YouSaid · the spoken record

Skau

lines on the record: 211
first: 2017-02-22
most recent: 2018-02-13
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

“This is one of the Organization's oldest protracted refugee operations and the second longest-running refugee situation in the world. The resolution urges the international community to provide new and additional voluntary contributions to the humanitarian response. We also supported the resolution because it encourages the parties to respect and promote human rights in Western Sahara and in the Tindouf refugee camps. It also strongly encourages enhanced cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, including further visits to the region. We had many reasons to support the resolution, but that was the easy part. Without any doubt, we now have a lot of work ahead of us.”
2017-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7933 (2017) · source
“We welcome the fact that the parties have now withdrawn from the buffer strip in Guerguerat, thereby creating an environment conducive to the relaunch ofa political process. With this resolution, the Council also reiterates its full support for the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), which plays a key role in a complex environment. The Mission has gone through a challenging year, and we welcome its return to full functionality. Equally important, the resolution highlights the plight of Sahrawi refugees, the deteriorating humanitarian situation and the potential risk of reductions in food assistance given a lack of funding. The Sahrawi refugees have lived for more than 40 years under harsh conditions.”
2017-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7933 (2017) · source
“As the Secretary-General states in his report (S/2017/307), difficult decisions will be required from all of us if the current framework of negotiations is to achieve results. While we all hope that these will be forthcoming, our patience cannot last forever, and the Secretary-General has noted that appropriate conclusions must be drawn in the case of absence of progress. In that regard, we note that all possible solutions, including the holding of a referendum, must be kept on the table. We also supported the resolution because it sent a strong call to the parties that respecting the ceasefire and related agreements is critical, and that violations cannot be accepted.”
2017-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7933 (2017) · source
“Secondly, the resolution encourages a new Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General to reinvigorate efforts towards a political solution, and also calls upon the parties and the neighbouring States to fully cooperate with that envoy. We look forward to working together with a new envoy once appointed. Thirdly, the Council is also calling, for the first time, for the meaningful participation of women in the political process. The participation of women would inject new energy into the political process. Clearly, the resolution that we have just adopted sends a strong signal to the parties that the time has come to show renewed determination to engage in the political process and for neighbouring States to contribute.”
2017-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7933 (2017) · source
“The resolution provides strong backing to the Secretary- General and his proposal to relaunch the political process with "a new dynamic and a new spirit". We welcome the Secretary-General's direct engagement. This is really diplomacy for peace in action with the Secretary-General using his good offices to engage actively with the parties and with the full support of the Council. We fully agree with his view that a resumption of the political process is urgently needed. In 2007 and 2008, four rounds of negotiations took place, but little progress was made. Since then, the political process has been at a standstill, despite the efforts of successive Secretaries-General and Personal Envoys, to whom we pay tribute.”
2017-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7933 (2017) · source
“Sweden voted in favour of resolution 2351 (2017) because it represents a real opportunity to resolve one of the most long-standing disputes on the agenda of the United Nations. More importantly it represents an opportunity to address the plight of the people of Western Sahara. With today's adoption, after a year that saw many challenges, we can now turn the page. The resolution contains a number of elements that we believe lay a path towards resolving the issue of the status of Western Sahara. First, today's resolution sends a strong, clear and unified signal that the time has come to resume negotiations that will lead to ajust, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution that will provide for the self-determination ofthe people ofWestern Sahara.”
2017-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7933 (2017) · source
“For many, including thousands of children, their dreams for the future are already shattered; the least we can do is give them the support they need to end the nightmare they are living today.”
2017-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7931 (2017) · source
“In addition to the well-known access constraints, particularly to areas besieged by the Government of Syria, we are also increasingly worried about new access restrictions such as those now being imposed in Idlib and by local authorities in Kurdish- controlled areas. Every additional day that the people of Syria wait for assistance and an end to the conflict is an indication of the failure of the international community and of the Council to show the courage to take the tough decisions necessary to put humanitarian needs above political considerations; of our failure to live up to our responsibility to protect the people of Syria by ensuring a ceasefire and respect for international humanitarian law; of our failure to deliver a peaceful end to the suffering for the people of Syria. How much longer must they wait?”
