YouSaid · the spoken record

Schulz

lines on the record: 542
first: 2017-03-15
most recent: 2020-03-12
sittings or episodes: 82
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

“Without respect for the humanitarian principles and the safety of humanitarian staff, life-saving assistance cannot and will not get in. Therefore, we once more reiterate that it is the responsibility of all parties, especially the Houthis, to cease any harassment of humanitarian staff; facilitate safe, rapid and unhindered access; lift bureaucratic restrictions; and enable project agreements without further delay.”
2020-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8745 (2020) · source
“Given the ongoing and escalating fighting in the north, we are witnessing further degradation of the already catastrophic humanitarian situation, as we heard in this morning’s very sobering briefing. Against that backdrop, it is even more incomprehensible that the political leadership in Sana’a is treating humanitarian workers and aid organizations in a way that calls into question the whole humanitarian operation in the north. We have tolerated such increasing restrictions for far too long. As a result, 8 million people in need are not being reached. That is absolutely unacceptable. We must not wait any longer to send clear and hard messages to the authorities in Sana’a. In that regard, we appreciate the lead taken by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.”
2020-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8745 (2020) · source
“Political leaders and their vision for a future Yemen must be judged on their ability to provide a safe, prosperous and healthy environment for all Yemeni people, taking into account the diverse interests and groups in the country. There is no alternative to an inclusive political process. The slow progress of the direct talks between the Houthis and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as well as the lack of progress in the implementation of the Riyadh agreement, underline the urgency of a swift restart of the political process under United Nations auspices. The Security Council has a responsibility to call on the involved parties to engage. Before I conclude, I wish to say a word on the humanitarian situation.”
2020-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8745 (2020) · source
“We therefore urge all sides to further engage in confidence-building measures and to demonstrate good will. We need to see implementation of the agreed prisoner exchange, the continuation of mercy flights, access to the FSO SAFER oil tanker and unrestricted and full cooperation with the United Nations Mission to support the Hodeidah Agreement. On all these fronts, much more needs to be done. Confidence-building measures, as well as informal meetings and exchanges among representatives of all sides, as facilitated by the Envoy at the end of last month in Amman, are crucial for the resumption of formal political talks. We particularly welcome the high level of women’s participation at that meeting, which should set the standard for all subsequent talks.”
2020-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8745 (2020) · source
“Women and children are among those suffering the most from the dire military and humanitarian situation. All actors should alleviate their suffering and put the needs of vulnerable populations first. Mr. Griffiths has spoken about his efforts in past weeks, calling for de-escalation, and we could not agree more with that. We call on all actors to break the cycle of violence and engage constructively and without delay in efforts to de-escalate the situation. We very much welcome and support the efforts of the Special Envoy aimed at the establishment of a de-escalation mechanism. His visit to Ma’rib last weekend, which he mentioned today, sent a clear and important signal in that regard and has our strong support. For sustainable and lasting de-escalation, a minimum degree of confidence is indispensable.”
2020-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8745 (2020) · source
“We urge all relevant actors, in particular on the Houthi side, to refrain from seeking territorial gains by force, which would jeopardize the lives of thousands of civilians and threaten the security of the 2 million internally displaced persons (IDPs), which have found refuge in Ma’rib. There is a significant risk of the fighting and violence in the north impacting the volatile military situation in other parts of Yemen. The recent air strike on Al-Salif, in the north of Al-Hudaydah governorate, is a stark reminder that the fragile stability in Al-Hudaydah and beyond needs to be preserved. We also agree with Mr. Griffiths and Mr. Rajasingham that all parties must adhere strictly to international humanitarian and human rights law and protect civilians and civilian infrastructure.”
2020-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8745 (2020) · source
“Let me also first express our appreciation for Ambassador Pierce’s outstanding contributions to the work of the Security Council. We wish her every success in her new assignment. On the subject of our meeting this morning, I would like to begin by thanking Mr. Martin Griffiths and Mr. Ramesh Rajasingham for their comprehensive briefings and we very much agree with their plea to stop the fighting and engage in de-escalation immediately. That is the most important message and the most important step that needs to be taken right now. We are extremely worried that fighting in the north continues and that military gains could lead to a further advance of front lines and fuel a cycle of ever-growing violence and escalation. An attack on Ma’rib would be very alarming news.”
