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

“We call on Israel to halt the expansion of settlements, in particular the construction of 540 housing units in the settlement of Har Homa in East Jerusalem. Settlement activity is contrary to international law, threatens the viability of the two-State solution and is a major obstacle to peace, especially when it involves areas essential to the viability of a future Palestinian State. We call on Israel to stop the demolition of Palestinian structures, including those funded by France and the European Union. These are reaching a worrying level. They are contrary to Israel’s obligations under the Fourth Geneva Convention. We are particularly concerned by the possible evictions in the coming weeks of Palestinian families from the Silwan and Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhoods in East Jerusalem.”
2021-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/404 (2021) · source
“I thank Mr. Tor Wennesland and Mr. Rein Paulsen for their briefings. At a time when this prospect is being called into question, it is more necessary than ever to recall that only the two-State solution will bring lasting peace to the region. In accordance with the agreed parameters and Security Council resolutions, that means the establishment of a Palestinian State living in peace and security alongside Israel, within secure and internationally recognized borders based on the 1967 lines, with Jerusalem as the capital of both States. That is the only solution that can meet the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people for sovereignty and the Israeli people for security. France is therefore very concerned about the risk of de facto annexation of Palestinian territories.”
2021-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/404 (2021) · source
“Finally, we cannot repeat it enough: even war has rules. International humanitarian law must be respected by all. I am thinking in particular of the protection of civilians. Violations of international humanitarian law will not go unpunished. You can count on France to remain fully engaged and mobilized for peace in Yemen and to work towards de-escalation and the implementation of confidence- building measures in the region.”
2021-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/372 (2021) · source
“We must also prevent an environmental disaster, which would also be a human and economic disaster for Yemen, and more broadly for the region. The Houthis will be responsible for it if they do not immediately allow the United Nations assessment team have access to the FSO SAFER oil tanker. We call on them to act responsibly and for the Yemeni people. The new wave of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic is extremely alarming. It is essential to ramp up the vaccination campaign, thanks to the COVID-19 Vaccine Global Access Facility and to provide equitable access to the vaccine. The risk of famine continues to increase on a daily basis. In this context, it is more essential than ever to guarantee full humanitarian access to all those in need, particularly in areas controlled by the Houthis.”
2021-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/372 (2021) · source
“It is more than time:to conclude without delay and without preconditions a ceasefire agreement throughout Yemeni territory; to open the ports and airports to allow humanitarian and commercial supplies in; and to start credible political negotiations under the auspices of the United Nations. There is only a political solution to the war in Yemen. It should be comprehensive and inclusive and guarantee the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Yemen, in line with the Riyadh agreement. To establish lasting peace, we must fight impunity in Yemen. We are very concerned about the recruitment and use of children into the fighting in Ma'rib. The conclusions of the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict should be fully implemented.”
2021-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/372 (2021) · source
“I would like to thank Mr. Griffiths and Mr. Lowcock for their briefings and to reiterate to them France’s full support. It is high time for the Houthis to make peace in Yemen. They must immediately put an end to their offensive against Ma’rib, which is home to millions of civilians. The attacks on Saudi Arabia must also stop. There is an opportunity to put an end to six years of war through diplomacy. We welcome the diplomatic efforts of the United States and Oman and the announcement by Saudi Arabia in that regard on 22 March. The Yemeni parties, especially the Houthis, need to seize this opportunity. They must undertake constructive discussions with the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy in good faith and without any further delay. The elements for a peace plan are well known.”
2021-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/372 (2021) · source
“The protection of these rights will be at the heart of the Generation Equality Forum process, launched in Mexico City and which will conclude in Paris from 30 June to 2 July. Finally, the Security Council needs to do more. France will continue to support the inclusion of the issue of conflict-related sexual violence in the Council’s mandates, promoting the implementation of resolutions adopted under the women and peace and security agenda and the provision of adequate resources for the teams on the ground. In addition, the sanctioning of perpetrators of sexual violence is necessary, and the Security Council must do more to this end. This battle must be waged relentlessly and without compromise. France will work towards this objective, particularly in the context of the Generation Equality Forum.”
