YouSaid · the spoken record

Onanga

lines on the record: 105
first: 1998-05-13
most recent: 2023-12-04
sittings or episodes: 18
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 conclusion, my delegation would like to underscore the urgent need to create conditions that will enable restorative justice to redress the violations inflicted on the people of Iraq, particularly its Yazidi communities, by Da’esh’s war crimes, crime of genocide and crimes against humanity. We must adopt an inclusive approach, especially during the final stages of the process, in order to maximize the processing of the information collected, which will enable the facts to be established once and for all. Furthermore, as this is our last contribution to the Council’s discussions on the subject, we would like to reaffirm our support for the Team’s tireless and exceptional efforts.”
2023-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9493 (2023) · source
“The judicious use of cutting-edge technologies, in particular new strategies aimed at speeding up the scanning and digitalization of documents aimed at establishing evidence throughout the reporting period, as well as the technical training of local legal staff in the use of such tools, remains crucial as the Team’s mandate draws to an end. It will be critical to intensify the dialogue in that sensitive context. Gabon hopes that the Government in Baghdad will engage further in the cooperation that is essential to finalizing the investigations and strengthening the framework of guidelines in the memorandum of understanding. The involvement of civil society will continue to be indispensable, especially in providing assistance to the victims of sexual violence and to children who have suffered ill-treatment and abuse as child soldiers.”
2023-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9493 (2023) · source
“The Team’s focus on strengthening cooperation with the Iraqi judicial authorities on the ground, especially with the support of stakeholders regarding crimes committed by Da’esh against Christian communities or related to the alleged use of chemical and biological weapons, should be maintained until the closure of the mission. That is why the new digital evidence obtained is essential, because it will enable a better understanding of the impact on victims of Da’esh’s chemical and biological attacks and of the material damage done to property and the environment. Gabon calls for urgent efforts to follow up on the measures designed to facilitate the use and admissibility of the evidence collected, processed, preserved and transmitted by the Team on the ground in order to support the prosecution of the perpetrators of these crimes.”
2023-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9493 (2023) · source
“We also welcomed the adoption of resolution 2697 (2023) and all of the Team’s efforts aimed at adjusting its priorities to enable it to achieve the goals arising from the terms of its mandate. In that regard, its close cooperation with the local judicial authorities in capacity- building, especially for residual tasks, should enable the Iraqi authorities to fully take over, while keeping in view the forthcoming deadline and the importance of the work that the Team has done. The strengthened spirit of mutual cooperation between UNITAD and the Member States affected by its investigative procedures is particularly encouraging, and over the long term will enable greater involvement for those countries’ jurisdictions in ongoing proceedings.”
2023-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9493 (2023) · source
“The accountability mechanism set up in Iraq, which is based on criminal justice and the rule of law, is vital to ensuring the maintenance of international peace and security. Gabon welcomes the fact that the mechanism makes it possible to promote the fight against impunity and guarantee access to justice for local communities affected by war crimes, crimes against humanity and crimes of genocide committed by Da’esh against the Yazidi people in Iraq. Besides that, we welcome the significant progress that has been made as part of the ongoing in-depth investigations and in building the judicial capacity of local jurisdictions, including those of Kurdish entities.”
2023-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9493 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Onanga (Gabon) (spoke in French): I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for convening this briefing on the eleventh report on the work carried out by the United Nations Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da’esh/ Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (UNITAD) between 2014 and 2017, within the framework of resolution 2379 (2017), of 21 September 2017. I also thank Mr. Christian Ritscher for his very detailed briefing on the status of the progress of the investigations under way for the period under review. I also welcome the delegation of Iraq to this meeting. Gabon supports the Security Council’s strategy to prevent the proliferation and use of chemical weapons by State and non-State actors alike, such as terrorist organizations.”
