YouSaid · the spoken record

Shaheen

lines on the record: 164
first: 2020-01-10
most recent: 2023-12-13
sittings or episodes: 32
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

“We reiterate our call on all parties to abide by their obligations under international law. We stress, in that regard, that civilian objects must never be a target of attack. We also recall the clear prohibition under international humanitarian law of acts whose primary purpose is to spread terror among the civilian population. Throughout the conflict, there have been efforts to help bring it to a conclusion and to mitigate its impact on people in Ukraine and elsewhere in the world. We encourage and commend the endeavours of the Secretary-General and many world leaders to that end. That diplomacy has contributed to several humanitarian initiatives, including prisoner-of-war exchanges and most notably the Black Sea Grain Initiative and the memorandum of understanding on Russian fertilizers and food products.”
2023-07-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9390 (2023) · source
“I would like to thank Mr. Gregorian his informative briefing. We listened carefully to Mr. Chaulin. Eighteen months into the war, there is no sign of it abating. We reiterate our deep concern with the continuing conflict and its impact on civilians, including those in different regions the world. The dynamics of the war are perpetuating a dangerously escalating cycle with potentially severe repercussions for geopolitical stability, civilian lives and livelihoods and the environment. The tragedy of the Nova Kakhovka dam and the situation around the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant are just two reminders of that precariousness. They are among the reasons we continue to call for hostilities to end, but as long as they continue, they must be carried out with full respect for international humanitarian law.”
2023-07-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9390 (2023) · source
“I would like to hear their reflections about how those phenomena impact the delivery of their mandates and how peacekeeping missions will respond.”
2023-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9389 (2023) · source
“It is therefore important to provide the military component of peace operations with the necessary equipment and technology to enable them to protect civilians and address emerging threats. That includes geoprofiling software that provides the military with the necessary information to counter IEDs threats. I will conclude by directing a question to Under- Secretary-General Lacroix and the Force Commanders here today. In operative paragraph 11 of resolution 2686 (2023), which the Security Council unanimously adopted last month, the Council “[r]equests United Nations peacekeeping and special political missions, within their respective mandates, to monitor hate speech, racism and acts of extremism that negatively affect peace and security, and to include reporting on these issues in their regular reporting to the Council”.”
2023-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9389 (2023) · source
“The deployment of military public information officers with strategic communication skills and backgrounds will support peacekeeping missions in identifying, evaluating and responding to misinformation and disinformation, and will promote efforts undertaken by those missions to meet the expectations of local communities and engage local actors to improve relations between those communities and the peacekeeping missions. Thirdly, peace operations should develop strategies to not only address current challenges, but also anticipate emerging challenges with regard to providing protection. Well-informed peacekeepers can play a more effective role. As Council members know, improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and drones used by armed groups pose threats to civilians and peacekeepers alike.”
2023-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9389 (2023) · source
“The protection of civilians through peacekeeping missions would be impossible without employees who deal with civil affairs within local communities, political teams involved in good offices, gender and child protection advisers and others. Secondly, the proliferation of misinformation, disinformation and hate speech is a threat to peace operations. They create division, increase tensions and stoke fear among civilians. We are concerned about the spread of those kinds of information and their adverse impacts on peace operations. Through resolution 2686 (2023), the Council condemned misinformation, disinformation and incitement to violence against United Nations peacekeeping operations, which affect the safety of peacekeepers and their ability to implement their mandates.”
2023-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9389 (2023) · source
“Over the years, the nature of peacekeeping missions and the challenges faced by peacekeepers have evolved. As such, the important work that they carry out must match the shifting nature of international peace and security. Accordingly, I would like to focus on three points. First, the protection of civilians is a whole-of- mission approach by peacekeepers. While the military component plays an important role in preventing and addressing ongoing challenges to civilians, there are additional factors that contribute to establishing peace. Violence has become a daily occurrence for many civilians in situations that are inscribed in the Council’s agenda, eroding the social fabric of communities and limiting their opportunity to live a decent life.”
