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

“This also includes the activities the Security and Gender Group is carrying out to fight gender-based violence, ensure property rights and ease the impact of the pandemic on women and girls. We know that women are the key to peace. We call on the parties to ensure the full, equal and meaningful participation of women in all aspects of dialogue and peacebuilding. The increase in the number of women in parliament and in the new Government is an inspiration for further work and inspires the greater inclusion of women in the peace dialogue. In this respect, let me also take this opportunity to congratulate Vjosa Osmani on her election as President of Kosovo. Norway looks forward to working closely with President Osmani and the newly consolidated Kosovo institutions.”
2021-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/370 (2021) · source
“We express support and sympathy with the Kosovo Government during these exceptional times, with the ongoing pandemic and the public sector facing severe challenges. We see worrying trends of growing unemployment, continued loss of income, setbacks in the health and education sectors and an increase in domestic violence. Yet democratization, the strengthening of the rule of law, freedom of expression, protection of human rights, and the fight against domestic and gender- based violence continue to be fundamental for social transformation. This is why we welcome initiatives designed to address these issues, such as those jointly implemented by UNMIK, United Nations entities and other stakeholders.”
2021-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/370 (2021) · source
“Norway will continue to work closely with European Union (EU) institutions, key States Members of the United Nations, and the United States to get the negotiations back on track. There is no alternative to the EU-led dialogue, and it needs our full support. We call on all parties to uphold their commitments in order to consolidate and engage constructively towards resolving the conflict. Kosovo continues to wrestle with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) crisis. While we are pleased to see that the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) has adapted its activities to meet these new challenges, the negative socioeconomic and political impacts of COVID-19 in Kosovo have been significant.”
2021-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/370 (2021) · source
“We therefore urge Kosovo’s new leaders to capitalize on the momentum offered by the February elections and continue efforts to consolidate the rule of law, combat corruption and uphold human rights. We also believe that this momentum should be used to engage fully in important high-level political processes, such as the European Union-facilitated dialogue with Serbia. We also encourage the parties to resume the dialogue based on the Brussels agreements through a mutually acceptable compromise. An agreement between Kosovo and Serbia on the full normalization of relations is key to avoiding a frozen conflict and to achieving economic development. This is paramount for the future development of Kosovo and of the region.”
2021-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/370 (2021) · source
“Let me first thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for his briefing. We welcome the opportunity to engage in this Security Council discussion, as Norway was among the first countries to recognize the Republic of Kosovo as an independent State, in March 2008. Now, today, we are pleased to commend Kosovo’s institutions, political organizations and voters for organizing and holding legislative elections in February. We would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate Prime Minister Albin Kurti on his election and the appointment of his newly established Government. We note that the report from the Secretary-General (S/2021/332) describes slow progress in fighting political instability, including combating corruption and ensuring the independence of the judiciary.”
2021-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/370 (2021) · source
“More than anything, the legacy of the transition Government will be determined by its ability to ensure inclusive democracy in Mali — not least through the full, equal and meaningful participation of women.”
2021-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/336 (2021) · source
“As we stated at the ministerial meeting of the Coalition for the Sahel, Norway stands ready to expand its engagement in peace and reconciliation work. There is now less than a year left until peaceful and credible elections must be held in Mali. For the Malian people, there should be no doubt that the transition will end democratically with political reforms and the restoration of constitutional order. We commend the Economic Community of West African States, the African Union and neighbouring countries for their continued engagement. We also commend the Government’s action plan approved in February. But this must be followed by a concrete timeline for the elections.”
2021-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/336 (2021) · source
“Thirdly, the fight against impunity must be stepped up in Mali. All perpetrators must be held accountable for violations and abuses of human rights and violations of international humanitarian law. In this regard, we reiterate the call for follow-up on the recommendations of the International Commission of Inquiry for Mali. And fourthly, local mediation and dialogue should be supported to mitigate and address conflicts and to reduce violence. Intercommunal mediation has demonstrated some results recently when it comes to addressing competition over natural resources, which is increasingly a cause of conflict owing to climate change. These results give reason for optimism. MINUSMA also has a role to play in this regard, alongside various actors on the ground.”