2020-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8745 (2020) · source
“By including a reference to climate change in the language of the resolution, we wanted to encourage the appropriate observation and analysis in the future, which would enable all actors, and in particular the Security Council, to better address this underlying cause of conflict. Turning a blind eye will not make a threat multiplier such as climate change disappear. Disregarding it and assessing the country situation selectively jeopardize the effectiveness of the Council’s work. The meeting rose at 10.15 a.m.”
2020-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8744 (2020) · source
“Climate change and its related extreme weather events have started affecting yet another conflict on the Council’s agenda. Since at least 2011, the Security Council has repeatedly expressed its concern that the effects of climate change may aggravate existing threats to international peace and security and underlined the importance of conflict analysis and contextual information, including on the security implications of climate change in relevant situations. As the Security Council, we need to look at the situation more closely with a view to including the effects of climate change in our overall assessment and decision-making. To do so, we need a proper information basis, including a substantial risk assessment.”
2020-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8744 (2020) · source
“We encourage them to implement outstanding critical tasks, as stipulated by the Agreement, so that the people of South Sudan can finally enjoy the benefits of durable peace. I want to highlight the following point in particular. While we are pleased to see a reference in the text regarding the adverse effects of extreme weather events on the stability of South Sudan, we are disappointed that a reference to the security implications of the effects of climate change was not included despite overwhelming support for our proposal from the majority of Council members. In his most recent briefing to the Security Council (see S/PV.8741), Special Representative of the Secretary-General Shearer clearly linked the effects of the unprecedented floods in certain areas of the country to a spike in intercommunal violence in precisely those areas.”
2020-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8744 (2020) · source
“We very much welcome the unanimous adoption of resolution 2514 (2020). The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) remains indispensable to supporting South Sudan and its people. I pay tribute to Special Representative of the Secretary-General Shearer and the brave peacekeepers who do their utmost to assist the people of South Sudan in their quest for durable peace. The German Parliament just today voted in favour of the continuation of our military contribution to UNMISS for another year, unchanged in numbers and capabilities. Germany will continue to stand by the people of South Sudan. We reiterate our call on the South Sudanese parties to fully adhere to the letter and spirit of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan.”
2020-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8744 (2020) · source
“There is therefore obviously a clear nexus between climate-related risks and insecurity. For us, all of this shows that there is substantial cause for concern about the effects of climate change on the security situation in Somalia. At the same time, as we heard in today’s briefings, climate change poses challenges to the implementation of the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia. We are therefore convinced it is high time for the Security Council to duly take into account climate change as a factor relevant to peace and security. Germany is investing in strengthening capacity on climate and security in the field, inter alia by financing the cost of an environment and security adviser who will support the United Nations in-country presence and provide information on climate-security risks in Somalia.”
2020-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8731 (2020) · source
“The aggravating consequences of climate change for Somalia’s humanitarian situation and fragile statehood clearly demonstrate the challenges posed by climate change for regional stability and security. However, climate-related risks are not the only drivers of conflict — I think we would all agree on that. But, at the same time, it is a reality that they represent one driver, and often a very significant one, of conflict, which we cannot ignore and, we feel, the Security Council should not ignore. Floods and droughts exacerbate conflicts. The analysis of the situation in Somalia would be incomplete without taking into account climate-related risks. Food insecurity and other insecurities give Al-Shabaab an opportunity to present themselves as alternative providers of security.”
2020-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8731 (2020) · source
“We reacted swiftly by making available €3 billion to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations to safeguard livelihoods, and will continue to monitor the situation very carefully. To say a few words on the human rights situation, we noted that Amnesty International stated in its latest report that there had been a surge in violent attacks, threats, harassment and intimidation of media workers in Somalia. We are obviously concerned about that assessment and urge all stakeholders to respect the freedom of the press and to protect media workers. We were very impressed by the report of Mr. Dan Smith and see very clearly the nexus he talked about.”
