YouSaid · the spoken record

Rabab Fatima

lines on the record: 247
first: 2020-04-23
most recent: 2021-10-21
sittings or episodes: 32
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

“Above all, the Council needs to step up fulfilling its responsibility by addressing the existing and traditional security challenges before they are exacerbated by COVID-19 and translated into new security challenges.”
2020-07-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/663 (2020) · source
“This pandemic, its security implications and, more so, the limited use of military solutions to such security challenges have perhaps brought to the fore the need to rethink the entire notion of security. Security has to be truly overarching. To address the security implications of the pandemic, what we need the most is global solidarity and cooperation, as well as the convergence of political will. Member States should be able to resolve the underlying causes of insecurity. There may be a need for the repurposing of resources. The participation of all stakeholders is imperative. With its resolution 2532 (2020) now adopted, the Security Council should be better placed to rally support around the Secretary-General’s global ceasefire appeal. It can ask all parties to a conflict to respect the cessation of violence and hostilities.”
2020-07-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/663 (2020) · source
“The Council may like to take due cognizance of this important issue to pre-empt yet another possible crisis in Rakhine state. Thirdly, in peacekeeping settings, even during the pandemic, our peacekeepers are responding to the call of duty and carrying out their mandated peace operations. Besides, they are taking up additional responsibilities to support national efforts to contain the spread of the pandemic. In the process, they themselves are becoming exposed, which is putting them at a higher risk than ever before. Embedding pandemic preparedness in the future planning and setting of mandates for peacekeeping missions may go a long way towards ensuring the safety of peacekeepers.”
2020-07-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/663 (2020) · source
“7) Indeed, the Rohingyas, especially young people, are gradually yielding to frustration and desperation, and we all can easily imagine what this desperation could lead to. Secondly, with regard to conflict settings, due to COVID-19 civilians trapped in conflict situations are doubly victimized. While health infrastructure are already affected by conflicts, civilians continue to suffer from continuous threats of hate speech, xenophobia and confinements, as well as potential displacements. Despite the Secretary-General’s call for a global ceasefire, deadly conflicts continue to cause devastation in some parts of the world. In our neighbourhood, the clearance operations in Rakhine state have the potential to cause the suffering of civilians and perhaps a repeat of their exodus.”
2020-07-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/663 (2020) · source
“However, even bigger challenges could be caused by the slowing down of political processes aimed at durable solutions. For instance, both the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the International Organization for Migration have put a halt to their resettlement programmes in most situations globally. Last month, referring to the Rohingya crisis, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, in his briefing to the Council said: “What worries me is that, among the refugees, there is a growing sense that solutions are not coming — that solutions, especially in terms of returning to Myanmar, continue to be elusive. We see this despair, and are multiplying our mental health programmes, because people are really very desperate.” (S/2020/560, annex I, p.”
2020-07-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/663 (2020) · source
“Economic uncertainties are increasing the vulnerabilities of certain sectors of the population, leading to their exploitation in the hands of organized criminal networks. Since such organized crime is mostly transnational and cross-border in nature, the impacts will not be confined within the borders of any particular country or region. There are some context-specific security implications of the COVID-19 pandemic at which the Council needs to have a closer look. First, in humanitarian settings, COVID-19 is exacerbating the despair and hopelessness of people living in refugee camps or other settlements. The lack, or limited supply, of humanitarian assistance due to the pandemic-enforced travel restrictions is posing greater challenges.”
2020-07-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/663 (2020) · source
“All these factors are causing disruption in peace and security at the national and global levels. Some of the secondary security implications of the pandemic are already visible. Violence against women and children is increasing; cybercrime and Internet-based criminal activities are growing; and massive joblessness and other economic shocks are already hitting hard. The loss of jobs or income, without hope of reinstatement, could result in increased criminal and anti-social activities, as well as other security threats. The work of civil society organizations providing support to women and other vulnerable communities has been disrupted. The pandemic is also causing additional vulnerability for returnee migrant workers.”
2020-07-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/663 (2020) · source
“I thank you, Mr. President, and the German presidency for organizing this virtual high-level open debate. We also thank the Secretary-General, the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross and the African Union Commissioner for Social Affairs for sharing their valuable insights. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has upended the entire world. The lack of an adequate and sustained response has taken the crisis beyond the health and socioeconomic sectors. It is affecting the political domain. The pandemic has also constrained the United Nations ongoing peace mediation and the work of the special political missions. Casualties among front-line responders, particularly law enforcement officials and other security sector personnel, and troop illness are also having an impact.”
