YouSaid · the spoken record

Mueller

lines on the record: 261
first: 2017-07-27
most recent: 2020-02-27
sittings or episodes: 20
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

“Nujeen Mustapha, whom I had the pleasure of meeting yesterday, will speak in just a moment. She is an incredible advocate not just for those with disabilities in Syria, but for all those with disabilities in conflict settings, for women and for young people. She is an advocate for inclusive humanitarian action, and she is carrying with her an important message that we will all benefit from hearing.”
2019-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8515 (2019) · source
“Many lack access to health care and education, and experience difficulties in meeting their basic needs. They also face specific protection and psychosocial challenges, including heightened risk of violence and abuse. We must do our utmost to support and protect persons with disabilities and to ensure that their specific and diverse needs are addressed, including by ensuring the accessibility of activities and services, the training of staff and the collection of disaggregated data. We - and I include the important role of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in this - must do more to include persons with disabilities in our work, making sure that they, and their representative organizations, take an active part at every step of planning and decision-making processes.”
2019-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8515 (2019) · source
“The number of children who have reportedly died at the settlement from preventable causes since January now stands at more than a dozen. The deployment of a third humanitarian convoy to Rukban remains urgent if we are to avoid the deaths of more innocent children. As I said at the beginning of my statement, the Syrian people have suffered a litany of horrors. Among those people who have suffered the most - and are still suffering today - are those with disabilities. Those disabled before the start of the crisis often face heightened challenges, and many more who have become disabled as civilians have been heavily impacted through years of conflict, including those injured due to explosive remnants of war. In these settings, persons with disabilities are often excluded and highly vulnerable.”
2019-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8515 (2019) · source
“We continue to advocate for full, unimpeded and sustained access to shelters, as well as areas oforigin and destination, and to people en route, in order to be able to adequately support the humanitarian needs of those leaving Rukban. While efforts to pursue durable solutions - guided by the needs, rights, security and dignity of the people in Rukban and based on their informed and voluntary choice - are under way, additional and sustained assistance for those who remain in Rukban is just as necessary. Food, medicines and other life-saving supplies delivered in February are running out. The United Nations has requested access to provide life-saving assistance, but on Monday was informed by the authorities that such a convoy would not be possible. People are exhausted.”
2019-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8515 (2019) · source
“Those who have already left organized their own transportation to the 55-kilometre border area, from where they have been transported to four collective shelters in Homs governorate through a combination of private and Government vehicles. Many are quickly leaving the shelters to stay with relatives in towns in eastern Homs governorate. Some people - mostly men - remain in the shelters for a longer period while they settle their status with the authorities. Colleagues in Damascus have reiterated the United Nations willingness to be directly involved to ensure that core protection standards are met and movements are conducted in a voluntary, safe, well-informed and dignified manner. Today, our teams accessed the shelters for the first time. The United Nations is ready to engage further, but we must be fully engaged, from start to finish.”
2019-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8515 (2019) · source
“Further south, in Deir ez-Zor governorate, an estimated 150,000 people along seven villages between Hajin and AI-Susah, east of the Euphrates river, are in dire need of humanitarian assistance. The Syrian authorities recently approved the deployment of an inter-agency convoy to the area to bring assistance for up to 50,000 people as a first step. Aside from the Syrian Arab Red Crescent convoy deployed earlier in the year, this would be the first inter-agency convoy to reach the area. Preparations are ongoing to conduct the necessary assessments, obtain relevant security assurances and finalize logistical arrangements for the convoy to proceed in the coming period. My third and final point will be on Rukban. As Council members may know, over 7,000 people have left the site in recent weeks, including nearly 2,000 just yesterday.”
2019-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8515 (2019) · source
“The humanitarian community in Syria is ensuring that all those in need at the camp receive humanitarian assistance, without discrimination and in accordance with humanitarian principles. This includes assistance to the foreign nationals in the annex part of the camp. However, access to the annex remains constrained, particularly for health, nutrition and protection partners, who require a permanent presence inside the annex in order to provide continued care and services. The United Nations also continues to advocate with the Syrian authorities for the deployment of surge staff from Damascus to support the teams operating in north-eastern Syria, who have now been responding uninterruptedly to successive crises for the past many months.”