2023-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9493 (2023) · source
“Its full implementation is essential to substantially and sustainably reduce the risks related to the acquisition by non-State actors of weapons of mass destruction. In that regard, we welcome the awareness-raising campaigns undertaken by the Committee through cooperation with Member States. My country reiterates its interest in seeing the Committee prioritize the concerns of developing countries. In closing, I underscore that our collective action against terrorism and nuclear proliferation must be aligned with our commitments to respecting human rights, fighting poverty and especially to maintaining international peace and security.”
2023-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9478 (2023) · source
“With respect to the 1373 Committee, we support the efforts of its Chair and the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate to establish the elements for a non-binding framework that will strengthen the normative framework related to the serious threats posed by the use of unmanned aerial systems, or drones, for terrorist purposes, in accordance with the follow-up to the Delhi Declaration on countering the use of new and emerging technologies for terrorist purposes. The protection of vulnerable targets — in particular, civil infrastructure and civilian populations — is therefore a priority for the international community. Resolution 1540 (2004) remains an essential component of the global non-proliferation architecture for nuclear, biological and chemical weapons.”
2023-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9478 (2023) · source
“In that regard, Gabon remains convinced that the sanctions regime established pursuant to resolution 1267 (1999), including the work of the relevant Committee, must remain an essential tool in the fight against terrorist groups affiliated with Da’esh and Al-Qaida and a vital component of the Council’s counter-terrorism agenda. My country also takes this opportunity to call for enhanced efforts by Member States in support of the valuable work done by the Monitoring Team and the Office of the Ombudsperson, who play a leading role in implementing the 1267 sanctions regime.”
2023-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9478 (2023) · source
“Gabon is pleased to have made modest contributions to those efforts, which must continue so as to allow us to achieve our goal of eradicating these scourges, which threaten our common peace and security. We welcome the remarkable work carried out by Malta as Chair of the 1267 Committee. Da’esh, Al-Qaida and their affiliates, including the support that they offer organizations or individuals responsible for terrorist acts, remain a serious threat to international peace and security. Today that threat lies not only in those groups’ adaptability and resilience, but also in their ability to raise funds and gain ground in the regions afflicted by violence and conflicts.”
2023-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9478 (2023) · source
“Gabon reaffirms its support for all the Security Council Committees established to combat terrorism and nuclear proliferation, and we appreciate the work undertaken throughout the year, from the meetings between the Monitoring Teams, stakeholders and Member States to the thematic briefings, which provide an essential framework for information exchange. My country recognizes their sustained commitment, which, given the particularly difficult context in which the world finds itself, is all the more relevant. These joint endeavours indeed demonstrate the importance of cooperation to strengthen our work to counter the serious threats of terrorism and nuclear proliferation.”
2023-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9478 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Onanga (Gabon) (spoke in French): I would like to thank the respective Chairs of the Committees established pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1373 (2001) and 1540 (2004), on terrorism and the proliferation of nuclear weapons, Mrs. Frazier of Malta, Mrs. Nusseibeh of the United Arab Emirates and Mr. Pérez Loose of Ecuador, for their very useful briefings. This joint briefing demonstrates the importance of maintaining a holistic and concerted approach to the fight against these scourges.”
2023-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9478 (2023) · source
“Additionally, since this is the last briefing on Libya by the Prosecutor that Gabon will attend before the end of its mandate on the Council, I would like to reiterate our support to the efforts of the Prosecutor and his team aimed at ascertaining the facts in the context of combating impunity.”
2023-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9469 (2023) · source
“In that connection, we encourage the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Libya, Mr. Abdoulaye Bathily, to continue his efforts, and we assure him of our full support. In conclusion, I would like to emphasize the urgent need to create the conditions conducive to restorative justice, in order to heal the wounds of the Libyan people. That includes the successful completion of the political process, in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the Security Council, in particular resolution 2570 (2021), with a view to a peaceful and lasting resolution of the ongoing crisis.”