2020-07-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/663 (2020) · source
“It is imperative that the pressure be kept up on it. Delisting sends the wrong message. We therefore urge that the Tatmadaw be relisted immediately. We must be extremely careful that our actions are not used to hide or downplay the Tatmadaw’s serious crimes or to exculpate it from the responsibility of justice and accountability for the Rohingya children. Meanwhile, along with our humanitarian partners, we have continued our efforts to provide these Rohingya children the protection and assistance that they need, particularly during the coronavirus disease pandemic. We have partnered with UNICEF to introduce the Myanmar curriculum for Rohingya children in the camps, but more than anything else these children would like to realize their inalienable right to return to their homes. We urge the Council to act decisively in that direction.”
2020-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/594 (2020) · source
“Notably, 25 per cent of those casualties were caused by explosive remnants of war, improvised explosive devices and anti-personnel mines. This only signifies Myanmar’s blatant disregard for international humanitarian law and human rights law. We cannot agree more with the report’s inclusion of the Tatmadaw in the list under section A of annex I. Out of the 1.1 million Rohingyas we are hosting, about 60 per cent are children, and each of them has a story to tell. There cannot be a stronger proof of the Tatmadaw’s wrongdoing. However, we are dismayed and concerned that the Tatmadaw has been delisted as an entity from the category of violation of recruitment and use. In our view, it can at best be an illusion that the Tatmadaw’s violations in that regard have subsided in Rakhine state. Recent reports point to the contrary.”
2020-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/594 (2020) · source
“As the current President of the Executive Board of UNICEF, we are also working closely with the UNICEF leadership, particularly Ms. Fore, to overcome key challenges to protecting children in armed conflicts. We believe that UNICEF can further leverage its comparative advantage of a widespread field presence and vast network of partners. We have taken note of the Secretary-General’s latest report (S/2020/525) and its recommendations. The report highlights the grim realities about violations of child rights and protection in many parts of the world. We would like to draw the Council’s attention to the Myanmar situation, where “a threefold increase of child casualties” due to intensified fighting in Myanmar’s Rakhine state is reported (S/2020/525, para.7).”
2020-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/594 (2020) · source
“The Security Council should be able to utilize their political outreach vehicles, such as the Peacebuilding Commission and special political missions, to create space for the monitoring and reporting mechanism to better manoeuvre. United Nations system-wide efforts need to be backed by adequate and sustained funding and break the silos across the humanitarian-development-peace nexus. When schools are too dangerous to attend, some innovative, alternative education arrangements, such as community-based learning or virtual schooling, would be useful. This cannot be more relevant than during this pandemic. Our peacekeepers in the field are working hard to prevent the recruitment of children by parties to conflicts and keeping schools safe from military use.”
2020-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/594 (2020) · source
“I thank you, Mr. President, for organizing this virtual open debate. We also thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ms. Gamba, the Executive Director of UNICEF, Ms. Fore, and the other briefers for sharing their valuable insights. We appreciate the efforts of the Council’s monitoring and reporting mechanism on children and armed conflict and the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict. The participation of children and dialogue with parties to the conflict throughout the conflict cycle hold the key. Reintegration and curbing recruitment can be sustainable only by building social acceptance and awareness in the broader context of conflict prevention and development.”
2020-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/594 (2020) · source
“The Security Council should make appropriate use of the tools at its disposal to that end, including through duly considered options for imposing sanctions and referrals to international criminal justice mechanisms.”
2020-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/465 (2020) · source
“We are now one of the front-runners in terms of our contribution of women peacekeepers. We believe that uniformed women personnel can play a pivotal role in protecting women from violence and supporting them in crisis. We are therefore championing the Action for Peacekeeping women and peace and security agenda. In the same vein, we also see merit in redoubling our efforts to promote the youth, peace and security agenda in order to advance protection-of-civilians mandates in vulnerable settings. Last, ensuring accountability and justice for serious violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law is crucial to enhance compliance and prevent a culture of impunity for the commission of atrocity crimes against civilians.”
2020-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/465 (2020) · source
“Medical facilities, educational institutions, especially schools, and places of worship should be left out of harm’s way during violence and conflicts. Sixth, States should establish appropriate legislative and institutional arrangements to fulfil their disarmament commitments, including those on conventional weapons, such as landmines and other explosive devices. Such lethal weapons with the capacity to kill indiscriminately and large-area effects must not be used against civilians. Those who commit such violations must be held accountable. Seventh, the global norms for ending violence against women and children during armed conflict need to be translated into action. Bangladesh was associated with the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000) as a non-permanent member of the Security Council.”
