YouSaid · the spoken record

Orrenius Skau

lines on the record

360

first

2017-11-29

most recent

2018-12-21

sittings or episodes

60

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

1. “In that regard, we hope that the decree allowing former combatants access to land to will be approved as soon as possible. A sustained effort from all parts of the Government in support of the wider Peace Agreement, including comprehensive rural reform, is needed so that the Agreement can begin delivering tangible peace dividends for all Colombians as soon as possible. Ensuring a stronger presence of civilian authorities and agencies providing goods and services to conflict- affected communities will be helpful in that regard. Women played an important role in making peace in Colombia. The gender perspective must now be mainstreamed in all aspects of the implementation, and not least in the areas of reintegration and security.”

   2018-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8238 (2018) · source

2. “It was designed and agreed on with the priority objective of guaranteeing truth, justice, reparation and no relapse into conflict. We hope that its procedures will be rapidly agreed on. According to the Secretary-General's report (S/20l8/279), threats, violence and killings of human rights defenders, community leaders, FARC-EP members and their families have continued. Needless to say, this is deeply worrying and underscores the importance of ensuring that the State can fill the power vacuum and safeguard the rule of law and respect for human rights throughout the country. The full political, legal and socioeconomic reintegration of former FARC-EP members is vital. That includes ensuring progress on the application of amnesty provisions, productive projects and the key issue of access to land for reintegration.”

   2018-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8238 (2018) · source

3. “We commend both parties' firm commitment to peace, as well as their efforts to overcome challenges in the implementation of the Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace between the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia-Ejercito del Pueblo (FARC-EP) and the Government of Colombia. Last year saw the successful laying down of arms and the conversion of FARC-EP into a political party. The congressional elections held on 11 March this year were the most inclusive and least violent in decades, demonstrating how peace is already benefiting Colombia and Colombians. Recognizing and addressing the legacy of conflict is essential to reconciliation and to building a peaceful future. We welcome the fact that the Special Jurisdiction for Peace has begun its crucial work.”

   2018-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8238 (2018) · source

4. “C6te d'Ivoire has lost one of its finest diplomats, and we have lost a dear friend and colleague. Let me now turn to Colombia. 1 too would like to thank Special Representative Jean Arnault for his valuable briefing to the Council. I want to assure him of Sweden's continued firm support for his efforts and the work of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia. I also acknowledge and welcome the presence of Mr. Oscar Naranjo Trujillo, Vice-President of Colombia, and Maria Holguin Cuellar, Colombia's Minister for Foreign Affairs. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them and President Santos Calderon for their personal commitment to the peace process.”

   2018-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8238 (2018) · source

5. “I would like to join you, Mr. President, and our colleagues around the table in expressing my shock and deep sadness at the sudden death of Bernard Tanoh-Boutchoue. We would like to express our heartfelt condolences to his family and his colleagues at the Permanent Mission of Cote d'Ivoire and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and our thoughts are with them at this tragic time. Bernard had a distinguished career in the service of his country, and that was very much reflected in his approach on the Security Council. He always made time for dialogue with us. He was keen to hear other perspectives and ready to share his own experience. His contributions to our deliberations were always thoughtful, considered and insightful, and our discussions here will be all the poorer as a result of his absence.”

   2018-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8238 (2018) · source

6. “Let me take this opportunity to underline our full support to the OPCW, the independent organization tasked with overseeing the chemical weapons ban. Once again we condemn in the strongest terms the use of all chemical weapons, which is repugnant and strictly prohibited under international law. We must be vigilant in our efforts to ensure that the integrity of the chemical weapons ban is respected.”

   2018-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8237 (2018) · source

7. “We welcome the open and transparent manner in which the United Kingdom has approached the matter, including by arranging an open briefing yesterday for all Member States. We also welcome the continued cooperation between the United Kingdom and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in full compliance with the Chemical Weapons Convention. We thank the OPCW for its prompt reaction to the request of the United Kingdom and for its professionalism. Sweden has full confidence in the authoritative findings of the OPCW, which confirm the identity of the toxic chemical. It is a matter of utmost concern. We reiterate our call on the Russian Federation to answer questions posed by the United Kingdom.”

