YouSaid · the spoken record

Polyanskiy

lines on the record: 2,335
first: 2018-01-31
most recent: 2023-12-22
sittings or episodes: 300
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

“This is not about an electronic vote count, as many have mistakenly said. The equipment is to be used only to make preparing and printing the ballot papers considerably easier, while the vote count will still be done manually, as our colleagues from the Democratic Republic of the Congo have assured us more than once. We agree that in order to avoid problems, Kinshasa should provide stable financing for the election preparations and strengthen the coordination of its work with MONUSCO. We do not deny the importance of ensuring that the authorities mobilize to implement confidence-building measures, including on the emblematic cases referred to in the political agreement regarding political actors who are outside the country.”
2018-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8318 (2018) · source
“We note the measures that Kinshasa has taken with regard to the technical and legislative preparations for voting, including the timely enactment of laws on the distribution of seats in the provincial legislatures and local councils and the publication of a definitive list of the political parties and associations permitted to participate in the elections. It is important that the process of auditing the voter register is being conducted under the auspices of the International Organization of la Francophonie, and in our view the fact that half of the country's political parties have signed the electoral code of conduct is a positive development. However, we would urge our colleagues on the Security Council not to make an issue of the decision taken by the National Electoral Commission to use electronic voting machines.”
2018-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8318 (2018) · source
“In that regard, we would like to draw attention to President Kabila's recent address to the National Assembly, in which the leader of the Democratic Republic of the Congo once again affirmed his determination to abide by the Constitution, which we see as an appropriate and timely sign. We would like to see the opposition forces reject their negative agenda too. We note the importance of working to ensure that the Independent National Electoral Commission's electoral calendar and revised voting dates are adhered to. That will require support for the electoral process from the international community, including by using the logistical capabilities of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO).”
2018-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8318 (2018) · source
“Mr. Polyanskiy (Russian Federation) (spoke in Russian): We thank Ms. Leila Zerrougui, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, for her update on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as well as on the implementation of the political agreement of 31 December 2016 and the country's preparations for elections. We have taken note of the Secretary-General's latest report on the development of events in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (S/2018/655) and we definitely share his opinion that ensuring that the elections scheduled for 23 December are held on time will help to reduce the tensions in Congolese society.”
2018-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8318 (2018) · source
“We have to translate that vision into practical action while preserving the collective-security instruments we already have, such as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action for Iran's nuclear programme, which has a crucial role to play in the global non-proliferation regime and whose preservation will help to prevent an uncontrolled rise in tensions in the region. Russia is ready to participate in these efforts with all interested partners on a basis of an open and impartial dialogue, as exemplified in the recent talks between President Putin and President Trump in Helsinki.”
2018-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8316 (2018) · source
“Helping Syrian refugees to return to their homeland will contribute both to normalizing the situation in the Syrian Arab Republic and to relieving the socioeconomic situation in the countries that are hosting refugees, especially Syria's neighbours Lebanon, Jordan and Turkey. As we see it, the Security Council debate held at Russia's initiative on 25 June (see S/PV.8293) affirmed the urgent need for coming up with a positive and unifying common agenda on the Middle East for the Security Council and the entire international community.”
2018-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8316 (2018) · source
“I would like to believe that after such an emotional performance there will be a qualitative change in the situation in that regard. UNRWA's activities go beyond its purely humanitarian mission and are an important stabilizing factor for Palestine and the entire region. Serious consequences are likely if its work falters owing to a lack of financial resources. Progress in resuming the Palestinian-Israeli political process will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the overall situation in the Middle East and North Africa. It is crucial that we all work to unite our efforts in that regard and in other areas, including Syria, Yemen and Libya. It will also be important not to cut back our support to the authorities in Iraq for the future stabilization of the situation there.”
2018-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8316 (2018) · source
“I want to emphasize that our proposal has the agreement of the Palestinian side. Our principled vision was again presented to Israel during our Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's visit to West Jerusalem just the other day. We value the role of the other countries of the region with regard to Palestine and Israel, especially Egypt and Jordan. We are helping our Egyptian partners in their efforts to resolve the division in the Palestinian ranks through our contacts with a wide range of Palestinian factions. We support the international aid to Palestine, including through the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). I listened carefully to what my colleague Mrs. Haley said about that.”
