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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“It is apleasure to welcome President Santos Calderon to the Chamber today and to share the good news he brings. After more than four years of arduous negotiations with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia-People's Army, a Final Peace Agreement is finally at hand. I salute President Santos Calderon's vision, courage and leadership in ending through negotiations a conflict that has caused so much suffering for the Colombian people for so many decades. This great achievement is the work of Colombians - the parties and the many organizations and individuals who contributed to the negotiations. The international community has been privileged to support their efforts. I would like to recognize in particular the contributions of Cuba and Norway, the guarantors, along with Chile and Venezuela, the accompanying nations.”
2016-09-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7773 (2016) · source
“At the same time, international stakeholders must continue to work towards a negotiated end to the occupation, now entering its 50th year, and the establishment of a viable, democratic Palestine living in peace with Israel, each respecting the other's historic and religious connections to this holy land. Building on its report, the Quartet will continue its role to promote consensus to that end. I wish to thank my Special Coordinator, Nickolay Mladenov, for his unwavering commitment and continued engagement with the parties in what remains a challenging context. For the sake of regional and indeed global peace, we must intensify our efforts to encourage the Israeli and Palestinian leadership to take the difficult steps to change the destructive trajectory currently leading us towards a one-State reality.”
2016-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7772 (2016) · source
“On both occasions, the Israel Defense Forces responded with an airstrike. I call on Israel and Syria to abide by the terms of the Disengagement Agreement and exercise maximum restraint. In a matter of days, the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee for the Coordination of International Assistance to Palestinians will meet here in New York. I encourage both sides to focus on positive policy shifts, consistent with the transition to greater Palestinian civil authority in Area C, contemplated by prior agreements. To this end, I welcome the parties' recent agreement on outstanding electricity debts and the creation of a new energy market, which will transfer authority to the Palestinian Government for the management of energy infrastructure. Such steps, echoing the intentions of Oslo, are critical to the viability of a future Palestinian State.”
2016-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7772 (2016) · source
“In its July report (S/2016/595, annex), the Quartet highlighted these complex political, security and socioeconomic dynamics in Gaza as one of the negative trends severely undermining hopes for peace. Lasting progress in Gaza can be realized only on the basis ofPalestinian unity, an end to the illicit arms build-up and militant activities, and a full lifting of movement and access restrictions in line with resolution 1860 (2009). Turning to the Golan, I remain concerned by the continued breaches of the ceasefire line and by fighting in the areas of separation and limitation. These developments undermine the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement and jeopardize the ceasefire between Israel and Syria. In particular, recent fire from the Syrian Arab Armed Forces impacted the Israeli- occupied Golan.”
2016-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7772 (2016) · source
“Looking at the broader situation, Gaza remains under closures and is a ticking time bomb. Instability and the risk of violent escalation are ever-present. The continued arms build-up and militant activities of Hamas and other radical groups keep both sides of the border in a state of constant alert. The continued humanitarian deprivations of Gaza's nearly 2 million residents smother dreams and ambitions, and feed instability and extremism. The corrosive Palestinian political divide worsens the humanitarian situation and stifles development, and the absence of a Government of national unity, espousing the principles upon which to build peace, inhibits the realization of an end to the occupation and the establishment ofa sovereign Palestinian State.”
2016-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7772 (2016) · source
“I encourage Israel and the Palestinian Authority to continue their cooperation with the United Nations and facilitate the import of reconstruction materials that are so Vital to rebuilding people's lives, while ensuring that materials are not diverted for military use. Apart from reconstruction, Gaza's humanitarian needs run deep. More than 1.3 million of its 1.9 million people need of assistance. Continued humanitarian access and funding services to the Palestinian population in Gaza remain critical. In this dire context, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) continues to face serious financial challenges. I appeal to Member States for their generosity to ensure that UNRWA can carry out its activities effectively and in a predictable manner.”
