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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“But the Tunisia promise did not materialize everywhere in the region. Today, in a region once home to one of history's greatest flowerings of culture and coexistence, we see many fault lines at work, old and new, crossing each other and generating enormous volatility. These include the Israeli-Palestinian wound, resurgent Cold War-like rivalries, the Sunni-Shia divide, ethnic schisms and other political confrontations. Economic and social opportunities are also clearly insufficient. As such difficulties rise, trust in institutions declines. Societies fracture along ethnic or religious lines, which are being manipulated for political advantage. At times, foreign interference has exacerbated this disunity, with destabilizing effects. And the risk of further downward spirals is sky high.”
2018-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8293 (2018) · source
“Remedying this state of affairs must be a priority for national leaderships." Many such shortfalls continue to bedevil societies across the region. Let us also recognize that many of today's problems are being compounded by the legacy of the past, including the colonial era and the consequences of the First World War, notably the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire. The well-known peace to end all peace did, unfortunately, achieve that aim. It was in this broad context that the Arab Spring reverberated widely as a call for inclusion, opportunity and the opening of political space. Here, I would like to pay tribute to the people of Tunisia, where the call began. They have achieved considerable progress in consolidating their young democracy, including through a new constitution and a peaceful transition of power.”
2018-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8293 (2018) · source
“In addressing these challenges, we would all do well to recall the series of Arab Human Development Reports issued by the United Nations Development Programme, starting in 2002. Those studies identified significant deficits in education, basic freedoms and empowerment, especially among the region's women and young people. Among the findings of the first report, in 2002, was: "Political participation in Arab countries remains weak, as manifested in the lack of genuine representative democracy and restrictions on liberties. At the same time, people's aspirations for more freedom and greater participation in decision-making have grown, fueled by rising incomes, education, and information flows. The mismatch between aspirations and their fulfilment has in some cases led to alienation and its offspring - apathy and discontent.”
2018-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8293 (2018) · source
“I thank the Russian Federation presidency for convening this debate at a crucial juncture for the people of the Middle East and North Africa. The region faces profound divisions, troubling currents and a tragic shredding of its diverse religious, ethnic and cultural fabric. Decades-old conflicts, together with new ones, as well as deep-rooted social grievances, a shrinking of democratic space and the emergence of terrorism and new forms of violent extremism are undermining peace, sustainable development and human rights. The territorial integrity of countries like Syria, Yemen and Libya is under threat. Millions of people have been forcibly displaced from their homes. The impacts of this instability have spread to neighbours and beyond.”
2018-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8293 (2018) · source
“Violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law in situations of armed conflict are correlated with protracted wars, with radicalization and violent extremism. Avoiding civilian casualties and providing unhindered access to humanitarian assistance speak to who we are as members of one human family. They are essential to avoid a cycle of instability and resentment, and make lasting peace and reconciliation possible. I urge the Council to do everything in its power to protect the millions of civilians caught up in conflict around the world.”
2018-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8264 (2018) · source
“Thirdly, Member States should support heightened advocacy on the protection of civilians and take concerted efforts to ensure accountability for serious violations, with a view to ending the climate of impunity. That should include credible national investigations into serious violations and full support for the work of the International Criminal Court. I urge the Council and all Member States to give those practical measures serious consideration. I also urge Council Members not to allow political differences to prevent or undermine action to protect civilians. That is vital not only to save lives and safeguard our common humanity; protecting civilians in conflict is also the only way to lay the foundation for sustained peace.”
2018-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8264 (2018) · source
“They should make arms exports conditional on respect for international humanitarian law and human rights law, in line with the Arms Trade Treaty. And they should improve their ability to protect civilians in urban warfare, including finding alternatives to the use of explosive weapons. Secondly, Member States should support the United Nations and others in engaging with non-State armed groups to develop policies, codes of conduct and action plans to protect civilians. Seventeen non-State armed groups have already signed action plans with the United Nations to end the recruitment and use of child soldiers. We need more of those initiatives.”