2019-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8515 (2019) · source
“Solutions for foreign nationals need to be urgently found, and we call on all Member States to take all measures necessary to ensure that their nationals are repatriated for the purposes of prosecution, rehabilitation and/or reintegration, as appropriate, and in line with international law and standards. The camp at Al-Hol currently hosts more than 73,000 civilians. Almost two-thirds of them - two- thirds - are children under the age of 12. Approximately 43 per cent of the camp population are Syrians, 42 per cent are Iraqis and 15 per cent are foreign nationals. There are 458 unaccompanied and separated children, including 121 who remain in interim care centres awaiting family tracing and reunification.”
2019-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8515 (2019) · source
“This includes the risk of being denied repatriation, rehabilitation and re-integration or a fair trial, or even the risk of becoming stateless, despite having citizenship or a claim to citizenship. It also includes family separation and not knowing the whereabouts of family members, given the notable absence of adult males and adolescent boys over the age of 15 in the camp. All children, including those suspected of being associated with armed groups or terrorist groups, are entitled to special care and protection under international humanitarian law and international human rights law, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child. They must be treated first and foremost as victims.”
2019-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8515 (2019) · source
“Humanitarian partners continue to respond to evolving needs, with thousands of those most recently displaced receiving food and other assistance. Each month, some 1.7 million Syrians are reached with critical assistance through cross-border operations out of Turkey. Ensuring this sustained humanitarian access is critical. Secondly, I would like to highlight the situation in Al-Hol camp. We have frequently reported to the Council about the plight of those tens of thousands of civilians at the Al-Hol camp, 92 per cent of whom are women and children. Most have been exposed to violence and trauma under the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant. They are now living in extremely difficult conditions in which they face a range of protection challenges and an uncertain and disconcerting fate.”
2019-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8515 (2019) · source
“In addition, it is as critical as ever for all parties to respect international humanitarian law and take all feasible precautions to avoid and minimize civilian harm. As the Secretary-General has said many times before, any large-scale military offensive in Idlib would come at an unacceptable cost in terms of loss of human lives and suffering. Across north-western Syria, an estimated 2.7 million people remain in need of humanitarian assistance, including more than 1 million children. This includes 1.7 million internally displaced persons, many of whom have been displaced multiple times and have been living in camps for years. Some 40 per cent of children are out of school. Two million people rely on water trucking for most of their clean water.”
2019-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8515 (2019) · source
“Fighting has also caused more than 120,000 people to flee to areas closer to the Turkish border. Civilian structures - particularly schools and hospitals - continue to be hit. There were 11 attacks on schools in February and March alone, and we have heard reports that, on Monday, two schools were impacted by air strikes, resulting in three children being killed. In addition, many schools in the area have been shuttered indefinitely due to the hostilities. We count on all parties, especially Turkey and the Russian Federation, as guarantors of the de-escalation agreement, to rein in the current escalation and press all parties to the full implementation of the 17 September 2018 memorandum of understanding.”
2019-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8515 (2019) · source
“Ms. Mueller: In eight years of conflict, Syrians have lived through a litany of horrors. Hundreds of thousands of people have been killed, many more maimed physically and psychologically, and Syrians in the north-east and north-west remain in constant fear of yet another humanitarian catastrophe unfolding. Today, more than eight in ten people live below the poverty line and nearly 12 million people in Syria continue to depend on humanitarian assistance. I would like to highlight three key areas of concern. First, on Idlib, where an escalation of hostilities since February is reportedly causing civilian deaths and injuries, as well as significant destruction of civilian infrastructure. Since February, well over 200 civilians have reportedly been killed as a direct result of increased military clashes and attacks, with many more injured.”
2019-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8515 (2019) · source
“Ms. Mueller: I always stand ready to respond to questions from the Security Council. I did not hear any, so I have no further comments. The meeting ruse at 12.10 p.m.”
2019-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8513 (2019) · source
“Partners are able to move more easily and assist people in more areas, particularly in J ebel Marra. However, we continue to call on all parties in the Sudan to allow the humanitarian community to assist people in need. We also call on the Government to take further measures to improve the operating environment for humanitarian organizations, especially by lifting bureaucratic impediments to movement and facilitating impartial needs assessments and protection activities. At this critical time, it is essential to ensure that the people of Darfur and the rest of the Sudan receive the assistance and the support they need.”
