YouSaid · the spoken record

Philippe Kridelka

lines on the record: 224
first: 2020-08-25
most recent: 2021-10-21
sittings or episodes: 33
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

“The Constitutional Committee was launched more than a year ago as a door-opener to a political process but has since then been bogged down in procedural squabbles without making any significant progress. That is simply unacceptable, all the more so in view of the approaching presidential elections in Syria. In that light, we welcome the fact that the Special Envoy has been able to get the agreement of both parties for the organization of a fourth session of the Committee as soon as possible, as well as a fifth session in early 2021. We must insist that all parties, in particular the Syrian authorities, take this opportunity to engage constructively. Discussions need urgently to move beyond the topic of first principles and to address constitutional reforms directly. No more procedural dallying is acceptable.”
2020-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1147 (2020) · source
“I would also like to briefly make some additional points in my national capacity on the political situation in Syria. I should like to start once again by thanking the Special Envoy for his briefing and his lasting engagement. The situation in various parts of the country, 10 years after the start of the war, remains unstable. Syrian families are still not able to live their lives in dignity, and millions remain as internally displaced persons or refugees abroad. We call once again for a permanent, verifiable nationwide ceasefire monitored by the United Nations. There can be no military solution to this conflict. The only way to stop the cycle of violence and secure a peaceful future for Syria is an inclusive political transition, as outlined in resolution 2254 (2015).”
2020-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1147 (2020) · source
“Finally, some deliberately misconstrue Western sanctions as the cause of the medical crisis in Syria and see fit to exploit the COVID-19 crisis to call for the easing of sanctions, in a vain effort to deflect from both the detrimental restrictions on cross-border humanitarian aid and the nefarious and well-documented targeting of health facilities by the Syrian authorities. So for the sake of fact-based debate, allow me to reiterate clearly that European Union (EU) sanctions impede neither humanitarian assistance nor medical supplies. Quite the contrary: the EU is the foremost humanitarian donor to Syria.”
2020-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1147 (2020) · source
“Only accountability can begin to address the suffering that so many Syrian children, women and men are still subject to on a daily basis. The humanitarian co-penholders fully support the conclusions of the Board of Inquiry; the work of 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; the work of the Commission of Inquiry; and justice initiatives at the national and international levels. Refugees will be able to return to live in their country of origin only on a voluntary basis, and they will do so only if they feel they can do it safely, securely and with dignity.”
2020-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1147 (2020) · source
“It is fair to say that, here too, promises of adequate cross-line assistance to compensate for the forced decrease in cross-border assistance were incorrect, jeopardizing the delivery of sufficient humanitarian aid to all civilians for the cold and dark months ahead. It is the task of the Council to act as a guarantor of international peace and security. It defies logic how some States members of the Council have chosen to limit humanitarian access in times of tremendous need, rather than guaranteeing it, prioritizing their own narrative over the well-being of Syrian civilians, be they men, women or children. Fourthly, I would be remiss not to reiterate that only a genuine political process in line with resolution 2254 (2015) can break the cycle of violence.”
2020-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1147 (2020) · source
“After the closure of the Al-Yarubiyah crossing point, many health facilities are suffer shortages of supplies. Although cross-line access to those facilities has improved slightly, significant deficiencies remain. This is indefensible and immoral, and, absent adequate cross-line aid deliveries, the closure of Al-Yarubiyah should be reversed without further ado. Similarly, during the discussions leading to the closure of the Bab Al-Salam crossing point, the claim was made that the regions it serviced in the north-west would be, from then on, supported through cross-line humanitarian aid via Bab Al-Hawa. The sad reality, here too, is that the closure of Bab Al-Salam has thus far rendered humanitarian operations in the north-west more costly and more risky.”
2020-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1147 (2020) · source
“All parties should consider it a priority to durably restore access to water for all civilians. Thirdly, I want to draw attention once again to humanitarian access. This is at the core of the humanitarian file. This humanitarian co-penholdership, as the Council knows, has made every effort to maximize humanitarian access for all civilians in need across the country, fully in line with the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence. Despite our indefatigable efforts, humanitarian access has been severely restricted during the last two years owing solely to political and military considerations, in contravention of humanitarian principles and in defiance of the calls made by the Secretary-General and the Under-Secretary-General for more cross-border and cross-line access.”
