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 thank Under-Secretary- General Lacroix for this morning's update on Lebanon. The recent developments along the Blue Line are indeed worrisome, as they threaten Israel's territorial integrity and Lebanon's stability. We are deeply concerned about the discovery of tunnels on Israeli territory. We note that a total of four tunnels have been identified and that those tunnels were built from the Lebanese side. Tunnels crossing the Israeli-Lebanese border are a clear violation resolution 1701 (2006). It is important that further technical investigations now be conducted independently and in accordance with the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). Lebanese authorities must ensure urgent follow-up actions in accordance with their responsibilities pursuant to resolution 1701 (2006).”
2018-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8432 (2018) · source
“This is about the responsibility of the international community to save yet another generation of young Israelis and Palestinians from growing up in a reality of constant tension, mistrust and conflict. This is about making sure that the objective of two States, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security, with Jerusalem as the future capital of both States and home of three world religions, is kept within reach. And this is about keeping hope of peace in the Middle East alive.”
2018-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8429 (2018) · source
“Our position and that of the whole European Union reflect the continued broad international consensus on a two-State solution, as expressed in the recently adopted General Assembly resolution 73/89, submitted by Ireland. Any peace plan that fails to recognize these internationally agreed parameters would have little chance of succeeding and would run counter to the fundamental positions of the European Union. There cannot be any clean slate. Final-status issues can be taken off the table only when resolved through negotiations between the parties. Implementing resolution 2334 (2016) is not a matter of taking sides. Sweden has a long-standing friendship with the peoples of Israel and with the peoples of Palestine.”
2018-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8429 (2018) · source
“The European Union has clear policies with regard to such differentiation. Settlement products cannot be promoted as Israeli products, and all agreements between the State of Israel and the European Union must explicitly indicate inapplicability to the occupied territories. This does not constitute a boycott and is fully in line with resolution 2334 (2016). We encourage other Member States to adopt similar policies. We are as committed as anyone to peace in the Middle East. During our two years as a member of the Council, we have witnessed challenges to the international consensus on peace as well as attempts to take final-status issues off the table. We therefore wish to reiterate once more our support for a just, lasting and comprehensive peace, based on international law, the relevant United Nations resolutions and previous agreements.”
2018-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8429 (2018) · source
“This is a question of the credibility of the Council on how we conduct our work, and neglecting its reporting serves only to distance the Council from its responsibilities. Resolution 2334 (2016) was adopted by the Council and cannot be disregarded. The oral report we just heard is a long list of events and incidents, each leading to personal calamity and despair. Along with many others, we wish to see regular written reports from the Secretary-General in future, so that these meetings can be properly prepared and focus on the direst realities on the ground and how to improve them. Individually, we as Member States also need to step up our implementation of the resolution, which calls on all of us to distinguish, in our relevant dealings, between the territory of the State of Israel and the territories occupied since 1967.”
2018-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8429 (2018) · source
“We urge the Israeli authorities not to proceed with the demolition of the Bedouin village of Khan Al-Ahmar, as that would have serious consequences for its residents, including children. The village is located in Area E1, a location of strategic interest for preserving the contiguity of the Palestinian State. Against this dismal backdrop, the international community must act, otherwise we risk ending up with perpetual occupation and a one-State reality. Resolution 2334 (2016) was a milestone, and its implementation is key to the return to a path of peace. We are therefore disappointed that no written report on the implementation of the resolution was circulated prior to this meeting, as is standard practice for any other issue.”
2018-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8429 (2018) · source
“We call on all actors to de-escalate and stop attacks against civilians. Security forces on both sides must exercise restraint so as to avoid escalation and further loss of life. We reiterate our grave concern over the continued Israeli settlement expansion. Israel's settlement policy is illegal under international law. We condemn the Israeli decisions to advance additional settlement units, including in Hebron and East Jerusalem. The illegal settlement expansion seriously undermines the two- State solution and clouds all hope for peace. We are also concerned about the demolition of Palestinian homes and at the fact that the Palestinian population is at risk of forcible transfers in Area C.”