2018-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8316 (2018) · source
“The only possible path to a settlement is a direct dialogue between the parties to the conflict that can lead to achieving a two-State formula based on internationally recognized foundations, including the relevant Security Council resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative. Russia is ready to give every assistance to a resumption and to do it in cooperation with the other international players, including through the Quartet. We will continue to work through our bilateral relations with Israel and Palestine. President Putin of Russia held constructive talks with Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Abbas during their stay in Moscow a few days ago. So far these have been separate meetings, but our offer of holding a Palestinian-Israeli summit in Russia remains on the table.”
2018-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8316 (2018) · source
“The problems of illegal Israeli settlements, the Israeli authorities' destruction of Palestinian property and provocative rhetoric on both sides have only worsened. We are worried about the increasing tendency to take unilateral approaches that do not contribute to the implementation of the agreements previously reached within the framework of international organizations, chief among them the United Nations. We are firmly convinced of the inadmissibility of any actions that prejudge the outcome of the peace talks. Attempts to reinforce the new realities on the ground through national legislation do nothing to advance the cause of peace.”
2018-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8316 (2018) · source
“The focus has to be on finding peaceful solutions. But in the case of Palestine it is still possible to put the situation back on the political track, preventing a new round of violence in the very heart of the Middle East. The state of affairs in the Palestinian-Israeli settlement is extremely worrying. Recent events in and around Gaza have confirmed that violence is filling the vacuum that has formed in the absence of any progress in resuming the political process. The report of the Quartet of international mediators on a settlement in the Middle East warned of this threat as long ago as July 2016 and also talked about how to prevent such a development. Regrettably, we have been obliged to conclude that none of its recommendations in that regard have been fulfilled.”
2018-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8316 (2018) · source
“Mr. Polyanskiy (Russian Federation) (Spoke in Russian): We thank Mr. Nickolay Mladenov, Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, for his report. Russia supports building up the international efforts to resolve crisis situations, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa. That vast region, which stretches from the borders of Lebanon or Syria and Israel to the Persian Gulf and Western Sahara, is unfortunately still teetering on the edge of another escalation, in a fragile situation that could collapse as a result of a minor political miscalculation or careless step. The consequences of such a scenario could be disastrous for the whole world. In such circumstances, preventive diplomacy is particularly vital. It is too late to take steps to forestall conflicts that are already at an acute stage of armed confrontation.”
2018-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8316 (2018) · source
“In particular, the All-Russian Institute of Advanced Training of Employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation runs a training programme for peacekeepers. African law-enforcement officials are given the opportunity to study in higher-education programmes as well as short- term training courses for improving their qualifications in Ministry of Internal Affairs educational institutions. We are ready to share with our African partners our experience in counter-terrorism and to implement projects to increase the capacity of the continent's countries to combat the threats of terrorism and extremism.”
2018-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8314 (2018) · source
“However, we believe it is extremely important to maintain the current United Nations procedures for considering and approving the relevant budgetary applications, to ensure transparency and accountability in the allocation and use of funds, and to provide for the participation of United Nations personnel at every stage of the planning and practical implementation of the tasks involved. Obviously, strengthening cooperation between our organizations will inevitably mean additional responsibilities for the regional actors that they must be fully prepared for. Russia participates actively in the logistics of peacekeeping, primarily by providing air services. We give a great deal of attention to training police and military personnel from Africa through Russia's specialized institutions.”
2018-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8314 (2018) · source
“However, the Security Council has the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, so its participation in resolving Africa's problems is also essential. We understand the concerns of our African partners about the provision of resources for African peacekeeping operations. It will be important to improve the predictability, reliability and flexibility of the financing for African operations and joint missions. We do not object in principle to considering the possibilities for expanding United Nations participation in such missions, and we are ready for further constructive dialogue in that regard.”
2018-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8314 (2018) · source
“We would like to focus attention on the fact that cooperation between the United Nations and the AU should be based on Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations, including such key provisions as ensuring that the peace and security activities of regional arrangements are consistent with the purposes and principles of the Charter, that peaceful means are used for settling disputes, that Security Council authorization is obtained for any enforcement action and that the Council is kept informed. Besides that, it is important to ensure that individual recipes for dealing with crises are developed for each concrete situation and geared to local specifics. We believe that in the majority of cases, the regional stakeholders have a better understanding of situations in their area of responsibility.”