2020-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1147 (2020) · source
“Capacity remains woefully inadequate in other parts of the country, however, and health-care workers are paying a heavy price, as they are on the front line in the fight against COVID-19. We know the reason why the Syrian health-care system is in such a precarious state: health facilities were deliberately targeted and destroyed during the years of war, in direct contravention of humanitarian law. We also listened carefully to what the Under-Secretary-General said about water supply. The parties to the conflict are playing with the lives of innocent civilians. The ongoing problems, in both the north-west and in the north-east, are unacceptable in any given situation and even more so in times of a pandemic, when sanitation is crucial to fighting the transmission of the virus.”
2020-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1147 (2020) · source
“Secondly, 11 million Syrians remain in need of humanitarian assistance and protection. The economic and health crises have added an additional burden to an already dire situation. War, mismanagement and corruption have resulted in an economic and currency crisis without precedent, continuously diminishing the purchasing power of Syrians across the country. Currently 9.3 million people are food-insecure. This food crisis has very tangible consequences for ordinary citizens and even more so for the most vulnerable: children, persons with disabilities, and women and girls. In addition, the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues to claim victims across the country. Testing capacity remains low, although since March it has increased in some parts in the country, including in the north-west.”
2020-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1147 (2020) · source
“In the north-west alone, 22 civilians, including six children, have been killed as a result of shelling and air strikes since we last met, and those numbers do not include yesterday’s attack in Bab and Afrin; during the past two months six humanitarian workers have lost their lives for the same reason. We therefore reiterate the importance of the effective implementation by all actors of the March ceasefire agreement. We also call for a national ceasefire monitored by the United Nations. As humanitarian co-penholders, we have recalled time and again, throughout our membership in the Council, that counter-terrorism actions have to be in line with international humanitarian law and should not harm civilians or humanitarian workers or compromise the delivery of principled humanitarian aid.”
2020-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1147 (2020) · source
“This is probably the last time that Belgium will be making a statement on behalf of Germany and Belgium, the humanitarian co-penholders. We would like to thank Acting Assistant-Secretary-General and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator Rajasingham for his briefing. We also extend our gratitude to all humanitarian and medical workers in Syria. They deserve our respect, assistance and protection. I will make four points. First, some claim that the security situation in Syria has stabilized. Indeed, the situation on the ground remains relatively calm compared to the deathly offensives we witnessed in 2019 and early 2020, which were characterized by deliberate attacks on hospitals and schools, and led to the displacement of more than a million civilians. However, serious protection concerns remain.”
2020-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1147 (2020) · source
“The independent assessment of the latter will grant options to the Security Council concerning that reconfiguration. We hope that the African Union will expeditiously engage in a joint reflection on that matter. In conclusion, I would like to reiterate the European Union’s support for Somalia, whether through the provision of funding for AMISOM; the European Union Training Mission for Somalia and the European Union Capacity-Building Mission in Somalia; or the counter-maritime-piracy force, Operation Atalanta. Providing support for institutional capacity-building is also very important. Once security is restored, the Somali authorities must provide the population with the basic services and freedoms to which it rightfully aspires.”
2020-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1136 (2020) · source
“Al-Shabaab remains the primary threat to the security and stability of the country. We strongly condemn the criminal actions of that group. The development and deployment of the Somali National Army is essential to containing that threat and protecting the population. We wish to recall that the sanctions regime is another tool for combating that threat. However, the fight against Al-Shabaab must be carried out with full respect for human rights and international humanitarian law. Belgium welcomes the ongoing consultative process aimed at revising the transition plan. That document will be crucial both in guiding Somalia, with the help of its partners, towards regaining control of its security and enabling the reconfiguration of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).”
