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

“Regular reporting on food insecurity and early warning indications from agencies, such as the World Food Programme and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, serve to highlight the link between conflict and food insecurity. The Council can then take greater proactive action to prevent human suffering. Secondly, the Council also has an important role to play in upholding and ensuring respect for international law, including international humanitarian law. That includes calling on parties to armed conflict to ensure the protection of civilians and civilian objects, including objects necessary for food production and distribution, and firmly condemning them when such basic norms are not respected.”
2018-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8213 (2018) · source
“In Yemen, the disrupted and restricted delivery of humanitarian assistance is affecting the 22.2 million Yemenis desperately in need of humanitarian aid. More decisive and long-term action is clearly needed. How should the Council respond? First, the role of the Council is to maintain international peace and security, which entails preventing conflicts, effectively working for their cessation and contributing to sustaining peace. The prevention of conflict requires a proactive approach to addressing the deeper, underlying risks that prevent sustainable development and peace. In order to efficiently address the root causes and complex drivers of conflict, such as those discussed today, we must better understand the risks.”
2018-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8213 (2018) · source
“Continued fighting and displacement have disrupted planting and harvesting, which means that next year there will be less food once again, thereby making it still more unaffordable. Food insecurity is being exacerbated by economic collapse. Seven million people are now in need of humanitarian assistance. Even when food is available and humanitarians are ready to respond, assistance to people in need is impeded and denied due to access restrictions. The vicious cycle is now all too familiar and all too common. In Somalia, violence and conflict, combined with severe droughts, continue to cause mass displacement. The denial of access is hindering an effective response aimed at reaching 6.2 million people.”
2018-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8213 (2018) · source
“In response, the Council heeded his early warning and took early action to avoid disaster. Working together, the international community managed to avert famine, and we demonstrated the important role that the Council has to play. However, as I said yesterday during the briefing on the Lake Chad basin (see S/PV.8212), our actions have addressed only the acute symptoms of such crises. The situation for millions of people around the world remains perilous. In South Sudan, for example, the protracted conflict has led to a shocking rise in hunger. While outright famine might have been averted, many individuals are suffering from famine-like conditions. Women and children are particularly vulnerable, with women often being the first to sacrifice their food consumption for others in the family.”
2018-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8213 (2018) · source
“Let me therefore begin by thanking the Dutch presidency, and you, Madam, for organizing today's meeting on this important issue, which we cannot ignore if we are to meet our responsibilities to maintain international peace and security. Let me also thank Under-Secretary-General Lowcock and Executive Director Beasley for their candid and forthright briefings today. They have clearly outlined the challenges that they and their partners face on a daily basis as they seek to meet the needs of people who are trapped by mutually reinforcing conflict and hunger across the world. They also pointed out opportunities represented by the Council effectively shouldering its responsibilities. Last year, the Secretary-General came to us and warned that 20 million people were at risk of famine.”
2018-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8213 (2018) · source
“As we heard this morning, the number of women, men and children in our world who are suffering from food insecurity is increasing. At the same time, more and more people are living in areas torn apart by war and conflict. This we see every day in the Security Council. As this year's Global Report on Food Crises sets out, those are not separate trends. The links between conflict and hunger are clear and undeniable. Over the past year, in the 18 countries where 74 million, or 60 per cent, of those in acute need live, conflict and insecurity were the main driver of food insecurity. Conflict often also prevents humanitarian access. At the same time, food insecurity can trigger conflict, thereby creating a Vicious cycle. As we heard this morning from Mr. Lowcock, hunger today is used as a weapon of war.”
2018-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8213 (2018) · source
“We encourage the Secretary-General to undertake a joint visit to the region with the World Bank, the African Union and the African Development Bank, as was encouraged in the resolution. I also agree with the United Kingdom that proposals put forward this morning by the briefers should be considered and taken forward. The Peacebuilding Commission could also be well placed in this regard, while drawing on its unique membership and a mandate to address root causes and take regional approaches. Continuous international attention to the Lake Chad basin region will be needed in order to find ways to address the multiple and interdependent challenges in a coherent manner, in the short-term as well as the long-term.”
