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

“We give our full support to Special Envoy Pedersen and his Office in their efforts to facilitate the implementation of resolution 2254 (2015). That includes the critical work of the Constitutional Committee, as well as broader endeavours to end the conflict and bring sustainable peace to Syria. On the Constitutional Committee, we welcome the resumption of meetings during the latter part of 2020 and the upcoming round of talks scheduled for next week in Geneva. For the first time, the Committee’s small body will discuss constitutional principles. We look forward to good-faith engagement from all sides on issues of substance, with a view to finding common ground and paving the way for the drafting process to start. It is the Syrian parties that need to move the constitutional process forward.”
2021-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/75 (2021) · source
“We call on all parties to adhere to their obligations under international humanitarian law and protect those who risk their lives while saving others. Second statement by the Permanent Representative of Norway to the United Nations, Mona Juul I will now make some additional remarks on the political track in my national capacity. The only way to bring an end to the displacement, destruction and humanitarian need is through a nationwide ceasefire and a political solution. Military victories may be won on the battlefield, but only a lasting and inclusive political solution can end the suffering of the people of Syria and prevent renewed conflict and instability. Norway will do its utmost to support a political settlement in Syria.”
2021-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/75 (2021) · source
“While humanitarian access remains challenging, some progress has been made in certain areas of the country over the past year. We hope to see that development continue in 2021. Recent reports from the Secretary-General and humanitarian partners emphasize that cross-line support to the north-east is still not reaching the population on a scale sufficient to meet their needs. We therefore call on all parties involved to facilitate a concerted scaling up of cross-line support. In the north-west, thanks to the efforts of the United Nations and its partners, the crossing at Bab Al-Hawa continues to play an indispensable role in the delivery of aid to the 3 million people in need. In conclusion, I want to pay tribute to all humanitarian and medical personnel for their tireless efforts.”
2021-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/75 (2021) · source
“They were not the first and will not be the last. The hard work of humanitarian mine clearance has barely begun. That also demonstrates the need to step up efforts in mine-risk education in all affected areas. Reports by the Secretary-General underscore the immense and growing humanitarian needs facing Syrians. The United Nations, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent movement and non-governmental organizations partners continue to mount one of the world’s largest humanitarian responses, reaching an average of 7.4 million people per month across Syria. The ongoing response demonstrates the need for ensuring a principled approach to humanitarian assistance and protection, reaching people in all parts of the country.”
2021-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/75 (2021) · source
“Several children have died tragically in tent fires as families try to keep warm. We are following with concern the winter storms in the north-west of the country, which are reportedly the biggest so far this season. The heavy rainfall across western Aleppo and Idlib governorates in north-west Syria has reportedly caused damage to sites for internally displaced people. Reports are indicating that at least 41,200 people have been affected and at least 62 camps have been damaged or destroyed by the storm. We ask for the urgent scaling up of the relief efforts for children and families in the affected areas. The protection needs of Syrians are mounting. Earlier this month, we again received heartbreaking news of children killed in accidents caused by unexploded ordnance in places such as Dar’a and Deir ez-Zor.”
2021-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/75 (2021) · source
“It is vital that the Syrian health-care system receive the support needed to battle the pandemic, including equitable access to vaccines. Needless to say, we give our full support to the World Health Organization’s efforts. Clean and uninterrupted water supplies are essential in all situations, but even more so in the midst of a pandemic. We are deeply concerned by renewed reports of interruptions at the Allouk water station, denying more than half a million people access to their primary source of water. All parties involved must commit to a settlement and support United Nations efforts to find a sustainable solution. Winter came late but has hit hard. People now go cold and hungry all over Syria. The impact on the over 2 million internally displaced persons living in inadequate emergency shelters is devastating.”