2020-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/465 (2020) · source
“Fourth, protection-of-civilians mandates in peacekeeping settings need to be fully supported by viable strategies, capacities, adequate resources and coordinated efforts by all actors on the ground. The new developments and trends make that more imperative. The United Nations country team and peacekeeping missions should further develop the capabilities for early warning signs, situational awareness and evidence-based reporting of facts and should work more closely with host Governments and other stakeholders to deter the possible escalation of violence. Fifth, unhindered safe passage for relevant humanitarian personnel and supplies to civilians in need must be ensured by all parties to armed conflicts.”
2020-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/465 (2020) · source
“At the same time, States need to invest more in building a culture of peace by addressing the root causes of conflicts, eliminating hate speech and ensuring equal opportunities for growth and prosperity for all. In doing so, it is also important to integrate the opinion of ethnic minorities and marginalized groups in the decision-making process. Third, for the effective protection of civilians in vulnerable settings, continued political support from the Security Council and commitment on the part of host Governments and the parties to the conflict are critical. In that regard, my delegation would like to re-emphasize the importance of the responsibility to prevent harm to civilians in armed conflict.”
2020-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/465 (2020) · source
“Developing national policy frameworks, as rightly underlined by the Secretary-General, is critical in that regard. It is a long-term endeavour and an integral part of nation-building efforts. Prevention is at the heart of protection. States should therefore take steps to inculcate the values of peace, tolerance and harmony that contribute to long-term prevention and ensure peaceful coexistence among different religious and ethnic groups. Second, the vulnerable situation of civilians in post-conflict societies needs special attention. For peace to be sustained, people affected by conflict must be rehabilitated and reintegrated into mainstream society more effectively.”
2020-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/465 (2020) · source
“Needless to mention, the incidents also severely undermine our efforts towards ensuring their safe, dignified and voluntary return to their own land and finding a durable solution to the crisis. The lingering Rohingya crisis has once again revealed the various facets of the challenges in ensuring the protection of civilians when the State concerned is unwilling to do so. Also, being a part of most of the highly challenging United Nations peacekeeping missions, we have gained a wealth of experience in implementing the protection-of-civilians mandate first-hand on the ground. Guided by the lessons learned, we wish to take this opportunity to stress the following points. First, States should take the primary responsibility for protecting civilians in their territories.”
2020-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/465 (2020) · source
“Yanghee Lee, expressed serious concern over escalating violence in Rakhine and Chin states, stating that “[w]hile the world is occupied with the COVID-19 pandemic, the Myanmar military continues to escalate its assault in Rakhine state, targeting the civilian population.” The Myanmar authorities’ actions are in total disregard for international humanitarian law and human rights law, to say the least. Even the International Court of Justice provisional measures of 23 January seem to have no positive impact on Myanmar’s attitude and actions. Unfortunately, the suffering of those being persecuted remains unheeded by the international community. For the 1.1 million Rohingyas stranded in Bangladesh, those chilling developments further intensify their despair and hopelessness.”
2020-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/465 (2020) · source
“The crisis has aggravated manifold the situation in conflict-affected countries and exacerbated further the vulnerability of marginalized populations. Keeping that in mind, we joined many other partners to strongly support the Secretary-General’s call for a global ceasefire. In many parts of the world it has strengthened the ongoing peace processes and prevented relapses into violence. However, in many other places the call is being totally ignored. Regrettably, in Myanmar the situation has worsened amid the pandemic. On 29 April, the outgoing Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, Ms.”
2020-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/465 (2020) · source
“The Security Council has a responsibility to ensure that protection-of-civilians mandates are also supported by meaningful political processes to prevent conflicts and sustain peace. We therefore urge the Council to regularly review the mandates in close consultation with the host Governments, troop- and police-contributing countries and the Secretariat. On our part, we remain committed to further mainstreaming the protection of civilians in the predeployment training programmes designed for our troops and police. Furthermore, we are also championing the Action for Peacekeeping protection-of-civilians agenda along with other partners. Today’s debate is taking place against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
2020-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/465 (2020) · source
“Additional capacities and adequate equipment will need to be built into mandates to ensure the safety requirement of peacekeepers in pandemics and health emergencies. We reiterate that protection-of-civilians mandates in peacekeeping contexts need to be backed by certain enabling factors, such as viable strategies and adequate resources. Over the years, the norms, strategies and guidelines for protecting civilians in peacekeeping operations have matured significantly. The latest 2019 Department of Peace Operations policy is an important addition to that normative framework. Yet there remain gaps between policies and practices. Our troops have been tackling those challenges with professionalism and the necessary degree of creativity.”
