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

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

“I commend the Malian army, the Joint Force of the Group of Five for the Sahel (G-5 Sahel) and the French forces for stepping up their operations and improving their coordination in the Liptako-Gourma region with the aim of defeating terrorist groups operating in that critical area. An exclusively military solution does not exist. Security responses must go hand in hand with the restoration of State authority and sustainable development. Respect for human rights in the conduct of operations is also essential. Success in the fight against terrorism in Mali and the Sahel region will depend on the ability of the international community to remain united and to adhere to a comprehensive and joint approach. In that regard, I am encouraged by the continued commitment of our key partners.”
2020-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/541 (2020) · source
“The Mission’s adaptation plan remains a viable proposal for a more agile, mobile and flexible operation, with tailored units and enhanced capabilities — most important among them additional air mobility. I am encouraged by the pledges made during the recent MINUSMA force generation conference by troop-contributing countries in early May to deploy additional specialized capabilities to the Mission. In an increasingly challenging security environment, additional air assets are urgently needed to enable the Mission to continue ensuring the implementation of its mandate. I reiterate my call upon Member States to support the plan when considering contributions and the Mission’s budget, in keeping with their commitments under the Action for Peacekeeping framework. Fighting terrorism is a joint responsibility.”
2020-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/541 (2020) · source
“I call for swift and determined international action to address the most urgent humanitarian needs and mitigate the destabilizing effects of COVID-19. The conclusions of the 2019 inclusive national dialogue have raised hopes among the Malian people and deserve diligent implementation. The growing calls for civil society to improve governance and fight insecurity, as heard during last weekend’s demonstrations in Bamako, must be answered accordingly. I welcome the President’s openness to dialogue in that regard. MINUSMA and the Secretariat have taken important steps to enhance our presence and activities in central Mali and to better protect civilians.”
2020-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/541 (2020) · source
“A total of 128 peacekeepers have been killed as a result of malicious acts and not a single perpetrator has been held accountable. I am appalled by the allegations of summary killings and executions of at least 38 civilians by the Malian armed forces in two villages in the Mopti region last weekend, in one case with the support of traditional hunters. I welcome the Government’s announcement to investigate these serious violations and I call on the authorities to do everything possible to hold the perpetrators of these heinous crimes accountable. The humanitarian situation is equally concerning. The number of people in need of assistance is expected to increase to 5 million over the next months.”
2020-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/541 (2020) · source
“I remain very concerned about the situation in central Mali, where terrorist activity continues to fuel violence among communities, thus taking a heavy toll on the local population. I am encouraged by the Government’s efforts and the Prime Minister’s personal engagement, particularly community dialogue initiatives. These have yielded some positive results but there is a very long way to go. Efforts to combat impunity remain essential to curbing the violence in the centre, and more needs to be done by the authorities to demonstrate their commitment in that regard. MINUSMA’s adaptation plan seeks to enable the Mission to deliver on its mandated strategic objectives, particularly its second objective concerning Mali’s central region. I would also like to highlight the need to bring to justice the perpetrators of crimes against peacekeepers.”
2020-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/541 (2020) · source
“Furthermore, I call for the immediate release of opposition leader Soumaïla Cissé, who was abducted during the electoral campaign. The new Parliament, currently in session, is expected to play a key role in enacting institutional reforms envisaged in the peace agreement, including through the holding of a constitutional referendum. These mostly positive developments are promising. I encourage the signatory parties to strengthen mutual trust and to work together to keep up the momentum in the peace process, which remains the only pathway to a politically stable and more secure Mali. My Special Representative stands ready to further extend his good offices to help create conditions for progress.”
2020-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/541 (2020) · source
“Steps have also been taken to operationalize the Northern Development Zone with a view to improving people’s daily lives and helping them address the underlying drivers of instability, including poverty, underdevelopment and the lack of opportunities for young people. Legislative elections were held in March and April, with the support of the Mission. Although there is still a long way to go, the number of elected women is three times higher than during the previous legislature and represents the highest percentage ever recorded. Nevertheless, the low voter turnout, just as we have seen in previous polls, calls for continued efforts from all political actors to enhance the population’s trust in national institutions.”