2020-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8731 (2020) · source
“We need security sector reform and the implementation of the national security architecture and a security transition. The security of elections is equally important. But it also important to pursue constructive discussions with all stakeholders on the future of international support to the Somali security sector over the months ahead, including with the perspective of the upcoming independent assessment requested by the Security Council for early 2021. We need a credible and sustainable post-2021 security model for Somalia. On the humanitarian situation and developments, Germany remains extremely concerned about the current humanitarian situation and about the additional challenges caused by the plague of locusts.”
2020-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8731 (2020) · source
“Constructive political cooperation between the Federal Government and all federal member states must be given the highest priority. Unfortunately, we have not seen much progress over recent months, but coordination meetings should resume promptly and take place regularly in order to resolve outstanding issues. In the light of the 2020 elections, the political process, obviously, must noticeably catch up. On the issue of Somaliland, we also encourage both sides — Mogadishu and Hargeisa — to pursue the now-resumed dialogue. On security, first of all, let me commend the progress made in the security sector. We pay tribute to the work and the sacrifices of the African Union Mission to Somalia and the Somali National Army. It is crucial to continue on that path in a coherent and coordinated manner.”
2020-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8731 (2020) · source
“However, we also see that some paragraphs of the law are arguably not implementable, despite repeated and concrete advice on those issues provided to Parliament by the National Independent Electoral Commission and United Nations electoral experts. In addition, the electoral code leaves many important questions unresolved. Those questions need to be answered on the basis of broad political consensus and in full cooperation between the Federal Government of Somalia and the federal member states in accordance with commitments made under the Mutual Accountability Framework. Like others, we are highly concerned with regard to the current political situation in Galmudug and Jubaland. We call for the political settlement of tensions, which requires dialogue and compromise.”
2020-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8731 (2020) · source
“First of all, let me thank our three briefers for their insightful remarks and comments. Germany wholeheartedly supports the efforts by the Somali Government to ensure peace, stability and development in Somalia. In that context, we underscore that credible, free and fair elections in 2020 and 2021 are key to democratic State-building in Somalia. Following the elections in 2016 and 2017, a wide range of Somali leaders pledged to hold direct one-person one-vote elections in 2020 and 2021. Most recently, that was also reflected in the commitments of the Somali Government and stakeholders under the 2020 Mutual Accountability Framework. We take note of the federal electoral bill signed into law by the Federal President last week.”
2020-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8731 (2020) · source
“Without addressing the root causes of violence and conflict, such as the deeply entrenched socioeconomic disparities, a lack of access to basic services, impunity for crimes, the dire humanitarian situation and continued human rights violations, the return to lasting political stability that Haiti so desperately needs will not be possible. We very much support the work of BINUH — a strategicpolitical United Nationspresencethatwilladvise and assist the Government of Haiti in tackling the many challenges that lie ahead. However, the future of their country clearly lies, first and foremost, in the hands of the Haitians themselves. The international community stands ready to contribute and assist them in their efforts to renew the social contract between the Haitian State and its citizens.”
2020-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8729 (2020) · source
“It is therefore even more important that all United Nations actors closely coordinate their activities in order to best support the country in overcoming this crisis. Germany emphatically supports the new approach to the benchmarks, which reflects the mutually supportive relationship between the peace and security and development pillars of the United Nations system. We welcome the engagement of the Peacebuilding Fund in Haiti as well as the joint work of BINUH and the United Nations country team in developing an integrated strategic framework to identify the United Nations key areas of intervention in Haiti.”
2020-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8729 (2020) · source
“We are concerned by the Secretary-General’s observation that “the Haitian National Police budget has not increased since 2017, leaving the institution unable to address serious financial and operational challenges” (S/2020/123, para. 27). We are also concerned about recent events that point to a tendency of polarization inside the HNP, including acts of violence during public demonstrations of police officers. In our view, it is imperative to further augment the capacity of the Haitian National Police and render it more effective so as not to lose the gains achieved by the peacekeeping operations. Fourthly and lastly, the transition to a non-peacekeeping United Nations presence in Haiti clearly occurred at a time when the country found itself in the midst of a multidimensional crisis.”