2016-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7772 (2016) · source
“Houses, hospitals, schools and critical infrastructure have been repaired thanks to generous donors and good cooperation among Israel, the Palestinian Authority and the United Nations. At the same time, 65,000 people remain displaced. More assistance is needed to rebuild nearly 5,000 destroyed houses. More coordination is required to accelerate ongoing reconstruction. Since 2014, the Gaza Reconstruction Mechanism has facilitated the entry of more than 1.5 million tons of construction material and helped significantly to boost imports into Gaza, positively impacting the private sector. Israel has legitimate security concerns with regard to the smuggling or seizure of materials. Nevertheless, the mechanism is closely monitored and all sides continue to ensure that appropriate controls are in place for aid to reach its intended recipients.”
2016-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7772 (2016) · source
“As Palestinians prepare for the first local elections in over 10 years, we see increasing threats to the electoral process and the credibility of elected institutions, including politically motivated attacks and a growing number of questionable rulings. I am particularly concerned by last week's decision of the Palestinian High Court to suspend all preparations while deliberations continue on a petition to cancel elections. Local elections in the West Bank and Gaza, if held in line with international standards, could provide an important renewal of Palestinian democracy and a first step towards advancing national unity. Regional efforts to encourage reconciliation and strengthen moderate political forces can also play a positive role. Turning to Gaza, there has been progress in the two years since the 2014 ceasefire.”
2016-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7772 (2016) · source
“I am disturbed by a recent statement by Israel's Prime Minister portraying those who oppose settlement expansion as supporters of ethnic cleansing. This is unacceptable and outrageous. Let me be absolutely clear - settlements are illegal under international law. The occupation, stifling and oppressive, must end. The international community, including the Security Council and the Middle East Quartet, universally views the expansion of settlements as an obstacle to peace. I continue to be appalled that Palestinian parties choose to praise despicable acts, such as the 1972 terrorist attack against Israeli athletes at the Munich Olympics. The glorification of terror is disgraceful and the Palestinian leadership must put an end to it.”
2016-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7772 (2016) · source
“Just yesterday, militants in Gaza fired yet another rocket into Israel, which I condemn. Israel fired four missiles at targets in Gaza in response. Once again, I reiterate that such attacks and the response they elicit do not serve the cause of peace. In the past two weeks alone, plans have been advanced for yet another 463 housing units in four settlements in Area C of the occupied West Bank. Official Israeli data shows that the second quarter of 2016 had the highest number of construction starts in three years. The decades-long policy that has settled more than 500,000 Israelis in Palestinian territory is diametrically opposed to the creation of a Palestinian State. Regrettably, the reporting period also saw the continuation of statements by both sides that only perpetuate an environment of mistrust.”
2016-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7772 (2016) · source
“I should like to thank Foreign Minister McCully for organizing this meeting at a cruciall important time. Allow me to begin by wishing all Muslims who celebrated this week Eid Adha Mubarak. I also want to reiterate my hope for the swift and full recovery of former Israeli President Shimon Peres, who has been tireless in seeking peace between Israelis and Palestinians. Twenty-three years ago, almost to the day, the first Oslo Accord was signed between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization. Unfortunately, we are further than ever from its goals. The two-State solution is at risk of being replaced by a one-State reality of perpetual violence and occupation. Despite warnings by the international community and the region, leaders on both sides have failed to take the difficult steps needed for peace.”
2016-09-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7772 (2016) · source
“I encourage Council members to use this debate to devise effective solutions so that all States can fully implement their disarmament and non-proliferation commitments. Throughout my tenure as Secretary-General, the elimination of weapons of mass destruction has been an urgent priority. I urge all Member States to recommit themselves to taking action. The stakes are simply too high too ignore. I wish the Security Council a fruitful debate.”
2016-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7758 (2016) · source
“Information and communication technologies, artificial intelligence, 3-D printing and synthetic biology will bring profound changes to our everyday lives and benefits to millions of people. However, their potential for misuse could also bring destruction. The nexus between these emerging technologies and WMDs needs close examination and action. As a starting point, the international community must step up to expand common ground for the peaceful use of cyberspace, and particularly the intersection between cyberspace and critical infrastructure. People now live a significant portion of their lives online. They must be protected from online attacks, just as effectively as they are protected from physical attacks. Disarmament and non-proliferation instruments are only as successful as Member States' capacity to implement them.”
