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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“As the Council is aware, my Special Representative is working with national, regional and international partners to prevent a further escalation of violence and encourage a return to the political process. I have also already sent the President of the Security Council a copy of the letter from the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, in which the proposal from the African Union Peace and Security Council is presented to the Council. In that regard, I look forward to enhanced cooperation with the African Union on Libya. Peace in Mali is also essential to peace in the Sahel. Despite the terrible attacks in the Mopti region this past week, I hope plans for an inclusive political dialogue will facilitate the implementation of the 2015 Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali.”
2019-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8633 (2019) · source
“We are seeing terrorist networks spread throughout Libya and North Africa, extending across the Sahel to the Lake Chad region, and appearing in the Democratic Republic ofthe Congo and Mozambique. This is a battle that we are not winning. It is notjust a regional issue, but a clear and immediate danger to global peace and security. I welcome the ECOWAS summit that was held this past month in Burkina Faso, as well as the renewed commitment of ECOWAS member States to participating financially and militarily in the fight against terrorism. We must recognize that the impact of the crisis in Libya is growing and spreading throughout the region as weapons and fighters continue to constantly cross its borders.”
2019-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8633 (2019) · source
“My Special Representative for West Africa and the Sahel has also conducted joint efforts with ECOWAS and the African Union to support peaceful and inclusive election processes in Sierra Leone, Nigeria and Senegal. (spoke in French) Terrorism is a growing threat to the entire continent of Africa and has serious implications for global peace and security. In the Sahel, terrorist groups regularly attack local and international security forces - there was yet another death yesterday - including our United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) peacekeepers. The violence is spreading to the coastal States of the Gulf of Guinea. In Nigeria, Boko Haram and its splinter factions are terrorizing local communities and attacking security forces, despite the efforts of the Multinational Joint Task Force.”
2019-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8633 (2019) · source
“I urge all parties to work towards a peaceful, transparent, free and fair election in that country next month. In Cameroon, my Special Representative for Central Africa is working with the authorities and with national and regional stakeholders to support efforts to address, through an inclusive dialogue, the root causes of the crises in the North-West and South-West regions. The conclusions of the national dialogue in Cameroon have just been published. The recent agreement in the Sudan, brokered by the African Union and Ethiopia, is an opportunity for the international community to support peace at a delicate time, in a country that has seen terrible conflict and suffering.”
2019-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8633 (2019) · source
“In the Gambia, for example, joint action two years ago by the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the United Nations and neighbouring countries prevented a political crisis from spiralling and supported a peaceful and democratic transition. In Madagascar, we worked with the African Union, the European Union, the Southern African Development Community and the International Organization of la Francophonie to facilitate dialogue that contributed to the peaceful presidential election in that country this past year. Our good offices efforts, together with those of the African Union, the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries, ECOWAS and the European Union, have been instrumental in addressing political tensions in Guinea-Bissau.”
2019-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8633 (2019) · source
“I am grateful for the opportunity to brief the Council on the United Nations work on preventive diplomacy, conflict prevention and resolution in Africa. All our work on conflict prevention and resolution relies on partnerships with Member States, regional and subregional organizations, regional economic communities and others. The African Union is our key strategic partner across the continent. I welcome the leadership of His Excellency Mr. Moussa Eaki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, who has participated in so many of our debates. We are making progress on conflict prevention, together with our partners, in many parts of Africa.”
2019-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8633 (2019) · source
“The counter-terrorism cooperation between the United Nations and the Collective Security Treaty Organization, the Commonwealth of Independent States and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization is deepening as it covers a growing range of issues. I look forward to our continued cooperation as we work together to end the threat of terrorism and build a more secure and prosperous future for all.”
2019-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8626 (2019) · source
“I would like to commend the important work of the Interparliamentary Assembly of Member Nations of the Commonwealth of Independent States to harmonize the counter-terrorism legislation of its members. Parliamentary engagement is critical in creating comprehensive approaches that are effectively resourced and anchored in human rights and the rule of law. Terrorism is fundamentally the denial and destruction of human rights, and terrorist groups share an agenda that is authoritarian, intolerant and frequently misogynistic. Our efforts to counter terrorist ideology must be founded on respect for the dignity and human rights of all.”