2021-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/75 (2021) · source
“The total number of people in need of humanitarian assistance and protection increased from 11 million to a record high of 13 million people over the past year. The socioeconomic crisis in Syria continues to spiral to new disastrous depths. Throughout the country we have seen increasing food prices, worsened fuel shortages and continued loss of livelihoods — all further exacerbated by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). In all likelihood, more than half of Syria’s population now faces food insecurity. We are concerned as the number of reported COVID-19 cases continues to rise, with a disastrous impact on an already shattered health system. With limited or lacking test capacity, indicators such as the fatality ratio leave little doubt that community transmission is widespread.”
2021-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/75 (2021) · source
“I make this statement on behalf of the co-penholders on the Syrian humanitarian file, Ireland and Norway. We would like to thank Under-Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs, Mr. Mark Lowcock, and Special Envoy Geir Pedersen for their briefings today. We meet today for the first Security Council meeting of 2021 on the humanitarian situation in Syria. Almost 10 years have passed since the conflict began. After turning the page on 2020, we continue to witness an extremely challenging humanitarian situation throughout the country. Our role as humanitarian co-penholders will reflect a long-term engagement with the humanitarian response in Syria. The overall objective will be to ensure that humanitarian assistance continues to reach all people in need, by all means and modalities necessary, in line with the humanitarian principles.”
2021-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/75 (2021) · source
“Women’s participation in local and national peace and stability processes in Yemen is of the utmost importance. Yemen’s national action plan on women and peace and security is a good tool, and we encourage one and all to support Yemen’s implementation of that plan. We also welcome cooperation between the League of Arab States and the United Nations on issues related to climate and security, including through the Climate Security Mechanism. In conclusion, I am encouraged by the statements made today and hopeful that the cooperation between the Council and the League can be further deepened for the sake of greater peace and security in the region.”
2021-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/66 (2021) · source
“One such area for further cooperation could be support for networks of women mediators. In the Middle East and North Africa region, as in so many places around the world, women remain underrepresented in political life and in peace and security efforts. That is why networks of women mediators are so important; they demonstrate the competence and capacity of local women leaders. We are very pleased that the League of Arab States and UN-Women have launched the Arab Women Mediators Network to mobilize efforts to promote the participation of women in peacebuilding and peacekeeping. We also welcome the joint efforts of UN-Women and the League of Arab States to support Member States in developing and implementing national action plans on women and peace and security.”
2021-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/66 (2021) · source
“We encourage the League to assume a more prominent role in promoting stability, peace and reconciliation in the region, in cooperation with other regional and international partners. I would like to highlight the engagement of the League of Arab States in the Libya quartet, together with the United Nations, the African Union and the European Union, as well as the quartet’s efforts to support the Libyan-led political process. Furthermore, we fully support and encourage efforts to intensify contact and coordination between all the relevant United Nations Special Envoys and the League of Arab States in order to address the crises in the region. We encourage the two secretariats to continue working together to identify concrete, realistically achievable areas for cooperation, especially on peace and security.”
2021-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/66 (2021) · source
“The absence of a resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict also remains a source of unrest in the region. We see a new regional dynamic, with several members of the League of Arab States having recently normalized relations with Israel. At the same time, support for the Palestinian cause in the Arab world remains strong. This new dynamic might present an opening for a renewed attempt to reach a negotiated two-State solution. We encourage greater coordination between the League of Arab States and the Council to support such a process. Organizations like the League of Arab States are important in order to facilitate dialogue, build consensus and bridge differences between States.”
2021-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/66 (2021) · source
“We strongly support the cooperation and dialogue between the Council and the League of Arab States on key matters related to peace and security in the region. The political and security situation in the Middle East and North Africa region remains deeply complex and, in several countries, volatile. The conflicts in Syria, Libya and Yemen are still ongoing, and the situation in Western Sahara is more tense now than it has been in long time. While we welcome recent developments from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit and prospects to restore GCC unity, tensions in the Gulf region are still running high. Furthermore, the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant and other terrorist groups continue to pose a grave threat to regional peace, stability and prosperity.”