2019-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8513 (2019) · source
“Greater support for development activities is needed, alongside scaled up Government investment in crucial services such as social protection. The situation in the Sudan also has implications for the broader region. I would like to recognize the Government's generosity in hosting refugees, including nearly 150,000 South Sudanese in Darfur. I hope that support continues. The Sudan has also been a vital route for the provision of humanitarian assistance - particularly food aid - into South Sudan. With critical life-saving assistance to be provided in the coming days and weeks, we hope the Government will continue to facilitate those movements. Ensuring that the most vulnerable are supported requires sustained humanitarian access to all people in need. Recent years have seen significant improvements.”
2019-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8513 (2019) · source
“This year humanitarian partners are appealing for $1.1 billion to assist 4.4 million of the most vulnerable people, which represents a bit more than half of the overall needs identified in the country, including 2.4 million people in Darfur. Humanitarian needs and response requirements will also be reviewed in the coming months to reflect the ongoing impact of the economic situation, as well as any impact that might emerge from the current political events. Sustaining humanitarian support is particularly important, as there continue to be significant constraints on longer-term development assistance for Darfur and other parts of the Sudan. Without expanded social safety nets, the ongoing economic situation will have serious consequences.”
2019-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8513 (2019) · source
“The World Food Programme reports that a growing proportion of internally displaced and refugee populations - already among the most vulnerable - cannot afford enough to eat. For those reasons, and thanks to the generous contributions of Member States, the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund last week allocated $26.5 million to assist vulnerable people in areas that have seen some of the largest increases in food insecurity linked to the economic situation, including in East, North, South and West Darfur. The Sudan humanitarian fund is also providing more than $20 million in complementary funding. But more support is needed.”
2019-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8513 (2019) · source
“Shortages of food and high prices also worsen protection risks, as people turn to negative coping mechanisms, and fewer children attend school. Women and the elderly continue to be particularly affected, as households are prioritizing food for their children. This situation adds to what were already high and long-standing humanitarian needs. There have been significant improvements in security in recent years, with some people displaced by conflict returning home. Yet 1.9 million people remain displaced by conflict, more than 1.6 million of them in Darfur, and many of them have been displaced for well over a decade, as members well know. Hundreds of thousands of children in Darfur are acutely malnourished. In Central, East, North, and South Darfur less than half of the population has access to clean water.”
2019-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8513 (2019) · source
“The World Food Programme reports that the price of sorghum is 70 per cent higher as compared with the same time last year, impacting people's purchasing power for a staple food. According to the latest analysis, 5.8 million people are presently food-insecure, up from 3.8 million the year before. That includes 1.9 million people in Darfur. With the start of the lean season in May, the number will increase. Shortages of imported commodities have also impacted health care and other services. According to the Central Bank of the Sudan, imports of medicine in 2018 dropped by a third as compared to 2017. With increases in costs of medical services ranging from 50 to 100 per cent, households are less able to afford health care and are more vulnerable to health risks.”
2019-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8513 (2019) · source
“We are very concerned about the protection of civilians, particularly in Darfur, where localized fighting continues. Reports of incidents of violence involving internally displaced persons - including internally displaced persons killed in Kalma camp in South Darfur on 13 April - are worrisome. In addition, the start of the school year in Darfur, scheduled for 1 April, has been delayed, impacting education and services tied to school attendance. The economic crisis in the Sudan has had a significant impact on humanitarian needs and operations, including in Darfur. That includes rapid currency devaluation, rampant inflation, increasing prices for food and medicine, a marked decline in purchasing power and intermittent shortages of daily bread and fuel supplies.”
2019-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8513 (2019) · source
“Ms. Mueller: I thank you, Mr. President, for this opportunity to brief the Security Council. Well before the latest developments in the Sudan, humanitarian needs in Darfur and other parts of the country were already growing due to the economic crisis. People who had been receiving humanitarian assistance now require greater support. The broader population has also been affected by the worsening economy. There is a risk that more people might slide into greater vulnerability and poverty. The direct impact on humanitarian operations from the recent political events has so far been limited, and regular operations have continued. That includes a major campaign to vaccinate children against polio and measles being carried out in South Darfur and other states. However, the humanitarian community is monitoring the situation closely.”