   2018-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8237 (2018) · source

8. “Let me begin by thanking the United Kingdom for taking the initiative to update the Security Council. I also thank the High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, Ms. Izumi Nakamitsu, for her comprehensive briefing. Sweden has been clear in condemning in the strongest terms the attempted murder of individuals with a nerve agent on British soil. We fully stand by the common position of the European Union on the matter. We share the assessment of the Government of the United Kingdom that it is highly likely that the Russian Federation is responsible and that there is no other plausible alternative explanation. We reiterate our strong solidarity with the United Kingdom, our close friend and European Union partner, and our support for its ongoing investigation.”

   2018-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8237 (2018) · source

9. “At this critical time, we must seek to revitalize the United Nations-led political process, try to put our differences aside and shoulder the responsibility entrusted to the Council.”

   2018-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8236 (2018) · source

10. “The humanitarian community is undertaking a herculean task, and we commend all those working in extremely challenging conditions. We must stand with them and the people of Syria. In that regard, we are deeply troubled by the acute lack of financing for United Nations humanitarian operations in Syria. We call on all Member States to make substantial commitments at the Brussels conference next week and to disburse those pledges as early as possible. Sweden can be counted upon to continue contributing generously to the humanitarian response in Syria. Finally, let me reiterate what has been said in this Chamber numerous times before, as it deserves to be repeated: the only sustainable way to solve the humanitarian crisis in Syria is through a political solution to the conflict.”

    2018-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8236 (2018) · source

11. “The humanitarian situation in Idlib is also extremely worrying, given the rapid increase in internally displaced persons fleeing to the governorate and months of attacks on health-care facilities. The cross-border deliveries of humanitarian aid continue to constitute a lifeline for Syrians in acute need in Idlib. We are also concerned about the situation of the almost 140,000 people displaced from Afrin. We welcome the scaled-up humanitarian response, including deliveries to areas hosting internally displaced persons. We call on the Syrian authorities to ensure freedom of movement for internally displaced persons to access medical services, and on Turkey to enable the safe, voluntary and dignified return of those who have been forced to flee. The scale ofthe crisis in Syria and the humanitarian response needed remains immense.”

    2018-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8236 (2018) · source

12. “We are deeply troubled by the high number of victims of these devices cited in latest report of the Secretary-General (S/2018/243). The clearing of mines and IEDs will be essential for the safe return of internally displaced persons and the rehabilitation of communities. We call on all to contribute to the implementation of this provision of resolution 2401 (2018). We are gravely concerned about the situation of civilians in Rukban, many of whom are women and children. Sustained humanitarian access is essential, as is the need to find longer-term and durable solutions to the situation there. We call on the United Nations and its partners to undertake the planned humanitarian delivery to Rukban as soon as possible.”

    2018-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8236 (2018) · source

13. “We reiterate that any evacuation, from eastern Ghouta or elsewhere, must be voluntary and in line with international law. Those who decide to leave should do so to a safe place of their choice, and with the right to return. An increased United Nations presence is vital to respond to the needs, not least the protection needs, of both those remaining in eastern Ghouta and for those arriving at reception sites. Turning to Raqqa, we thank Under-Secretary- General Lowcock for his timely update, which comes following the recent humanitarian assessment mission. We welcome the planning now under way for assistance to these areas. Improvised explosive devices (IEDs) represent a hidden and deadly threat to the people returning to Raqqa.”

    2018-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8236 (2018) · source

14. “We are gravely concerned for the civilians remaining in Douma, who have been subject to intensive violence, leading to the deaths of civilians and the destruction of civilian infrastructure. We call on the Syrian authorities to grant facilitation letters for humanitarian convoys to Douma immediately. We are also concerned about the increased obstacles facing the United Nations in gaining access to civilians who have fled eastern Ghouta. We call on the Syrian authorities to immediately facilitate sustained access for United Nations personnel to internally displaced persons' camps. In addition, the Syrian authorities must immediately grant the visa requests for staff of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs as part of the much-needed humanitarian surge currently under way.”

