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

“In addressing the recurrent humanitarian crises in Somalia, we need to strengthen our partnership with the Somali Government in addressing those crises and climate-related security risks by advancing the humanitarian-development-peace nexus. Going forward, the country will depend on courageous women and men who seek solutions through dialogue and compromise. Norway remains a committed partner with the Somali people and is ready to continue its support to Somali-led and Somali-owned reforms to secure peace, inclusive democracy and development for the people of Somalia.”
2021-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/173 (2021) · source
“We strongly urge the Federal Government of Somalia to ensure that any bill addressing current gaps in the legal framework on sexual violence is in line with regional and international obligations and call for the immediate reintroduction of the 2018 sexual offences bill. We also call on the Federal Government of Somalia to enact the widely consulted version of the child rights bill, ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child. Fourthly, Somalia is highly susceptible to the effects of climate change and extreme weather. It impacts livelihoods, increases displacement and can fuel tensions and disrupt ongoing conflict resolution initiatives.”
2021-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/173 (2021) · source
“We would like to underscore the importance of close cooperation and partnership between the African Union and United Nations in order to facilitate a coherent and coordinated international support to the implementation of the Somalia transition plan. A recent study on AMISOM, Somali army and civilian partner intervention in Lower Shabelle highlighted improved cooperation among partners as one of the success factors. Thirdly, we support Somalia’s efforts to ensure that revisions to the provisional Federal Constitution and other legislation be in line with Somalia’s international human rights obligations.”
2021-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/173 (2021) · source
“It is positive that the electoral law that was passed in February 2020 stipulates a 30 per cent quota for women in the Federal Parliament. However, there is a need for real political will to ensure such a quota is implementable and for the Somali political leadership to see women’s increased political participation as beneficial to the further development and State-building of the country. Secondly, the updated Somalia transition plan is of key importance to the process of Somalia taking responsibility for its own security. A comprehensive approach to security includes effective and coordinated stabilization efforts as well as addressing the root causes through the national reconciliation process.”
2021-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/173 (2021) · source
“We welcome statements made over the weekend by the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development and the United Nations and encourage even more assertive and coordinated efforts by those actors, including through active facilitation of talks. With reference to the current developments as highlighted in the report of the Secretary-General (S/2021/154), let me highlight four key priorities. First, the Somali Women’s Charter provides a solid Somali-led and Somali- owned foundation towards more broad-based and inclusive processes in all reform areas. We strongly believe that supporting the inclusion and empowerment of Somali women should be given higher priority and visibility by the Somali Government, as well as in the mandate and work of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and the United Nations.”
2021-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/173 (2021) · source
“I thank the briefers and express special thanks to Special Representative of the Secretary-General Swan and the Special Representative for Somalia of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mr. Madeira, and for their joint efforts to facilitate solutions to the current political and electoral crisis. Speaking with one voice sends a strong message of a multilateral system committed and ready to support Somalia’s efforts moving forward. The Federal Government, the federal member states and other stakeholders should work together and redouble their efforts to reach a consensual solution without delay. This crisis has already consumed too much political energy that could have been put to better use — advancing social changes, economic development and security.”
2021-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/173 (2021) · source
“We welcome the establishment of the new Government in Aden and its joint work to address the multiple challenges facing the country. The full implementation of the Riyadh agreement is key. It will be crucial to focus on stabilization of the South and to ensure delivery of much needed services to the population. In closing, Norway welcomes the renewed diplomatic efforts and dialogue with regional partners to end the war in Yemen. Regional actors must play a role in any political solution, while the process must remain Yemeni-owned. We urge all parties to renounce violence and focus on the United Nations-led process. Martin has our full support.”
2021-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/167 (2021) · source
“However, Norway would like to stress that the only way to truly resolve the humanitarian crisis is to find a political solution. With reference to the briefing from Ambassador King, Chair of the 2140 Committee, Norway welcomes the recent report from the United Nations Panel of Experts on Yemen and its trip to Aden. Their reporting on the continuous and widespread violations of international humanitarian and human rights law by all parties to the conflict is distressing. All parties must respect international humanitarian and human rights law and ensure the full protection of civilians affected by hostilities, in particular children, and those responsible for violations must be held accountable. Norway participated in the delegation of European countries visiting Aden in February, led by the European Union.”
