YouSaid · the spoken record

Sithole

lines on the record

28

first

2008-04-16

most recent

2022-04-25

sittings or episodes

5

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un-security-council

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1. “In conclusion, I wish to stress that South Africa is committed to being part of international efforts aimed at reviving a much-needed political process that will lead to the establishment of a viable Palestinian State existing side by side in peace with Israel and within internationally recognized borders that include sovereign equality between States. In finding such a solution, all people on both sides of the Green Line — in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories — must be able to live under conditions free from racism, discrimination of any kind and violence.”

   2022-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9021Resumption1 (2022) · source

2. “The continued disregard of Council decisions by the State of Israel is reflective of a blatant disregard for multilateralism and international law-based order, as enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations. For us to maintain credibility, there must be consistency from the international community and institutions of global governance in upholding the international rule of law. The Security Council must also display consistency in its attention, vigour and decisive responses to matters on its agenda. It is concerning to raise alarms only when conflict and humanitarian law violations occur in one region, but then hesitate to act on others.”

   2022-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9021Resumption1 (2022) · source

3. “These blatant violations of human rights and international law, which have been taking place for over 70 years, should no longer be condoned, and the international community, including the Security Council that is tasked with maintaining international peace and security, must act to ensure that States are held accountable for their actions. A solution must be found that is premised on a just settlement — with just, rights-based laws — that facilitates equality and equity for all who have a right to live in the territories of Israel and Palestine. The Council has convened and discussed the situation in Palestine repeatedly over 70 years.”

   2022-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9021Resumption1 (2022) · source

4. “The recent commemoration of Palestinian Prisoner’s Day reminds us of the shackles that chain Palestinian youth to a destiny they did not choose. The youth, including women and minors, are held in administrative detention, without charges or trial, for an indefinite period, subjected to indiscriminate acts of torture and violence and denied access to due process. We shudder at the thought of the impact that this detention will have on the youth who are custodians of the future of this sacred land. We recall the youth of South Africa who were held in detention fighting for their fundamental rights.”

   2022-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9021Resumption1 (2022) · source

5. “In that regard, we emphasize that the status quo of the holy sites must be fully respected. It is reprehensible that Palestinians are denied all sovereign and human rights over their sacred sites. South Africa reiterates its view that the systemic subjugation that Palestinian men, women, children and the elderly endure under Israeli occupation is inhumane and in stark violation of fundamental human rights and internationally adopted norms and principles. The scenes of Israeli brutality aimed at innocent, unarmed Palestinian civilians is a stark reminder to the world that, in Israeli society, some are more equal than others. We are particularly concerned about the Palestinian youth that languish in prisons and detention centres.”

   2022-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9021Resumption1 (2022) · source

6. “South Africa expresses appreciation to the United Kingdom for convening this meeting on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question. We are also grateful for the detailed briefing by Mr. Tor Wennesland, Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process. South Africa is appalled by the increased violence and heightened tensions in Jerusalem, particularly at the Al-Aqsa Mosque, as well as by the restrictions placed on religious sites. We strongly condemn the attacks against Palestinians, especially at a time of religious significance for all faiths in the region. As Palestinians observe the holy month of Ramadan and Orthodox Easter, we appeal to the Government of Israel to allow Palestinians their right to worship and gather for prayers in peace.”

   2022-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9021Resumption1 (2022) · source

7. “It can further support and build on existing legal and institutional frameworks through regular virtual and in-person visits and engagement, where possible, with national and regional bodies. We must also continue to ensure that victims and survivors have access to and participate in decision-making and policymaking platforms to combat sexual violence. We must adopt a survivor-centred approach that prioritizes the views and perspectives of survivors and enables us to better understand and address their needs with respect to justice and recovery. In conclusion, we reiterate our consistent request that the annual report of the Secretary-General on conflict-related sexual violence also include information on sexual violence in situations of occupation, such as in Western Sahara and Palestine.”

   2022-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9016Resumption1 (2022) · source

8. “In addressing impunity, it is critical to ensure that victims and survivors have access to justice and human rights mechanisms and medical care, including mental and psychosocial support. We commend the continued role and work of the Team of Experts on the Rule of Law and Sexual Violence in Conflict, as outlined in the Secretary- General’s report, in assisting national authorities in strengthening such institutions, providing support to victims and survivors and enhancing accountability for conflict-related sexual violence. The work of the Team of Experts provides best practices that can be replicated in other situations where there is a lack of capacity, resources or coverage.”

   2022-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9016Resumption1 (2022) · source

9. “Accountability and justice for victims and survivors can be bolstered through effective investigations, timely prosecutions and by ensuring gender-sensitive and -responsive security-sector reform. That can be enhanced by increasing the representation of women in this sector and by vetting and training troops and police in peacekeeping missions on the identification of conflict-related sexual violence before they deploy. We believe that can be a positive step towards filling the remaining gaps in addressing sexual violence in conflict situations. It would also go a long way to ensuring protection, relief and recovery for those affected by sexual violence in conflict.”