2021-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/375 (2021) · source
“Secondly, we must adopt a survivor-centred approach and ensure comprehensive care for survivors. They must have access to medical, psychological and social follow-up to help them return to a normal life. This is why France is maintaining its financial commitment in the amount of €6.2 million for the Global Fund for Survivors of Sexual Violence, created by Nobel Peace Prize winners Mr. Mukwege and Ms. Murad. Thirdly, we must put an end to the obstacles to access to sexual and reproductive-health and rights. We regret the politicization of these issues which leads to losing sight of the best interests of women and girls. France is funding a €5 million project in Chad to empower women through better access to these services as well as health and psychosocial care.”
2021-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/375 (2021) · source
“France strongly condemns the use of sexual violence as a tactic of war and a tool of terror. We also condemn any sexist, misogynistic or homophobic discourse that exacerbates violence. I wish to emphasize four points. First, all forms of violence must be punished. The pandemic has reduced access to police, justice and health services. Non-compliance and impunity remain major problems. This is the case in Syria, in particular, where France is strongly committed to ensuring that the perpetrators of such crimes are punished. France believes in the importance of justice, reparation and guarantees that these violent acts will not be repeated. We welcome the role of the International Criminal Court for its contribution to the fight against this scourge and note in this regard the recent trial court conviction in Uganda of Dominic Ongwen.”
2021-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/375 (2021) · source
“Let me begin by welcoming Viet Nam’s commitment to addressing sexual violence in conflict. I also thank the Special Representative, Mr. Mukwege and the other representatives of civil society for their briefings. France shares the concerns expressed in the report of the Secretary-General (S/2021/312) and in the briefings and statements made today. Conflict-related sexual violence continues with impunity, particularly against the backdrop of the pandemic. I am thinking in particular of the situations in Tigray, Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Syria and the Central African Republic. The time has come, not to take stock, but to act. Our collective responsibility is to ensure the implementation of all relevant Security Council resolutions. We must also ensure that the commitments made by the parties concerned are respected.”
2021-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/375 (2021) · source
“We encourage the leaders of Serbia and of Kosovo to act as Europeans in seeking compromise. France will remain engaged on this matter, in support of the two parties and the European Union mediation.”
2021-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/370 (2021) · source
“UNMIK efforts must continue, in coordination with the initiatives of other regional and international actors, in particular the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo. Those include in particular the fight against impunity for perpetrators of serious crimes. We call on all actors to continue to support and cooperate with the Kosovo Specialist Chambers and the Office of the Specialist Prosecutor. In conclusion, I wish to underscore France’s deep conviction that Serbia and Kosovo share a European future. The European Union is the leading trade partner, investor and donor in both countries. Its efforts to facilitate the conclusion of a comprehensive and legally binding agreement between Belgrade and Pristina will contribute to lasting stabilization in the Western Balkans and to European rapprochement for the two countries.”
2021-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/370 (2021) · source
“We call on the authorities of Kosovo and Serbia to seriously engage in the negotiations on the basis of the progress already attained, including during the year 2020 on issues of economic cooperation, displaced persons and refugees and missing persons. It is essential that all contentious matters be dealt with, including the most sensitive ones. We also wish to hear the Special Representative of the European Union, whose mediation role is based on a resolution of the General Assembly, soon brief the Council on his efforts. We welcome the activities of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). It helps promote security, stability, strengthened rule of law and respect for human rights in Kosovo and the region.”
2021-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/370 (2021) · source
“The priority areas also include dialogue with Serbia, a question with implications for European security. France reaffirms its conviction that there can be no other path, either for Serbia or for Kosovo, than to come to a comprehensive, definitive and legally binding agreement. It is one of the conditions of European rapprochement for both Serbia and Kosovo. We fully support the efforts of the Special Representative of the European Union, Miroslav Lajčák. France is ready to provide its full support, as we did at the Paris summit of 10 July 2020, co-chaired by French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, which allowed for dialogue to resume after an interruption of 20 months.”