2018-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8264 (2018) · source
“The United Nations strongly supports those efforts. We also see Governments, civil society and others stepping up to advocate for change. Last November in Maputo, 19 African States adopted a communique on protecting civilians from the use of explosive weapons in populated areas. I was proud to join the campaign under the slogan Civilians are Not a Target, launched by the United Nations and partners on World Humanitarian Day last year. Such initiatives have the potential to translate into concrete change. To that end, my report recommends three actions. First, all Governments should develop a national policy framework to protect civilians in conflict. Such a framework should set out proactive measures that mitigate and respond to civilian harm caused by national militaries, partner forces and international coalitions.”
2018-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8264 (2018) · source
“There is growing recognition that respect for international humanitarian law and human rights law contributes to reducing conflict and countering terrorism. In General Assembly resolution 70/291, adopted in July 2016, Member States stressed that, when counter-terrorism efforts violate international humanitarian law and human rights law, they betray the values they seek to uphold and fuel violent extremism. I welcome that acknowledgement. Some parties to conflict and Member States have also taken steps to enhance respect for the law and improve the protection ofcivilians. Those steps include measures to reduce the harm resulting from the use of certain types of explosive weapons, mechanisms to track civilian harm in Somalia and the adoption of a national policy on preventing civilian casualties in Afghanistan.”
2018-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8264 (2018) · source
“In some cases, caring for the wounded and sick - the most basic acts ofhumanity - can lead to criminal proceedings against health workers. Medical supplies are looted or removed from convoys. Parties to conflict resort to threats or impose bureaucratic procedures that prevent people from accessing the health care they desperately need. Women, particularly those who are pregnant or need antenatal care, are often disproportionality affected. Conflict is also an important driver of global food insecurity. Ten of the 13 major food crises in 2017 were driven by conflict. In Yemen, for example, nearly 3 million women and children are acutely malnourished, and more than 8 million people do not know where their next meal is coming from. As bleak as the situation is, my report (S/2018/462) outlines some reasons for hope.”
2018-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8264 (2018) · source
“The bombing and shelling of towns and cities kill or injure tens of thousands of civilians every year and lay waste to homes and vital infrastructure, including water and power systems. In Syria, for example, attacks involving air and ground-launched explosive weapons reportedly killed and injured significant numbers of civilians in Aleppo, Deir ez-Zor, Homs, Idlib, Raqqa and Rif Dimashq, destroying essential infrastructure, schools and hospitals. Around the world, medical facilities are routinely attacked. Humanitarian and medical personnel are targeted or prevented from carrying out their duties. In 2017, the World Health Organization recorded 322 attacks resulting in 242 deaths among medical personnel and patients. That is unconscionable.”
2018-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8264 (2018) · source
“Ten thousand of them were in Afghanistan. Civilians in conflict zones are also subjected to horrific violations of human rights, including rape and other sexual violence. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, for example, the United Nations documented more than 800 cases of conflict-related sexual violence last year - a 56 per cent increase over 2016. The consequences of such attacks remain with survivors for the rest of their lives. Conflicts continue to force millions of people to flee their homes for an uncertain future, often with limited access to basic help and protection. By the end of 2016, 65.6 million people had been uprooted by war, violence and persecution. Countless others go missing.”
2018-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8264 (2018) · source
“I thank the Government of Poland for convening this open debate on the protection of civilians in armed conflict. The most effective way to protect civilians is to prevent and end conflicts. That is why conflict prevention, resolution and peacebuilding are, and will remain, the highest priorities for the whole United Nations system. Conflict around the world is unleashing relentless horror and suffering upon millions of civilians - women, girls, men and boys. More than 128 million people around the world need immediate humanitarian aid, and that staggering figure is mainly driven by conflict. Last year, the United Nations recorded the death or injury of more than 26,000 civilians in just six countries affected by conflict: Afghanistan, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Iraq, Somalia and Yemen.”
2018-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8264 (2018) · source
“I take this opportunity to extend my sincere condolences to the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Cote d'Ivoire on the death of our great friend and colleague, Ambassador Bernard Tanoh-Boutchoue, who always played an extremely positive and important role in the Council. Now it is time for action.”
2018-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8243 (2018) · source
“These options include assessed and voluntary contributions and innovative financing. The Peacebuilding Fund is a key instrument to drive coherence across all our peacebuilding activities and partnerships, and a catalyst for others to take action. I reiterate my call for a quantum leap in Member State support for the essential work of the Fund and look forward to further discussion on those options. I look forward to the adoption of a General Assembly resolution following up on my report and outlining our joint path ahead. The past two days have seen rich and engaging discussions on how we build and sustain peace, ranging from mediation to conflict resolution, to peacekeeping and support for effective and accountable institutions. We can build on our success. I believe that C6te d'Ivoire was our most recent success story.”