2020-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1136 (2020) · source
“On that point, we remain deeply concerned about the introduction in Parliament of a new text that is clearly incompatible with Somalia’s international obligations. We regret that the Independent National Commission on Human Rights is yet to be established, three years after its official launch. That institution would play a crucial role in monitoring the human rights situation in Somalia. As for the humanitarian situation, it remains complex. No one can ignore for any longer the triple threat posed by the coronavirus disease pandemic, flooding and the desert locust invasion, adding to an already persistent fragility. It is estimated that 2021 will see 4 million Somalis benefit from humanitarian assistance. Belgium calls for far-reaching support for those efforts. Finally, I should like to say a few words regarding the security sector.”
2020-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1136 (2020) · source
“That was discussed last Friday at the inaugural meeting of the Council’s Informal Group of Experts on Climate and Security. In respect of the human rights and humanitarian situation in the country, Belgium remains extremely concerned about the numerous and serious violations against children, as documented in the latest report of the Secretary-General (S/2020/1113). We stress the importance of following up the latest findings of the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict. We call on all parties to end those violations. In that regard, we welcome the release of 33 children by the Somali security forces in August. Belgium also encourages the Government to continue its efforts with a view to implementing the legislation necessary to combat several types of violations, including the draft law on sexual violence.”
2020-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1136 (2020) · source
“Those attacks and constraints also contribute, by their very existence, to the population’s lack of consensus and support for its authorities. However, the Federal Government’s appointment of a special prosecutor to investigate the killing of the journalists gives us hope that justice will be done in this instance. Once the milestone of the elections has passed, we hope to see continued cooperation between the Federal Government and the federal member states. Dialogue is necessary, even crucial, to ensure a strengthened working federal model. The revision of the Constitution must also continue. Alongside those expectations and challenges, Belgium would like to commend the Government’s adoption of a national climate-change policy.”
2020-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1136 (2020) · source
“We appreciate the authorities’ commitment to holding genuine elections by universal suffrage in 2024-2025 and encourage them to do everything in their power to allow the elections to take place under the best possible conditions. We also welcome their commitment to ensuring the participation of women in those processes. We urge the authorities to expand the democratic space in order to allow the participation of a large portion of the population, including women as well as young people and displaced persons, in those processes, which will be decisive in determining the country’s future. In that context, we reiterate our concern regarding the violations suffered by journalists carrying out their work and exercising their freedom of expression.”
2020-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1136 (2020) · source
“I would like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia and the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Somalia for their briefings and efforts. I reiterate our full support for those efforts. We also thank Ms. Hassan for her efforts towards greater inclusion. Today I would like to address the political situation, human rights issues, the humanitarian situation and latest security developments in Somalia. With regard to the political situation, Belgium noted the decision of the authorities to adopt an indirect electoral model for the 2020-2021 elections. We welcome the dialogue that made it possible to reach that consensus.”
2020-11-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1136 (2020) · source
“If we are to maintain the momentum and take advantage of the recent positive developments, it is necessary now more than ever to urgently appoint a new Special Envoy and UNSMIL coordinator for the United Nations Support Mission in Libya.”
2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1129 (2020) · source
“It is a heinous example of the violence faced by women activists, such as Salwa Bughaighis and Seham Sergiwa, which serves to highlight the importance of our doing everything possible to deliver justice to the victims of those crimes. The International Criminal Court and the Independent Fact-Finding Mission on Libya will play an important role in the fight against impunity in Libya, which is the basis for a process of national reconciliation.To conclude, I wish to reiterate Belgium’s full support for the United Nations mediation efforts in Libya. I would also like to once again commend the courage and determination of all the United Nations Support Mission in Libya staff and the entire country team.”
2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1129 (2020) · source
“It is vital that women and women’s rights be taken into account in political processes in order to achieve sustainable and inclusive peace. In that regard, we welcome the positive role played by women participants in the Forum. Thirdly, as long as the security and basic human rights of the population are not guaranteed, there can be no democratic transition in Libya. We strongly condemn the assassination of lawyer Hanan Al-Barassi on 10 November, which showed that hostile forces continue to work against peace and stability in Libya. We therefore call for an independent, impartial and effective investigation and that the perpetrators be held accountable. The assassination of Ms. Al-Barassi is not an isolated case.”
