YouSaid · the spoken record

Neville Gertze

lines on the record: 38
first: 2020-06-23
most recent: 2021-01-26
sittings or episodes: 5
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

“As we begin a new year, with the hope and optimism that the distribution of the various vaccines brings, let us once again encourage Israelis and Palestinians to return to the tables of negotiation and achieve a historic agreement leading to Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security along the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as the capital of the State of Palestine. Namibia will continue to stand with the Palestinian people and advocate their fundamental right to self-determination and independence in all forums.”
2021-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/91 (2021) · source
“Namibia joins with the Secretary-General in hoping “that the holding of the elections will contribute to restarting a process towards a negotiated two-State solution based on the pre-1967 lines, and in accordance with relevant United Nations resolutions, bilateral agreements and international law”. I also wish to reiterate Namibia’s support for the call made by President Abbas for the holding of an international conference under the auspices of the Middle East Quartet, with the expanded participation of regional players to help advance the peace process. It has been one year since the COVID-19 pandemic began to spread around the world. At this time, we have seen the best and the worst of humankind. In the Middle East, we saw glimmers of cooperation between the two sides.”
2021-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/91 (2021) · source
“The essential emergency assistance that the Agency has provided to help Palestinian refugees confront the COVID-19 pandemic has only reinforced UNRWA’s importance. Namibia remains concerned about the financial challenges that the Agency is confronting, especially during this time of global pandemic. Namibia welcomes the 15 January presidential decree issued by President Abbas on the holding of legislative, presidential and Palestinian National Council elections later this year, starting in May. These elections will mark a crucial step towards Palestinian unity.”
2021-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/91 (2021) · source
“Namibia wishes to express its concern at the current vaccine programme being rolled out by Israeli authorities. The international community should continue to remind Israel, as an occupying Power, of its obligations under international law to ensure public health in the occupied territories. There must be an equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines in the occupied territories. As the President of the General Assembly stated in his presentation of his priorities for 2021 to the United Nations membership last week, vaccines for all must be a reality. I would like to express my deep appreciation for the work of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). The provision of vital services represents a stabilizing element in a region that continues to be the victim of violence.”
2021-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/91 (2021) · source
“All the while, at the height of the pandemic, Israel continues its settlement- expansion policy and the destruction of Palestinian homes and structures, displacing men, women and children. Most recently, the Israeli authorities have advanced plans for some 800 settlement units, most of which are located deep inside the occupied West Bank. Namibia expresses its deep concern at this decision. As the Spokesperson of the Secretary-General recently stated, “The Secretary-General reiterates that the establishment by Israel of settlements in the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem, has no legal validity and constitutes a flagrant violation under international law.” These actions represent a grave obstacle to the two-State solution, and we urge Israel to halt and reverse such decisions.”
2021-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/91 (2021) · source
“My delegation aligns itself with the statement made by the Permanent Representative of Azerbaijan on behalf of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries (annex 21) and that of the Permanent Representative of Senegal, in which he addresses the Council in his capacity as Chair of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People (annex 25). The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has ravaged the world for almost a year now. While the pandemic has impacted all corners of the globe, it has more drastically affected those that were already vulnerable or at risk. Nowhere is that more visible than in the occupied Palestinian territories. The Palestinian economy, already fragile before the pandemic, has dived into a deeper crisis. Inequalities have grown, and the humanitarian situation has worsened.”
2021-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/91 (2021) · source
“I would like to congratulate the President of the Security Council on Tunisia’s assumption of the presidency for the month of January 2021 and thank him for organizing today’s quarterly debate on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Nickolay Mladenov, former Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, for his service over the past five years. During his tenure, Mr. Mladenov ably attempted to bring about a just and lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian question. In the same vein, I welcome Mr. Tor Wennesland, the newly appointed Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, and wish him every success. I can assure Mr. Wennesland of Namibia’s support during his term.”
2021-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/91 (2021) · source
“An effective, rules-based multilateral system is our insurance policy against existential threats such as wars, nuclear proliferation, pandemics and climate change. It is therefore of the utmost importance that we continue to defend multilateralism at all costs.”
