YouSaid · the spoken record

Secretary-General

lines on the record: 2,998
first: 1995-09-26
most recent: 2021-05-16
sittings or episodes: 363
sources: un-security-council

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“We also must pursue accountability for abhorrent crimes and violations of human rights and humanitarian law. If we leave the next generation traumatized, seething with grievances, we betray those we serve and ourselves. I call on all parties to conflict to work with the United Nations, both on the ground and in New York, to ensure that we protect the most vulnerable of members' populations and the most precious resource of their countries, their children. And I urge the Security Council to strongly support this work as we strive together to build long- term peace, stability and development.”
2017-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8082 (2017) · source
“To address that we need to strengthen our engagement with regional and subregional actors. We should also encourage additional legal and political commitments to protect children, as well as other measures that my Special Representative is developing. I appeal to Member States to provide resources to support those initiatives. In 2016 thousands of children were released from armed groups and armed forces, yet only half were successfully reintegrated into their families and communities, most notably by UNICEF and its partners. We must do more to provide funding and capacity for programmes that offer education, job training, counselling and family reunification. The legal framework to protect children in armed conflict is in place. I call on all parties to conflict to respect the framework in all conflict situations.”
2017-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8082 (2017) · source
“Many entities are now undertaking such measures, as my report outlines. I have my asked my Special Representative to work closely with those parties to improve their efforts to spare children from the horrors of war. Measures to better protect children were put in place by five Government security forces and four armed groups during 2016. They ranged from specific steps such as the release of children held in prison in Somalia, to substantive measures affecting complex operations such as those undertaken by the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in the Yemen, led by Saudi Arabia. While there is progress, the scale and intensity of some of today's crises require us to redouble our efforts and take innovative approaches. The cross- border elements of conflict are increasing year by year.”
2017-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8082 (2017) · source
“And we see parties to conflict often obstructing lifesaving aid for children. Over the period covered by the report, we witnessed the most child casualties ever recorded by the United Nations in Afghanistan; a doubling of verified cases of recruitment and use of children in Syria and Somalia; and widespread sexual violence against children in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nigeria, South Sudan and elsewhere. Tens of millions of children across the globe were also uprooted from their homes by fighting - their families often split apart, their childhoods disrupted, their futures put at risk. Despite that bleak picture, some progress has been made. Changes to the reporting process this year allowed for deeper engagement with parties to conflict to encourage the implementation of measures to better protect children.”
2017-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8082 (2017) · source
“I would like, first of all, to thank the Minister Foreign Affairs of France, Mr. Jean-Yves Le Drian, for the organization of this debate of Vital importance concerning the question of children and armed conflict. The report (8/2017/821) before the Security Council today indicates that in 2016 children continued to be affected by decisions and actions of political and military leaders in different ways. (spoke in English) Children around the world are suffering enormously and unacceptably by conflict. This is a source of global shame. The period covered by my report revealed an alarming level of violations. We see armed groups forcing girls and boys to act as suicide bombers. We see children stigmatized for having been recruited and used by armed groups. We see children held criminally responsible for acts they were forced to commit.”
2017-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8082 (2017) · source
“I therefore call for a win-win partnership and a framework of shared responsibility that will formalizes our mutual obligations so as to address the root causes of the crisis.”
2017-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8080 (2017) · source
“To that end, at the Brussels Conference in December, we will present an investment strategy for the region, and I hope to be able to count on the support of all our partners. I would also like to call for greater coherence among the various national, regional and international initiatives in place. Only an effective presence and a strengthening of the rule of law will make it possible to ensure the continuity of these initiatives. In such a difficult and complex context, it is also important to support the efforts of humanitarian staff and agencies working to promote sustainable development. Since I took office, prevention has been my absolute priority. In the Sahel, this means preventing the region from falling into a state of chaos, which could have dangerous consequences for the continent and the world as a whole.”
2017-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8080 (2017) · source
“In that regard, it is urgent to define the modalities of cross-border prosecutions, arrests, detentions, legal proceedings, risk reduction and the broader protection of civilians. I encourage States members of the G-5 Sahel to work to finalize the concept of operations and to clarify the objectives and timing of the force generation of the Joint Force. Security cooperation in the Sahel is essential, but only a multidimensional response can end instability. I have instructed the Deputy Secretary-General to coordinate and revitalize the United Nations Integrated Strategy for the Sahel. We must together strengthen our efforts in favour of governance, development and resilience.”