2016-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7758 (2016) · source
“States parties to the Biological Weapons Convention have an opportunity to discuss how to enhance preparedness at the BWC Review Conference in November. I also call on the Council to consider how to strengthen resolution 1540 (2004) to ensure that non-State actors cannot acquire these horrific weapons. For 12 years, the resolution has tried to provide a barrier to the threat and risk of WMDs being use by non-State actors, which is a very real threat. The comprehensive review mandated by resolution 1977 (2011) provides an opportunity to fine-tune resolution 1540 (2004). I urge the Council to use today's meeting to be proactive in ensuring that the resolution continues to be fit for purpose. I will now say a few words about new global threats emerging from the misuse of science and technology, and the power of globalization.”
2016-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7758 (2016) · source
“I call on all to address the issues that plagued the 2015 Review Conference in a spirit of compromise, with full respect for agreed objectives, common values and core principles. Moving on to biological weapons, in the wake of the very serious outbreaks of Ebola, MERS and yellow fever, I am extremely concerned that the international community is not adequately prepared to prevent or respond to a biological attack. The impact and consequences of a biological attack on a civilian target could far exceed those of a chemical or radiological attack, but investment in the international architecture dealing with these different types of WMDs is not commensurate with their possible effects. For example, there is no multilateral prevention and verification agency for biological weapons, as there is for nuclear and chemical threats and risks.”
2016-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7758 (2016) · source
“To build on resolution 1887 (2009) and to develop further initiatives to bring about a world free of weapons of mass destruction. It is time to refocus seriously on nuclear disarmament. The outcome of the Open-ended Working Group on Taking Forward Multilateral Nuclear Disarmament Negotiations demonstrated that there are many possible approaches to this task. While more needs to be done to bridge the divide within the international community, I am encouraged that all States agree that our collective efforts must complement and strengthen the nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime, including the NPT. The next review cycle of the NPT - the only treaty-based commitment to nuclear disarmament - will begin in May 2017. For nearly five decades, the Treaty has been a bulwark against nuclear proliferation.”
2016-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7758 (2016) · source
“Technological advances have made the means of production and methods of delivery of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear materials cheaper, easier and more accessible. Vicious non-State actors that target civilians for carnage are actively seeking chemical, biological and nuclear weapons. It is therefore particularly disappointing that progress on eliminating nuclear weapons has descended into fractious deadlock. We see the reappearance of some of the discredited arguments that were used to justify nuclear weapons during the Cold War. Those arguments were morally, politically and practically wrong 30 years ago, and they are wrong now. In this environment, the global community expects the Council to demonstrate the same leadership as it did in 2009.”
2016-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7758 (2016) · source
“In 2008, just one year into my tenure as Secretary-General, I released my five-point proposal to achieve a world free of nuclear weapons in the hope that it would spur further action by the international community. Eight years have passed, but the need for urgent action has not diminished. The Council has also played its part. In 2009, it convened a historic summit on non-proliferation (see S/PV.6l9l). In adopting resolution 1887 (2009), Council members emphasized the Council's primary responsibility to address nuclear threats and its willingness to take action. But we are all aware that challenges to the disarmament and non-proliferation architectures are growing. The global strategic context is more fluid and dangerous than ever.”
2016-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7758 (2016) · source
“I call on all States to focus on one overriding truth - the only sure way to prevent the human, environmental and existential destruction that these weapons can cause is by eradicating them once and for all. To attain that shared dream, we, the international community, must ensure that the disarmament and non-proliferation framework is universally and completed implemented, and is resilient and versatile enough to grapple with a changing environment. The elimanation of weapons of mass destruction is one of the founding principles of the United Nations. It was the subject ofthe first General Assembly resolution. It has been a top priority for me.”
2016-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7758 (2016) · source
“I thank you, Sir, for hosting this debate today. The elimination of all weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) is one of the most important obligations entrusted to the international community. We can take some comfort from our success in preventing the spread of weapons of mass destruction. The multilateral infrastructure, including the load-bearing pillars of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), the Chemical Weapons Convention, the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) and instruments including resolution 1540 (2004), is robust and tested. However, at a time when we face greater dangers than ever, the disarmament agenda has stalled in several areas.”
