YouSaid · the spoken record

Pierce

lines on the record: 1,742
first: 2006-06-20
most recent: 2020-03-12
sittings or episodes: 239
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 leaders of the Taliban have a choice: they should condemn violence when it occurs and undertake to do everything in their power to stop the rest of their groups from carrying out violence. They should take sincere steps for peace and to protect Afghan civilians. They do not speak for Afghanistan, and their claims to do otherwise are hollow. We join others in being pleased that the Council has been able to agree on resolution 2489 (2019), which gives the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) a renewed mandate for 12 months. That means we have substantively strengthened our ability to offer support to Afghanistan and its people. We welcome UNAMA's ability to support the Afghan elections, including the presidential elections scheduled for 28 September.”
2019-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8620 (2019) · source
“It is very nice to have the Afghan Ambassador with us. As a number of people said earlier, this is a very significant time for Afghanistan, a country in which I had the honour to serve, on which I have worked many times in my diplomatic career and which I know well. Others referenced the horrific suicide attack in Parwan province targeting President Ghani's election rally, which has reportedly killed 26 people and has been claimed by the Taliban. The United Kingdomjoins others in condemning this unacceptable act of violence. We offer our condolences to the victims, their families and the Government and the people of Afghanistan. Let me reiterate whatI said last week (see S/PV.8613).”
2019-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8620 (2019) · source
“It is vital that fuel continue to enter the Red Sea ports, reducing the risk of pump prices increasing, which would further worsen the humanitarian situation.”
2019-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8619 (2019) · source
“All donors should now consider whether they can provide additional funding this year to ensure that the $4.2-billion humanitarian appeal is fully funded. For our part, we have already disbursed 87 per cent of our funding and we are assessing whether we can provide more. Finally, while I would like to say more when we get to closed consultations, I would like to end by echoing what the Under-Secretary-General said about the economy. We are also very worried about the backlog of fuel vessels outside Al-Hudaydah. We hope that the Government of Yemen will engage constructively with importers on the effective implementation of Decree 49 and that the revenues can be used for the regular payment of public salaries in all areas of the country.”
2019-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8619 (2019) · source
“I thought what he said about the operating environment and the 300 incidents affecting nearly 5 million people was particularly shocking and something that the Council should address. We also echo his calls on handling the tanker incident. I wonder why we have so many bureaucratic impediments from Ansar Allah and what lies behind that. But we look to all parties to work with the United Nations and other humanitarian agencies to ensure that support reaches those who so desperately need it. The one bright spot, as Mr. Lowcock also said, is the pledge from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for $500 million, to be made on the 25 September during high-level week. That is extremely welcome news and we join others in thanking the Saudi Arabian authorities for that step.”
2019-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8619 (2019) · source
“Turning to the implementation of the Stockholm Agreement and the Agreement on the City of Hudaydah and the Ports of Hudaydah, Saleef and Ras Isa, we too welcome the appointment of Lieutenant General Guha and look forward to working with him. I wanted to welcome the recent meeting of the Redeployment Coordination Committee held on 8 and 9 September and urge the parties to engage constructively in that process and to finalize outstanding negotiations to allow for the implementation of the first and second phases of the Al-Hudaydah Agreement. We heard from the Under-Secretary-General about the very dire situation of attacks, violence and violations of international humanitarian law.”
2019-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8619 (2019) · source
“In its presidential statement S/PRST/2019/9, of 29 August, the Security Council gave its full backing to the Special Envoy and his efforts to work with the parties to pave the way for the resumption of comprehensive negotiations without delay on the security and political arrangements necessary to end the conflict and resume a peaceful transition in Yemen. We look to such negotiations to engage all parties in an inclusive dialogue in order to resolve differences and address the legitimate concerns of all Yemenis, including those in the south, in accordance with the relevant Security Council resolutions.”
2019-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8619 (2019) · source
“Goods need to be able to move freely through Aden port across the south and from Aden to the north of the country, and we call on the parties to ensure the continued functionality of institutions and the protection of civilians from human rights abuses. The Special Envoy rightly devoted a large part of his briefing to the broader inclusive political process. We remain strong supporters of efforts to that end. They are given renewed momentum by the events over the weekend and in the south of Yemen last month.”
