YouSaid · the spoken record

Nicolas De Rivière

lines on the record: 545
first: 2020-04-07
most recent: 2021-07-30
sittings or episodes: 116
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“In accordance with the procedure set out in the letter by the President of the Security Council addressed to Permanent Representatives of Security Council members dated 7 May 2020 (S/2020/372), which was agreed in the light of the extraordinary circumstances caused by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, these statements will be issued as a document of the Security Council, and reference to the document will be made in the verbatim record (S/PV.8826) President of the Security Council (Signed) Nicolas de Riviere”
2021-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/685 (2021) · source
“In accordance with the understanding reached among Council members for the 8826th meeting, the following delegations and entities submitted written statements, copies of which are enclosed (see annexes): Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Brazil, the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, Egypt, the European Union, Indonesia, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, Oman, Peru, Qatar, the Republic of Korea, South Africa, the Syrian Arab Republic, Turkey, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates, and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.”
2021-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/685 (2021) · source
“I have the honour to refer to the 8826th meeting of the Security Council convened on 28 July 2001 under the agenda item “The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question”. The interventions of the briefers, Council members as well as the Observer State of Palestine and Israel will be published as an official record of the Security Council ( S/PV.8826).”
2021-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/685 (2021) · source
“Peters, Minister of State with responsibility for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; Audun Halvorsen, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Norway; Lord Tariq Ahmad of Wimbledon, Minister of State for the Commonwealth, the United Nations and South Asia of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; and Franck Riester, Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and Economic Attractiveness attached to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France, as well as by the representatives of China, Mexico, the Russian Federation and Tunisia in connection with the videoconference on the topic “Maintenance of international peace and security: cybersecurity” convened on Tuesday, 29 June 2021.”
2021-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/621 (2021) · source
“821220761725297804937409862890409008338Security CouncilDistr.: General 1 July 2021 Original: English Letter dated 1 July 2021 from the President of the Security Council addressed to the Secretary-General and the Permanent Representatives of the members of the Security Council I have the honour to enclose herewith a copy of the briefing provided by Izumi Nakamitsu, High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, as well as the statements delivered by Kaja Kallas, Prime Minister of Estonia; Mahamadou Ouhoumoudou, Prime Minister of Niger; Simon Coveney, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence of Ireland; Bui Thanh Son, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Viet Nam; Joe Mucheru, Cabinet Secretary for Information Communications and Technology, Innovation, and Youth Affairs of Kenya; Linda Thomas-Greenfield, Permanent Representative of the United States and Member of President Biden’s Cabinet; Harsh Vardhan Shringla, Foreign Secretary of India; Keisal M.”
2021-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/621 (2021) · source
“Because girls are particularly affected, as I said, France supports the creation of protective environments in schools. This is one of the objectives of the “Priorité à l’Égalité” (Priority to Equality) initiative in the Sahel countries, for which France is providing 10 million euros of funding. Our action also includes a component devoted to care, in the face of the unacceptable increase in sexual mutilation and violence. This is the direction of several projects we support in Iraq, and of our contribution to the Mukwege-Murad Fund for survivors of sexual violence. The Security Council must remain mobilized, not only through its working group but also in all its action. France’s commitment is guaranteed.”
2021-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/617 (2021) · source
“Acts of domestic violence, rape and other forms of sexual violence, as well as dropping out of school, have increased. School closures increase recruitment by armed groups, and child labour. In these instances, as in others, girls also have specific vulnerabilities. I am thinking in particular of the risk of early and forced marriage. For its part, France will continue to play an active role and promote the universal endorsement of the Paris Principles and Commitments. In the field, it supports projects that ensure access to education in emergency situations, including the “Education Cannot Wait” fund. Through the Global Partnership for Education, France is funding an $11 million project in the Niger to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on the education system.”