2017-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7931 (2017) · source
“In many cases, a binary choice exists between agreeing to provide lifesaving aid to women and men, boys and girls, or not to do so. We fully support Japan's call, on behalf of the penholders, on the Syrian authorities to implement the simplified approval process of the United Nations. Let me underline our deep concern about the deteriorating situation in eastern Ghouta, which we also raised with the Syrian Permanent Mission earlier this week. We invite Council members to join us in calling for a pause in the fighting so as to allow humanitarian agencies to reach all in need through the routes they prefer to use, as has been requested by the United Nations since October.”
2017-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7931 (2017) · source
“We encourage the United Nations to inform the Council in its next report about the situation in Jarabulus, which is another main destination area. We want to take this opportunity to express our strong support and admiration for the tireless efforts of the United Nations and other humanitarian organizations to deliver assistance to populations in need in an extremely challenging context. They continue to encounter unacceptable obstructions and barriers to the access they need on a daily basis. We renew our call on the Syrian regime to grant safe, unimpeded and sustained humanitarian access to all those in need of assistance, including in locations subject to local agreements. Access is a question of political will.”
2017-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7931 (2017) · source
“However, we must make every effort to avoid another catastrophe like the one in Al-Rashidin. Until the fighting stops, we must continue to explore options for increasing civilian safety by using cameras or other tools as a form of protective vigilance, for example. The deplorable situation for those relocated to Idlib is of grave concern. Regime air strikes on hospitals and schools in Idlib must stop. Civilians must be protected and humanitarian access must be granted. We call on those with influence over armed groups in Idlib, including Turkey, to use their influence to counter restrictions on the ability of humanitarian agencies and non-governmental organizations to do their work. Until the situation improves, we might all want to advocate alternative destinations for civilians, ones with better protection and access.”
2017-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7931 (2017) · source
“We recall the warning from the Secretary- General that, under international humanitarian law, forced displacement may constitute a war crime. We reiterate his call that any evacuation of civilians must be safe, voluntary and to a place of their choosing. We urge parties to ensure the full compliance of any new local agreements with international humanitarian law. We encourage the United Nations, other relevant organizations, and Member States with influence to intensify dialogue with parties and actors, primarily the Government of Syria and Russia. We understand the predicament that local agreements present for the United Nations and other humanitarian agencies. They are not informed of the terms, have no access, and the security situation limits the possibility to be present during subsequent relocations.”
2017-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7931 (2017) · source
“That compounds the suffering of the people in Raqqa, who are already the victims of senseless torture and murder at the hands of Da'esh. We urge the international coalition against Da'esh to take greater care in order to protect civilians in Syria. The reality for many of those who have been forced to live under siege for years is that, when the opportunity does arise to leave, they are cruelly moved to areas scarcely more safe or stable than those they left. The United Nations has repeatedly expressed concern about local agreements preceded by besiegement, starvation and bombardment, and resulting in the forced displacement of civilians. That tactic of bombing and laying siege so as to enable so-called local agreements must stop.”
2017-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7931 (2017) · source
“Cynical military tactics that blatantly violate international humanitarian law by deliberately targeting civilians are being used to gain military advantage, in particular by Government forces. The upcoming Astana meeting on 3 May offers an opportunity for the ceasefire guarantors to make progress on de-escalation. We expect that they will take that opportunity to deliver. A failure to do so also threatens progress in the upcoming United Nations-led talks in Geneva. While emphasizing that the Syrian regime and its allies bear the responsibility for the overwhelming majority of violations of international humanitarian law in Syria, we also note that recent airstrikes on Raqqa allegedly led to civilian causalities and struck civilian infrastructure.”
2017-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7931 (2017) · source
“Now they are waiting - in besieged towns and villages and in refugee camps in Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey - waiting for the assistance they need, waiting for the war to end and waiting for the moment when they can begin to rebuild their lives. Unfortunately, it seems unlikely that their wait will end soon. As we have heard today, rather than decreasing, there is increased militarization and violence on the ground, leading to large numbers of civilian casualties and more internal displacement. It seems that humanitarian considerations are wholly subordinate to military objectives. There continues to be a complete disregard for the laws of war and obligations to protect civilians.”