2023-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9469 (2023) · source
“My delegation recognizes the volatile security context in which the Prosecutor’s new investigative strategy is being carried out, and we appreciate his efforts. Indeed, the military-political crisis that has affected Libya for more than a decade remains entrenched to this day. The armed violence is far from being contained. It goes without saying that in such a climate of fear, victims and witnesses can feel threatened, which makes the exercise of justice even more complex and dangerous. I would therefore like to take this opportunity to once again express my appreciation to the United Nations Support Mission in Libya for its logistical support to strategic operations, as its presence on the ground helps to ensure the safety and security of the Prosecutor and his team in the field.”
2023-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9469 (2023) · source
“We encourage the Prosecutor to continue to work closely with the Libyan authorities, in addition to involving more international and regional players and civil society, who could make a significant contribution to the success of that vast and delicate undertaking. In that context, emphasis on dialogue with victims, victims’ associations, local communities and civil society is essential and should be enhanced in order to promote justice. It is vital to prioritize an approach that encourages truth-telling, justice, reparation and guarantees of non-repetition. Combating impunity must remain an imperative for all. This requires the international community’s continued support to fully equip the Prosecutor in his sensitive work with the parties concerned.”
2023-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9469 (2023) · source
“Gabon would like to reaffirm its appreciation for the cooperation and assistance provided by third States and relevant stakeholders in line with the principle of complementarity, which has facilitated evidence gathering, in particular for crimes committed against migrants. My delegation has taken note of the budgetary constraints facing the Office of the Prosecutor. It goes without saying that it is our duty to ensure stability for the Office’s budget so that it can fulfil its important mandate and the Prosecutor can carry out his work in a predictable manner and as flexibly as required.”
2023-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9469 (2023) · source
“Those modern tools provide the advantage of broadening the already wide range of quantitative and qualitative tools available to the investigative teams. In that regard, we commend the tireless efforts of stakeholders, experts, institutions and esteemed organizations, which have enabled the Court to move towards the completion phase of the investigation process. This should facilitate efforts to identify the alleged perpetrators of the crimes. Moreover, the digital platform launched by the Office of the Prosecutor to facilitate the submission of information, while also guaranteeing protection for those submitting it, is an essential tool.”
2023-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9469 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Onanga (Gabon) (spoke in French): I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for convening this debate, and I thank the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Mr. Karim Khan, for presenting his twenty-sixth report pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011). I welcome the presence among us of the representative of Libya. We note with satisfaction the tangible progress made under the renewed strategy for investigating and analysing evidence of alleged serious crimes committed in Libya in 2011, crimes linked to the 2014– 2020 military operations and crimes committed against migrants. The strategy’s implementation was based on an inclusive approach, including a focus on the use of artificial intelligence and machine-learning tools.”
2023-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9469 (2023) · source
“The EU and regional and subregional organizations, as well as bilateral partners, with the Quint in the lead, must also maintain their engagement at the highest level with a view to defusing tensions and enabling progress that is mutually satisfactory to the parties.”
2023-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9450 (2023) · source
“On the political front, we need to find a way to overcome the current deadlock and ease the tensions that have been steadily increasing in recent months as a result of violence, particularly police violence. We have taken note of the willingness expressed by the Kosovo authorities to organize early municipal elections in the north. My country encourages Belgrade and Pristina to continue to engage in good-faith dialogue. We have taken note of the 27 February agreement on the path to normalization. In conclusion, my country encourages the parties to sustain their dialogue in order to find a political solution through negotiations.”
2023-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9450 (2023) · source
“The parties must ensure its effective implementation while respecting the dignity and beliefs of every community. We also take note of the continuing investigation of cases relating to war crimes in connection with the Kosovo war, which is a crucial component in the efforts to ensure truth, justice, reparation and non-repetition, and for the establishment of peace, which we believe is intrinsically dependent on good justice. In the search for solutions, it will be vital to use the relevant resolutions of the Security Council as benchmarks, especially resolution 1244 (1999), as well as to ensure respect for the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, particularly the territorial integrity of States.”