2021-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/336 (2021) · source
“First, MINUSMA is still needed. This is why we agree that it was wise to keep the road map focused on the transition for now. The useful description of a “phase 1 end state” will help the preparations for phase 2, to be done jointly with the United Nations country team. However, decisions on an exit are best left for later. Secondly, military force alone can never solve problems in the long term. Lasting security depends on inclusive and sustainable development, good governance and respect for the rights of all Malians. They deserve to see the Algiers Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali become a reality. This means the return of a civilian State that protects its population against violence and injustices and that provides basic services, such as education, along with full disarmament, demobilization and reintegration.”
2021-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/336 (2021) · source
“And we have again seen loss of life among the brave personnel of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) and its partners. We repeat our sympathy and condolences to Chad and all those affected by Friday’s unacceptable attacks. The deteriorating humanitarian situation also calls for increased action to ensure the protection of civilians as well as safe and unhindered humanitarian access. Recent reports about sexual and gender-based violence and violence against children, including recruitment to armed forces and groups, are deeply worrisome. We urge all parties to the conflict in Mali to implement the conclusions adopted by the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict in December. Persistent security and governance challenges in Mali tell us at least four things.”
2021-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/336 (2021) · source
“I thank Under-Secretary-General Lacroix for his briefing. We appreciate Mali’s consistent participation in these meetings. Let me also thank former Special Representative Annadif for his relentless efforts for peace and security in Mali, and we warmly welcome his successor, Mr. Wane. I want to start by recognizing some of the good news since we last met on this topic (see S/2021/47): the arrival of the first coronavirus disease vaccines in Mali through the COVID-19 Vaccine Global Access Facility initiative, the meetings of the Agreement Monitoring Committee in Kidal and Kayes and, not least, the increasing participation of women in that Committee. Yet, at the same time, we have continued to witness horrific attacks against civilians in and around Mali.”
2021-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/336 (2021) · source
“Secondly, to achieve the full implementation of resolution 1540 (2004), we must ensure that States requiring and requesting assistance receive it. An efficient and regularly updated process that matches requests with offers of assistance is therefore essential. The prospect of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction is of real and continuous concern. Resolution 1540 (2004) is a vital component of the global non- proliferation architecture, and the work of the Committee is as important as ever. We look forward to contributing to that work in the years ahead.”
2021-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/325 (2021) · source
“First, the 1540 Committee focuses on the important work of preventing the proliferation and use of weapons of mass destruction by non-State actors. We reiterate our concern regarding the continually evolving nature of the risk of proliferation, including the rapid advances in science, technology and international commerce. In this respect, I can assure the Chair of the 1540 Committee that Norway looks forward to constructively engaging with him and all Council members on the comprehensive review, leading up to the renewal of the Committee’s mandate. The open consultations are a key part of the comprehensive review. It is important that these consultations are robust and that a broad range of stakeholders are included.”
2021-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/325 (2021) · source
“Norway would like to thank Mexico and Ambassador Juan Ramón de la Fuente Ramírez for taking up the task of chairing the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004) and for briefing the Council today. We would also like to thank the Panel of Experts for its excellent work in very challenging circumstances — not least because of the restrictions necessitated by the current environment surrounding the coronavirus disease. The Panel of Experts has Norway’s full support. We note that a number of activities were postponed as a result of the pandemic. But we are pleased to see that the Committee and the Panel of Experts have been able to adjust to new working methods and that the work on the Committee matrices was completed last year. I have two comments on the work of the Committee going forward.”
2021-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/325 (2021) · source
“There should therefore be no doubt about the Security Council’s support to the interim Government of National Unity and to the election process. It is our responsibility as Council members to provide the Libyans with the support that they need.”