2018-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8243 (2018) · source
“We need peace operations that are better able to respond to the specific needs and contexts of the countries where they operate, adapt to evolving conditions on the ground and leave when their job is done. Key conditions for success will be clear and defined with more focused mandates, a long-term View and adequate exit strategies. Smarter investment in peacebuilding and sustaining peace should reduce the costs of peacekeeping. That in turn will enable us to provide more support so that our peacekeeping and political missions can fulfil their mandates more effectively. (spoke in French) My report on peacebuilding and sustaining peace (S/2018/43) outlines several options to increase, restructure and better prioritize funding dedicated to United Nations peacebuilding activities, for the consideration of Member States.”
2018-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8243 (2018) · source
“Their overriding objective is to create the space for a political process. They have a vital role in containing violence and protecting civilians while giving political solutions time to take hold. In order to create peacekeeping operations that are fit for the challenges we face, I launched the Action for Peacekeeping initiative in the Chamber last month. Action for Peacekeeping will refocus United Nations peacekeeping in three key areas. It aims to set realistic expectations for our operations, make them stronger and safer and mobilize more support, both for political solutions and for well-structured, well-equipped and well-trained forces and their mission.”
2018-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8243 (2018) · source
“At the same time, my envoys and the United Nations special political missions are dedicated to facilitating political processes, mediating and preventing the eruption of open conflict. The High-Level Advisory Board on Mediation will build on the expertise of skilled diplomats and strengthen our relationships with regional organizations, non-governmental groups and others engaged in that critical activity for peace. United Nations peacekeepers have a particularly critical role to play on the front lines of our efforts. We owe them an enormous debt for their service and sacrifice. The twin resolutions of 2016 (General Assembly resolution 70/262 and Security Council resolution 2282 (2016)) recognize and welcome the contributions of United Nations peacekeeping operations.”
2018-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8243 (2018) · source
“Sustainable, inclusive development, deeply rooted in respect for all human rights - economic, social, cultural, civil and political - is not only an end in itself, but it is also the world's best preventive tool against violent conflict and instability. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is our common global blueprint to tackle those root causes and create more peaceful, stable and resilient societies, founded on fair globalization. The reinforcement of the Peacebuilding Support Office will enable it to play a stronger role in connecting our efforts on peace and security with our work to support sustainable development. My peace and security reform proposal includes a 50 per cent increase in regular posts in the Peacebuilding Support Office at no extra cost, based on gains in efficiency in other areas.”
2018-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8243 (2018) · source
“Earlier this week in the Chamber, members heard at first-hand about the important role young people can play in sustaining peace (see S/PV.8241). Young women and men are key peacebuilders. We must work with them and for them far more effectively. Most critically, building and sustaining peace requires addressing the roots of conflicts and crises, which often lie in poverty, exclusion, inequality, discrimination and serious Violations of human rights. The human and financial cost of focusing our efforts on responding to crises is unsustainable. I have been outspoken in my support for prevention - the foundation of building and sustaining peace. Investment in prevention pays off in human lives, financial savings and development gains.”
2018-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8243 (2018) · source
“The Security Council has already benefited from the Commission's support, including in the Sahel. I urge it to build on that example to achieve greater operational and policy coherence in other contexts and situations. Sustaining peace requires support for inclusivity, in particular of those who are frequently marginalized and excluded. That means women and girls, the elderly, the young, people with disabilities and minorities of all kinds. Women's empowerment through meaningful participation is a proven way to deepen the effectiveness and sustainability of peacebuilding. The Council has the means to ensure greater inclusion and success by more consistently applying its own robust agenda on women and peace and security.”
2018-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8243 (2018) · source
“We need a broad and inclusive approach to such partnerships, while working closely with host country authorities, regional and subregional organizations, international financial institutions, including the World Bank and other multilateral donors, the business community, civil society and local actors. I am pleased to see Mr. Chergui, Commissioner for Peace and Security of the African Union, which is our most relevant partner in the area of peace and security in the world, with which we have exemplary cooperation. The Peacebuilding Commission can bring far greater strategic coherence to international efforts, by providing a platform for complementarity and partnership across the pillars of the United Nations. It also brings national and local voices to the table.”