    2018-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8236 (2018) · source

15. “It is imperative that we all increase our efforts to ensure its full and immediate implementation across Syria. In that regard, the Astana guarantors must live up to their commitments, as articulated in the joint statement by their Presidents on 4 April. We reiterate the Council's demand in resolution 2401 (2018) for unimpeded and sustained access for weekly humanitarian convoys - I repeat, weekly humanitarian convoys - including with medical items. We remind all parties of their obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law and call for an immediate end to all attacks on civilians, civilian objects and medical facilities, as demanded in resolution 2401 (2018).”

    2018-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8236 (2018) · source

16. “Let me begin by thanking Under-Secretary-General Lowcock for the second time today for his update on the humanitarian situation in Syria. His briefing serves to remind us - if a reminder were needed - of the scale of the humanitarian crisis facing Syria and the humanitarian community. Over 12 million people, half of Syria's population, are now displaced inside and outside the country. The 700,000 people who fled their homes since just the beginning of this year as a result of the unremitting and horrific violence join this mass of humankind seeking shelter and protection. Resolution 2401 (2018), unanimously adopted on 24 February, sought to provide relief for those inside Syria by ensuring a durable humanitarian pause in the conflict. We deplore the lack of implementation of resolution 2401 (2018) to date.”

    2018-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8236 (2018) · source

17. “In conclusion, the 15 March presidential statement was our strongest yet on the humanitarian situation in Yemen. It reflected the urgency on the ground; however, over one month later this urgency remains. We must make every effort to ensure implementation, while, at the same time supporting the Special Envoy. The desperate situation in Yemen demands greater attention by the international community, and the Council should further step up its efforts in the coming weeks and months to provide united support.”

    2018-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8235 (2018) · source

18. “Lowcock in thanking all those donors that participated, resulting in pledges of over $2 billion to the Yemen humanitarian response plan. The pledges made by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates will contribute significantly to the implementation of the United Nations emergency response plan. We now call on all donors to make their disbursements as soon as possible. The panel discussion on humanitarian access that formed part of that conference demonstrated with clarity how difficult it is for United Nations agencies and other humanitarian actors to operate in Yemen. It is clear that without addressing that fundamental issue, the funds raised will not be able to reach those in need as effectively as they should.”

    2018-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8235 (2018) · source

19. “During his visit, the Ambassador urged the parties to engage with the United Nations-led political process and to respect international humanitarian law, including protecting civilians and eliminating all obstacles to humanitarian assistance. The presidential statement provided by the Council provides a good basis for such discussions and should be used by all Council members. Despite the many and well-known challenges, in his meetings, the parties showed the same signs of an increased willingness to engage in a United Nations-led process that Mr. Griffiths referred to earlier today. We must use that momentum. As one of the co-hosts of the high-level pledging event for Yemen in Geneva on 3 April, we wish to join Mr.”

    2018-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8235 (2018) · source

20. “It is time to move from words to action with respect to the situation in Yemen. It is time for the Council to demand that its decisions be implemented in full. It is time to actively and urgently engage the parties and to ensure that the will of the Council is heeded. Sweden's Special Envoy for Yemen, Ambassador Peter Semneby, visited Sana'a and Aden in late March. While there, he met with representatives of the Yemeni Government, the Houthis, the General People's Congress and the Southern Transitional Council. He also met with the international, regional and local civil society actors, as well as internally displaced persons and other victims of the conflict.”

    2018-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8235 (2018) · source

21. “Delays and obstacles to the clearance process of the United Nations Verification and Inspection Mechanism for Yemen for vessels continue and act as a deterrent to private shipping companies. Even when supplies reach the country, access within it remains a serious challenge owing to the many bureaucratic impediments and checkpoints. To date, no humanitarian evacuations, even for emergency treatment, have been allowed through Sana'a airport. Strikes on civilians and civilian infrastructure continue from all sides. We have also seen renewed missile attacks from Houthi-held territory targeting Saudi Arabia, which our Foreign Minister has strongly condemned. Clearly, the violations of international humanitarian law continue, and accountability for such violations remains to be attributed.”

