YouSaid · the spoken record

Roscoe

lines on the record: 181
first: 2019-09-30
most recent: 2022-05-25
sittings or episodes: 26
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

“In the light of the volatile situation, we believe it is important to maintain the arms embargo as it stands, pending further progress on the key benchmarks set out by the Security Council in April 2019, in particular regarding weapons management. We agree the time may come to ensure the Central African Republic’s defensive capabilities, but that time is not now.”
2021-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8802 (2021) · source
“We therefore continue to support the engagement of the peace agreement guarantors and other regional actors in bolstering those efforts and we welcome the joint visit of the African Union, the Economic Community of Central African States, the European Union and the United Nations. Above all, however, we look to the Central African authorities to live up to their responsibilities to find a sustainable exit from the current crisis and advance an inclusive settlement. That is the only route to a lasting peace. Finally, as others including President Lourenço have raised the issue of the arms embargo, let me briefly set out our view, which chimes with that of others.”
2021-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8802 (2021) · source
“We urgently call on all actors to respect the principles of humanitarian access, including the protection of humanitarian workers, in line with resolution 2417 (2018). As Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General Brown is here, I want to thank her directly for her own personal efforts and the risks she is taking in that regard. It is now imperative that all political actors, including the Government, armed groups and the opposition, move ahead with a constructive and inclusive national dialogue. That is essential to deliver stability and development for the people of the Central African Republic. We have heard today from the briefers and others what needs to be done to make progress.”
2021-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8802 (2021) · source
“But we now urge the Government to take concrete steps to investigate all allegations and take preventative action. Justice and accountability are fundamental building blocks of any viable path towards stability and development. At the same time, we express our concern at the further allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse by some MINUSCA personnel and urge all contributing countries to swiftly address such allegations, in line with the United Nations zero-tolerance policy. We are extremely worried by the further deterioration in the humanitarian situation over the course of the past six months. As we have heard, an estimated 2.8 million people are now in need of protection and assistance.”
2021-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8802 (2021) · source
“We know those are being committed not only by armed groups — something that we have sadly come to expect — but also by members of the national armed forces and the Russian private military personnel accompanying them. Now I know my Russian colleague will deny this in her statement. But the evidence is increasing and overwhelming and I hope they will reflect on the role they want to play in the Central African Republic and their responsibilities as a permanent member of this Council. I join France and others in calling on MINUSCA for clarity on the status of Russian private military personnel and more detailed reporting on questions of violations and who is committing them. We are encouraged by President Touadera’s commitment to addressing impunity.”
2021-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8802 (2021) · source
“In the face of all of that, the United Kingdom commends the continued resilience and courage of the people of the Central African Republic and of the women and men of MINUSCA, who continue to put their own lives at risk to protect civilians. I want to underline, as others have this morning, our utmost concern at the significant increase in status of forces agreement violations against MINUSCA. They are unacceptable and they must stop immediately. The United Kingdom is also deeply troubled to hear further reports of violations of international humanitarian law and human rights violations and abuses, including acts of sexual violence.”
2021-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8802 (2021) · source
“It is clear from the briefings we heard this morning and from the reporting that the Central African Republic today faces a series of complex challenges — a fragile security and political environment; armed groups fomenting instability in order to line their pockets; enormous unmet humanitarian needs; and now a new factor of instability: Russian private military companies acting in concert with the national armed forces to obstruct the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) and violate the rights of the civilians and citizens of the Central African Republic.”
2021-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8802 (2021) · source
“May I, too, begin by thanking Special Representative of the Secretary- General Ndiaye for his leadership in these challenging times and, through him, the military, peace and other personnel under his leadership for their service. I also thank President Lourenço for his contribution to our discussions this morning and for the perspective that he brings from the region through his delegation. We are also grateful to the other briefers.”
2021-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8802 (2021) · source
“We can ensure that the next decade delivers the stability and prosperous nation its people deserve, so let us seize that opportunity.”