2018-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8429 (2018) · source
“The spread of violence on the ground is leading to a tragic loss of life on both sides, instilling fear among Israelis and Palestinians and destroying hopes for peace for young people, the so-called post- Oslo generation. The idea behind resolution 2334 (2016) was for the Security Council to shoulder its responsibility and reverse this negative trend. Two years on, the resolution remains as relevant as ever. Its core components - demands for ceasing all settlement activities and an end to the violence - reflect the gravity of the situation on the ground. We are deeply concerned over the deteriorating security situation and escalation of violence in the West Bank and Jerusalem. We strongly condemn the acts of violence against civilians that have led to a tragic loss oflife in recent days. Terrorism can never be tolerated.”
2018-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8429 (2018) · source
“When Sweden joined the Council, there was a moment of hope for Middle East peace. The Council had just adopted resolution 2334 (2016), France was organizing its international conference on the two-State solution, and the new United States Administration had announced its commitment to resolving the Israeli- Palestinian conflict. Today it is with heavy hearts that we conclude that hopes are evaporating, with no peace process in sight. The two-State solution is rapidly moving beyond our reach as realities on the ground trend towards an expansion of Israeli settlements. The desperate situation for the people in Gaza has further deteriorated into a humanitarian crisis, making Gaza increasingly unliveable and on the verge of social and economic collapse.”
2018-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8429 (2018) · source
“I thank Special Coordinator Mladenov for his briefing today and for his tireless efforts, which we very much appreciate. The United Nations and its agencies deserve to be commended for the work that he is doing on the ground in what we understand to be a challenging and sometimes explosive environment. This is the last time that Sweden will speak on this issue in the Chamber, as we come to the end of our two years as a member of the Security Council. I would therefore like to begin with some broader reflections, in the same vein as Ambassador Haley, whom I want to thank for providing us with insights into the current thinking in the United States on how to pursue peace in the Middle East, and to say that for us the United States remains a key partner in that pursuit.”
2018-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8429 (2018) · source
“Since we are leaving, we hope that it can be a legacy for our colleagues and their delegations in trying to make the overall work of the Council, as it relates to sanctions, more effective and efficient.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8428 (2018) · source
“The fact that any committee decision, no matter how minor, must be taken by consensus, has in essence conferred the right ofthe veto on all Council members. Of course, as we all know, in most cases it is the permanent members that block effective committee action. Effective stewardship of subsidiary organs is a challenge and a responsibility that requires resources and extensive knowledge of the United Nations sanctions system. Given the extent of that responsibility, Sweden, as my Dutch colleague hasjust mentioned, together with other Member States, have developed a best practices guide for Chairs and delegations of subsidiary organs to help incoming delegations prepare for that important task. We hope that the guide will be published before the end of the year.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8428 (2018) · source
“Chairing subsidiary organs is an important and demanding task that comes with great responsibility. Sanctions remain one of the most intrusive instruments available to the Security Council, apart from the use of force, and the sanctions committees are mandated with the important task of ensuring the effective use of that instrument, with direct effect for sanctioned individuals and entities. Chairs should therefore enjoy greater trust and cooperation from all members ofthe Council. They have been appointed by the Council and should be entrusted with a higher degree of independence, without being hamstrung or micromanaged in the discharge of their mandates. That holds true when it comes to travelling on behalf of their committees, communicating about their work or interacting with the Council itself.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8428 (2018) · source
“Finally, I think that the Working Group's collaboration with civil society has been absolutely crucial, as is so often the case for many other issues on the Council's agenda. I would like to turn now to some general remarks about the working groups. I agree with most, if not all, of what our Dutch colleague just suggested in his recommendations on moving forward. Sanctions can never be successful in isolation. They must always be part of a broader political strategy. Sanctions committees should not operate in a vacuum, disconnected from their political context. The Council needs to become better at discussing country-specific items and sanctions regimes together, and there should be closer interaction between Chairs of sanctions committees and the penholders of draft resolutions mandating sanctions, as the two are mutually reinforcing.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8428 (2018) · source
“The Working Group is now efficiently adopting country conclusions within a one- to two-month time frame and making regular field visits, focusing on countries that are ready to engage but need a push, as was the case in Darfur in the Sudan and in South Sudan, most recently. I see room for improvement with more engagement from all Council members and better follow-up and implementation by the Council as a whole, in a more determined and consistent manner. I believe that the questions related to children and armed conflict are central to prevention and sustaining peace, and efforts must not be limited to the Working Group. I want to come back to the Council later on with a more extensive list of lessons learned and recommendations as the Council moves forward without Sweden.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8428 (2018) · source