2023-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9389 (2023) · source
“Ms. Shaheen (United Arab Emirates) (spoke in Arabic): At the outset, I thank Mr. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, and the Force Commanders of the respective peacekeeping forces for their valuable briefings today. I would like to take this opportunity to express our appreciation to all peacekeepers, including the Force Commanders who are present with us today, for their service and dedication to achieving peace in extremely challenging environments. I also wish to pay tribute to all peacekeepers who lost their lives while in the line of duty, including the Ghanaian peacekeeper who was killed earlier today. United Nations Peacekeeping missions are one of the most notable tools of multilateralism, and their work is an embodiment of solidarity with host countries.”
2023-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9389 (2023) · source
“In that regard, the United Arab Emirates reaffirms its position that the principle of complementarity enshrined in the Court’s Statute must guide the work of the Court and its Prosecutor. The objectives of complementarity must continue to be pursued as soon as the conditions are conducive to discussions on how to achieve that complementarity.”
2023-07-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9375 (2023) · source
“Diplomatic efforts remain essential at this critical time, and we stress the importance of coordinating international and regional efforts to ensure their effectiveness. We would like to remind members of the press statement the Security Council released last month (SC/15305), pointing out to the parties that the Juba Peace Agreement remains binding on all signatories and should be fully implemented. That especially applies to its provisions on the permanent ceasefire in Darfur, which also requires the necessary support of the international community. In conclusion, we take note of the Prosecutor’s statement and report, particularly with regard to the mandate of his Office pursuant to Security Council resolution 1593 (2005).”
2023-07-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9375 (2023) · source
“We are also concerned about the negative repercussions of the security situation on ongoing humanitarian efforts in the country. That demands continuing the ceasefire initiatives and redoubling efforts to find an urgent political solution to the crisis. The United Arab Emirates therefore calls on all the parties to heed the voice of wisdom and reason, stop the fighting immediately and adhere to what was agreed in Jeddah. We also underscore the importance of respecting international humanitarian law and facilitating relief assistance to meet the growing needs of the Sudanese people. In that context, the United Arab Emirates has provided humanitarian and medical support to alleviate the dire humanitarian situation caused by the influx of Sudanese refugees into Chad in the wake of the fighting.”
2023-07-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9375 (2023) · source
“Ms. Shaheen (United Arab Emirates) (spoke in Arabic): At the outset, I thank Mr. Karim Khan, Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), for his briefing and welcome the participation of the representative of the Sudan in our meeting today. We are concerned about what we have been witnessing in the Sudan as the fighting has escalated and has resulted in civilian casualties, including in the Darfur region, in a reflection of the fragile security situation caused by the ongoing clashes in the country. We firmly condemn such criminal acts, as well as the burning of homes, public facilities and hospitals, which has led to a total collapse of medical services and the influx of hundreds of families into neighbouring countries.”
2023-07-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9375 (2023) · source
“The United Arab Emirates urges all States, particularly those directly concerned, to comply with their obligations in cooperating with the Mechanism and supporting its tasks. Upholding justice is the most fitting way to honour victims. Cooperation with the Mechanism has been shown to have significant success, as demonstrated by the recent arrest of the fugitive Fulgence Kayishema, the result of joint efforts by the Mechanism’s fugitive-tracking team and the South African authorities. In conclusion, the United Arab Emirates reaffirms that strengthening international justice and the rule of law, based on the Charter of the United Nations, is imperative for the international community to effectively achieve peace and security. I now resume my functions as President of the Council. I give the floor to the representative of Rwanda.”
2023-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9344 (2023) · source
“We would like to emphasize that States bear the primary responsibility for holding crime perpetrators accountable, while at the same time we acknowledge the complementary role played by international bodies in achieving international justice. We also appreciate the efforts led by the Mechanism’s judges and the Office of the Prosecutor to streamline and conclude its pending work. We commend the ongoing efforts to strengthen the Mechanism’s effectiveness and efficiency and reduce its workload. We urge for an increase in its focus on future planning, guided by the Security Council’s vision that the Mechanism should be a temporary and effective body whose functions should diminish over time.”