2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1129 (2020) · source
“We encourage the participants to continue along that path and to make progress on the various elements of the agreement, including the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of militias. The resumption of oil production is a positive development and should benefit all Libyans. Secondly, on the political front, Belgium welcomes the convening of the first round of the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum in Tunis, as advocated by the Berlin Conference and resolution 2510 (2020). We welcome the agreement reached by participants on a road map towards credible, inclusive and democratic national elections, which are scheduled for 24 December 2021. We call for those efforts to continue to ensure that a Government of national unity is swiftly formed.”
2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1129 (2020) · source
“We call on all actors, both inside and outside Libya, to play a constructive role towards a return to security and stability. All mercenaries and foreign fighters must now leave Libyan territory, as stipulated in the agreement. The arms embargo, which continues to be violated, must be fully respected, in accordance with Council resolutions. In that regard, Belgium welcomes the role of the European Union Naval Force Mediterranean Operation IRINI. The international community has a responsibility to oppose any attempt to reverse the progress made, including through the use of sanctions. The recent talks held by the Joint Military Commission in Ghadames and Sirte with a view to operationalizing the ceasefire agreement are positive steps forward.”
2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1129 (2020) · source
“I would like to thank Ms. Stephanie Williams, Acting Special Representative of the Secretary-General, for her briefing. Belgium is grateful for her determined efforts in seeking a political solution to the ongoing conflict in Libya. We witnessed several positive developments in recent weeks under the auspices of the United Nations. Those positive developments are a testament to the courage and determination of the Libyan people in the search for a united, stable and secure Libya for all Libyan people. I will quickly cover three points. First, Belgium wishes to commend the Libyan parties on the signing of the ceasefire agreement in Geneva on 23 October. The full and immediate implementation of that ceasefire agreement is now essential.”
2020-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1129 (2020) · source
“In conclusion, allow me to once again reiterate Belgium’s unwavering support for the ICC as an independent and impartial judicial institution. My country deplores the application of sanctions against the Court, and in particular against its Prosecutor and the members of her Office, as well as the continued threats by United States authorities. These attacks hinder the proper functioning of the Court, undermine its integrity and threaten its independence. Attacking the International Criminal Court is an attack on our core values and interests. This is unacceptable. Together with its partners, Belgium stands ready to respond and assist the Court in countering the effects of these measures in a concrete and practical way, and we call once again on the United States to reverse these measures.”
2020-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1108 (2020) · source
“This last point also concerns third States where some of these suspects have been located, such as Egypt. Cooperation with the Court also involves such organizations as the European Police Office and the United Nations. The strengthening of working relations between the Office of the Prosecutor and the United Nations Support Mission in Libya is to be welcomed. However, it is unacceptable that the Security Council has still not met the expenses related to the referral of cases to the Court as provided for under article 115 (b) of the Rome Statute. It is anomalous to place the financial burden of these investigations solely on the States parties, particularly at a time when additional resources are needed to advance the Office’s investigations in Libya.”
2020-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1108 (2020) · source
“I would like to reiterate how much the ICC depends on the cooperation of all relevant actors, in general, and States, in particular, to carry out its mandate, pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011). In that respect, Belgium welcomes the efforts made by the relevant Libyan authorities. In particular, they have made it possible to organize two field missions by the Office of the Prosecutor and to collect and preserve evidence with a view to future investigations. My country strongly encourages those who have made a positive contribution to peace and reconciliation in Libya to cooperate with the Court. I am thinking in particular of the steps that could be taken to facilitate access to all Libyan territory and the execution of the Court’s outstanding arrest warrants by arresting the fugitives and turning them over to the ICC.”
2020-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1108 (2020) · source
“Bringing justice to the victims of the most serious crimes committed, by any party, is undoubtedly critical to achieving peace and stability in Libya. In that context, the International Criminal Court can play an important role by continuing to support the efforts of national authorities in that regard. In that connection, Belgium notes with great satisfaction that the Office of the Prosecutor has made considerable progress in its investigations and that it continues its active collaboration with the Libyan authorities, in particular with a view to supporting cases at the national level concerning allegations of crimes against refugees and migrants.”