2021-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/167 (2021) · source
“That is vital in order to avert a potential environmental and humanitarian disaster. There is no time for further delays. I would also like to stress the importance of full cooperation with the International Organization of Migration and all United Nations agencies. As we have heard, tens of thousands of Yemenis are at risk of starving to death if the needed funds are not made available. That is alarming and should spur urgent action from all of us. The high-level donor conference to be held in Geneva on 1 March, co-hosted by Sweden and Switzerland, is very timely and will be crucial to ensure sufficient funding for the humanitarian response plan. We urge all donors to make generous contributions and hope to see previous donors from the Gulf countries return with significant contributions.”
2021-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/167 (2021) · source
“I would like to thank Special Envoy Griffiths, Under-Secretary-General Lowcock and Ambassador King, as Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 2140 (2014), for their introductory remarks. We are alarmed by the recent escalation of violence, including the offensive against Ma’rib and the repeated missile and drone attacks against Saudi Arabia. Those attacks underline the need for a truce and an inclusive political process to end the conflict. In that respect, we also urge the parties not to escalate the conflict in Al-Hudaydah but rather to revitalize the joint observation mechanism. We are dismayed by the lack of progress related to the FSO SAFER. The Houthis must provide the United Nations team with immediate and unconditional access to the tanker to assess its condition and conduct initial repairs.”
2021-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/167 (2021) · source
“Furthermore, we remain concerned by the reported abduction, torture and targeted killing of protesters and activists. Perpetrators must be held accountable, and the right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly must be ensured. Norway welcomes the recent announcements regarding the identification of human remains of 20 Kuwaiti and third-country nationals. We commend Iraq’s commitment to cooperate with Kuwait and bring this humanitarian file to a close.”
2021-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/152 (2021) · source
“The Sinjar agreement is a positive step towards peace and stability after much suffering, especially by the Yazidi population. It is critical that the agreement be implemented through dialogue with the affected parties and lead to rebuilding and the provision of basic services. Continued focus on, and commitment to, the fight against sexual and gender-based violence also remains important, both nationally and globally. Allow me to also echo the concerns of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General about the humanitarian consequences of the hasty closing of internally displaced persons camps. All returns must be safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable. We urge the Government to coordinate with the United Nations and humanitarian organizations to that end.”
2021-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/152 (2021) · source
“That includes significant stabilization and humanitarian support. Iraqi ownership and commitment remain key to success. Long-term stability cannot be achieved without addressing underlying causes of conflict and instability. Those range from economic, social and political aspects to water security issues and climate change. Although the coronavirus disease pandemic is making the work to address those issues harder, we welcome the Government’s efforts, including their plans for much-needed economic reform. National dialogue and reconciliation remain vital for the stability of Iraq. We call upon the Government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government to reach an agreement on federal budget allocations and oil revenues.”
2021-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/152 (2021) · source
“The security situation in Iraq continues to be of grave concern, with continued attacks against diplomatic missions and convoys. Norway condemns last night’s rocket attacks on Erbil, which killed one civilian contractor and injured several members of the Global Coalition to Counter Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. All efforts must be made to investigate and hold the responsible accountable. The Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), too, remains a serious threat, and our condolences go to the victims and the families of the appalling suicide attacks on 21 January. Norway is committed to the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL, through which we continue to support Iraq in its efforts to combat ISIL. Continued international support to Iraq’s democratic process and its efforts to rebuild after the territorial defeat of ISIL is vital.”
2021-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/152 (2021) · source
“First, I thank you, Special Representative of the Secretary-General Hennis- Plasschaert, for your briefing. We highly appreciate the work of United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) and your support for the preparation of national elections in October. Norway also fully supports Prime Minister Al- Kadhimi’s efforts in preparing for the elections. Free, fair and transparent elections and an inclusive political process that ensures the participation of women are vital for the integrity of, and public trust in, the electoral process. We take note of the Iraqi request for election observation and look forward to the Security Council’s discussion on how to best meet that request. We call on all Iraqi stakeholders to ensure that all electoral and legal requirements are in place, including the adoption of a Federal Supreme Court law.”