2023-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9344 (2023) · source
“The Mechanism’s contributions have been instrumental in achieving justice, protecting the rights of victims of war crimes, genocide and ethnic cleansing and combating impunity. We would like to take this opportunity to reiterate that the international community must address the root causes of such crimes, which are often fuelled by hate speech, discrimination and racism. We take note of the appeal judgment in The Prosecutor v. Jovica Stanišić and Franko Simatović and once again express our condolences to the victims’ families and our solidarity with the survivors and others affected. We continue to follow the progress made by the Mechanism in fulfilling its core functions, including the trial proceedings of the Kabuga case, which we hope will be concluded right on time.”
2023-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9344 (2023) · source
“I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of the United Arab Emirates. I would like at the outset to thank Judge Graciela Gatti Santana, President of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals, and Mr. Serge Brammertz, Chief Prosecutor, for their valuable briefings. I welcome the representatives of Croatia, Rwanda, Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina to this meeting. We also offer our sincere condolences on the passing of Judge Elizabeth Ibanda-Nahamya. The United Arab Emirates reaffirms the important role played by the Mechanism in carrying out the residual functions of the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia and the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda.”
2023-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9344 (2023) · source
“I thank Mr. Brammertz for his briefing. I shall now give the floor to those members of the Council who wish to make statements.”
2023-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9344 (2023) · source
“In accordance with rule 37 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representatives of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Rwanda and Serbia to participate in this meeting. In accordance with rule 39 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the following briefers to participate in this meeting: Judge Graciela Gatti Santana, President of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals; and Mr. Serge Brammertz, Chief Prosecutor of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. I give the floor to Judge Gatti Santana.”
2023-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9344 (2023) · source
“The Initiative should be taken seriously, and by opening the door to political discussions, the Initiative’s potential as a confidence-building measure could lay the groundwork for further talks aimed at a resolution to this conflict. As we have said many times before, the cessation of hostilities throughout Ukraine is the only way to guarantee the prevention of a nuclear miscalculation. We reiterate our call for de-escalation and dialogue to bring this conflict to a peaceful, sustainable solution in line with the Charter of the United Nations. I would like to conclude by congratulating Switzerland for its outstanding presidency of the Council this month.”
2023-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9334 (2023) · source
“Ensuring the safety of nuclear facilities is of the utmost importance for the United Arab Emirates. We recall the fundamental principles of international humanitarian law of necessity, proportionality and distinction and the special protections that nuclear facilities are afforded under international humanitarian law, including the Protocols Additional to the 1949 Geneva Conventions, as well as the obligation to take care to protect the natural environment against widespread, long-term and severe damage. Those obligations must be respected. In recent weeks we have seen positive developments emerge — the Black Sea Grain Initiative will continue for another 60 days. Those efforts are proof of what can be achieved when there is political will.”
2023-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9334 (2023) · source
“The fact that Chornobyl and Fukushima have been invoked in the Chamber and elsewhere demonstrates that the world has not forgotten how grave the consequences of a nuclear misstep could be. It also reminds us that when it comes to nuclear safety, our security is intertwined. A nuclear accident would have catastrophic consequences for Ukraine, the wider region and the world. We remain concerned by the disconnections of the power plant from the Ukrainian electrical grid, which have resulted in interruptions of energy supplies, thus further threatening the safety and lives of Ukrainians already living in a severe humanitarian situation. De-escalation is critically important in order to guarantee the plant’s normal functioning and to prevent a nuclear disaster from becoming an unintended consequence of this war.”
2023-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9334 (2023) · source
“I would like to thank Director General Grossi for his valuable briefing today. I extend my gratitude to him and his team at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for their efforts since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine. The United Arab Emirates welcomes their ongoing engagement with all relevant actors to ensure the safety and security of the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant. Today’s report follows months of careful assessment and visits to the site by the IAEA, and we appreciate the technical approach of the team of experts, which emphasizes nuclear safety and security on the ground. We urge all relevant parties to cooperate with the IAEA. The situation surrounding the Zaporizhzhya plant remains alarming.”