2019-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8626 (2019) · source
“I am particularly proud of our engagement, together with the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia, on the regional Joint Action Plan for the implementation of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in Central Asia. By developing a joint plan of action, the first regional initiative of its kind, the parties involved have shown what they can achieve with collective action, leadership and political will. The Joint Plan of Action contributes to strengthening the capacities of Central Asian Member States to enhance border security, prevent Violent extremism conducive to terrorism and foster dialogue with religious leaders.”
2019-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8626 (2019) · source
“Countries need to cooperate with one another as well as with partners, including the private sector and civil society, to successfully address such challenges. The three organizations that are the subject of today's ministerial debate are playing an important role in promoting regional counter-terrorism cooperation by facilitating the exchange of critical information and knowledge and the implementation of joint investigations and operations. The United Nations is strengthening its institutional links with each of them. Our partnership has established frameworks for joint activities, exchanges of information and collaboration on capacity-building assistance to Member States, in line with the principles established by the Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact, which guides all United Nations activities on counter- terrorism.”
2019-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8626 (2019) · source
“The subjugation of women and girls is something that many extremist and terrorist groups have in common, regardless of ideology. That is not a coincidence; it is foundational to their purpose. Gender equality and engaging women and girls must be central to our efforts to prevent and counter terrorism. We also need to support victims of terrorism, who have the greatest moral authority and who consistently call for justice. Among the victims are the children of foreign terrorist fighters, who will need help to overcome trauma and stigma as they grow up. International cooperation is the first priority of our Counter-Terrorism Strategy. No single country or organization has all the answers to the cross-border challenges posed by terrorism and by returning and relocating foreign terrorist fighters.”
2019-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8626 (2019) · source
“Pursuing and dismantling terrorist groups is vital, but it is just one among many measures. We must complement security measures with prevention efforts that identify and address the root causes, while always respecting human rights. We must build the resilience of societies so that people and communities reject terrorist narratives that prey on fear and hopelessness. We must reinforce the social compact, including the provision ofbasic services and opportunities, particularly for young people. Most recruits to terrorist groups are between 17 and 27 years old. We need to provide paths that offer a sense of hope and purpose to our young men and women, including education, training and jobs. We need comprehensive and inclusive approaches, starting at the grassroots, where families and communities are on the front lines.”
2019-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8626 (2019) · source
“I am grateful for this opportunity to address the Security Council on cooperation between the United Nations and the Collective Security Treaty Organization, the Commonwealth of Independent States and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in countering terrorist threats. We face an unprecedented threat from intolerance, violent extremism and terrorism. It affects every country, exacerbating conflicts and destabilizing entire regions, and it is constantly evolving. The new frontier is cyberterrorism: the use of social media and the dark web to coordinate attacks, spread propaganda and recruit new followers. In response to that unprecedented threat, we are taking unprecedented action. The United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and related Security Council resolutions provide a comprehensive framework.”
2019-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8626 (2019) · source
“In return, I urge all to remain engaged with countries where United Nations missions are in transition to deliver the 2030 Agenda and sustainable peace for the people we all serve.”
2019-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8579 (2019) · source
“For example, the good offices provided by the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel were critical to addressing the political crisis in Liberia following the 2017 presidential elections. Delivering on the promise of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development means delivering for those who have been left furthest behind - people in countries affected by conflict and crisis. The United Nations is strongly committed to supporting countries as they strive to heal after conflicts and fulfil their aspirations for peace, stability and a better future. We will continue to bring stronger partnerships to improve coherence and increase accountability across the peace continuum.”