2021-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8801 (2021) · source
“In closing, let me reiterate the call for South Sudan’s leaders to use this milestone — this decade anniversary — to reflect on the future they want for their country and build on their commitment to working together for the benefit of all, for the benefit of the people they are there to serve. We know what needs to happen, but all of it requires the Government of South Sudan to take ownership. I will not repeat the list of actions because my Kenyan colleague set out much better than I could, on behalf of the African members of the Security Council — Kenya, the Niger and Tunisia — as well as Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the actions that we need to see. But I will say that what we need is a renewed effort from the Government of South Sudan, with support from the international community, and that this can change South Sudan’s course.”
2021-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8801 (2021) · source
“The Government itself must tackle corruption, drive economic reform and respect the status-of-forces agreement. With 60 per cent of the population facing acute food insecurity, obstructions against aid workers are unacceptable, as is the killing of humanitarian workers. We urge the South Sudanese authorities to take action to guarantee the safety of those delivering life-saving assistance and hold perpetrators to account. If they fail to do so, we need to consider new sanctions listings. We welcome the fact that the Security Council recently renewed the arms embargo, the sanctions regime and the Panel of Experts’ mandate. We encourage the Government to take forward tasks on the arms embargo benchmarks, including the establishment of the necessary unified forces with a genuinely unified command.”
2021-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8801 (2021) · source
“We also know that natural resources — those very oil dollars — are being exploited and public funds diverted, leaving next to no money available to invest in public infrastructure or services, as Mr. Mohandis set out so clearly in his briefing. We should also acknowledge that there is a significant humanitarian crisis in South Sudan. Many more people are in need of humanitarian assistance than at any time since South Sudan’s independence. The great tragedy of that is of course that the situation is largely human- made and preventable. Today we therefore call on the Government of South Sudan to take responsibility and act in genuine partnership with the donor community to address this crisis, because development assistance is only part of the solution.”
2021-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8801 (2021) · source
“However, reading the Secretary- General’s report (S/2021/566) and listening today, it is also very clear to us all that so much more remains to be done, since the stark reality is that South Sudan remains one of the world’s least developed countries, with its short history dominated by violence, corruption and subsequent suffering. Progress in implementing the peace process has been too slow and too limited. There are many reasons for that, but, again as we listened today, it is clear that one of the reasons is an absence of the political will necessary to deliver. We know that there are billions of dollars in oil revenues but, despite that, over the period the economy has significantly contracted.”
2021-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8801 (2021) · source
“I hope that he can carry the messages that he hears back to Juba. As many speakers observed, it has been almost 10 years since the world’s newest nation was born, and it is good that, as the Security Council, we join in marking that important milestone. The peace agreement that we have again discussed today ended five years of subsequent war, and we commend the compromises shown in agreeing the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan. It is an important peace agreement, and it is good to hear of some of the steps being taken towards its implementation.”
2021-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8801 (2021) · source
“Allow me to begin by joining other speakers in thanking Special Representative of the Secretary-General Haysom for his briefing and his honest analysis and reflections, as well as for setting out a very action-oriented plan for United Nations Mission in South Sudan going forward. It is clear from what he said that there are some encouraging signs at the higher political level, but that there are still very significant challenges at the security, governance, development and humanitarian levels. We also thank Mr. Rajab Mohandis for his briefing. As he spoke, it seemed to me that the solution to many of the challenges in South Sudan lies in the title of his organization, the Organization for Responsive Governance. Lastly, it is also very good to see Ambassador Malwal here today.”
2021-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8801 (2021) · source
“Borrell Fontelles said, for those in Hong Kong; tackling conflict; coordinating on human rights sanctions and promoting the rights and prosperity of women, including through girls’ education. I think you will agree, Mr. President, that when we work together, we are a force for good in the world.”