2021-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/66 (2021) · source
“I thank Mr. Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, and Ms. Rosemary DiCarlo, Under Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, for their interesting and timely briefings. I also thank Foreign Minister Othman Jerandi for his statement and for personally presiding over this important meeting today. Finally, I welcome Mr. Anwar bin Mohammed Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates, to this meeting. Norway believes that more inclusive deliberation of issues on the Security Council’s agenda will benefit the Council’s situational awareness and decision- making. Engaging with regional and subregional organizations is therefore important.”
2021-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/66 (2021) · source
“We urge all parties to allow sufficient imports of food and fuel supplies and to facilitate full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access. But, ultimately, we call on all parties to end the conflict. That is a duty owed to the people of Yemen.”
2021-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/56 (2021) · source
“According to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, 47,000 Yemenis may be at risk of starving to death by the end of June of this year, and another 5 million are only one step behind — and that is if we keep the humanitarian contributions at the current level. This is appalling. We urge all donors, including regional ones, to make early and generous contributions. The economic crisis and the devaluation of the rial is further escalating an already critical situation. It is important to find ways to support the Yemeni rial and prevent further suffering of the Yemeni people. The most shocking component of this humanitarian crisis is that it is entirely caused, and prolonged by, the conflict. This means that it is also entirely preventable.”
2021-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/56 (2021) · source
“We also remain particularly concerned by the blatant violations of children’s rights in Yemen. The recruitment and use of children as soldiers must stop immediately. Schools must be a safe place for children to learn, in line with the Safe Schools Declaration. The continuing cycle of violence and numerous reports of civilian deaths and injuries in Yemen is of concern. It is imperative that all parties to the conflict respect international humanitarian law and ensure the full protection of civilians, especially children. We are alarmed by the humanitarian situation and risk of famine, further exacerbated by the coronavirus disease pandemic and continued violence.”
2021-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/56 (2021) · source
“We fear that such an action may exacerbate the already dire humanitarian situation, worsen the economy and impede the political process. It is important that any measures taken do not negatively affect humanitarian activity and imports to Yemen, including by commercial actors. We see that the only way to resolve this crisis and bring peace and stability to Yemen is through a broad, inclusive political process. Such a process cannot be successful without the full, equal and meaningful participation of women. The participation of women and youth in all stages of peace processes is imperative to reach a sustainable peace. In that respect, we stand ready to assist the Yemeni Government to implement its national action plan on women and peace and security.”
2021-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/56 (2021) · source
“I echo the comments made by the briefers and colleagues and strongly condemn the attacks on Aden airport and the presidential palace on 30 December, which left several civilians dead or injured, including three humanitarian workers from the International Committee of the Red Cross. That was an unacceptable assault on the political process, civilians and humanitarian workers. Our thoughts are with the victims’ families and relatives. We support the Panel of Experts on Yemen and expect all parties to cooperate with it. We welcome an independent examination to establish the facts around the attacks. Furthermore, we are concerned by the imminent United States designation of Ansar Allah, a group affiliated with the Houthis, as a foreign terrorist organization.”
2021-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/56 (2021) · source
“It is crucial, perhaps now more than ever, for the parties to the conflict to agree to meet in direct consultations, under the auspices of Special Envoy Griffiths, aimed at bridging differences with regard to the joint declaration, and to agree on a nationwide ceasefire, humanitarian and economic measures and the resumption of political consultations. The establishment of a unity Government in Aden and the steps taken to implement the Riyadh agreement are highly welcome. We appreciate the efforts of all parties in that regard, especially Saudi Arabia. It is now important to ensure further and continued implementation as well as a commitment to stability in the south.”
2021-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/56 (2021) · source
“I would first like to thank Special Envoy Griffiths, Under-Secretary-General Lowcock and Executive Director Beasley for their introductory remarks. Norway joins the Security Council’s consideration of the situation in Yemen after some six years of conflict. The use of military force has led only to human suffering and the destruction of an already fragile country. Yemen is experiencing the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. Pockets of famine-like conditions have returned to Yemen for the first time in two years.”