2021-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/292 (2021) · source
“I now turn to an increasingly worrisome issue. Norway is concerned by the lack of accountability for serious human rights violations and abuses and violations of international humanitarian law. I would especially highlight the mass graves discovered in Tarhounah. We urge the Government of National Unity to investigate and prosecute those responsible without delay and to provide its full cooperation to the International Criminal Court (ICC). Warrants of arrest issued by ICC must be executed, and the international fact-finding mission to Libya needs to be given access to carry out a comprehensive investigation. Let me end by reiterating the need for a strong and clear message from the Security Council on the political process. There are many spoilers, and there will be several hurdles ahead.”
2021-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/292 (2021) · source
“A comprehensive disarmament, demobilization and reintegration process is needed for returning foreign fighters in order to avoid spreading instability in the region. I would also like to reiterate the obligation of all countries to respect the weapons embargo instituted by the Council. As the report of the Panel of Experts on Libya (see S/2021/229) clearly shows, there are blatant and systematic breaches of the embargo. That fuels the two sides and the conflict. Norway welcomes the progress report regarding the proposed mechanism for ceasefire monitoring in Libya (see S/2021/281). We support a role for the United Nations Support Mission in Libya in such a mechanism and look forward to Council discussions on the matter. As the report emphasizes, the mechanism should be Libyan-led and Libyan-owned.”
2021-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/292 (2021) · source
“Efforts should now be geared towards the upcoming elections in December and securing legitimacy for a Libyan Government through the people’s democratic choice. It is critical that the integrity of the political process be respected and that international actors contribute constructively and in good faith. The fact that the ceasefire is still holding is a positive sign. However, the entrenched military situation is not sustainable in the long term. A comprehensive and inclusive political solution is needed to break the military deadlock. An important first step would be the reopening of the coastal road. Closely related to that is the need for foreign fighters and mercenaries to leave the country, in accordance with the ceasefire agreement of October 2020.”
2021-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/292 (2021) · source
“I thank Special Envoy Kubiš and congratulate him on taking up this important post. Since the last Security Council meeting on Libya (see S/2021/97), we have seen further encouraging progress on the political track. We welcome the new Government of National Unity, led by Abdul Hamid Mohammed Dbeibah. That is a positive development but only a first step in the process towards a political solution in Libya. It is critical that the interim Government prioritize measures important to the daily lives of the Libyan people, such as restoring basic water, electricity and health-care services. Norway fully supports the Libyan people in their quest for peace and reconciliation through an inclusive political process.”
2021-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/292 (2021) · source
“The full, equal and meaningful participation of women is also essential, not only at the negotiating table but in every room where decisions about the future of Afghanistan are being made. A sustainable peace process — and indeed, sustainable peace — should be inclusive and preserve the rights of all Afghans, regardless of gender, ethnicity or religious affiliation. Progress made during the last two decades must not be reversed.”
2021-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/291 (2021) · source
“We urge the parties to pursue negotiations in good faith and with a sense of urgency. We also welcome recent initiatives towards securing international support for the Afghan peace process, including the recent meeting in Moscow and the upcoming meeting in Turkey. It is important that these initiatives complement and build on the Doha talks. And we value the proposal for a stronger United Nations role. At the same time, the Afghan parties must own the process and fulfil their responsibility by leading the way to an inclusive peace. The process is far more likely to succeed if the broader Afghan society is involved, including minorities, youth and victims.”
2021-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/291 (2021) · source
“The perpetrators of human rights violations and abuses and violations of international humanitarian law must be brought to justice. In this respect, we are also deeply disturbed by attacks on health facilities and workers, which increased in 2020. Important vaccination campaigns for the coronavirus disease, but also for other diseases like polio, are likely to be negatively impacted. Health workers must have unimpeded access and the security they need to do their vital work. Children have also been disproportionally affected by the challenges facing Afghanistan. The continuing recruitment of children in armed conflict and attacks on schools need to be addressed. Norway strongly supports the ongoing peace talks, and we hope that they will finally bring peace after so many years of conflict.”
