YouSaid · the spoken record

Skoog

lines on the record: 1,817
first: 2015-03-16
most recent: 2023-12-29
sittings or episodes: 248
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

“I want to reiterate the EU’s unwavering commitment to continue to provide strong political, financial, economic, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support to Ukraine and its people for as long as it takes. As this could be the last meeting ahead of the New Year — we hope — I want to thank the outgoing members of the Council for a very serious and important effort and for their service on behalf of the broader membership of the United Nations. I wish the incoming members of the Security Council every success in promoting peace, diplomacy and accountability.”
2023-12-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9523 (2023) · source
“Russia and its leadership must be held fully accountable for waging a war of aggression against Ukraine and for other most serious crimes under international law, as well as for the massive damage caused by its war. In the face of continued Russian attacks against Ukraine’s civil and critical infrastructure, the European Union and its member States will intensify the provision of further humanitarian and civil protection assistance to Ukraine, as well as assistance to ensure the resilience of its energy sector through the winter. Moreover, the EU remains committed to supporting Ukraine’s repair, recovery and reconstruction, in coordination with international partners, including the demining process and psychosocial rehabilitation. I want to send a message of solidarity to the people of Ukraine from here.”
2023-12-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9523 (2023) · source
“Overnight, as we heard, Russia launched one of the largest attacks since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine against cities and the population. It was yet another cowardly and indiscriminate targeting of schools, metro stations and a hospital, resulting in the deaths of at least 30 people and, as we also heard, well over 100 wounded. Everywhere you look, Russia’s warfare leaves behind death, destruction and human suffering in its wake. Russia’s ongoing systematic air strikes against civilian objects and critical infrastructure in Ukraine are unacceptable and must stop. Such intentional attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure add to the growing evidence of war crimes, as reported by the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine.”
2023-12-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9523 (2023) · source
“Mr. Skoog: I want first to thank you, Mr. President, for calling this meeting and for providing me the opportunity to address it on behalf of the European Union (EU). I also want to thank Assistant Secretary- General Khiari for his sobering report this afternoon and, through him, the Secretary-General for his very clear condemnation of this latest onslaught by Russia against Ukraine. The EU reiterates our resolute condemnation of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, which constitutes a manifest violation of the Charter of the United Nations. We reaffirm our unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders and its inherent right of self-defence against the Russian aggression.”
2023-12-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9523 (2023) · source
“In August 2022, the High Representative was able to put forward a compromise text laying down the necessary steps for the United States to return to the JCPOA and for Iran to resume the full implementation of its commitments. Regrettably, it was not possible to reach a deal at that time. Since then, the overall political context has aggravated the situation and has made a return to the negotiation table even more difficult. That compromise text is still on the table as a potential point of departure for any renewed effort to bring the JCPOA back on track. The High representative continues his efforts to facilitate the dialogue among all participants in the JCPOA and with the United States”
2023-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9511 (2023) · source
“With that in mind, we call on all remaining parties to the JCPOA and the United States to sustain dialogue in order to address the Iranian nuclear programme without delay. Nuclear diplomacy must be restored. We concur with the Secretary-General’s assessment in his report (S/2023/975) that the JCPOA still represents the best available option for ensuring the exclusively peaceful nature of the Iranian nuclear programme. We urge Iran to resume full cooperation with the IAEA and to refrain from taking any additional step away from its JCPOA commitments, as a first and minimum measure. De-escalation steps on the nuclear front will help restore trust. They could recreate an environment conducive to the resumption of negotiations, possibly leading ultimately to a fully effective JCPOA.”
2023-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9511 (2023) · source
“We are extremely worried about Iran’s military support for Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine, including through deliveries of drones, which were made in violation of the provisions of resolution 2231 (2015). We call on the Government of Iran to stop that military cooperation with a country that is violating every principle of the Charter of the United Nations. That cooperation has not stopped and has even increased, as publicly announced. The EU will continue to respond to that, as necessary. The world is facing a range of severe crises. In that context, it is important to keep in mind that the current deeply troubling situation in the Middle East makes it even more urgent to find ways to stabilize the region, of which the JCPOA should be an essential part.”