2017-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7931 (2017) · source
“I thank Under-Secretary- General O'Brien for his comprehensive briefing today. Every month he returns to the Security Council to report on the humanitarian situation in Syria. Every month the situation becomes more acute. The number of people driven from their homes increases. The number not knowing where their next meal will come from grows. And the number of people maimed or killed grows. We have heard from Mr. O'Brien again today about the worsening plight ofthe Syrian people: over 6 million people brutalized, displaced and trapped in Syria in need of humanitarian assistance, and 5 million people wrenched from their homes and their loved ones to seek refuge in the region and beyond - if they survive the journey.”
2017-04-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7931 (2017) · source
“It will be important to maintain a strategic focus, dedicated coordination and targeted budgeting for gender issues. We welcome the recommendation that the successor mission, along with the United Nations country team, develop a coherent gender and sexual and gender-based violence strategy, as well as support the systemization of such strategy programming in the security and judicial institutions. The recent peaceful elections, the inauguration of President Moise and the appointment of a Prime Minister and Government are an important milestone for Haiti. As the people of Haiti increasingly take their future into their own hands, the United Nations must stand ready to support their efforts. Sweden will remain a committed partner for Haiti as it begins this new chapter.”
2017-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7920 (2017) · source
“Working under an integrated strategy across all United Nations entities in Haiti, we see a significant opportunity for the United Nations to deliver as one around these issues. The Global Focal Point for Police, Justice and Corrections Areas in the Rule of Law in Post-Conflict and Other Crisis Situations can contribute to playing an important role in coordinating the ability of the United Nations to deliver as one on the rule-of- law mandate. However, these efforts should be planned, led and mandated by Haitian counterparts. The United Nations must continue to provide dedicated support to the Haitian authorities, including to the Haitian National Police, to strengthen their capacities. The important work undertaken by MINUSTAH on gender mainstreaming and against sexual violence must not be lost in the transition process.”
2017-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7920 (2017) · source
“This includes managing the handover to the United Nations country team, in the spirit of the agenda on sustaining peace. An integrated and joined-up United Nations presence in Haiti, both during and after the transition, will be needed in order to support the people and the Government of Haiti as they address the long-standing risks and drivers of instability. This includes joint analysis and planning across the system. Continued efforts will be needed to reduce social inequalities, unleash the potential of the Haitian people by spurring economic growth so as to alleviate fiscal pressure and strengthen trust in, and the capacity of, national institutions. We welcome the strong rule-of-law and human rights focus in the successor mission's mandate.”
2017-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7920 (2017) · source
“Yet, in spite of these obstacles, the people of Haiti have constantly displayed their strength and resilience and their determination to build a better future for themselves and their children. MINUSTAH has played an important role in supporting their efforts. In recent months, the people of Haiti exercised their democratic right by electing a new President and Parliament. We hope that the confirmation of a new Government on 21 March will lead to a concerted effort and renewed effort to address the most pressing issues facing the country. As Haiti continues on its journey of development, the time has come for the role and composition of MINUSTAH to evolve. In this process, we must learn from the mistakes of the past; it is important that there be adequate planning for a successor transition mission after MINUSTAH.”
2017-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7920 (2017) · source
“Let me begin by adding our deepest condolences to those already expressed to the families of the victims, to our friends at the Egyptian Mission and to all Egyptians. We join others in condemning this heinous attack in the strongest terms. I wish to thank the Secretary-General for his report and for the recommendations of the strategic assessment mission. I would also like to thank Special Representative Sandra Honore for her briefing today. Since the establishment of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), in 2004, Haiti's development and stabilization have faced many challenges: political instability, economic fragility and natural disasters. Overcoming the devastation caused by the earthquake of 2010 was particularly challenging.”
2017-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7920 (2017) · source
“The international community must stand behind a committed and sustained effort to support the peace process, so that it can rapidly deliver tangible peace dividends for the people of Colombia. Now is a unique moment for peace in Colombia and an opportunity that must not be missed.”