2023-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9334 (2023) · source
“This shows how much more is to be gained through peace, and we stand ready to support genuine efforts towards dialogue to bring the war to a just, sustainable end consistent with the Charter of the United Nations.”
2023-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9325 (2023) · source
“Additional risks may arise in situations of armed conflict, and it is vital that the relevant national authorities take all appropriate measures to mitigate such risks. Enhancing cooperation, including information exchange and the sharing of best practices, can help reduce such risks. Earlier this week we heard a briefing on the humanitarian situation in Ukraine. It highlighted that civilians bear the costs of conflict. To address these impacts, we call upon all parties to engage in diplomacy and dialogue. We strongly welcome the agreement to continue the Black Sea Grain Initiative and commend the work of the United Nations and Türkiye in that regard.”
2023-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9325 (2023) · source
“We underline, therefore, the importance of the appropriate management of weapons during transfer, storage and deployment. The United Nations has worked with Member States to support these efforts and establish international standards. For example, the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs supports the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects and its International Tracing Instrument. There are many other ongoing efforts to establish international norms with respect to the manufacture, trade and storage of weapons. We are encouraged by the Organization’s work in that regard. In addition to international cooperation and standards setting, constant monitoring and oversight by national authorities is critical and requires the utmost attention.”
2023-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9325 (2023) · source
“We also thank the Deputy to the High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, Mr. Ebo, for his informative briefing, and I welcome Ukraine’s participation in today’s meeting. The development of security and defence capabilities is integral to the right of self-defence. Engaging in such activities also comes with certain risks and responsibilities to mitigate those risks. For instance, poorly managed weapon stockpiles and supplies can be diverted to terrorist groups or other malign actors. It is critical to guard against such risks. We have seen how illicit weapons transfers to such groups have been behind the proliferation of violence and numerous attacks against civilians and undermined the security and stability of many States.”
2023-05-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9325 (2023) · source
“Secondly, the threat of chemical terrorism remains an important issue that must be given sufficient attention, especially while Da’esh continues to launch its terrorist attacks that pose serious threats to the security and stability of Syria. We must be vigilant because the Da’esh organization will not hesitate to use any means or weapons to achieve its goals and regain control, as it did before. Thirdly, there is a need to examine the effectiveness of the Council’s recurring meetings on the Syrian chemical file, especially in light of the absence of any developments that warrant holding a meeting. Instead, meetings on this issue could be held every three months, and as needed. In conclusion, the United Arab Emirates stresses once again the importance of making progress on the chemical-weapons file in Syria.”
2023-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9317 (2023) · source
“First, engaging in a meaningful dialogue between the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and Syria is necessary for any tangible progress on this dossier. We stress here the need to work in the spirit of the principles upon which the OPCW was founded, in their technical nature. These include consensus and non-politicization. Regarding the visit of the OPCW’s reduced team to Syria last month, we stress the importance of moving forward with holding comprehensive consultations between the two parties as soon as possible. We do not see any reason to not do so. In that context, we welcome Syria’s proposal to hold a round of high-level consultations in order to develop a new plan of action to resolve issues related to the Syrian chemical file.”
2023-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9317 (2023) · source
“Ms. Shaheen (United Arab Emirates) (spoke in Arabic): I thank Mrs. Izumi Nakamitsu for her briefing. Before I touch upon the topic of today’s meeting, I would like to welcome the decision taken by the Arab States yesterday to readmit Syria to its seat at the League of Arab States. That decision was taken based on our shared belief in the importance of having an effective Arab role that contributes to resolving the region’s crises and restoring security and stability to it. We hope that this step will pave the way for a solution to the Syrian crisis through a clear Arab approach and that the Syrian people will finally see a glimpse of hope after years of war. In the context of our meeting today, the United Arab Emirates confirms the following points.”
2023-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9317 (2023) · source
“In that regard, we welcome that efforts that have been leading to the repatriation of some children, and encourage the countries that have undertaken such steps to share best practices so that others can take similar initiatives. Thirdly and finally, coordinated mine action should be a core part of our partnership for ensuring a preventive approach. Even in times of truce or post- conflict, children continue to be killed and maimed by landmines. Regrettably, that is especially true in our region. Throughout the years, the United Arab Emirates has participated in funding clearance projects for mines and explosive remnants of war, including in Afghanistan, Lebanon and Yemen, and we will continue to support mine clearance and awareness efforts.”