2019-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8513 (2019) · source
“I therefore urge Member States to step up and increase their support to humanitarian operations in the occupied Palestinian territory. In order to reduce vulnerability, it is also critical that all parties uphold their obligations under international human rights law and humanitarian law. And, ultimately, the solution is not humanitarian. It is for stakeholders to continue to work towards a viable political solution.”
2019-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8466 (2019) · source
“The humanitarian response plan for 2019 requests $350 million to provide basic food, protection, health care, shelter, water and sanitation to 1.4 million Palestinians, down from the 1.9 million targeted last year. The request is based on the maximum number of vulnerable people whose needs we are able to address. Recognizing this lack of funding, the occupied Palestinian territory will receive an allocation of $8 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund. About 70 per cent of this funding will help to address the immediate health crisis in Gaza, as well as water and sanitation issues; some 30 per cent will enhance international assistance in Hebron and the rest of the West Bank. However, the amount is far from enough to bridge the considerable funding gaps.”
2019-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8466 (2019) · source
“The situation reflects not only cuts to UNRWA, the largest humanitarian provider in the occupied Palestinian territory, but also to other United Nations agencies and non- governmental organizations, thereby reducing their ability to provide aid. For instance, funding cuts have forced the World Food Programme to suspend food assistance to about 27,000 people and reduce rations to another 166,000 beneficiaries. In addition, humanitarian organizations face challenges to their operating space from both the Israeli and Palestinian authorities. There is mounting pressure on human rights defenders and attempts to delegitimize humanitarian action in the occupied Palestinian territory.”
2019-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8466 (2019) · source
“On 17 February, members of the Abu Asab family were evicted following such a legal battle. Of similar concern is the risk of eviction facing 32 members of the Sabbagh family, who are Palestinian refugees. The Humanitarian Coordinator, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights have called on the Israeli authorities to immediately halt the eviction of this family and those facing similar actions. Alongside the deterioration of humanitarian conditions, our ability to provide humanitarian assistance is increasingly constrained. Funding last year was at a record low, with the 2018 appeal for the occupied Palestinian territory only 46 per cent funded- far below the global average of 60 per cent.”
2019-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8466 (2019) · source
“A recent survey coordinated by OCHA in the H-2 settlement area, which is home to some 7,000 Palestinians, indicates that nearly 70 per cent of families have been exposed to settler- related violence and harassment in the past three years. The aid community is examining how it can increase the provision of assistance and promote protection. As reflected by Special Coordinator Mladenov, Palestinians continue to face displacement and loss of property, which occurs due to demolitions of structures lacking Israeli-issued building permits, which are nearly impossible to obtain. Many families live under the threat of eviction orders. As mentioned, approximately 200 Palestinian households in East Jerusalem have eviction cases filed against them, predominantly by settler organizations claiming ownership of the buildings.”
2019-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8466 (2019) · source
“That is the highest recorded number of incidents in any single year since 2014. Israeli authorities have stepped up law enforcement efforts in response to such events. I call on authorities to strengthen those efforts so as to ensure accountability and reverse the trend in growing settler-related violence. Palestinian attacks against Israelis have also continued, resulting in one fatality and at least four injuries. Of note, on 7 February, a 19-year-old Israeli woman was stabbed to death in Jerusalem. The protection of the Palestinian population in the H-2 section of Hebron is of concern. As described by Special Coordinator Mladenov, the departure of the Temporary International Presence in Hebron leaves Palestinians with a greater sense of exposure and vulnerability to settler harassment.”
2019-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8466 (2019) · source
“Between 22 January and 19 February, four Palestinians were killed and 85 were injured by Israeli forces in the West Bank within the context of search- and-arrest operations, demonstrations, clashes and Palestinian attacks and alleged attacks. In addition, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has recorded 20 incidents in which Palestinians were injured and their property damaged by Israeli settlers. On 26 January, armed Israeli settlers entered the Village of Al-Mughayyir, where they reportedly attacked Palestinian residents. Subsequent clashes, also involving the Israeli Defense Forces, resulted in the death of a 38-year-old Palestinian man and injury to other Palestinians. In some 280 incidents during 2018, one Palestinian was killed and 115 others were injured as a result of settler-related violence.”