2021-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8792 (2021) · source
“We welcome the EU’s continued focus on Africa, as set out moments ago by Ambassador Kimani. In Somalia, we have been united with the EU and other international partners in calling for a consensus-based way forward on elections. We welcome the recent agreement between Somali leaders to that end. Of course, we strongly support the work of the African Union Mission in Somalia and hope that the EU will be able to continue its essential financial support in building Somali security. As we have shown in our work in the G-7 and here in New York at the United Nations across a range of shared global challenges, the EU and the United Kingdom share a resolve to tackle the common challenges we all face. That includes supporting human rights, including, as Mr.”
2021-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8792 (2021) · source
“High Representative Borrell Fontelles underlined the primary responsibility of the Council for the maintenance of international peace and security, and we recognize the contribution of the EU towards resolving issues on the Council’s agenda. That includes the role of the EU in support of a diplomatic solution to the revitalization and restoration of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. We continue to work together to bring Iran back into compliance with its commitments and restore the benefits of that deal for all parties. The EU and the United Kingdom continue to work closely on Libya, including through engagement with the Berlin process towards a sustainable, Libyan-owned political settlement. We support continued efforts to enforce the United Nations arms embargo through the European Union Naval Force Mediterranean Operation IRINI.”
2021-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8792 (2021) · source
“We continue to urge the Belarusian authorities to respect the will of the Belarusian people, as well as their fundamental freedoms, human rights and the rule of law. On the Western Balkans, we strongly support the EU-facilitated dialogue under Special Representative Miroslav Lajčák on the normalization of relations between Serbia and Kosovo. We continue to encourage closer cooperation between the EU and NATO to promote democratic values, prevent destabilization and facilitate progress towards European and Euro- Atlantic integration. The United Kingdom continues to play a significant role in the NATO presence in the Western Balkans, working with partners, including the European Union-led peacekeeping force Operation Althea in Bosnia and Herzegovina, to support defence reform and peace.”
2021-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8792 (2021) · source
“Along with the European Union and other international partners, we have repeatedly called on Russia in the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe to cease its destabilizing actions in Ukraine. The United Kingdom will continue to work with the European Union and other partners in support of international law and the wider rules-based international system to defend Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its international recognized borders. On Belarus, we share High Representative Borrell Fontelles’ concern regarding the actions of the Belarusian authorities, including the forced landing of Ryanair Flight FR-4978 and the arrest of journalist Roman Protasevich.”
2021-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8792 (2021) · source
“We are grateful for the steps already taken by the European Union, including the submission of an ambitious 2030 nationally determined contribution. We count on the European Union’s support for an ambitious outcome and a cleaner, greener future for us all, but especially for those countries most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change — the same countries that Prime Minister Johnson and other world leaders called on us to support in the Council back in February (see S/2021/198). I want to thank Mr. Borrell Fontelles for the important point he made about the link between climate change and climate security and the need for us to address that issue in the Council. Multilateralism continues to be central to addressing issues within the European sphere.”
2021-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8792 (2021) · source
“We look forward to continuing cooperation with the EU as we work to recover from COVID-19 and better prepare ourselves for future pandemics, including through our shared support for a global pandemic treaty. We look forward to welcoming the Secretary- General and the Presidents of the European Council and the European Commission to the United Kingdom later this week for the G-7 leaders’ meeting. We are using our G-7 presidency to promote global health objectives and support the world’s poorest. Our shared work will need to continue at pace after the G-7 as we head towards the twenty-sixth session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Glasgow, where we hope that the world can finally turn the tide on the climate crisis.”
2021-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8792 (2021) · source
“As High Representative Borrell Fontelles set out, there is no greater global challenge than that posed by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). As Foreign Secretary Raab emphasized in the Council in February (see S/2021/157) and, as we subsequently agreed in resolution 2565 (2021), combating and sustainably recovering from COVID-19 requires greater national, regional and international cooperation and solidarity. We therefore welcome the EU’s staunch support, as Mr. Borrell Fontelles said, for the Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator initiative and EU financial contributions to the COVID-19 Vaccine Global Access Facility. The United Kingdom was proud to host the Global Vaccine Summit just over a year ago, which surpassed its target and raised $8.8 billion. We have made some progress but there is more to do.”