2020-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/541 (2020) · source
“Steps were taken to put in place the legislative framework for the creation and deployment of a territorial police force, a key aspect of the decentralization process. The good offices of MINUSMA have been crucial to helping the parties overcome mistrust, resolve numerous problems and reach an agreement on the modalities for the redeployment. That is just one of many examples illustrating the pivotal role that MINUSMA continues to play in supporting the parties and creating a space for the peace process to unfold. In that connection, I would like to take this opportunity to commend the outstanding leadership of my Special Representative, Mr. Mahamat Saleh Annadif.”
2020-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/541 (2020) · source
“A more robust presence of the national defence and security forces is key to combating terrorism and restoring State authority. It will also pave the way for a more significant deployment of State administration and justice. It is now paramount for all redeployed units to become operational while creating the conditions to gradually assume their mandated security responsibilities. To that end, we need urgent measures, including continued efforts by all parties concerned to live up to their commitment to provide additional infrastructure, equipment, training and appropriate measures to strengthen cohesion. An effective community-oriented police force is equally important to stabilize Mali and fight terrorism.”
2020-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/541 (2020) · source
“Following the integration of 1,330 former combatants of the armed movements into the national defence and security forces, more than 1,100 personnel were redeployed to Kidal, Gao, Timbuktu and Ménaka as part of the reconstituted units of the national armed forces. Action will resume soon to integrate 510 additional combatants and another batch of 1,160 fighters in order to reach the objective of 3,000 newly integrated soldiers by mid-2020. The arrival of the first reconstituted unit in February marked the first formal presence of the national armed forces in Kidal since rebel forces took control of the main cities in northern Mali in 2012. Once fully operational, the reconstituted units will strengthen the national armed forces in northern Mali.”
2020-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/541 (2020) · source
“MINUSMA also took early measures, which have been further strengthened, in order to prevent the spread of the virus while ensuring the continued implementation of the mandate. It has been five years since the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali was signed by the Malian parties in Algiers. In spite of protracted delays in its implementation, important progress has been made over the past year. An inclusive national dialogue was held in Mali, with the participation of Malians of the diaspora. That provided an opportunity for Malian men and women to express their concerns and discuss solutions. It also yielded a number of resolutions and enabled the parties to refocus on the implementation of the Bamako Agreement.”
2020-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/541 (2020) · source
“The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has added another layer of complexity to an already extremely challenging situation, with attempts by terrorist and other armed groups to capitalize on the pandemic. Mali has not been spared by the virus, and neither has the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), our peacekeeping Mission on the ground. More than 100 United Nations personnel have been affected. While many of them have recovered, two peacekeepers lost their lives and we mourn that loss. I am encouraged by the swift action taken by the Government to respond to the pandemic, in close cooperation with the MINUSMA and other international partners.”
2020-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/541 (2020) · source
“I thank you, Sir, for this opportunity to brief the Council. I apologize that at 10 a.m. I will need to leave to attend the start of a General Assembly meeting. The multifaceted crises in Mali and the Sahel continue to take a heavy toll on people across the subregion. Terrorist and criminal groups continue to expand their activities and exploit long-standing tensions along community lines. I express my sincere condolences on recent killings in central Mali where, over the past few days, at least 100 civilians have been killed in attacks in the Mopti region. I also extend my condolences to neighbouring Burkina Faso, where more than 80 people died in the north in separate attacks attributed to terrorist groups.”
2020-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/541 (2020) · source
“Civilians caught up in violence now face a new and deadly threat from COVID-19. The pandemic is amplifying and exploiting the fragilities of our world. Conflict is one of the greatest causes of that fragility. Protecting civilians requires us to do much more to ensure compliance with international law and accountability for violations. We must also do more to prevent, reduce and resolve conflicts. Sustainable political solutions remain the only way to ensure that civilians are kept safe from harm.”