2021-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/617 (2021) · source
“We must make the best use of the tools in place. Those involved in the monitoring and reporting mechanism on grave violations of children ’s rights in situations of armed conflict need political and financial support to operate in safety. The restrictions brought by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic have limited our ability to monitor and respond to serious violations against children. I would like to express my gratitude to all child-protection and civil-society actors who have continued to ensure the smooth functioning of the mechanism, despite the current circumstances. The socio-economic consequences of the pandemic and school closures are putting children at greater risk: inequalities are increasing in all regions of the world.”
2021-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/617 (2021) · source
“I would like to thank the Secretary General, Ms. Gamba and Ms. Fore, as well as all our other guests, for their statements. Since 2005, our efforts have resulted in the freeing of more than 150,000 children, thanks to the commitment of the Security Council, successive Special Representatives of the Secretary-General, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and civil society. This is one of the great, but little -known, successes of the Security Council over the past 15 years. We must do more to implement the protection framework created by resolution 1612 (2005). This ambitious and innovative resolution, put forward at the time by France and Benin, has since provided a structure for our collective action. However, grave violations against children continue at alarming levels, fuelled by the escalation of conflict.”
2021-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/617 (2021) · source
“The increase in trafficking has had and will have an impact on peace, the Afghan people and the region. This is a subject of major concern. We welcome the new role of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and call on all Afghanistan’s partners to combat this scourge.”
2021-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/601 (2021) · source
“We commend the work of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) as well as the appointment of Jean Arnault. All initiatives to promote peace are welcome, but they must be coordinated and based on the same principles: the full participation of women as well as the preservation of democratic gains made over the past 20 years. I would like to commend the statement by Mary Akrami, which outlined the essential contribution of women and civil society to the peace talks. The world has changed and so has Afghanistan; peace cannot be achieved by going backward. Take action against drug trafficking, which is a real poison and a hindrance to peace. Peace cannot be sustainable without bringing an end to this scourge. As we have heard from Ghada Fathi Waly, the situation is worsening.”
2021-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/601 (2021) · source
“These exemptions, as with any change to the list of sanctions imposed by resolution 1988 (2011), are neither an automatic right nor a free gift. They are a concession made, not to the Taliban, but to peace. Any change to this list can only be made on the basis of an evaluation of the real investment in peace of those listed, and on a case-by-case basis. If the Taliban do not respect their commitments, they must bear the consequences. No violation of our values and principles. We are supporting a peace process belonging to the Afghan people, who are responsible for it. The commitment by the international community, whether the United Nations, the countries of the region or those who welcome initiatives to promote peace, is essential.”
2021-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/601 (2021) · source
“We strongly condemn all violence against humanitarian personnel, like that which recently took place at Jalalabad. Respect for international humanitarian law, human rights and fundamental freedoms, including freedom of the press, by all parties is non-negotiable. Those who are responsible for these terrible crimes must be held accountable. There can be no impunity for them. Demand a sincere commitment from all the parties. Our expectation of the Taliban is that they will truly engage in the negotiations. The Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1988 (2011) is in the process of examining requests for extension of exemptions to the travel ban to allow their negotiating team to travel to where the peace talks are being held.”
2021-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/601 (2021) · source
“Statement by the Permanent Representative of France to the United Nations, Nicolas de Rivière We have heard from the speakers about the gravity of the situation in Afghanistan today, on both the security and humanitarian levels. At the same time, the peace process is continuing. It is incumbent on all of us to continue to support it. In order to do so, we must take action on four priorities: Reject and condemn violence. We have already said this in this room. The level of violence is unacceptable: every day the civilian population pays a heavy price. On several occasions the Council has condemned the heinous attacks against the men and women who are building the Afghanistan of tomorrow. We call for a ceasefire in accordance with Security Council resolutions 2532 (2020) and 2565 (2021).”
2021-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/601 (2021) · source
“It is in all our interests to set aside our differences and work together fo r a credible political settlement, which is the only way to end this tragedy.”