“I would like to thank countries for their support of the Working Group and our efforts to work towards a more proactive chairmanship of the Working Group. We are witnessing utter disregard for international humanitarian law and human rights, as reflected in the increase in violations and abuses against children in many conflicts around the world and under many Council agenda items. I believe that reality demands a strengthening of engagement, both in the field and in dialogue with States. United Nations efforts must also be reinforced at the country level in order to reverse that very negative trend.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8428 (2018) · source
“There was also a general awareness of the expectations of the Council, as put forward in resolution 2423 (2018), including the evaluation of progress needed before March of next year. Of course, there is a time when expectations and words must translate into concrete action if deadlines are not met. There are some positive dynamics among the parties since the elections this summer and the signing of the pact for peace. At the same time, spoilers and violators of international humanitarian law need to be contended with and the momentum seems not to have been matched by concrete results. We remain ready, in the last few days of our term on the Council, to consider listing individuals in accordance with the designation criteria. I was also the Chair of the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8428 (2018) · source
“The aim of the sanctions is to advance peace, security and stability for the benefit of the Malian people, in support of national efforts, not least through the implementation of the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali. The Government has been very good in its cooperation with the Committee, but so have the other signatories of the agreement. Engagement with the region has been another important component of our work, including through informal consultations with countries neighbouring Mali. I visited Mali just a few days ago and would like to reflect on a few things there. Many actors, including the parties to the peace agreement, pointed to the positive impact of the sanctions regime in maintaining pressure to move forward in the implementation process.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8428 (2018) · source
“Regrettably, we were not able to visit the eastern part of Libya, as envisaged in the terms of reference, but I hope that the second part of the trip can be realized soon. The exploitation of Libya's resources for personal gain continues to do huge harm to Libya and to peace. Understanding those detrimental undercurrents is something that I recommend the Committee, and other committees, to look more closely into to more effectively deal with it: How do war economies work? Who benefits? And what can we do to go after those interests more forcefully? Turning to the Committee established pursuant to resolution 2374 (2017), on Mali, that sanctions regime was set up at the request ofthe Government of Mali.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8428 (2018) · source
“We have very actively pursued a way forward on that in discussions with other members of the Committee, Libyan representatives and the Libyan Investment Authority, as well as at the highest level in Tripoli, beginning with the President. I believe that working with the World Bank is the best way forward on that particular issue. The people ofLibya need to be satisfied that their funds are managed in the best way possible. We encourage Libya to continue engaging with the World Bank and the incoming Committee Chair. Despite great difficulty in reaching consensus, I led the first visit by the Committee to Libya since the inception of the sanctions regime, in 2011. I thought it was a very useful trip, about which I have given some personal impressions here in the Council.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8428 (2018) · source
“For example, this year the Committee listed several individuals for the first time since 2011, inter alia for involvement in human trafficking, migrant smuggling and attempts to illicitly export oil. We have adopted a separate listing criterion on sexual and gender-based violence, which is a development that we encourage Member States to continue to consider in the context of other sanctions regimes. A third issue has been adopting Implementation Assistance Notices in relation to the assets freeze, which we hope will facilitate the effective implementation of the sanctions. We have listened very carefully, in our national capacity, to Libya's concerns regarding the management of the frozen funds 4 a considerable amount of money.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8428 (2018) · source
“I also want to pay tribute to the 12 loyal and dedicated colleagues from Member States outside the Council who are present and taking interest in this debate at this time of the day. Let me say a few words about the Libya Sanctions Committee. That Committee is very labour-intensive, perhaps not as much as the Committee pursuant to resolution 1718 (2006), but still, it is active and operates in a politically complex environment. At times, political divisions inside the Security Council have made it difficult to agree on even quite minor issues. Despite those divisions, we have tried to enable the Committee to be active and attuned to the political situation in Libya itself.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8428 (2018) · source
“I will try to be brief. I realize that it is very late in the day and that it has been a long meeting. I would like to say a few words on our leadership of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011), on Libya sanctions, the Committee established pursuant to resolution 2374 (2017), on Mali sanctions, and the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict. I will share some experiences of chairing those subsidiary bodies and provide some remarks on the general functioning, or not, of subsidiary organs and the role of the Chairs. First of all, I want to pay tribute to the Secretariat, the Security Council Affairs Division and the Panel of Experts for the support they provided, as many here have mentioned.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8428 (2018) · source