2020-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/465 (2020) · source
“Secondly, armed drones are increasingly being used to conduct attacks in many situations of armed conflict, including in Libya and Yemen. We need to reassert the authority of international law over their use. Thirdly, we must address the legal, moral and ethical implications posed by the development of lethal autonomous weapons systems. It is my deep conviction that machines with the power and discretion to take lives without human involvement must be prohibited by international law. Finally, we must tackle the malicious use of digital technology to conduct cyberattacks on critical civilian infrastructure. Reports from several countries indicate a rise in cyberattacks on health-care facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. We must do more to prevent and end these new forms of aggression, which can cause further severe harm to civilians.”
2020-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/465 (2020) · source
“However, compliance and accountability are essential, but lacking. I repeat my call on States to develop national frameworks to strengthen the protection of civilians in armed conflict. States must also ensure accountability through strengthened efforts to prevent serious violations of international law by prioritizing investigation and prosecution. I urge all to move beyond rhetoric and close the accountability gap through national legislation and coordinated international action. My report outlines other actions that require greater global attention. First, I urge States to review and rethink their approach to urban warfare, committing to the protection of civilians in their doctrine, strategy and tactics. This includes measures to condition arms exports on respect for international humanitarian and human rights law.”
2020-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/465 (2020) · source
“According to the World Health Organization, 199 health-care workers were killed in more than 1,000 attacks in 2019 — a shocking increase from an already inexcusable 794 in 2018. This month’s attack on a maternity hospital in Kabul, in the middle of a major global health crisis, makes it even more essential for Member States to take urgent measures to implement Security Council resolutions and protect the provision of medical care in conflict. Last year marked 20 years since the Security Council added the protection of civilians to its agenda, and the seventieth anniversary of the Geneva Conventions. The year brought several important initiatives and commitments, including the call to action to bolster respect for international humanitarian law, endorsed by 40 States. Such pledges are an important first step.”
2020-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/465 (2020) · source
“Of the 135 million acutely food-insecure people in the world, more than half live in countries and territories affected by conflict. We expect COVID-19 to cause a sharp increase in that number. Throughout the year, humanitarian access was hampered by violence, insecurity and bureaucratic impediments — often in violation of international humanitarian law. Violence against humanitarian workers and assets was widely reported. In Afghanistan, 32 aid workers were killed, 52 injured and 532 abducted. In Yemen, there were nearly 400 incidents of violence against humanitarian personnel and assets. National staff accounted for more than 90 per cent of those killed and injured.”
2020-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/465 (2020) · source
“Millions of people were displaced as a result of armed conflict. And, at the end of 2019, the International Committee of the Red Cross was handling some 140,000 requests from families of missing people. I commend the Council’s adoption, last year, of the first-ever resolution on people missing in conflict (resolution 2474 (2019)), and welcome all efforts to shed light on such tragedies and trigger action. Women and girls in places affected by conflict were subjected to appalling levels of sexual and gender-based violence. They also suffered targeted attacks, intimidation, abduction, forced marriage and restrictions of movement, based on their sex. People with disabilities are disproportionately impacted and experience even higher levels of risks in war zones. Conflict also remains the major driver of global hunger.”
2020-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/465 (2020) · source
“My latest report on the protection of civilians in armed conflict (S/2020/366) shows little progress on the protection of civilians, and on compliance with international law, in 2019. More than 20,000 civilians were killed or injured in just 10 conflicts — in Afghanistan, the Central African Republic, Iraq, Libya, Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan, Syria, Ukraine and Yemen. This figure, which includes only incidents verified by the United Nations, is just a fraction of the total. Last year, for the ninth year running, 90 per cent of people killed by explosive weapons in populated areas were civilians. I urge all Governments to make a strong commitment to avoiding the use of explosive weapons with wide-area effects in populated areas. Tens of thousands of children were forced to take part in hostilities in 2019.”
2020-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/465 (2020) · source
“The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali is fully engaged to suppress transmission of COVID-19 and control its spread, while continuing to perform its vital roles of protecting civilians and supporting the implementation of the peace agreement. Where armed conflict continues, COVID-19 makes the protection of civilians more challenging than ever — and our support more important than ever. It is only through respect for human rights and international humanitarian law and refugee law that we can protect civilians, including health and humanitarian workers and infrastructure, and relieve pressure on health systems. But the prospects are bleak.”