2018-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8212 (2018) · source
“Community engagement is also a prerequisite for effective early-warning systems. In particular, women's full and equal representation and effective participation is critical in reconstruction and stabilization efforts, as they are often disproportionately affected by the crisis and play multiple roles in society. With greater influence for women in the design and implementation of policies and programmes, these will be better adapted to realities on the ground, thereby creating better conditions for long-term stability and peace. Finally, we look forward to continuing to engage in discussions on the implementation of resolution 2349 (2017), including within the regular reporting by UNOWAS and the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa.”
2018-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8212 (2018) · source
“We need to find ways to bring together existing information from relevant United Nations organs, including at the country level, and involve research institutions to provide forward-looking analysis for United Nations decision-making bodies, including for the Security Council. We invite the Secretary-General to take forward those Council requests forward. We stand ready to support any efforts in that regard. Conflict prevention efforts would be more effective if the climate and environmental stress put on societies is properly understood and addressed. Implementing the sustaining peace agenda and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is, of course, a central part of those efforts. Secondly, engaging all relevant actors, not least at the local level, in an inclusive dialogue on root causes is crucial.”
2018-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8212 (2018) · source
“First, the negative impacts of climate change on the stability and security of the Lake Chad basin region have been clearly recognized by the Council - in resolution 2349 (2017) and in the January presidential statement (S/PRST/2018/3) on the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS). Climate change constitutes both a direct challenge and a threat multiplier, contributing to polarization and conflict between groups by worsening existing fragility factors, such as scarce resources, marginalization and the disruption of livelihoods. As we have heard today, the Security Council has repeatedly emphasized the need for adequate capacity for risk assessments by the United Nations in that regard.”
2018-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8212 (2018) · source
“As part of the efforts to implement resolution 2349 (2017), Sweden is actively supporting the organization of the Lake Chad governors' forum on peacebuilding, prevention, stabilization and regional cooperation, due to take place in Maiduguri in May. The forum should contribute to the process of developing a regional stabilization strategy. Those efforts will also support coherence, coordination and cross-border collaboration by creating a forum for recurrent dialogue among governors from affected States and by conducting consultations with communities - including religious leaders and women representatives - on the challenges facing people living in the Lake Chad basin region. In the light of today's focus on root causes, I wish to highlight two points in particular.”
2018-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8212 (2018) · source
“Vast development needs in the region persist. Chronic poverty, the lack of economic opportunities and violations of human rights are all factors of instability. We need a continued focus on sustainable and inclusive growth, as well as on the empowerment of women. Effective partnerships spanning the humanitarian, reconstruction and development nexus that combine short- and long-term responses are needed to support sustainable peace. In order to address the structural causes of the crisis, complementarity and cooperation must be sought with a multitude of actors, including national Governments, regional organizations and international financial institutions.”
2018-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8212 (2018) · source
“Rehabilitation opportunities for children and their mothers, including the sensitization of communities to avoid stigmatization and to facilitate return, continue to be of the utmost importance in our ongoing efforts to address the situation. National, regional and international efforts to mitigate the consequences of the Boko Haram insurgency and to step up humanitarian action in 2017 meant that we could successfully avert the immediate risk of famine. In that connection, we recognize the important efforts by the Multinational Joint Task Force and the Lake Chad Basin Commission. However, one year after our visit to the region and the adoption of resolution 2349 (2017), the situation remains one of the most fragile in the world. Continued international support and attention to this complex crisis is crucial.”
2018-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8212 (2018) · source
“Let me begin by thanking Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed for her briefing and her leadership. I am happy to note that Ambassador Skoog is with Amina in Monrovia to celebrate this important moment in the history of the country and to discuss how to support the priorities of the new Government in his capacity as the Peacebuilding Commission Chair for Liberia. Let me also thank Mr. Mohammed Bila of the Lake Chad Basin Commission and Ms. Chitra Nagaraj an for sharing their important perspectives from the ground this morning. It is with a deep sigh of relief that we welcome the safe return of more than 100 of the girls captured by Boko Haram in the Nigerian town of Dapchi. I reiterate our strong demand for the immediate and unconditional release of all remaining missing girls.”