2019-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8619 (2019) · source
“We have been gravely concerned about the escalation in violence in the south, and we condemn the use of force by the Southern Transitional Council to seize State institutions. The Saudi-led talks in Jeddah need our full backing and all parties need to cease hostilities and engage in the talks. We support Saudi Arabia's efforts. We hope that the talks can broker a deal that brings southern representatives into the Yemeni Government and makes the Yemeni Government more representative. Inclusivity is a key pillar of stability, as we have seen in so many conflicts around the world. For the United Kingdom's part, we stand ready to assist in any way that we can, and we support what the Under-Secretary- General said with regard to safe, rapid and unhindered access for humanitarian responses and commercial supplies.”
2019-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8619 (2019) · source
“I am sure that all members of the Council will today want to join in condemning the attacks not only as a clear threat to regional and international peace and security but also as an effort to disrupt global oil supplies. At the moment, we are still assessing what happened and who is responsible for the attacks. Once that is being established, we will discuss with our partners how to proceed in a responsible manner. We hope for a united international response to the terrible attacks. Turning at to the situation in Yemen, I note with great sadness and concern/trouble that the situation is not improving. What we heard today from the Emergency Relief Coordinator and the Special Envoy shows that we are in grave danger of letting the situation slide backwards despite everyone's efforts.”
2019-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8619 (2019) · source
“I thank Special Envoy Mr. Griffiths, Special Envoy of the Secretary- General for Yemen, and Mr. Lowcock, Under-Secretary- General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, for their briefings. Let me start by joining the United Nations unequivocal condemnation of the attacks on the ARAMCO facilities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on 14 September. They were reckless and despicable and are completely unjustifiable. It is only sheer luck that no one was killed, not by any design of the perpetrators. Threatening civilian areas and commercial infrastructure is a violation of international law, as well as being dangerous and provocative.”
2019-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8619 (2019) · source
“In conclusion, I would like to reiterate the United Kingdom's full support for the Government of the Central African Republic in their continued efforts under difficult circumstances.”
2019-09-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8617 (2019) · source
“More broadly, the United Nations sanctions regime is designed to promote security in the Central African Republic and help implement the peace agreement. We support the use of sanctions, where appropriate, to respond to breaches of the peace agreement and welcome the efforts of the Panel of Experts to draw up new statements of case. We encourage all States to fully enforce all aspects of the sanctions regime. In addition, breaches of the peace agreement, which threaten the lives of civilians, such as the May attacks, must be dealt with under the core mandate of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) to protect civilians. MINUSCA needs to be permitted to respond as appropriate, including, if necessary, with force.”
2019-09-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8617 (2019) · source
“I therefore urge the Government of the Central African Republic to make use, where necessary, of the exemptions process provided for in the arms embargo so as to ensure that its forces are equipped with the weapons and material they need. The United Kingdom supports the arms embargo as a means to help limit the supply of weapons to armed groups. However, it is clear that arms groups have continued to acquire weapons from across the borders of the Central African Republic, with which they threaten the lives of civilians and break the terms of the peace agreement. Therefore, we call on the States of the region, including through their respective mixed commissions, to fully enforce the terms of the arms embargo and curb the flow of weapons and ammunition to armed groups.”
2019-09-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8617 (2019) · source
“Let me also add our voice to everyone else's in welcoming Ambassador Craft. We also welcome today's unanimous adoption of resolution 2488 (2019), which streamlines the process through which the Government of the Central African Republic can acquire arms and equipment. This is a clear message of support for the that country's Government and the progress made in the areas of weapons management, security sector reform and disarmament, demobilization and reintegration. It is vital that work continue to ensure that weapons intended for the security forces do not fall into the hands of armed groups. Further progress is needed, including work towards the five benchmarks agreed by the Council in January. That progress will take time, and during that time the forces of the Central African Republic will need to continue to perform their duties.”