2016-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7758 (2016) · source
“The ultimate goal is to end these grave violations of the human rights of children. That demands ending conflicts and establishing peace. I call on the Council and all countries to do everything possible to back their words with actions that protect children from the scourge of armed conflict now and spare others in the future.”
2016-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7753 (2016) · source
“This year marks the twentieth anniversary of the office of the Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict. My Special Representative and her predecessors have made a meaningful difference for the youngest victims of war. Courageous and hard- working staff in the field have collected and verified information, sometimes at great personal risk. I fully support them. This work and my Special Representative deserve the full political backing of all Member States. We need resources, but much more than that, we need political will. Commitment yields results. In 2015, more than 8,000 child soldiers were released. They are getting help to rebuild their lives. Many countries have also passed laws - with enforcement mechanisms - to add new safeguards for children against recruitment.”
2016-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7753 (2016) · source
“I have since received information on measures taken by the coalition to prevent and end grave violations against children. I still have very strong concerns about the protection of Yemeni children. They must always come first. The forward-looking review continues, and the situation on the ground will be closely monitored. We will continue our engagement to ensure that concrete measures to protect children are implemented. But I want to repeat that the content of the report stands. Let me be clear - the report and its annexes may cause discomfort, but that is not a goal in itself. Our aim is to protect children in danger by ensuring concrete change. Today I renew my appeal to every Member State and every party to conflict: If you want to protect your image, protect children.”
2016-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7753 (2016) · source
“I thank the Council for endorsing my decision to repatriate units when we have credible evidence against them, but we all must do more to secure accountability, enforce standards, provide training, assist victims and achieve justice. Once again this year, objections to the annual report (S/2016/360) forced me to make a difficult decision. After very careful consideration, the Saudi Arabia-led coalition was removed from the annexes, pending the conclusions of a review. I have held talks with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at the highest level possible, including meetings in New York with the Deputy Crown Prince, the Minister of Defence and the Minister for Foreign Affairs, to express my serious concerns about the situation on the ground and the devastating impact on children. My senior advisers were also intensely engaged.”
2016-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7753 (2016) · source
“Extremists are torturing, detaining and killing children, sending them on suicide missions and selling them as sex slaves. An effective response must place respect for human rights and humanitarian law at the centre. That includes protecting children during and after military operations, regardless of their affiliation. I am deeply concerned that more and more children are being arrested, detained or even killed in counter-terrorism operations. I am also alarmed by violations of international humanitarian law caused by aerial bombardments. Even wars have rules. Hospitals and schools should be protected. Civilians should be spared. Children should not be used to fight. Peacekeeping also has rules. We must end the outrage of sexual exploitation and abuse by United Nations peacekeepers, staff and non-United Nations forces.”
2016-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7753 (2016) · source
“In Yemen, six times as many children were killed and maimed in 2015 compared tojust one year before, and five times as many were recruited into fighting. Violence continues to take a toll on Palestinian and Israeli children. My last report (S/2015/409) called on Israel to ensure accountability. That remains critical. More than half of the world's refugees are frightened children. We must urgently address the root causes of displacement. At the same time, we have to confront this massive crisis. On 19 September, we will hold a United Nations Summit for Refugees and Migrants. I urge all Governments to bring ideas and commitments with a special focus on protecting children. Violent extremism is forcing people from their homes and communities.”
2016-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7753 (2016) · source
“The global security landscape continues to change dramatically, but one grim reality does not - children still pay the highest price in wartime. Young boys and girls are directly targeted and conscripted. They are tortured, maimed, imprisoned, starved, sexually abused and killed. Their homes and schools are destroyed. In places such as Iraq, Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan, Syria and Yemen, children suffer through a living hell. And in many cases, it is getting even worse. Thousands of Syrian children have been killed since the start of the conflict. Millions more are traumatized. Last year, Afghanistan recorded its highest rate of child casualties since 2009. In Somalia, recorded violations increased by 50 per cent from 2014 to 2015. In South Sudan, children continue to pay the heaviest price for leaders' failure to commit to peace.”
2016-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7753 (2016) · source
“I encourage the Security Council to build on the recent resolution 2282 (2016), on sustaining peace, and on its deliberations during the informal interactive dialogue led by France in June, and to continue to strengthen its relationship with the Peacebuilding Commission.”