2019-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8466 (2019) · source
“As of2 January, for the first time since 2000, Israel has partially expanded the fishing zone from 6 to 12 nautical miles in the middle area off the Gaza coast. That expansion may potentially help revive the fishing sector and provide a sustainable source of income. While the humanitarian situation in the West Bank is less acute, many Palestinian families and communities in Area C, the city of Hebron and East Jerusalem face growing pressures. Demolitions, evictions, restrictions on movement and access and rising settler-related Violence continue to foster an environment that heightens the risk of forcible transfer for many Palestinians.”
2019-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8466 (2019) · source
“The ongoing internal Palestinian divide has contributed to that deteriorating situation and the rising vulnerability of Palestinians in Gaza, who already struggle to meet basic daily needs. Recent reports of reductions or the withholding of the salaries of some public sector employees are of concern. Over 5,000 people have reportedly had their salaries cut, including in the health and education sectors. Unemployment exceeds 50 per cent and food insecurity is estimated to be nearly 70 per cent in Gaza. In order to avoid a recurring need for humanitarian aid, further sustained action is needed on longer-term projects, such as those of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee for the Coordination of International Assistance to Palestinians, on which Special Coordinator Mladenov updated the Council.”
2019-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8466 (2019) · source
“That crossing has been open five days per week since July 2018. In December, 98 patients crossed through Rafah. Compounding the burden on health services in Gaza, essential drugs and medical supplies are scarce. Health-care providers continue to coordinate and preposition field treatment posts to minimize the loss of life. The recent boost in the electricity supply, enabled by Qatar's donation of funding to purchase fuel, has remained steady, with 9 to 12 hours of electricity per day. However, emergency fuel for back-up generators to run emergency and surgery rooms during the outages is running out. Multiple times in the past year, the provision of essential services in Gaza have been at risk of shutdown, with potentially harsh consequences for the population.”
2019-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8466 (2019) · source
“Great effort must be made to spare children from violence. They should never be put in harm's way. The World Health Organization also reports that since the start of the protests, three health-care providers have been killed and over 620 others have been wounded. Medical personnel carrying out their duties must be protected and their work facilitated. Many of the injuries sustained require complex treatment that is not available in Gaza. However, obtaining treatment outside of Gaza remains challenging. In 2018, 61 per cent of all patient requests to cross the Erez checkpoint with Israel to access appropriate health care were approved; since March last year, 17 per cent of the applications by those injured in demonstrations have been approved. Patients are also able to exit Gaza via the crossing with Egypt.”
2019-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8466 (2019) · source
“According to the World Health Organization, 122 amputations, including 21 paediatric amputations, have taken place since the start of the mass demonstrations. Ijoin the numerous calls of the Secretary-General upon Israel to ensure that its use of force in response to those public demonstrations is in compliance with international law as a last resort and in response to an imminent threat of death or serious injury. I call upon the organizers of the demonstrations, the demonstrators themselves and Hamas to ensure non-violent protests. I condemn the continued launching of rockets and incendiary devices from Gaza. Less than two weeks ago, three Palestinian children were killedin Gaza, bringing the total number ofchildren killed this year to four. Since March, 40 children have been killed in the context of demonstrations.”
2019-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8466 (2019) · source
“Overall, the humanitarian situation in the occupied Palestinian territory, particularly in the Gaza Strip, deteriorated in 2018. That included an increase in casualties associated with the demonstrations at the Gaza fence, limitations on the movement of people and goods, and financial restrictions. The growing casualty figures cited by Special Coordinator Mladenov are stretching the capacity of health-care providers. The health system in Gaza is at risk of collapse as injuries during protests at the Gaza fence and in related Violent incidents continue. Since the start of demonstrations in March 2018, over 27,000 Palestinians have been injured, more than 6,000 of them by live ammunition.”
2019-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8466 (2019) · source
“Ms. Mueller: I thank you, Mr. President, for the opportunity to update the Security Council on the humanitarian implications of the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory. As the Special Coordinator, Mr. Nickolay Mladenov, noted, the situation on the ground is of concern. At its core, the situation remains a protection crisis. Violations of international humanitarian and human rights law are a key driver of high levels of acute vulnerability among Palestinians. The international community is mobilizing to provide assistance, but funding is diminishing, while needs and constraints continue to grow. Ultimately, the solution is not humanitarian. The lives and well-being of people must be placed beyond political considerations, and humanitarian aid facilitated and supported.”