2020-11-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1090 (2020) · source
“We, as Member States, must also work harder to address these issues nationally and regionally. In his pre-recorded general debate address to the General Assembly this year, Mr. Hage Geingob, President of the Republic of Namibia, underscored that, as we face the COVID-19 pandemic and its devastating effects, we should reaffirm our collective commitment to cooperate in a world governed by international law and a multilateral system in which no one should feel left out (see A/75/PV.6). While not perfect, multilateralism and the rules-based order are essential tools in strengthening governance and protecting civil liberties and the fundamental rights of the people we serve in our respective countries.”
2020-11-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1090 (2020) · source
“The Council should make greater use of the expertise and insight that both the PBC and the Economic and Social Council can provide on their respective focus areas. Such collaboration would serve only to benefit those who are seeking to build peace and security and ensure the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Development. As the world becomes more interconnected and faces multifaceted interdependent challenges, so too should the United Nations system adopt an integrated and coherent whole-of-system approach. The COVID-19 pandemic and the ever-growing climate crisis have served only to reinforce the idea that the Security Council must tackle and address the multiple root causes of conflicts. The Council should also invest more in prevention mechanisms, including developing, implementing and monitoring early-warning systems.”
2020-11-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1090 (2020) · source
“As highlighted in the concept note for today’s open debate (S/2020/1064, annex), in a presidential statement on behalf of the Security Council dated 11 February 2011, the Security Council reiterated that “in order to support a country to emerge sustainably from conflict, there is a need for a more comprehensive and integrated approach which incorporates and strengthens coherence between political, security, development, human rights and rule of law activities, and addresses the underlying causes of each conflict.” (S/PRST/2011/4, third paragraph) S/2020/1090 That statement also highlighted the Council’s support for the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) and noted the contributions that the Economic and Social Council could make.”
2020-11-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1090 (2020) · source
“Therefore, climate change has been recognized as a threat multiplier, whereby it aggravates pre-existing risks and challenges. The present situation in the Sahel and the Lake Chad basin are concrete examples. As the lake continues to shrink, communities that relied on it are bound to struggle. There is growing competition for dwindling resources, and more and more people are migrating to bigger cities. This vicious circle contributes to tensions and, ultimately, the eruption of conflict in the region. Climate change also presents a real threat to coastal States, including our beautiful country, through rising sea levels, which threaten both lives and development progress.”
2020-11-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1090 (2020) · source
“The Secretary-General warned in his statement before the Council on 2 July that “[a]s pre-existing grievances and vulnerabilities become more accentuated and entrenched, the potential for instability and violence only grows” (S/2020/663, annex 1). This pandemic is therefore exacerbating already well-known drivers of conflict and instability. As I noted in my statement to the Security Council in September during the open debate on the humanitarian impact of environmental degradation on peace and security (S/2020/929, annex 29), armed conflicts and violence, their causes, dimensions and their resolutions can be intimately linked to climate change in some instances. Furthermore, climate change threatens to reverse the economic growth and development gains countries have made over the years.”
2020-11-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1090 (2020) · source
“As the world continues to expand and advance, new drivers of conflict have emerged, including climate change, health crises and cyberthreats. Further new challenges are likely to emerge. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has rapidly brought to light the peace and security implications that a global health crisis can have on our world. In the mere eight months since COVID-19 rapidly spread around the world, the pandemic has caused a global financial and employment crisis. It has also widened the gap and created greater social, economic and political inequalities. Those living in conflict zones have become even more vulnerable.”
2020-11-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1090 (2020) · source
“I congratulate Saint Vincent and the Grenadines on its assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of November, and I thank the presidency for organizing today’s very relevant and timely open debate on the contemporary drivers of conflict and insecurity. I would also like to thank the Deputy Secretary-General and the other briefers for their incisive remarks. Since the creation of the United Nations, 75 years ago, the international community, the United Nations and its Member States have gained a better and more in-depth understanding of the common drivers and root causes of conflicts. They include, but are not limited to, social, economic and political inequalities, economic downturns, rising levels of unemployment and poverty and weak governance structures.”