2023-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9450 (2023) · source
“And in the context of Kosovo, we know that an essential part of achieving that peace is by achieving peace among the communities. To do that, the parties must combat hate speech, stigmatization, marginalization and violence of all kinds and refrain from unilateral actions or giving into faits accomplis that undermine political efforts. In the same vein, violence and attacks targeting religious symbols must cease, and solutions for returning must be offered to the thousands of people from non-majority communities who have been displaced inside Kosovo or have taken refuge outside the country. We support the work that the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees is doing in that area and take note of the latest voluntary returns recorded. Belgrade’s endorsement of the joint declaration on missing persons is a welcome development.”
2023-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9450 (2023) · source
“In terms of confidence-building efforts and mechanisms, we welcomed the launch of the Barabar Centre with the support of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo. We also welcome the extensive and multifaceted work that the Mission is doing in the areas of justice, human rights, the arts, economic integration and ecology for young people, women and minority communities. That commitment to strengthening the rights of non-majority communities, women and young people, especially through the implementation of the women and peace and security agenda on the one hand and the youth and peace and security agenda on the other, is a vital contribution towards building lasting peace and peaceful coexistence for all communities.”
2023-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9450 (2023) · source
“My country regrets that the parties were unable to agree on the draft statute for the establishment of the community of municipalities that was submitted at the beginning of May, and that the various attempts to resume a dialogue failed to make progress. We recognize the important role played by the European Union (EU) and other regional and bilateral actors, and urge them to continue to work to overcome the remaining misunderstandings and barriers and forge a consensus with a view to continuing the negotiations. In that regard, we call on the parties to consider the nine-point plan of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, with a view to breaking the political deadlock.”
2023-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9450 (2023) · source
“It is clear, though, that if the causes of those recurrent episodes of violence persist, de-escalation will remain elusive and security will remain a pipe dream. The consequences of the mass resignation of thousands of Kosovo Serbs from local institutions, as well as the boycott of the municipal elections held in December 2022 in the north, require a lasting solution through the law in order to restore confidence and promote peaceful coexistence. In that regard, the statute for establishing a community of Kosovo Serb municipalities is crucial. We call on the Pristina authorities to implement the 2013 Brussels Agreement, which would be a decisive step towards normalizing relations between Belgrade and Pristina.”
2023-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9450 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Onanga (Gabon) (spoke in French): I would like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ms. Caroline Ziadeh, for her informative briefing. I welcome the participation in today’s meeting of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia, Ms. Ana Brnabić, and the President of Kosovo, Ms. Osmani-Sadriu. Since our meeting in April (see S/PV.9312), the situation in Kosovo has hardly improved. Tensions, clashes and numerous outbreaks of violence, many involving elements of the Kosovo police, have raised fears of a conflagration. The daily lives of the people of the various communities are still all too often marked by scuffles and clashes, which have led to the deployment of an additional NATO battalion and a multinational battalion of reserve forces to contain the situation.”
2023-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9450 (2023) · source
“In that regard, I would like to commend Under-Secretary-General Voronkov for the efforts made by his Office to promote a targeted response to the scourge of terrorism, both regionally and globally. In conclusion, it is important to recall the challenges that the terrorist threat posed by Da’esh continues to pose, including its heightened activity in Africa and in conflict zones. We must also continue to act with a heightened sense of shared responsibility and strengthen international cooperation to deal more effectively with this threat faced by all of us. That requires unwavering solidarity in order to better equip those countries and regions that are most at risk and not necessarily fully equipped to meet the challenges posed by the growing terrorist threat worldwide. The meeting rose at 12.10 p.m.”
2023-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9405 (2023) · source
“In that respect, the work carried out by UNITAD and the efforts of the Office on Drugs and Crime deserve to be highlighted. We must also ensure to maintain the highest standards in the promotion of human rights in our fight against terrorism, in accordance with resolution 1624 (2005). We welcome the courageous measures taken by some countries to ensure the protection of the wives and children of Da’esh fighters, who suffer the consequences of the terrorist acts carried out by the group, notably through their repatriation to their countries of origin. The growing threat posed by the activities of Da’esh calls for greater regional and international cooperation.”