   2022-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9016Resumption1 (2022) · source

10. “Women protection networks and women’s organizations, in collaboration with national authorities and the international community, contribute to providing necessary support to the survivors of sexual violence. Those outreach capabilities continue to have a positive impact, especially in local communities. It is our view that States, together with local, regional and international bodies, must focus on structural prevention, including at the institutional and policy levels. We trust that this will also ensure that non-State actors are held accountable for perpetrating sexual violence during times of conflict. It is important to underscore that prosecution is a form of prevention and deterrence that demonstrates that impunity for such crimes will not be tolerated.”

    2022-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9016Resumption1 (2022) · source

11. “Additionally, it is important that we address the drivers of conflict, including structural and systemic barriers, discriminatory stereotypes, poverty and inequality, in order to holistically address sexual violence in conflict situations. In that regard, we have to improve early-warning and early-response systems, including in periods of political instability, rising violent extremism, forced displacement and escalating armed conflict, in order to inform responses that counter acts of sexual violence in situations of conflict. We must continue to empower the work of women protection advisers in United Nations peace operations. They play a critical role in supporting women in conflict situations and also interact with civil-society organizations, local actors and national authorities.”

    2022-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9016Resumption1 (2022) · source

12. “We must strengthen our collective political will and create access to adequate, predictable and sustainable financing to address the issue. In order to focus our efforts on preventive measures at the national, regional and international levels to address conflict-related sexual violence, we need urgent and concrete action at the political and operational levels to strengthen risk mitigation mechanisms that address the root causes of sexual violence and the reasons it can recur. It is also important to ensure that in implementing political and social reforms, we create safe environments conducive to the reporting of incidents of sexual violence.”

    2022-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9016Resumption1 (2022) · source

13. “Such incidents have grown even worse since the start of the global coronavirus disease pandemic, which has threatened the progress previously made in addressing conflict-related sexual violence. An equal cause for concern highlighted in the Secretary- General’s report is the fact that sexual violence and exploitation is increasingly being used as a tool to silence and intimidate women pursuing political and leadership positions, particularly during elections. South Africa acknowledges the robust and well- developed normative framework for addressing the scourge of conflict-related sexual violence. However, it is urgent that we redirect our attention to the gaps in the full and effective implementation of all Council resolutions relating to women and peace and security and aimed at addressing conflict-related sexual violence.”

    2022-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9016Resumption1 (2022) · source

14. “We are grateful for this opportunity to address the Security Council, and we would like to thank the briefers for their insightful and important interventions this morning. In the context of today’s thematic discussion and consideration of the Secretary-General’s report on conflict-related sexual violence (S/2022/272), I would like to highlight the following points. South Africa is gravely concerned about the increased incidence of sexual violence documented in the reporting period. We are also concerned about the use of sexual violence and exploitation as a tool of reprisal to target those who work to combat sexual violence abuses and provide life-saving, preventive and responsive services in conflict situations, including critical sexual-violence and reproductive health services.”

    2022-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9016Resumption1 (2022) · source

15. “Our morality compels us to use our voice in these international platforms to fight oppression wherever it attempts to creep into the fabric of any society and plague it with tyranny, domination, autocracy, segregation, denial of basic human rights, destruction and disregard for international law. The meeting rose at 4.20 p.m.”

    2022-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8950Resumption1 (2022) · source

16. “Today we want to state in no uncertain terms that the failure to act in response to Israeli violations perpetuates the argument that some Council members are not even-handed when it comes to this matter, which undermines the Council’s credibility. The Security Council has taken action on resolutions in other cases where its resolutions are violated, as it is mandated to do. The voice of the Council must be congruent and consistent if the Council wishes to maintain its integrity and appear impartial in discharging its mandate efficiently. It is therefore imperative for the Council to hold all those who violate Security Council resolutions accountable without fear or favour. In conclusion, as Members of the United Nations, we are tasked with the responsibility to oppose oppression.”

    2022-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8950Resumption1 (2022) · source

17. “At the risk of stating the obvious, the intent to control a people through illegal occupation violates the very letter and spirit of living peacefully side by side. The Security Council has convened extensively to discuss the situation in Palestine over the past seven decades. Israel’s continued disregard for the decisions of the Council reflects a blatant disregard for multilateralism as it is enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations. We continue to raise a pragmatic concern: how long will we bear witness to the State of Israel’s flagrant violations of Security Council resolutions without taking any action?”

    2022-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8950Resumption1 (2022) · source

18. “South Africa maintains that international efforts must be geared to restoring the dignity of all who live on the land. That can be achieved only through the realization of a two-State solution that is supported by the United Nations and the parties concerned. The Oslo Accords were a stepping stone towards establishing a formal peace treaty between both sides that could end decades of conflict. However, a two-State solution remains the only path to ensuring that Palestinians and Israelis can both realize their legitimate aspirations and live side by side in peaceful and secure States, based on the 1967 borders, and with Jerusalem as the capital of both States. However, a two-State solution can be achieved only if both parties engage in bona fide negotiations and place the interests of all who live on the land above all other objectives.”