2020-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/465 (2020) · source
“Our Blue Helmets are now supporting national authorities in their response to the pandemic by protecting health-care and humanitarian workers and facilitating access to aid and protection. I saw for myself last year how the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo made an important contribution to the successful efforts against the Ebola outbreak in the east of the country. Today the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) is working closely with the authorities and security services to find new ways to serve the population while protecting themselves. MINUSCA police are helping to increase the capacity of the internal security forces to curb the spread of the virus while staying safe.”
2020-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/465 (2020) · source
“A global ceasefire would create conditions for a stronger response to the pandemic and the delivery of humanitarian aid to the most vulnerable people, and would open space for dialogue. I am encouraged by expressions of support. However, that support has not been translated into concrete action. In some cases, the pandemic may even create incentives for warring parties to press their advantage, or to strike hard while international attention is focused elsewhere. Both scenarios could lead to increased violence, and civilians always pay the price. The United Nations Support Mission in Libya documented at least 58 civilians killed and 190 injured between 1 April and 18 May. United Nations peacekeeping operations are one of the most effective means of protecting civilians in conflict zones around the world.”
2020-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/465 (2020) · source
“As access to services and safety are curtailed, and as some leaders exploit the pandemic to adopt repressive measures, it has become even more difficult to protect the most vulnerable. This is particularly true in conflict zones, where civilians were already exposed to significant risks. COVID-19 poses a major threat to refugees and internally displaced people crowded together in camps, and to communities that lack sanitation and health-care facilities. Cases in a refugee camp in Bangladesh and among displaced people in a protection of civilians site in South Sudan underline the importance of including displaced people in preparedness and prevention efforts. My call for a global ceasefire in March was aimed at ending fighting, so that we can focus on ending the pandemic.”
2020-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/465 (2020) · source
“I thank the Government of Estonia for convening this debate on the protection of civilians in armed conflict. Protecting civilians must be a joint effort by Governments, civil society and international organizations. I look forward to hearing the views of former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Mr. Peter Maurer, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross. As we meet today, the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic rages on, causing enormous human suffering and additional stress to health systems, economies and communities. Those already weakened by years of armed conflict are particularly vulnerable. COVID-19 is not only spreading sickness and death; it is pushing people into poverty and hunger. In some cases, it is reversing decades of development progress.”
2020-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/465 (2020) · source
“Creating trust and understanding between former enemies is a supremely difficult challenge." Successful reconciliation is therefore both a goal and a process. As we near the seventy-fifth anniversary of the United Nations and the decade of action for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, reconciliation based on establishing trust among peoples and nations is imperative to ensuring peace and prosperity for all on a healthy planet.”
2019-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8668 (2019) · source
“The entire United Nations system is helping Governments to strengthen good governance, the rule of law, respect for human rights, accountable institutions, the provision of basic services, gender equality and the inclusion of young people and marginalized communities in political processes. Ultimately, reconciliation must be underpinned by key economic and political changes to the very institutions that gave rise to conflict or repression. Revisiting, understanding and overcoming a painful past together is extremely challenging. In the words of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, "There is no shortcut or simple prescription for healing the wounds and divisions of a society in the aftermath of sustained violence.”
2019-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8668 (2019) · source
“In the Gambia, for example, we have provided critical support in the development of the comprehensive national strategy for transitional justice and the establishment of the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission. We will continue to encourage Governments to make use of their national capacities, while ensuring respect for international norms. Our support for dialogue, consultations and political processes at the national level, including elections and drafting constitutions, is another crucial measure to promote people-centred and inclusive institutions. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is our road map for countering the drivers of conflict and promoting inclusive governance and respect for human rights and human dignity.”
2019-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8668 (2019) · source
“In that context, I welcome the new transitional justice policy of the African Union, a framework that takes account of the complexities of mass violence, while at the same time respects local traditions involving reconciliation and justice. We have always stressed the importance of transitional justice - notably in Colombia, as well as in other countries. We also provide technical support for national processes that contribute to collective healing, for example, in Tunisia and Yemen, where we provide our expert advice to facilitate national dialogue. Throughout the world, the United Nations supports nationally led and victim-centred transitional justice processes.”