2019-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8579 (2019) · source
“We are committed to advancing the four pillars of transitional justice: truth, to acknowledge the atrocities committed; justice, so perpetrators are held accountable; reparations, so victims and communities are compensated for harm they have suffered; and, last but not least, putting in place reforms so that atrocities and serious crime will never happen again. The United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework is a central tool for multilateral support under the leadership of the strengthened and empowered resident coordinator system. Our regional political offices also support resident coordinators and the United Nations country teams to consolidate peacebuilding gains in the post-mission phase.”
2019-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8579 (2019) · source
“Countries that are healing after conflict may face urgent and complex challenges, including disarmament and security sector reform, reconciliation and accountability processes and corruption. These countries require multifaceted support for political leadership, strong and inclusive institutions, the rule of law, human rights, gender equality and sustainable development to address the root causes of conflict. Transitional justice and accountability for serious crimes and human rights abuses are essential to securing lasting peace.”
2019-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8579 (2019) · source
“The country team is finalizing a package of projects in priority areas identified by the Haitian Government, including some to be financed for the first time in Haiti by the Peacebuilding Fund. Working with the European Union, we have allocated $12 million in funding from the Spotlight Initiative to combat gender-based violence over the next three years. In Colombia, we have responded to the Government's request for support for the peace process with two successive political missions, working in close cooperation with our country team. I also welcome initiatives under way here at Headquarters to provide more holistic support. For example, the Department of Peace Operations and UN-Women have developed a joint initiative on gender-responsive conflict analysis that has informed planning for our integrated office in Haiti.”
2019-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8579 (2019) · source
“Earlier this year, I made transitions a corporate priority for the United Nations and I have dedicated special attention to transition contexts in several countries. The African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) and the country team have been working with the Government on a comprehensive transition strategy. This year, UNAMID made $32 million of its budget available for joint activities with the United Nations country team in priority areas, including the rule of law, human rights and durable solutions for displaced people, in close coordination with the Government. In Haiti, the peace and development pillars of the United Nations have formulated a common approach to support the rule of law and governance institutions since the establishment of the United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti in 2017.”
2019-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8579 (2019) · source
“For example, in 2016, the United Nations, the World Bank and the European Union supported the Government of the Central African Republic in drawing up a national recovery and peacebuilding plan, and donors have pledged $2.2 billion to implement it. The convening power and advisory role of the Peacebuilding Commission, the President of which is with us today, has also proven to be an effective way to enhance coherence among stakeholders and ensure the continued attention of the international community to longer-term needs. The Peacebuilding Fund's transition window now covers two years before and five years after a mission drawdown. I encourage all Member States to donate to these important resource and to substantially increase its capacity.”
2019-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8579 (2019) · source
“The changing nature of our support puts greater responsibility on us to collaborate, to communicate and to participate in a collective effort in which everyone has a role to play and a stake in success. I welcome representatives from the World Bank and the African Development Bank here today. They have been extremely valuable partners in several of the transition processes we have witnessed. Strong partnerships between the United Nations and other organizations, including regional and subregional organizations and international financial institutions, can help avoid a sudden drop-off in support as our presence is reconfigured. We already have successful models to inform transition processes.”
2019-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8579 (2019) · source
“Our ongoing reform process is enabling more joined-up engagement in support of national efforts along the entire peace continuum, from the deployment of a peacekeeping or political mission to withdrawal or reconfiguration. But the United Nations cannot and does not handle the transition of a peace operation alone. Many other institutions and groups are involved. As I mentioned earlier, Governments are the most important partners, but donors, international and regional organizations, international financial institutions, civil society, local institutions and the business community all play an essential role. The United Nations can add great value by bringing ideas expertise and resources from different sectors together around nationally determined priorities.”
2019-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8579 (2019) · source
“As national authorities and communities assume increased responsibilities for security and peacebuilding tasks, they need the continued support of reinvigorated United Nations country teams and multilateral and bilateral partners so that their path towards durable peace and development is irreversible. We must prioritize and strengthen partnerships with national stakeholders across the United Nations system and with international financial institutions and Member States for collective action to ensure their success. The United Nations role in transition processes must be comprehensive and coherent and work in an integrated way to address the interlinked and often stubborn drivers of conflict: poverty, exclusion, inequality, discrimination and violations of human rights, exacerbated by climate change and the movement of people.”