2021-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/152 (2021) · source
“The images of lines of coffins and grieving families, including Nadia Murad, stand as a very real reminder of what is at stake in our international fight against terror, of the importance of accountability and of the weight of our words and the commitments we have made in this forum today.”
2021-02-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/140 (2021) · source
“It is therefore of the utmost importance that the gathering of counter-terrorism intelligence take place in a non-coercive, human rights-compliant manner. Norway is a long-standing supporter of developing manuals and training on that method, including equipping practitioners in the security sector with the best tools to ensure they can effectively do their jobs. The sharing of information through international police and security cooperation, such as INTERPOL’s databases, is also important. In conclusion, I wish to refer to the burials that took place this week of the 103 members of the Yazidi community killed by ISIL.”
2021-02-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/140 (2021) · source
“Our approaches to counter-terrorism must be comprehensive. Women’s efforts to promote prevention, stabilization and deradicalization at all levels of society needs to be at the forefront of our action plans. Counter-terrorism efforts cannot be an excuse to reduce civic space or humanitarian access. We cannot overemphasize that States’ national security practices must comply with international law, including respecting and protecting human rights. Furthermore, sexual and gender-based violence is too often used as a weapon of war and a tactic of terrorism. It is essential to provide health services to survivors, including sexual and reproductive services and psychosocial support. Evidence frequently shows that torture leads to false confessions, which result in false information.”
2021-02-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/140 (2021) · source
“Secondly, we must address the conflicts and complex vulnerable security situations that allow terrorist organizations to establish a presence. Thirdly, as an underlying driver for instability and conflict, climate change is an area of growing concern in many parts of the world and should be factored into our responses. The increasing trend of online radicalization to all forms of violent extremism is highly worrisome. It has likely been exacerbated by a surge in online propaganda during the pandemic. Action is urgently needed, including through a whole-of- society approach. The inclusion and support of private technology companies will be key. We need to prevent ISIL and other terrorist groups from raising funds, including through new methods such as crowdfunding and the use of cryptocurrencies or virtual assets.”
2021-02-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/140 (2021) · source
“We are equally concerned to see that ISIL and affiliated groups — or groups driven by the same ideology — continue to spread around the world, including in the Sahel, West Africa, and the Lake Chad region. These groups also maintain a presence in and around Afghanistan, which poses a threat to regional peace and stability. Experience has repeatedly shown that ISIL and affiliated groups exploit existing conflicts and vulnerabilities in States and within populations, thereby causing a vicious cycle of further destabilization. Going forward, we need to work preventively and in a comprehensive manner. I wish to highlight the following points. First, we need to address the root causes of radicalization, including factors leading to grievances, marginalization, exclusion and injustice.”
2021-02-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/140 (2021) · source
“Let me start by thanking the briefers for their presentations, and the Secretary- General for his highly informative report (S/2021/98). Norway remains determined to continue the fight against the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) with our international partners in the Global Coalition against Da’esh. We also continue to support the Organization’s leading role on preventing and countering all forms of terrorism. We remain concerned about ISIL’s continued foothold in Syria and Iraq and its capacity to recruit followers and plan and conduct terrorist attacks. We strongly condemn the suicide attack in Baghdad on 21 January, for which ISIL claimed responsibility.”
2021-02-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/140 (2021) · source
“Such attempts against the international community’s efforts to secure accountability and prevent the use of chemical weapons are deeply concerning.”