2017-04-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7916 (2017) · source
“Those historic steps forward are a testament to the resilience of the peace process and the commitment of the parties. We particularly welcome the strong focus on child protection and the full engagement of women in the peace agreement in Colombia. It serves as a model for other peace processes. The agreement sets child-centred guiding principles, with a focus on the treatment of separated children as victims, a gender- sensitive approach and family and community-based reintegration. The full and active inclusion of women in the peace process and the inclusion of women's groups in its implementation, will also help ensure that this gender-sensitive approach is maintained. The peace agreement marked a new beginning for Colombia.”
2017-04-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7916 (2017) · source
“(Spoke in English) Turning to the topic of today's meeting, I would like to thank the Secretary-General for his report (S/2017/252) and Special Representative of the Secretary-General Jean Arnault for his briefing. Sweden has a long-standing commitment to peace in Colombia and strongly supports the work of the United Nations Mission in Colombia. We commend the firm commitment of the Government of Colombia and the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia - Ejercito del Pueblo to the peace process, and their continuous efforts to overcome challenges to the full implementation of the peace agreement. In that regard, we welcome the recent adoption by the Colombian senate on the Special Jurisdiction for Peace in Colombia, which will be crucial to the further implementation of the Final Peace Agreement.”
2017-04-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7916 (2017) · source
“Mr. Skau (Sweden) (spoke in Spanish): At the outset I wish, on behalf of the Government of Sweden, to express our sincerest condolences to the Government and people of Colombia with respect to the tragic loss of life in Putumayo. We stand with Ambassador Mejia Velez at this difficult time. Our embassy in Bogota and the Swedish Government are ready to assist in every way possible. I also want to extend my most sincere personal condolences. Almost 20 years ago, I lived in Putumayo working for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. I have spent a great deal oftime in the city ofMocoa and have dear friends there. Consequently, I know that the people will face this tremendous challenge with their incomparable human spirit - the Colombian spirit.”
2017-04-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7916 (2017) · source
“Let me also stress that it is totally unacceptable that aid workers in South Sudan are being attacked and killed. Humanitarians continue to face multiple obstacles, including the denial of access and bureaucratic impediments. We urge all parties, including the Government, to meet their obligations to provide full and unimpeded humanitarian access throughout South Sudan. In conclusion, let me reiterate that the international community needs to take immediate action if widespread famine and death are to be avoided. The human catastrophe of failing of failing to do is unimaginable.”
2017-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7897 (2017) · source
“We invite all partners to attend and urge them to pledge generously and to quickly disburse increased support for the crisis. Humanitarian aid will never resolve the crisis in Yemen. There is an urgent need to renew the cessation of hostilities and to intensify efforts towards reaching a negotiated political agreement to provide a durable solution to the unfolding crisis. In South Sudan, the deteriorating security situation is contributing directly to the humanitarian crisis. Only an end to the conflict can lead to a real improvement in the lives of the South Sudanese people. An immediate cessation of hostilities and a revitalized and truly inclusive political process, supported by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, the African Union and the United Nations, is urgently needed.”
2017-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7897 (2017) · source
“Parties must refrain from bureaucratic constraints to the delivery of aid, across front lines, facilitate commercial imports through all ports - especially the life-line that is Hudaydah - and resume commercial flights. As we have heard, immediate action is needed to prevent widespread famine. However, the United Nations lacks the funding needed to scale up its response. The humanitarian response plan referred to by the Under- Secretary-General is currently only 6 per cent funded. In response, as we have heard today, Switzerland and Sweden, together with the Secretary-General and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, have taken the initiative to convene a high-level pledging event for the humanitarian crisis in Yemen on 25 April in Geneva.”
2017-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7897 (2017) · source
“We can all do better and we must do better. Let us now turn to country-specific situations. I think that all situations discussed today are worth mentioning but, in the interest of time, I will focus on Yemen and South Sudan. The situation in Yemen is both shocking and utterly intolerable. We cannot look the other way when we are told that 19 million people lack humanitarian protection; when we hear that 7 million people do not know where to find their next meal; that one child dies every 10 minutes, and perversely, that many of those who do escape the military conflict or starvation then risk dying for lack of simple medical interventions. There is an urgent need to supply additional shrinking reserves of medicine, food and fuel. All parties have an obligation to allow unimpeded humanitarian access.”