2023-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9511 (2023) · source
“Moreover, all EU sanctions that had already been lifted under the JCPOA remain lifted. The EU continues to support the full and effective implementation of a restored JCPOA and of resolution 2231 (2015). On its side, to our knowledge, Iran has not sought the ratification of the Additional Protocol to its Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement, as it was supposed to do on transition day. Regarding other aspects of JCPOA implementation, we note that the procurement channel remains ready to receive proposals. It was designed as a transparency and confidence-building mechanism to give assurances that transfers of nuclear and dual-use goods and services are fully in line with resolution 2231 (2015) and the JCPOA. Moreover, civil nuclear cooperation with Iran under annex III of the JCPOA continues.”
2023-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9511 (2023) · source
“They expressed their intention not to take the steps regarding the lifting of further sanctions on the JCPOA transition day on 18 October 2023. As Coordinator, in line with the JCPOA dispute resolution mechanism, the High Representative consulted all JCPOA participants on the way ahead. Following those consultations, he noted that the issue remained unresolved given the diverging views expressed. At the same time, he noted that participants reiterated their determination to find a diplomatic solution within the framework of the JCPOA. Subsequently, the EU Council decided to maintain the restrictive measures under the EU non-proliferation regime on Iran on transition day. That step is reversible and does not amount to the imposition of additional EU sanctions on Iran.”
2023-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9511 (2023) · source
“We continue to recognize that Iran has faced and continues to face very serious negative economic consequences following the withdrawal of the United States from the JCPOA and the re-imposition by the United States of previously lifted unilateral sanctions. The United States has also imposed additional sanctions linked to the nuclear programme. On its side, the EU has lifted all its nuclear-related economic and financial sanctions since the JCPOA implementation day, and that remains the case. On 14 September, the High Representative received a letter from the Foreign Ministers of France, Germany and the United Kingdom stating that Iran has been in non-compliance with the JCPOA since 2019 and that that has not been resolved through the JCPOA’s dispute resolution mechanism.”
2023-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9511 (2023) · source
“Let me highlight the important role of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) as the sole impartial and independent international organization mandated by the Security Council to monitor and verify the implementation of the nuclear non-proliferation commitments under the JCPOA. The IAEA continues to document the expansion of Iran’s nuclear programme gravely departing from its JCPOA commitments, notably as regards the expansion of Iran’s nuclear enrichment infrastructure and the continued rise of highly enriched uranium stockpile, including at 60 per cent, which is of particular proliferation concern. Moreover, the relationship with the IAEA has further deteriorated in recent months, with a negative impact on the Agency’s ability to carry out its monitoring duties.”
2023-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9511 (2023) · source
“Mr. Skoog: It is an honour to have the opportunity to address the Security Council on behalf of the High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Mr. Josep Borrell Fontelles, in his capacity as Coordinator of the Joint Commission of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). I would like to thank Secretary-General António Guterres, represented today by Under-Secretary- General Rosemary DiCarlo, and the Secretariat for their work related to the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015), as well as Malta as the Facilitator of resolution 2231 (2015).”
2023-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9511 (2023) · source
“The EU and its member States join Ukraine in honouring the millions of victims of that terrible crime. If we do not educate ourselves about our history, we risk repeating our mistakes. That is why we support Ukraine’s initiative of a joint declaration, and we call on all other United Nations members to support it as well. In conclusion, I emphasize that the EU will continue to provide strong financial, economic, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support to Ukraine and its people for as long as it takes. We will continue our intensified diplomatic outreach efforts and cooperation with Ukraine and other countries to ensure the widest possible international support for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace and the key principles and objectives of Ukraine’s peace formula.”
2023-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9483 (2023) · source
“We will also further enhance the capacity of the EU’s solidarity lanes to facilitate transit and export via land routes to world markets, which have enabled the export of more than 57 million tons of Ukrainian agricultural products so far. In addition, we will continue to deliver on our ambitious response to address global food insecurity. Together with our member States, we are providing €18 billion in grants to countries and people in need, including humanitarian and food assistance. Tragically, the weaponization of food is nothing new. Every year, towards the end of November, as we heard today, Ukraine commemorates the Holodomor famine and its victims. This year, it is the ninetieth anniversary of the Soviet Union’s use of hunger as a weapon against the Ukrainian people.”