2020-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8729 (2020) · source
“Let me also say that we condemn all attacks on civil society and all reprisals against civil society for speaking out in support of the truth and recalling facts on the ground. Thirdly, I will comment briefly on the issue of the police. Looking back at the progress achieved over the past 15 years, we welcome and salute the increasing self-sufficiency of the Haitian National Police (HNP) in providing security across the country, while recognizing that certain gaps still exist, for example, in tackling gang-related crimes and managing large-scale civil unrest. We are concerned by reports that underline a lack of trust in the police. It is key that the Haitian National Police improve its relationship with the population through outreach and community- oriented policing and that BINUH continue its efforts in that regard.”
2020-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8729 (2020) · source
“We know that some political actors and businessmen have close ties with criminal gangs. We strongly condemn all actions that undermine the democratic processes and the rule of law and call on all stakeholders to refrain from acts that could contribute to instability. That includes incitement to violence, hate speech and threats. We deplore the scant progress made in pursuing accountability for recent human rights violations, such as the events in La Saline, Bel Air and Grand Ravine, and corruption scandals. In that context, we would like to highlight the important role of civil society in urging the authorities to ensure accountability. I thank Ms. Marie Yolène Gillis for a very captivating briefing in that regard.”
2020-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8729 (2020) · source
“We would like to encourage the Haitian Government and opposition to continue an inclusive national dialogue to reach agreement on arrangements that can build societal consensus on the revision of the Constitution, the implementation of reforms and a realistic electoral framework to allow preparations for credible and transparent elections. I would also like to commend Special Representative of the Secretary- General La Lime, the Organization of American States and the Catholic Church for their efforts to assist the parties to engage in direct talks so as to find a solution to the crisis. Turning to my second point, we are alarmed that the prolonged political stand-off, aggravated by the ensuing economic downturn, has created an enabling environment for gang-related violence.”
2020-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8729 (2020) · source
“I too would first like to thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General La Lime for her comprehensive briefing and Ms. Gilles for her insightful comments. This is the first time that the Security Council is discussing the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) as a special political mission and is a good opportunity to take stock of where we stand. I would therefore like to limit my statement to four aspects in that regard, since previous speakers have already covered a great deal. First, I would like to say that we too are worried about the persistent political deadlock and we urge all political actors to find a lasting solution to break the stalemate and alleviate the suffering of the population.”
2020-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8729 (2020) · source
“We therefore once more call all parties, but especially the Houthis, to uphold their responsibility to cease any harassment of humanitarian staff; facilitate safe, rapid and unhindered access; lift bureaucratic restrictions; and enable project agreements without further delay.”
2020-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8725 (2020) · source
“We all know that Yemen and its people are in dire need of large-scale humanitarian assistance. Yet in some parts of the country, in particular in Houthi- controlled territories, humanitarian personnel are subject to inhumane treatment and humanitarian operations are systematically restricted, thereby depriving men, women and children of the desperately needed assistance. That is cruel and deplorable. We have witnessed these increasing restrictions for far too long. As a result, 8 million people in need cannot be reached. This is unacceptable. We must not wait any longer to send clear and hard messages to the authorities in Sana’a. Without respect for the humanitarian principles and the safety of humanitarian staff, as Mark Lowcock reminded us once again of this morning, life-saving assistance cannot and will not get in.”
2020-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8725 (2020) · source
“We are particularly appalled by reports of systematic sexual violence against women, especially in Houthi-controlled areas. This is unacceptable and should not go unpunished. As with all human rights violations in Yemen, accountability remains crucial. Political leaders and their visions for a future Yemen must be judged on their ability to provide a safe, prosperous and healthy environment for the Yemeni people that takes into account the diverse interests and groups in the country. However, what we see now is the contrary. There is no time to spare to work together with the Special Envoy towards a political solution that allows Yemenis to live in peace. I would now like to make a few comments on the once again sobering report that Mark Lowcock has provided us this morning.”