2017-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8080 (2017) · source
“However, certain aspects should be further clarified and consolidated. With that in mind, Ihave presentedrecommendations to strengthen the political leadership of the Joint Force and its integration into the African peace and security architecture. Ihave also suggested introducing transparent and credible monitoring and follow-up mechanisms that could strengthen the legitimacy and the political framework of the Joint Force, as well as the support of the region and its partners. In particular, it is essential to establish control mechanisms to ensure respect for human rights and international humanitarian law in the context of military operations. The African Union and the United Nations can support the G-5 Sahel in establishing adequate monitoring systems, with the support of partners, including the European Union.”
2017-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8080 (2017) · source
“That support to the Joint Force would also be part ofthe strategic partnership to strengthen African responses to crises on the continent. When we talk about strategic partnership, it must ensure mutual commitment accompanied by guarantees, criteria and indicators of success agreed by the countries of the G-5 Sahel and international partners. The countries of the G-5 Sahel have set specific goals and made remarkable progress towards achieving them over the past few months, be it in the elaboration of a concept of operations, bringing certain domestic instruments and normative frameworks into conformity, or the provision of national resources and the mobilization of regional and international partners. All of those efforts demonstrate the political resolve to define a strategy and take the steps necessary to implement it.”
2017-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8080 (2017) · source
“Such support would not only serve to reinforce the Joint Force of the G-5 Sahel, but would also help to mitigate the threats that directly affect MINUSMA. Like MINUSMA, the Joint Force will operate in support of the Malian peace process. The two forces are deeply complementary and mutually reinforcing. But only the comprehensive implementation of the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali could restore the State's authority and stability. I renew my appeal to the signatory parties to accelerate the implementation of the Agreement and its key institutional reforms. During my last informal meeting with the Council, I had the opportunity to share my opinions and preferences. Naturally, whatever the Council decides to do, the Secretariat will do its best to support the G-5 Sahel within the framework defined by the Council.”
2017-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8080 (2017) · source
“We owe it to all those who have paid with their lives. Their selfless commitment against the terrorist threat and peace in the Sahel compel us. Given the rapid evolution of the situation and the risks of widespread spillover, failure to act could have serious consequences for the region and beyond. Therefore, I invite the Council to be ambitious in the choices it has to make. Strong political support for the G-5 Sahel and material and operational support commensurate with the current challenges are essential. The Security Council has four options, as set out in my report (S/2017/869). The United Nations could quickly mobilize essential support, complementing the work of bilateral partners.”
2017-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8080 (2017) · source
“Given the urgency of the situation, we must come up with innovative actions in support of the G-5 Sahel's efforts not only in the security field, but also in the areas of development and governance. Time is not on our side. We must urgently align our efforts in order to remedy the root causes of instability in the region. The creation of the Joint Force demonstrates the willingness of the countries of the G-5 Sahel to cooperate closely in order to jointly address the threat. Today, we have the opportunity to support them and, together, reverse the course of events. We owe it to the people of the Sahel. We also owe it to the States of the G-5 Sahel, which have taken that courageous initiative. At the time of their appeal, I supported the creation of a force with long-term financing and a mandate commensurate with the threats it would face.”
2017-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8080 (2017) · source
“The weakness of institutions and the exclusion and marginalization of some groups are exploited by extremists and terrorists. Porous borders facilitate trafficking in human beings, drug and arms trafficking and other criminal activities. The recent deadly attacks on Nigerian gendarmes and American soldiers, as well as the unremitting attacks on the Malian defence and security forces, MINUSMA peacekeepers and Force Barkhane soldiers, illustrate the scale of the security threat. The humanitarian crisis is deteriorating. Nearly 5 million people have been displaced and 24 million need humanitarian aid. Birth rates are among the highest in the world, yet millions of Sahelian children do not have access to health care and do not go to school.”
2017-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8080 (2017) · source
“I thank the French Government for initiating today's debate, which follows the Security Council's visit to the Sahel. I also thank the Ministers of the States members of the Group of Five for the Sahel (G-5 Sahel) for their presence today. Allow me to pay tribute to the three Chadian Blue Helmets of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) who died on Thursday, as well as to their wounded colleagues. I commend their courage and dedication to restoring peace and security to Mali. Their sense of sacrifice compels us to urgently find solutions to help us combat terrorism in Mali, while ensuring the security and safety of MINUSMA contingents. The situation in the Sahel challenges us all. Poverty, underdevelopment and climate change have contributed to the humanitarian and security crises.”