2021-02-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/109 (2021) · source
“Secondly, with regard to accountability, the use of chemical weapons in Syria is well documented and confirmed by the former OPCW-United Nations Joint Investigative Mechanism and the first report of the OPCW’s Investigation and Identification Team (S/2020/310, annex). They concluded — beyond reasonable doubt — that Syrian armed forces were responsible for the use of chemical weapons on three separate occasions in 2017. This constitutes a violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention and resolution 2118 (2013). Yet, no one has been held accountable for these atrocious acts. This is unacceptable. Thirdly and finally, we again express our full confidence in the OPCW and its Technical Secretariat. Norway firmly rejects attempts to discredit or bring into disrepute the OPCW and the work of the Technical Secretariat.”
2021-02-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/109 (2021) · source
“First, with regard to the OPCW monthly report on progress in the elimination of the Syrian chemical weapons programme (S/2021/84, annex), which again reports that 19 of the 22 issues from Syria’s initial declaration remain outstanding, we remain particularly concerned that the OPCW has found reasons to doubt Syria’s declaration that a certain facility has never been used for the production of chemical weapons. It is critical to rebuild trust, and in this regard we continue to urge the Syrian Arab Republic to comply fully with the OPCW’s request for information about the types and quantities of chemical agents produced and/or weaponized at the site. Norway remains aligned with the European Union’s restrictive measures on persons and entities involved in the development and use of chemical weapons.”
2021-02-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/109 (2021) · source
“I would like to thank the High Representative for Disarmament, Mrs. Nakamitsu, for her statement. Despite the grave nature of these crimes, and the global consensus on the condemnation of the use of chemical weapons; regrettably this briefing confirms that the situation — and lack of accountability — remains largely unchanged from last month. With no new developments to comment on, I will focus my remarks on three issues: the monthly report, the issue of accountability and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) itself.”
2021-02-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/109 (2021) · source
“The reported situation in detention centres is worrisome, especially the detention of children and the multiple allegations of sexual violence and abuse. The International Committee of the Red Cross must be given access to these centres, and efforts made to prevent disappearances and restore family links. Let me conclude by again thanking Acting Special Representative of the Secretary-General Williams for her efforts. We congratulate Ján Kubiš on his appointment as Special Envoy and Head of UNSMIL and look forward to working closely with him going forward. He will have Norway’s full support.”
2021-01-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/97 (2021) · source
“We also note and appreciate that UNSMIL has established the monitoring, analysis and reporting arrangements on conflict-related sexual violence in Libya. Improving documentation is an important contribution to ensuring accountability for violations and abuses of human rights and international humanitarian law. However, we remain concerned about ongoing violations and abuses of human rights in Libya — for example, the large number of people in unlawful and arbitrary detention. We urge UNSMIL to continue to work with Libyan national institutions to strengthen the rule of law and accountability for human rights violations and abuses. Let me highlight an issue related to the protection of civilians.”
2021-01-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/97 (2021) · source
“We value Acting Special Representative of the Secretary-General Williams’s focus on consulting civil-society representatives throughout the process. That has resulted in the inclusion of key human-rights principles in the LPDF political road map. We are especially pleased to see that 17 of the participants in the LPDF are women. We are impressed by the constructive contributions, and the decisive role in forging consensus, played by these women delegates to the LPDF. There is no better proof that the full, equal and meaningful participation of women — at all levels — in Libya is necessary to ensure lasting peace. This includes in all aspects of political life, conflict resolution and peacebuilding. We support the Secretary-General’s call for all Libyan actors to implement resolution 1325 (2000), on women and peace and security.”
2021-01-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/97 (2021) · source
“Such a monitoring mechanism should be Libyan-led and Libyan-owned. We must seize this opportunity and provide the support that the Libyan parties have asked for. However, we remain concerned by the widespread foreign interference in Libya, as well as the continuing breaches of the arms embargo. Those acting in violation of the arms embargo should be held accountable. We also acknowledge the important contributions of the European Union Naval Force Mediterranean Operation IRINI in monitoring the embargo. We are disappointed by the lack of respect for the provisions of the ceasefire agreement shown by some members of the international community, in particular the unwillingness to ensure the departure of all foreign fighters and mercenaries from Libya, as called for by the Libyans.”