2018-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8212 (2018) · source
“Recently, the Committee received, through the Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 2140 (2014), an inspection report from the United Nations Verification and Inspection Mechanism for Yemen dated 4 January 2018, on the vessel Lynn S. Concerning the travel ban, the Committee approved an extension to the exemption request submitted on behalf of Mr. Sayyid Mohammed Qadhaf Al-Dam, who had been authorized to travel from Libya to Egypt on the grounds of humanitarian need. However, the Committee did not approve a request submitted on behalf of Mrs. Safia Farkash Al-Barassi that she no longer be subject to this measure. Accordingly, she remains subject to both the travel ban and the asset freeze.”
2018-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8211 (2018) · source
“Containers of explosives, detonators and related materiel, as well as empty gas tanks, were found on board this vessel, which was flying the flag of Tanzania. The Committee has notified Libya of the inspection and has written to the relevant States seeking clarifications from them on the matter. Greece subsequently informed the Committee that the Panel of Experts had inspected the seized items. In connection with the measures imposed on two vessels, the Nadine and the Lynn S, for illicitly exporting gas oil from Libya, the Committee renewed those measures for a further period of 90 days for each, based on requests received from Libya. The Committee also updated the sanctions list entry details for those vessels based on updates provided by the Panel of Experts. It further wrote a letter to the relevant States on the matter.”
2018-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8211 (2018) · source
“Upon the proposal of a Committee member, I intend to call a meeting of the Committee on this matter in the near future. During the period under review, with respect to the arms embargo, the Committee approved one request for exemption from the arms embargo submitted under paragraph 9(c) of resolution 1970 (2011). The Committee also received a post-delivery notification from the United Nations Support Mission in Libya for previously exempted items. Furthermore, on 16 January, the Committee received a letter from Turkey providing certain information concerning the vessel Andromeda, which had been seized by Greece. On 29 January, the Committee received an inspection report of the cargo from Greece, in line with paragraph 21 of resolution 2213 (2015).”
2018-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8211 (2018) · source
“Also in connection with the Panel's interim report, which is a confidential and unpublished document, the Committee received a letter from the Coordinator of the Panel of Experts on 7 March, expressing the Panel's extreme concern regarding media reports citing, often inaccurately and out of context, excerpts from the report, as well as reproducing the content of the entire report. The Committee shares this concern. In a press release issued on 9 March, the Committee stressed the need to ensure the safety of Panel members, in accordance with paragraph 16 ofresolution 2362 (2017). The Committee also reiterated its full support and appreciation for the work of the Panel and underlined the importance of that work being carried out in an unhindered manner.”
2018-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8211 (2018) · source
“The interim report addressed, inter alia, security- related designation criteria, the implementation of the arms embargo, the unity of State institutions and misappropriation of State funds, the prevention of illicit exports of petroleum, the implementation of the asset freeze and the travel ban. Of the eight recommendations addressed to the Committee, it agreed to take follow-up action on six and took note of one. Two recommendations are addressed to the Council. On 13 February, the Committee issued a press release on the informal consultations.”
2018-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8211 (2018) · source
“In accordance with paragraph 24(e) ofresolution 1970 (2011), of26 February 2011, I have the honour to report to the Security Council on the work of the Committee established by the same resolution. The report covers the period from 18 January to 21 March 2018, during which time the Committee met once in informal consultations and conducted additional work via the written silence procedure. During the informal consultations held on 9 February, the Committee heard a presentation by the Coordinator ofthe Panel ofExperts on the interim report of the Panel, prepared in accordance with resolution 2362 (2017), and discussed the recommendations contained therein.”
2018-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8211 (2018) · source
“The Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Region outlines measures in this regard and must be implemented. There must also be an integrated plan for an overall whole-of-United Nations approach in support of sustainable peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is the responsibility of the Democratic Republic of the Congo - but with the assistance of the whole of the United Nations, the region and other parts of the international community, including financial institutions - to enhance efforts towards sustainable and lasting peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2018-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8198 (2018) · source
“Soon a year will have passed since our - the Council's - experts Zaida Catalan and Michael Sharp were brutally killed while investigating violations of Security Council sanctions in the Kasai region. Sweden appreciates the Secretary-General's commitment to establishing the truth. The perpetrators must be brought to justice. Meanwhile, the ability of the Group of Experts to safely carry out the mandate that has been given to it by the Council must be supported by MONUSCO. In the long run, the recurrent violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo can be resolved only by addressing its root causes, including not only further democratization, human rights, good governance and the rule of law, but also economic development and poverty alleviation.”