    2018-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8235 (2018) · source

22. “Moving on to the humanitarian situation, on 15 March the Security Council unanimously adopted a statement by the President (S/PRST/2018/5) that recognizes the vast humanitarian needs and the immediate steps that must be taken in order to alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people. Those steps were based on the obligation of the parties to respect international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law. However, regrettably, the implementation of that strong and clear statement by the Council is clearly lacking. Restrictions, delays and uncertainty at ports, such as Al-Hudaydah and Saleef, hinder humanitarian and commercial imports.”

    2018-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8235 (2018) · source

23. “The members of the Council and regional actors must now use all their influence to ensure that all the parties engage with the Special Envoy and the United Nations-led process in good faith and without preconditions. We encourage the parties to now move forward quickly on confidence-building measures, such as those related to Sana'a airport and the release of prisoners. It also seems clear that the southern question will need to be addressed in those discussions. Mr. Griffiths has made a very good start to his challenging task. We are encouraged by his early visit to Yemen and the region, and we fully support the efforts to pursue broad consultations with an inclusive approach. Full and unhindered access to all the relevant parties in Yemen is critical.”

    2018-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8235 (2018) · source

24. “I also wish to thank Under- Secretary-General Lowcock for his briefing today, as well as for his efforts to address the humanitarian situation in Yemen and to ensure that it remains high on our agenda and that of the international community. I will focus on two points in my intervention: first, the political situation and the need to strongly support the resumption of a United Nations-led political process; and, secondly, the humanitarian situation and the need to implement the March presidential statement (S/PRST/2018/5). First, on the political situation, the appointment of Special Envoy Martin Griffiths provides an opportunity to relaunch the political process in Yemen. It is essential that the Council now unite in giving the Special Envoy its strong support and that we stay focused on making use of this opportunity.”

    2018-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8235 (2018) · source

25. “I would like to begin by welcoming Special Envoy Martin Griffiths to the Security Council in his new role for the first time and to thank him for his very clear briefing this morning. We share his deep concern about the risks of escalation. However, we also see the opportunities that he outlined. As he pointed out, in Yemen the stakes are high whether with regard to the humanitarian situation, regional stability or the spread of terrorism. I would like to encourage him to continue to reach out to those strong and women peers to whom he referred. It is clear to us that the active participation ofwomen in the peace process will be decisive.”

    2018-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8235 (2018) · source

26. “The United Kingdom has acted in the correct manner under the Convention. We underline the importance of respect for that process, in which the United Kingdom is cooperating with the OPCW, the independent international organization charged with overseeing the chemical-weapons ban. We look forward to being kept informed about the investigation, including the upcoming report regarding the sample analysis by the OPCW. We call on Russia to answer the questions posed by the United Kingdom. Finally, let me once again underline Sweden's principled position on chemical weapons. Those abhorrent weapons are clearly prohibited under international law. All use of chemical weapons must be properly investigated and accountability must be ensured. We need to be vigilant in our efforts to ensure that the integrity of the chemical weapons ban is respected.”

    2018-04-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8224 (2018) · source

27. “Sweden has been clear in condemning in the strongest terms the attempted murder of individuals on United Kingdom soil using a nerve agent. We stand fully behind the common European Union (EU) position on that matter. We share the assessment of the United Kingdom that it is highly likely that Russia is responsible and that there is no other plausible alternative explanation. We reiterate our strong solidarity with the United Kingdom, our close friend and EU partner, and our support for its ongoing investigation. With regard to the chemical weapons use, as we have heard today, the United Kingdom is conducting its own independent police investigation. It is cooperating with the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). That is in full conformity with the Chemical Weapons Convention.”

    2018-04-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8224 (2018) · source

28. “That is why we will continue to support the Human Rights Council's Commission of Inquiry and the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism to Assist in the Investigation and Prosecution of Persons Responsible for the Most Serious Crimes under International Law Committed in the Syrian Arab Republic since March 2011. And that is why we will continue to pursue efforts to establish a new independent and impartial attributive mechanism for chemical-weapons use in Syria, because, at the end of the day, there can be no sustainable or long-term peace in Syria without accountability for the crimes committed. We owe that to the victims of Khan Shaykhun and elsewhere in Syria.”