2018-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8314 (2018) · source
“We welcome the efforts of our African partners to resolve conflicts on the continent and have been pleased to note a marked intensification in the activities of the African Union and subregional organizations in that regard, including in efforts to establish a continent- wide peace-and-security architecture. There can be no question that in order to deal effectively with Africa's crises, the continent requires first of all an approach in which Africans themselves take the leading role in determining ways to settle their various problems, combined with effective support to their efforts from the international community. The approach we support is that of "African solutions to African problems".”
2018-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8314 (2018) · source
“Mr. Polyanskiy (Russian Federation) (spoke in Russian): We wouldlike to thank Ms. Sahle-WorkZewde, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, and Mr. Sma'il Chergui, African Union Commissioner for Peace and Security, for their substantive briefings. We share the attitude of the Secretary-General to the development and strengthening of the cooperation between the United Nations, the African Union (AU) and Africa's subregional organizations. The challenges facing both the African continent and the international community make it essential to unite our efforts and make use of the organizations' comparative advantages. We see the potential for more thorough interaction.”
2018-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8314 (2018) · source
“Such actions can hardly contribute to strengthening the authority of the Council or of the United Nations generally, a subject that those who supported today's resolution claim to care so much about. As we can see, their actions prove the opposite. As for Russia, we did not support and will not support a policy of imposing decisions on independent countries and regions that suit forces outside the region for domestic political or other reasons. It is to be hoped that despite today's destructive step, the fragile process of establishing a constructive dialogue between the parties in South Sudan will not be undermined, and that IGAD's mediation efforts will continue.”
2018-07-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8310 (2018) · source
“To hear our American colleagues, one might conclude that the embargo is a panacea for almost all ills. We all know perfectly well that South Sudan is indeed flooded with weapons, but attempts to restrict the supply should not be directed only at Government forces. The experience of the neighbouring countries in the region shows that it is not embargoes that bring about an end to armed violence but systematic efforts to reform security structures, the implementation of weapons-collection programmes from the people, and the disarming and demobilizing of combatants. Lastly, I should not omit to say that we have increasing questions about the working methods of the penholders, thanks to whose efforts the deep split in the Council over the South Sudan dossier continues.”
2018-07-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8310 (2018) · source
“In the circumstances, it would make sense to support the approach of the African Union - the importance of strengthening our partnership with which we will be discussing in the Security Council next week - as well as to express our solidarity with the mediation efforts of IGAD, whose members, as we know, have declared unequivocally that expanding the sanctions pressure on South Sudan is highly inopportune. We regret that today our Council has taken this disappointing approach. Instead of listening to the regional position, our colleagues mindlessly brandished the sanctions stick. We believe firmly that imposing sanctions on active participants in the political process or members of the Government is counterproductive. Nor will an arms embargo have a positive effect on the political settlement process.”
2018-07-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8310 (2018) · source
“In less than a month, thanks entirely to the efforts of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the format set up for contact between South Sudan's politicians has been transformed into a full-on negotiation platform before our eyes. We agree with our Ethiopian colleague when he said, "If that is not progress, then what is?" Can those who genuinely care about seeing peace come to this long-suffering country really believe otherwise?”
2018-07-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8310 (2018) · source
“Mr. Polyanskiy (Russian Federation) (spoke in Russian): The Russian delegation abstained in the voting on resolution 2428 (2018), on extending the sanctions on South Sudan. We are not trying to whitewash the situation in the country. We know that various parties continue to violate the ceasefire regime there and that the humanitarian situation is still serious. However, it is also clear that there has been some positive movement in the settlement process. Besides the meetings that have already taken place between the South Sudanese leaders Salva Kiir Mayardit and Rick Machar, it includes the signing on 27 June of the Khartoum Declaration and the plans made for holding the long-awaited negotiations in Nairobi in the very near future.”
2018-07-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8310 (2018) · source
“Only through joint practical action, conducted through the existing expert formats, can we achieve our aim of preserving the global climate in the interests of the current and future generations of humankind.”
2018-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8307 (2018) · source
“We are ready to help and are doing all we can to ensure that the collective efforts of the specialized entities and mechanisms can solve these problems, but it is clear that today's discussion in the Council is taking the issue in the exact opposite direction, to speculations on the climate issue and its exploitation to solve purely political problems, impose one-sided standards and abandon practical action for demagoguery and public-relations posturing. We believe it is essential to allow all the United Nations mechanisms related to combating climate change to do their work in peace, without creating artificially intersecting approaches that merely obstruct the advancement of our shared interests.”