2021-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/56 (2021) · source
“We also commend Special Representative Annadif, the Economic Community of West African States and the African Union for the key roles they are continuing to play after the coup in August. We have heard their calls for continued support for Mali. As a new member of the Council, Norway will remain a constructive partner of Mali, including through MINUSMA and other international efforts.”
2021-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/47 (2021) · source
“Furthermore, it is important to address and adapt to the current and long-term effects of climate change, which leads to resource scarcity and reinforces existing conflicts. Last but not least are dialogue and reconciliation. MINUSMA’s mandate includes support for dialogue with and among all stakeholders. In short, it is necessary to address root causes. Before I conclude, and in the light of the new year, let me pay tribute to everyone working to support progress in Mali. The Secretary-General’s report (S/2020/1281) clearly shows the difficult tasks that they face. We extend our condolences to France, which recently lost five soldiers combating terrorism in Mali, and express our concern about the improvised- explosive-device attack on a MINUSMA convoy in Timbuktu this morning.”
2021-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/47 (2021) · source
“Compliance with international law obligations and accountability are key to rebuilding trust, breaking spirals of violence and restoring authority and the legitimacy of a State. Impunity must end, and national authorities must lead by example. We therefore welcome the fact that the fight against impunity is a priority in the transitional Government’s road map. Thirdly, in order to ensure viable and long-term solutions to Mali’s complex challenges, there is a need to address comprehensive security goals beyond combating armed groups. A swift return of State authority and basic services across the country, including quality education, is essential. Mali cannot afford a lost generation. We also urge all stakeholders to continue to ensure safe and unhindered access for humanitarian actors and to strengthen civil-military coordination.”
2021-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/47 (2021) · source
“As we speak, we are again deploying a transport aircraft to the Mission as part of an innovative rotation scheme established with partner countries in 2016. We also provide a specialized police team that is assisting Mali in building capacity in its fight against impunity. We are worried about recent reports of grave violations and abuses against children, including forced recruitment and sexual and gender-based violence. In that light, we see MINUSMA’s contribution to strengthening the rule of law as being as important as ever. We call upon the Malian authorities, with the assistance of partners, to follow up on the recommendations contained in the report of the International Commission of Inquiry for Mali.”
2021-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/47 (2021) · source
“While there is a need for more inclusivity, let me here highlight one of the positive developments. We welcome the inclusion of nine women in the Agreement Monitoring Committee. Their input into discussions on disarmament, demobilization and reintegration processes, reforms, education, development, reconciliation, justice and other issues is crucial. We hope that their inclusion marks a trend towards the full, equal and meaningful participation and representation of women at all levels. Norway will continue to support those efforts every step of the way. Secondly, civilians, including children, must be protected. That is why Norway has been involved in the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) since its outset.”
2021-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/47 (2021) · source
“I thank Special Representative Annadif for his timely updates. I also welcome the presence of Ambassador Issa Konfourou and Mali’s consistent participation in these meetings. Five months have passed since the coup in Bamako. Progress in Mali and stability in the region now hinge on a peaceful, inclusive and effective transition back to constitutional normality. Just over a year remains until free, fair and democratic elections are scheduled to take place. But the Malian people must already start to feel a sense of improvement during the transition, and that needs to happen in line with the 2015 Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali. Looking ahead to the transition and beyond, let me highlight three key issues. First, inclusive political processes are essential, and women’s participation is necessary for sustainable outcomes.”
2021-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/47 (2021) · source
“That innovative work helps regional actors and countries of the region to better understand the effects of climate on security and to develop risk-prevention and management strategies. The international community needs to support the implementation of such strategies. Regional cooperation is key to unlocking sustainable progress. At a recent meeting of the Peacebuilding Commission, participants recognized the leadership role of UNOWAS in United Nations system cooperation and strategies in the region. We trust UNOWAS to enhance regional and subregional partnerships, while addressing the cross-border and cross-cutting threats to peace and security. Lastly, let me end with an appeal: that we ensure that UNOWAS continues to get the adequate support and resources that its important functions dictate.”