2021-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/370 (2021) · source
“I thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for his presentation. I also welcome the participation of the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of Serbia and Kosovo. France welcomes the holding of the elections on 14 February in Kosovo, the formation of a new Government and the election of the President. Kosovo now has stable institutions, allowing it to respond to the challenges it confronts, in particular undertaking the essential reforms called for by the people. France and the European Union stand with Kosovo to assist it in meeting these challenges, from fighting the pandemic to the social and economic development of the country and strengthening of the rule of law, in particular the fight against corruption and organized crime.”
2021-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/370 (2021) · source
“The presidency of the African Union also offers the Democratic Republic of the Congo the opportunity to give a decisive impetus to the consolidation of peace and the strengthening of economic and trade cooperation in the region. It is also key that the United Nations Strategy for Peace Consolidation, Conflict Prevention and Conflict Resolution in the Great Lakes Region be rapidly operationalized through the formulation of an action plan. The Secretary-General’s Special Envoy knows that he can count on our full support in that regard.”
2021-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/351 (2021) · source
“While humanitarian needs remain considerable, in particular for the large number of refugees and displaced persons, France and the European Union will continue to support them, as they have done so far, in particular through the Instrument contributing to Stability and Peace. That instrument mobilized more than €24 million for the region from 2016 to 2020. Humanitarian contributions paid by France have also exceeded €10 million over the past two years. Finally, the States of the region and their partners must remain mobilized to address the root causes of conflicts and fully implement the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Region. The high-level meeting of the Regional Oversight Mechanism is vital in order to ensure the follow-up of the agreement and must be held as soon as possible.”
2021-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/351 (2021) · source
“I thank Mr. Huang Xia and Ambassador Edrees for their briefings. I would like to come back briefly to three points. First, several positive developments have taken place in recent months in terms of bilateral and regional cooperation. The cooperation efforts between Rwanda and Uganda as well as Burundi must be supported. The encouraging momentum begun since the election of President Tshisekedi must continue in order to further reduce tensions and build confidence. Secondly, France condemns the continued attacks by armed groups in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Efforts must also be redoubled to ensure full respect for human rights, international humanitarian law and the rule of law, as well as to promote the full participation of women in the peace process.”
2021-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/351 (2021) · source
“The establishment of a joint working group of the Congolese authorities and the United Nations on this transition is essential. National capacities must at the same time be consolidated by a plan to reform the security sector and the strengthening of the Congolese National Police and the instruments of justice. On all these aspects, the commitment of the future Congolese Government will be essential. The Congolese chairmanship of the African Union must be an opportunity to accompany the Great Lakes region on the road to peace. MONUSCO, for its part, must adapt its system to better protect civilians, in coordination with the Congolese armed forces. The implementation of the reconfiguration of the Force Intervention Brigade must also continue as soon as possible.”
2021-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/316 (2021) · source
“As food insecurity grows and new cases of Ebola emerge, humanitarian access must be guaranteed and attacks on humanitarian workers must end. The Security Council has condemned the deadly attack on a World Food Programme convoy on 22 February. Those responsible must be brought to justice. France welcomes the progress made in the fight against impunity, as evidenced by the conviction on 12 January of a militiaman for crimes against humanity. These efforts must continue. Human rights must also be respected, including by the Congolese security forces. I welcome the briefing by Sandrine Lusamba, who reminded us of the essential role of women in establishing lasting peace. Finally, and this is my third point, preparing for MONUSCO’s transition requires the commitment of us all.”
2021-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/316 (2021) · source
“Intercommunity dialogue should be promoted there, hate speech that has fuelled tensions between communities should be countered, and efforts should be pursued against the illegal exploitation of natural resources and to promote cooperation among the States of the Great Lakes region. Opportunities must also be afforded to those who have surrendered their weapons by implementing decentralized disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programmes. I come to my second point — the deteriorating humanitarian situation. The Democratic Republic of the Congo can count on the support of France in overcoming the health crisis via the COVID-19 Vaccine Global Access mechanism, to which Team Europe is a major donor.”