2018-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8307 (2018) · source
“At the same time, the member States of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change will discuss joint action and coordination on climate-related efforts in the Talanoa Dialogue Platform, whose founding principles are depoliticizing climate discussions, preventing mutual blame-laying and striving to understand what we can get done by joining forces. We are just as eager as Ms. Hindou Ibrahim, in her emotional statement today, to ensure that climate change does not interfere with the lives of indigenous peoples. Russia is also helping small island States through its contributions to the United Nations Development Programme.”
2018-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8307 (2018) · source
“In that connection, we believe that issues of environmental pollution resulting from criminal military operations and illegal unilateral sanctions can be viewed as threats that at the very least are no less significant to the climate problem. With regard to climate change, I want to say once again that the constant securitization, as it were, of this vital issue irreparably undermines the process of our joint quest to resolve it. This year there are plans to adopt guidelines for the implementation of the Paris Climate Change Agreement.”
2018-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8307 (2018) · source
“The situation is exacerbated by unilateral anti-Syrian sanctions that deprive the country of the possibility of buying the equipment and materials needed for environmentally safe industrial production. An alarming situation is developing with regard to the work of the Donetsk water filtration station, which has been subject to regular shelling by Ukrainian armed forces. If the chlorine gas in its storage tanks leaks, it could be an environmental and humanitarian disaster. It is hard to believe that the initators of such actions were unaware of the negative consequences of environmental pollution by radioactive materials or the destruction of oil facilities. However, they continue to choose to pay no attention to it and are in no hurry to help to mitigate the damage that has been done.”
2018-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8307 (2018) · source
“The NATO rocket strikes and bombings of its oil infrastructure, as well as the operations by armed opposition groups supported by the West in the vicinity of oil enterprises, led to their partial or total destruction, colossal fires and pollution of the atmosphere with the burning of oil and petroleum by-products. I should not omit to point out that the ongoing illegal presence of Western coalition forces on Syrian territory is an obstacle to the restoration of Government control throughout the country and therefore to the implementation of its national legislative norms on the use of natural resources, including environmental norms, and in general to restoring domestic activity in those areas, including household waste management.”
2018-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8307 (2018) · source
“It is strange, to say the least, that no speakers today have expressed concern about the massive environmental damage that such action inflicts, not to mention the colossal harm to the health of the citizens of those countries. It is no secret that NATO's bombing of the territory of the former Yugoslavia using munitions with radioactive compounds, chiefly depleted uranium, that pollute the environment, spawned a surge in cancers and had an adverse impact on the general and reproductive health of the population living in the affected areas, which to this day still need decontamination and rehabilitation. The situation following the Libyan venture has been equally tragic.”
2018-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8307 (2018) · source
“Our international Organization should adhere strictly to the principle of the division of labour in its work and in the understanding that each of the main United Nations organs should operate within its area of responsibility. The basis for introducing climate issues in the Security Council is frequently the premise that climate change is a so-called threat multiplier and a catalyst for acts of violence. If we are so principled about this, why are we always silent during the discussions initiated on this pretext about a no less serious aspect of the issue, the damage to the environment that results from violent military operations and unilateral sanctions, a glaring example ofwhich have been the bombings onugoslavia, Libya and Syria by Western coalitions?”
2018-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8307 (2018) · source
“While we believe that climate change is a grave threat to us all, the Council has neither the specialized expertise nor the tools to put together viable solutions for effectively combating climate change. I am once again obliged to point out that climate change is not a universal challenge in the context of international security but should rather be addressed with regard to the specifics of each situation. Besides that, the role of the United Nations is to give support to States, which have the primary responsibility for responding to security challenges within their national borders and for independently determining strategies for that.”
2018-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8307 (2018) · source
“In various countries and regions, attempts are being made to ascribe a worsening socioeconomic and political situation to the climate factor. The resulting conclusion is that climate change is a threat to security generally, and yet those who promulgate that idea do not as a rule make the effort to bring scientifically sound, specific details to bear or clear explanations of the notions of security, conflict, threats or stability as they relate to the climate issue. These words are used in a very general sense while demanding that we recognize highly abstract connections. Such actions not only do not help anyone, they mislead everybody and distract the Council from dealing with issues where it can make a genuine contribution to the quest for the right solution. I will say it again.”