2023-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9258 (2023) · source
“Wars inflict severe, long-term harm on the physical and mental well-being of boys and girls. That demands comprehensive reintegration programmes that take into account differences in children’s ages, abilities and other needs. For instance, in Iraq, the authorities and the broader community continue to grapple with the traumatic legacy of crimes perpetrated by Da’esh against girls, with an alarmingly increasing trend in suicide among members of the Yazidi community. Similarly, the dire situation of children in Al-Hol camp in Syria, which has become a breeding ground for radicalization, urgently requires the international community’s attention.”
2023-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9258 (2023) · source
“In Yemen, the Houthis continue to use summer camps to teach children their extremist principles and to recruit them, in violation of their obligations under international law and the action plan they signed with the United Nations. Schools and other teaching institutions should never be used to promote radicalization and should always be sanctuaries for learning, nurturing and providing children with opportunities. The United Arab Emirates calls on the parties to conflicts to comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law and to safeguard, protect, respect and promote the right to education. Secondly, Member States should exchange experiences and best practices on the rehabilitation, reintegration and repatriation of children, and provide the necessary technical and financial assistance.”
2023-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9258 (2023) · source
“As today’s meeting is an opportunity to refocus our efforts on that issue, I would like to highlight three elements that should guide our partnerships in the area of prevention. First, we need to prioritize and invest in education as a tool for prevention. Education empowers future generations and promotes mutual understanding and dialogue among them. It also protects against child recruitment and the hatred and intolerance that fuel conflicts. Investing in education requires us to be explicit, in our national capacity or as members of the Council, about the need for equal access to education and the protection of places of learning, as guaranteed by international law. In Afghanistan, girls have tragically been deprived of their fundamental right to education.”
2023-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9258 (2023) · source
“I will focus today on the unacceptable reality of children’s suffering in our region as a result of conflict situations. I want to emphasize that every child in conflict, and every conflict situation affecting children, warrants the Council’s full attention. According to UNICEF reports, in 2022 in the Middle East and North Africa alone, 580 children were killed as a result of conflicts or acts of violence. In the region overall, some 50 million children are in need of humanitarian assistance, and more than 13 million are displaced. Resolution 2427 (2018) was a milestone in the work of laying out a preventive approach to the agenda for the protection of children, including through partnerships across the United Nations system.”
2023-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9258 (2023) · source
“Ms. Shaheen (United Arab Emirates) (spoke in Arabic): I would like at the outset to thank you, Madam President, for keeping the children and armed conflict agenda a priority for the Security Council, and for choosing prevention for our discussion today. We look forward to working with you as Chair of the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict. I also would like to thank Ms. Virginia Gamba de Potgieter, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, and Ms. Najat Maalla M’jid, Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence against Children, for their valuable briefings and tireless efforts to strengthen the protection of children. And we are grateful to Ms. Divina for joining us today and sharing her perspective.”
2023-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9258 (2023) · source
“It is crucial that the weapons in question do not fall into the wrong hands. In the course of the past year we have discussed many of the effects of the war in Ukraine. Most recently, the Council was briefed on the humanitarian situation and the international response aimed at alleviating the suffering of Ukrainian civilians (see S/PV.9254). Similarly, the topic today highlights the importance of addressing the conflict’s potential impact on the proliferation of weapons. In that context, the United Arab Emirates firmly maintains its long-standing position that the Council must ensure consistent compliance with all its resolutions.”
2023-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9256 (2023) · source
“We too thank Under-Secretary-General Nakamitsu for her informative briefing. We listened carefully to Mr. Waters, and I welcome Ukraine’s participation in today’s meeting. The United Arab Emirates reiterates its long- standing position that it is vital to safeguard weapons during their transfer, storage and deployment. That is particularly urgent in a context of ongoing military hostilities. We therefore encourage continued vigilance and transparency regarding the measures in place to mitigate any unintended risks that may be associated with arms transfers in the context under discussion. To that end, we welcome all ongoing efforts and initiatives to strengthen arms control in Ukraine and across the region, especially those aimed at addressing potential diversion.”