“The future of both Serbia and Kosovo lies within the European Union. Our message to the two Presidents present here is that both Pristina and Belgrade need to implement commitments and pursue the dialogue process with constructive engagement and dedication. Now is the time to show courageous and visionary leadership. If they put the choice of confrontation or cooperation to their people, I am sure that the people will support the latter, as they understand that cooperation is what is needed to bring about peace and prosperity in the region.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8427 (2018) · source
“It is important that all sides refrain from actions and statements that might increase tensions. We call on both parties to adhere to regional agreements, including free trade agreements. We have recently seen a renewed commitment from both Belgrade and Pristina to engage in the normalization dialogue facilitated by the European Union. The dialogue must continue without preconditions. It is the only path to a sustainable political and inclusive solution for the region. In that regard, we welcome the recent resolution of the Kosovo Parliament establishing a cross-party team for the dialogue, with the aim of creating a unified platform. We underline the need for the full and effective participation of women in the dialogue, as well as consultations with civil society, including women's organizations.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8427 (2018) · source
“With regard to the recent legislation passed by the Kosovo Assembly on the Kosovo Security Force, in principle that is a matter for the sovereign State of Kosovo. At the same time, we - as do others - strongly encourage Pristina to ensure that the transformation of its security force over the next 10 years takes place through a transparent and inclusive process, in line with the Constitution and in close coordination with NATO and its partners. It is important that all communities be associated with that exercise, so as to ensure that the transition eventually receives overall support in Kosovo. Over the past weeks and months, the steps taken by both sides have not contributed to good-neighbourly relations and a climate conducive to the normalization of relations.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8427 (2018) · source
“I thank the Under-Secretary- General for Peacekeeping Operations, Mr. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, for his briefing to the Security Council. I would like to recognize and express my appreciation for the presence of Presidents Thaci and Vucie, who are in the Chamber today. As we see it, the main threats to stability in the Western Balkans are the pending issues related to the status of Kosovo. They are holding back the European Union (EU) integration process, which in turn is the main driver of stability in the region, both for Serbia and for Kosovo. The focus of the international community must be on insisting that the parties reach a comprehensive and legally binding agreement that contributes to regional stability. The international community should also focus on offering support to that process.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8427 (2018) · source
“Since 2001, Afghanistan has rebuilt its political system, State institutions, infrastructure and economy, with real improvements for its people. However, serious challenges of insecurity, poverty and the rule of law persist. The civilian toll of the conflict continues to be appallingly high. Finding a political solution is more urgent than ever. We may now have a rare opportunity and must not miss it. The renewed commitment of the international community will be important and UNAMA will continue to have a critical role to play. Sweden, as a steadfast supporter over three decades, will continue to support Afghanistan as it implements its reform agenda and takes other essential steps on its path towards development and inclusive, sustainable and equitable peace.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8426 (2018) · source
“We urge all parties to the conflict to comply with their obligations and ensure the protection of civilians, as well as the protection of humanitarian and health-care workers and medical facilities. The Arria Formula meeting on Friday will offer an opportunity to discuss the protection of health- care facilities in more detail with a representative of Afghanistan. As Chair of the local Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict in Kabul, we are concerned about the continued lack of accountability for the recruitment and use of children as soldiers, as well as the sexual exploitation of children. We welcome the leadership of UNAMA in more actively addressing the issue, as serious challenges remain.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8426 (2018) · source
“Such climate-related food insecurity is also forcing people to leave their homes, thereby increasing the number of people displaced. Six million people are now in need of humanitarian assistance - almost double the needs compared to last year. The very clear call of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General this morning on all parties to reduce the level of violence and protect civilians must be echoed by all of us here at the Security Council. The humanitarian response must also be stepped up and closer coordination between humanitarian and development actors is needed to address root causes. Safe and unimpeded humanitarian access must be granted, in accordance with international humanitarian law. Attacks against humanitarian and development workers are unacceptable.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8426 (2018) · source
“Ghizaal Haress made a very compelling appeal on that issue today. It is not a side issue. It is central to the future of Afghanistan and powerful forces are working against it. UNAMA also has a critical role to play in those efforts, and we welcome the attention given to that issue in the Secretary-General's report (S/2018/1092), including the use of gender disaggregated data. We share the deep concern of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General about the deteriorating humanitarian situation. The continuous attacks in Kabul and around the country, including targeted attacks on schools, religious minorities and journalists, have increased the number of civilian casualties, not least among children. Severe drought has caused food insecurity at emergency levels for 3.6 million people.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8426 (2018) · source