2019-09-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8617 (2019) · source
“Turning to the issue of women, which the Ambassador of Afghanistan set out so eloquently, in all cases, the United Kingdom remains committed to a peaceful and democratic future for Afghanistan. We will continue to work with partners and the Afghan authorities to ensure that Afghanistan has the support it needs. It is particularly important that Afghanistan maintain the gains it has made on human rights over recent years. Women play an essential role in Afghan society, a fact that was underscored by the Deputy Secretary-General's visit in July. The United Kingdom will continue to support the full implementation of Afghanistan's national action plan on women and peace and security. I want to end by stressing the vital importance of women's participation in the elections, but also in an inclusive peace process.”
2019-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8613 (2019) · source
“I think it is important that the Council offer its full support to the Afghan authorities to help ensure that the elections are credible, transparent, participatory and as free as possible from violence, and that we encourage all the leaders to engage faithfully in the democratic process and to take a stand against electoral fraud. Turning to my third point, about UNAMA, we very much welcome the work UNAMA has done, especially in coordinating international support for the elections. We hope that it will be able to continue that work at the same pace until election day and beyond. Other speakers have referred to UNAMA's mandate, which is due for renewal by 17 September. We hope all Security Council members will be able to support a text that gives UNAMA the clear and strong mandate it needs to support Afghanistan at this critical time.”
2019-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8613 (2019) · source
“We are encouraged by what the Special Representative said that the elections remain scheduled for 28 September. I know from experience in Kabul that there are often many stories around elections and many fears that they will be cancelled. Therefore, what Special Representative Yamamoto was able to say about the elections and the arrangements has been very important. The elections represent an important opportunity for the Afghan people to make decisions about their future at a critical time. Our Ambassador in Kabul met in recent weeks with Ms. Hawa Alam Nuristani, Chair of the Independent Election Commission, and with Zohra Bayan Shinwari, Chair of the Electoral Complaints Commission.”
2019-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8613 (2019) · source
“As I am talking about the Taliban, I will take the opportunity now to reiterate what the Special Representative of the Secretary-General said about inviting the Taliban to retract the threats against the election. We note that President Ghani remains committed to direct peace talks, and we share other speakers' wish that the intra-Afghan negotiations can proceed apace. President Ghani has appointed a lS-strong member negotiating team, and he said only this Monday, "We are ready for peace talks, but if the Taliban think they can scare us, look at these warriors". But peace without ceasefire is impossible. If there is to be lasting peace in Afghanistan, the Taliban must enter into meaningful negotiations with an inclusive and representative Afghan negotiating team. My second point concerns the elections.”
2019-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8613 (2019) · source
“Taliban representatives at the intra-Afghan peace conference held in Doha in July committed to reducing civilian casualties to zero, but the Taliban's actions are not matching the group's words. Indeed, on the eve of a historic meeting with United States representatives, the Taliban chose to carry out yet further attacks in Kabul. The Afghan Ambassador enumerated those, but the list before me identifies at least five attacks since the month ofAugust. Those are not the actions ofa group that is searching for peace. At a minimum, the leaders ofthe Taliban need to condemn violence when it occurs and undertake to do everything in their power to stop the rest of its groups from carrying out violence. It also needs to get a united view that peace is in its interests as much as it is in the interest of the people of Afghanistan.”
2019-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8613 (2019) · source
“As this is the first time that I am taking the floor under the Russian presidency, let me congratulate you, Sir. You have our full support. I thank our Polish colleagues for their stewardship during the month of August. I would also like to thank our briefers: the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Fedotov and our colleague from Afghanistan. Like other speakers, I would like to particularly highlight four issues: peace, the presidential elections, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) itself and the issue of women, peace and security. Together with other speakers this morning, I want to express the United Kingdom's strong condemnation of the Taliban for its recent attacks.”
2019-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8613 (2019) · source
“But it is also true that investment, equality before the law and the rule of law are also fundamental, and Secretary Pompeo set out how the Warsaw process includes economic and public policy factors. To go back to where I started, we cannot see the countries of the Middle East exploit fully the opportunity to modernize their economies when we see the sort ofpush-back on women's rights that the Chef de Cabinet mentioned. The current tensions and instability in the Middle East serve no one. I want to call again for de-escalation, for full respect for international rules and for engagement in dialogue through which the region can discuss its problems transparently and in the interests of the populations there who have suffered so much.”