    2018-04-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8221 (2018) · source

29. “In that regard, Ijoin the representatives of France, Ethiopia and Kazakhstan, among others, in their urgent call for unity. We need to come together in the Council and shoulder our responsibility. We reiterate our call for constructive engagement by all members, and we remain ready to engage in and contribute to such consultations. Sweden supports all international efforts to combat the use and proliferation of chemical weapons - by State and non-State actors alike - anywhere in the world. We will continue to do our part to end impunity for the use of chemical weapons. That is why Sweden joined the International Partnership against Impunity for the Use of Chemical Weapons - an initiative taken by France designed to complement and support our collective work in multilateral forums, as well as existing multilateral mechanisms.”

    2018-04-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8221 (2018) · source

30. “There must be full disclosure and submission of all required documentation without delay. We share the Secretary-General's alarm about persistent reports of the use of chemical weapons in the conflict in Syria. Those must be followed up by timely and impartial investigations, and we reiterate our full support for the OPCW Fact-finding Mission. But the perpetrators of such attacks must also be identified and held to account. We deeply regret that the Council failed to agree on an extension of the Joint Investigative Mechanism last November (see S/PV.8105). An attributive mechanism is essential to protecting the international disarmament and non-proliferation regime and to ensuring accountability for the repeated use of chemical weapons in Syria.”

    2018-04-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8221 (2018) · source

31. “The use of chemical weapons in armed conflict is prohibited and is a war crime. The perpetrators of such crimes must be held accountable. Impunity cannot be accepted. With regard to the implementation of resolution 2118 (2013), I reiterate our deep concern that the OPCW is still unable to confirm whether Syria's initial declaration on its chemical-weapons programme is accurate and complete. A number of serious outstanding issues remain. As a matter of fact, the Director-General of the OPCW reported last month that the initial five outstanding questions currently stand at 22. That includes the case of the Syrian Scientific Studies and Research Centre, regarding which several questions remain unanswered. We once again call upon the Syrian authorities to fully and proactively cooperate with the OPCW on all outstanding issues.”

    2018-04-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8221 (2018) · source

32. “Let me thank Mr. Markram for his briefing this morning. As other speakers before me have pointed out, today marks the one-year anniversary of the sarin attack in Khan Shaykhun, which the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)-United Nations Joint Investigative Mechanism has attributed to the Syrian regime. That was a repugnant attac, with a large number of civilian casualties. Today, the failure to agree on a new independent and impartial attributive mechanism for chemical-weapons use in Syria casts a particularly dark shadow over the Security Council. Sweden condemns in the strongest terms the continued and repeated use of chemical weapons in Syria, which constitutes a serious violation of international law and a threat to international peace and security.”

    2018-04-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8221 (2018) · source

33. “The establishment of MINUJUSTH provides an opportunity for a reinvigorated partnership with Haiti towards longer- term stability and sustainable development. We will remain a committed partner for Haiti as it continues its efforts to consolidate democracy, stability and peace.”

    2018-04-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8220 (2018) · source

34. “We welcome the efforts described in the report to strengthen protection from sexual exploitation and abuse. We need to continue to ensure that alleged cases of sexual exploitation and abuse are reported and investigated, and that all necessary steps are taken to apply disciplinary measures and/or undertake criminal prosecutions to hold perpetrators accountable. We were happy to co-sponsor the General Assembly resolution 72/260 in support of the Secretary-General's new approach to eradicating cholera and building resilience in Haiti. We have supported the United Nations Haiti Cholera Response Multi-Partner Trust Fund and encourage others to contribute to it in a collective effort to bring an end to cholera in Haiti. In conclusion, much has been achieved by the Haitian people in recent years.”

    2018-04-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8220 (2018) · source

35. “The Mission's police component's mentorship and advice to its counterparts in the Haitian National Police are a part of the transition strategy, and we are encouraged by the work being undertaken in that area. We know from experience that policing and other rule-of-law institutions play an important role in providing a bridge between security and development in transition processes. MINUJUSTH is the only current United Nations peacekeeping mission that consists solely of civilian and police components. We should draw on this experience when looking at the drawdown and transition of other United Nations peace operations. This is in line with the Council's ambition to take more phased and layered approaches to transitions and drawdowns in peacekeeping operations.”