2023-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9483 (2023) · source
“The successful establishment of the Ukraine corridor for civil cargo ships has allowed Ukraine to export more than 1.5 million tons of food, thereby contributing to enhancing global food security. We commend efforts by Ukraine and the private sector to put in place an insurance scheme that reduces the costs of that route. Through Ukraine’s own Grain from Ukraine programme, more than 170,000 metric tons of grain have been donated to countries in need, including Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, the Sudan and Yemen. We condemn the devastating attack on a civilian cargo ship in the Ukrainian port of Pivdennyi earlier this month. The EU supports all efforts, including those of the United Nations, to facilitate exports of Ukraine’s grain and other agricultural products to the countries most in need, notably in Africa and the Middle East.”
2023-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9483 (2023) · source
“Russia’s unilateral decision to terminate the Black Sea Grain Initiative, as many colleagues pointed out today, and its deliberate attacks on Ukraine’s grain storage and export facilities, as well as its actions to hinder the freedom of navigation in the Black Sea, show that Russia continues to weaponize food. By doing so, it deliberately undermines global food security. I stress the importance of security, stability and freedom of navigation in the Black Sea, which is vital for sustainable grain exports. We praise Ukraine for its unwavering efforts to resume grain exports via maritime routes, as we have just heard, including through the organization of the second International Summit on Food Security next week.”
2023-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9483 (2023) · source
“According to the 2023 United Nations humanitarian response plan, 11.1 million people are food insecure in Ukraine. Last week, we announced an additional €100 million in humanitarian support to those most vulnerable, especially in hard-to-reach areas. That will allow our humanitarian partners to provide essential services such as cash assistance, food, water, shelter, health care, psychosocial support and protection. It brings the total for EU humanitarian aid in response to Russia’s war to €785 million. Unfortunately, humanitarian access remains critical, and the EU fully supports efforts by the United Nations and all relevant stakeholders to engage in negotiations with all parties to provide full, safe, unhindered and durable humanitarian access, in particular in areas under the temporary military control of the Russian Federation.”
2023-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9483 (2023) · source
“Such intentional attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure add to the growing evidence of war crimes, as reported by the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine. Russia and its leadership must be held fully accountable for waging a war of aggression against Ukraine and other most serious crimes under international law. In the face of continued Russian attacks against Ukraine’s civil and critical infrastructure, the EU will intensify our provision of humanitarian and civil protection assistance to Ukraine, including equipment such as power generators, power transformers, mobile heating stations and high-voltage and lighting equipment, to help Ukraine and its people face yet another winter at war. Via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, we have sent more than 5,000 power generators to Ukraine.”
2023-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9483 (2023) · source
“The consequences of the aggression have, I think, been made very clear by the two briefers today — the consequences both for Ukraine and for the global food security situation. I reaffirm our unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, as well as its inherent right to self-defence against the Russian aggression. I want to make two further points: first, Russia’s targeting of Ukraine’s critical infrastructure, how unacceptable that is and how it must stop; and secondly, the European Union’s full engagement in efforts to address the global consequences of the Russian aggression. Russia’s ongoing systematic air strikes against civilian objects and critical infrastructure in Ukraine are unacceptable, and they must stop.”
2023-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9483 (2023) · source
“Mr. Skoog: I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union (EU) and its member States. The candidate countries North Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Bosnia and Herzegovina, the potential candidate country Georgia, as well as Andorra, Monaco and San Marino, all align themselves with this statement. I thank you, Mr. President, for the opportunity to address the Security Council. There were other EU countries that would have liked to speak today, given how affected they are by the situation that we are discussing today. I would also like to thank the briefers for their presentations. At the outset, I want to reiterate the EU’s resolute condemnation of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, which constitutes a manifest violation of the Charter of the United Nations.”
2023-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9483 (2023) · source
“Conflicts are on the rise but development assistance for peace is at a 15-year record low. This assistance also relies on a small number of donors. For example, the EU and its member States provide more than 60 per cent of the Fund’s financing. There is a need to broaden the donors’ base, formalize the relationship with the international financial institutions and regional banks with the PBF and urgently find a way to ensure more predictable and sustainable financing for peacebuilding. The New Agenda for Peace provides a unique opportunity for reflection on how to make those tools more efficient and how to ensure closer collaboration between peacebuilding entities and the Security Council. The EU is committed to actively contributing to that reflection.”