2021-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/506 (2021) · source
“We urge the Special Envoy to make progress on all these aspects in parallel with his work on the Constitutional Committee. For its part, France will continue its unflagging campaign against impunity for crimes committed in Syria. Without a credible political settlement, France and its partners will r emain steadfast in their position on reconstruction, normalization and sanctions. No one will be fooled by the use of sanctions as a tool to mask the responsibility of the regime. The European sanctions are targeted: they are aimed at individuals and entities that participate in the repression and derive profit from the fallout of the conflict. They include strong measures to safeguard the delivery of humanitarian and medical aid.”
2021-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/506 (2021) · source
“More than a year and a half after the creation of the Constitutional Committee, work has still not started on the drafting of a revised constitution. We also call for rapid and tangible progress in the implementation of all other elements of resolution 2254 (2015). Without this, the suffering of the Syrian people will continue to worsen. This requires the achievement of a countrywide, sustainable and verifiable cessation of hostilities under United Nations supervision. It also necessitates progress in preparing for free and transparent elections in accordance with the provisions of resolution 2254 (2015). Lastly, this requires progress on the issue of detainees held by the regime and missing persons, a goal earnestly sought by all Syrians.”
2021-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/506 (2021) · source
“We have a shared responsibility and a moral duty: that of saving lives, countering the threat of famine and facilitating coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccination campaigns. Without a robust cross-border aid mechanism, it will not be possible to deliver aid independently and without regime interference, or to achieve our collective goals. We cannot say it too many times: international humanitarian law must be respected by all: not only full humanitarian access, but also the protection of civilians, including humanitarian and medical personnel. The roots of this war must be tackled if it is to be brought to an end. It is high time that the Syrian regime finally committed itself in good faith to the political process led by the United Nations.”
2021-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/506 (2021) · source
“There is no alternative to the cross-border mechanism, which delivers about 1,000 lorry-loads of aid each month. In the north-east, 1.8 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance, 38 per cent more than in 2020. The so-called “cross-line” convoys, subject to the goodwill of the Syrian regime, have never been able to compensate for the closure of the Ya‘rubiyah point. As long as the regime continues to hijack aid to punish the population, it is clear that “cross-line” aid from Damascus cannot be the only viable option. The Council should therefore learn from that experience and authorize the use of the three crossing points: Bab al-Hawa and Bab al-Salamah, in the north-west, and Ya’rubiyah, in the north-east.”
2021-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/506 (2021) · source
“We therefore consider it null and void. It will not help to restore any political legitimacy to the Syrian regime. It will not help to end the crisis in Syria. The use of humanitarian aid as a form of leverage must stop. Allow me to recall that 92 per cent of the humanitarian funding pledged for 2021 at the Brussels V Conference comes from the European Union, its member States, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Japan and Norway. The cross-border humanitarian aid mechanism has never been so relevant, both in the north-west and in the north-east. A renewal for 12 months, as requested by the Secretary-General, is essential. In the north-west, the number of people in need of assistance has risen to 3.4 million, an increase of 20 per cent since last year.”
2021-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/506 (2021) · source
“Statement by the Permanent Representative of France to the United Nations, Nicolas de Rivière I thank Geir Pedersen and Mark Lowcock for their briefings. Today’s presidential elections in Syria are taking place in a country torn apart by a decade of war. Hostilities continue on a daily basis and chronic instability has filled the vacuum left by the lack of political reforms. This spiral of violence can only fuel the despair of millions of Syrians, which Da’esh is trying to capture. France has repeatedly stated its readiness to support the holding of free and fair elections in Syria, in accordance with Security Council resolution 2254 (2015) and under United Nations supervision, in which all Syrians, including those in the diaspora, could participate. Today’s election clearly does not meet the criteria for a credible election.”
2021-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/506 (2021) · source
“Meanwhile, the tripartite United Nations-European Union-G-5 Sahel mechanism must be maintained and fully implemented. We call on the European Union and the United Nations to finalize their discussions on the use of contractors. Military actions must be supported by increased governance, development and humanitarian assistance efforts. I call on the United Nations to mobilize agencies, funds and programmes to join the civilian surge objective agreed upon at the Ndjamena Summit. France welcomes the willingness of the Special Representative for West Africa and the Sahel, Mr. Mahamat Saleh Annadif, and the Coordinator for Development in the Sahel, Mr. Mar Dieye, to revitalize the United Nations integrated strategy for the Sahel. France will continue to be fully involved in those efforts.”