2020-11-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1090 (2020) · source
“That resolution provided Palestinians with hope and expectations for a solution to be found to this drawn-out conflict. However, since its adoption, the humanitarian, social and political situation has only worsened and tensions have risen drastically, now compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic. Actions taken have severely undermined the process of reaching a mutually acceptable, just and lasting solution. The people of Palestine have the fundamental right to self-determination and independence, with East Jerusalem as their capital. We must achieve a just, lasting and comprehensive peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians, with the establishment of two States, coexisting in an atmosphere of peace and security.”
2020-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1055 (2020) · source
“I wish to draw attention to the call made by President Abbas during his address to the General Assembly, on the occasion of the general debate of the General Assembly at its seventy-fifth session (see A/75/PV.10), to hold an international conference at the start of 2021. Namibia expressed support for this proposal. As the international community celebrates the seventy-fifth anniversary of the signing of the Charter of the United Nations, the support for the Palestinian cause remains steadfast, as demonstrated by the countless expressions of support during the general debate of the high-level week held in September. Nevertheless, we continue to fail the Palestinian people. This is notably demonstrated in the lack of implementation of the historic Security Council resolution 2334 (2016), adopted almost four years ago.”
2020-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1055 (2020) · source
“Since my last statement to the Security Council under this agenda item in July (S/2020/736, annex 39), the normalization of relations of Israel with both the S/2020/1055 S/2020/1055 United Arab Emirates and Bahrain has been announced. Parties have underscored that the signing of these Abraham accords would provide a new impetus for peace in the region. The advancement of new settlements and the highest demolition rate in four years does not represent a new impetus for peace for the Palestinian people. Furthermore, the suspension of annexation plans included in the Accords does not bring any respite or peace to the Palestinian people.”
2020-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1055 (2020) · source
“Mladenov underscored that no steps had been taken to “immediately and completely cease all settlement activity in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem” (resolution 2334 (2016), para. 2). I wish to highlight the decision taken on 14 and 15 October by Israeli authorities to advance nearly 5,000 housing units, most of which are in outlying locations deep inside the occupied West Bank. I take this opportunity to reiterate that settlements are illegal under international law and represent an obstacle to peace and to the two-State solution. Furthermore, demolitions and seizures of Palestinian-owned structures by Israeli authorities continued across the occupied West Bank, including in East Jerusalem, and have reached the highest demolition rate in the past four years. These actions also represent an obstacle to peace.”
2020-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1055 (2020) · source
“I would also like to take this opportunity to reiterate Namibia’s support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, as the needs and demands for the services provided by the Agency to the 5.6 million Palestine refugees drastically increase because of the COVID-19 pandemic. In his 29 September address to the Security Council (see S/PV.8762), in which he presented the fifteenth report on the implementation of Security Council resolution 2334 (2016), the Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process and Personal Representative of the Secretary-General noted that no concrete steps had been taken during the reporting period to implement the provisions of this resolution. This follows a similar pattern since the adoption of the resolution in December 2016. Mr.”
2020-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1055 (2020) · source
“Chief among them is the Palestinian population in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. I wish to remind Council members that Gaza has one of the highest population densities in the world, a weak health-care system and lingering humanitarian and economic crises. This represents an auspicious environment for COVID-19 to spread and cause more heartache and destruction to the people of Gaza. The financial crisis currently affecting the Palestinian Authority further compounds its ability to respond to COVID-19 in the Palestinian territories, as service provisions have been direly impacted. In this regard, Namibia welcomes the United Nations engagement with all sides to ensure the unimpeded provision of humanitarian assistance.”
2020-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1055 (2020) · source
“I congratulate you, Sir, on the Russian Federation’s assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of October 2020 and thank you for organizing this open debate on this issue of great importance to Namibia. I would also like to thank the Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process for his briefing on the situation in the region. My delegation aligns itself with the statement to be delivered by the distinguished Permanent Representative of Azerbaijan on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement. I would like to begin my statement by expressing my concern at the rising rate of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infection in the occupied Palestinian territory and Israel. This pandemic has shattered the lives of many around the world and impacted the most vulnerable.”
2020-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1055 (2020) · source
“I conclude by reaffirming that Namibia will continue to play its role in the international community to promote cooperation in tackling these issues effectively. We simply cannot afford to fall behind in combating climate change, failing which international peace and security would be negatively affected.”