2019-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8600 (2019) · source
“I have concentrated today on the geopolitical and international peace and security aspects as the most immediate challenges facing us. But you, Mr. President, and a number of other speakers, rightly drew attention to the vital importance of economic and social development, notably for women. I agree on the importance of this area. But I want to make clear that it is, however, not an excuse for certain Governments to divert funds that could be better spent at home on the very real things that help build the State towards violence, persecution and adventurism. You, Sir, spoke about good governance, education and youth. I want to stress our new Prime Minister's interest in advancing girls' education in particular.”
2019-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8600 (2019) · source
“Efforts by the United States to support the development of the Palestinian economy are very welcome. It is essential that political progress be made in order to unlock economic opportunities. But, as we have said in the Council before, until there is political progress, steps need to be taken to address the constraints imposed on the Palestinian economy by the Israeli occupation. We want to see increasing external trade opportunities for the Palestinians. We want to see the financial sustainability of the Palestinian Authority realized. Only a safe and secure Israel living alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian State, based on the 1967 borders, with Jerusalem as a shared capital ofboth States, can bring about a lasting solution.”
2019-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8600 (2019) · source
“I want to take this opportunity to commend the role played by the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in maintaining calm and stability along the Blue Line. But I stress at the same time the importance of enabling UNIFIL to deliver its mandate unimpeded. It is unacceptable that UNIFIL is still unable to access HizbulIah tunnel sites in southern Lebanon. Other speakers have addressed the question of a sustainable solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As the Chef de Cabinet said, it is the longest-running international peace and security issue here. For the United Kingdom, our position on the two-State solution remains unchanged. We urge the United States Administration to bring forward its detailed proposals for viable peace agreement that addresses the legitimate concerns of both parties.”
2019-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8600 (2019) · source
“We welcome the initiative taken by His Majesty King Salman to resolve the situation. In the context of heightened tensions in the region, it is more important than ever that the Lebanese Government and all Lebanese parties implement Lebanon's policy of disassociation from regional conflicts. We call on all parties to implement the relevant resolutions in full, particularly resolutions 1559 (2004) and 1701 (2006). For our part, we will continue to help build the strength and capacity of the Lebanese State to resist encroachment by Hizbullah. We will help Lebanon achieve economic stability, while making swift progress on implementing the commitments made at the Conference for Economic Development and Reform through Enterprise.”
2019-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8600 (2019) · source
“The situation in Libya is in danger of deteriorating still further. Over the past four months, it has become clear neither side can win a military victory. The only winners in the current conflict are the terrorist and extremist groups that look to exploit the chaos and instability for their own ends. As others have said, the way forward is for the parties to comply with their obligations under international law and commit to political dialogue and a lasting ceasefire. Likewise, a political solution is urgently needed in Yemen - not only to end the conflict but to alleviate the immense humanitarian suffering. We urge the parties to agree the latest United Nations proposals to allow for wider political discussions. The events of concern in Aden serve to highlight the need for an inclusive political process.”
2019-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8600 (2019) · source
“Iran needs to abide by those assurances. We urgently need a cease fire in Idlib to prevent further suffering. We need answers as to why and how international humanitarian law is being so flagrantly violated by the regime and its allies. I want to recall, if I may, that such crimes confer individual and personal responsibility on the perpetrators. The violations also continue to create space for radicalization and further extremism, and Da'esh continues to pose a serious threat across the region. We cannot take for granted the progress that has been made in Iraq in providing security and stability for the Iraqi people. The United Kingdom, alongside the international community, will continue to support the Government of Iraq to ensure that the conditions that gave rise to Da'esh are tackled.”
2019-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8600 (2019) · source
“This is not just the British aim; it is in every nation's interests, and it requires the coming together of international nations to support maritime security in the Gulf. I will not touch much today on Syria, because the Council has very many meetings on that sad conflict. But I will simply note that there can be no reconstruction without a sustainable, United Nations-led political process on the basis of resolution 2254 (2015). With regard to the Iranian vessel Grace 1, we have welcomed Gibraltar's recent actions and legal proceedings to implement European Union (EU) sanctions, which are in place to pressure the AI-Assad regime towards negotiations. We understand that Iran has provided assurances to the Government of Gibraltar that the vessel and its cargo will not go to an EU-sanctioned entity such as Syria.”