2023-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9482Resumption1 (2023) · source
“Its ability to convene United Nations entities, donors and development banks makes it a suitable forum to discuss how development can promote peacebuilding. That role could be extended. It is important that the PBC is not limited in its mandate to meet with any United Nations entity that has relevance for its work, including on human rights. At the operational level, the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) has proven to be a useful instrument in supporting coordinated efforts across the humanitarian- development-peace nexus. The peace and development advisers and the human rights advisers can also help bring peacebuilding, development and human rights together in the field. These key parts of the United Nations must be adequately resourced. We are alarmed at the huge funding gap that peacebuilding and conflict prevention suffer from.”
2023-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9482Resumption1 (2023) · source
“To make that happen, multilateral development banks must help ensure faster and better access to finance and assist countries in need by providing more concessional lending. Tackling the problem of debt is another key issue. An important number of developing countries are currently drowning under their debt load. Servicing that debt reduces the fiscal space, which, in turn, is jeopardizing social cohesion and stability. We are engaging very actively in discussions with partners to address those issues, including as part of Our Common Agenda (A/75/982). At the United Nations level, there are a number of tools that enable us to link the development agenda with peace and security. The Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) is one of them.”
2023-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9482Resumption1 (2023) · source
“Throughout our Global Gateway initiatives — whether in the food, health, water, transport or communication sectors — we pay particular attention to the necessary resilience and protection of critical infrastructure, which is always conflict-sensitive. The Global Gateway projects are initiated in full partnership with the countries concerned, of course, and their macrofinancial impact is minimized through grants, blending public and private funds and innovative financial instruments such as guarantees. But development projects will not be a true game changer unless we also address development financing and debt alleviation. We need a fairer financial architecture to enable developing countries to put their economies back on a growth trajectory. We need to make sure everyone has fair access to finance.”
2023-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9482Resumption1 (2023) · source
“The Gateway will contribute directly to progress on a range of interlinked SDGs, notably through investment in transport, energy and digitalization infrastructure, as well as health and education. Part of the Global Gateway is dedicated to supporting Africa’s regional integration processes, for example through the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area. Those investments will bring people closer together through 11 strategic transport corridors that will facilitate trade, but will also bring them closer to services, education, health care and economic opportunities. The investments are fully in line with the SDGs and by creating more resilient societies they ultimately also contribute to peace.”
2023-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9482Resumption1 (2023) · source
“The EU has just signed a new partnership agreement with the Organization of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States: the Samoa agreement. That new framework is based on a comprehensive approach that includes sustainable development and growth, human rights and peace and security. We believe that achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is key, and we are committed to contributing substantially to their achievement. As the leading global partner for the SDGs, the EU and its member States collectively provided $92.8 billion in 2022 alone, which amounts to 43 per cent of global assistance. Since December 2022, we are rolling out the Global Gateway, which is our strategy for sustainable investments in infrastructure globally.”
2023-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9482Resumption1 (2023) · source
“But in this equation we should not forget human rights, as the Secretary-General very rightly pointed out this morning, as economic development alone will not be sufficient to ensure stability if human rights are not respected and if people suffer discriminations. Moreover, individuals and, in particular, women and young people must also be at the heart of our response — as agents of change — if we are to more effectively resolve conflict, longer-term development impacts and build peace in a sustainable way. The General Assembly and the Security Council have adopted resolutions on sustaining peace, all of which underline that development, peace and security and human rights are interlinked and mutually reinforcing and emphasize the importance of such a comprehensive approach to sustaining peace.”
2023-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9482Resumption1 (2023) · source
“Mr. Skoog: I thank you, Mr. President, for organizing a very timely and important meeting. I speak on behalf of the European Union (EU) and its 27 member States. The candidate countries North Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the potential candidate country Georgia, align themselves with this statement. It is widely acknowledged that development and peace are intrinsically linked. While development is not possible without peace and security, conversely, development largely contributes to stability, security and peace. Development is key — not only for the stability of a country, but also for peace and stability among countries. It is not just a national issue; it is indeed a global imperative.”