2021-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/43 (2021) · source
“One important way to ensure inclusion is the full, equal and meaningful participation of women at all levels of decision-making. UNOWAS gender-sensitive reporting reveals mixed progress but also highlights positive examples of gender- inclusion efforts and legal reforms. Let me commend the role of UNOWAS in highlighting the effects of climate change on security. Disputes over land, water and food are fertile breeding grounds for violence and terrorism. As such, it is important that considerations of the impacts of climate-related security risks be addressed by the Council. Norway supports the work of UNOWAS in this area, including through the Climate Security Mechanism.”
2021-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/43 (2021) · source
“Special Representative Chambas’s electoral missions — together with the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States — have been important in mitigating conflict, encouraging openness and discouraging hate speech. We appreciate the strategic support provided by UNOWAS to local conflict-resolution mechanisms. As we know, localized conflicts often are drivers of instability. It is worrisome that several of the recent elections in the region were marred by exclusion, electoral violence and the deaths of civilians. We call on all stakeholders to ensure that the upcoming elections are inclusive, credible and peaceful. Elections present opportunities to renew social contracts between Governments and the people and to strengthen democratic governance and the inclusion of marginalized groups.”
2021-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/43 (2021) · source
“Victims’ rights must be ensured, and perpetrators held accountable by credible national or international criminal justice mechanisms. Impunity must end. In this, national Governments must lead the way. Security on land is also closely related to that at sea. We welcome the increased cooperation by UNOWAS and the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa on maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, in line with the Council’s resolutions. Much of the work of UNOWAS is by nature discreet, but that does not make it any less important. UNOWAS diplomacy has had a great impact on the prevention, mitigation and resolution of conflicts. Its role before, during and after the many recent elections is commendable.”
2021-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/43 (2021) · source
“We urge the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) to further prioritize those issues. We condemn all attacks on civilians in the region. In order to put an end to them, local, regional and international efforts must be well coordinated, including between the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali and the Joint Force of the Group of Five for the Sahel. Of particular gravity are the violations committed against children. We strongly condemn violations and abuses against children by any party. While it is always imperative that international humanitarian law and international human rights be fully respected and implemented, this is particularly so given the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the region.”
2021-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/43 (2021) · source
“I thank Special Representative Chambas for his briefing. First, let me once again express our deepest condolences to our colleagues from the Niger and to the people of that country following the horrific killing of civilians in Tillabéri this month. The recent tragedy in Tillabéri is yet another instance where civilians, including women and children, fall victim to violence in the Sahel and Lake Chad area. That calls for a stronger protection of civilians, including the implementation of the Safe Schools Declaration. Children have the right to education without fear of attack. We have seen that the coronavirus disease has also had a compounding influence on conflict and displacement, which is increasingly putting women and girls at risk of sexual and gender-based violence.”
2021-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/43 (2021) · source
“Norway is honoured that on 1 January 2021, it will join the Council as an elected member. We are committed to using every opportunity around this table to advance the prospects for a sustainable peace between Israelis and Palestinians.”
2020-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1055 (2020) · source
“We call on Israel to halt such activities. We also call on all duty- bearers to respect and protect the fundamental human rights of the people within their areas of authority and to end impunity. Let me conclude by repeating Norway’s call on the parties to commit to a meaningful dialogue on the basis of existing agreements and the relevant United Nations resolutions. We encourage all supporters of the two-State solution to help bring the parties back to a path towards a lasting settlement, including talks on the final-status issues of borders, security, refugees and Jerusalem. As Norway has underlined repeatedly in these debates, there continues to be strong international consensus that a sustainable peace between Israelis and Palestinians can be achieved only through a negotiated and viable two-State solution.”
2020-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1055 (2020) · source
“It is positive if this can contribute to increased political stability in the region, and we hope that increased contact across the Middle East will support the efforts to secure a peaceful and just solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. We encourage Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain — alongside other countries in the region — to seize the momentum generated by their historic steps towards that end. Still, the normalization agreements do not resolve outstanding questions in the conflict. Norway is deeply concerned about the continued Israeli settlement activities in the West Bank, which constitute a violation of international law. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, over recent months there has been a spike in the demolition or confiscation of Palestinian-owned structures and homes in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.”