2019-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8466 (2019) · source
“While humanitarian assistance continues to be critical as a result of conflict, we aim to meet people's needs through more sustainable efforts, linking with recovery and development action where possible. Civilians along the contact line have suffered the physical and emotional consequences of repeated, often intense, hostilities. Shelling, sniper-fire and landmines have become a daily reality for millions. Letus remember that behind the figures mentioned are families - men, women and children e who have suffered every day for over five years. Many are struggling to access schools, hospitals and other essential services. Many have lost theirjobs, homes, family members and friends. We can, and we must, do more for those people. To the resilient people of Ukraine, I wish to say that we have not forgotten them.”
2019-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8461 (2019) · source
“The Emergency Relief Coordinator approved a $6 million allocation last month from the Central Emergency Response Fund, as part of an envelope for underfunded crises. Over 60 per cent of last year's humanitarian response plan was not funded. As a consequence, some civilians who desperately needed assistance were unable to receive food, water and sanitation, healthcare and medicines, as well as protection services. This year we require $162 million to provide aid to 2.3 million people through the 2019 humanitarian response plan. The plan focuses on protecting affected people and restoring their access to livelihoods, essential services and critical structures.”
2019-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8461 (2019) · source
“But, despite access challenges, a complex operating environment and limited funding, humanitarians are making a real difference by providing aid on both sides of the contact line. They continue to be guided by the universally recognized principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence. In 2018 alone, humanitarians reached some 1.3 million of the most vulnerable people with critical assistance. We are establishing an innovative funding mechanism to support the 2019 humanitarian response plan efforts - the Ukraine Humanitarian Pooled Fund - to address acute needs that are least funded. I welcome the contributions made by donors to the Fund. I urge others to join.”
2019-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8461 (2019) · source
“Landmine and explosive-hazard explosions caused approximately 43 per cent of all civilian casualties in 2018. I implore all parties to immediately cease using landmines. While humanitarians today have slightly more access to civilians in need than a year ago, particularly in areas beyond Government control, humanitarian access is often unpredictable. As the Council will recall, on 6 June 2018 the Council welcomed the work of United Nations agencies (see S/PRST/2018/12) in order to address the tragic humanitarian situation in eastern Ukraine and emphasized the need to scale up efforts to alleviate the suffering of civilians affected by the conflict. Unimpeded and sustained access for humanitarian organizations is key.”
2019-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8461 (2019) · source
“In the entire Luhansk oblast, civilians can cross the contact line through only one checkpoint - the pedestrian bridge of Stanytsia Luhanska. This is simply not enough. With freezing temperatures during Ukraine's winter, it is critical that essential services at crossing points be improved as people continue to wait several hours to cross the contact line. Already this year, 10 people - most of them elderly - have died at the checkpoints. Elderly people account for more than half of the crossings and face long-standing barriers to access their pensions. I have also called on the Government of Ukraine to adopt a national mine-action framework. Today I am pleased to report that a mine-action law was recently adopted. That now needs to pave the way for urgently scaling up mine-action efforts.”
2019-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8461 (2019) · source
“In 2018 alone, 89 incidents affected water and sanitation facilities and, in the past 12 months, 12 water workers have been injured due to hostilities and landmine explosions. They were simply trying to do their work, ensuring that water continues to flow to millions of people on both sides of the contact line. The parties to the conflict must take all feasible precautions to avoid, and in any event minimize civilian harm. International humanitarian law must be upheld to protect civilians and critical civilian infrastructure at all times, everywhere and by all parties. In the Security Council last October (see S/PV.8386), I welcomed the efforts of the Government of Ukraine to improve crossing conditions at the checkpoints. While there has been progress, I appeal once again for more to be done on both sides.”
2019-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8461 (2019) · source
“Ms. Mueller: I thank you, Sir, for the opportunity to brief the Security Council on the humanitarian situation in eastern Ukraine. Civilians continue to pay the highest price. More than 3,300 civilians have been killed and up to 9,000 injured since the conflict began in 2014. Some 1.5 million people have been internally displaced. The humanitarian consequences are severe. In 2019, 3.5 million people - many of whom are elderly, women and children - will need humanitarian assistance and protection service. For most of them, the impact of the conflict has deepened. They have lost their livelihoods and their limited resources have been exhausted by now. They rely on humanitarian assistance to meet their most basic needs. Critical civilian infrastructure continues to be damaged or disrupted, compounding people's struggle.”