2019-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8600 (2019) · source
“We regret that, rather than backing a political solution in Syria in line with resolution 2254 (2015), Iran has instead chosen to support Al-Assad in pursuing a military solution, including through organizing and sending sectarian militias to Syria, which has helped fuel that conflict. This pattern of Iranian behaviour poses a serious danger to peace and stability. Secretary Pompeo mentioned that on 19 July a British-flag tanker, Stena Impero, was boarded by Iranian forces while transiting through the Strait of Hormuz inside Omani territorial waters. The Stena Impero remains seized. As the Chef de Cabinet noted, it is imperative that we defend the freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz to reassure the global shipping industry and to deter further attacks.”
2019-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8600 (2019) · source
“The United Kingdom, with France and Germany, has been consistently clear that we will work to support the deal. We remain fully committed to the delivery of the INSTEX mechanism, thereby ensuring that legitimate trade with Iran can continue. We continue to participate in core projects within the deal, including taking on the role of co-chair of the Arak modernization project. We also welcome President Macron's efforts to find a way through to dialogue in close coordination with the three European signatories. The JCPOA is not a licence for Iran to roam free across the conflicts in the Middle East. Iran continues to support proxies across the region that undermine regional security and violate Security Council resolutions, whether resolution 1559 (2004), on Lebanon, or 2216 (2015), and the arms embargo on Yemen.”
2019-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8600 (2019) · source
“When I addressed the Council in the resolution 2231 (2015) format in June, I reiterated that the priority of United Kingdom policy towards Iran was to prevent Iran achieving a nuclear capability that would threaten the stability and security of the Middle East region and beyond. As the representative of Germany set out, we continue to judge that this objective is best served by efforts to preserve the nuclear deal, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). We urge Iran to return to full compliance with the deal. It is in none of our interests to see the deal unravel. It is an essential part of the global non-proliferation architecture. And it is critical for our national security and for the shared security of our partners and allies. There is no better solution. There is no alternative.”
2019-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8600 (2019) · source
“One option might be to start with the most recent trouble spot ~ the Strait of Hormuz - and begin serious, inclusive dialogue between regional and international actors, as the State Secretary of Germany set out. Secretary Pompeo touched today on Iran's role in the region. My country has great respect for the Iranian people. We respect Iran's culture. It is an ancient culture and one that features alongside the great developments in classical history in Europe. We accept that Iran has a legitimate role in the Middle East. And we accept that, like all of us, it has a right to self-defense. But we cannot ignore the fact that the way it pursues its national interests contributes to several of the regional problems we are discussing today.”
2019-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8600 (2019) · source
“That is why the United Kingdom remains a steadfast supporter of the United Nations and the Council's efforts to resolve international conflict. Secretary of State Pompeo and State Secretary Michaelis mentioned the importance of regional efforts. In recent weeks, a number of members of the Council - most recently our Russian colleagues - have also mentioned the importance of finding a way to collectively address some of the underlying challenges. That may well be an idea whose time is yet to come, not least because the region itselfneeds to be ready for such work. But we believe it is important that we look in an exploratory way at what might be possible and where we might start.”
2019-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8600 (2019) · source
“The region's current trajectory is troubling and fraught with the risk of still further conflagration and conflict. Ms. Viotti mentioned the difficulty of managing escalation in today's world. And while our efforts at multilateral solutions have not always worked out as well as we might have hoped, the alternative looks decidedly worse. Experience tells us that, however imperfect, de-escalation and dialogue, political processes and support for the rules-based international system are the best means to address tensions that risk undermining our collective interests in security, stability and prosperity. We know that is true around the world, and it is quite true of the situation in the Middle East today.”