2020-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/929 (2020) · source
“As the vision of the framework envisages a harmonious relationship with nature where, by 2050, biodiversity is valued, conserved, restored and wisely used, and ecosystem services are maintained, sustaining a healthy planet and delivering benefits essential for all people, Namibia regards it as a framework for tackling environmental degradation in the context of sustainable development to contribute to building back better after the devastation wrought by the coronavirus disease. Together with Iceland, Namibia co-chairs the Group of Friends on desertification, land degradation and drought. Currently, the Group has a total number of 23 members. I encourage other States Members of the United Nations to join the Group so that we could collectively ensure that these developmental issues are not regarded as trivial and therefore set aside.”
2020-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/929 (2020) · source
“For these reasons, Namibia has institutionalized the synergies between the three Rio Conventions — on climate change, biodiversity and combating desertification. We based this move on the understanding that land is the infrastructure on which biodiversity can flourish. There is no way we can protect biodiversity without stopping land degradation and reclaiming degraded lands. There is no way to adapt to climate change and mitigate its effects without relying on healthy lands and thriving biodiversity.Namibia therefore welcomes the upcoming United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, chiefly in terms of the restoration of degraded land. Moreover, Namibia welcomes the post-2020 global biodiversity framework.”
2020-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/929 (2020) · source
“The resolve to deal with the effects of climate change would equally lead to the promotion and preservation of the blue economy, because such efforts are also aimed at addressing oceanic and riverine systems and issues, as well as those that threaten the sustainability of lakes. When these are addressed, conditions that give rise to violence, crises and conflicts are forestalled. Namibia is one of the countries in the world most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Increasing temperatures, evaporation and the variability of rainfall translate into drought, shortage of water and floods. As a matter of fact, in May 2019, Mr. Hage G. Geingob, President of the Republic of Namibia, declared a state of emergency in all regions of the country on account of a historic drought.”
2020-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/929 (2020) · source
“The Niger’s accession to the Council in January 2020 has further put this issue at the forefront, as it is one of the countries where the evidence of the impacts of climate change are there for all to see. Armed conflicts, together with their causes, dimensions and resolutions, have some connections to climate change, a combination of which poses a threat by reversing the economic growth and development gains made by countries over the years. Climate change has been recognized as a threat multiplier, whereby it aggravates pre-existing risks and challenges. The present situation in the Sahel and the Lake Chad basin are concrete examples.”
2020-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/929 (2020) · source
“Thereafter, in 2009, the General Assembly adopted resolution 63/281, in which it recognized the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change as the key instrument for addressing climate change, and invited “the relevant organs of the United Nations, as appropriate and within their respective mandates, to intensify their efforts in considering and addressing climate change, including its possible security implications” (ibid., para. 1). The Security Council’s recognition of the adverse effects of climate change on peace and security has grown, as demonstrated in the meetings held on this issue, most notably in 2017 in an Arria Formula meeting held on 10 April 2017), in 2018 (see S/PV.8307) and in 2019 (see S/PV.8451). This recognition demonstrates the existential relationship between climate change and peace and security.”
2020-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/929 (2020) · source
“I congratulate the Niger on its assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of September 2020 and thank it for organizing today’s open debate on what is a very important topic. I would also like to thank the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross, the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification and Ms. Inna Modja for their briefings. The Security Council first addressed the link between climate change and security in April 2007 in an open debate convened by the United Kingdom (see S/PV.5663).”
2020-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/929 (2020) · source
“Namibia has also finalized the operationalization of the Child Care and Protection Act 3 of 2015 to further give effect to the rights of children as contained in the Namibian Constitution and international agreements binding on Namibia. In conclusion, I wish to underscore that ensuring the protection of the lives and futures of children affected by armed conflict is not only the right thing to do, but it is also in the interests of all. Children represent the future. We must ensure that they are protected.”