2021-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/316 (2021) · source
“I would first like to thank Ms. Keita for her briefing and to assure her of France’s full support for her mission. I also thank Ms. Lusamba for her intervention. I would like to address three points. First, with respect to the persistence of insecurity in the east of the country, France condemns the recurrent attacks on civilians and the armed forces in the Kivus and Ituri. The upsurge in attacks by the Allied Democratic Forces group and the continuation of intercommunal violence are worrying. The concentration of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) in the east must continue in order to protect civilians and to support the State’s presence there.”
2021-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/316 (2021) · source
“Since 2011, more than €24 billion have been mobilized by the European Union and its member States in response to this crisis. Without a comprehensive political solution, the position of France and the European Union on normalization, reconstruction and sanctions will remain unchanged. A political solution also requires justice, access to aid and the restoration of rights. Finally, the instrumentalization of the question of sanctions in the context of the pandemic in order to obfuscate the responsibility of the regime is not fooling anyone. European sanctions are targeted; they target individuals and entities that participate in repression and benefit from the fallout from the conflict. They provide solid arrangements to preserve the delivery of humanitarian and medical aid.”
2021-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/315 (2021) · source
“The systematic blocking of aid by the regime shows that there is no alternative to the cross-border mechanism. Let us be clear — Damascus is not providing sufficient and timely permits to meet the needs of the population in areas under its control, let alone in those beyond its control. This blackmail is unacceptable. The announced opening of crossings inside the country is far from sufficient. Cross-line aid delivery remains marginal and can in no way serve as a pretext for calling into question the cross-border aid mechanism. France is resolved to see this mechanism renewed wherever it saves lives, in accordance with the Secretary-General’s appeal. This is also essential to allow equitable access to the COVID-19 vaccine. The current donors’ conference is a key milestone. France and the European Union are there.”
2021-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/315 (2021) · source
“The strikes near the Bab Al-Hawa crossing-point are of great concern. France has strongly condemned the attack on Al-Atarib hospital, in the north-west. We cannot accept these intimidating messages. Even wars have rules. Attacking a hospital is a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law and a war crime. The coordinates of that hospital had been communicated to all parties as part of the deconfliction mechanism. We call for all light to be shed on this heinous act. France will continue to give its full support to the mechanisms to combat impunity. International humanitarian law must be strictly observed by all — not only the protection of civilians but also full humanitarian access. The needs continue to grow in a context marked by food insecurity and the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.”
2021-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/315 (2021) · source
“It is an honour to see you presiding over this Council, Sir, and I would like to thank the United States presidency of the Security Council for the month of March. I also thank Mr. Lowcock, Ms. Fore and Dr. Ballour for their briefings. The Syrian people continue to pay the price for this conflict every day. Hundreds of thousands of people have lost their lives, more than 13 million Syrians are in need of humanitarian aid, 90 per cent of the population live below the poverty line, half are displaced or refugees, and most Syrian children have known nothing but war. Ten years after the start of this tragedy, the conflict is far from over. There is an urgent need to put in place an immediate cessation of hostilities under United Nations supervision, as well as a humanitarian pause, in accordance with resolutions 2532 (2020) and 2254 (2015).”
2021-03-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/315 (2021) · source
“Finally, there is an urgent need to renew our political and above all financial support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, whose action is essential to the stability of the region. France calls on the Council to take a big step forward in order to reaffirm the framework of agreed parameters and finally relaunch a positive, multilateral dynamic.”
2021-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/302 (2021) · source
“We wish to work on these issues with the parties, as well as with the members of the Quartet, whose mobilization has the same objective — the eventual resumption of direct negotiations between the parties. The holding of elections, announced by President Abbas, must be an opportunity to give a voice to Palestinian civil society and to renew the democratic legitimacy of its institutions. France and its European partners are ready to support the organization of transparent, free and impartial elections. France calls on all actors to act constructively to complete this process. These elections must be held throughout the Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem.”