2020-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8725 (2020) · source
“Such confidence-building measures, as well as mercy flights, and, equally, the invaluable work of the United Nations Mission to Support the Hodeidah Agreement, are critical elements on the path to political talks. We encourage Houthis as well as the Yemeni Government and the coalition to continue to follow this path. The Special Envoy has our full support in his tireless efforts to encourage the parties in that regard. First and foremost, all parties must strictly adhere to international humanitarian and human rights law and protect civilians as well as civilian infrastructure. Women and children are the ones suffering most from the dire military and humanitarian situation. All actors should alleviate their suffering and put their needs first.”
2020-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8725 (2020) · source
“Let me first thank Martin Griffiths and Mark Lowcock for their comprehensive and insightful briefings. Let me also thank Ambassador Rhonda King for her work and her report as Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 2140 (2014). I wish to say a few words on the situation in Yemen in general. We strongly condemn the resurgence of violence in the north by all parties. We are deeply concerned about the continual fighting, especially in the region north- east of Sana’a, around Ma’rib and in Abyan. We call on all actors to break the cycle of violence and instead engage constructively and without delay in efforts to de-escalate the situation. In this regard, we welcome the recent agreement on a prisoner exchange between the parties, under United Nations auspices.”
2020-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8725 (2020) · source
“In that regard, we highlight the continued importance of the cooperation of the group of five international partners. We also commend the role of the PBC country-specific configuration as well as the support provided by the Peacebuilding Fund. The mandate renewal of UNIOGBIS this month needs to take into account the realities on the ground and should once more send a signal of our continued support for Guinea-Bissau and our commitment to efforts aimed at development and peacebuilding. Before concluding, let me say that we also agree with the Secretary-General’s recommendation to work very closely with the Government of Guinea-Bissau in order to ensure national ownership.”
2020-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8724 (2020) · source
“In that context, we also welcome the support for efforts to end impunity for gender-based crimes and human rights violations. We remain concerned about the threats to stability posed by transnational organized crime and drug trafficking. We therefore express our support for the important work of United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and UNIOGBIS in that regard. It remains important to empower national law enforcement authorities to effectively prosecute organized crime. We are glad to hear that the transition process is well-structured and planned. Any vacuum following the end of UNIOGBIS must be avoided. Therefore, Guinea-Bissau’s close cooperation with other United Nations entities on the ground, and of regional organizations, especially ECOWAS, as well as their active involvement in the country, is crucial to avoid destabilization.”
2020-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8724 (2020) · source
“We very much welcome efforts by the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNIOGBIS) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) aimed at fostering dialogue, mediating between political adversaries and supporting efforts to find a way to overcome the political tensions, both in the run-up to the elections and now. After the conclusion of the electoral cycle, it is key for all political actors to put their country and their people’s interests first and to work in a collaborative manner to enact critical reforms envisioned in the Conakry Agreement and laid out in the Stability Pact. We particularly commend the inclusion of gender perspectives and the support for women’s engagement in the democratic process.”
2020-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8724 (2020) · source
“We commend the peaceful holding of both rounds of the presidential elections, despite the political tensions that preceded the polling. The voter turnout of more than 70 per cent is very encouraging. It is now of paramount importance that all stakeholders act responsibly and ensure a peaceful transition of power to a new president. As a first step, that requires the determination of the final results of the elections according to constitutional and democratic principles and respect for the results by all parties.”
2020-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8724 (2020) · source
“First of all, I would like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary- General, Ms. Rosine Sori-Coulibaly, for sharing her valuable insights with us in her briefing this morning. We also thank the Permanent Representative of Brazil, His Excellency Mr. Ronaldo Costa Filho, for his briefing and his efforts in his capacity as Chair of the Guinea-Bissau configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC). We find it important to further strengthen the link between the Security Council and the Peacebuilding Commission, all the more so given the necessity of an even more prominent role for the PBC. We extend a special welcome to the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Niger, His Excellency Mr. Kalla Ankourao.”
2020-02-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8724 (2020) · source
“There cannot be a sustainable military solution to the conflict in Libya. With today’s resolution, the international community has once more demonstrated its resolve to hold violators accountable. We welcome that the resolution expressly denounces foreign interference in the conflict in Libya. The swift implementation of the Berlin conclusions is now crucial in the light of the ongoing violations of international humanitarian law and reports of mounting civilian casualties.”