2021-01-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/97 (2021) · source
“A lot of hard work remains to be done, and we encourage all parties to act urgently and in good faith to finalize the adoption of a unified and inclusive Government. There are, however, many spoilers and unresolved questions. At this crucial stage of intra-Libyan efforts, there should be no doubt about the Security Council’s strong and clear support of the political process. Libyans themselves have made it clear that they want change — they want peace. We as Council members should therefore do our part to give them the support they need. We are encouraged by the work in the 5+5 Joint Military Commission and its concrete progress in implementing the ceasefire agreement. Norway supports a role for UNSMIL in monitoring the ceasefire in Libya, as laid out in the Secretary-General’s interim report of December (S/2020/1309).”
2021-01-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/97 (2021) · source
“The recent agreement on a mechanism for selecting a unified executive authority is an important step forward towards implementing the road map, reunifying the Government and institutions of Libya and holding credible, inclusive and democratic national elections on 24 December. We commend the members of the LPDF for their constructive approach and willingness to reach compromises across dividing lines. Furthermore, we urge all Libyan parties to commit to the implementation of the road map and to respect the outcome of the selection mechanism for a temporary executive authority. A peaceful transfer of power to a new Government of national unity would be a significant step towards long-awaited peace and stability for Libya.”
2021-01-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/97 (2021) · source
“Norway joins the Security Council’s discussions at a time of hope for progress towards a Libyan-owned political solution that can bring about peace and stability. We would like to thank Acting Special Representative of the Secretary-General Williams for her impressive efforts. The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has played a decisive role in the achievements made. And, as this is her last briefing, we wish her the best of luck in her new endeavours. We are encouraged by the progress in the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum (LPDF), building on the ceasefire agreement of 23 October 2020, which is still holding.”
2021-01-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/97 (2021) · source
“The many pressures exerted by the pandemic shift conflict dynamics in different ways. Some conflicts will harden, while in others new windows for coordinated diplomatic efforts might open. It is our duty as the Security Council to closely watch those shifting dynamics to coordinate efforts and facilitate humanitarian access and peaceful resolution of conflicts when possible.”
2021-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/90 (2021) · source
“The pandemic has also brought into sharp relief the importance of the women and peace and security agenda to every aspect of crisis prevention and response. At the community level, women peacebuilders and human rights defenders have also found themselves at the forefront of COVID-19 prevention and response efforts. They remain a vital component of pandemic response and recovery, and are key to long-term resilience, peacemaking and peacebuilding. The world is facing several crises at once: the global pandemic, climate change and biodiversity loss. They interact and reinforce one another. They exacerbate existing vulnerabilities and add complexity to situations where communities are already under stress from armed conflict. Our recovery efforts provide an opportunity to build back better and greener, and perhaps more peacefully.”
2021-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/90 (2021) · source
“We particularly stress the key role of local first-line humanitarian workers. COVID-19 has exacerbated protection challenges, including combating sexual and gender-based violence. Violations against children also persist. And the lack of safe access to education remains a key concern. Norway will continue to prioritize the protection of civilians in response to the pandemic, including the implementation of the Safe Schools Declaration. COVID-19 has impacted us all, but not evenly. We have seen disproportionate impacts among countries, communities and even genders. We need a gender- transformative perspective, and, above all, human rights, the rule of law and gender equality must underpin our global response to COVID-19.”
2021-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/90 (2021) · source
“Multilateral cooperation in those areas is more important than ever. Despite the lack of implementation of a full global ceasefire, important results have been achieved. In particular, United Nations missions have delivered impressively towards the objectives set out by the Secretary-General in April last year. Their efforts should continue to support national authorities, protect United Nations personnel, mitigate the spread of the virus and assist in the protection of vulnerable communities while ensuring operational continuity. In addition, it remains essential that humanitarian workers get safe and unhindered access to those in need, including for vaccination. Norway supports the United Nations in its efforts to ensure humanitarian access under those challenging circumstances.”