2018-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8243 (2018) · source
“I thank you, Mr. President, for convening today's briefing on peacebuilding and sustaining peace - key aspects of the work of the Security Council and the entire United Nations system. (spoke in English) Peacebuilding and sustaining peace are first and foremost about enhancing our strategic coherence to support the efforts of national Governments and their people to prevent the outbreak, escalation, continuation and recurrence of conflict. The Council can contribute in several ways. I thank the Council for taking this opportunity to take a long-term View of peace and security challenges. Peacebuilding and sustaining peace require strong partnerships beyond the United Nations in support of nationally owned solutions.”
2018-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8243 (2018) · source
“The solution must be political, and we must find ways to make real progress towards a genuine and credible political solution that meets the aspirations ofthe Syrian people to dignity and freedom, in accordance with resolution 2254 (2015) and the Geneva communique (S/2012/522, annex). I have asked my Special Envoy to come to New York as soon as possible to consult with me on the most effective way to accelerate the political process.”
2018-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8233 (2018) · source
“For eight long years, the people of Syria have endured suffering upon suffering. They have lived through a litany of horrors, atrocity crimes, sieges, starvation, indiscriminate attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, the use of chemical weapons, forced displacement, sexual violence, torture, detention and enforced disappearances. The list goes on. At this critical juncture, I call on all States Members to act consistently with the Charter of the United Nations and international law, including the norms against chemical weapons. If the law is ignored, it is undermined. There can be no military solution to the crisis.”
2018-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8233 (2018) · source
“I am informed that its operations plan for visiting the site is complete and that the Mission is ready to go. I am confident it will have full access, without any restrictions or impediments to its performance of its activities. To repeat what I said yesterday, Syria represents the most serious threat to international peace and security in the world today. In Syria we see confrontations and proxy wars involving several national armies, a number of armed opposition groups, many national and international militias, foreign fighters from all over the world and various terrorist organizations. From the beginning, we have witnessed systematic violations of international humanitarian law, international human rights law and international law in general, in utter disregard of the letter and spirit of the Charter of the United Nations.”
2018-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8233 (2018) · source
“I urge the Security Council to assume its responsibilities and fill that gap, and I will continue to engage with Member States to help to achieve that objective. A lack of accountability emboldens those who use such weapons by providing them with the reassurance of impunity, and that in turn further weakens the norm proscribing the use of chemical weapons, as well as undermining the international disarmament and non-proliferation architecture as a whole. The seriousness of the recent allegations of the use of chemical weapons in Douma requires a thorough investigation using impartial, independent and professional expertise. I reaffirm my full support for the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and its Fact-finding Mission in the Syrian Arab Republic in undertaking the required investigation. The team is already in Syria.”
2018-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8233 (2018) · source
“The Security Council has the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. I call on the members of the Security Council to unite and exercise that responsibility, and I urge all members to show restraint in these dangerous circumstances and to avoid any act that could escalate matters and worsen the suffering of the Syrian people. As I did yesterday (see S/PV.823l), I stress the importance of preventing the situation from spiralling out of control. Any use of chemical weapons is abhorrent, and the suffering it causes is horrendous. I have repeatedly expressed my deep disappointment that the Security Council has failed to agree on a dedicated mechanism for ensuring effective accountability for the use of chemical weapons in Syria.”
2018-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8233 (2018) · source
“The first targets included the Syrian Scientific Studies and Research Centre at Al-Mazzah airport in Damascus, the second an alleged chemical-weapons storage facility west of Homs and the third an alleged chemical-weapons equipment storage site and command post, also near Homs. The Syrian Government announced surface-to- air missile responsive activity. Both United States and Russian sources indicated there were no civilian casualties. However, the United Nations is unable to independently verify the details of all those reports. As Secretary-General of the United Nations, it is my duty to remind Member States that there is an obligation, particularly when dealing with matters of peace and security, to act consistently with the Charter of the United Nations, and with international law in general. The Charter is very clear on these issues.”
2018-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8233 (2018) · source
“I have been following closely the reports of air strikes in Syria conducted by the United States, France and United Kingdom. Last night at 10 pm. New York time, the United States President announced the beginning of air strikes with the participation of France and the United Kingdom, indicating they were targeting the chemical-weapons capabilities of the Syrian Government to deter their future use. The statement was followed by announcements from Prime Minister May and President Macron. The air strikes were reportedly limited to three military locations inside Syria.”