2018-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8307 (2018) · source
“My country is making active use of innovative approaches based on introducing cutting-edge technologies. My statement may not be in tune with those of other Security Council members before me today. That said, however, I have to say that we are disappointed about today's Council meeting, and not because we object to collective efforts to combat climate change. Quite the contrary. We refuse to be reconciled to the fact that in our view today's meeting is yet another attempt to link the issue of preserving the environment to threats to international peace and security. Regrettably, we are creating the illusion among those who follow our work that the Council is now taking on the climate issue and that will immediately bring about a turning point. That is a dangerous illusion and a clear deception.”
2018-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8307 (2018) · source
“Mr. Polyanskiy (Russian Federation) (spoke in Russian): We thank Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, as well as today's briefers, Mr. Hassan Janabi, Minister of Water Resources of Iraq, and Ms. Hindou Ibrahim, the representative of the International Indigenous Peoples' Forum on Climate Change. We would like to welcome President Waqa of Nauru and to acknowledge the great significance that climate change holds for his country. Russia also considers this issue extremely important. We are one of the leaders of the international climate process, both because of our contribution to reducing greenhouse-gas emissions and our efforts to universalize the regime on climate change under the auspices of the United Nations Frameworks Convention on Climate Change.”
2018-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8307 (2018) · source
“In particular, the Security Council can make the most effective use of its toolkit and resources in matters directly related to the establishment and maintenance of international peace and security. With regard to such important topics as ensuring gender equality and expanding women's rights and potential, the specialized United Nations entities and mechanisms continue their successful and systematic work, which Russia is ready to continue to assist in every way.”
2018-07-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8306 (2018) · source
“The Security Council's annual debates on women and peace and security enable us to monitor the overall progress in improving the protection of women in situations of armed conflict and ensuring their full and effective participation in efforts to prevent and resolve such situations. However, when we are dealing with concrete situations, it is important to take their specifics into account. We believe that it is national Governments that should play the primary role in protecting women at every stage of an armed conflict, while the measures taken by United Nations bodies and civil society should be aimed at supporting and supplementing the efforts of States.”
2018-07-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8306 (2018) · source
“We believe that it is essential to work to effectively counter the spread of extremist ideology, find practical solutions to the social and economic problems of the countries of the region and strengthen their State institutions. The United Nations Integrated Strategy for the Sahel has a key role to play in resolving these issues. We firmly believe in the positive role of women's participation in various aspects of the resolution of armed conflicts and post-conflict restoration. In our view, women's direct involvement in the prevention of armed conflict and in post-conflict reconstruction is an important prerequisite for ending violence against them.”
2018-07-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8306 (2018) · source
“However, the state of affairs with regard to the protection of women during armed conflicts is unfortunately very different, including in this part of Africa, where the level of threats to security and stability is unprecedentedly high. We have already expressed our concern about the fact that the terrorist groups that are entrenched in the Sahel are intensifying their criminal activity and trying to expand its geographic reach. Women continue to be the victims of violence, and the atrocities and excesses inflicted on them by terrorist groups are horrifying. In that regard, our hopes rest on the initiative of the countries of the Group of Five for the Sahel to create a Joint Force to fight terrorism and organized crime. It will be crucial to continue to coordinate the efforts to combat extremism in the Sahel-Saharan region.”
2018-07-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8306 (2018) · source
“Mr. Polyanskiy (Russian Federation) (spoke in Russian): First of all, we would like to welcome you, Madam, in presiding over this briefing of the Security Council, and to thank you for organizing it. We listened with interest to the briefers, Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed and Ms. Bineta Diop, African Union Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security, on their recent visit to South Sudan, Chad and the Niger, with a focus on women's participation in peace, security and sustainable development processes. More than 17 years after the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000), the role of women in preventing and resolving armed conflicts and in post-conflict reconstruction has been expanded.”
2018-07-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8306 (2018) · source
“For our part, we are ready to pursue comprehensive cooperation in order to effectively protect children from the consequences of armed action.”
2018-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8305 (2018) · source
“The practice of appointing experts on the protection of children in peacekeeping missions has proved positive. We expect these officials to monitor situations effectively and fulfil their mandate. In our View, any duplication of functions or reporting by other components of United Nations country missions is wasteful. We have taken note of the recommendations in the Secretary-General's report. Overall, the Council's efforts should be based on approaches that have been developed and approved within the United Nations framework. The Russian Federation supported today's adoption of resolution 2427 (2018), on children and armed conflict. It contains a comprehensive set of provisions whose implementation will strengthen cooperation in this area.”