2019-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8579 (2019) · source
“The international community may pay less attention to the country concerned. Strategic gains achieved during decades of international support can hang in the balance and the loss of life, economic devastation and reversal of development gains caused by a relapse into conflict can go far beyond the country's borders. We must learn from previous examples, including those of Timor-Leste and Cote d'Ivoire, which provide important lessons on partnership and continuity. Nationally-owned and forward-looking transitions are therefore a priority for the entire United Nations system.”
2019-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8579 (2019) · source
“I thank the Peruvian presidency for convening this meeting. (spoke in English) United Nations special political missions and peacekeeping operations are some of our most effective tools to promote and maintain international peace and security, but they are temporary. We are strengthening our focus on moments of transition, when our missions are reconfigured or leave the country. A mission transition is usually the result of progress towards peace. It is a moment of hope, potential and promise - an opportunity to re-engage and re-energize our commitment. It is a time to help national Governments themselves take forward policies and programmes that address the root causes of crises and conflicts and to put the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at the centre of our efforts. But mission transitions also pose risks.”
2019-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8579 (2019) · source
“I fully expect that the Liaison Office - the first funded by the United Nations regular budget - will improve the effectiveness of cooperation between our two organizations. I intend to continue this fruitful engagement and deepen our collaboration to advance the vision set out in the Charter of the United Nations, in the interest of the peoples we collectively serve. As we look ahead together, the Council can continue to count on my full and active support.”
2019-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8548 (2019) · source
“The United Nations is working with regional partners, especially the African Union, in supporting this process with the objective of enabling the Sudanese parties to reach agreement on an inclusive, civilian-led transitional authority. On all these efforts and more, we continue to invest in building our engagement with regional and subregional organizations, including through regular consultations and collaboration. Such activities with the Arab League include our biennial general cooperation meetings, sectoral meetings, capacity- building exercises and staff exchanges. With this in mind, I am pleased to inform the Council that the United Nations Liaison Office to the League of Arab States in Cairo will become operational this very month. I am very grateful to the Government of Egypt for its support and hospitality.”
2019-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8548 (2019) · source
“All these efforts require patience, good faith and the continued commitment of all of us to preserving and building on gains. I note with deep concern this morning's security incidents in the state of Hormuz. I strongly condemn any attack on civilians vessels. The facts must be established responsibilities clarified. If there is one thing the world cannot afford, it is a major confrontation in the Gulf region. In Somalia, the international community must remain united in supporting political progress and the development of security institutions. The League of Arab States is a key partner, both as an organization and through its individual members, for political support and economic development. The Sudan is going through a delicate transition.”
2019-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8548 (2019) · source
“The League of Arab States is Vital in supporting Lebanon's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. Let us do more to help Lebanon - a country that has been significantly. affected by regional developments and the generous hosting of large numbers of refugees - in strengthening State institutions, upholding its international commitments and remaining stable and secure. In Yemen, we continue to work towards a resumption of negotiations leading to a sustainable political solution. Every effort is being made to address the extraordinary suffering on the ground in what remains the world's largest humanitarian crisis. The implementation of the 2018 Stockholm Agreement will not only significantly improve humanitarian access, but will also help the way towards a lasting political settlement.”
2019-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8548 (2019) · source
“However, I remain deeply concerned about the impact of the armed clashes on the country and on the region. There is no military solution. We need to work towards a ceasefire and a return to the negotiating table. I welcome Iraq's sustained and active outreach to strengthen its relations with neighbouring countries. Conversely, Iraq needs the continued and sustained support of the region and the international community to help rebuild the country and overcome the trauma and impact of Da'esh. Iraq's Arab neighbours have a critical role to play. The United Nations will continue to assist the Government of Iraq, including through stabilization and reconstruction support, as well as in facilitating regional dialogue and cooperation on border security, energy, environment, water and refugees.”