2018-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8198 (2018) · source
“This is in addition to improvements in its military response, which should include enhanced so-called enablers and allow for the Force Intervention Brigade to regain its capability. The Mission's support to the Democratic Republic of the Congo to conduct a credible electoral process and enable the holding of free and fair elections is also critical. In supporting this, we would encourage renewed efforts on the part of the Mission in its technical assistance and its good offices. Support for an opening of the political space, confidence-building measures as per the New Year's agreement, women's political participation and efforts to build trust among the stakeholders will be an important form of support by the Mission for the holding of free and fair elections. In all of this, the Mission, of course, needs to be adequately resourced.”
2018-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8198 (2018) · source
“Confidence-building measures, as per the 31 December agreement, including to ensure women's full and effective participation, are also essential. We encourage steps to increase the number of women candidates, in accordance with the Constitution as well as the electoral law. The year 2018 is indeed crucial for the Democratic Republic ofthe Congo, and MONUSCO has a crucial role to play. The focus of the Mission must continue to be on protecting civilians and supporting the implementation of the 31 December agreement, including the elections. In so doing, it needs to be effective. To protect civilians, the further strengthening of early-warning mechanisms and, most importantly, early proactive action is needed, including through conflict resolution and good offices.”
2018-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8198 (2018) · source
“An important step on the path to lasting peace and stability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo would clearly be the holding of credible, transparent, inclusive and peaceful elections on 23 December, with the ensuing democratic transfer of power as per the Constitution and the 31 December agreement. This is something that requires the support of all, including regional actors, with which coordination continues to be essential. We welcome the progress made on technical electoral preparations, including, as noted by the Special Representative of the Secretary- General, the voter rolls, the budget and the electoral laws, but credible elections also depend on the overall electoral environment. For the elections to be credible, it is vital that human rights be respected, promoted and protected.”
2018-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8198 (2018) · source
“Deliberate attacks on those working for peace and stability in the Democratic Republic ofthe Congo and elsewhere are completely unacceptable. The worsening security situation is also taking a tragic toll on the Congolese population. It includes new ethnic and intra-communal conflicts, continued attacks against civilians and renewed sexual violence and brings with it an acute humanitarian crisis. Human rights abuses and violations are also increasing, especially in the context of the electoral process. In this regard, violence by State security forces against peaceful protesters is of particular concern.”
2018-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8198 (2018) · source
“Let me begin by also welcoming Leila Zerrougui to our meeting in her new role as Special Representative of the Secretary- General and Head of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO). We look forward to working with her, and she can count on our strong support. Let me also express my appreciation for the presence of Vice-Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Okitundu and thank him very much for being with us today. Since we last met in this Chamber to discuss MONUSCO and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, yet another peacekeeper has died in that country. I would like to express my condolences to his family and to his country, Pakistan.”
2018-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8198 (2018) · source
“Last Saturday's unanimous action reinforced the legitimacy and credibility of the Security Council (see S/PV.8188). Today's briefings demonstrate that there is no time to rest on the laurels of this achievement. We must now move without delay to ensure our action here last Saturday is translated into the relief and assistance expected by the millions of people affected by this conflict. It is now incumbent on all the parties and all those with influence over the parties to spare no effort and use all channels available in order to advance the full implementation of resolution 2401 (2018).”
2018-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8195 (2018) · source
“We should also stand ready to meet and take appropriate action at any time necessary so as to ensure implementation of this resolution. Finally, we welcome any efforts to de-escalate violence and to allow and facilitate humanitarian access in Syria, but let us be clear - resolution 2401 (2018) demands a 30-day, nationwide ceasefire, with immediate access for weekly convoys and medical evacuations. A five-hour ceasefire does not meet the requirements of the resolution. The resolution is not primarily about the evacuation of civilians, but demands humanitarian access to civilians and medical evacuations. The cessation of hostilities must be implemented fully and without delay. It is imperative that all parties uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law at all times.”