2023-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9482Resumption1 (2023) · source
“We emphasize that the sovereignty, territorial integrity, constitutional order and international personality of Bosnia and Herzegovina need to be maintained. Any action against those principles will lead to serious consequences.”
2023-11-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9466 (2023) · source
“The EU is seriously concerned about legislation and initiatives in the Republika Srpska entity that run counter to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s EU path, including secessionist rhetoric and questioning the constitutional order of the country. We deplore the adoption of legislation in the Republika Srpska entity on the inapplicability of the decisions of the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina within the entity. Furthermore, we deplore the entry into force of amendments to the criminal code of the Republika Srpska entity reintroducing criminal penalties for defamation. Respect for human rights, the freedom of expression, media freedom and pluralism, as well as the freedom of the operation of civil society organizations, are key pillars of a democratic society.”
2023-11-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9466 (2023) · source
“In the current geopolitical context, the EU underlines the urgency for the country to move forward on its EU path, in particular via fulfilling all 14 key priorities for the opening of EU accession negotiations identified in the Commission’s opinion on Bosnia and Herzegovina’s application for EU membership, as endorsed by the Council of the European Union in 2019. The EU also calls on all political leaders in Bosnia and Herzegovina to swiftly implement the commitments set out in the agreement reached on 12 June 2022 and urgently finalize the constitutional and electoral reform, again in line with the 14 key priorities. The EU welcomes the recent steps taken by Bosnia and Herzegovina in line with those expectations and encourages further progress on EU- related reforms in the coming months.”
2023-11-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9466 (2023) · source
“Securing solid and irreversible achievements in the areas of rule of law, the economy, the functioning of democratic institutions and public administration reforms remains decisive for meeting the requirements of EU membership and represents a long-term investment into peace, democracy, prosperity, security and stability in Europe. In December 2022, the European Council granted the status of EU candidate country to Bosnia and Herzegovina, on the understanding that the steps identified in the European Commission’s recommendations be taken in order to strengthen the rule of law, the fight against corruption and organized crime, in addition to migration management and ensuring fundamental rights.”
2023-11-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9466 (2023) · source
“I want to pay tribute to Switzerland for its able diplomacy in handling of the draft of resolution 2706 (2023) and ensuring its successful adoption. The European Union welcomes Bosnia and Herzegovina’s continued strong support to the executive mandate of EUFOR-Althea and its continued presence. We reiterate our full and unequivocal commitment to the EU membership perspective of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The future of the country and its citizens lies within the European Union. We will continue to strengthen and intensify our engagement at all levels to support the country’s political, economic and social transformation, including through continued assistance based on tangible progress on the rule of law and socioeconomic reforms, as well as on Bosnia and Herzegovina’s adherence to EU values, rules and standards.”
2023-11-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9466 (2023) · source
“Mr. Skoog: I would like to congratulate you and your country, Mr. President, on assuming the presidency of the Security Council for this month. We also greatly appreciate the way Brazil handled the Council’s presidency in the month of October. I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union (EU) and its 27 member States. The candidate countries Türkiye, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania, and the Republic of Moldova align themselves with this brief statement. The European Union is very pleased that the mandate of the European Union Military Operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina (EUFOR-Althea) was unanimously renewed by the Council this morning, given the Operation’s important role in supporting the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina in maintaining a safe and secure environment.”
2023-11-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9466 (2023) · source
“Russia must immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw all of its troops and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders. Ukraine is exercising its inherent right to defend itself and to regain full control of its territory. The international community has repeatedly expressed its desire for peace in Ukraine in line with the Charter of the United Nations, the resolutions of the General Assembly and international law. The EU will continue its intensified diplomatic outreach efforts and cooperation with Ukraine and other countries to ensure the widest possible international support for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace and the key principles and objectives of Ukraine’s peace formula, with a view to the holding of a global peace summit.”