2018-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8233 (2018) · source
“I urge all Member States to act responsibly in these dangerous circumstances; "I appeal to the Security Council to fulfil its duties and not to give up on efforts to agree upon a dedicated, impartial, objective and independent mechanism for attributing responsibility with regard to the use of chemical weapons. I stand ready to support such efforts." The increasing tensions and the inability to reach a compromise in the establishment of an accountability mechanism threaten to lead to a full-blown military escalation. In my contacts with the members of the Security Council, particularly the permanent members, I have reiterated my deep concerns about the risks of the current impasse and stressed the need to prevent the situation from spiralling out of control. That is exactly the risk that we face today - that things spiral out of control.”
2018-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8231 (2018) · source
“In a letter to the Council two days ago, I expressed, following the end of the mandate of the OPCW-United Nations Joint Investigative Mechanism, "my deep disappointment that the Security Council was unable to agree upon a dedicated mechanism to attribute responsibility for the use of chemical weapons in Syria". I want to repeat today that the norms against chemical weapons must be upheld. As I wrote in the same letter: "[e]nsuring accountability for a confirmed use of chemical weapons is our responsibility, not least to the victims of such attacks. A lack of accountability emboldens those who would use such weapons by providing them with the reassurance of impunity. This, in turn, further weakens the norm proscribing the use of chemical weapons and the international disarmament and non-proliferation architecture as a whole.”
2018-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8231 (2018) · source
“Their use is abhorrent and a clear violation of international law. The seriousness of the recent allegations requires a thorough investigation, using impartial, independent and professional expertise. In that regard, I reaffirm my full support for the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and its Fact-finding Mission in undertaking the required investigation into those allegations. The mission should be granted full access, without any restrictions or impediments, to perform its activities. I take note that the Syrian Government has requested that and is committed to facilitating it. The first OPCW team is already in Syria; a second team is expected today or tomorrow. However, we need to go further.”
2018-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8231 (2018) · source
“Syrians have lived through a litany of horrors: atrocity crimes, sieges, starvation, indiscriminate attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure, the use of chemical weapons, forced displacement, sexual violence, torture, detention and enforced disappearances. The list goes on. In a moment of hope, the Security Council adopted resolution 2401 (2018), demanding that all parties cease hostilities without delay for a durable humanitarian pause. Unfortunately, no such cessation of hostilities ever really took place. That is the bleak panorama of Syria today. In that panorama, I am outraged by the continued reports of the use of chemical weapons in Syria. I reiterate my strong condemnation of the use of chemical weapons by any party to the conflict under any circumstances.”
2018-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8231 (2018) · source
“We see there confrontations and proxy wars, involving several national armies, a number of armed opposition groups, many national and international militia, foreign fighters from everywhere in the world and various terrorist organizations. From the beginning, we have witnessed systematic violations of international humanitarian law, international human rights law and international law, in general, in utter disregard for the letter and spirit of the Charter of the United Nations. For eight long years, the people of Syria have endured suffering upon suffering. I reiterate that there is no military solution to the conflict. The solution must be political through the Geneva intra-Syrian talks, as stipulated in resolution 2254 (2015), and in line with the consistent efforts of my Special Envoy, Staffan de Mistura.”
2018-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8231 (2018) · source
“At the recent Paris and Rome conferences, the international community reaffirmed its support for Lebanon's sovereignty, stability and State security institutions. It is absolutely essential to prevent a new Israel-Hizbullah conflict, which could inevitably result in many more victims and much greater destruction than the last war. I reiterate the critical importance to act on key principles and commitments on Lebanon, including the Security Council resolutions, such as resolution 1701 (2006), and the policy of disassociation. The dangers of the links to the Syrian conflict are evident in the recent confrontations between Iran and Israel in Syria. Syria today indeed represents the most serious threat to international peace and security.”