2017-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7897 (2017) · source
“Sweden has significantly increased its humanitarian assistance to those countries. We call on others to do the same. The humanitarian response must also be allowed to reach those in need; that means humanitarian access in all contexts. We call on all parties to respect humanitarian principles and to meet their obligations under international humanitarian law and human rights law. Only political solutions can end the humanitarian suffering and bring sustainable peace and development. As we heard from the Deputy Secretary-General (see S/PV.7894), lasting recovery requires investment in comprehensive approaches that address conflict, chronic underdevelopment and the effects of climate change. We need to close the gap between humanitarian assistance and development interventions, and we need new ways of working to do so.”
2017-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7897 (2017) · source
“Like others, I would like to thank the Russian Federation for requesting this important meeitng. Let me start by thanking Emergency Relief Coordinator O'Brien for undertaking this important mission and for shining a spotlight on these worsening humanitarian crises. The present situation in countries like Yemen and South Sudan, where famine has now been declared, is utterly appalling and completely unacceptable. The Council has seen the crisis in the Lake Chad basin first hand. Immediate action is needed. We therefore fully support the call of the Secretary- General for increased financial resources and improved humanitarian access. Emergency funding must be scaled up so that the United Nations system and its partners can deliver lifesaving assistance to those in need.”
2017-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7897 (2017) · source
“We call on all actors, not least Afghanistan's neighbours, to act constructively and responsibly for peace. We encourage the United Nations system - both on the ground and at Headquarters i to actively engage in activities and dialogue promoting regional cooperation and stability. Finally, Sweden has consistently and significantly assisted Afghanistan for more than three decades. Our support for the people of Afghanistan remains firm, and we will continue to support them in their efforts towards a peaceful and stable society for all.”
2017-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7896 (2017) · source
“A politically negotiated settlement to the conflict in Afghanistan is the only way to achieve a sustainable peace and the only way to build an Afghanistan in which all citizens, regardless of gender, religion or ethnicity, can fully play their part and reach their full potential. Reaching such a settlement is more urgent than ever. We strongly encourage continued Afghan-owned and -led efforts towards unity and cooperation, along the lines of the negotiated deal with Hizb-i Islami. Increased political dialogue with other insurgent groups, including the Taliban, is now needed. As pointed out by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, regional tensions continue to undermine long-term stability and economic growth in Afghanistan. A peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan would benefit the entire region.”
2017-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7896 (2017) · source
“We call on all parties to the conflict to stop all targeted and deliberate attacks against civilians and to take all the necessary measures to protect them. All violations of international humanitarian law must be condemned. We strongly condemn the recent attack on the International Committee of the Red Cross, as well as Wednesday's attack on a hospital in Kabul. All parties to the conflict must implement and respect resolution 2286 (2016), pertaining to the protection of health care in conflicts. We call on the Afghan Government to report to the Secretary-General on measures taken to implement the resolution. Places where the young and the sick seek support should never be targeted. Building peaceful and inclusive societies is not easy. It takes courage and determination from all parties.”
2017-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7896 (2017) · source
“Women's meaningful inclusion in the peace process, including the ongoing implementation of the peace agreement with Hizb-i-Islami Gulbuddin is therefore vital. Excluding half of the population from the peace process is not only wrong, but shortsighted. Women's inclusion in peace processes has been proven to lead to more successful and sustainable peace agreements. The humanitarian, human rights and the security situation in Afghanistan remains alarming. We are particularly concerned to hear that the number of civilian casualties is at the highest level since 2009 - many of them children. Indeed, Afghanistan is one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a child. Shockingly, in 2015, one out of every four casualties in Afghanistan was a child. Children also live in fear of abduction, hunger and recruitment as child soldiers.”