2021-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/302 (2021) · source
“It calls on all parties to refrain from any unilateral measure that undermines confidence and calls into question the possibility of a two-State solution. In this context, it is important to recreate the conditions for dialogue by identifying small, concrete steps in order to overcome the mistrust that exists between the parties. This is the goal of our efforts with Germany, Egypt and Jordan, which we intend to pursue. The resumption of coordination between the parties, particularly on civil, security and health matters, is encouraging. But we must go further. That is essential if we are to address the economic consequences of the pandemic and to ensure the vaccination of all populations.”
2021-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/302 (2021) · source
“The need is more urgent than ever to implement resolution 2334 (2016) as the situation on the ground continues to deteriorate, as the Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process has just recalled. Israeli decisions of recent months on the expansion of settlements, particularly those in sensitive areas, increase the risk of de facto annexation of Palestinian territories, threaten the viability of the two-State solution and constitute a major obstacle to peace. France has condemned them. We are also very concerned by the record increase in the demolition of Palestinian structures, which particularly affects infrastructure financed by France and the European Union. France calls on Israel to reverse these decisions and to stop the demolitions.”
2021-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/302 (2021) · source
“Finally, by this resolution, we affirmed that no change to the 1967 lines, other than those agreed between the parties, would be recognized and that all States had the obligation to make a distinction in their communications between the territory of Israel and the territories occupied in 1967. This distinction must be reflected in particular both in bilateral agreements and in trade, for example through the differentiated labelling of products from settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. This framework, defined by Council resolutions, is the only one that will make it possible to stabilize the region on a long-term basis and ensure the security of all, Israelis and Palestinians alike. Any solution imposed by force can only fuel a spiral of despair and violence. Today, in 2021, we must pursue our efforts to achieve lasting peace.”
2021-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/302 (2021) · source
“I thank the Special Coordinator for his briefing. Just over four years ago, the Security Council, in adopting resolution 2334 (2016), reaffirmed the importance of achieving a just and lasting resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. At that time, we reiterated our commitment to the implementation of agreed parameters and international law, reaffirming the goal of the creation of two democratic States, living side by side in peace, within secure and recognized borders. We also jointly declared that the status quo was unsustainable and that there was an urgent need to reverse negative trends on the ground and create conditions for the success of the final status negotiations.”
2021-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/302 (2021) · source
“In the immediate term, it is essential that an agreement be reached on key posts, with a view to unifying Libyan institutions. The fight against impunity must also continue to be pursued, and those responsible for violations of human rights and international humanitarian law must be punished. France is ready to fight human trafficking in Libya, which has involved many refugees and migrants. Together with Germany, France has proposed that the trafficker from Zawiya, Osama Al-Kuni Ibrahim, be subject to sanctions. It is urgent that the Security Council proceed with such sanctions. France is ready to propose other individuals or entities guilty of human trafficking for the sanctions list. France is readier and more committed to peace in Libya that it has ever been. It will continue to work tirelessly with its European partners to that end.”
2021-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/292 (2021) · source
“I would recall that the European Union is making its full contribution to stability in Libya, with the deployment of the European Union Naval Force Mediterranean Operation IRINI, which is acting impartially and in compliance with Security Council resolutions. We call on flag States to act in accordance with resolution 2292 (2016), and therefore to cooperate with Operation IRINI. Fourthly, militias must be disarmed as part of a process of demobilization, disarmament and reintegration into a unified Libyan army. The 23 October agreement offers important prospects in that regard. In the longer term, peacebuilding requires that two major challenges be addressed. First, there must be a fair distribution of economic resources for the benefit of all.”
2021-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/292 (2021) · source
“This will be an important first task for the monitoring mechanism. In that regard, I would mention in particular the reopening of all roads, including the coastal road. Secondly, the foreign forces and mercenaries present in Libya must withdraw without further delay, as requested by the Libyan parties. The Libyans had set a deadline of 90 days, but more than 150 days have now elapsed since this request was made. Thirdly, the flow of arms into Libya must stop, and the arms embargo must be fully respected. The final report of the Panel of Experts (see S/2021/229) is a cause for great concern.”