2021-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8792 (2021) · source
“We very much welcome High Representative Borrell Fontelles’ attendance at the Security Council today and thank him for his briefing. We agree entirely with his emphasis on the importance of multilateralism. The United Nations-centred, international rules- based system provides a foundation for coordinated and collective action, including through regional organizations, in order to address our biggest challenges, as exemplified so eloquently just now by Ambassador Kimani. We welcome the role that the European Union (EU) has played in upholding international norms across a range of forums, from the Group of Seven (G- 7) to the United Nations, including through the special session of the Human Rights Council on Myanmar that we co-chaired earlier this year.”
2021-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8792 (2021) · source
“If I may, I will end as I began, by thanking Special Representative of the Secretary-General Fall for his extraordinary efforts across this region. We know that his personal interventions across the region with countries, Governments and Heads of State have a serious and significant impact of the trajectory of the region, and we are very grateful to him.”
2021-06-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8787 (2021) · source
“Finally, I want to acknowledge the very real threat that Cameroon and its neighbours continue to face in terms of terrorist attacks on civilians across the Lake Chad basin region. The recent attack in Yagha province in Burkina Faso, where more than 100 civilians were reportedly killed, is a stark reminder of the grave threats facing civilians across the region. We strongly condemn all such attacks, and we continue to support the efforts of the Multinational Joint Task Force to tackle Boko Haram and the Islamic State in West Africa Province. We urge the Governments of the Lake Chad basin countries, with the support of international partners, to improve governance, demobilize and reintegrate former combatants and mitigate the impact of climate change on regional security.”
2021-06-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8787 (2021) · source
“Accountability for perpetrators is essential to bringing about long-term peace. In the short term, armed actors should heed the Secretary-General’s call and cease attacks against civilians. We welcome the steps taken by the Government of Cameroon to grant a special status to the Anglophone regions and to convene the inaugural regional elections in 2020. However, all parties should do more to end the protracted conflict in Cameroon. The United Kingdom stands ready to support parties to engage in good-faith dialogue and peacebuilding efforts. We are supporting efforts to alleviate the suffering of vulnerable civilians through funding, currently totalling $19 million, for vital assistance, food, sanitation and medical supplies.”
2021-06-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8787 (2021) · source
“Thirdly, the United Kingdom also remains deeply concerned by the ongoing crisis in the North-West and South-West regions of Cameroon. In March, the United Kingdom Minister for Africa visited Cameroon and met President Biya and Prime Minister Ngute. We encourage them to renew efforts to achieve a peaceful resolution to the crisis. On his visit, our Minister saw first-hand the profound impact of the crisis on civilians in that region. More than 1 million people have been displaced due to the conflict, and more than 2 million are in dire need of humanitarian support. Unimpeded humanitarian access is desperately needed. At the same time, we continue to receive deeply concerning reports of human rights violations and abuses committed by both sides in the North-West and South-West regions of Cameroon.”
2021-06-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8787 (2021) · source
“Secondly, turning to the Central African Republic, I understand that we will have an opportunity in closed consultations to discuss the recent very troubling clashes across the border between Chad and the Central African Republic. The last thing that the region needs are increased instability and mistrust between neighbouring countries. All actors should therefore encourage de-escalation of those tensions. Within the Central African Republic itself, following the recent presidential and parliamentary elections there is an opportunity to build on that democratic trajectory towards peace and reconciliation. We urge all stakeholders to redouble efforts to strengthen political inclusivity, protect and promote human rights and meet the needs of the population, including with respect to basic security and humanitarian needs.”