    2018-04-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8220 (2018) · source

36. “It is important that MINUJUSTH continue to integrate gender throughout its work, including measures to increase women's security and participation, as well as to ensure protection against sexual and gender-based violence. Integrating gender is also key to gender-budgeting and to ensure adequate information-gathering, monitoring and reporting. MINUJUSTH was created as a rule-of-law mission, and, as with other United Nations missions, it is vital to have anintegratedrule-of-lawapproachthatencompasses the whole justice chain, from police and corrections to prosecution and courts. In this vein, Sweden continues to contribute both police and corrections personnel to MINUJUSTH.”

    2018-04-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8220 (2018) · source

37. “The Government must now spare no effort in delivering on its commitments, with the support of the international community. The benchmarks presented in the Secretary- General's report (S/2018/24l) will help support these efforts by linking progress in the core areas of the Mission's mandate with other key preconditions for stability in the country. As the Council has stated before, it is important to ensure a clear end state for the Mission to work towards. Adequate planning is needed for a future hand-over to the United Nations country team in the spirit of sustaining peace. As more and more tasks are given to the United Nations country team, donors must step up to ensure that the United Nations agencies have adequate resources and capacity to effectively support the peacebuilding process in Haiti.”

    2018-04-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8220 (2018) · source

38. “Let me join others in congratulating you, Sir, and your team on assuming the Council presidency and in thanking our Dutch colleagues for their outstanding work in the month of March. I thank Under-Secretary-General Jean-Pierre Lacroix for his briefing. I associate myself with the statement that will be made by the observer of the European Union later this morning. Sweden commends Haiti for the achievements it has made in the consolidation of democracy, stability and peace. Progress is now needed on the priorities that President Moise and his Government have set out, including the rule of law, respect for human rights, improved socioeconomic development, infrastructure, resilience and security. These are priorities with which the mandate of the United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti (MINUJUSTH) is also aligned.”

    2018-04-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8220 (2018) · source

39. “Our focus must now be on avoiding further violent escalation on the ground. All parties and, in particular, Israeli security forces must exercise maximum restraint. As we know from previous briefings in the Chamber, the humanitarian situation in Gaza is terrible. Gaza is on the verge of collapse. A sustainable solution must urgently be sought, including an end to the Israeli closure policy. Gaza is an integral part of the State of Palestine and cannot be separated from the broader political context, including the much needed peace efforts leading to a two-State solution.”

    2018-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8219 (2018) · source

40. “We are appalled by the regrettable loss of life and the large number of wounded today, including children, who all seem to be Palestinian. There must now be an immediate and proper investigation by the authorities. It appears that the Israeli security forces have used live ammunition, which has exacerbated the gravity of the situation. The use of force must always be proportional and lethal force should be used only as a last resort. Israel must uphold its responsibilities under international human rights law and respect the right to peaceful protest. We also note with concern the air strikes carried out by Israel in Gaza. The situation should notbe a surprise to the Council. Special Coordinator Mladenov warned us only a few days ago about the risks of escalating violence in and around Gaza. The situation is extremely worrisome.”

    2018-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8219 (2018) · source

41. “The need for the full implementation of resolution 2401 (2018) remains as urgent today as when it was adopted. As Ambassador Alotaibi has said, we will spare no effort in making progress on the implementation of resolution 2401 (2018). We will continue to work actively and tirelessly to that end, be creative in considering possible further steps, and remain ready to reconvene the Council at any time should the situation warrant its renewed action. We are convinced that the unity ofthe Council, as difficult as it may be, is the only way to effectively make a real difference on the ground and alleviate the suffering of the Syrian people. For our part, even when terribly frustrated, we will never give up trying to achieve that change.”

    2018-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8217 (2018) · source

42. “I want to emphasize that preventing sexual and gender-based violence should be an integral part of those efforts. We condemn the attacks in February that affected health facilities. Many colleagues also reiterated today that resolution 2401 (2018) applies across the whole of the country. I just wanted to mention our concern about the Turkish operation in Afrin and the statements that Turkey has made about expanding its military operations in the north, beyond Afrin. We are also concerned about the protection of civilians fleeing Afrin, as well as the difficult conditions for those remaining. We call on all relevant parties, especially Turkey, to ensure the protection of civilians and facilitate cross-border and cross-line humanitarian aid deliveries, as well as freedom of movement, for internally displaced persons.”