2017-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8080 (2017) · source
“In the long term, we must focus on what communities and countries need in order to emerge from protracted conflict and instability. We must help people not only to survive, but also to thrive. Right now, we must urgently commit to increasing humanitarian aid and funding the programmes that we have in place. Wherever we have not prevented or resolved conflict, we must support its victims and survivors. It is unconscionable that aid agencies must make life-or-death decisions about who should receive aid, owing to a shortage of resources. I am grateful for the solidarity shown and urge continued commitment and support.”
2017-10-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8069 (2017) · source
“Humanitarian aid and strengthened respect for international law must be complemented by investment in sustainable peace and comprehensive long-term solutions. Those countries are dealing with violent extremism at the same time as they are being hit by economic recession and low oil prices. They present powerful examples of the complex and multidimensional challenges that we face. They require a system-wide approach that addresses the humanitarian-development nexus and its link to peace. Development agencies must engage early on with innovative solutions. The World Bank has shown that it is possible to scale up development-oriented programmes, complementing the humanitarian response, even in fragile countries like Yemen. I welcome those efforts, which must include the involvement of regional neighbours and front- line States.”
2017-10-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8069 (2017) · source
“Conflict and violations of international humanitarian law inevitably increase vulnerability to all kinds of threats, including food insecurity, which in turn causes people to flee. The World Food Programme estimates that a l per cent increase in food insecurity leads to a 2 per cent increase in refugees. Conflict in one country places demands on its neighbours to provide food and basic services to refugees. That can lead to further instability, affecting the security of an entire region and beyond. Prevention must, as always, be our watchword. Early famine-warning mechanisms have worked well in north-eastern Nigeria, Yemen, Somalia and South Sudan. We will continue to support famine prevention and humanitarian assistance.”
2017-10-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8069 (2017) · source
“Finally, I urge the parties to the conflict in South Sudan to come to terms urgently, so as to prevent increased food insecurity and refugee movements, which threaten to destabilize the region, and continued human suffering and misery. I encourage all Member States to support the Intergovernmental Authority on Development's high-level revitalization forum, which has gained momentum in recent weeks. I urge the Government to facilitate access to people in need, to ensure the safety of humanitarian workers and supplies, and to remove bureaucratic impediments to aid. Last month, the United Nations food and nutrition agencies released a report entitled The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World. The report underlined that we are now seeing a reversal in the long-term decline in hunger.”
2017-10-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8069 (2017) · source
“In Yemen, we face increasing constraints and interference by the alliance of Houthis and Ali Abdullah Saleh, which controls Sana'a, as the Government of Yemen and its partners from the coalition led by Saudi Arabia attempt to restore legitimacy. I call on all parties to ensure unhindered access to people in need. I repeat the call for the payment of civil servants" salaries and the effective and continued operation ofthe port of Al Hudaydah. What is needed most is for the parties to return to the negotiation table and focus on reaching agreement. Member States with influence on them must also play their role.”
2017-10-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8069 (2017) · source
“It is critical to clarify key issues defining the federal states, including the division of powers and agreements on revenue and resource-sharing between the federal and state Governments. I welcome the efforts by the Government and several federal states to improve access by unblocking routes and removing illegal checkpoints, and I call for continued progress on that issue. In Nigeria, I encourage the Government and its counterparts in the Lake Chad Basin region to develop a regional strategy to address the root causes of the crisis there. I urge all partners to step up efforts to provide humanitarian aid, as well as long-term solutions for sustainable development. It is critical that a greater civilian presence be established in the newly accessible areas, and I welcome the Government's efforts to achieve that.”
2017-10-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8069 (2017) · source
“That means allowing and facilitating the rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief, imposing constraints only in good faith, and respecting and protecting humanitarian personnel and supplies. I also call for urgent measures to address the root causes of conflict, improve access and mitigate human suffering. Specifically, I ask the Council to continue to engage in and support the political process in Somalia, and encourage the Federal Government of Somalia and the federal member states to stabilize their relationship. Worryingly, we can see that that process is not going as smoothly as we would like. Without progress in the political and security areas, any improvements in the humanitarian situation will be only temporary.”