2020-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1108 (2020) · source
“I thank Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda for her written report and her very enlightening briefing to the Security Council. Today I would like to stress three points: the need to bring justice to the victims of the most heinous crimes in order to achieve peace in Libya; the critical cooperation of all stakeholders, without which the International Criminal Court (ICC) cannot implement its mandate; and, finally, Belgium’s strong and unwavering support for the Court and its staff. First of all, Belgium congratulates the Libyan parties on the signing of a ceasefire agreement on 23 October under the auspices of the United Nations. Yesterday’s holding, in Tunis, of the first face-to-face meeting of the Libyan political dialogue forum, with a view to reaching a lasting political solution, is an additional important step.”
2020-11-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1108 (2020) · source
“The current text is nearly devoid of meaningful language on the implementation of or on accountability for the women and peace and security agenda. Our delegation has put forward several proposals on closing data gaps, financing the agenda as well as overcoming structural barriers to gender equality, which have not been reflected in the draft resolution. The women and peace and security agenda belongs to all women, everywhere. Through their achievements, they have made the agenda their own. We are merely here to ensure that the Security Council continues to support them, in words, but foremost in action. It is important that the Council stay united as we sustain efforts to implement and strengthen the women and peace and security agenda.”
2020-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1076 (2020) · source
“This is why Belgium abstains in the voting on this draft resolution. The following issues, in particular, are of grave concern for our delegation. The text fails to meet the minimum standard with regard to civil society involvement and human rights. Member States should empower civil society and women leaders to implement the women and peace and security agenda on the ground. The language used to describe the impact of the coronavirus disease on women does not adequately reflect the leading role women have played in tackling the pandemic. The resolution inadequately reflects the normative framework, including an insufficient reference to the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women and general recommendation No. 30 of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women.”
2020-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1076 (2020) · source
“We thank the Russian delegation for the organization of the open debate yesterday (S/2020/1084) on the occasion of the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of the landmark resolution 1325 (2000). We also welcome the announcements by Russia and by China of their engagement with the Informal Expert Group on Women, Peace and Security. During negotiations for this draft resolution, Belgium, along with a majority of Council members, consistently pleaded in favour of maintaining recently agreed language on crucial aspects of the women and peace and security agenda. Indeed, our understanding of the women and peace and security agenda and gendered dynamics have evolved over the last 20 years, and the normative framework reflects these shifts. Should the draft resolution be adopted, it would erode the hard-won gains of our predecessors.”
2020-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1076 (2020) · source
“Finally, Belgium is concerned at the increase in ceasefire violations and calls for the greatest of restraint. Belgium stresses that the only solution to the question of Western Sahara is an inclusive political one.”
2020-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1075 (2020) · source
“Belgium voted in favour of resolution 2548 (2020), which renews the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) for 12 months. Belgium thanks the delegation of the United States of America for its transparent work. Belgium welcomes the work of MINURSO. We have confidence in its neutral reporting role and the stabilizing nature of its presence, which helps ease tensions. We call on the parties to cooperate unreservedly with the Mission. Belgium reiterates its appreciation of the commitment of, and especially for the results achieved by, the former Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General, Mr. Horst Köhler. We hope a capable successor will be appointed as soon as possible to resume the process of dialogue based on the work of President Köhler.”
2020-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1075 (2020) · source
“Throughout its 20 years of working to advance the women and peace and security agenda, the Council has shown remarkable unity. Let us continue on this path. We must take action to advance gender equality and leave no one behind.”
2020-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1084 (2020) · source
“Calls to investigate her abduction and ensure accountability for her abduction have not been heeded. These attacks were an attempt to intimidate other women, journalists, and human rights activists involved in political life. We must intensify our efforts to prevent violations of women’s rights and hold the perpetrators of such acts accountable. The Council can apply sanctions against perpetrators of conflict-related sexual violence — for example, in South Sudan. In order to improve our implementation strategies, we need to fill the gaps in data collection and increase our knowledge on the most pressing issues for women and girls. Donors must commit to conditioning their contributions to the implementation of gender-responsive planning, including by providing sustained and robust funding to women’s organizations.”