“It is therefore crucial that preparations for next year's presidential elections be improved at all levels. Responsible institutions must draw necessary lessons and address unresolved issues without delay. UNAMA's capacity-building efforts and technical assistance to the electoral process are vital. We also encourage close cooperation with UN-Women to promote the participation of women in the elections. Cooperation with UN-Women and other actors is also important for the implementation of the national action plan on women and peace and security, which contains a framework for women's active participation. It now needs to be integrated into existing national programmes, not least into their budgets. The progress made in strengthening the role of women over the past two decades must not be lost. Ms.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8426 (2018) · source
“Reports that the anti-corruption framework is improving were encouraging, and it is now important to move forward with implementation. As stated in the communique issued at the Geneva Conference, the continued delivery of mutually agreed commitments will be essential for sustained international support. UNAMA also has a key role to play in supporting that reform agenda. The timely conduct of inclusive, credible and transparent elections is imperative for stability and for strengthening Afghan democracy. The recent parliamentary elections demonstrated the commitment of Afghans to democracy, as millions turned out to vote across the country, braving obstacles and defying serious security threats. There were, however, serious operational and organizational shortcomings that put the credibility of democratic institutions at risk.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8426 (2018) · source
“UNAMA has an important role to play in supporting current efforts, not least to help ensure that the peace process is as inclusive as possible and that its outcome upholds the achievements of the past 17 years with regard to human rights and fundamental freedoms, notably of women. The social gains of past years must be preserved and built upon. As one of Afghanistan's largest and most long-standing development partners, those are issues Sweden will be considering carefully as we calibrate our very substantial development cooperation with Afghanistan going forward. The Geneva Ministerial Conference on Afghanistan last month was a welcome opportunity for the international community to take stock and assess progress.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8426 (2018) · source
“As we have heard, it is critical that the peace process continue to be Afghan-owned and Afghan-led and that it be inclusive. That means that it should include groups that do not traditionally have a strong voice in society, including ethnic minorities. The full and effective participation of women is fundamental. With two- thirds the population under the age of 30, youth must also have a central role in any agreement on the future of Afghanistan. Ms. Haress has eloquently set out why that all matters. Strong and cohesive international support will continue to be needed. We urge all stakeholders, and especially Afghanistan's neighbours, to engage constructively. The Kabul process, under the leadership of the Afghan Government, is the vehicle that international initiatives should feed into.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8426 (2018) · source
“I would like to sincerely thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Yamamoto. I would like to say how much we appreciate his update on the work ofthe United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). I would also like to thank Executive Director Fedotov and Ambassador Umarov for their briefings. I would like to point out how much we appreciate the presence and input today of Commissioner Haress and, as always, the visionary intervention by the Permanent Representative of Afghanistan, Ambassador Saikal. We welcome the renewed efforts towards a political settlement in Afghanistan. We fully support the invitation of President Ghani to unconditional peace talks and continue to urge the Taliban to engage constructively in talks with the Afghan Government.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8426 (2018) · source
“In conclusion, we are honoured to have hosted of the United Nations-led consultations in Stockholm. We truly hope that this will mark the turning point for peace in Yemen. We will continue to play an active role in support of sustained United Nations efforts in Yemen. The people of Yemen must now see the concrete benefits of the agreements. It cannot be that we celebrate a diplomatic breakthrough on paper and people continue to suffer.”
2018-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8424 (2018) · source
“We welcome that the parties plan to meet again by the end of January, and we hope to see further progress even before then on the issues left open, as indicated by Special Envoy Martin Griffiths this morning, including on the economy and the Sana'a airport. We encourage the parties to continue discussions in the same spirit of dialogue and compromise demonstrated during the meeting in Stockholm earlier this week. We appreciate the Special Envoy's efforts to increase the representation of women in the political process, and we commend the Yemeni Women's Technical Advisory Group for their important contribution. In future rounds of talks, however, further efforts are needed to ensure the full and effective participation of women in this process.”
2018-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8424 (2018) · source
“Very much in line with what the representative of the United Kingdom has just outlined, we would like to see a draft resolution swiftly prepared in support of the agreement that includes the United Nations monitoring of the ceasefire in Al-Hudaydah. We must also continue to fully support - in practical and political terms - the "asks" made by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs to alleviate the suffering and prevent widespread famine. The upcoming high-level pledging conference early next year provides a key opportunity for the international community to demonstrate its commitment to the Yemeni people. The constructive engagement with United Nations efforts by all sides must also continue in order to make progress on the issues that are still pending.”