2017-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7896 (2017) · source
“We must channel our efforts to supporting equitable growth that can tangibly deliver employment and prosperity for all Afghans, particularly Afghanistan's youth. We encourage the Government to continue to take the necessary steps towards holding free, inclusive and transparent elections that are credible in the eyes of the Afghan people. Women's full and equal participation in the electoral process is essential. We urge UNAMA to continue to pay increased attention to women's participation in the electoral and political processes in its reporting. Women's full and active participation in public and political spheres is crucial to ensuring lasting peace and the elimination of poverty.”
2017-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7896 (2017) · source
“The report before us today makes clear that there is still some distance to travel on that journey. It shows that, while progress has been made in some areas, the economic, political and security outlook remains bleak. Moving forward will require the full implementation of the economic and political reforms pledged by the Government at the Brussels Conference on Afghanistan. We welcome UNAMA's continued efforts to support Afghanistan's full assumption of leadership and ownership for its security, governance and development, consistent with the transformation decade. As Special Representative of the Secretary-General Yamamoto just highlighted, the international community cannot afford to lose focus of the socioeconomic development of Afghanistan.”
2017-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7896 (2017) · source
“Let me join others in thanking Special Representative Yamamoto for his briefing this morning. We very much welcome the report (S/2017/ 189) of the Secretary-General, which underlines the important work being carried out by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). We believe that UNAMA continues to play a critical role in the stabilization process and in preventing renewed conflict in Afghanistan. We are particularly pleased to see the significant attention given to women and peace and security in the report. In that light, I would also like to welcome today's very rich briefing by Ms. Sima Samar. Sweden remains fully committed to supporting the Afghan people on their path to a democratic, prosperous and peaceful society.”
2017-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7896 (2017) · source
“In conclusion, I would like to thank the Governments of Nigeria, the Niger, Chad and Cameroon, as well as the co-leaders, the United Nations Secretariat and their colleagues on the ground, for making our visit a true success.”
2017-03-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7894 (2017) · source
“Thirdly, we should work on developing a comprehensive regional strategy for addressing the drivers of the conflict, in line with existing plans and supported by development partners and international financial institutions. Fourthly, we should support efforts to strengthen the links between humanitarian assistance and long-term development measures, focusing on early recovery and the provision of alternative livelihoods. Fifthly, we should encourage the organization in 2018 of a third Regional Security Summit, focusing on post-conflict stabilization and on early recovery and reconstruction. Lastly, we should enhance the capacity of UNOWAS and UNOCA to jointly coordinate United Nations engagement in the region and report on progress in that regard.”
2017-03-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7894 (2017) · source
“Now that we have seen the crisis that has been unfolding in the Lake Chad basin, we must ensure that we actively follow up on our engagement and on the trip's findings. That is why we would like to see the Council agree a presidential statement setting out a road map for the way forward that encourages the following actions, among others. The first is for the Secretary-General to show leadership, including by visiting the region and reporting back to the Council. Secondly, the semi-annual briefings of the United Nations Office for West Africa (UNOWAS) and the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA), as well as the recurring Security Council meetings under the agenda item on peace and security in Africa, should be used as forums for following up on the findings of our visit.”
2017-03-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7894 (2017) · source
“The women we met in Maroua and Maiduguri, despite the challenges they face on a daily basis, are survivors and leaders, not victims. Meeting the visiting Security Council, they clearly told us their stories so that we would know their realities, and set out their needs so that we would know how to respond. We must not let them down. It is clear that women play a vital role in prevention, peacebuilding and de-radicalization efforts. Improving education, particularly for girls, and ending early marriage are issues that will be central to development in the region. We were encouraged by the development of national action plans on women and peace and security, and those words must now be translated into actions with adequate resources and meaningful implementation.”
2017-03-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7894 (2017) · source
“In Niamey, President Issoufou of the Niger cited the shrinking of Lake Chad as a direct and major reason for the rise of Boko Haram. This is exactly the type of situation that the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the sustaining peace agenda were created to respond to. Working within the framework of the 2030 Agenda, we must ensure a coordinated and better linked humanitarian, reconstruction and development response. This multidimensional crisis is an example of one to which the United Nations system can take an integrated approach, and we look forward to supporting the Deputy Secretary-General as she leads the reform of the Organization's development system so that it can better respond to such crises. Yesterday we celebrated International Women's Day.”