2021-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/291 (2021) · source
“And sustainable solutions will require the coming together of our humanitarian, development, peace and climate efforts. UNAMA has reported that the number of civilian deaths and casualties in Afghanistan in 2020 — a year with an active peace process — was the lowest since 2014. While this is a positive development, we are still troubled by the continued high levels of violence. The targeted killings of human rights defenders, journalists and media workers, judges, prosecutors, religious scholars, political analysts, civil servants and other civilians are particularly disturbing. These killings target Afghans with skills and talents that are needed to build a successful and sustainable post-conflict society. We reiterate our strong condemnation of these attacks. They must end immediately.”
2021-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/291 (2021) · source
“These are all highly relevant to Afghanistan and we intend to bring these issues to the forefront. Part of pursuing these priorities is working towards an end to the conflict that has haunted Afghanistan for more than four decades. Recent developments in the country give cause for both hope and anguish. The humanitarian situation remains grave. The number of people in need of humanitarian assistance nearly doubled last year, now accounting for almost half of the total population. Furthermore, almost 17 million Afghans are experiencing crisis level or emergency level food insecurity, making it the second worst food insecurity situation in the world. The dire humanitarian needs are driven by conflict, insecurity and natural disasters — all exacerbated by climate change. Climate change amplifies conflict risks.”
2021-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/291 (2021) · source
“We welcome this meeting today on Afghanistan, our first as penholder together with Estonia. Let me take this opportunity to commend the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), Special Representative of the Secretary-General Lyons and her dedicated staff for their relentless efforts to address the demanding issues confronting Afghanistan. I also thank Chairperson Akbar for her insightful briefing and the important work of the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission. We also welcome the appointment of the experienced diplomat Jean Arnault as the Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy on Afghanistan and Regional Issues. Norway has four overarching priorities for our time on the Council: peace diplomacy, the equal participation of women, the protection of civilians and climate change and security.”
2021-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/291 (2021) · source
“Humanitarian access to people in need must be granted immediately. Any violations of international humanitarian law must be investigated and those responsible held accountable.”
2021-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/266 (2021) · source
“We call again on the Houthis to provide immediate and unconditional access and contribute constructively towards a solution. There is no time for further delays. The environmental and humanitarian consequences of a possible leakage will be tremendous. And the impact will be felt for decades. It would also lead to a closure of the port in Al-Hudaydah and be detrimental to the Houthis’ own interests. To conclude, I want to stress that the protection of civilians is a core obligation under international humanitarian law. The recruitment and use of children in armed conflict are unacceptable. The same is true for air attacks on camps for internally displaced persons. We are shocked by the recent fire in a migrant holding facility in Sana’a, as well as the military use of, and attacks on, schools.”
2021-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/266 (2021) · source
“Experience shows that inclusive peace processes that bring those most affected by the conflict to the negotiating table are more durable. Furthermore, regional and international actors that are involved in the conflict must also do their part in ensuring political talks get started. The humanitarian situation is dire. The pledging conference in Geneva was important, but we cannot be satisfied with the outcome. As we have heard so many times: increased donor support, humanitarian access and an end to violence are all vital if we want to avert a large-scale famine and contribute to peace in Yemen. The grim truth is that millions of Yemenis are at risk of death of starvation. We cannot let this happen. The condition of the FSO SAFER oil tanker continues to be of grave concern.”
2021-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/266 (2021) · source
“We call on all parties to de-escalate and seize this opportunity for a nationwide ceasefire linked to political talks. An easing of the ongoing embargo would also be an important measure to allow sufficient import of fuel and other basic goods to cover the needs of the population. There is no military solution to this conflict. It is high time to end the cycle of violence and the deteriorating humanitarian crisis. Only an inclusive political process can lead to sustainable peace and stability in Yemen. We stress the need to consult a wide range of actors and ensure that negotiations reflect the population and the situation on the ground. It is important to ensure the full, equal and meaningful participation of women.”
2021-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/266 (2021) · source
“I would like to thank Special Envoy Griffiths and Under-Secretary-General Lowcock for their briefings and their tireless efforts to make progress in Yemen. Thanks also to Nirvana Shawky for sharing important experiences from the ground. We fully support the efforts of the United Nations to bring this conflict to an end and to alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people. For far too long, we have witnessed vicious cycles of violence in Yemen, which persist and, as we have heard today, are even deteriorating to this day. We are alarmed by the ongoing Houthi offensive in Ma’rib, and the increasing number of missile and drone attacks against Saudi Arabia. We are also following developments in Taiz, Al- Hudaydah and Sana’a with concern. These developments will only contribute to the escalation of the conflict.”