2021-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/292 (2021) · source
“The December elections will, I hope, offer an opportunity to go further. To enable the Libyan people to freely choose their representatives, it is essential that the ceasefire be guaranteed for the long term. In relation to this aspect of security, I would like to stress four points. First, the Security Council must respond to the Libyans’ request and without further delay adopt a draft resolution authorizing the United Nations Support Mission in Libya to deploy a credible ceasefire-monitoring mechanism. The proposals by the Secretary-General, complemented by the Special Envoy following the deployment of the advance assessment team, will enable us to move forward quickly. It is essential that the confidence-building measures provided for in the agreement meet with immediate success.”
2021-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/292 (2021) · source
“I would like to warmly thank Ján Kubiš for his briefing and reiterate France’s full support. In the coming weeks and months, we have an opportunity to achieve a lasting peace in Libya. Significant progress has been made in recent months, thanks in particular to United Nations mediation, but after 10 years of bloody conflict we can no longer fail. The Security Council recently welcomed the vote of confidence by Parliament to establish the transitional Government of National Unity that will be responsible for leading the country to elections on 24 December 2021. This deadline must be met. The United Nations must provide expertise and assistance to ensure that these elections are held. An agreement must be reached that provides a legal basis for them. France welcomes the progress made in the participation of women in the exercise of power.”
2021-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/292 (2021) · source
“It is unacceptable that it is being flouted every day. The protection of civilians and civilian infrastructures is critical. The use of starvation against civilians as a method of warfare is a war crime and should not go unpunished. France condemns the rise in attacks against humanitarian and medical personnel and the many obstacles that prevent access to people in need. I am thinking in particular of Yemen and the Tigray region, where we are calling for concrete progress on humanitarian access. While conflict remains the main driver of food crises, we must step up our efforts to find sustainable political solutions to conflicts. You can count on France’s continued and unwavering support.”
2021-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/250 (2021) · source
“France will continue to work towards that end through its bilateral and multilateral support. Our funding of food aid has increased by 51 per cent in two years, to total more than €50 million in 2020. That figure will continue to grow this year to more than €72 million, an increase of 43 per cent compared with last year. The French Development Agency earmarked €1 billion in 2020 in the areas of agriculture, rural development and biodiversity. We can never say it often enough: because conflicts are the main drivers of the risk of famine and food crises, it is vital to accelerate the implementation of resolutions 2532 (2020) and 2565 (2021), on COVID-19, through a ceasefire and a humanitarian pause. Preventing famine and food crises requires that all parties to the conflicts abide by their obligations under international humanitarian law.”
2021-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/250 (2021) · source
“Only collective, coordinated and integrated action will make it possible to avert humanitarian disasters. States, United Nations agencies, regional and subregional organizations, non-governmental organizations, as well as the private sector and international financial institutions, must be mobilized to reduce the risk of famine and, more broadly, of food crises. We must strengthen prevention and early-warning mechanisms in order to better anticipate, prevent and mitigate the effects of such crises. It is vital to strengthen national and local production systems and to promote social safety nets that will help the most vulnerable people to meet their food needs. To do so, it is essential to strengthen cooperation between humanitarian and development actors.”
2021-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/250 (2021) · source
“I would like to thank the Secretary-General, the Director of Oxfam International and the Executive Director of the World Food Programme for their briefings. The figures that have just been shared speak for themselves: the risk of famine and acute food crises is worsening day after day. Conflicts, climate change, the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and the resulting economic recession are contributing to the daily rise in the number of people facing a severe food crisis. I am thinking here in particular of Yemen, South Sudan and Nigeria, as well as of the Sahel region, especially Burkina Faso, where the situation remains particularly worrying. I am also thinking of the Tigray region, in Ethiopia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Council has a collective responsibility and a moral obligation to prevent such a tragedy.”
2021-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/250 (2021) · source
“Those are the messages that we reiterated in the General Assembly on Tuesday (see A/75/PV.56) and that we defend alongside our partners within the International Partnership against Impunity for the Use of Chemical Weapons.”