2017-10-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8069 (2017) · source
“Both the alliance of those loyal to Abdulmalik al-Houthi and Ali Abdullah Saleh, which controls the capital, Sana'a, and the Government of Yemen have imposed restrictions on the movement and transportation of humanitarian personnel and aid. An economic blockade has led to an increase in fuel costs of more than 50 per cent and in food costs by 30 per cent over pre-crisis levels. Meanwhile, the world's largest cholera epidemic has resulted in some 800,000 suspected cases and more than 2,000 deaths. The parties to conflict in all four of those countries have stated their commitment to humanitarian law and human rights law, but most of them have not followed through. I call on them and those with influence over them to translate that commitment into practical measures and to address impunity immediately.”
2017-10-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8069 (2017) · source
“More than 830 incidents relating to access have been reported this year, more than half of which involved violence against humanitarian agencies. That amounts to more than one such incident against humanitarians per day. Both Government and opposition forces are implicated. The collapse of the economy has led to widespread violence and increased criminality, thereby making the delivery of food aid even more dangerous. In Yemen, the World Food Programme and its partners helped avert famine by reaching 7 million people in August - an increase of more than 60 per cent since the first half of this year, but many millions of people continue to suffer. Approximately 700,000 people in areas of the Sa'ada, Hajjah, Al Hudaydah and Taizz governorates are hard to reach because of bureaucratic obstacles, air strikes, shelling and ground clashes.”
2017-10-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8069 (2017) · source
“Al-Shabaab and other non-State armed groups have been targeting humanitarians and confiscating or destroying aid supplies. Meanwhile, the Government frequently imposes bureaucratic obstacles, which include arbitrary taxation and interference in recruitment and the awarding of contracts. In South Sudan, localized famine has been averted, but severe food insecurity has risen to unprecedented levels. Government and opposition groups are preventing agencies from accessing areas in urgent need, including parts of the Equatorias and the Greater Upper Nile region, and areas to the south and west of Wau. Nineteen aid workers have been killed since January, and more than 440 have had to be relocated. Humanitarian supplies are being regularly looted from convoys and compounds.”
2017-10-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8069 (2017) · source
“Those that are functioning are short of staff and lack safe water, basic drugs and equipment. That poses very serious challenges in dealing with outbreaks of cholera, malaria and measles. In Somalia, more than 6 million people depend on humanitarian aid for their survival. Aid agencies and their partners face armed conflict, insecurity, blocked roads and unnecessary bureaucracy. Four aid workers were killed in the first eight months of this year, and there were more than 100 violent incidents affecting aid organizations. Large parts of southern and central Somalia remain under the control or influence of Al-Shabaab. Almost 1.9 million people who need help are beyond the reach of aid agencies. Road access is severely limited by illegal checkpoints and blockades.”
2017-10-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8069 (2017) · source
“Until those conflicts are resolved and development takes root, communities and entire regions will continue to be ravaged by hunger and suffering. Let us talk about each of those food crises individually. In north-east Nigeria, some 8.5 million people are now in need of humanitarian aid. There have been tangible improvements in food security in some areas, thanks to the efforts of the Government and humanitarian organizations. However, aid agencies face obstacles because of ongoing attacks by Boko Haram, while operations by the Nigerian military also affect access. We believe that up to 700,000 people in parts of Borno and Yobe states are completely inaccessible and may require urgent support. Two thirds of the health- care facilities in those states have been damaged.”
2017-10-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8069 (2017) · source
“Hunger continues for millions of people. Children under 5 will suffer the mental and physical scars of stunting throughout their whole lives. In fact, in the past nine months, the need for humanitarian aid has increased in those four areas. The number of people at risk has increased. In South Sudan, approximately 6 million people are severely food-insecure - an increase ofS million since the beginning of the year. Humanitarian aid is saving lives, but we have not dealt with the one major root cause of those food crises: conflict. Some 80 per cent of the World Food Programme's funding is going to areas affected by armed conflict. Approximately 60 per cent of the 815 million people suffering from hunger today live in the shadow of conflict. Three quarters of the children whose growth has been stunted live in countries affected by conflict.”