2023-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9464 (2023) · source
“In addition, the EU will continue to deliver on its ambitious response to address global food insecurity. Together with our member States, we are providing €18 billion in grants to countries and people in need across the world, including humanitarian and food assistance. Our total official development assistance increased last year, even discounting extra support to Ukraine. We praise Ukraine for its unwavering efforts to resume its grain exports via maritime routes, contributing to our joint efforts to combat global food insecurity. We will continue to provide life-saving support to the people of Ukraine in accordance with the humanitarian principles. We will continue to support Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
2023-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9464 (2023) · source
“Russia’s unilateral decision to terminate the implementation of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, its deliberate attacks on Ukraine’s grain storage and export facilities and its actions to hinder freedom of navigation on the Black Sea show that Russia continues to weaponize food and undermine global food security. It has destroyed almost 300,000 tons of grain and reduced Ukraine’s export potential by 40 per cent. The EU supports all efforts, including those of the United Nations, to facilitate exports of Ukraine’s grain and other agricultural products to those countries most in need, notably in Africa and the Middle East. The EU solidarity lanes have become a lifeline for global food security. Between May 2022 and August 2023, they allowed Ukraine to export over 53 million tons of agricultural products.”
2023-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9464 (2023) · source
“Russia is responsible for the massive damage caused by its war of aggression. In the face of continued Russian attacks against Ukraine’s civil and critical infrastructure, the EU will intensify our provision of humanitarian and protection of civilians assistance to Ukraine, including equipment such as power generators, power transformers, mobile heating stations and high- voltage and lighting equipment, to help Ukraine and its people face yet another winter at war. We welcome the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs’ winter response plan and preparedness efforts by humanitarian organizations. Thirdly, food exports passing through the Black Sea remain critical to global food security.”
2023-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9464 (2023) · source
“We welcome the outcome of the International Donors’ Conference on Humanitarian Demining in Ukraine, held in Zagreb in October, which includes support for the efficient governance of mine action. Secondly, winter is a particularly challenging period for the people of Ukraine. Temperatures will soon be below freezing, and we are deeply concerned that Russia will once again target critical infrastructure across Ukraine. Last year, as we were reminded here today, Russia’s attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, including power stations and heating plants, left millions of civilians without access to heat, electricity and water during the harsh winter months. It is disturbing to see that similar attacks have already been reported over the past weeks, such as the one on the Khmelnytskyi nuclear power plant. They must stop.”
2023-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9464 (2023) · source
“The EU supports all United Nations efforts to get humanitarian access to areas not controlled by the Government of Ukraine. We regret that no inter-agency humanitarian convoys have been able to cross from Government-controlled areas to non-Government -controlled areas, despite repeated attempts and notifications to the Russian Federation. Ukraine is today the most heavily mined country in the world. Around 30 per cent of its territory requires survey and clearance. That contamination of landmines and remnants of war left behind by Russia’s armed forces not only poses a serious obstacle to relief and aid delivery, but also a serious threat to the lives of civilians, in particular children.”
2023-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9464 (2023) · source
“Such attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure add to the growing evidence of war crimes, as reported by the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine. Russia and its leadership must be held fully accountable for waging a war of aggression against Ukraine and other most serious crimes under international law. We commend the brave efforts undertaken by humanitarian organizations to deliver assistance and condemn all attacks on humanitarian workers and facilities. The United Nations has reported that almost 4 million people living in areas under Russia’s current military control remain out of reach of humanitarian assistance. We therefore call on Russia to ensure safe and unimpeded humanitarian access to all areas under its temporary control. Aid cannot be denied to those in need.”
2023-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9464 (2023) · source
“I wish to make three brief points: first, the importance of upholding international humanitarian law; secondly, the need for winterization efforts, especially in the light of Russia’s targeting of critical infrastructure; and thirdly, efforts to address the global consequences of Russia’s aggression. First, all States undertake to respect and ensure respect for international law in all circumstances. Russia’s ongoing campaign of systematic air strikes against civilian objects and critical infrastructure in Ukraine must stop. Those cruel, inhumane attacks aim only to increase human suffering and deprive Ukrainians of electricity, heating, food, medical care and water, as well as to destroy Ukraine’s grain export capacities.”
2023-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9464 (2023) · source
“Mr. Skoog: I thank Ecuador and France for their initiative in requesting today’s meeting. I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union (EU) and its member States. The candidate countries North Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the potential candidate country Georgia, as well as Andorra, Monaco and San Marino, align themselves with this statement. I wanted to mention that several EU member countries would have wanted to speak today, as they have previously done, since they are directly affected by the situation concerning the Russian war against Ukraine. I thank Mr. Rajasingham for his briefing and for the work that the United Nations and many other organizations are doing on the ground.”