2018-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8195 (2018) · source
“It can no longer be business as usual; the Council has demanded weekly convoys to all areas and populations in need. Thirdly, existing structures to strengthen compliance with and monitoring of the cessation must urgently be activated. We look to the Chairs of the Task Force on the Ceasefire of the International Syria Support Group to undertake more frequent meetings, which are needed at least on a weekly basis. The Amman operations room should also be utilized. We see merit in making a clearer link between monitoring mechanisms and the Security Council. Fourthly, the Council must remain actively seized of this matter. Sweden and Kuwait will request an open briefing from the incoming presidency on the Secretary-General's report on implementation and compliance that is due 15 days after the resolution's adoption.”
2018-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8195 (2018) · source
“We take note of the initial positive indications from armed opposition groups in eastern Ghouta that they are ready to comply with the resolution. We also note their commitment to expel the Al-Nusra Front from the area. We must build on this, and we call on those with influence over armed opposition groups to secure their commitment to the cessation of hostilities. Clearly the Council has demanded in resolution 2401 (2018) that the Syrian Government cease all military operations without delay. Secondly, as Mr. Lowcock has told us, the United Nations and its implementing partners in the field are ready to commence life-saving convoys and medical evacuations. We urge the Syrian authorities to immediately issue facilitation letters for the convoy to Duma to proceed this week as a necessary first step.”
2018-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8195 (2018) · source
“Compliance with the resolutions of the Security Council is not optional; it is an obligation of all Member States. The humanitarian community stands ready to do its part. Having adopted this resolution, the Council must do its part. For the next few weeks, let us seize the opportunity that this resolution represents and focus on its implementation. We would like to make four concrete recommendations on the way forward. First, existing de-escalation agreements must be complied with most urgently in eastern Ghouta. We call on the three Astana guarantors to spare no effort to achieve this end. Resolution 2401 (2018) clearly demands that all parties cease hostilities; air strikes, the ground offensive and shelling must stop.”
2018-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8195 (2018) · source
“Jeffrey Feltman for his briefing today. We share his deep concern concerning reports of the flagrant lack of compliance with the ceasefire in eastern Ghouta. We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to all members of the Council for their constructive cooperation, which enabled the adoption of resolution 2401 (2018). The resolution represents decisive and meaningful action by the Council in response to the calls from the United Nations, the humanitarian community and, above all, the civilian population in Syria. However, the value of a resolution is not in its adoption, but in its implementation. We must now all build on the spirit of cooperation that led to the resolution's adoption and work together to ensure that it is enforced.”
2018-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8195 (2018) · source
“I make my remarks today on behalf of Sweden and Kuwait as co-penholders for the humanitarian track of the Security Council's work on the situation in Syria. I would like to thank Mr. Mark Lowcock once again for a very sobering update. We share his sense of urgency following the adoption of resolution 2401 (2018) last weekend to fully take advantage of the 30- day pause so that the United Nations and its partners can dispatch life-saving aid convoys and begin medical evacuations. Since the resolution's adoption, we have been asked, as penholders, when the resolution would take effect and to whom it would apply. We are very clear: the resolution took effect upon its adoption and applies to all parties across the entire country. The clock is ticking. There is no time to lose. Let me also sincerely thank Mr.”
2018-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8195 (2018) · source
“A political solution can be achieved only through a broad and inclusive political process. We should strive to help the Special Envoy to rekindle the initial spirit of the National Dialogue Conference and insist on meaningful political participation by a broad range of Yemeni actors, including women, youth and marginalized groups. The situation in Yemen is desperate. Civilians live in constant fear for their lives. It is high time that the international community, including the Council, give the situation the attention it deserves.”
2018-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8191 (2018) · source
“We appreciate the generous pledges already made by the coalition. Finally, as we were able to do over the weekend in response to the humanitarian situation in Syria, the Council should speak clearly and set the standards for responding to the humanitarian situation in Yemen. We should now focus our efforts on uniting around this task. Moving to the political situation, the appointment of a new Special Envoy offers an opportunity to relaunch the political process. It is essential that the Council unite in giving strong practical support to the new Special Envoy, Mr. Martin Griffiths, to create the conditions needed to seize this opportunity. Members of the Council and regional actors must use all their influence to ensure that the parties engage constructively with Mr. Griffiths, his Office and the United Nations-led process in good faith.”