2017-10-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8069 (2017) · source
“I heard heartbreaking stories from people who had been forced from their homes by drought, and last month the high-level event on famine during the General Assembly highlighted our continued grave concerns. The international community responded quickly to the warnings. Donors came forward. Nearly 70 per cent of the funds requested have now been received. Aid operations were scaled up. Humanitarian agencies and their partners are now reaching Close to 13 million people each month with life-saving food, nutrition assistance, health care and other support. Development partners have also stepped up by working with humanitarian agencies to link emergency relief with long-term programmes aimed at breaking the cycle of risk and vulnerability. Although we have succeeded in keeping famine at bay, we have not kept suffering at bay.”
2017-10-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8069 (2017) · source
“Nine months ago, approximately 20 million people were at severe risk of famine in South Sudan, Somalia, Yemen and north- eastern Nigeria. In South Sudan, almost 100,000 people were on the verge of starvation. At that time, I expressed my deep concern to Member States in two letters calling for urgent action and support for humanitarian and development agencies. I also held a media briefing here in New York on the crisis with the principals of the World Food Programme, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the United Nations Development Programme and representatives of from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and UNICEF. In March, I visited Somalia, where I saw at first hand the need for a massive scale-up in international support in order to avert a famine.”
2017-10-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8069 (2017) · source
“There is a clear need to ensure accountability for the perpetrators of human rights violations, to curb the current violence and to prevent future abuses. The United Nations will remain a close partner to Myanmar in addressing those urgent issues. We have no agenda other than to help Myanmar advance the well- being of all the country's people. We have no interest other than to see all communities enjoying peace, security, prosperity and mutual respect. And we are committed to nothing less than easing the heart-breaking suffering of so many vulnerable people - while forging a lasting solution that affirms shared values, promotes mutual respect and upholds human dignity. I call on the Security Council to stand united and support our efforts to urgently end this tragedy.”
2017-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8060 (2017) · source
“The Muslims of Rakhine state should be granted nationality. The present Myanmar citizenship legislation only allows partial citizenship. We encourage Myanmar to revise that legislation in line with the international standards. In the interim, an effective verification exercise, as previously foreseen, should enable those so entitled to be granted citizenship under the present laws. All others must be able to obtain a legal status that allows them to lead a normal life, including freedom of movement and access to labour markets, education and health services. I appeal to the leaders of Myanmar, including military leaders, to condemn incitement to racial hatred and violence, and to take all measures to defuse tensions between communities. We have taken good note of declarations by the Myanmar authorities that no one is above the law.”
2017-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8060 (2017) · source
“I look forward to an effective and credible follow up to the authorities' stated commitment to greater access, including for the international community, the media and humanitarian actors. Regional cooperation with Myanmar will also be essential, and the United Nations fully stands behind it. I welcome the important role played by Foreign Minister Marsudi of Indonesia in that respect. She has been advocating an approach that echoes the three steps that I have been emphasizing and that is also what many countries have been seeking. The crisis has underlined an urgent need for a political solution to the root causes of the violence. The core of the problem is protracted statelessness and its associated discrimination. The recommendations of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State provide a blueprint for the longer-term future.”
2017-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8060 (2017) · source
“All involved parties should refrain from any actions that could exacerbate the precarious situation on the ground. I welcome the participation here today of National Security Adviser U Thaung Tun - as well as the Permanent Representative of Bangladesh, Mr. Masud Bin Momen. I appreciate the National Security Adviser's efforts to engage in dialogue with various stakeholders during the high-level week of the General Assembly. In addition to discussions with the Secretariat on future cooperation, the Myanmar delegation has reached out to Bangladesh to revive dialogue. Myanmar has also called on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations for desperately needed humanitarian assistance.”
2017-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8060 (2017) · source
“will convene a donors' conference. In my meeting last week with Bangladeshi Prime Minister Hasina, I expressed great appreciation for the care being provided to refugees. I commend the countries that are supporting Bangladesh in its response. Let me also stress the need for strengthened cooperation between Myanmar and Bangladesh. In that regard, I welcome the coming high-level visit of Myanmar officials to Bangladesh The crisis has generated multiple implications for neighbouring States and the larger region, including the risk of intercommunal strife. We should not be surprised if the decades of discrimination and double standards in the treatment of the Rohingya create openings for radicalization. In moving forward, we need an effective partnership with the Myanmar authorities, especially the military.”