2020-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/465 (2020) · source
“During the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, for example, our peacekeepers have taken up additional humanitarian responsibilities to support local efforts to contain the pandemic’s spread. They are facilitating humanitarian assistance and medical care and raising awareness about health and hygiene. Where hopes and aspirations are on the brink, these courageous peacekeepers are leading by example and continuing to win the hearts and minds of the people they serve. They are also getting infected by the disease in the line of duty. It needs to be ensured that they receive the best possible medical care. We must factor in pandemic challenges in future planning and mandate-setting for peacekeeping missions.”
2020-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/465 (2020) · source
“In Bangladesh we value the notion of protecting civilians in armed conflict as a matter of principle. We have the haunting memory of the genocide committed against our people during our war of liberation in 1971. We are therefore inspired by the promise of “never again” anywhere in the world. As a demonstration of that unwavering commitment, we have been part of United Nations peacekeeping operations in some of the most difficult places in the world. We are aware of the growing and complex challenges related to the protection of civilians in operating environments. Nevertheless, our peacekeepers are committed to discharge the protection of civilians tasks mandated by the Council without any caveat.”
2020-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/465 (2020) · source
“We thank you, Mr. President, for organizing this open video-teleconference and for the opportunity to share our perspectives. We also thank the Secretary- General and the other briefers for highlighting some key issues on the protection of civilians from conflict situations around the world. We welcome the report (S/2020/366) of the Secretary-General that came out earlier this month. We cannot agree more with the report’s renewed emphasis on respecting international law and ensuring accountability. The report highlights, inter alia, continued casualties among civilians, the displacement of people and the destruction of civilian objects in various parts of Myanmar, including in Rakhine state, to which we would particularly like to draw the Council’s attention.”
2020-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/465 (2020) · source
“Finally, the COVID-19 crisis has truly demonstrated the digital transformation that we have gone through during the past couple of decades. In developed parts of the world, the digital connectivity is helping immensely to maintain business continuity during this difficult time. Yet, in many other parts of the world, Internet connectivity and digital platforms still remain a faraway thing. We need to work together to eliminate this digital divide, particularly among the youth. We must ensure equal opportunities for the youth from every corner of the world so that they can thrive together.”
2020-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/346 (2020) · source
“They need to reinforce each other in S/2020/346 their efforts to overcome the traditional gender norms and practices, which have a disproportionate impact on the potential of young women in many contexts across the world. In that regard, the Peacebuilding Commission and Peacebuilding Fund have demonstrated some useful precedents and results, such as the Gender and Youth Promotion Initiative. We need more structured engagements for sharing good practices among United Nations agencies and national Governments in that respect. Eighth, we need to collect and analyse age-disaggregated data to yield stronger evidence-based policy interventions, build institutional capacity for the implementation of the youth, peace and security agenda and reduce structural barriers to youth participation.”
2020-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/346 (2020) · source
“Fifth, quality, inclusive and transformative education can turn our youth into truly global citizens, help shape global discourses, foster their critical thinking and provide them with skill sets for building social cohesion as well as civic and economic engagement. We must ensure them affordable access to such type of education. Sixth, with the right environment and tools, young people can indeed prove to be a force for conflict prevention and sustaining peace to reckon with, even in the most difficult situations. As a major troop- and police-contributing country, we have experienced how the young people among our troops and police continue to make a difference in United Nations peacekeeping operations. Seventh, the youth, peace and security and women, peace and security agendas have many essential common threads.”
2020-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/346 (2020) · source
“For that, we need to empower young people through the promotion of media and information literacy, as well as through constructive social media engagement. Fourth, young men and women remain vulnerable to violent extremist narratives that can lead them to the path of radicalization and terrorism. They are also easy prey to organized crime networks. That is particularly worrying in conflict situations and humanitarian crises, as we are experiencing around the world. We need to engage young role models to dissuade them. We also need to develop practical ways at the global, national and community levels to include the youth in the development of relevant programmes and initiatives aimed at preventing terrorism and violent extremism.”