2020-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1084 (2020) · source
“We stress the importance of the meaningful participation of women in the peace negotiations on Afghanistan in Doha. We must give civil society the means to act. In this regard, we are concerned about the increasing threats to women human rights defenders and the difficulties faced by women peacemakers. By empowering civil society leaders and women human rights defenders and combating the negative stereotypes and structural obstacles they face, we can ensure that women can participate fully in peacebuilding. We must have a zero-tolerance policy towards reprisals against civil society activists. In Libya, for example, civil society activists and women politicians face increasing reprisals. In July, it had been a year since a member of parliament, Siham Sergewa, was abducted from her home.”
2020-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1084 (2020) · source
“Women are still underrepresented in many global decision-making bodies and peace processes. This is particularly the case in some peace and security processes, such as counter-terrorism and disarmament. We must learn from, and be inspired by, good examples. For instance, in the Central African Republic, the Peacebuilding Fund financed a project on women’s political participation. With the support of Belgium, the United Nations Development Programme and UN-Women set up a S/2020/1084 working group to influence discussions on the electoral code and make the text gender-sensitive. We must push for minimum standards, while ensuring that women are fully involved as equal partners and from the earliest stages of every political and peace process. The peace agreement on Colombia signed in Havana is exemplary in this regard.”
2020-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1084 (2020) · source
“Belgium supports the essential efforts of its partners in these areas, such as UN-Women, the Oxford Famine Relief Organization, Plan International, the International Committee of the Red Cross, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and others. For example, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, one of the three target countries of the Belgian national action plan, Belgium supports projects in the east of the country to strengthen grass-roots organizations that tackle issues of gender-based violence, sexual and reproductive rights and the training and empowerment of rural women, such as Mamas for Africa in South Kivu. As a result, considerable progress has been made. But, as the Secretary-General has said, many challenges remain.”
2020-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1084 (2020) · source
“The realization of women’s rights and gender equality, the full and equal participation of women in all decision-making processes, combating violence against women and girls and promoting sexual and reproductive health and rights are long-standing priorities in Belgium’s domestic and foreign policies. This year, Belgium has committed to increasing its annual contributions to projects specifically aimed at combating gender-based violence and — in the light of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic — to allocating a special budget for preventing and addressing gender-based violence. Work within the local context is essential in this regard, and we are prioritizing women and women-led organizations.”
2020-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1084 (2020) · source
“This resulted in a series of resolutions on women’s rights in conflict situations, making a clear contribution to the four pillars of the women and peace and security agenda, that is, prevention, protection, participation and relief and rehabilitation. It has also paved the way for the creation of a solid set of implementation tools — the establishment of the Office of the Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict and the Informal Expert Group on Women and Peace and Security. To date, nearly 90 countries have adopted national action plans for the implementation of the objectives of the women and peace and security strategy, and several regions have adopted regional frameworks, such as the 2019 European Union Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security. Belgium is currently implementing its third national action plan.”
2020-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1084 (2020) · source
“As we celebrated the seventy-fifth anniversary of the United Nations last month, we were reminded that on the day the Charter was signed in 1945, only four of the 850 delegates present were women, namely, Bertha Lutz of Brazil, Minerva Bernardino of the Dominican Republic, Virginia Gildersleeve of the United States and Wu Yi-Fang of China. We have come a long way since then. On 31 October 2000, the Security Council adopted resolution 1325 (2000), on women and peace and security. A true milestone, this text recognizes the importance of integrating the gender aspect in peace and security initiatives.”
2020-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1084 (2020) · source
“On 3 August, the Committee adopted an implementation assistance notice (IAN) aimed at providing guidance to all Member States on the implementation of the improvised explosive device components ban and informed all Member States accordingly. The IAN is available on the Committee’s website. Finally, I would like to report that, upon review of information previously submitted to the Committee by its predecessor, the Somalia and Eritrea Monitoring Group, regarding General Sadak Omar Mohamed, the Panel of Experts has clarified that no evidence of affiliation to Al-Shabaab was found and that General Sadak is not the subject of current investigations by the Panel.”