2019-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8548 (2019) · source
“The alarming violence in Syria is a stark reminder of the urgent need to forge a political path to a sustainable peace for all Syrians. This will require an inclusive and credible political solution, based on resolution 2254 (2015) in its entirety, including the convening ofa constitutional committee that is credible, inclusive and balanced. The support and active engagement of the international community, including the States members of the Arab League, will be essential. And, of course, any solution must respect the territorial integrity of Syria, including the occupied Syrian Golan. Regarding Libya, I would like to thank the League of Arab States and its member States for its continued support for the efforts of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya and my Special Representative, including through the Libya quartet.”
2019-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8548 (2019) · source
“Ending the occupation that began in 1967 and achieving a negotiated two-State outcome is the only way to lay the foundations for enduring peace. In Syria, deadly escalation in the country's north-west has displaced hundreds of thousands, and if continued could result in broader humanitarian catastrophe for the 3 million people residing in greater Idlib. After more than eight years of Violence, Syria's conflict continues to take a devastating toll on the country's civilian population, impose burdens on neighbouring States and threaten international peace and security. I reiterate my appeal for full respect for international humanitarian law, which must prevail in all circumstances, including in the combat against terrorism.”
2019-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8548 (2019) · source
“We understand the impulse for a more inclusive Vision rooted in cooperation, respect and dignity. We appreciate all efforts to help break the vicious cycle of conflict while establishing a new security architecture. Within the challenges facing the region lies the opportunity to build on the words and intentions of the charters of our two organizations for action that will bring real change to the peoples of the Arab world and beyond. In relation to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, for example, we maintain our collective commitment to the Vision of two States, based on relevant United Nations resolutions, long-held principles, previous agreements and international law. As I have said before, there is no alternative to the two-State solution. There is no Plan B.”
2019-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8548 (2019) · source
“Our cooperation with the League of Arab States is pivotal. I was honoured to attend the Arab League Summit in Tunis in March and appreciate the Tunis Declaration's reaffirmation of the "universal and noble values and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations" (S/2019/306, appendix 1, third preambular paragraph). Our two organizations share a common mission to prevent conflict, resolve disputes and act in a spirit of solidarity and unity. We work together to expand economic opportunity, advance respect for all human rights and build political inclusion. Today, we recognize an expectation from the peoples of the region * indeed, from people around the world - for a new social contract for education, jobs, opportunities for young people, equality for women, respect for human rights and a fair share in national wealth.”
2019-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8548 (2019) · source
“I thank the Government of Kuwait for convening this discussion on issues of priority to the League of Arab States and outcomes of the Arab Summit. I want to express my warm welcome to Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States. We have been working together on many of the most difficult issues that our two organizations confront and it is for me an enormous pleasure to see him sitting in the Security Council. From day one, I have prioritized cooperation with regional organizations to prevent conflict and sustain peace. We know that no single organization or country can address the complex challenges our world faces today. Global problems require global solutions. That is why partnerships remain essential to maximizing our impact on people's lives and advancing a global order based on international law.”
2019-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8548 (2019) · source
“I urge Council members and all Member States to strive for greater unity so as to ensure that prevention and mediation efforts are as effective as possible. That is the only way to meet our responsibilities to the peoples we serve.”
2019-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8546 (2019) · source
“Some 600 million young people living in fragile and conflict-affected States have a vital contribution to make to mediation and peacebuilding processes. The first International Symposium for Youth Participation in Peace Processes, held earlier this year, was an important step forward. Independent actors and non-governmental organizations, including The Elders, who are represented here today, are a critical complementary element to our efforts. The human and financial costs of conflict are high and rising. Forced displacement is at the highest levels since the Second World War and hunger is resurgent after years of decline. We cannot afford to reduce the energy and resources we invest in prevention and mediation. But let us not fool ourselves. Prevention and mediation will not work without broader political efforts.”