2018-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8191 (2018) · source
“The recent positive steps taken by the coalition, including the resumption of humanitarian flights and the delivery of cranes to Hudaydah, are welcome. It is now essential to ensure that all of Yemen's ports remain open and fully functional and that their capacities increase. We call on all parties to refrain from any action that would restrict the flow of life-saving food, medicine and fuel. Fourthly, the 2018 Yemen humanitarian response plan needs to be fully funded in order to allow the United Nations and its partners to respond to the massive humanitarian needs. To that end, and as has already been noted this morning, Sweden and Switzerland, together with the United Nations, will host the 2018 High-level Pledging Event for Yemen on 3 April in Geneva. We encourage all Member States to participate and to pledge generously.”
2018-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8191 (2018) · source
“First, the Council must strongly reiterate the call for a durable cessation of hostilities that we made in our presidential statement last June (S/PRST/2017/7). Secondly, we must demand that all parties fully meet their obligations under international humanitarian law and human rights law. This includes ensuring the protection of civilians, including the most vulnerable, by taking all precautions to avoid harm to civilians and civilian infrastructure. All attacks on civilians, including missile attacks by the Houthis, must be strongly condemned. We are also worried about reported attacks and threats against and the unlawful detention of journalists and other persons promoting freedom of expression. Thirdly, we must help to ensure full and unhindered access for humanitarian and commercial shipments.”
2018-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8191 (2018) · source
“The Council's current efforts are clearly insufficient to meet our responsibility to alleviate the world's worst humanitarian crisis and to end this bloody conflict, which is now in its fourth year. In recent weeks, despite the well-known differences within the Council's membership, we have worked together to find consensus on responding to the humanitarian situation in Syria. It is now incumbent upon us to make the same effort when it comes to Yemen. Today I would like to focus on how we can step up our efforts on both the humanitarian and political situation in Yemen. Regarding the humanitarian situation, we have just heard from Mr. Ging what is needed to alleviate the indescribable suffering of the 22 million people in need of humanitarian assistance or protection.”
2018-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8191 (2018) · source
“I, too, would like to begin by thanking the Special Envoy, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, for his briefing to the Council today. As this is his final briefing as Special Envoy, I would like to acknowledge his determination, unwavering commitment and indispensable optimism over these last three years. It is hard to imagine a more difficult job. Let me also thank John for his sobering and frank briefing on the humanitarian situation. It has been almost three months since the Council last met to discuss the situation in Yemen. This does not reflect the urgency on the ground. Since we last met, the violence has escalated, and civilian casualties have continued to mount; the humanitarian situation for ordinary Yemenis is deplorable and only getting worse. This suffering stems first and foremost from the conflict.”
2018-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8191 (2018) · source
“The strategy reaffirms Kosovo's place in Europe and its European Union perspective. It recognizes that the challenges Kosovo faces with regard to the rule of law, relations with its neighbours, and the reform agenda can and must be addressed within the framework of the European Union integration process. Lastly, almost two decades after its establishment, it is clear that UNMIK has made an invaluable contribution in Kosovo but, looking forward, we hope that the Council will be able to consider the possible prospect of further downsizing the Mission's structure, size and tasks, as well as of adjusting the reporting and briefing period from three to six months.”
2018-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8176 (2018) · source
“We welcome the steps being taken to breathe new life into the European Union-facilitated Belgrade-Pristina dialogue, and we encourage both sides to fully engage and deliver on their respective parts of all agreements reached. Good-neighbourly relations are vital for a stable and prosperous Western Balkans, and the success of the dialogue will also have positive effects on the wider region. In the meantime, it is essential to ensure that the status issue does not hamper Kosovo's European perspective or its membership in international organizations. As the Special Representative of the Secretary- General and my European Union colleagues highlighted earlier today, yesterday the European Commission adopted its strategy for a credible enlargement perspective for an enhanced EU engagement with the Western Balkans.”