2021-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/90 (2021) · source
“The leadership and coordination by the World Health Organization, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and the United Nations Development Programme were essential to ensure effective and immediate health, humanitarian and socioeconomic responses. We also commend the Secretary-General for his swift response when Norway proposed establishing the COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund in March 2020. The pandemic has demonstrated the need for strong and efficient United Nations collaboration at the country level. Reports from the field confirm the importance of the strengthened United Nations Resident Coordinator system — a key element of United Nations reform. The pandemic has also highlighted the need for a global health agenda that can improve resilience, prevention, preparedness and response to health threats.”
2021-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/90 (2021) · source
“Like many other countries, Norway echoed Secretary-General Guterres’ timely call for a global ceasefire. We encouraged parties to conflict to adhere to the appeal. However, as we have all seen, the response has not been sufficient. Where ceasefires were announced, most were unilateral and limited, lacking follow-up mechanisms for coordination, monitoring and conflict management. We should apply lessons from that experience as we assist parties moving forward. One lesson to draw is the importance of encouraging mutual commitments by conflict parties to allow ceasefires to serve their purpose — whether it is vaccine distribution or steps towards a settlement.”
2021-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/90 (2021) · source
“I thank the Under-Secretaries-General for their briefings this morning. We meet as we are facing perhaps the darkest hours of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. The number of deaths has now surpassed 2 million people. And the virus has exacerbated human suffering in conflict areas. Progress on vaccines gives us hope. But we need to reach the most vulnerable. For that purpose, Norway is proud to co-chair, together with South Africa, the Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator Facilitation Council. Securing fair and global access to vaccines and mitigating the negative consequences of the pandemic require an effective and efficient multilateral system. The Security Council must also play its part in that and deliver a united response.”
2021-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/90 (2021) · source
“We commend the Government, the FARC and the Colombian people for the significant progress achieved. Nevertheless, important work remains. The accord calls for nothing less than comprehensive and structural changes to address the root causes of the conflict, including through the implementation of the provisions of the ethnic chapter, as well as rural reform, political participation and illegal- crop substitution. We urge both parties to honour to their commitments, increase efforts and work together to preserve progress towards sustainable peace for the Colombian people. Let me end with an assurance that Norway will stand by its consistent and long-term commitment to peace in Colombia.”
2021-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/77 (2021) · source
“We commend the efforts of the Government to trace gender-specific indicators, and we encourage the enhanced implementation of gender-related provisions. Advancing the implementation of the peace agreement requires sustained and constructive dialogue between the parties. Norway encourages the Government and the FARC to make better use of the mechanisms for dialogue provided for in the agreement, including the Commission for the Follow-up, Promotion and Verification of the Implementation of the Final Agreement and the National Reintegration Council. In that spirit, while we recognize the challenges related to the identification and handing over of conflict-related assets, we strongly encourage both parties to jointly ensure that those assets can be recovered for the benefit of the victims.”
2021-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/77 (2021) · source
“We recognize the efforts made by the Government to improve security, but these numbers demonstrate that more needs to be done. We therefore echo the Secretary-General’s call on the authorities to immediately redouble their efforts, including by bolstering protection and filling the vacancies in the National Protection Unit; enabling the National Commission on Security Guarantees to finalize and implement a public policy to dismantle illegal armed groups; enhancing the capacity of the Special Investigation Unit of the Office of the Attorney-General’s office; and accelerating the implementation of the Comprehensive Programme of Safeguards for Women Leaders and Human Rights Defenders. Indeed, guaranteeing women full, equal and meaningful participation in all phases of implementation is fundamental for ensuring sustainable peace.”
2021-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/77 (2021) · source
“Norway firmly believes that an inclusive political process, with respect for human rights — including women’s rights — and with the rule of law at its core, is a prerequisite for achieving lasting, sustainable peace. We remain particularly worried about the growing level of violence, threats, stigmatization, and discrimination against women, indigenous and Afro-Colombian leaders, environmental and LGBTI activists and human rights defenders. For the Council, which oversees the implementation of the peace agreement, it should be intolerable that more than 250 ex-combatants — signatories to the agreement — have been killed since its signing. Since the beginning of this year, four ex-combatants have already been killed.”