2023-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9256 (2023) · source
“In that context, we refer to the report issued by the OPCW Investigation and Identification Team (IIT) about the Douma incident in 2018, which raises further questions and inquiries. Thirdly, my country calls for further investigations into the development and use of chemical and biological weapons by the Da’esh terrorist organization in Syria and Iraq. We commend the investigative efforts in that regard by the United Nations Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da’esh/Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant to ensure that Da’esh is held accountable for its terrorist crimes. In conclusion, we stress the importance of achieving tangible progress on the chemical dossier, and we reiterate that the ultimate goal of banning chemical weapons is to protect humankind from their horrific effects.”
2023-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9255 (2023) · source
“Secondly, the United Arab Emirates values the role of the OPCW in ensuring the implementation of the CWC, including the investigation of incidents that involve the alleged use of chemical weapons. We stress the technical nature of the OPCW’s mandate and the importance of it remaining an independent organization, separate from various political developments, in order to achieve the objectives and purposes of the CWC. We emphasize the importance of the investigations following a rigorous and systematic approach so that their findings do not leave any room for doubt or uncertainty. Any allegation of potential use of chemical weapons must be taken with the utmost seriousness.”
2023-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9255 (2023) · source
“Their use constitutes a flagrant violation of the provisions of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and international law. In the context of today’s discussion on Syria’s chemical dossier, my country would like to note the following. First, we reiterate the need to address the gaps and pending issues between the Syrian authorities and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and to keep that matter at the centre of our discussions on Syria’s chemical dossier. In that context, we welcome the visit undertaken by a reduced team from the Declaration Assessment Team (DAT) to Syria last month and emphasize the importance of hearing the outcome of that visit at the next Council’s meeting on the matter.”
2023-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9255 (2023) · source
“Ms. Shaheen (United Arab Emirates) (spoke in Arabic): I thank Mrs. Izumi Nakamitsu and Mr. Fernando Arias for their briefings today. We welcome the participation of Mr. Arias in this meeting. We also listened to the thorough report by Mr. Santiago Oñate Laborde. Before addressing the subject of today’s meeting, I would like to express our sincere condolences to the representatives of Syria and Türkiye, who are with us today, as well as to the families of the victims of the devastating earthquake that hit the two countries. The United Arab Emirates stresses its continued commitment to providing the relief support needed during this difficult time. I would like to reaffirm the steadfast position of the United Arab Emirates that explicitly rejects and condemns the use of chemical weapons under any circumstances, by anyone and anywhere.”
2023-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9255 (2023) · source
“According to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), 15 per cent of the region’s population suffer from food insecurity resulting from the impacts of climate change and droughts that have caused a shortage of wheat and fertilizers and a rise in food and energy prices. That highlights once again the need for measures to address climate change. Although we realize that such measures alone are insufficient to improve the humanitarian situation in the region, they will help mitigate the food crisis and provide an opportunity for a more sustainable approach in the future. In conclusion, the United Arab Emirates emphasizes its continued support for the mandate of the UNOWAS, its local and regional partners, as well as its efforts to integrate youth and promote the full, equal, and meaningful participation of women.”
2023-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9238 (2023) · source
“We consider the appointment of a Climate, Peace and Security Adviser to be an important step to that end. As the host of the twenty-eighth session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) this year, we look forward to continuing the important discussions held during the previous session, including with UNOWAS and other relevant regional and international actors. We encourage the Office to continue its efforts in that regard, including those aimed at enhancing youth participation in providing innovative solutions to adapt to climate change. We cannot ignore the fact that climate change affects humanitarian situation and stability in the region.”