2018-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8231 (2018) · source
“My Special Envoy, Martin Griffiths, is doing everything possible to facilitate that political settlement. He will brief the Council next week. In Libya, I encourage all parties to continue to work with my Special Representative, Ghassan Salame', as he engages in the political process with a broad range of Libyan interlocutors across the country in order to implement the United Nations action plan. It is high time to end the Libyan conflict. The case of Iraq demonstrates that progress is possible with concerted local, regional and global commitment. With the defeat of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant, having overcome the risk of fragmentation, the Government of Iraq must now focus on reconstruction, reforms and reconciliation. I hope that the upcoming elections will consolidate that progress.”
2018-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8231 (2018) · source
“I repeat my call for an independent and transparent investigation into those incidents. I also appeal to those concerned to refrain from any act that could lead to further casualties, in particular any measures that could place civilians in harm's way. That tragedy underlines the urgency of revitalizing the peace process for a two- State solution that will allow Palestinians and Israelis to live side by side in peace in two democratic States within secure and recognized borders. I reaffirm the readiness ofthe United Nations to support those efforts. In Yemen, we are witnessing the worst humanitarian disaster in today's world. There is only one pathway to ending the Yemeni conflict and to addressing the humanitarian crisis: a negotiated political settlement through inclusive intra-Yemeni dialogue.”
2018-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8231 (2018) · source
“It is important to note that apparent religious divides are normally the result of political or geostrategic manipulation. Finally, there is a wide range of different factors - from opposing attitudes in relation to the role of the Muslim Brotherhood or the status of the Kurds, to the dramatic threats to communities that have been living in the region for millenniums and are part of the rich diversity of Middle Eastern societies. Those numerous divisions are reflected in a multiplicity of conflicts with different degrees of interconnection, several of which are clearly linked to the threat of global terrorism. Many forms of escalation are possible. We see the wounds of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict continuing to fester. The recent violence in Gaza resulted in many needless deaths and injuries.”
2018-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8231 (2018) · source
“The situation in the Middle East is in chaos to such an extent it has become a threat to international peace and security. The region is facing a true Gordian knot - different fault lines crossing each other and creating a highly volatile situation with risks of escalation, fragmentation and division as far as the eye can see, with profound regional and global ramifications. We see a multiplicity of divides. The first is the memory of the Cold War. But, to be precise, it is more than a simple memory: the Cold War is back with a vengeance - but with a difference. The mechanisms and the safeguards to manage the risks of escalation that existed in the past no longer seem to be present. Secondly, there is the Palestinian-Israeli divide. Thirdly, there is the Sunni-Shia divide, evident from the Gulf to the Mediterranean.”
2018-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8231 (2018) · source
“Sixtth and finally, I call on host countries to give their full consent and active cooperation to peacekeeping operations. That includes holding the perpetrators of attacks on peacekeepers accountable and removing impediments to their full freedom of movement. If peacekeeping operations are to be successful, the parties to conflict must want peace and actively participate in a political process. When the will of host countries wavers, United Nations Member States, led by the Council, must use every possible incentive and their full influence to put the peace process back on track. I believe that we all know what peacekeeping operations need to succeed. I count on the engagement and support of Council members in meeting our joint commitments.”
2018-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8218 (2018) · source
“In our peacekeeping operations overall, 15 field hospitals are either not deployed or not functioning. Many of the gaps are in the most hostile environments, including northern Mali. These shortfalls reduce mobility, medical support and communications capacity, and severely impair our peacekeepers' effectiveness and ability to actively prevent conflict and engage hostile forces. We also face critical shortages of appropriate personnel. The presence of women in our operations contributes directly to increase mission effectiveness and credibility, yet we have to repeatedly ask for more female military officers, soldiers and police personnel. We also need experienced leaders, skilled technicians, logistics and air assets, and specialized equipment, including intelligence capabilities.”
2018-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8218 (2018) · source
“Fifthly, I urge the Security Council to uphold its responsibility to align human and financial resources with mandates. I am totally committed to budgetary discipline and to optimizing peacekeeping resources. But arbitrary budget cuts undermine efforts to implement ambitious and comprehensive mandates. There have been more than 140 deaths in Mali since the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali was established in 2013. How can Blue Helmets operate in such an environment when they lack nearly 100 of the armored personnel carriers they need? How can our peacekeepers in the Central African Republic deploy to remote parts of the country without any of the ground-to-air communications equipment that they need?”