2021-06-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8787 (2021) · source
“We commend the ongoing efforts of the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa to coordinate with United Nations country teams across the subregion and to deploy the good offices of the United Nations to prevent, mediate and resolve conflicts across Central Africa. I would like to focus on the next steps needed in that respect in three of the country situations about which we heard today. First, let me turn to Chad. The United Kingdom deplores the violence and repression of protesters in Chad in April. We support the recommendation of the African Union that the Transitional Military Council should respect human rights, provide an inclusive constitutional framework and conduct free and fair elections within 18 months. A stable Chad is pivotal for the Chadian people, as well as the wider Sahel region.”
2021-06-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8787 (2021) · source
“On behalf of the United Kingdom, I want to begin by expressing our thanks to Special Representative of the Secretary- General Fall for his continuing efforts to support and promote peace, stability and security in Central Africa, particularly amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and its impacts. We welcome the recent progress in the region, particularly the establishment of the new Economic Community of Central African States Commission. But, as Special Representative of the Secretary-General Fall set out, Central Africa continues to face serious political, economic and security challenges, which have been exacerbated by COVID-19.”
2021-06-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8787 (2021) · source
“As we look ahead to the renewal of MINUSCA’s mandate next month, highlighted by the representative of France, I want to voice the United Kingdom’s support for maintaining a robust mandate, with the protection of civilians at its heart, alongside the provision of support for the peace agreement and the electoral process. A sustainable peace will not be won by MINUSCA alone, however, nor will peace be wone through humanitarian support alone. The recommitment of all parties to full implementation of the peace agreement and to fair, inclusive and peaceful elections is the only way to assure long-term stability.”
2020-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8771 (2020) · source
“As others have said today, the scale of the humanitarian crisis in the Central African Republic underlines just how vital it is that all stakeholders fulfil their responsibilities in the coming months. As we heard again today, humanitarian needs have been exacerbated by coronavirus disease, with more than half the population now facing food insecurity. This year, the United Kingdom has committed approximately $35 million to the humanitarian effort in the Central African Republic, including extra funding towards famine prevention and Ebola preparedness. We will continue to play our part, and we join Germany in calling on all others to do the same.”
2020-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8771 (2020) · source
“While we welcome the preparations made to hold elections on time in December, we regret that provisions have not been made to ensure the participation of all the people of the Central African Republic. All citizens, including internally displaced persons and refugees, deserve the right to be heard in both these and subsequent elections, . We are trying to help. As announced by the United Kingdom’s Minister for Africa at the Secretary- General’s recent high-level event, the United Kingdom is contributing well over half a million dollars to the United Nations Development Programme elections fund to promote the participation of women, youth and underrepresented groups. We urge other partners to contribute to that fund.”
2020-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8771 (2020) · source
“As we have said time and again, the 2019 Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in the Central African Republic is the only viable framework for sustainable peace in the Central African Republic. The agreement must be protected, including through the Council’s continued imposition of sanctions against violators. We call on all armed groups to end their violence against civilians. In particular, we condemn the scale of conflict-related sexual violence against women and girls. Impunity for sexual assault and all human rights abuses must end. Elections in the Central African Republic later this year offer a significant opportunity to consolidate constitutional order. All stakeholders have a role to play in supporting peaceful, inclusive and free elections.”
2020-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8771 (2020) · source
“I thank our briefers for their valuable insights. I was struck today, as ever, by the consensus in their contributions, in terms of both their analyses and their prescriptions. I wish to begin by paying tribute to the dedication and courage of all the men and women serving in the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) and to the memory of all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. We condemn, in particular, the deadly attacks against MINUSCA personnel in July, just as we condemn all attacks on all peacekeepers. I also reiterate our solidarity with the Government and the people of the Central African Republic in their pursuit of peace, stability and development.”
2020-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8771 (2020) · source
“We were very glad to hear that his report has been submitted to the Secretary-General and we hope to see greater detail and the finalization of this strategy as soon as possible. I would also underline the importance of Special Envoy Xia’s work across the region to promote more joined-up efforts across the United Nations family in order to ensure that the United Nations is delivering as one. It is crucial that the regional strategy for the Great Lakes be well coordinated with both the transition strategy of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and with Assistant Secretary-General Keita’s review of United Nations engagement with Burundi.”