2018-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8305 (2018) · source
“Over the course of the championship, we and our Swedish colleagues have agreed to display the official World Cup football on the Council table as a symbol of peace and harmony among nations and of the desire to fight and compete only in sporting events. The work of the Special Representative implies a special responsibility, impartiality and objectivity, and it is extremely important to have reliable and verifiable information reflected in the reports of the Secretary- General. With respect to such issues, any politicization is unacceptable. We note the contribution of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General to efforts to support States in preparing and implementing national plans of action for protecting children in armed conflict.”
2018-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8305 (2018) · source
“For example, the sanctions imposed on Syria, as we read in the report of the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the negative impact of unilateral coercive measures on the enjoyment of human rights, Mr. Jazairy, following his visit to the Syrian Arab Republic, are in essence a collective punishment of all Syrians, including children. The Russian Federation supports the work of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict and her initiatives. In particular, I would like to note that the Russian football association, along with a number of other such federations, has joined the Special Representative's Children, Not Soldiers: Let Them Play information campaign, in the framework of the 2018 FIFA World Cup championship currently being held in Russia.”
2018-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8305 (2018) · source
“The efforts of the international community should be focused on ensuring the implementation of existing obligations. Bringing those responsible for serious crimes against children and violations of international humanitarian law to justice is crucial, and primary responsibility for taking the necessary measures in this area rests with States. Many States involved in armed conflicts are making significant efforts to improve the situation of children. However, they need the support of the international community within a framework of respectful and constructive dialogue and with unconditional respect for the principles of State sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs. Once again, we call for an end to the pernicious policy of imposing unilateral restrictions on countries in conflict.”
2018-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8305 (2018) · source
“Many children are at risk of being unable to attend school this summer because the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East is underfunded. We consider it unacceptable to impose ideologies of hatred and nationalism on children and raise them with false historical facts and values. Children should not be discriminated against on the basis of nationality, denied the right to receive education in their native language and free development. Unfortunately, we are seeing egregious cases of such violations in various countries and will continue to draw attention to them. International humanitarian law includes a significant body of norms designed to protect children and civil infrastructure during armed conflicts.”
2018-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8305 (2018) · source
“For our part, we will continue to reveal the true face of pseudo-humanitarian non-governmental organizations such as the White Helmets, which have brought shame on themselves by collaborating with openly terrorist groups in Syria. The situation in Yemen has noticeably deteriorated, with hundreds of children killed and injured as a result of strikes and shelling. The widespread destruction of schools, hospitals and infrastructure creates intolerable living conditions and deprives children ofa future. The future of Palestinian children is worrying, thanks in part to Israel's continuing policies of expanding settlements and demolishing Palestinian property, including schools.”
2018-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8305 (2018) · source
“The weakening of State mechanisms in Syria as a result of illegal external interference resulted in a flood of terrorist groups there. As the Secretary- General's report notes, the militants are not shy of using even very young children in their ranks, and their systematic recruitment of minors, deprivation of their access to education, and general violence have become commonplace, something that the international community has no intention of becoming reconciled to. Jihadists do not hesitate to involve children in their inhuman designs for fabricating incidents, including those involving allegedly chemical substances. They do this to get international attention, denigrate the legitimate authorities and bring punishment down on them from the world community.”
2018-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8305 (2018) · source
“One of the main reasons for their plight is that the parties to armed conflicts frequently ignore the norms of international humanitarian law and non-governmental armed groups make open use of barbaric methods of warfare. The Russian Federation firmly condemns all crimes against children, including their recruitment and use as combatants, their murder or abduction, sexual violence, attacks on schools and hospitals and denials of access for humanitarian organizations to help them. In acknowledging its responsibility, the Security Council cannot remain indifferent and should make unfailing efforts to protect children in situations of armed conflict. The situation in a number of countries in the Middle East and North Africa remains extremely difficult.”
2018-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8305 (2018) · source
“Mr. Polyanskiy (Russian Federation) (spoke in Russian): We are pleased to welcome you, Mr. Prime Minister, as you preside over the Security Council today, and would like to thank our Swedish partners for their initiative in organizing today's meeting. We wish you a successful and productive presidency of the Security Council for July, and we are sure that your very professional team will handle any problems. We greatly appreciate the contributions of the Secretary- General and today's briefers, Ms. Virginia Gamba, Ms. Henrietta Fore and Ms. Yenny Londofio, to our discussion. The Secretary-General's report (S/2018/465) confirms that children in a number of countries around the world that are involved in armed confrontations continue to encounter brutal violence.”
2018-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8305 (2018) · source