2019-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8546 (2019) · source
“The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is our blueprint for creating resilient, stable societies and for addressing the root causes of violence of all kinds. This means a strong focus on inclusivity, with a special emphasis on mainstreaming women's rights and gender equality across our prevention and mediation work. Progress on women's participation in formal peace processes is still lagging. We will continue to use creative strategies to advance women's participation, building on previous efforts, including the Syrian Women's Advisory Board and the Yemeni Women's Technical Advisory Group. Regional women mediators' networks like the African Union's FemWise-Africa network are an important development. My High-level Advisory Board on Mediation is available to support their efforts.”
2019-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8546 (2019) · source
“From the Central African Republic to South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Madagascar, increased interaction with the African Union has fostered trust and enabled us to supportjoint approaches and viable solutions. The United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia is working to resolve transboundary issues and to implement our Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. Our peacekeeping operations and special political missions undertake vital conflict prevention and resolution efforts. In some situations, the prospect or application of well-targeted sanctions regimes, in accordance with the United Nations Charter, can help move parties towards peace. Sustainable development is an end in itself, but it is also one of the most effective tools we have to prevent conflict.”
2019-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8546 (2019) · source
“These include "negotiation, enquiry, mediation, conciliation, arbitration, judicial settlement, resort to regional agencies or arrangements, or other peace means of their own choice". I urge Governments to make full use of these tools and the Council to use its own authority to call on parties to pursue them. My own good offices and those of my envoys aim to help parties peacefully resolve differences. Members of my High-level Advisory Board on Mediation have provided discreet counsel to me and my representatives on various political processes. Our mediation advisers on the Standby Team have supported processes from Afghanistan to South Sudan, Papua New Guinea to Syria. We have also deepened our strategic and operational partnerships with regional and subregional organizations, with a particular emphasis on Africa.”
2019-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8546 (2019) · source
“We cannot have a sustainable peace if different parties continue to conduct military operations in the country. There is no military solution to the conflict. Without a comprehensive political solution, based on resolution 2254 (2015), that addresses the root causes ofinstability, Syria will never know stability or peace. My Special Envoy for Syria is working to build trust with all parties, to signal that a future that takes into account the legitimate needs and aspirations of all Syrians is possible, and to launch a credible and balanced constitutional committee to open the door to a Syrian-led political process, facilitated by the United Nations. Chapter VI ofthe Charter ofthe United Nations sets out a broad range of tools for parties to use to prevent and resolve conflict.”
2019-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8546 (2019) · source
“Space for civil society is shrinking. My Special Representative in Libya has detailed to the Council the heavy toll in human lives resulting from armed clashes and fighting in that country and the lack of moral motivation to end the war. He is working for a ceasefire and a return to the negotiating table. The continuing crisis in Venezuela and its humanitarian impact are a grave concern. I support ongoing international efforts to find a peaceful, negotiated solution reached by the main Venezuelan political actors, and have been closely following the process in Norway. My good offices remain available to support serious negotiations, when required, by the parties. In Syria, we face a scenario of ongoing cycles of instability, Violence and suffering.”
2019-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8546 (2019) · source
“And in Burkina Faso, we are working with a wide range of national stakeholders, including civil society and women's groups, to strengthen local infrastructures for peace as part of the response to rising sectarian Violence and terrorism. Despite these efforts, peace faces enormous obstacles. Divisions in the international community mean that wars continue to rage as external actors dither or even fuel the violence. Civilians pay the price. The fragmentation of non-State armed groups and militias causes even greater chaos. There is a resurgence of populism and policies that contribute to resentment, marginalization and extremism, even in societies that are not at war. There are attempts in some countries to roll back human rights and the progress that has been made over recent decades on gender and inclusion.”