2021-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/77 (2021) · source
“We urge both parties and other actors to cooperate fully with these institutions and to enable them to carry out their work independently and without political interference. The principles of justice, truth, reparation and non- repetition must remain above ideologies and political polarization. In support of that endeavour, the Security Council should swiftly consider the request for an expansion of the mandate of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia to verify compliance with the judgments to be issued by the Special Jurisdiction for Peace. At the same time, we express our deep concern about the security situation of former combatants, social leaders and human rights defenders.”
2021-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/77 (2021) · source
“Moving forward, we encourage the authorities, in cooperation with the Fuerza Alternativa Revolucionaria del Común (FARC), to take further steps in order to ensure access to land for housing and productive projects; to combat stigmatization and build trust between former combatants, State institutions and communities; to increase the institutional attention to the new reintegration areas; and to make sure that women ex-combatants have equal access to reintegration projects. We remember that, during the peace negotiations, a turning point was reached when the victims on both sides of the conflict were placed at the centre of the discussions. Now, in 2021, the victims must again be placed at the centre. The Truth Commission will issue its final report, and the Special Jurisdiction for Peace will deliver its first judgments.”
2021-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/77 (2021) · source
“We join the Secretary- General in recognizing the significant results of the peace agreement during its first four years. From our perspective, the key achievements include the transformation of the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia-Ejército del Pueblo (FARC- EP) from a guerrilla group into a political actor; progress in reintegration, including through the establishment of productive projects for ex-combatants; progress made in rural development in conflict areas; and the substantial work of the transitional justice institutions in fulfilling their commitments towards the victims. It is a remarkable achievement that the vast majority of former FARC-EP combatants remain in the reintegration process. That speaks both to the commitment of those former combatants, but also to the Government’s commitment to reintegration.”
2021-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/77 (2021) · source
“I would like to thank the Secretary-General and Special Representative Massieu for the report (S/2020/1301) and for the concrete recommendations, which we support. The Security Council has been a leading guardian of the Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace in Colombia. As a new member, we look forward to contributing to the Council’s work to safeguard the integrity and ensure the implementation of the accord. We come to this role with the background of our long-standing contribution to the United Nations mission, and as a guarantor country to the peace agreement, together with Cuba. Norway has long accompanied Colombia in its efforts to achieve peace and we greatly appreciate the trust that the parties have shown us.”
2021-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/77 (2021) · source
“The direct and meaningful participation of women and civil society in the political process is key to building sustainable peace with the respect for human rights and the rule of law at its core. Lastly, let me turn to the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). Recent attacks in central and eastern Syria, claiming dozens of casualties, remind us that ISIL remains a serious threat, both to Syria and to international security and stability. We must remain vigilant of their existence and their potential to grow and inspire terrorist attacks far beyond Syria and Iraq. Norway is committed to stabilization efforts in both countries and to continuing our support for the fight against ISIL.”
2021-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/75 (2021) · source
“We call on all parties to release arbitrarily detained persons — particularly women and children — and facilitate their return to their families. No confidence-building measure is more important. We urge all parties to take all the necessary steps to better protect children and ensure children’s rights, including keeping schools and health facilities safe. We know from experience that inclusivity is vital for peace processes to succeed and for political settlements to be not only just, but more sustainable. In that respect, we commend the Special Envoy for his close dialogue with the Syrian Women’s Advisory Board and for being a strong advocate for the active participation of women, including those from diverse backgrounds, and the broader civil society in the constitutional process.”
2021-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/75 (2021) · source
“The process must be Syrian-owned, with strong support from the international community and the Security Council. This is an opportunity not to be missed. More than five years have passed since resolution 2254 (2015) was adopted by the Council. We urge the parties and all actors to contribute to concrete progress. We support the Special Envoy’s call for taking stock of where the political process stands in order to find the best possible way to move it forward. In addition to the important work of the Constitutional Committee, we also need wider efforts to address the full range of issues, with regional and international partners and all parties constructively engaged. We also remain concerned about the countless persons who remain missing or detained in Syria.”
2021-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/75 (2021) · source