2017-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8060 (2017) · source
“In this highly complex environment, the Myanmar authorities must work to defuse tension and uphold and protect the rights of all communities, including the respect for property rights. Those who fled should be able to return to their homes in peace and not have to face yet another cycle of violence. It will be especially important to avoid relocating those displaced yet again to camp-like conditions. In Bangladesh, the United Nations continues to step up its humanitarian response. The High Commissioner for Refugees visited just days ago. In the next two weeks, the World Food Programme, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and UNICEF will visit the Bangladesh border area. On 9 October, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, OCHA and IOM.”
2017-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8060 (2017) · source
“That should include development assistance to the villages of those who return home, and the implementation of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State's recommendations regarding verification and citizenship. Voluntary repatriation also requires, as a critical first step, the registration of refugees in Bangladesh, using internationally accepted standards. The United Nations is ready to support Myanmar and Bangladesh in all stages of this important process. Ensuring the safe, voluntary and dignified return of refugees to Rakhine - in line with international refugee law - will require the restoration of mutual trust among the communities. Improving intercommunal relations is a critical part of a sustainable resolution to the crisis and one of the essential recommendations of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State, led by Kofi Annan.”
2017-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8060 (2017) · source
“I ask members of the Security Council to join me in urging that all those who have fled to Bangladesh be able to exercise their right to a safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable return to their homes. Myanmar authorities have committed to using the framework established in the 1992 Joint Statement by the Foreign Ministers of Bangladesh and Myanmar to facilitate such returns. While that may be a useful starting point, it is not sufficient in the present circumstances. Notably, the framework does not refer to resolving the root cause of displacement. Moreover, it requires documents that the fleeing Rohingya may not be able to provide. The United Nations is committed to a plan for voluntary return and calls upon the international community to support such an effort.”
2017-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8060 (2017) · source
“I am deeply concerned by the current climate of antagonism towards the United Nations and non-governmental organizations. Indeed, that can lead to unacceptable violence, such as the recent attacks against the International Committee of the Red Cross by Rakhine villagers in Sittwe. The Myanmar authorities have said repeatedly over the past few days that it is not the right time for unhindered access to resume. Given the enormous needs, that position is deeply regrettable. The United Nations should be allowed to reach the affected areas without delay. I would also like to address the issue of the safe return of refugees to their places of origin.”
2017-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8060 (2017) · source
“The failure to address that systematic violence could result in a spill-over into central Rakhine state, where an additional 250,000 Muslims could potentially face displacement. They are outnumbered by the Rakhine communities, some of whom have engaged in violent acts of vigilantism against their Muslim neighbours. The violence in Rakhine - whether by the military or by radical elements within communities - must end. The Myanmar authorities must fulfil their fundamental obligation to ensure the safety and security of all communities and to uphold the rule of law without discrimination. Let me now turn to the question of humanitarian access. It is imperative that United Nations agencies and our non-governmental partners be granted immediate and safe access to all affected communities.”
2017-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8060 (2017) · source
“However, displacement appears to have continued, with reports of the burning of Muslim villages, as well as looting and acts of intimidation. The Myanmar authorities themselves have indicated that at least 176 of 471 Muslim villages in northern Rakhine have been totally abandoned. In Rathedaung township, three quarters of the Rohingya population has fled. Most villages and all three of the former internally displaced-persons camps have been burnt to the ground. Just five isolated Muslim communities remain in Rathedaung. Elsewhere too, a majority of the abandoned villages were majority Muslim. There seems to be a deeply disturbing pattern to the violence and the ensuing large movements of an ethnic group from their homes.”
2017-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8060 (2017) · source
“International human rights law and standards are clear: any use of force by the authorities must respect Myanmar's human rights obligations under international law and comply with well- established human rights standards. Above all, these actions must fully respect the human rights of those affected, regardless of ethnicity or religion. The use of lethal force, even in situations of emergency, must be commensurate with the threat to the public order, and utmost care must be taken to minimize injury and loss of life, especially for unarmed people and communities. The authorities have claimed that security operations ended on 5 September, following major displacements in northern Rakhine, where Rohingya were the majority.”
2017-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8060 (2017) · source
“Although the total number of those displaced is unknown, it is estimated that 94 per cent of them are Rohingya. The devastating humanitarian situation is not only a breeding ground for radicalization, it also puts vulnerable people, including young children, at risk of falling prey to criminal elements, including trafficking. We have received bone-chilling accounts from those who fled, mainly women, children and the elderly. These testimonials point to excessive violence and serious violations of human rights, including the indiscriminate firing of weapons, the presence of landmines and sexual violence. This is unacceptable and must end immediately.”