2020-10-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8767 (2020) · source
“We underline the need for increased regional cooperation to tackle this illegal smuggling and to restrict financial flows to armed groups operating in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. We continue to be troubled by the human rights situation in the broader region. We are especially concerned by the increase in sexual and gender- based violence in connection to lockdowns and other COVID-19 response measures. We echo the Secretary- General’s call for leaders of the region to continue to prioritize the protection of human rights and the fight against impunity. Finally, I want to add that we welcome Special Envoy Xia’s consultations with national, regional and international stakeholders on his regional strategy.”
2020-10-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8767 (2020) · source
“We welcome the peaceful transfer of power in Burundi, as well as the resumption of voluntary refugee returns from Tanzania and Rwanda. It is crucial that all refugee returns be and remain of a genuinely voluntary nature. With Tanzania and Uganda’s elections on the horizon, we call on all national leaders and the international community to ensure that both sets of elections are peaceful, free and fair. Reports of shrinking democratic space in this respect are concerning. As ever, we remain concerned about the humanitarian situation in the region. This is particularly the case in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, where conflict, human rights abuses by armed groups and natural disasters are driving displacement and food insecurity. We are also increasingly concerned about the illegal smuggling of natural resources.”
2020-10-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8767 (2020) · source
“I wish to add our voice to those that have welcomed the recent steps taken by the region towards improved relations. As Mr. Xia reported, last week’s mini-summit between the Heads of State of Uganda, Rwanda, Angola and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as well as the Southern African Development Community initiative to resolve the border dispute between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zambia, are two encouraging examples of this. We also welcome the more positive tenor of dialogue between Rwanda and Burundi on the normalization of relations. This momentum from regional talks and dispute resolution efforts must be maintained; continued cooperation among regional Powers is crucial to bringing peace and stability to the region. I will now turn to some of the individual countries of the region.”
2020-10-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8767 (2020) · source
“I want to join others in thanking Special Envoy Huang Xia for his briefing. We share the concerns set out in the Secretary- General’s report (S/2020/951) about both the immediate and the secondary impacts of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic in the Great Lakes region. We commend the efforts to strengthen regional coordination in responding to the pandemic and we echo the Secretary-General’s call for regional leaders to capitalize and build on this by enhancing cooperation towards peace and development. While we recognize the impact that COVID-19 restrictions have had on the implementation of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Region, we call for the resumption of these efforts as soon as possible, including through virtual engagement.”
2020-10-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8767 (2020) · source
“Secondly, I want to underline the importance of the Council, the United Nations, the African Union and the wider international community continuing to support Somalia to achieve progress and political and security reform. Finally, I want to stress the importance of a united response in supporting Somalia in its fight against COVID-19 and protracted humanitarian crises. Through the determination of the its people and the support of the international community, Somalia has come a long way. We should not lose sight of that. We stand ready to lend our support to navigate this next stage and to help Somalia realize its goal of peace and security.”
2020-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8755 (2020) · source
“It is vital that all those that are invested in supporting AMISOM and building Somalia’s security forces now work together to agree to a future of international support for the security of Somalia. Without that, we risk wasting the progress and sacrifices made to date. A United Nations-led independent assessment on post-2021 security should offer the forum for such discussions, and I urge all partners to engage proactively with it. In conclusion, I want to emphasize three points. First, I want to reiterate our call, which the Security Council has made many times, for the Federal Government and all federal member states to reach a decisive and inclusive agreement on elections, soon.”