2016-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7750 (2016) · source
“I thank the efforts of hosts Kenya, Mexico, the Netherlands, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sweden and the United Kingdom for their efforts. Institution-building entails strong partnership, coherence and coordination among many actors: intergovernmental bodies, headquarters and the field, entities on the ground, international financial institutions, regional organizations and civil society. The Peacebuilding Commission provides an important platform to help focus the attention of all these actors on long-term institution-building. It can help mobilize resources, share lessons and sustain engagement by the international community.”
2016-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7750 (2016) · source
“Peacekeeping operations and political missions have seen a significant increase in institution-building mandates from the Council in recent years. However, these have not always come with realistic time frames or the necessary resources and support. I welcome the fact that the Fifth Committee has allocated funds in the budgets of a number of peacekeeping operations for programmatic activities focusing on institution-building, including in partnership with United Nations country teams. But a large gap remains. Despite praise for the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) in the recent peace and security reviews, it faces a desperate funding shortfall. To deliver on the collective commitment to sustaining peace. Iarn asking Governments to help the PBF pledging conference in September to achieve the funding target of $300 million.”
2016-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7750 (2016) · source
“The programme focuses on the delivery of basic services in stabilized areas in North Kivu and on preventing grievances that could lead to further conflict Finally, the United Nations and the World Bank have jointly developed a diagnostic tool to assess core Government functions and identify key actions necessary to deliver essential services. Drawing on our experience in the Central African Republic in 2014, when the United Nations and the World Bank supported the payment of civil servants, the tool is currently being piloted in Libya, and we hope to be able to deploy it in South Sudan and Yemen. Support for core Government functions is critical during the early recovery period and an essential component of the peacebuilding and State-building process.”
2016-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7750 (2016) · source
“We are helping the country to build stronger public-sector institutions that can deliver services and access, thereby helping the Federal Government to establish and gain the people's trust in State authority, especially outside of Mogadishu in newly recovered areas. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the United Nations country team have been working on an integrated programme of justice, local governance and development initiatives in support of the international security, stabilization and support strategy.”
2016-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7750 (2016) · source
“Measuring the impact of institution-building is not easy. Results can be intangible or elusive for years. Pressures from donor countries for instant results can be detrimental to long-term development objectives and, ultimately, to peace. Therefore, in meeting our shared responsibility, we need wisdom, commitment and patience. United Nations missions and humanitarian and development actors are committed to working closely as one to support institution-rebuilding and strengthening in Africa. In Somalia, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia, the country team, the Peacebuilding Support Office, the United Nations Development Programme and the World Bank are supporting the Government under the New Deal Compact to restore core Government functions, including through a flagship capacity development programme.”
2016-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7750 (2016) · source
“Secondly, institution-building needs to be rooted in political agreement. National ownership and leadership are key. That means broad, inclusive dialogue encompassing central Government, local authorities, communities, the private sector and civil society, especially youth, women and marginalized groups. Such dialogue enhances social cohesion, strengthens the legitimacy of the State and increases the sustainability of reforms. Thirdly, institution-building is a long-term process that sometimes takes decades. Each country's institutions should be allowed to develop incrementally, allowing for experimentation, learning and adaptation. But communities also need to see early and tangible progress. Peace dividends are essential, and perceptions are critical. If expectations are high but not met, even if there is progress, grievances can mount.”
2016-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7750 (2016) · source
“They provide security and justice, limit corruption, reduce marginalization and avert ethnic tension. They promote the delivery of essential services, from sanitation and health care to an enabling environment for business to flourish. They offer a channel for resolving disputes and preventing the outbreak of violent conflict. They are the bedrock of peace and sustainable development. Building effective and legitimate institutions is not easy, but we have learned some fundamental lessons. First, there are no one-size-fits-all solutions. Institution-building has to be rooted in national historical, political, social, cultural and economic contexts. Trying to impose an outside model on a post- conflict country can do more harm than good. The focus should be on building on existing institutions to provide the services that people need.”