2019-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8461 (2019) · source
“I also welcome the recent adoption of the law on the legal status of missing persons. I look forward to its implementation, which should facilitate the search and identification of missing persons and provide support to family members. I reaffirm the commitment of the United Nations and its partners to supporting Ukraine's displaced and conflict- affected people across the spectrum of emergency and early recovery assistance. I thank you once again, Mr. President, for this opportunity to brief the Security Council on the critical humanitarian situation in eastern Ukraine.”
2018-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8386 (2018) · source
“While humanitarian access is often unpredictable, particularly in the non-Government-controlled areas, today we have slightly more access than before. Since July 2018, humanitarians have rapidly scaled up their efforts to deliver essential humanitarian assistance and protection services to the people in the non- Government- controlled areas. An allocation of $6 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund was an important catalyst. I appeal to donors to increase their support for consolidating these humanitarian gains, especially with Ukraine's harsh winter fast approaching. I would like to conclude by commending the Government of Ukraine's efforts to implement a national strategy and action plan in support of its 1.5 million internally displaced persons.”
2018-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8386 (2018) · source
“Ukraine also requires an appropriate national mine action framework and coordination mechanisms. Over 3.5 million people will require humanitarian assistance and protection in 2019. Yet funding for humanitarian action has steadily decreased over the years. The 2018 humanitarian response plan, which requires $187 million, is only 32 per cent funded. That is simply not enough. Without adequate funds, food, health care, water and sanitation and other life-saving assistance cannot be provided. Humanitarians can and do deliver. So far in 2018, the United Nations, the International Committee of the Red Cross and non-governmental organizations have assisted more than 1 million people on both sides of the contact line.”
2018-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8386 (2018) · source
“Addressing the specific needs of the elderly, especially the long-standing barriers for them to be able to easily access their pensions, remains critical. So far this year more than 100 civilians have been killed or injured due to extensive mine and unexploded ordnance contamination. On 30 September, an explosive device killed three children and seriously injured another close to the contact line. Earlier this month, two workers were injured by a land mine when trying to restore vital water supplies to 45,000 people. For three years running, Ukraine has had the highest anti-vehicle mine casualties in the world. I implore all parties to immediately cease using mines, including in populated areas and close to civilian structures. They must respect international humanitarian law.”
2018-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8386 (2018) · source
“People are separated from their families, services and livelihoods. In October 2017, I met people making the arduous journey at the Mayorsk checkpoint. Since then we have seen more than 1.1 million civilian crossings per month through the five official contact points. Half of the people who cross are over 60 years old. Most are women. They are regularly exposed to harm as they wait in long lines with limited facilities amid hostilities. So far 50 civilians have died or been injured while crossing this year. I welcome the efforts of the Government to improve crossing conditions, but I appeal for more to be done on both sides. Essential services at crossing points require urgent improvement, especially water and sanitation facilities. Heating points are an acute need as winter approaches.”
2018-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8386 (2018) · source
“The households close to that line live in fear of shelling, sniper fire and pervasive mine contamination. People's access to basic services is constantly disrupted. There is extensive damage to homes, hospitals, schools and other critical civilian infrastructure. In 2018, more than 70 serious incidents have disrupted the vital supply of water to millions of people. Risks from communicable diseases are rising due to the water shortage, extensive damage to health facilities, lack of access to health care and extremely low immunization rates. It is imperative that parties to the conflict respect civilians and civilian objects, consistent with their obligations under international humanitarian law. Civilians are not a target. The contact line has dramatically altered the lives of millions of civilians.”
2018-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8386 (2018) · source
“Ms. Mueller: I thank you, Mr. President, for this opportunity to brief the Security Council on the challenging humanitarian situation in eastern Ukraine. Five months ago, I briefed the Council (see S/PV.8270), together with Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo. Today I regrettably advise that millions of men, women and children continue to face dire humanitarian consequences in Europe's forgotten armed conflict, and that the effects are worsening as the situation becomes more protracted. More than 3,000 civilians have been killed and up to 9,000 have been injured since the conflict began in 2014. This crisis affects the highest proportion of elderly people - more than 30 per cent - in the world. A 400-plus kilometre contact line divides the area of hostilities.”
2018-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8386 (2018) · source