2019-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8668 (2019) · source
“Transitional justice must be transformative justice that addresses gender imbalances, is rooted in local realities and is based on broad consultation. (Spoke in French) The United Nations is working to integrate reconciliation frameworks into peacemaking and peacebuilding activities in countries throughout the world. Our mediators and envoys are emphasizing the importance of practical provisions that encompass the need for dialogue, confidence-building and reconciliation in peace agreements. We have also worked to include provisions that address the past in agreements mediated by regional organizations, including in the Central African Republic and South Sudan.”
2019-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8668 (2019) · source
“Transitional justice mechanisms, including truth and reconciliation commissions, can be an effective way to achieve these goals, as we have seen in Guatemala, Sierra Leone, Timor-Leste and elsewhere. They can help societies unite around a shared narrative that affirms our common dignity and humanity Reconciliation, however, cannot be a substitute for accountability or pave the way for amnesty for serious crimes under international law. The Council has rightly emphasized the importance of accountability for gross violations of human rights and humanitarian law. While renderingjustice, successful reconciliation mechanisms must advance equality and human rights, even in cases in which those did not exist prior to conflict. Human rights violations impact women differently.”
2019-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8668 (2019) · source
“Local ownership and broad participation are also critical to overcome attempts by powerful elites to avoid accountability and exclude certain groups. Such manipulation can contribute to weak agreements that lack specific reforms and measures to bring communities back together. Successful reconciliation restores trust in the State and its institutions. When people deem their institutions legitimate, they turn to them, rather than to violence, to address their differences. Secondly, successful reconciliation processes address the pain and suffering of victims, understand the motivation of offenders, render justice, provide remedy and ensure truth. There is no reconciliation without justice, and there is no justice without truth.”
2019-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8668 (2019) · source
“Social and economic reform can play a central role in reconciliation, demonstrating the need to address corrupt practices and systems that serve the interests of a small elite. Today's reconciliation processes must fulfil two conditions. First, they must be based within the communities and societies affected by conflict. Reconciliation must come from within, with the participation of all, not only political leaders and organizations. Women representatives and civil society groups must be included at every stage. Religious leaders have the moral authority to mobilize local support and build trust. Young people and marginalized groups are critical players with an inherent understanding of the grievances that lead to conflict. Peace agreements and reconciliation processes that ignore those voices are unlikely to succeed.”
2019-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8668 (2019) · source
“We are currently witnessing a wave of protests around the world. While every one is unique, they share some common features - a deficit in trust between people and political institutions, and the negative impacts of globalization and technological change that are deepening inequalities. I urge Governments to respond to those protests with respect for freedom of expression and peaceful assembly and to address people's grievances through dialogue and reconciliation to counter deep polarization. We need a social contract that is inclusive and equitable; that enables everyone, including young people, to live in dignity; that affords women and girls the same opportunities as men and boys; and that protects those who are sick, vulnerable or living with a disability.”
2019-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8668 (2019) · source
“Today's conflicts are complex and drawing in neighbouring countries and great Powers. Social, economic and political inequalities are growing and amplified by the climate crisis and new technologies. Democratic space is shrinking and stoking identity- based politics, discrimination, intolerance and hate speech. Today's reconciliation processes must respond to those challenges by being broader, deeper and more inclusive than ever. Reconciliation must have an impact at the individual, interpersonal, institutional and sociopolitical levels, if it is to succeed. There is growing awareness of the role of reconciliation in addressing the root causes of conflict, from the climate crisis to structural discrimination, inequality, impunity and the divisive narratives that play a part in radicalization and engendering Violent extremism.”
2019-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8668 (2019) · source
“Reconciliation helps to repair fractures caused by an absence oftrust between the State and the people, when institutions and individuals acknowledge their role in past crimes and both victims and perpetrators muster the courage to face the truth. It is a process through which societies can move from a divided past to a shared future. Promoting reconciliation and breaking cycles of impunity are therefore integral to all our work. Resolutions adopted by the Council have guided us by stressing that reconciliation is part of a comprehensive approach to sustaining peace. We all acknowledge the vital importance of reconciliation, but our concept of reconciliation must evolve to keep up with the changing nature of conflict. It can no longer be limited to those directly involved in waging war.”