2019-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8600 (2019) · source
“I thank you, Mr. President, for being with the Security Council once again and for convening today's important debate. I also thank Secretary of State Pompeo for taking the time to join the Council today, and I welcome State Secretary Michaelis. Last year we commemorated the centenary of the end of the First World War - a war that did much to shape the modern Middle East. Many of the conflicts in the region have their origins in the First World War and the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire. The end of the First World War also led to the establishment of the League of Nations. That, in turn, laid the foundation for the United Nations. Many of the conflicts that have wrought so much destruction in the region - from Syria to Yemen and from Libya to Gaza - continue to feature prominently on the Council's agenda.”
2019-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8600 (2019) · source
“In several, non-international armed conflicts, State agencies are involved overtly or covertly. Those are very complex areas, and they require our further attention and study. Only collectively can we address the increasingly difficult and intertwined nature of modern conflict. Finally, it is clear that we need more action. As President Maurer said, the laws of conflict were designed to be inherent and pragmatic. They were designed not to be an aspiration difficult to attain, but to be followed so that they could reduce suffering. We need to continue to spotlight violations by any and all actors. Only by doing so can we have a stake in upholding and strengthening our common humanity.”
2019-08-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8596 (2019) · source
“But with more than 400,000 people who have died, more than half the population displaced, 6.2 million people fleeing their homes, more than 5.6 million people taking refuge in neighbouring countries and 11.7 million people in dire need of humanitarian assistance, it is clear that the end to the conflict cannot come too soon. As President Maurer reminded us, there are increasingly complex aspects to warfare at the moment, especially concerning urban conflict. We have more non-State actors involved in conflict than before, conflicts are lasting longer and they lead to complex and protracted crises. Ofthe 20 largest humanitarian aid countries, 17 have been receiving international support for eight consecutive years or more. The Council must continue to draw attention to those points.”
2019-08-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8596 (2019) · source
“I take this opportunity to recall that commanders on the ground have an individual personal responsibility to uphold international humanitarian law. They will be held individually and personally accountable for violations that might amount to crimes against humanity or war crimes. Justice might not come tomorrow, but it will come. With regard to the contribution of the United Kingdom, it has given more than Â£28 billion, or more than $3 billion, in response to the Syria crisis, which is our largest-ever response to a single humanitarian crisis.”
2019-08-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8596 (2019) · source
“As we have said in the Council several times, that is in defiance of international humanitarian law and it defies humanity. It undermines any claim by the Syrian authorities to want to rebuild their country. We still have not had answers as to how a return to compliance with international humanitarian law will be achieved. We have not had answers as to how Russian and Syrian forces are implementing deconfliction and protecting hospitals. We still have not had answers as to why the Syrian authorities are bombing hospitals, as admitted in their letter to the Security Council, without following the Geneva Conventions and giving the due warnings that the Conventions demand. The Secretary-General has established a Board of Inquiry to examine those questions, and that is welcome.”
2019-08-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8596 (2019) · source
“In Mali and the Sahel, the deteriorating security situation has brought reports of violent international humanitarian law violations and abuses by armed militias, armed terrorist groups and regional security forces. But it is in Syria that the adherence by the parties to the conflict to international humanitarian law has reached a nadir. The Syrian people have faced forced starvation. They have been subjected to arbitrary detention, with no access by the ICRC. They have been driven from their homes in Aleppo and elsewhere. They have had weapons of mass destruction used against them in Aleppo and eastern Ghouta, as verified by independent bodies. Now, as those displaced from Aleppo join the terrified residents of Idlib, they find their schools and hospitals being bombed.”
2019-08-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8596 (2019) · source
“Working with States to implement training on international humanitarian law, calling for greater accountability and information when attacks happen and sharing expertise between Governments are some of the things that we can do. I would like to use this debate to shine a spotlight on a few specific situations where the international humanitarian law situation is dire. In Ukraine, citizens in Crimea have been denied access to basic services because they would not change their citizenship, contrary to international humanitarian law. In South Sudan, it is clear that justice, truth and reconciliation are fundamental to rebuilding that society, and all parties must ensure that transitional justice, under chapter V of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan, is implemented in full.”