2023-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9405 (2023) · source
“The many challenges to international peace and security posed by terrorist movements call for constant vigilance and concerted efforts on all fronts in order to better equip the affected countries, which need to strengthen their capacities, particularly in mastering the new information technologies used by Da’esh to spread its criminal activities. That is a fundamental requirement, as terrorist groups will continue to act opportunistically by trying to establish themselves in regions in which they identify weak links. In that regard, I reaffirm the commitments we made in the Delhi declaration and the need to implement its relevant recommendations. In the same vein, my country welcomes the ongoing efforts to establish Da’esh’s criminal responsibility for all the atrocities it has committed.”
2023-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9405 (2023) · source
“That should enable them to initiate targeted, well-planned and more robust peace support operations under the mandate of the African Union Peace and Security Council, endorsed by the Security Council on a case-by-case basis, as judiciously recommended by the Secretary-General. In order to achieve that, we need to mobilize substantial financial and logistical resources, including through our assessed contributions to the Organization, on the basis of the principle of the indivisibility of collective security.”
2023-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9405 (2023) · source
“Da’esh’s ability to acquire large quantities of small arms and light weapons, which fuel instability and violence in Africa, particularly in the Sahel and the Lake Chad basin, but also in the Great Lakes region, is a matter of great concern. The African continent’s coordinated response in that regard has made it possible to counter the activities of Da’esh and reduce its capacity to cause harm. Having demonstrated their determination to vigorously combat the terrorist threat on their continent, the African countries should legitimately benefit from the support of the international community.”
2023-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9405 (2023) · source
“We need to address that enormous challenge and strengthen our efforts to combat all the affiliated organizations and offshoots likely to facilitate organized crime through Da’esh’s use of illicit weapons, which is aimed at increasing its capabilities considerably. In that context, the commendable efforts made by the United Nations Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da’esh/Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (UNITAD), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and UNESCO to reduce Da’esh’s capacity to mobilize and deploy massive resources for criminal purposes deserve to be stepped up and supported.”
2023-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9405 (2023) · source
“That adoption represents a significant step forward in strengthening the Strategy, in particular by taking into account the new threats in the evolution of terrorism. Gabon welcomes the concerted efforts that have helped to weaken and destabilize Da’esh, notably by neutralizing several of its leaders. However, we must not let our guard down, as those small groups have shown resilience and an ability to adapt in order to pursue their goals. That is particularly evident in their ability to raise huge sums of money, enabling them not only to recruit new fighters but also to take advantage of social vulnerabilities.”
2023-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9405 (2023) · source
“The current alarming situation demonstrates that terrorist organizations are taking advantage of the structural weaknesses affecting a number of countries. Worse still, terrorist entities are constantly on the lookout for new instruments with which to sow terror, which underscores their strong capability to transform and adapt. We need to redouble our efforts to contain and reverse that worrisome trend, particularly in the Sahel and West Africa, where the threat is becoming more acute. Gabon fully supports measures aimed at eradicating this global scourge and its tendency to spread, in particular those set out in resolution 2253 (2015). We take this opportunity to welcome the General Assembly’s adoption in June of resolution 77/298, on its eighth review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.”
2023-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9405 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Onanga (Gabon) (spoke in French): I thank you, Madam President, for organizing today’s briefing on the seventeenth report (S/2023/568) of the Secretary- General on the threat posed by Da’esh and its affiliates to international peace and security. I would also like to thank Mr. Vladimir Voronkov from the Office of Counter-Terrorism and Ms. Natalia Gherman of the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate for sharing their insights on Da’esh’s activities since our previous meeting on this agenda item (see S/PV.9257). And I would be remiss not to thank Ms. Farida Khalaf for her extensive testimony. Gabon remains deeply alarmed by the terrorist threat posed by Da’esh. My delegation notes with great concern the persistence of that threat, especially in conflict zones, where terrorists operate more frequently.”