2021-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/484 (2021) · source
“The members of the G-5 Sahel made ambitious commitments at the N’Djamena Summit on 15 and 16 February. The Joint Force has made headway in terms of organizational efforts and operational results. However, it is not yet logistically autonomous. We believe it is essential to provide it with increased and sustained support. That would take the form of a support office funded by assessed contributions. The Secretary- General has repeatedly voiced his support for such a solution, which is also endorsed by the African Union and the European Union. The creation of the mechanism would enable the Council to better supervise the operations of the G-5 Sahel. We could also provide the office with a human rights division, which would strengthen the Joint Force’s consideration of those issues.”
2021-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/484 (2021) · source
“The deployment of the eighth Chadian battalion was a decisive step forward. I would like to congratulate the Chadian authorities for honouring that commitment. We have also seen an increasingly robust response to human rights violations through the implementation of the compliance framework, with the support of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. Task Force Takuba is now operational and its initial results are very encouraging. We welcome the contributions made by Estonia, the Czech Republic and Sweden, which will soon be joined by other European partners. It is essential more than ever before for the United Nations to assist in those regional efforts and strengthen its support for the Joint Force of the G-5 Sahel.”
2021-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/484 (2021) · source
“The number of internally displaced persons and refugees has increased and food insecurity has increased as well. Nearly 5,000 schools are closed or not operational. That situation calls for simultaneous action to address all facets of the issue — combating terrorism, strengthening defence and security forces, employing Government services and maintaining humanitarian and development efforts. First of all, the fight against terrorism remains crucial. The Barkhane force has continued its operations over the past six months in close coordination with its partners, thereby making it possible to maintain pressure on terrorist groups and reduce their capabilities. The Joint Force of the G-5 Sahel continues to plan and conduct its operations, including Operation Sama 3, which is under way in the tri- border area.”
2021-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/484 (2021) · source
“I thank the briefers for their briefings. In particular, I welcome the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, African Integration and Chadians Abroad of Chad, Mr. Oumar Ibn Daoud, and Brigadier General Namata, Commander of the Joint Force of the Group of Five for the Sahel (G-5 Sahel), to today’s meeting. The situation in the Sahel remains of great concern. Terrorist groups, although hard hit, continue to commit acts of violence and seek to extend their reach. The threat now extends to southern Mali, as well as Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo and Benin. The effects of poverty and climate change have exacerbated those tensions. Despite our efforts, the humanitarian crisis is worsening. A total of 29 million people are in need of emergency assistance — 5 million more than last year and 10,000 more people every day since January.”
2021-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/484 (2021) · source
“And ultimately, the escalation we are witnessing once again underscores the urgency of relaunching the peace process by promoting the resumption of negotiations between the parties. Only the two-State solution can make it possible to meet the aspirations of both parties and ensure lasting peace and stability in the region. It is time to work towards implementing that solution, rebuilding trust between the parties. That is the objective of France’s efforts with its German, Egyptian and Jordanian partners and was the objective of the meeting held by the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs with his counterparts from those countries in Paris on 11 March. Given the gravity and urgency of the situation, the Council must unite in issuing a unanimous call for an early cessation of hostilities. That is the only priority today.”
2021-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/480 (2021) · source
“To that end, the President of France held talks with the Prime Minister of Israel and the President of the State of Palestine to facilitate a return to a ceasefire in Gaza and a return to calm in Israel and the Palestinian territories. He will also meet with President Al-Sisi of Egypt in the coming days. Our Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs is also stepping up contact with his counterparts on this subject. He has spoken to his Israeli, Palestinian, Jordanian and Egyptian counterparts over the past few days. France intends to continue those interactions over the coming days. Faced with the risk of a major security and humanitarian crisis, we also give our full support to the Special Coordinator and to all ongoing mediation efforts, in particular those of Egypt. The priority is to return to a ceasefire.”