    2022-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8950Resumption1 (2022) · source

19. “There is overwhelming evidence to support the fact that the State of Israel, the occupying Power, enforces a set of laws that treat Israelis and Palestinians differently in all aspects of life. The systemic subjugation that Palestinian men, women, children and the elderly endure under Israeli occupation is inhumane and in stark violation of fundamental human rights and internationally adopted norms and principles. We cannot stand silently by and bear witness to this reality, which is regularly cited as evidence of an apartheid-like system by the United Nations Special Rapporteurs on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967, as well as prominent international civil-society organizations.”

    2022-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8950Resumption1 (2022) · source

20. “My delegation expresses its appreciation to Norway for convening this open debate on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question, especially since it enables the participation of the wider United Nations membership in engaging on this pertinent matter. We would like to focus today on three points. The first is the issue of crimes against humanity, apartheid- like policies and persecution. The second is the fact that the only viable answer to the Palestinian question is a two-State solution whereby Israelis and Palestinians live side by side in harmony, and the third is about adherence to the rule of law and the resolutions of the Security Council. The situation in the occupied Palestinian territory remains of grave concern to South Africa.”

    2022-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8950Resumption1 (2022) · source

21. “My delegation supports the Secretary-General's call for all parties to respect international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians, and further urges the parties to the September 2018 memorandum of understanding on the stabilization of the Idlib de-escalation area to adhere to the commitments contained in the memorandum.”

    2019-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8527 (2019) · source

22. “South Africa calls on all parties to uphold international humanitarian law and protect civilians, and would like to remind them of their obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure. We urge the relevant parties to cease hostilities immediately and make the necessary provisions to enable the resumption of humanitarian activity. We wish also to emphasize that counter-terrorism actions cannot be undertaken at the expense of innocent civilian lives and that any such actions should be taken only within the parameters of international law.”

    2019-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8527 (2019) · source

23. “I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for convening this meeting on the humanitarian situation in Syria. We also thank Under- Secretaries-General Rosemary DiCarlo and Mark Lowcock for their briefings. South Africa condemns the escalation of violence, particularly in north-west Syria, and the unnecessary loss of innocent lives. The attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, particularly the destruction of schools and health facilities, are unacceptable and must be strongly condemned. It is worrying to note that owing to the stark increase in violence, 16 humanitarian agencies have suspended their activities in the area. The people of Syria, particularly in the Idlib area, are in dire need of humanitarian assistance.”

    2019-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8527 (2019) · source

24. “We look forward to the continued support of the international community in that regard. The importance of strengthening relations between the United Nations and the African Union cannot be overemphasized. Let us look forward to its success. Finally, I wish to join colleagues who have spoken before me in saying the following. Let us keep our eyes on the problems that we are currently facing. The food prices that continue to escalate every day have the potential to cause problems and uprisings in our countries.”

    2008-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5868Resumption1 (2008) · source

25. “It is therefore imperative to establish a mechanism that would provide funding in a predictable, flexible and sustainable manner for the long-term planning of peacekeeping missions. In that regard, we welcome the timely proposal contained in the report of the Secretary-General that a high-level panel be established to study the funding situation and to come up with modalities for how it should be done. Swaziland wishes to align itself with the statement of the Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union, which we fully support. We urge that the exercise by the high-level panel be conducted expeditiously. We believe that it would not be an academic exercise, because we are talking about human lives here. We also welcome the progress made in the operationalization of the peace architecture of 08-30700 the African Union.”

    2008-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5868Resumption1 (2008) · source

26. “Close collaboration between the United Nations Security Council and the African Union Peace and Security Council can significantly improve the handling of the conflict situations in Africa. The challenges faced by the African Union in its efforts aimed at conflict prevention, management and resolution are daunting. All too often, the African Union has had to initiate its own missions in conflict areas because the United Nations has not been able to deploy peacekeeping missions there. Even after peacekeeping operations have been authorized by the Security Council, the United Nations has been slow in operationalizing such missions. The frustration experienced by the African Union emanates mainly from a lack of the resources it requires to operationalize its initiatives.”

    2008-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5868Resumption1 (2008) · source

27. “The importance of that role emanates from the fact that regional organizations have a comparative advantage over the Security Council when it comes to understanding the nature of the conflicts obtaining in a particular region, by reason of proximity. Even the Charter of the United Nations recognizes the importance of regional organizations, in its Chapter VIII. While it is recognized that it is the primary responsibility of the Security Council to maintain international peace and security, the Council cannot carry out that mandate in isolation. That highlights the importance of the need to strengthen and deepen the relations between the United Nations and regional organizations in order to effectively maintain international peace and security.”

    2008-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5868Resumption1 (2008) · source

28. “I wish at the outset to join all those who have spoken before me in congratulating South Africa on its assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the current month. I also wish to commend the initiative that your delegation has taken, Madam President, in convening this very historic meeting. We fully support you in this initiative. The Swaziland delegation welcomes the report of the Secretary-General on the relationship between the United Nations and regional organizations, in particular the African Union, in the maintenance of international peace and security (S/2008/ 186). The preparation of the report signifies the importance of the subject matter. Over the past few years, experience has shown that regional organizations play a significant role in the maintenance of international peace and security.”

    2008-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5868Resumption1 (2008) · source