2023-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9464 (2023) · source
“The EU is actively discussing the issue with partners and key stake- holders, and we call on actors in the region to refrain from any action that could further aggravate the situation. We underline once again the need to engage broadly with the Palestinian Authority and the Israeli authorities, as well as regional and international partners that could have a posi- tive role to play in preventing further escalation. We wel- come the cooperation of regional actors aimed at opening humanitarian access to Gaza, and we remain committed to lasting and sustainable peace, based on a two-State so- lution and the relevant resolutions of the Security Council, through reinvigorated efforts for the Middle East peace process, including the Peace Day Effort.”
2023-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9451Resumption1 (2023) · source
“The EU has already stepped up its emergency assistance to the Palestinian people, tripling it to a total amounting to more than €75 million to support civilians in need and triggering the full activation of the EU integrated political crisis response to ensure a fast and coordinated humanitarian response. Individually, EU member States have increased their financial support. The EU has also launched an EU humanitarian air bridge, with flights to Egypt to bring life-saving supplies to humanitarian organizations on the ground in Gaza. It is also essential to allow citizens of third countries to leave Gaza. We call on all sides to allow safe passage for those who wish to leave and return to safety in their home countries. It is crucial to prevent regional escalation, including a deterioration of the situation in the West Bank.”
2023-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9451Resumption1 (2023) · source
“That is why the EU supports the Secretary-General’s call for safe, full and unimpeded access throughout Gaza and a sustained effort to deliver vital life-saving assistance to the vulnerable population. What is needed now is to establish humanitarian corridors and pauses to ensure the release of hostages and allow the safe passage to Gaza of relief supplies and humanitarian personnel, while ensuring their full protection and preventing the abuse of such assistance by terrorist organizations, so that it ends up in the hands of those in need. We welcome the opening of the Rafah crossing. It will be crucial to ramp up the delivery of assistance to meet the enormous needs. The provision of urgent humanitarian assistance is vital and the EU, together with its partners, is ready to continue supporting the civilians most in need in Gaza.”
2023-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9451Resumption1 (2023) · source
“We urge the parties to exercise restraint and remind them of their obligations under the universal principles of international humanitarian law. We call for the protection of medical facilities, schools and United Nations premises, as well as other infrastructure meant to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance. All civilian infrastructure must be protected. The United Nations has been clear. The catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza is about to reach breaking point. We need to prevent an even bigger human catastrophe. The civilian population is in desperate need of food, water, fuel, electricity and medical care, as well as safe shelter. Access to those necessities must be urgently restored.”
2023-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9451Resumption1 (2023) · source
“The European Union has condemned in the strongest possible terms Hamas’s brutal and indiscriminate terrorist attacks across Israel. We call on Hamas to immediately release all hostages, without any conditions. Human suffering cannot be a bargaining chip. We have also strongly emphasized Israel’s right to defend itself, in line with international law, including international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions in particular, in the face of such violent and indiscriminate attacks. The international humanitarian law is clear — the protection of all civilians must be ensured by all parties to the conflict. We condemn all acts directed against civilians and call for protecting all civilians, especially children.”
2023-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9451Resumption1 (2023) · source
“Mr. Skoog: I speak on behalf of the European Union (EU) and its 27 member States. Out of respect for your plea, Mr. President, I will deliver an abbreviated statement. Our full statement will be available on our website. I want to thank the Secretary-General and the United Nations briefers and staff for their valiant and tireless efforts in a difficult situation. Our thoughts today are with all the innocent victims, Israelis, Palestinians and citizens of many other countries, as well as staff members of the United Nations and other humanitarian organizations. We commend all the humanitarians who are continuing their invaluable work under dire circumstances and at great sacrifice. There can be no justification for terror.”
2023-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9451Resumption1 (2023) · source
“We will continue to work to strengthen those aspects of the Security Council’s work and of the United Nations system more broadly, including by accelerating the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals and engaging actively in the Peacebuilding Commission and in the formulation of a new agenda for peace.”
2023-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9448Resumption1 (2023) · source