2021-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/480 (2021) · source
“This requires full respect for the 1967 status quo at the holy sites and putting an end to all settlement activities, including the eviction of Palestinian families from East Jerusalem, including Sheikh Jarrah, which runs contrary to international humanitarian law. We condemn colonization in all its forms. The firing of rockets from southern Lebanon and Syria is a particularly worrisome development. We would warn of the regional consequences of an escalation in northern Israel. We have stepped up our efforts with the relevant stakeholders over the past few days. France will continue to actively strive for peace.”
2021-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/480 (2021) · source
“In that regard, we are very concerned about the fate of the civilian population in Gaza, which has already been severely affected by a blockade that has gone on for too long. We call on all actors to ensure rapid and unhindered access to aid and to protect humanitarian and medical personnel, as well as ambulances. We echo UNICEF’s call to act to protect children. The continuing clashes in East Jerusalem and the West Bank as well as clashes in Israel are of great concern. All provocative statements and calls for violence and hatred are unacceptable and must completely desist, and we call for restraint on all sides. Appeasement measures must continue in Jerusalem.”
2021-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/480 (2021) · source
“We strongly condemn the firing of rockets into Israel claimed by Hamas and other terrorist groups. They are unacceptable and must stop immediately. The rocket attacks are not only more frequent, but they are also more sophisticated and longer range. These indiscriminate attacks, which run counter to international humanitarian law, are putting the Israeli population in serious danger. And I once again reiterate that France will never compromise on Israel’s security. France recognizes Israel’s right to self-defence but calls on the Israeli authorities to exercise the utmost restraint and act proportionately and with all the necessary precautions, in strict compliance with international law and international humanitarian law.”
2021-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/480 (2021) · source
“France expressed its concern at a very early stage regarding the tensions that arose in the Old City of Jerusalem and Sheikh Jarrah in April, and the risks associated with the acceleration of colonization activities in the occupied territories, including in East Jerusalem. Today, the continuing escalation of violence in the Middle East poses the risk of a major conflict, with serious consequences in the Palestinian territories and in Israel and with incalculable regional repercussions. We must do everything we can to put an end to this cycle of violence. The cessation of hostilities is therefore an urgent priority. We are particularly concerned about the high number of civilian casualties on both sides, especially children. Our hearts go out today to their families and loved ones.”
2021-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/480 (2021) · source
“I welcome the presence of the Secretary-General and the several Ministers among us, and I thank Special Coordinator Tor Wennesland for his briefing. France is extremely concerned about the gravity of the situation in the Middle East. As we are all aware, this situation is the result of a lack of political perspective in a scenario that has gone on for too long. It will continue to produce suffering and violence if the willpower is not there to move resolutely towards the establishment of two States living in peace and security within secure and recognized borders along the lines of 4 June 1967 and with Jerusalem as capital of both States, within the framework of international law and Security Council resolutions.”
2021-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/480 (2021) · source
“In that spirit, in January 2018 in Paris we launched the International Partnership against Impunity for the Use of Chemical Weapons, which today brings together 40 States and the European Union.”
2021-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/446 (2021) · source
“Unfortunately, however, I note that new outstanding issues continue to be added to the old ones, as the Secretariat’s communication of 16 April confirms. How can it be explained that we are still in this situation more than seven years after the adoption of resolution 2118 (2013)? I say this with gravity: the use of chemical weapons cannot go unpunished. The perpetrators of chemical-weapons attacks must be held accountable for their crimes. Prosecutions will take place, including in national courts. They are necessary to deter anyone from continuing to use such weapons. An international convention cannot be violated without consequences. That would encourage others to violate it.”
2021-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/446 (2021) · source
“It identifies the perpetrators of an attack by dropping at least one cylinder of chlorine from a military helicopter on the town of Saraqib on 4 February 2018. The attack resulted in 12 casualties. We are now certain that the perpetrators of those attacks are members of the Syrian Arab Air Force under the control of the 25th Special Mission Forces Division. The Syrian regime’s use of such weapons, which has once again been documented and is beyond dispute, is unacceptable and will not go unpunished. If it is to reinstate its rights and privileges, Syria must comply with its international obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention, to which it has chosen to accede. It must behave as a responsible actor and finally shed full light on its initial declaration.”