    2018-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8217 (2018) · source

43. “While a limited increase in access for humanitarian convoys shows that progress is possible, much more is needed. The resolution remains in force and all parties remain obliged to comply. Secondly, we have heard a common concern about the continuing hostilities throughout the country, particularly the ongoing military offensive in eastern Ghouta. Those who leave the area should do so voluntarily, with the right to return and a choice of safe places to go to. At the same time, humanitarian aid convoys must continue to support those who choose to remain. Thirdly, we agree that efforts to strengthen the protection of civilians must be stepped up by the United Nations and its partners, both inside eastern Ghouta and for those leaving and in the collective shelters.”

    2018-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8217 (2018) · source

44. “As the representative of Kuwait has already delivered a joint statement on our behalf, I will make my remarks very brief. One month ago, the Council adopted resolution 2401 (2018) by consensus, in response to the deafening calls for action to address the horrific humanitarian situation in Syria. Today we have heard around this table a continued commitment to moving forward with the implementation of that important resolution. I wanted to speak last in order to identify some points of convergence. From the discussion today, I believe that there are a number of critical areas where there is broad agreement within the Council. First, we all share a deep disappointment and sense of dissatisfaction and frustration with the lack of implementation.”

    2018-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8217 (2018) · source

45. “We look forward to continuing to engage with regional actors in order to facilitate united Council action in support of such efforts.”

    2018-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8216 (2018) · source

46. “MONUSCO has now been given the task of providing the Democratic Republic of the Congo with logistical and technical support and good offices for this endeavour, including ensuring the participation, involvement and representation of women at all levels. It has also been given the task of protecting civilians through a comprehensive approach, making better use of early warning and early responses, including prevention, as well as by improving its military response. In all of this, the Mission needs to be given adequate resources. I would also like to take this opportunity to underline the important role of the relevant regional organizations and neighbouring countries in ensuring an environment for credible elections.”

    2018-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8216 (2018) · source

47. “We also welcome the adoption of resolution 2409 (2018) and thank the French delegation for its work in facilitating the Security Council's work on the resolution. The year 2018 will be a crucial one for the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and it is clear that the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) has a critical role to play. One decisive step towards peace and stability will be the holding of credible, transparent, inclusive and peaceful elections on 23 December, ensuring the democratic transfer of power, in accordance with the Constitution and the 31 December 2016 political agreement.”

    2018-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8216 (2018) · source

48. “In the presidential statement (S/PRST/2017/l4) adopted in August last year, facilitated by Sweden, the Council committed to working with the Secretary-General to pursue all possible avenues to end conflicts and to take action to avert famine in conflict-affected countries. We look forward to continued updates from the Secretary- General on the matter. The Council must remain seized of the issuse and consider further action.”

    2018-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8213 (2018) · source

49. “Sweden is a long-standing donor to the Central Emergency Response Fund and all United Nations humanitarian appeals. We call on others to contribute in order to ensure that sufficient funding is available for time-critical assistance and protection for civilians in need. However, humanitarian assistance should only be a short-term solution to the immediate crisis. To break the vicious cycle of hunger and conflict, we must invest in building sustainable peace, allowing farmers to return to their lands to rebuild their livelihoods and for sustainable, resilient and inclusive food systems to re-emerge. In conclusion, the duty the Secretary-General entrusted to the Council last year is far from completed.”

    2018-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8213 (2018) · source

50. “Parties must refrain from attacking or rendering useless objects such as foodstuffs, agriculture areas, crops, livestock, drinking water installations and supplies. Another fundamental element of ensuring respect for international law includes ensuring rapid, safe and unimpeded humanitarian access to all those in need of such assistance. Arbitrarily denying humanitarian access to people in need is a violation of international humanitarian law. Starvation as a method of warfare is outlawed and unacceptable. As we have heard today from previous speakers, accountability for Violations of those fundamental norms is critical. The Council must play its full role in ensuring that its demands are adhered to. Adequate and flexible funding is also essential for an effective and swift humanitarian response.”

    2018-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8213 (2018) · source