2020-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/346 (2020) · source
“For that, we underscore the importance of adequate financing for national and local- level initiatives aimed at amplifying the participation of the youth in peace processes. Second, we must institutionalize the involvement of young people in the promotion of a culture of peace, and thereby promote tolerance and intercultural and interreligious dialogue within and across societies. We also need to use them as agents to tackle stereotypes and to counter hate speech and xenophobia sweeping the globe. Third, we must utilize the technical savviness of young people and provide them with some alternative spaces for engagement through youth associations and networks. That would allow them to guide decision-making and ensure their overall inclusion.”
2020-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/346 (2020) · source
“We look forward to drawing up a comprehensive national action plan on youth, peace and security. Investment in the youth, peace and security agenda makes eminent sense from all considerations. The key challenges faced by our youth today are not necessarily unique to any particular context, but they have global ramifications. Keeping that in mind, we would like to underscore the following specific points. First, the youth, peace and security agenda should be used to develop stronger narratives to change the general mindset about the youth’s potential to contribute to peacebuilding, to support and recognize their role in preventing conflict and sustaining peace, and to restore their trust in Governments and multilateral systems.”
2020-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/346 (2020) · source
“Our entrepreneurial young generation is leading in e-commerce and S/2020/346 e-business alleviating unemployment issues and social frustration. In crises and calamities, they have always been at the forefront through spontaneous engagements and left their mark. During the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, they have been contributing in many ways, starting from innovative digital tools and ideas for tracing infections to raising awareness at the community level. Going forward, we wish to work more closely with the international community and the United Nations in implementing Youth 2030: The United Nations Strategy on Youth in alignment with our national priorities. We also hope to spearhead further dialogue involving young people around implementing the youth, peace and security agenda.”
2020-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/346 (2020) · source
“The policy upholds our constitutional provisions to ensure rights, justice and equity for all young people. We actively encourage a whole-of-society approach to inculcate in young people the moral and ethical values of human dignity, pluralism, diversity and non- violence. We have been actively working towards greater inclusion of the voices of young people in major policy debates, as well as involving them in the planning and implementation of our national development plans, including the Sustainable Development Goals. The new generation of leadership occupies a greater space both in Government and the private sector. We have already started receiving rich dividends from such multilayered initiatives.”
2020-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/346 (2020) · source
“They carry forward the proud legacy of earlier generations of young people who played a leading role in our nation’s independence and democratic struggles and now play in our strides towards peace and development through their participation in nation-building efforts. We are working to harness those historical and demographic dividends into development dividends. We are making policy interventions to tap into the immense source of transformative energy of our young women and men and to turn them into true agents of change. Our Honourable Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, has launched the vision of an inclusive, knowledge-driven economy, under the slogan “Digital Bangladesh”, where young people are the foot soldiers. Our Youth Development Policy 2017 exemplifies our efforts not to leave any young person behind.”
2020-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/346 (2020) · source
“Its recommendations provide a comprehensive framework for promoting the potential role of young people as active agents of building and sustaining peace. It is crucial that young people all over the world have the opportunity to unleash their positive energy and realize their potential to create a sustainable and peaceful world. To that end, peace and development actors must work hand in hand, building on the momentum of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. As a fairly young country, Bangladesh will enjoy a demographic dividend from its large youth population until 2035.”
2020-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/346 (2020) · source
“We must therefore pay heed to their voices with regard to overcoming the crisis and reversing its potential adverse impacts on our peace and development gains. We need to invest more to help them to adapt to new situations and to be part of the solution. Bangladesh welcomes the adoption of resolution 2250 (2015). We consider the subsequent progress study, entitled “The missing peace: independent progress study on youth and peace and security” (see S/2018/86), and its follow-up resolution 2419 (2018) to be important contributions to the youth, peace and security discourse. They helped to put the youth, peace and security agenda on a truly multidimensional and forward-looking trajectory. We also welcome the first-ever report of the Secretary- General on the agenda (S/2020/167).”
2020-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/346 (2020) · source
“I thank the Dominican Republic presidency of the Security Council for organizing this open video-teleconference. I also thank the Secretary-General for his briefing. I echo the sentiments of the Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth and the other young briefers. Their concerns and aspirations must be taken into due consideration by us. Today’s meeting comes at a time when the whole world is fighting against the dreadful coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Many young medical professionals, emergency personnel, peacekeepers and peacebuilders are at the forefront of this battle. Yet many others are stranded in their homes, passing through an uncertain time. The pandemic has far-reaching impacts on our young generation.”