2021-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/446 (2021) · source
“I thank Mrs. Nakamitsu for the briefing and once again commend her work and that of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. France welcomes the adoption, by a very large majority, of the decision that it submitted on behalf of 46 delegations at the twenty-fifth session of the Conference of the States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention. It is an important decision by responsible States parties. But let us be clear: we do not welcome the suspension of some of the rights and privileges of a State party. It is the repeated and flagrant violations of its international commitments that compel us to do so. The issuance of the second report of the Investigation and Identification Team, on 12 April, once again highlights the crimes of the Syrian regime.”
2021-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/446 (2021) · source
“Lastly, I would like to commend the Vietnamese initiative for a Security Council resolution on the protection of objects indispensable to the survival of the civilian population. Respect for international law is a key priority for our diplomacy, and we will remain particularly vigilant on those issues, which are, in the true sense, vital.”
2021-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/415 (2021) · source
“The perpetrators of violations of international humanitarian law must be brought to justice. I recall that the use of starvation against civilians as a method of warfare and attacks on hospitals and medical facilities constitute war crimes. France will continue to fully support mechanisms to fight impunity. We must strengthen national capacities to conduct impartial and independent investigations and, where national mechanisms are insufficient or inadequate, support the use of international mechanisms. France reiterates its call for the universalization of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. We must also more systematically sanction the perpetrators of serious violations of international humanitarian law within the framework of the United Nations and European sanctions regimes.”
2021-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/415 (2021) · source
“That call identifies concrete actions that States can take to strengthen respect for international humanitarian law, and we call on all our partners to support that call. We also call on countries that have not yet done so to ratify the Protocols Additional to the Geneva Conventions of 1949. Every State has a responsibility to guarantee respect for international humanitarian law: I am thinking in particular of training. Last year, France finalized its national training plan on international humanitarian law, which targets all French actors: the military, diplomats and senior officials. This plan also provides for training activities for our foreign partners. We are doing this in particular in the Sahel. Thirdly, we must strengthen the fight against impunity.”
2021-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/415 (2021) · source
“Some parties to conflict even go so far as to knowingly incorporate violations of international humanitarian law into their military strategy in order to deprive the population of all relief and to ensure their surrender. That is unacceptable, and it is up to the Security Council to clearly and regularly reaffirm that. Even war has rules. Respect for international humanitarian law is not an option; it is an obligation imposed on everyone. Our collective responsibility is to find the operational means to ensure that law is respected. That is the meaning of the Call for Humanitarian Action, launched by France and Germany in 2019 and now endorsed by 47 Member States and the European Union.”
2021-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/415 (2021) · source
“I thank Mr. Lowcock, Mr. Maurer and Mr. Rudd for their briefings. I would like to focus on three points. As you have all pointed out, armed conflict has a devastating impact on the civilian infrastructure that is essential to the survival of populations. I am thinking in particular of hospitals and medical facilities, facilities providing access to water and electricity, as well as crops and agricultural infrastructure. Civilian populations, particularly in Syria, Yemen, the Sahel and the Lake Chad basin, are paying the price every day: increased humanitarian needs and food insecurity, displacement and the spread of epidemics.”
2021-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/415 (2021) · source
“France will continue to support international mechanisms to fight impunity and will pursue its efforts in the framework of the International Partnership against Impunity for the Use of Chemical Weapons. The adoption a week ago by a large majority of a decision to take measures as a consequence of Syria’s failure to comply with its international obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention is an important step. The actions taken in courts across Europe are also aimed at bringing to justice the perpetrators of the crimes committed by the regime. In the absence of a credible political settlement, France and its partners will remain steadfast in their position on reconstruction, normalization and sanctions, and will continue to work with all those who want a political solution to the crisis.”