2019-08-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8596 (2019) · source
“The event will mark five years since the Global Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflict. Our Special Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict, Lord Ahmad, will lead the event, where we hope to pursue deliverables against three key objectives: securingjustice and accountability, tackling stigma and preventing sexual violence in conflict. As we all note, and as you enumerated, Mr. President, there are ongoing violations of international humanitarian law in multiple conflict zones. We need to work together using all the tools available as members of the Security Council to achieve that, as the Chinese representative said a moment ago.”
2019-08-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8596 (2019) · source
“The adoption this year of resolutions 2462 (2019) and 2474 (2019) and their increased focus on the protection of impartial humanitarian activity in the counter-terrorism context helps to address an increasingly complex nexus around modern warfare. The thirty-third quadrennial International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent on international humanitarian law will take place in December. We look forward to participating and will host a session as part of the International Conference on the voluntary report that I mentioned earlier to share our experience and hopefully come up with a corpus of best practices. We will also host an international conference in November on preventing sexual violence in conflict on the theme "Time for justice: putting survivors first".”
2019-08-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8596 (2019) · source
“We invite other States to join us and publish the steps that they are taking to improve compliance. My Government also believes that the International Criminal Court has an important role in pursuing accountability when national authorities are either unable or unwilling to do so. We contribute to the International Criminal Court and international and hybrid tribunals, and we provide training and other support to Member States that want to enhance their own justice systems. We believe that our support helps strengthen the rules-based international system, and it helps tackle impunity for serious violations of international humanitarian law.”
2019-08-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8596 (2019) · source
“For the United Kingdom, support for international criminal justice and international humanitarian law is a fundamental element of our foreign policy. We hold an annual meeting with the British Red Cross to review compliance. The United Kingdom has a strong history of upholding and promoting international humanitarian law. We consistently call on State and non-State actors engaged in armed conflict to respect international humanitarian law and to act in accordance with their obligations under it. The United Kingdom believes that justice and accountability for the most serious international crimes is not only right in itself, but it is also crucial to building lasting peace and security. In March, we published our first voluntary report on the implementation of international humanitarian law at the domestic level.”
2019-08-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8596 (2019) · source
“I thank you, Mr. President, for convening this important event on an important anniversary and for being with us today. I also thank His Excellency the German Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs for being here. It was very good to hear from our briefers the Under-Secretary-General, Ms. Bellal and the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Mr. Mauer. The ICRC is one of the oldest international organizations. They gave us a very good context for why we are meeting today and why international humanitarian law remains so important. It provides a robust legal framework for the protection of all civilians and combatants, and it is a vital tool in ensuring that humanity remains, even in the worst of conflict situations.”
2019-08-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8596 (2019) · source
“I echo what the Assistant Secretary-General said to the effect that the potential of Libya cannot be unlocked while the violence continues. What it means to have no military solution is that we must all call in a unified voice for the truce to take place and to be followed by a ceasefire. We need to implement the arms embargo and call on all States to do so. We need to hold to account groups that violate our resolutions or do not support the United Nations-led process, and we need to get back into international and then local dialogue.”
2019-08-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8595 (2019) · source
“In that connection, I want to reiterate our full support for the leadership of Special Representative Ghassan Salame' and to thank him for his efforts in securing this truce, which I think we all know is badly needed. As the Assistant Secretary-General said, among all of the sadness and violence, it is a welcome step. We need to go further. I agree with the representative of France that this is a critical moment for the Libyan conflict. The parties need to go beyond the truce to commit to a permanent ceasefire and a return to political dialogue. There can be no military solution to the conflict in Libya. What do we mean by that? Well, first of all, we salute the United Nations for not evacuating in the face of all these dangers.”
2019-08-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8595 (2019) · source
“I would like, therefore, through the representative of Libyan, to convey my country's condolences and sympathies to his country and to his people and to the families and friends of the victims. It was an appalling act, and we agree that it should be investigated and that those behind it should be identified and held to account. It was particularly cruel and did great disrespect to the Libyan people to conduct such an attack on the Bid Al-Adha holiday. Until this moment, we all had very high hopes for the truce that the Security Council and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General had called for. We call on all the parties to ensure that the truce takes place, that it holds and that the parties commit to confidence-building measures.”
2019-08-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8595 (2019) · source