2020-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8722 (2020) · source
“We are also encouraged by the progress made thus far in implementing some aspects of the Berlin Conference conclusions. We call upon the parties to continue their cooperation in the 5+5 Joint Military Commission in order to work out the conditions of the ceasefire. We also welcome the ongoing preparations for political talks and call for the inclusive participation and representation across all segments of Libyan society. While taking note of the meetings of the African Union High-Level Committee on Libya in Brazzaville and the session on Libya during the recent African Union summit in Addis Ababa, we welcome the ongoing efforts of the African Union in supporting the Berlin process. The African Union plays an important role in finally bringing peace to Libya. The implementation of the existing arms embargo remains key.”
2020-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8722 (2020) · source
“As the host country of the Berlin Conference on Libya, we are very pleased to see Security Council endorse the conclusions of the Conference today. With the adoption of resolution 2510 (2020), the Council sends an important signal for peace in Libya that reaffirms the concrete commitments of all participants in the Berlin Conference. It is crucial for Libya that we are able to send this signal of unity. The adoption of the resolution is timely, just days before the inaugural meeting of the international follow-up committee to the Berlin Conference on Libya, to be held at a ministerial level chaired by German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas on 16 February on the margins of the Munich Security Conference. The international follow-up committee will coordinate efforts to ensure the implementation of the conclusions of the Berlin Conference.”
2020-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8722 (2020) · source
“As was said earlier, we commend the work of Special Representative of the Secretary-General Gamba and her leadership role in the development of the practical guide for mediators to better protect children in armed conflict. The simple truth is that child protection requires the efforts of the entire international community. We therefore also welcome the efforts of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General to cooperate with the European Union, as well as NATO, where we have established the position of Senior Child Protection Adviser. In conclusion, it is important that we today renew our commitment to delivering peace and access to basic services and education to a whole generation of children suffering in conflict situations around the world.”
2020-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8721 (2020) · source
“We need to ensure that children affected by armed conflict are able to participate in community-based programmes anchored in the child’s rights approach that complements accountability mechanisms. In view of the broad range of challenges, of which I just mentioned a few, we need to use all means, tools and instruments at our disposal, particularly in the field. Much of the concrete field-level work on the issue of children and conflict is entrusted to child protection advisers in United Nations peace operations. With the continued consolidation of protection functions in field missions, Germany renews its call to preserve that important function as a distinct role and for United Nations missions to be adequately resourced in that regard.”
2020-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8721 (2020) · source
“In that regard, we recall resolution 2427 (2018), which reminds all parties to armed conflict to comply strictly with the obligations applicable to them under international law for the protection of children in armed conflict. In echoing resolution 2427 (2018), let me also stress the need for accountability for all violations and abuses against children in armed conflict. All States need to continue to address impunity by strengthening national and international accountability mechanisms. Germany reiterates its fullest confidence in the work of the International Criminal Court in ensuring accountability, as well as its support for international investigative mechanisms, such as those set up by the Human Rights Council. The well-being of children should be at the centre of all our actions.”
2020-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8721 (2020) · source
“Yet in Syria alone air strikes, barrel bombs and cluster munitions have killed and maimed thousands of children, as just confirmed in the recent disturbing report of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic (A/HRC/43/ CRP.6). The Commission’s report on Syria documented the large-scale increase of aerial operations and ground offensive causing damage to key civilian infrastructure. As initiators of resolution 1998 (2011), on attacks on schools and hospitals, we condemn all such attacks on civilian objects in breach of international humanitarian law. We urge all States to sign on to the Safe Schools Declaration. Together with its international partners, Germany continues to work hard to ensure that international humanitarian law is applied so as to prevent all grave violations.”
2020-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8721 (2020) · source
“In line with resolution 2467 (2019), we need to ensure non-discriminatory and multisectoral assistance to all child survivors of sexual violence, as well as to children born of rape. That must also include access to sexual and reproductive health services. Secondly, it is shocking to see that, more than 10 years after the adoption of resolution 1882 (2009), there still seems to be no end in sight for the killing and maiming of children. The Secretary-General has identified Afghanistan, Syria and Yemen as cases of particular concern. We continue to call for abolishing the use of explosive weapons in populated areas.”