2021-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/266 (2021) · source
“Those responsible for atrocities must be held accountable, and the rights and needs of the victims must be ensured. Accountability remains central to achieving durable peace and a national reconciliation process. No amount of time — not even a decade — can erase that need.”
2021-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/265 (2021) · source
“Norway continues to call for the implementation of all aspects of resolution 2254 (2015), adopted by consensus, and there remains broad agreement that it is the appropriate framework for a political settlement. We have a responsibility to ensure that it is implemented. Today, the constitutional track is the most active part, but we also need to ensure progress on other issues in tandem. I stress the importance of releasing arbitrarily imprisoned and detained persons. That is a key issue for the Syrian people and for building confidence among the parties. We urge the parties to contribute in good faith to this process and to work with the Special Envoy and his team to find solutions. Finally, the lack of accountability for violations and abuses against civilians is untenable.”
2021-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/265 (2021) · source
“Norway lends its full support to the Special Envoy in his efforts to engage with the parties and relevant actors in the political process. Turning to the latest developments, we note that there will most likely not be a sixth round of negotiations in the Constitutional Committee before Ramadan. Although the lack of progress is disappointing, we know that the parties have worked on proposals, and we welcome the Special Envoy’s recent talks with the parties and other relevant actors. In order to not lose momentum, we need timely and unambiguous input and feedback from all sides. The coming weeks should be used to prepare for the next round of talks so as to ensure that the Syrian parties can move towards a reformed constitution that addresses the needs of the people and contributes to a political settlement.”
2021-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/265 (2021) · source
“We urge the Government of Syria and the opposition to put the needs of the people first and to advance the constitutional process and, more broadly, the peace process. We commend the inclusion of civil society and urge the Special Envoy to continue to draw on the expertise of the civil society members of the Constitutional Committee. This conflict cannot be solved by Syrians alone. Several actors remain deeply involved in the conflict and they all need to be a part of the solution. We, the broader international community, also need to ask ourselves how we can contribute to unlocking this stalled peace process in order to help the parties move to a phase of progress and difficult compromises. Progress on the political track is the key to stability, development and the return of refugees to Syria.”
2021-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/265 (2021) · source
“I would like to thank Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Syria Pedersen and Mr. Bernard Duhaime, from the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances, for their very timely briefings. As other Council Members have noted, this month marks the tenth anniversary of the Syrian conflict. The fact that the conflict is still ongoing indeed reflects poorly on the international community and on all of us. We are failing the Syrian people. We should use this tragic anniversary to not only reflect on our mistakes, but to look for ways of changing the dynamics of the conflict and actually moving forward. But as the Special Envoy has highlighted, Syrians themselves must own the political process.”
2021-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/265 (2021) · source
“Let me also reiterate our full confidence in the OPCW and its Technical Secretariat. Norway firmly rejects any attempts to discredit or bring into disrepute the OPCW and the work of the Technical Secretariat. The use of chemical weapons in Syria contravenes international law, and accountability for those responsible must be ensured. It is untenable that no one has been held accountable for those actions. We deeply regret needing to come back to the Council month after month to repeat this call, yet we will continue to do so until progress is made: The Syrian Arab Republic must fulfil its obligations in accordance with the Chemical Weapons Convention. Those responsible must be held accountable through credible national or international criminal justice mechanisms, and the issue must be addressed seriously by the Council.”
2021-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/226 (2021) · source
“Yet the monthly report of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) on progress in the elimination of the Syrian chemical weapons programme (see S/2021/200) once again clearly states that there is no progress. Again, 19 of the 22 issues from Syria’s initial declaration remain outstanding. However, we note that the Declaration Assessment Team was deployed to Syria in February for its twenty-fourth round of consultations. We look forward to hearing its findings as soon as possible. Again, we urge the Syrian Arab Republic to cooperate fully with the OPCW and resolve all outstanding issues from its initial declaration. I would also repeat that Norway remains aligned with the European Union’s restrictive measures on persons and entities involved in the development and use of chemical weapons.”