2016-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7750 (2016) · source
“Instability also persists in the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Libya, Mali and a number of other nations. This a cause of grave concern for all, but it is also important to emphasize that this is not the full story of Africa. There is another narrative, largely untold, of growing economies, improved living standards and expanding democratic space. Our shared responsibility is to nourish these seeds of peace and prosperity. One way we can do that is to nurture inclusive, transparent, effective and accountable institutions and help the nations of Africa achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. When institutions are weak, nations cannot thrive. Inclusive and accountable institutions are the cement that bonds States and citizens.”
2016-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7750 (2016) · source
“Peacebuilding is at the core of the United Nations activities in conflict-affected countries throughout the world. The recent historic resolutions adopted by the General Assembly and the Security Council emphasize that sustaining peace is a shared responsibility of Governments, national stakeholders and the United Nations. Peace in Africa is a top priority. As we meet, South Sudan remains precariously poised on the brink of an abyss. The promises of the new State for peace, justice and opportunity have been squandered. I am appalled by the scale of sexual violence documented by our human rights teams. We demand accountability for all atrocities and that the leaders of South Sudan commit to the peace process.”
2016-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7750 (2016) · source
“That is why I encourage the Security Council to support the efforts of the Quartet - of the United States, the Russian Federation, the European Union and the United Nations - to work with the parties, the region and interested stakeholders in advancing peace.”
2016-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7736 (2016) · source
“I will never forget my moving meeting with student leaders at a school in Gaza of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East on my final day in the region. One 15-year-old boy concluded by saying, "Harsh restrictions drain away the ambitions of any young person. And this is how we see our future * to be killed by the conflict, to be killed by the closure or to be killed by despair." Surely, we can do better for all the children of Palestine and Israel. Surely, they deserve a horizon of hope. It is time for the parties to take action to build that future. The international community, including through the recommendations outlined in the Quartet's report, remains resolute in its commitment to support the goal of a peaceful future for both Palestinians and Israelis.”
2016-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7736 (2016) · source
“Turning very briefly to the Golan, I would add that the situation remains volatile and continues to undermine the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement between Israel and Syria, thereby jeopardizing the ceasefire between the two countries. As we focus on Israeli-Palestinian peace, we must take a hard look at where the conflict stands. How much longer can the parties and the international conirnunity accept political paralysis, and at what grave price? I encourage the Security Council to support the efforts of the Quartet to work with the parties, the region and interested stakeholders in advancing peace. The children of Israel and Palestine deserve nothing less.”
2016-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7736 (2016) · source
“Such acts must be universally condemned and more must be done to counter the incitement that fuels and justifies terror. During my visit I also made my fourth trip to Gaza. Militant activity continues, undermining the fragile ceasefire and threatening to provoke another devastating escalation. Despite significant progress, tens of thousands ofpeople are still displaced following the 2014 conflict. Families are forced to live without electricity for 12 to 18 hours per day. Unemployment remains staggering. Funds to rebuild Gaza remain elusive. I once again urge donors to fulfil their pledges made in Cairo. But long-term stability and sustainability for Gaza depends on the lifting of the crippling closures and a re-establishment of a single, legitimate Palestinian governing authority based on Palestine Liberation Organization principles.”
2016-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7736 (2016) · source
“We must ask: How can the systematic expansion of settlements - the taking of land for exclusive Israeli use - and the denial of Palestinian development be a response to Violence? Such policies will not bring the two-State solution closer to reality. Such policies will not make Israelis safer or more secure. As many former Israeli military and intelligence officers have clearly stated, those policies will do precisely the opposite. Indeed, every brick added to the edifice of occupation is another taken from Israel's foundation as a majority Jewish and democratic State. At the same time, those Palestinians who celebrate and encourage attacks against innocents must know that they are not serving the interests of their people or of peace.”
2016-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7736 (2016) · source
“I am also deeply troubled by shrinking space for civil society in the region and around the world. I am concerned by Israel's passage of the so-called "NGO Transparency Law", which contributes to a climate in which the activities of human rights organizations are increasingly delegitimized. All the while, Israel's settlement enterprise marches on. Days after the Quartet called on Israel to cease settlement construction and expansion, Israel announced plans to advance building approximately 560 housing units in the West Bank and 240 more in occupied East Jerusalem. That is in flagrant disregard of international law. Those actions constitute an undeniable contradiction of Israel's official support for a negotiated two-State solution. I urge Israel to immediately cease and reverse those plans.”