2020-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8721 (2020) · source
“Many previous speakers have reminded us of the impressive achievements that have been realized in the past years. At the same time, we are all aware of the immense challenges that we continue to face in this context. I would like to refer to a few of the most pressing challenges. First, too many children are in need of immense resilience in too many places on the Security Council’s agenda. We are deeply concerned about the many cases of sexual- and gender-based violence. Our humanity is measured by how we protect the weakest, and it is obvious that we still have a long way to go. Although there is constant underreporting, owing to difficult verification, the official statistics remain appallingly high. Those crimes require an adequate and resolute response.”
2020-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8721 (2020) · source
“Germany therefore very much welcomes the launch of the practical guidance for mediators to protect children in situations of armed conflict. The guidance for practitioners is needed to support those working in the field dedicated to ensuring that the protection and welfare of children are taken into account in all aspects of peace negotiations and agreements. Our commitment to children’s rights remains firm, and we see our engagement in the Security Council’s Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict as an important part of that. Germany is also proud to support UNICEF as one of the largest donors with its contributions especially dedicated to programmes in countries dealing with conflicts and crises in order to support the resilience and perspectives of children.”
2020-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8721 (2020) · source
“I thank Their Majesties for the honour of their presence at today’s Council meeting, and I thank Belgium for having arranged this briefing on a very important topic. Minimizing the impact of armed conflict on the lives of children requires our undivided attention. Therefore, let me express our heartfelt gratitude to Belgium for its tireless efforts to keep the rights of children at the top of the Council’s agenda. I wish also to extend a special welcome to the Ministers attending this morning’s meeting, and I would also like to thank the Secretary-General, Commissioner Chergui and Ms. Becker for having shared their valuable insights. Their accounts have once again reminded us of the fact that the issue of children and armed conflict is more pressing than ever. More than 420 million children worldwide are affected by conflict.”
2020-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8721 (2020) · source
“However, incidents in which innocent civilians are indiscriminately targeted and subjected to violence must be thoroughly investigated, and accountability for violations of international law must be ensured.”
2020-02-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8717 (2020) · source
“Fully implementing resolution 2334 (2016) would be an important step towards building confidence in the recent efforts to advance Middle East peace. As we have stated before, that includes credible and substantive efforts to prevent acts of terrorism, violence against civilians, incitement, provocative actions and inflammatory rhetoric. Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad must stop firing rockets into Israel. There is no justification for the firing of rockets into Israel or any other form of terrorism, which Germany strongly condemns. We remain steadfast in our commitment to Israel’s security and stress Israel’s right to self-defence and its right to react adequately and proportionally to attacks against its territory. We will not be silent whenever Israel’s security or right to exist is questioned or compromised.”
2020-02-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8717 (2020) · source
“We will not recognize any changes to the 4 June 1967 lines, including with regard to Jerusalem, other than those agreed by the parties through negotiations. We are encouraged by President Abbas’s call for elections. We believe that free and fair elections should take place without undue delay. Those elections would constitute an important step towards the legitimacy of Palestinian self-governance and towards building confidence in the peace process. We are concerned that the growing division between the Palestinian citizens living in Gaza and those living in the West Bank and East Jerusalem undermines the prospect for peace negotiations. We therefore call on the Palestinian leadership to redouble efforts to pave the way towards reconciliation, and we appreciate the efforts by Egypt in that regard.”
2020-02-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8717 (2020) · source
“The annexation of any part of the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, constitutes a breach of international law, undermines the viability of the two-State solution and challenges the prospects for just, comprehensive and lasting peace. Steps towards annexation, if implemented, would not be recognized and would have serious negative repercussions across the region. We therefore strongly advise the Israeli Government against taking any steps in that direction. If carried out, such steps would severely undermine any new initiative for negotiations between both parties, including the most recent efforts by the United States. We reiterate that Germany will continue to distinguish between the territory of the State of Israel and the territories occupied since 1967.”
2020-02-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8717 (2020) · source