2021-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/226 (2021) · source
“I would like to thank the High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, Mrs. Nakamitsu, for her briefing. The Security Council meets every month to discuss this issue of the utmost importance. However, I regret to note that the lack of progress towards the full disarmament of Syria’s chemical weapons programme makes us repeat ourselves. This month marks 10 years since the start of the conflict in Syria. The sheer length of the conflict does not make the issue any less relevant, or mean that we should stop discussing it. On the contrary, the lack of accountability and the deterioration of trust remind us of the importance and the urgency of the issue.”
2021-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/226 (2021) · source
“A revitalization of that format is a positive step. While the two-State solution seems increasingly elusive, that does not make it any less urgent. Norway is a strong and consistent supporter of the two-State solution, based on international law, the relevant Security Council resolutions and the internationally agreed parameters. That is the only viable solution to the Israeli- Palestinian conflict. The changed dynamics in the region, including the normalization agreements between Israel and several Arab countries, can and should be used to revitalize the peace process, and the United Nations should play a key role.”
2021-03-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/218 (2021) · source
“Norway is equally concerned by the house demolitions and confiscations carried out by Israel in the West Bank, especially in Humsa Al-Baqai’a, as the Special Coordinator has elaborated on. Many children are particularly affected by those actions. Indeed, children should always be protected. We are heartened by the scheduled Palestinian elections and encourage all actors on both the Palestinian and Israeli sides to contribute constructively to the election process. Norway will continue its support for the Palestinian Central Election Commission and encourages the mobilization and better inclusion of women and youth in the elections as both candidates and voters. We also welcome the recent meeting of the Quartet, which is mandated by the Council to facilitate Middle East peace process negotiations.”
2021-03-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/218 (2021) · source
“As Chair, we plan to hold a ministerial meeting of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee in September to review progress on the recommendations made this week. Turning to the developments on the ground, Norway is deeply concerned by the continued Israeli settlement activities on occupied Palestinian territory. The settlements are illegal under international law and undermine the prospects for the two-State solution. We call on both sides to fully implement resolution 2334 (2016), with all its provisions. We are particularly worried by Israel’s decision to advance plans for thousands of housing units in sensitive areas such as Givat Hamatos and Har Homa. Those activities acutely erode the prospects of establishing a contiguous Palestinian State. We urge Israel to reverse those decisions.”
2021-03-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/218 (2021) · source
“The donor community must continue to strengthen the Palestinian public health system, including by helping to provide sufficient vaccines. It must help alleviate the burden on the affected population and stimulate the recovery of the Palestinian economy. Taking a longer-term perspective, the donors emphasized that the Palestinian Authority needs higher, stable and predictable revenues. Norway called on donors to step up and to frontload their contributions to the Palestinian Authority and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. The parties were also asked to resume their work on a series of fiscal issues related mainly to the Paris Protocol and to improving access and movement for people and goods, as well as facilitating trade.”
2021-03-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/218 (2021) · source
“The Committee welcomed the resumption of the cooperation between Israel and the Palestinian Authority last November, which has contributed to a more positive dynamic between the parties. Several delegations commended the normalization agreements, welcomed the United States’ voice in the meeting and strongly recommended to the parties — and their international partners — that a meaningful political process be relaunched without delay. The immediate priority is, of course, to combat the coronavirus disease pandemic. While the concerted, and largely successful, efforts of both parties to contain the spread of the pandemic give ground for hope, 2020 saw the Palestinian economy face one of the largest contractions since the establishment of the Palestinian Authority.”