2020-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1079 (2020) · source
“I will now summarize the statistics with regard to arms embargo exemption requests and notifications. The Committee received three advance delivery notifications pursuant to paragraphs 11 and 13 of resolution 2498 (2019) from the Federal Government of Somalia and four advance delivery notifications pursuant to paragraphs 11 and 14 of the same resolution from the supplying Member States. The Committee further received four post-delivery notifications pursuant to paragraph 16 of the resolution, submitted by the Federal Government of Somalia. Lastly, the Committee received two advance delivery notifications from a supplying Member State in accordance with paragraph 17 of the resolution.”
2020-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1079 (2020) · source
“She also underlined that the humanitarian exemption provided for in paragraph 22 of resolution 2498 (2019) was essential to facilitating the delivery of humanitarian assistance and asked for it to be renewed. The UNODC briefing covered its work in response to resolution 2498 (2019). UNODC provided insight into the trafficking of improvised explosive device components, the maritime trade and Al-Shabaab’s revenue system, and the charcoal trade. The Head of the Global Maritime Crime Programme highlighted key efforts to disrupt Al-Shabaab activities, which included liaising with key Member States over their awareness of, and engagement in, the disruption efforts, strengthening the regional maritime law enforcement capacity and improving maritime domain awareness through the use of technology, such as satellite imagery.”
2020-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1079 (2020) · source
“The Committee is in the process of taking actions on those recommendations. The OCHA briefing of 9 October focused on the delivery of humanitarian assistance in Somalia and on any impediments thereto. The Deputy Director, Operations and Advocacy Division, pointed out that humanitarian needs in Somalia remained high due to protracted conflict, political and economic instability and recurrent climatic shocks. The triple threat of floods, the coronavirus disease and the worst desert locust upsurge that Somalia had experienced in decades had aggravated the humanitarian situation by worsening pre-existing vulnerabilities, disrupting positive gains in socioeconomic activities, impacting livelihoods and straining the health-care system.”
2020-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1079 (2020) · source
“I would like to emphasize that, during the informal discussion, Committee members welcomed the continued development in the Panel’s relations with the Federal Government of Somalia and praised the high quality of the Panel’s report, in particular the section on Al-Shabaab finance analysing the group’s revenue sources, storage and transfer methods and illegal taxation systems. The Council received the report on 28 September. I will therefore not go into further detail regarding the findings contained therein. The report is expected to be issued shortly. The Panel made 23 recommendations. Committee members agreed to take note of the nine recommendations addressed to the Council and further agreed to take actions pursuant to the 14 recommendations addressed to it by the Panel.”
2020-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1079 (2020) · source
“On 9 October, Committee members met to hear briefings by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The Panel of Experts also participated in those briefings as an observer. In her remarks on 14 September, the Coordinator of the Panel of Experts highlighted a number of issues, including the Panel’s relations with the Federal Government of Somalia, Al-Shabaab financing, sanctions listings, the arms embargo and the improvised explosive devices components ban, the charcoal ban and the humanitarian situation in Somalia.”
2020-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1079 (2020) · source
“As mandated by paragraph 11 (g) of resolution 1844 (2008), I have the honour to brief the Security Council in my capacity as Chair of the Security Council Committee pursuant to resolution 751 (1992), concerning Somalia, covering the period from 10 June 2020 to 28 October 2020. During the reporting period, Committee members met twice in the “informal informals” format via closed video-teleconference. On 14 September, members met to hear a presentation by the Coordinator of the Panel of Experts on Somalia on the Panel’s final report (see S/2020/949) and to share initial views on the recommendations contained therein. In addition to the submission of the final report to the Committee on 4 September, the Panel also submitted four monthly updates to the Committee since the most recent briefing (see S/2020/529).”
2020-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1079 (2020) · source
“A first step in that direction should be genuine engagement in a political process in the framework of resolution 2254 (2015).”
2020-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1049 (2020) · source