2021-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/226 (2021) · source
“They are undignified and, above all, they are irresponsible. The Security Council has a historic responsibility for the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and the re-emergence of chemical weapons in the world is a major threat. We cannot allow such weapons to become commonplace. Their use should remain an absolute taboo. The OPCW remains a pillar of our collective security and must be preserved. In conclusion, I would like to emphasize the need to fight impunity. Earlier this week, survivors of chemical-weapon attacks filed a complaint in France against Syrian regime officials for war crimes and crimes against humanity. The complaint contains a very simple message: criminals will not get away with it. Evidence continues to be collected and will be used.”
2021-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/226 (2021) · source
“Everyone knows the despicable acts for which it is responsible and must be brought to account. That is why France will pay close attention to the conclusions of the forthcoming reports of the OPCW Investigation and Identification Team. The regime has not carried out any of the actions expected of it. France, together with its partners, has drawn the appropriate conclusions. That is why we submitted a draft decision to the OPCW Technical Secretariat on behalf of 46 delegations in November, specifically to deprive the regime of its voting rights. That initiative has only one objective — to ensure that Syria finally complies with its international obligations. I would like to commend the work that the OPCW is carrying out with complete rigour and independence. I deplore the unfounded accusations that are being levelled at it.”
2021-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/226 (2021) · source
“I thank Mrs. Nakamitsu for her briefing. We have to look at the situation squarely — no progress has been made. The Syrian regime is still lying, hiding the truth and evading its international obligations. The initial declaration is incomplete, as we all know. More than seven years have passed since the adoption of resolution 2118 (2013), and 19 issues are still pending. Among those is an undeclared production site, for which the regime has provided no explanation. To claim that the matter is closed is to deny the evidence. We look forward to the results of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Declaration Assessment Team’s mission on the ground conducted in February. I will not retract our position on the culpability of the Syrian regime.”
2021-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/226 (2021) · source
“France calls on all States to provide it with support that is commensurate with their financial means. It is around this pragmatic results-oriented agenda that France calls on the Security Council to unite in order to relaunch the peace process.”
2021-03-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/218 (2021) · source
“The meeting of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee for the Coordination of the International Assistance to Palestinians once again stressed the importance of increased cooperation between Israelis and Palestinians in order to strengthen the resilience of the Palestinian economy and the effectiveness of their economic relations. This cooperation is all the more necessary in the face of the coronavirus disease pandemic. We welcome the efforts made, including by Israel, to enable the Palestinian Ministry of Health to provide several thousand doses of vaccine. We hope that positive momentum will continue and benefit all Palestinians, including in Gaza. In this difficult context, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East is providing vital assistance to millions of Palestinians.”
2021-03-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/218 (2021) · source
“France and its European partners are ready to support the organization of transparent, free and impartial elections. France calls on all stakeholders to act constructively to enable the Palestinian people to choose their representatives. The elections must also be organized throughout the Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem. France will remain mobilized to help gradually rebuild trust between the parties with a view to resuming negotiations. We will continue to work on that with our German, Egyptian and Jordanian partners.”
2021-03-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/218 (2021) · source
“France calls on the Israeli authorities to put an end to this as soon as possible, to facilitate humanitarian access and to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law, in particular the Fourth Geneva Convention, to which Israel is a party. We condemn the continued colonization of the West Bank and East Jerusalem, in particular its progress in sensitive areas, such as Givat Hamatos, Har Homa and Area E-1. We call again on Israel to reverse these decisions. It is important to make progress on the Palestinian electoral process. France welcomed the publication by President Abbas of the decree on elections. Those elections must be an opportunity to give a new voice to Palestinian civil society and to renew the democratic legitimacy of institutions.”
2021-03-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/218 (2021) · source
“That is why France will continue to give its full support to the creation of two States, living in peace and security, within secure and recognized borders based on the 1967 lines, with Jerusalem as their capital. In this context, we regret the growing number of faits accomplis, which threaten the viability of the two-State solution. We are very concerned about the record level of demolitions of Palestinian structures, and the figures for 2021 already exceed those of 2020. In this regard, we condemn the new demolitions and confiscations by the Israeli authorities, including those of humanitarian structures financed by the international community, including by the European Union and France, in the Palestinian village of Khirbet Humsa.”
2021-03-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/218 (2021) · source