2019-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8668 (2019) · source
“I thank the United Kingdom presidency for having convened this debate, as reconciliation processes supported by the international community can have a critical impact on the lives of the people we serve. Successful reconciliation contributes to preventing a recurrence of conflict and to building more peaceful, resilient and prosperous societies, particularly in the aftermath of large-scale violence and human rights violations. From Cambodia to Rwanda, Northern Ireland and Bosnia and Herzegovina, reconciliation processes have played a crucial role in resolving ethnic, religious and political differences and enabling people to live in peace.”
2019-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8668 (2019) · source
“I have also requested peacekeeping and special political missions to improve their monitoring and reporting of threats and violence against activists, including women human rights defenders, and for that to be built into early warning signs of escalating conflict or instability. Without a gender analysis, we are operating on partial information and are unable to anticipate and respond effectively to early warnings. Today we recognize both progress and how much more we must do. When we fall short, women, girls and all members of society suffer the consequences. A failure to act on women's rights and the principles of the women and peace and security agenda bring about enormous costs. Let us work together to change the narrative and improve, through implementation, the situation on the ground.”
2019-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8649 (2019) · source
“In our peacekeeping operations, we are working to end sexual exploitation and abuse and increase women's participation. Incidents of sexual exploitation and abuse have been reduced by half, and we are finally moving the needle on the percentage of women in the military and the police components of our operations. I have appointed many more women as heads and deputy heads of missions, and we are pursuing emergency measures to achieve gender balance. Women and peace and security is one of the eight priority pillars of our Action for Peacekeeping initiative, endorsed now by more than 150 countries.”
2019-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8649 (2019) · source
“In Syria, women make up approximately 30 per cent ofthe new Constitutional Committee, including some from the Women's Advisory Board that has been working for peace all these years. Within the United Nations itself, the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and the Department of Peace Operations are implementing a new and stronger policy on women and peace and security. All heads of special political missions and my Special Envoys have been instructed to report regularly on their efforts to promote women's direct participation throughout all stages of peace processes, in ways that ensure they have influence over the outcomes. An objective related to women and peace and security has now been included in all senior managers' compacts related to peace and security mandates.”
2019-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8649 (2019) · source
“But despite this grim litany, we will not give up. This, for me, is an absolute priority. We can report at least some progress. In Yemen, where women were absent from the formal rounds of consultations, my Special Envoy established a Yemeni women's technical advisory group to ensure that the perspectives of Yemeni women are included. In Guinea-Bissau, women played a direct role in breaking the political impasse last year, supported by the Peacebuilding Fund. They led unprecedented mobilization for parity laws requiring a minimum of 36 per cent of women on the ballot, and they were key to the success of the elections this year. There were record numbers of women candidates and voters, and the country achieved parity among ministerial posts.”
2019-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8649 (2019) · source
“The number of attacks against women human rights defenders, humanitarians and peacebuilders continues to increase. Sexual and gender-based violence continues to be used as a weapon of war, with the survivors of such violence often left without justice or support. This year alone, millions of women and girls were in need of life-saving sexual and reproductive health services, and millions more required interventions to prevent sexual and gender-based violence. There is also a growing number of armed groups for which gender inequality is a strategic objective, and misogyny part of their core ideology. And, of course, we know that women and girls continue to suffer the consequences of conflict in general. To cite just one example, in north-east Syria, we saw thousands of women and children fleeing the latest violence.”
2019-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8649 (2019) · source
“But the sad fact is - and we must be blunt about it - that the commitment that is always reflected around this table is not translating into real change around the world. It is not coming fast enough or far enough. Change is coming at a pace that is too slow for the women and girls whose lives depend on it, and for the effectiveness of our efforts to maintain international peace and security. Nearly two decades after resolution 1325 (2000) was adopted, women still face exclusion from many peace and political processes. Peace agreements are adopted without provisions that consider the needs and priorities of women and girls. A pitifully small 0.2 per cent of bilateral aid to fragile and conflict-affected situations goes to women's organizations.”