2019-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8546 (2019) · source
“The agreement reached in Stockholm by the parties to the conflict in Yemen was an important step that must now move to a negotiated settlement. My Special Envoy is working extensively with the parties to support the implementation of the Al-Hudaydah agreement and to prevent a return to open conflict as a basic condition to allow political negotiations to take place afterwards. In the Central African Republic, the United Nations is helping the parties to implement the African Union-mediated Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation, conducting robust operations to ensure armed groups' adherence to the agreement and facilitating local peace accords.”
2019-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8546 (2019) · source
“We are working with parties to conflict and other partners in regions and countries around the world to further these aims. There are some encouraging signs, including successful constitutional transfers of power in Mali and Madagascar. The rapprochement between Ethiopia and Eritrea and the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan have also created a sense of renewed hope. And after decades, the name issue in south-eastern Europe was resolved with an agreement between Athens and Skopje, allowing the designation of the Republic of North Macedonia to be internationally recognized. Elsewhere, we face serious challenges to our efforts but we continue to push on all tracks.”
2019-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8546 (2019) · source
“I thank Kuwait and His Excellency the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, for this opportunity to brief the Council. I welcome two representatives of The Elders, former Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and former President Mary Robinson. I also see before me the former President ofColombia, His Excellency Mr. Juan Manuel Santos Calderon. I welcome them to the Chamber today and thank them for contributing with their personal Wisdom to support to the debate. Conflict prevention and mediation are two of the most important tools at our disposal to reduce human suffering. When we act early and are united, we can successfully prevent crises from escalating, saving lives, reducing suffering and fulfilling the most fundamental mandate of the United Nations, as set out in the Preamble to the Charter.”
2019-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8546 (2019) · source
“For the Security Council, that means being more consistent in how it addresses protection concerns within and across different conflicts and being more comprehensive in terms of, for example, grappling with the protection of urban warfare. It also means keeping today's conversation going, with Member States, United Nations actors and civil society engaging on a sustained basis to implement the actions I have outlined. For, as bleak as the current state of protection is, there is considerable scope for improvement if we each do our utmost to promote and implement the rules that bind us to preserve humanity in war. This is the best way that we can honour the twentieth anniversary of the protection agenda. We have the rules and laws of war. We all now need to work to enhance compliance.”
2019-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8534 (2019) · source
“Progress is needed most at the national level. My report recommends action in three areas: first, developing national policy frameworks that establish clear institutional authorities and responsibilities for the protection of civilians in armed conflict; secondly, principled and sustained engagement by humanitarian organizations and others with non-State armed groups to negotiate safe and timely humanitarian access and promote compliance with the law; and, thirdly, ensuring accountability for serious violations. As a practical matter, the Security Council can do much to enhance compliance with the laws of war. That includes providing financial and technical assistance to support the investigation and prosecution of war crimes in conflict-affected States. We also need action at the global and multilateral levels.”
2019-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8534 (2019) · source
“Greater attention must be paid to those who are already vulnerable during peace time - such as the elderly, children and the disabled - who are rendered all the more vulnerable and in need of protection during flight and conflict. We must also take urgent action to reduce the humanitarian impact of urban warfare, and in particular of explosive weapons. Member States should do more to condition arms exports on respect for international humanitarian law and human rights law. And they must call for greater respect for the law and protection of civilians by parties to conflict, and in particular, partner forces, including in the context of multinational coalition operations. We also need greater progress on accountability by closing the gap between allegations of serious violations and their investigation and prosecution.”
2019-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8534 (2019) · source
“Three hundred and sixty- nine aid workers were kidnapped, wounded or killed. And starvation of civilians was used as a method of warfare, as were rape and sexual violence. Chief among our challenges is enhancing and ensuring respect and compliance for international humanitarian law in the conduct of hostilities. In many cases, our information suggests that respect for these bodies of law is at best questionable; in others, and as detailed in several of my country-specific reports, we have witnessed blatant violations. Nonetheless, there are examples where warring parties respect the law and are implementing precautions, collateral damage estimation and other efforts to minimize the impact of fighting on civilians. Those practices must be implemented effectively and standardized across parties and theatres of operation.”
2019-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8534 (2019) · source