2020-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/594 (2020) · source
“In August 1999, under the Namibian presidency of the Security Council, the Council unanimously adopted resolution 1261 (1999) — the first resolution of the Council on the targeting of children in armed conflict, including the recruitment and use of child soldiers (see S/PV.4037). Furthermore, article 15 of the 1990 Namibian Constitution enshrines children’s rights. In particular, article 15.2 notes that “[c]hildren are entitled to be protected from economic exploitation and shall not be employed in or required to perform work that is likely to be hazardous or to interfere with their education, or to be harmful to their health or physical, mental, spiritual, moral or social development”.”
2020-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/594 (2020) · source
“As the aforementioned numbers demonstrate, ensuring the silencing of the guns on the African continent is essential, most notably to protect children and future generations of the continent. Namibia takes this opportunity to acknowledge and welcome the parties that have put in place during the reporting period measures aimed at improving the protection of children, notably the State actors from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia and South Sudan. This year also marks the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict. Namibia ratified this all-encompassing, vital Optional Protocol in 2002. Namibia has taken other important steps to ensure the protection of children in armed conflict.”
2020-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/594 (2020) · source
“The impact of the coronavirus disease pandemic on schools and students cannot be underestimated either. Many of the parties listed in the annex to the Secretary-General’s report for not having put in place measures to improve the protection of children during the reporting period are from the African continent. As part of the African Union (AU) Agenda 2063 and its ten-year implementation plans, the Heads of State and Government decided in the AU’s Fiftieth Anniversary Solemn Declaration, dated 26 May 2013, “not to bequeath the burden of conflicts to the next generation of Africans” and therefore to silence the guns by 2020 through the African Union Master Road Map of Practical Steps to Silence the Guns in Africa by Year 2020.”
2020-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/594 (2020) · source
“As the report of the Secretary-General warns, “[t]he lack of protection, of holistic services for survivors and of accountability mechanisms disincentivize survivors, their families and witnesses from reporting violations” (S/2020/525, para. 10). As an international community, we must do far better in this domain. Namibia also wishes to highlight the increase in attacks against schools. As the concept note prepared by France highlights, “[a]ccess to safe, quality education is one of the critical needs of children affected by armed conflict. It is fundamental both to children’s well-being and to the fulfilment of their most basic rights”. Attacks against schools, and therefore their closure, are fertile ground for the forced recruitment of young people by armed groups.”
2020-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/594 (2020) · source
“In this regard, we reiterate our support and commitment to the various Security Council resolutions adopted under the women and peace and security agenda, including, most recently, resolution 2467 (2019), which, inter alia, encourages Member States to ensure that prevention of and responses to sexual violence in conflict is non-discriminatory and specific and respects the rights and prioritizes the needs of survivors, including vulnerable or targeted groups. I take this opportunity to remind States Members of the United Nations of the importance of accountability for all crimes committed against children.”
2020-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/594 (2020) · source
“As outlined in the latest report of the Secretary-General, in 2019, the United Nations verified over 25,000 grave violations against children in 19 conflicts. Some 7,747 children were verified as having been recruited and used, mostly by non-State actors. Some 10,173 children were verified as having been killed and maimed. The report of the Secretary-General further highlights 735 verified cases of rape or other forms of sexual violence committed against children. The Secretary- General warns that these crimes are vastly underreported.”
2020-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/594 (2020) · source
“Tangible results have been achieved to prevent violations against children in situations of armed conflict: 32 action plans have been signed, more than 155,000 children have been released from parties to conflict, and 12 armed forces and groups have been removed from the annexes to the report of the Secretary-General through the implementation and completion of such action plans. The Security Council Working Group has also conducted essential work, notably in the adoption of over 60 country-specific recommendations on children and armed conflict. Nevertheless, despite this progress and the existence of relevant legal norms around the world, grave violations against children in conflicts continue unabated.”
2020-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/594 (2020) · source
“I congratulate France on its assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of June 2020 and thank the President of the Council for organizing this important annual open debate on children and armed conflict. I would also like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict and the Executive Director of UNICEF, as well as the civil society representative, for their insightful briefings. I further thank the Secretary-General for his annual report on children and armed conflict (S/2020/525). As we mark 15 years since the adoption of resolution 1612 (2005), which established the United Nations-led monitoring and reporting mechanism and the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict, it is important to recognize the progress that has been made in this field since 2005.”
2020-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/594 (2020) · source