2023-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9238 (2023) · source
“We believe that some of the existing regional initiatives, such as the ECOWAS Conflict Prevention Framework and the Accra Initiative, are essential for promoting regional peace and security. We reiterate that regional stakeholders with strong international support play a pivotal role in identifying gaps that undermine stability in the region and providing recommendations on addressing them. West Africa and the Sahel are among the continent’s areas most vulnerable to environmental threats that undermine security and stability in the region. It is therefore essential for the Council to keep that issue at the top of its priorities, including by strengthening the role of UNOWAS in helping the States of the region to confront the issues of climate change and assess and manage risks.”
2023-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9238 (2023) · source
“Therefore, we believe that progress must be made in the implementation of the United Nations Integrated Strategy for the Sahel and the United Nations Support Plan for the Sahel. We hope that the recommendations of the Independent High-Level Panel on Security and Development in the Sahel, led by His Excellency Mr. Mahamadou Issoufou, will provide a clear assessment of the region’s needs and help us adopt effective and innovative solutions to meet them. Given the continuous deterioration of the security situation, we support the regional efforts to address the cross-border security challenges in the region, especially extremism and terrorism. We are concerned about the expansion of terrorist activities along the Gulf of Guinea and the coast of West Africa as well as its accompanying repercussions on security and development.”
2023-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9238 (2023) · source
“We stress in that context the need to focus on steps that enhance dialogue and constructive engagement in the region and prevent it from drifting deeper into divisions and instability. Such steps include maintaining and building upon the current diplomatic efforts among the countries of the region, particularly their efforts to create an environment conducive to holding elections and making necessary reforms with regard to governance while fostering long-term growth and prosperity. Westresstheimportantroleofregionalorganizations, the United Nations and its entities, including UNOWAS and the Peacebuilding Commission, in supporting the States of the region and enhancing their capabilities in building their institutions, maintaining their political unity and deepening partnerships among them.”
2023-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9238 (2023) · source
“Ms. Shaheen (United Arab Emirates) (spoke in Arabic): I thank Ms. Giovanie Biha for her valuable briefing and efforts in leading the important work of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS). I take this opportunity to express our sincere appreciation to Mr. Saleh Annadif for his tireless efforts during his tenure. I also thank Mr. Omar Touray, President of the Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), for his briefing. Despite the crises facing West Africa and the Sahel, we believe that the region has immense potential to yield peace, security and sustainable development. That requires doubling the collective efforts to find innovative and inclusive solutions to respond to the threats facing the region.”
2023-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9238 (2023) · source
“We call on the parties to work in a spirit based on the principles that form the foundation of the OPCW and its technical nature, including a consensus-based approach and non-politicization. In that context, we welcome the agreement to send a reduced team to conduct limited activities in Syria this month, and we hope that bilateral consultations will be held as soon as possible. In conclusion, the United Arab Emirates emphasizes the importance of making progress on the Syrian chemical-weapons dossier and all other dossiers related to resolving the Syrian crisis.”
2023-01-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9235 (2023) · source
“However, the Syrian chemical dossier is unfortunately still one of the most politicized dossiers in the Council today, as we saw during the first half of our current term on the Council. In that regard, I would like to once again reiterate the firm position of the United Arab Emirates in clearly rejecting and condemning the use of chemical weapons by anyone, anywhere and in any circumstances. Their use constitutes a flagrant violation of the provisions of the Chemical Weapons Convention and international law. Making tangible progress on this dossier requires engaging in a constructive dialogue. From that standpoint, the United Arab Emirates stresses the importance of communication and dialogue between the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and Syria.”
2023-01-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9235 (2023) · source
“Ms. Shaheen (United Arab Emirates) (spoke in Arabic): At the outset, I would like to take this opportunity to welcome our new colleagues, Ecuador, Japan, Malta, Mozambique and Switzerland, to the Security Council. We wish you, Mr. President, success during your presidency of the Council this month. I also thank Mr. Adedeji Ebo, Deputy High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, for his briefing. We would like to recall that the Secretary-General opened the Chemical Weapons Convention for signature in Paris in January 1993. It was signed at the time by 130 countries, indicating a broad consensus in the international community, and making the Convention one of our most important historical achievements in the field of disarmament.”
2023-01-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9235 (2023) · source