2020-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1055 (2020) · source
“UNRWA continues to do so in the face of the most severe financial crisis in its history. The S/2020/1055 S/2020/1055 organization’s schools, clinics and other facilities across the region are essential to avoid further instability. Norway calls on donors to increase their funding to UNRWA. Norway remains hopeful that the normalization of Israel’s bilateral relations with the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain will increase the space for dialogue and cooperation between Israel and the Arab world. That development demonstrates that peaceful coexistence between the countries of the Middle East is possible and offers new opportunities for diplomatic and economic cooperation.”
2020-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1055 (2020) · source
“We recognize the ongoing efforts made by the actors involved to facilitate the transfer of medical supplies into Gaza. However, this is far from enough. We call on Israel to do more to fulfil its obligations, including by easing the closure and improving access and movement of goods. Norway also encourages the Palestinian Authority to continue to carry out its responsibility of supporting Gaza’s health-care system. In addition, international support to alleviate the impact of the pandemic will need to also address the critical public-health situation in Jerusalem and the West Bank. The current crisis again underscores the critical role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), which supports the basic needs of millions of Palestinian refugees in the region.”
2020-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1055 (2020) · source
“Preserving the fiscal viability of the Palestinian Authority is also fundamental to the prospects for a two-State solution. During this time of crisis, we urge the Palestinian Authority to continue the delivery of basic services to the Palestinian population, and, to the extent possible, to ensure salary payments to public employees in the West Bank and Gaza. As chair of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee for the Coordination of the International Assistance to Palestinians (AHLC), Norway will do its utmost to mobilize resources to Palestinians in need and to address immediate public-health issues. This work is already ongoing. We plan for the next meeting of the AHLC to take place in February 2021 and will coordinate the timing with the parties and major donors. The pandemic has exacerbated the already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.”
2020-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1055 (2020) · source
“The unprecedented strain placed by the pandemic on the already fragile Palestinian economy and on the Palestinian Authority’s ability to operate must be properly addressed. In that regard, Norway regrets that the question of the transfer of clearance revenues from Israel to the Palestinian Authority remains unresolved. With the Palestinian economy on the brink of insolvency, we strongly urge the parties to stabilize the Palestinian Authority’s budget by agreeing on fixed, regular and predictable transfers of revenues. The parties must also settle other outstanding fiscal questions in order to strengthen the Palestinian economy. Ordinary people, in particular the most vulnerable, will be the ones bearing the brunt of the problems as long as this issue remains unresolved.”
2020-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1055 (2020) · source
“As we convene for this debate, the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic continues to severely affect the lives of Israelis and Palestinians alike. Authorities on both sides have implemented extensive measures to contain the virus and save lives, at a high economic cost. When we addressed the Council six months ago (see S/2020/341), we commended the parties for their cooperation in responding to the pandemic. However, we note with regret that the space for dialogue and cooperation between Israelis and Palestinians has deteriorated since then. Norway has repeatedly warned against the Israeli annexation of parts of the West Bank. We call on Israel to make the current suspension of those plans permanent. Such a step could create a more conducive environment for cooperation and negotiations.”
2020-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1055 (2020) · source
“Existing agreements and relevant United Nations resolutions should form the basis for the resumption of talks. Under the Oslo Accords, the parties undertook to resolve all outstanding issues, including borders, security, refugees and Jerusalem, in the final-status negotiations. There is a strong international consensus that only a negotiated two-State solution can lead to a durable peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians.”
2020-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/736 (2020) · source
“However, their support alone cannot bring about a solution or stand as a substitute for a political process. The current threats and impediments to both economic and political progress must be reversed. Norway has on several occasions warned against Israeli annexation of parts of the West Bank. Annexation violates international law and would undermine the possibility of establishing a contiguous Palestinian State and damage the prospects of achieving a lasting peace. We echo the call by Secretary-General Guterres to the Security Council on 24 June (S/2020/596, annex 1), in which he urged the parties to commit to a meaningful dialogue and all the supporters of the two-State solution to help bring the parties back to a path towards a lasting settlement.”