2017-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8060 (2017) · source
“I repeat my condemnation of those attacks today. Since then, the situation has spiralled into the world's fastest- developing refugee emergency and a humanitarian and human rights nightmare. I continue to call on the Myanmar authorities to take three immediate steps: first, to end the military operations; secondly, to allow unfettered access for humanitarian support; and thirdly, to ensure the safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable return of the refugees to their areas of origin. Let me now review what we know about the military operations that have taken place since 25 August. While there have been competing narratives in a highly complex environment, certain elements are clear. At least 500,000 civilians have fled their homes and sought safety in Bangladesh.”
2017-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8060 (2017) · source
“I welcome this opportunity to brief the Security Council on the crisis in Myanmar. On 2 September, I wrote to the Council urging concerted efforts to prevent further escalation of the crisis in northern Rakhine state. I am encouraged that the Council has discussed the situation four times in less than a month. The reality on the ground demands action - swift action - to protect people, alleviate suffering, prevent further instability, address the root causes of the situation and forge, at long last, a durable solution. The following briefing is based on our reporting from the ground and is our best sense of what has happened, what is still happening and what needs to be done. The current crisis has steadily deteriorated since the 25 August attacks by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army on the Myanmar security forces.”
2017-09-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8060 (2017) · source
“(spoke in French) In the coming months, we will advance in the implementation of these reforms, which should enable us to better fulfil our tasks. In the short term, I have asked for a review of peacekeeping operations to be conducted so as to consider how our operations under way can better respond to the numerous challenges that I have mentioned. (spoke in English) With the Security Council's partnership and support, we can adapt peace operations to meet both the old and the new tests alike and to be more effective and more cost-effective.”
2017-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8051 (2017) · source
“Our partnership with the European Union (EU) is also crucial, and I look forward to signing a framework agreement with the EU and to exploring the possibility of establishing trilateral collaborative mechanisms. These partnerships are especially important given the multiple tasks that are being undertaken. We now face the needs of peace enforcement and counter-terrorism, and the precarious environments in which we operate require additional efforts. It is clear that peacekeeping forces are not supposed to do peace enforcement or counter-terrorism. We need to take advantage of the complementarity that must exist between the United Nations and regional and other organizations. I appeal again to the Security Council to ensure, in that regard, clarity of mandates and adequate funding.”
2017-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8051 (2017) · source
“The Joint United Nations-African Union Framework for an Enhanced Partnership in Peace and Security, signed in April, is a crucial step. Beyond their troop contributions, African States have assumed important responsibilities for peace and security in the continent. All across Africa, we are working closely with regional and subregional partners, from the African Union Mission in Somalia to the Group of Five for the Sahel (G-5 Sahel) to the Multinational Joint Task Force in the Lake Chad basin. I call on the Security Council to enhance its support, including through the clarity of mandates and predictable funding, in particular to the G-5 Sahel, in order to operationalize the force in the Sahel, and to the Multinational Joint Task Force battling Boko Haram.”
2017-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8051 (2017) · source
“Since the earliest days of my tenure, I have sent strong signals of my determination to stamp out sexual exploitation and abuse. In one important sign of progress, Member States are now certifying prior to deployment that none of their personnel has a history of misconduct or human rights violations, and the Secretariat also vets certain senior personnel. We have just appointed the first-ever victims- rights advocate, and we are taking other strong steps to promote accountability. In keeping with an Organization-wide plan to achieve gender parity, I am making a push for more female officers and troops in our operations. More women in peacekeeping means more effective peacekeeping. Fourthly, we must build stronger partnerships.”
2017-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8051 (2017) · source
“My proposals for the Secretariat's peace and security architecture seek to strengthen the link between political strategies and operations and between peace and security and the development and human rights pillars of our work. If we can do better on prevention, mediation and peacebuilding, we can reduce the unrealistic and dangerous demands on our colleagues in uniform. Secondly, peace operations should be properly equipped. It is time to fill critical gaps in technology, transportation and situational awareness. More mobility, better equipment and enhanced training and intelligence will allow us to do a better job and, eventually, with smaller numbers. Thirdly, peace operations must embody United Nations values.”
2017-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8051 (2017) · source