provides practical guidance to civilian, military and police components. We also look forward to the first report on peacekeeping missions’ implementation of conflict-related sexual violence mandates.”
2021-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/375 (2021) · source
“We must ensure its full implementation by keeping the rights of survivors, in all their diversity, at the forefront. Support to survivors must be age- and gender-sensitive and include access to health care, sexual and reproductive health and rights, psychosocial support and access to justice. And we must ensure survivors full, equal and meaningful participation. We must also tackle intersecting inequalities and root causes. We condemn the targeting of people based on disabilities and actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. We are also appalled by the increase in conflict-related sexual violence against children. We reiterate that States carry the responsibility to protect women and children from rape and sexual violence.”
2021-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/375 (2021) · source
“We note in particular the commitment by the Government of Ethiopia to investigate the many accounts of brutal and systematic sexual violence in Tigray. Credible and independent investigations are essential. We therefore call for full use to be made of the support offered by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and the office of Special Representative of the Secretary- General Patten. It is imperative that conflict-related sexual violence be addressed in ceasefire and peace agreements, including in the definition of prohibited acts, and in ensuring the monitoring and implementation of commitments. We must turn commitments into compliance and resolutions into results. Resolution 2467 (2019) calls for strengthened focus on justice and accountability and a survivor-centred approach.”
2021-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/375 (2021) · source
“Shortly after the adoption of resolution 2467 (2019), the Conference on Ending Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in Humanitarian Crises brought together a wide range of actors, making hundreds of commitments to end sexual and gender-based violence in humanitarian crises and conflict. Despite progress made, the recent Secretary-General’s report (S/2021/312) confirms that sexual violence continues to be deliberately used as a tactic of war, torture and terror. These documented incidents represent just the tip of the iceberg. The report paints a harrowing picture of sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan and Tigray. Women were also specifically targeted for their activism, including in Afghanistan, Colombia and Yemen. We call on all parties to implement the Secretary-General’s recommendations.”
2021-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/375 (2021) · source
“I thank the Special-Representative of the Secretary-General and our distinguished briefers for sharing their important insights. The courageous leadership of Dr. Mukwege and Ms. Atim is truly inspiring and crucial. Norway commends them for their tireless work. Conflict-related sexual violence is a violation of international humanitarian law and a violation and abuse of human rights — one which primarily affects women and girls, but also men and boys. It may also constitute a war crime or a crime against humanity. Crimes of this gravity cannot simply be accepted as a side effect of armed conflict.”
2021-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/375 (2021) · source
“Let me conclude by reiterating Norway’s support for Kosovo and the EU-led dialogue with Serbia and for finding sustainable solutions based on the Brussels agreements.”
2021-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/370 (2021) · source