2020-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/736 (2020) · source
“There is a need to ensure prompt delivery of humanitarian supplies to the Palestinian population, and in particular to protect all efforts aimed at preventing further aggravation of the COVID-19 crisis. In addition, the Palestinian Authority should ensure, to the greatest extent possible, that salary payments to public employees in Gaza and the West Bank be made. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East remains indispensable. It is vital that donors continue their support to the Agency. For decades, donors have remained committed to improving the institutional and economic conditions so as to favour a negotiated two-State solution. In the AHLC meeting, donors confirmed their continued support for a negotiated two- State solution and Palestinian economic development.”
2020-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/736 (2020) · source
“The meeting was held in the context of political developments that have negatively affected the cooperation between the parties amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and a fiscal crisis that threatens the existence of the Palestinian Authority. Palestinian economic and institutional development continue to be constrained by a combination of factors. In addition, the COVID-19 crisis has caused serious negative repercussions for the Palestinian economy. There is an urgent need for improved fiscal arrangements that will ensure regular and predictable monthly transfers to the Palestinian Authority and for continued financial support from donors. The safety and health of the Palestinian population must be ensured, and their property protected from attacks.”
2020-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/736 (2020) · source
“Norway is deeply concerned about the military escalation in Yemen, as well as the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and the condition of the FSO SAFER oil tanker. We support the efforts of the United Nations Special Envoy and urge the parties to commit to a ceasefire, engage in political consultations and agree on urgent humanitarian and economic measures. A lasting peace in Yemen is urgently needed, and only an inclusive political solution can end the conflict and the humanitarian crisis. On 2 June, Norway and the European Union co-chaired a virtual ministerial meeting of the international donor group for Palestine, the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee for the Coordination of the International Assistance to Palestinians (AHLC), with the participation of the two parties and the donors.”
2020-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/736 (2020) · source
“Let me first make two comments — on the conflicts in Syria and Yemen — before focusing on the Middle East peace process. On Syria, we are relieved by the adoption of resolution 2533 (2020) but regret that the Council decided to further limit the scope of the existing mechanism. We are gravely concerned about the potential impact of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, a dire economy and the reported looming famine. All parties, in particular the Syrian regime and its backers, must cease all hostilities and ensure the protection of civilians and humanitarian access. There is no military solution to the conflict. We reiterate our full support for Special Envoy Pedersen and a political settlement in line with resolution 2254 (2015).”
2020-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/736 (2020) · source
“The Nordic countries again urge all States Members of the United Nations to ensure that children in armed conflict get the attention, protection and respect for their human rights to which they are entitled.”
2020-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/594 (2020) · source
“We reiterate our strong support for the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, Ms. Gamba de Potgieter, who plays an essential role at the global, regional and national levels by advocating children’s protection and the rights of the child and providing practical guidance, in particular the “Practical guidance for mediators to protect children in situations of armed conflict”, which was launched by the Office of the Special Representative in February 2020, with the support of Sweden and Belgium. This issue has remained on our agenda for far too long. Parties to conflict and the international community can and must do more to protect the increasing number of children and young people affected by armed conflict and to ensure that they be included in peacebuilding and development processes.”
2020-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/594 (2020) · source
“Securing accountability for conflict-related crimes involving children is of the utmost importance, and we would like to recognize the important work of the Justice Rapid Response initiative, which is a global facility that provides rapidly deployable specialized justice experts, and thank these experts for their efforts. We welcome the report of the Secretary-General on children and armed conflict (S/2020/525) and wish to highlight the importance we attach to a transparent process that ensures all relevant States and parties to conflict are included in the report and its annexes. In addition, we highlight that the mere signing of an action plan should not form the basis for a delisting in the Secretary-General’s report.”
2020-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/594 (2020) · source