2019-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8649 (2019) · source
“The women and peace and security agenda is clearly one of the top priorities of the United Nations as a whole. We see that in the adoption of a great many resolutions by the Security Council, including landmark resolution 1325 (2000) and its many follow-up decisions. We see it in the global recognition of the central role that women must play in preventing and resolving conflicts. And we see it when we gather to discuss the issue. That is always when the Chamber is at its fullest and the list of speakers is the longest. We have exactly that same situation today. Given such strong support and common understanding, an observer might be forgiven for thinking that things are substantially improving.”
2019-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8649 (2019) · source
“The United Nations, the African Union and others are cooperating in support of the historic Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation reached in February to end violence against civilians, strengthen the extension of State authority and bring social development to that conflict-ravaged country. Conflict prevention is difficult to quantify and may not make the news, but no news is good news for the people we serve. Prevention brings enormous rewards. Conflict prevention and resolution depend on the engagement of the parties involved. Beyond that, they require a united international position and a commitment to shared goals. The Council's strong engagement in prevention efforts on the African continent, in collaboration with regional and subregional partners, is needed and appreciated more than ever.”
2019-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8633 (2019) · source
“It was demonstrated again in February when the Council unanimously adopted resolution 2457 (2019), on steps towards ending conflict in Africa through enhanced international cooperation and partnership (see S/PV.8473). Our largest peacekeeping missions are on the African continent, where more than 80,000 peacekeepers are serving. Africa is now the largest troop-contributing region. We owe these Blue Helmets our strong and united support through robust funding and strong mandates. I commend the Council's cooperation with the African Union, including with its Peace and Security Council. Across the continent, the United Nations is working in steadfast and close cooperation with the African Union and African subregional organizations to prevent and resolve conflicts. The Central African Republic is just one example of this.”
2019-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8633 (2019) · source
“I urge the Council to work with them and for them far more effectively. (spoke in English) When prevention fails, the United Nations works with our partners to reduce suffering, resolve conflicts and build sustainable peace. We strongly support the African Union's Silencing the Guns by 2020 initiative as a basis for advancing peace and security and offering a safer and better future. I commend the Security Council for its resolution 2457 (2019) on this initiative and for emphasizing the role of young people. Our enhanced strategic partnership with the African Union on peace and security is based on the Joint Framework for an Enhanced Partnership in Peace and Security agreed in 2017.”
2019-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8633 (2019) · source
“Addressing the climate crisis is another vital preventive measure. Climate-related risks, including droughts, floods and changing rainfall patterns, often intersect with political, social and economic factors. We must urgently reduce our emissions to prevent consequences that would be catastrophic for sustainable development and security across Africa and step up support for the countries that are worst affected. Today, it is indisputable that climate change has aggravated security challenges, particularly in the Sahel. Nearly half of Africa's population of 1.3 billion people are under the age of 15. Education, training and job opportunities for this generation must be central to any development strategy. As we saw most recently in the Sudan, women and young people are the key builders of peaceful societies.”
2019-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8633 (2019) · source
“Sustainable, inclusive development is an end in itself; it is also the most effective way to address the underlying causes of conflict, extremism and terrorism. Tackling poverty and inequality, strengthening State institutions and civil society and promoting human rights are critical to preventing conflict and building resilient communities and societies. These goals are central to both the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the African Union Agenda 2063. We are working harmoniously with the African Union, through our joint framework for sustainable development, in order to build a peaceful and prosperous Africa with a strong focus on inclusivity, women's rights and gender equality. The meaningful participation of women and women's leadership will strengthen our responses and are essential to lasting peace.”
2019-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8633 (2019) · source
“Our peacekeeping Mission, MINUSMA, plays a critical role in supporting implementation of the agreement and requires consistent and strong support. African military operations, including the African Union Mission in Somalia, the Joint Force of the Group of Five for the Sahel (G-S Sahel) and the Multinational Joint Task Force against Boko Haram, among others, deserve our full support. I welcome the decision to lift geographic restrictions on provisions by MINUSMA to the G-5 Sahel Joint Force, but we must understand that this alone is not enough. I once again urge the Council to provide African peacekeeping and counter- terrorist operations with clear mandates, backed by predictable and sustainable financial support through mandatory contributions.”
2019-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8633 (2019) · source