2021-03-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/218 (2021) · source
“I thank Special Coordinator Wennesland for his briefing. We also welcome the briefings from Oren Gian and Malak AbuSoud. The voices of civil society and youth provide us with new perspectives and continue to offer vital input into the work and considerations of this Council. Their contributions today underscore exactly why Norway encourages the inclusion, at an early stage, of young women and men in peace negotiations and conflict resolution. Three days ago, our Minister for Foreign Affairs, together with European Union High Representative Borrell, hosted a virtual meeting of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee for the Coordination of the International Assistance to Palestinians. The purpose of that Committee is to build viable institutional and economic foundations for the realization of the two-State solution.”
2021-03-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/218 (2021) · source
“We support the proposals to increase the authorized ceilings for military and police personnel. The recruitment of additional personnel should, to the extent possible, be based on the use of the Peacekeeping Capability Readiness System, ensuring that personnel meet United Nations standards of training and performance, including with respect to the zero-tolerance approach to sexual exploitation and abuse. In our view, the main objective of the reinforcements should be the enhancement of MINUSCA’s capacity to protect civilians and ensure the safety of the Mission staff and humanitarian actors. We look forward to discussing with other Council members how to respond to this request in a practical manner.”
2021-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/187 (2021) · source
“Norway strongly condemns attacks and blockades by armed groups, preventing essential goods from reaching the capital. We again call for safe and unhindered humanitarian access to all people in need of protection and assistance. All parties must comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law. These past weeks have been particularly challenging for the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA). Norway would like to express its great appreciation to the Mission, to Special Representative of the Secretary-General Ndiaye and to all troop- and police-contributing countries for their tireless efforts aimed at dealing with a very demanding situation. We agree with the Secretary-General that MINUSCA is overstretched and needs to be strengthened.”
2021-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/187 (2021) · source
“We add our voice to the Secretary-General’s call for national authorities to increase efforts to pursue accountability in an impartial and independent manner through the justice system. The electoral-related violence has also had a devastating impact on the humanitarian situation. The latest figures from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees show that almost one third of the population is forcibly displaced, and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports a record number of 66 incidents against humanitarian workers in January 2021 alone. The Central African Republic is the most dangerous place in the world for humanitarian workers. The main supply road from Cameroon to Bangui remains extremely unsafe.”
2021-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/187 (2021) · source
“Still, expressing readiness for dialogue is not enough; an inclusive dialogue, with the participation of women, youth and religious leaders, should start as soon as possible. We are pleased to note the engagement from the region — in particular the AU, the Economic Community of Central African States and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region — and urge them to remain involved and support the efforts of the Central African Republic authorities. Dialogue should go hand in hand with reconciliation efforts and confidence-building measures. One avenue is through the important work of the Commission on Truth, Justice, Reparation and Reconciliation. We commend the confirmation of five women Commissioners as a positive step towards an inclusive institution and process.”
2021-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/187 (2021) · source
“We are particularly concerned about accounts of conflict-related sexual violence and human rights abuses being perpetrated by non-State armed groups. Yet there are also reports about national security forces committing human rights violations. That, of course, is totally unacceptable and underlines the need for a renewed focus on security sector reform, thorough vetting and risk assessment. In that context, we are pleased to see the participation of the European Union (EU) in today’s briefing. Through its Military Training Mission in the Central African Republic, the EU plays an important role in security sector reform. We commend President Touadera for expressing his readiness to engage in dialogue with the political opposition. Indeed, there cannot be a military solution to this conflict.”
2021-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/187 (2021) · source
“Let me start by thanking Under-Secretary-General Lacroix, African Union (AU) Commissioner Chergui and European External Action Service Managing Director Laranjinha for their interesting briefings. Many thanks also to Kessy Martine Ekomo-Soignet, Director of youth-led peacebuilding organization URU, for sharing with us the important perspective of youth in the Central African Republic and her insights on how young people can be included in peacebuilding. Norway remains deeply concerned about the ongoing violence in the Central African Republic. We urge all parties to stop the attacks and to lay down their arms. Norway is deeply worried about the lack of respect for international humanitarian law and the sharp deterioration of the already dire human rights situation described in the Secretary-General’s most recent report (S/2021/146).”
2021-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/187 (2021) · source