2020-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/346 (2020) · source
“In view of the COVID-19 pandemic, we expect the Security Council to renew efforts to end Israel’s illegal occupation of the Palestinian territory in fulfilment of Israel’s obligations under the Charter of the United Nations by ensuring the implementation of its relevant resolutions, particularly resolution 2334 (2016). Now living in self-quarantine ourselves, we can feel the pain of the Palestinian population, which has been living under siege conditions for decades. More than ever before, Palestinians need global solidarity to fight a dual battle against the pandemic and Israeli occupation. We must not fail them.”
2020-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/341 (2020) · source
“Bangladesh believes that the timely implementation of the relevant United Nations resolutions, the Arab Peace Initiative and the Quartet road map is the key to achieving a lasting peace for the people and the State of Palestine, as well as in the Middle East. We will continue to stand firmly in support of the Palestinian cause and of the Palestinian people’s struggle for self-determination until the establishment of the State of Palestine on the basis of two-State solution and pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.”
2020-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/341 (2020) · source
“It is encouraging that the United Nations system on the ground and the Palestinian authorities are doing good work despite all the constraints, but it is clearly not enough. UNRWA’s perennial funding constraints have deteriorated further owing to the pandemic. The dedicated focus of the Secretary-General’s Global Humanitarian Response Plan for COVID-19 on this crisis is welcome. Nevertheless, it is deeply worrying that UNRWA estimates that its budget for core activities will last until the end of May. Therefore, UNRWA’s flash appeal for its COVID-19 response requires immediate attention. We call upon the international community to come up with generous and predictable funding as well as technical assistance to enable UNRWA to continue its work, which is a lifeline for Palestinians.”
2020-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/341 (2020) · source
“Moreover, the restrictions imposed to contain COVID-19 have isolated vulnerable communities and crippled their capacity to earn a living and ought to be removed. Vulnerable categories of detained and imprisoned Palestinian civilians need to be released from the overcrowded Israeli prisons because they are at high risk of catching COVID-19 owing to a lack of health care and hygiene. The international community has to ensure Israel fulfils those critical requirements. Israel’s continued acts of aggression have given rise to an egregious culture of impunity that has to be brought to an end by ensuring accountability for all Israeli violations and by upholding the rule of international law.”
2020-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/341 (2020) · source
“Furthermore, Israel’s discriminatory practices towards Palestinians in dealing with the pandemic are evident. Israel is neglecting its obligations to carry out vigorous testing, disseminate information and adhere to health regulations, which jeopardizes the existing coordination between the Israeli and Palestinian authorities that is critical to stop community spread of COVID-19. Unfettered access to humanitarian and medical assistance for Palestinians and the entry of medical personnel must be ensured. It is important that patients in Gaza requiring hospitalization be allowed to avail themselves of it outside the Strip. In the event of community spread, closing the Gaza Strip could severely worsen the situation, which should be averted.”
2020-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/341 (2020) · source
“This not only makes the prospect of peace bleak but also undermines the Palestinians’ pandemic containment efforts. We join the international community in condemning those acts and call upon Israel to cease its hostilities responding to the Secretary-General’s global ceasefire appeal. Israel’s decades-long blockade has severely impaired the Palestinian health system, which has been especially exposed during the pandemic. Palestinians are in urgent need of health-care materials, such as test kits, intensive care equipment and ventilators, which are scare. Therefore, although the number of confirmed cases appears low so far, any outbreak could, as cautioned by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), be a disaster of gigantic proportions.”
2020-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/341 (2020) · source
“It is more concerning that such activities are going on unabated even at this sobering time. As reported by the United Nations, since the outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), Israel has further intensified its military operations and has demolished a large number of Palestinian residential structures, thus displacing hundreds of Palestinians and also injuring and detaining many. Moreover, there has been a surge of violence by Israeli settlers. Israel’s illegal settlement activity in Palestinian territory, land grab and construction of the wall are continuing, as are the provocative calls for annexation. It is unfortunate that Israel is exploiting the public health emergency to divert international pressure and attention from the crisis.”
2020-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/341 (2020) · source
“Let me begin by congratulating the Dominican Republic presidency on their successful steering of the work of the Security Council for this month amid this profoundly challenging time. I take this opportunity to express our appreciation to Mr. Nickolay Mladenov, Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, for his comprehensive briefing this morning. My delegation aligns itself with the statement made by United Arab Emirates on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. The Secretary-General’s latest report on the implementation of the resolution 2334 (2016), in which he observes that the situation on the ground in the occupied Palestinian territory has only deteriorated owing to illegal occupation policies by Israel, is concerning.”
2020-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/341 (2020) · source