2017-03-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7894 (2017) · source
“We urge the United Nations to enhance its human rights presence on the ground in order to support monitoring and capacity-building in that regard. We encourage Governments to enhance their prosecution, rehabilitation and reintegration approaches for dealing with persons associated with Boko Haram and to improve countries' coordination in that effort. Children must always be treated as children, and handover protocols that prioritize children should be adopted. The roots of the conflict run deeper than the Boko Haram insurgency. They include abject poverty, climate change and underdevelopment. Indeed, the situation in the Lake Chad basin is a vivid illustration of the links between security, development and human rights, as well as climate-change-related risks.”
2017-03-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7894 (2017) · source
“It is clear that the regional nature of the Boko Haram threat requires a regional response. The countries of the region are working together, including through the Multinational Joint Task Force, which is making progress and deserves further international support. We also call for rapid deployment of the African Union civilian component of the Task Force. We must ensure that the response does not increase the suffering of an already brutalized population, and in that regard, we welcome the commitment expressed by all the Governments of the region to protecting civilians and human rights, in line with the 2016 Abuja Action Statement. Counter- terrorism measures must comply with international law, including international humanitarian and human rights law.”
2017-03-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7894 (2017) · source
“We have seen how host communities have welcomed the displaced into their homes and villages, sharing already scarce resources. and I would like to pay special tribute to them. We commend the efforts being made by the relevant authorities to mitigate the consequences of the crisis, as well as the work of humanitarian workers and the staff of local non-governmental organizations, who are on the front lines of the response. However, more is needed if we are to avoid a humanitarian disaster of historic proportions. To begin with, the pledges made in Oslo must be disbursed as quickly as possible. I am happy to report that Sweden has already done so, and I call on others to follow. Secondly, every effort must be made to ensure that the assistance reaches even the most remote and inaccessible areas.”
2017-03-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7894 (2017) · source
“I too would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you on your presidency, Mr. President. During the past week, the Security Council opened its eyes and ears to focus on the people of the Lake Chad basin. What we have seen and heard will not be easily forgotten, nor should it be. Millions of people across four countries have been displaced as a result of the brutal insurgency of Boko Haram. We heard of lives disrupted and livelihoods destroyed. Displacement has led to vulnerability, particularly for women and girls. We heard chilling stories of husbands murdered, children abducted and killed and women subjected to sexual violence. Millions more are suffering from hunger and malnutrition, and we heard that the threat of famine looms. Yet alongside the desperation there is hope.”
2017-03-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7894 (2017) · source
“In conclusion, over the past six years the Council has been divided on too many occasions on how to end to the conflict and the needless human suffering in Syria. We fully support the ongoing United Nations- led talks in Geneva. A renewed process geared towards lasting peace in Syria is ourjoint responsibility.”
2017-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7893 (2017) · source
“The Council's work to ensure accountability for chemical weapons used in Syria does not stop here. We strongly support the JIM's continued efforts to reach independent and technically underpinned conclusions with regard to the perpetrators of chemical weapons use in Syria. Sweden will be making a voluntary contribution of approximately $220,000 in response to the appeal of the fifth JIM. report (see S/2017/131), and we look forward to future JIM. reports. We will continue to work with all members towards helping the Council to assume its responsibility again. We owe that to all of those who have suffered the inhumane consequences of toxic chemicals used as weapons. It must be clear that there will be no impunity for those crimes.”
2017-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7893 (2017) · source
“The Syrian Armed Forces have used chemical weapons on at least three occasions, and the terrorist group Da'esh has used mustard gas at least once. The Council cannot remain passive in the face of confirmed non-compliance with its own numerous resolutions and the first confirmed case of non-compliance by a State party to the Chemical Weapons Convention. To demand accountability is not politicization but our common responsibility. That the Council was not able to honour its commitments owing to the use of the right to veto of two of its permanent members is indeed deplorable. Sweden condemns in the strongest terms all use of chemical weapons in Syria and elsewhere and will continue to do so. We trust that the Council will be able to once again show a united front against such international crimes.”
2017-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7893 (2017) · source