2018-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8176 (2018) · source
“Like others, we strongly condemn the murder of Oliver Ivanovie. It is vital that the investigation under way be able to run its course. But while Kosovo is addressing its recent challenges, its European Union (EU) perspective is clear. Irreversible steps are needed, and the Government must resume the dedicated reform agenda that the people of Kosovo so desire. To that end, the Government needs partners across the political spectrum, and we encourage all political actors to engage in a constructive dialogue that will enable the necessary reforms to be speedily implemented. The future of Kosovo will be saved by courage and committed leadership from Pristina and Belgrade.”
2018-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8176 (2018) · source
“I too would like to begin by thanking Mr. Zahir Tanin, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), for his briefing today. I would also like to thank Foreign Minister Dacie and Ambassador Citaku for their statements. As Ambassador Citaku pointed out, this month marks 10 years since Kosovo's declaration of independence. Over that decade significant progress has been made in the consolidation of peace and democracy in Kosovo. However, further efforts on the path of progress are needed. We are concerned about recent attempts to undermine the Specialist Chambers and the Specialist Prosecutor's Office. It will be crucial to ensure that Kosovo's political leadership respects its previous commitments in that regard.”
2018-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8176 (2018) · source
“Preventing, combating and eradicating that destructive trade is urgent and essential if we are to achieve both the 2030 Agenda and the sustaining peace agenda. We will continue to do all we can to that end.”
2017-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8140 (2017) · source
“While the strength of Boko Haram has been severely weakened, the threat of attacks and the prevalence of terrorism remain all too real for the people of the region. As members of the Council witnessed and concluded during their visit to Lake Chad, the recognition of women as agents for change is central to countering radicalization and building a sustainable future. The European Union (EU) is currently in the final stages of developing a revised EU Strategy to Combat Illicit Accumulation and Trafficking of Small Arms and Light Weapons and their Ammunition. The new Strategy presents a shared vision on how to address the threat of those weapons and their ammunition. It also presents common actions to be implemented by the EU and its member States. The human, economic and social toll from the use of illicit arms and light weapons is immense.”
2017-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8140 (2017) · source
“While recognizing that women and men alike can be victims and perpetrators of armed violence, cases where small arms contribute to acts of sexual and/or gender-based violence are of particular concern. We must also promote the role of women in preventing, combating and eradicating the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons. This has been a long-time priority for Sweden. One example of Sweden's support is a project of the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs and the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament, which actually commences today and which aims to improve the contribution and participation of women in disarmament work. The project focuses on the prevention of acquisition of small arms, light weapons and ammunition by terrorist groups in the Lake Chad basin and countries of the Sahel.”
2017-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8140 (2017) · source
“Significant efforts to further regulate and control ammunition is therefore needed. The illicit spread of small arms and light weapons enables and fuels armed conflicts that are having devastating effects on sustainable development. We welcome the call for improved controls and regulation as a means to reduce armed violence and achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. We also welcome the fact that the relationship between the international trade in arms and the Sustainable Development Goals is a theme in the Arms Trade Treaty. We strongly welcome the focus on gender in the report of the Secretary-General. Mainstreaming gender issues in arms control efforts is of the utmost importance to addressing the consequences of illicit arms flows. Armed violence affects women, men and children differently.”
2017-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8140 (2017) · source
“Sweden will continue to support efforts to prevent the flows of small arms and light weapons and ammunition as an integral part of our work to sustain peace and prevent conflict, including through our current membership of the Council. We are encouraged to see that significant developments and trends in weapons and ammunition management in peace operations and conflict-affected settings are addressed in the Secretary-General's report. It is vital to tackle the complex linkages between transnational illicit trafficking in weapons and the resilience of conflict-affected and post-conflict States, especially in our discussions on peace operations. The effective control of small arms and light weapons requires the effective control of ammunition, since those weapons can be operated and misused only if ammunition is available.”
2017-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8140 (2017) · source
“The humanitarian consequences of the illicit flows of those weapons are devastating, resulting in civilian casualties and hampering development. Weapons and ammunition flows have a particularly destructive effect in vulnerable and fragile settings. Preventing armed conflict and building sustainable peace cannot be achieved without addressing the wide-reaching harm caused to civilians by small arms and light weapons. For that reason, it is necessary to mainstream the issue of small arms and light weapons into all relevant discussions on the Council's agenda. That includes the mandating of peacekeeping operations and efforts to sustain peace throughout the conflict cycle.”
2017-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8140 (2017) · source