2020-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8755 (2020) · source
“We call on the international community to provide more funding for the humanitarian response and to step up efforts to build resilience and mitigate the long-term effects of climate change. The United Kingdom gave $420 million to Somalia in the past financial year and is now working to support the COVID-19 response. It is vital that the Federal Government and the federal member states facilitate the delivery of relief aid to all those in need, and ensure the safety of aid workers in line with international humanitarian law. I return to the security situation in Somalia. The country has made important progress in recent years, but the security situation, as we have heard, remains difficult. Next year’s deadline for transition of greater responsibility to the Somali security authorities presents both a challenge and an opportunity.”
2020-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8755 (2020) · source
“We urge the Parliament to give first reading to the original sexual offences bill submitted by the Cabinet. Any bill passed by the Somali Parliament must reflect its international obligations and commitments on the protection of children, women and girls. I want also to express our deep concern about attacks on the freedom of expression and against journalists and media workers in Somalia. Media freedom is a vital component of our democratic society, and the media has a vital role to play in Somalia. We call for journalists and media workers to be able to perform their work freely and safely. Somalia faces a protracted climate- and conflict- induced humanitarian crisis. That crisis has been exacerbated by the global COVID-19 pandemic, floods and locust infestation.”
2020-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8755 (2020) · source
“It is vital that all stakeholders — the Federal Government, federal member states, Parliament, the National Independent Electoral Commission and the joint parliamentary committee — work together in a spirit of compromise to reach agreement and avoid unilateral or provocative acts that would undermine the hard-won stability in Somalia and the partnership with the international community. We stand ready to support agreed outcomes that strengthen inclusive politics and include a significant element of direct voting. Turning to the human rights situation, we too share the concerns expressed today by the United Nations and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General about the bill regarding sexual-intercourse crimes. It was encouraging to see so many Somalis speak out against it.”
2020-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8755 (2020) · source
“That agreement should represent clear progress from the 2016 election model, moving Somalia away from clan-based selection processes to direct elections, and enable as many citizens to vote as possible, as set out in the provisional Federal Constitution. We therefore welcome the ongoing consultations between leaders of the Federal Government and the federal member states at Dhuusamarreeb. We have always been clear that the electoral model will require broad-based support among all Somali stakeholders. To that end, we regret — as Special Representative Swan and Ambassador Madeira both said — that President Deni of Puntland and President Madobe of Jubaland have not yet joined the talks. We call for them to attend as a matter of urgency.”
2020-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8755 (2020) · source
“We condemn those attacks, and we pay tribute to the ongoing commitment and sacrifices of troop- contributing countries to the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and the efforts of the Somali security forces to counter Al-Shabaab. As we have heard today, Somalia is at a critical juncture on its journey towards a long-term political settlement and the peace, security and stability that will enable. Somali leaders and international partners have committed to supporting and advancing democracy in Somalia. With the deadline for elections fast approaching, an agreement on a way forward is urgently needed. A timely and inclusive way forward is also critical — a way forward that respects the principles and commitments agreed to in the Mutual Accountability Framework, including at least a 30 per cent quota for woman parliamentarians.”
2020-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8755 (2020) · source
“Let me begin by thanking Special Representative of the Secretary- General Swan for his briefing and welcoming Ambassador Madeira and also thanking him for his comprehensive briefing, as well as Ambassador Osman. On behalf of the United Kingdom, I want to first express my condolences to the families and friends of those killed in the recent Al-Shabaab attack on the Elite hotel in Mogadishu. I want also to reaffirm our solidarity with all Somalis in the face of such attacks. Deplorably, those attacks, despite coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and the Secretary-General’s call for a ceasefire, continue to undermine peace and security in Somalia.”
2020-08-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8755 (2020) · source
“At a time when they are facing potential economic hardship due to COVID-19, developments on that front would help ensure the sustainability of the reintegration process. Colombia has faced many challenges on its journey to peace, and the COVID-19 pandemic makes this a key moment. The United Kingdom remains committed to doing everything it can to support the Colombian Government at this difficult time in building a lasting peace that can be enjoyed by all.”
2020-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8749 (2020) · source