2023-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9405 (2023) · source
“It will be essential to make those courts and other mechanisms relevant and more effective in order to reaffirm their willingness to eradicate impunity, with a view to once again putting a stop to the hellish cycle of violence and massive violations of human rights such as those currently happening across the country. Responding diligently to official requests for assistance would contribute significantly to that. In conclusion, Gabon would like to reaffirm its full support for the efforts of the Prosecutor and encourages the Sudanese authorities to cooperate fully with his Office. That partnership remains vital for the effective implementation of resolution 1593 (2005).”
2023-07-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9375 (2023) · source
“In that regard, we want to emphasize that the restoration of peace is an absolutely essential condition for the Sudanese authorities to be able to honour the commitments made under the 12 August 2021 memorandum of understanding, which established the terms of uninterrupted cooperation between the Sudan and the Office of the Prosecutor. As soon as the appropriate conditions allow, we hope the authorities will respond positively and without further delay to the designation of focal points, which are essential links in the chain for the pursuit of productive cooperation. I would also like to stress the importance of building the capacity of the Sudanese judiciary.”
2023-07-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9375 (2023) · source
“We call wholeheartedly for redoubling political and diplomatic efforts to restore peace and stability to a country scarred by many years of war. We also welcome the special attention that the Prosecutor continues to give to civil society and communities affected by the conflict in Darfur, and we encourage him to continue his efforts to strengthen the effectiveness and performance of the Court’s services. However, the effectiveness of all of those measures still depends on improving the political and security situation in the Sudan.”
2023-07-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9375 (2023) · source
“In such a situation of insecurity, it is the investigative team’s responsibility, given the resources available, to assess whether its members can carry out the tasks they have been set according to the established timelines in order to shed light on the facts and ensure that justice prevails. Against that very difficult backdrop, we welcome the fact that the very first case investigated by the Court, that involving Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman, came to a successful conclusion, which represents an important step forward in the process of investigating the crimes and bringing justice to victims and survivors. We must do everything possible to end the war in the Sudan so that we can see this vast undertaking come to fruition.”
2023-07-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9375 (2023) · source
“Our discussion of this agenda item is taking place at a time when hostilities leading to mass displacements in the Sudan continue to rage, despite the political and diplomatic efforts being made under the auspices of the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, as well as the United States- and Saudi- led mediation within the framework of the Jeddah process. The environment created by the political and humanitarian crisis, marked by serious acts of violence against women and children, prevented the Office of the Prosecutor from visiting the Sudan so that its members could meet with the country’s authorities and carry out the judicial investigations and fact-finding activities mandated by the Security Council.”
2023-07-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9375 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Onanga (Gabon) (spoke in French): I thank you very much, Sir, for convening this meeting on the thirty-seventh report of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) pursuant to resolution 1593 (2005). I also thank Prosecutor Karim Khan for his contribution to international criminal justice in prosecuting serious violations of international humanitarian law committed in the Sudan. I welcome the representative of the Sudan and his delegation to this meeting.”
2023-07-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9375 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Onanga (Gabon) (spoke in French): I too would like to thank the briefers for their briefings and analysis. Nearly 10 months ago, underwater explosions damaged the Nord Stream 1 and 2 gas pipelines in the Baltic Sea. The resulting methane leaks have had an undeniable impact on the flora and fauna and the marine environment. Gabon takes note of the investigations that are being carried out by Germany, Denmark and Sweden. The Security Council met in a closed meeting on 27 June to examine the issue, and now we are meeting to discuss it again. My country reiterates its deep concern about the attacks perpetrated on civilian infrastructure and calls on the conflicting parties to respect the international legal instruments protecting civilians and civilian infrastructure against any armed attack.”