2021-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/418 (2021) · source
“They will not meet the criteria previously listed and will be held under the sole control of the regime, without international supervision. Progress should also be made on the issue of those detained in regime jails and of missing persons. Nothing can justify the lack of progress in that respect. There can be no peace without justice. France, along with its partners, will tirelessly pursue its fight against impunity for the crimes committed in Syria. The Secretary-General’s latest report on violations committed against children once again establishes the overwhelming responsibility of the regime and the forces supporting it, especially for attacks on hospitals and schools.”
2021-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/418 (2021) · source
“Progress in the implementation of resolution 2254 (2015) must be made in order to overcome the current deadlock. It is time for the Constitutional Committee to finally work on drafting the constitutional reform. The regime must demonstrate its willingness to participate in good faith in negotiations. France urges the Special Envoy to work on the implementation of the other aspects of resolution 2254 (2015) and to report on them, clearly indicating to the Council where the bottlenecks lie. We must now prepare for the holding of free, inclusive and transparent elections, under United Nations supervision and in which the diaspora will be able to take part, as provided for in resolution 2254 (2015). France will not recognize any validity in the elections planned by the regime to take place at the end of May.”
2021-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/418 (2021) · source
“In the north-east, the number of cases has increased by 57 per cent in one month. The first shipment, last week, of COVID-19 vaccines under the COVID-19 Vaccine Global Access (COVAX) Facility is positive. It is essential to ensure equitable access to the vaccine, including in the north-east and the north-west. International humanitarian law must be respected by all, not only in terms of the protection of civilians, including humanitarian and medical personnel, but also with respect to ensuring full humanitarian access. The systematic blocking of aid by the regime shows that there is no alternative to the cross-border mechanism. France is determined that the mechanism should be renewed for 12 months, wherever it saves lives, in accordance with the Secretary-General’s call.”
2021-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/418 (2021) · source
“I thank the Special Envoy, Geir Pedersen, and Mr. Mark Lowcock for their briefings. The Syrian conflict is far from over. France is concerned about the continuation of hostilities across the country. The risk of a resurgence of Da’esh is worrying. The chronic instability in the areas recaptured by the regime is proof that there will be no lasting stabilization without a political solution. As the month of Ramadan has begun, France reiterates its call for a nationally verifiable cessation of hostilities under the auspices of the United Nations, in accordance with the calls made by the Secretary-General and the resolutions of the Security Council. Indeed, the humanitarian situation is worsening every day. More than 12 million Syrians are food-insecure. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic continues to spread.”
2021-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/418 (2021) · source
“France calls on Israel to allow the elections to be held throughout the Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem. It also calls on Israel to facilitate the deployment of a European mission. France is pleased that the Security Council is once again speaking in unison in support of the two-State solution, which it has itself endorsed. That unity is more necessary than ever given the continuing deterioration of the situation on the ground. But we must now move from words to action to create a new momentum for peace.”
2021-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/404 (2021) · source
“We welcome the resumption of funding by the United States to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, whose action will remain essential until a permanent solution to the refugee issue is found. Finally, I would like to return to the Palestinian elections. They must be an opportunity to give a voice to Palestinian society and to renew the democratic legitimacy of its institutions. France calls on all actors to act constructively to bring the electoral process to a successful conclusion. In accordance with the principles consistently promoted by the European Union, France recalls the importance of the principles of international law, non-violence, Israel’s right to exist and respect for past agreements.”
2021-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/404 (2021) · source
“France also reiterates its firm condemnation of the firing of rockets from Gaza into populated areas of Israel, also in violation of international law. It will never compromise on Israel’s security. In that context, we must redouble our efforts to get the parties back to the negotiating track. France is working with its German, Egyptian and Jordanian partners to recreate the conditions for dialogue. We wish to work with the members of the Quartet, which share that objective. Increased coordination between the parties is necessary to enable an effective response to the coronavirus disease pandemic, which continues to spread, particularly in Gaza. France would like to see equitable access to the vaccine. The contrast between the vaccination rate in Israel and that in the occupied Palestinian territories is stark.”
2021-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/404 (2021) · source