2018-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8218 (2018) · source
“Troop- and police-contributing countries and their partners have a duty to improve the level of training and preparedness ofpeacekeepers. I am grateful all who contribute. I hope that they have seen our videos showcasing the dedication, service and sacrifice of the Blue Helmets from many different countries. However, we cannot continue as a patchwork of personnel, with varying approaches and mindsets. I welcome innovative arrangements, such as triangular partnerships between the United Nations, donors of equipment and training, and troop- and police-contributing countries. Thanks to such partnerships, we are able to equip and train troops better and more efficiently. United Nations peacekeepers must aim for the highest standards across the board.”
2018-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8218 (2018) · source
“Our partnership with the African Union in Somalia offers important lessons. The Group of Five for the Sahel presents similar advantages, and I urge Council members to give it their full support and all it needs to achieve success. Triangular partnerships among the Council, troop- and police-contributing countries and the Secretariat are also a vital part of reinforcing our support to peacekeeping. Fourthly, I appeal to the peacekeeping leadership and personnel - civilian, military and police - to come ready to deliver. Caveats imposed by troop- and police- contributing countries should not hobble our operations. Special Representatives, Force Commanders and Police Commissioners must ensure a clear, functional and responsive chain of command and control, without interference.”
2018-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8218 (2018) · source
“(Spoke in French) Thirdly, I ask the Council to continue building and strengthening partnerships with regional organizations. The African Union is one ofour most importantpartners, and I thank the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mr. Moussa Faki Mahamat, for being here with us today. Political partnerships are critical, particularly when a United Nations mission is deployed to support a peace process facilitated by other actors, as in South Sudan with the Intergovernmental Authority on Development and the African Union. Operational partnerships with regional or subregional partners are vital to peace-enforcement and counter-terrorism missions when United Nations peacekeeping is not the right response. I encourage the Security Council to back these initiatives with strong mandates and predictable, sustained funding.”
2018-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8218 (2018) · source
“First, I urge Security Council members to sharpen and streamline mandates and put an end to mandates that look like Christmas trees. Christmas is over, and the United Nations Mission in South Sudan cannot possibly implement 209 mandated tasks. By attempting too much, we dilute our efforts and weaken our impact. I hope that our mission reviews will help to end this mandate inflation. Secondly, I call on Member States to sustain their political engagement and push for political solutions and inclusive peace processes, including through bilateral diplomacy and sanctions, if necessary. A peacekeeping operation is not an army or a counter-terrorism force or a humanitarian agency. It is a tool for creating the space for a nationally owned political solution.”
2018-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8218 (2018) · source
“That is why I am launching a new initiative, Action for Peacekeeping, aimed at mobilizing all partners and stakeholders to support the great enterprise of United Nations peacekeeping. As peacekeeping marks its seventieth anniversary, I hope that we can develop a set of mutually agreed principles and commitments for creating peacekeeping operations fit for the future. They will be formulated with all our partners, including at a high-level side event on the margins of the General Assembly in September, and I hope that we can reach a formal agreement by the end of the year. I thank the Netherlands and cote d'Ivoire for moving this effort forward, and I encourage all Council members and all our partners for peace to join. As we build this agreement together, I have six immediate requests for Member States.”
2018-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8218 (2018) · source
“Fourthly, the reforms of the peace and security architecture should result in better analysis, stronger support to troop- and police-contributors, more effective political engagement and enhanced accountability and transparency, as requested by many Member States. The overall goal of the reforms is to improve our capacities to prevent conflict and to sustain peace. Such efforts are critical. However, action by the Secretariat alone is not enough to meet the challenges that we face. Our chances of success increase dramatically when we work together with Member States and share the burdens, risks and responsibilities. We urgently need a quantum leap in collective engagement.”
2018-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8218 (2018) · source
“Thirdly, I have launched a new approach to sexual exploitation and abuse by ensuring that victims have a clear way to report allegations and by working with troop- and police-contributing countries to address allegations, end impunity and prevent future cases. I am encouraged that 90 countries have joined the compact on preventing sexual exploitation and abuse. I have appointed a system-wide Victims' Rights Advocate, who works closely with Governments and civil society. A further four Victims' Rights Advocates now work in the peacekeeping missions where there have been the highest numbers of allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse. I have invited Heads of State and Government to join the Circle of Leadership, which is a visible and powerful symbol of our joint commitment to preventing and ending the scourge.”
2018-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8218 (2018) · source