2023-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9373 (2023) · source
“In conclusion, we express the hope that the work of this important Mechanism will continue unhindered, with the effective collaboration of the international community. Beyond the fulfilment of its essential mandate, its work enshrines the search for truth and justice and constitutes a moral bulwark against arbitrariness and mass atrocities. To that end, further consolidating the legacy of the Tribunals and the Mechanism is major asset in terms of strengthening the promotion of international criminal law.”
2023-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9344 (2023) · source
“In that regard, Gabon welcomes the recent arrest of Fulgence Kayishema, which marks a considerable step forward in the Mechanism’s efforts to bring the transition process to a successful conclusion. Indeed, if he had not been arrested and tried in accordance with the requisite legal procedures, the Mechanism’s purpose could have been weakened. The fight against impunity must remain an imperative for the international community. Gabon encourages the States concerned to cooperate closely with the two branches of the Mechanism in order to maximize the collection of evidence essential to the opening of future judicial investigations — which are labour-intensive — to establish the facts of serious crimes committed. We take this opportunity to denounce the glorification of perpetrators.”
2023-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9344 (2023) · source
“At the same time, it offers victims renewed hope in the knowledge that however long it takes, they will receive justice. That breakthrough, after so many years of legal proceedings, including a retrial, is now enabling the Mechanism to focus on the case of Prosecutor v. Félicien Kabuga, which has been suspended since the trial began in September 2022. The Mechanism is now at a crucial phase. Its credibility and effectiveness will continue to depend to a large extent on the assistance it receives from States, in particular their unwavering support to Prosecutor Serge Brammertz. That indispensable support should enable him to arrest the fugitives and their accomplices who are at large.”
2023-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9344 (2023) · source
“In that particularly sensitive context that the President just highlighted, we encourage her to use that strategy to raise the awareness of the international community — and the Security Council in particular — of complex issues such as tracking down fugitives, conducting trials for highly sensitive cases, providing technical assistance to national jurisdictions, monitoring and carrying out sentences, protecting victims and witnesses, managing and archiving documents and ensuring the legacy of the Mechanism. The significant progress made on the ongoing trials is an example of that, especially in the closing of the Prosecutor v. Jovica Stanišić and Franko Simatović case, which represents a crucial step in the fight against impunity and, above all, reaffirms the relevance of criminal courts.”
2023-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9344 (2023) · source
“Gabon welcomes the fact that the Office of the President has maintained its focus on implementing the road map, the strategy of which places particular emphasis on a transition to a completely residual institution while focusing, of course, on recruiting competent staff through a fair process to carry out the residual tasks. We see that approach, which prioritizes the strengthening of existing working methods and tools, as a suitable way to enable a targeted transition towards the definitive completion of the Mechanism’s residual functions. To that end, Gabon supports all the measures taken to achieve that goal, including the very useful consultations with other judicial bodies.”
2023-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9344 (2023) · source
“This meeting is being held 30 years after the Security Council, in May 1993, undertook the creation of tribunals for the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda to lead the fight against impunity. I reaffirm here that combating impunity is a moral imperative to ensure more peace, security and justice. It therefore requires the sustained effort of the international community. We commend the Mechanism’s efforts during the reporting period, despite the numerous challenges it faced, to successfully perform its residual functions, pursuant to resolution 1966 (2010), with regard to the efficiency and expediency of judicial proceedings, respect for the fundamental rights of the accused or the protection of witness identity.”
2023-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9344 (2023) · source
“Mrs. Onanga (Gabon) (spoke in French): I would like to express how pleased we are to see you preside over this meeting, Madame President. I thank you for convening this meeting on the progress report of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals. I would also like to thank the President of the Mechanism, Judge Graciela Gatti Santana, as well as Prosecutor Serge Brammertz for their briefings in the context of the twenty-second progress report on the work of the International Mechanism, in accordance with resolution 1966 (2010) and article 12 of resolution 2637 (2022). It is my honour to take the floor on behalf of Ambassador Xavier Biang, Chair of the Informal Working Group on International Tribunals. I welcome the representatives of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia and Rwanda to this meeting.”
2023-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9344 (2023) · source