2016-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7736 (2016) · source
“At the same time, the region and the wider international community must exercise their influence to encourage both sides. French efforts to pursue peace complement those efforts. I welcome their coordination with the Quartet. I also welcome Egyptian efforts, including the recent visit by the Egyptian Foreign Minister to Palestine and Israel. The failure of Israeli and Palestinian leaders to advance peace has created a vacuum. Extremist voices have filled that space. Recent incidents reinforce the mounting risks. Those responsible for recent terror attacks must be held accountable. However, closures, such as those in Hebron, as well as punitive demolitions and blanket revocations of permits, penalize thousands of innocent Palestinians and amount to collective punishment.”
2016-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7736 (2016) · source
“The report's overriding message, however, is irrefutable: as negative trends grow more frequent, the prospects for a two-State solution grow more distant. The report's 10 recommendations provide a practical approach to end the political stalemate, resume the transition to greater Palestinian Authority in the West Bank and chart a course towards negotiations to resolve all final status issues. I urge both sides to immediately begin discussions with the Quartet on implementing those recommendations as we all continue to work in coordination with key stakeholders, including regional countries and the Security Council, to restore hope in a political solution. The Quartet Envoys are now taking steps in that direction. The parties will have to make the necessary compromises for peace.”
2016-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7736 (2016) · source
“I congratulate you, Mr. President, on your assumption of the very important responsibility of the presidency of the Security Council. Late last month, I returned from my eleventh visit to Israel and Palestine as the Secretary-General. As it happened, it was also as Israel's occupation entered into its fiftieth year. I carried a clear and consistent message to leaders on both sides, namely, that time was running out. That fact is also at the heart of the report of the Middle East Quartet. I know that the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Mr. Nickolay Mladenov, has fully briefed the Security Council. Some on both sides have criticized the report's contents and sought to dismiss its conclusions and recommendations.”
2016-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7736 (2016) · source
“Many parties are failing to live up to those obligations, and it is essential that we use all the means at our disposal to hold them accountable. The United Nations is determined to work collectively to support Governments to protect their people, and to persuade parties to conflictto abide by their obligations. But even the most effective peacekeeping can never protect every civilian from harm. No amount of strategy, resources or accountability will mitigate the grave and tragic consequences of war for ordinary women, children and men. The ultimate solution to protecting civilians in conflict is to find sustainable political solutions based on the rule of law and human rights standards. That is the core responsibility of the Security Council, and I urge the Council to exercise it.”
2016-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7711 (2016) · source
“In the Central African Republic, for example, the United Nations has been coordinating a group of international partners, including the African Union and the Economic Community of Central African States, to promote stability and security. We will also continue pressing Governments and parties to conflict to uphold their protection responsibilities, comply with international law and take precautions to prevent harm to civilians - for example, by minimizing the impact of explosive weapons in populated areas. Governments and parties to conflict also have an obligation to provide for the basic needs of civilians in conflict. When they fail to do so, they should facilitate principled humanitarian assistance by humanitarian organizations.”
2016-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7711 (2016) · source
“My Agenda for Humanity, drawn up as the framework for the World Humanitarian Summit, sets out core responsibilities, principles, courses of action and ambitious targets for all to improve the protection of civilians. At the Summit, Governments, non-governmental organizations, United Nations agencies and others pledged to take concrete actions to implement the Agenda. Later this year, I will report to the General Assembly and propose ways to take those commitments forward. We must also look outside the United Nations and increase our engagement with civil society, non-governmental organizations and regional partners.”
2016-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7711 (2016) · source
“We need troops that speak the right languages, bring with them the right technology and equipment and have the right skills and training, in the right places. Member States have a critical role in that regard, in contributing troops and police who are ready, willing and able to take up protection duties. The Kigali Principles set out critical benchmarks for troop- and police-contributing countries, and I urge all States to endorse them. We also rely on the Security Council to set mandates that are in line with resources and to use its influence to increase those resources in certain circumstances. Protecting civilians is a United Nations system- wide responsibility. But the primary responsibility lies with parties to a conflict, non-belligerent States and the Security Council.”
2016-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7711 (2016) · source