2018-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8424 (2018) · source
“And finally, the commitment to continuing to engage on a negotiating framework will be critical to the important process ahead. The atmospherics at the talks in Stockholm bode well for moving forward, but as we have just heard, today the situation in Yemen is still the world's worst humanitarian crisis. As the United Nations-led consultations have progressed, fighting, which has included civilian casualties, has continued in many parts of Yemen and the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, with an increased risk of widespread famine, as outlined by Mr. Lowcock today. The Stockholm agreement must therefore be urgently translated into concrete action. The Council should come together to support and fully back its implementation.”
2018-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8424 (2018) · source
“As we have just heard, crucial agreements were reached on several issues. Most important was the agreement on a ceasefire in Al-Hudaydah, with a mutual redeployment of forces and a neutral management of the port. Its implementation is now urgent, not least to address the desperate humanitarian situation in Al-Hudaydah and in other parts of the country. The understanding reached to ease the tensions in Taiz, including with a view to allow for humanitarian corridors and demining, was also important. We fully support the efforts to find an agreement to open Sana'a's airport and to enable the exchange of prisoners, which would constitute important humanitarian measures and build further confidence. Reaching an agreement to continue the dialogue on economic issues is another essential element.”
2018-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8424 (2018) · source
“We also truly commend the personal engagement of the Secretary-General himself - an illustration of the strong international commitment to the crisis in Yemen and of the urgent need to find political solutions. We also thank those who played a crucial role in making the agreements happen, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Oman and the Ambassadors accredited to Yemen, including those of the permanent members of the Council. Without intense preparations and active international support, the consultations in Stockholm would never have been possible. But most of all, we would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the Yemeni delegations. Their decision to come together for the first time in more than two years was a significant step towards ending the conflict.”
2018-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8424 (2018) · source
“I thank Mr. Martin Griffiths, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen, and Mr. Mark Lowcock, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, for today's updates. I would also like to welcome the new Permanent Representative of Yemen. It must be rewarding for him to participate in his first Security Council meeting on a day of hope. Yesterday marked an important day. The agreements reached in Stockholm can be the breakthrough that is needed for peace and to end the humanitarian crisis in Yemen. As others have said, our efforts must now turn to immediate implementation and maintaining momentum in the political process. Let me express our very deep appreciation for the extraordinary efforts of Special Envoy Martin Griffiths in that endeavour.”
2018-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8424 (2018) · source
“We also reiterate our concern that the humanitarian situation will continue to deteriorate in the absence of a political solution in line with resolution 2254 (2015), which must be Syrian- owned and Syrian-led, including the full and effective representation of women. That is the only path to sustainable peace and stability. We look forward to hearing from Mr. Staffan de Mistura on that point next week.”
2018-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8423 (2018) · source
“Too many have paid with their lives throughout the conflict. The humanitarian appeal for Syria remains significantly underfunded, as we have just heard. This year alone, Sweden has contributed more than $50 million to the response in Syria. We must all do our share in making sure that the humanitarian agencies can continue to carry out their critical work to help the Syrian people. Finally, we express our full support for the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and its assessment that the conditions for the safe, voluntary and dignified return of refugees are not yet in place. It falls to the Syrian authorities to ensure that those conditions are created.”
2018-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8423 (2018) · source
“We fully understand those who claim that the international community has time and time again failed the Syrian people. Yet, today's adoption of resolution 2449 (2018) proves that when there is political will, the Security Council can make a real difference on the ground for millions of people. I wish to pay tribute to Kuwait, our co-penholder, for its excellent cooperation and, of course, to Egypt and Japan, with whom we shared penholdership in 2017. I take this opportunity to affirm Sweden's full commitment to continuing its strong and whole-hearted engagement to alleviate the humanitarian suffering in Syria and our support for neighbouring countries affected by the crisis. The humanitarian community has undertaken a Herculean task and we commend the courageous and selfless efforts of all humanitarian workers on the ground.”
2018-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8423 (2018) · source
“Upholding the international rules-based order is pivotal both to preventing and terminating conflict. The rules and principles of international humanitarian law aim to limit the suffering and effects of war. We call on all parties to the conflict to comply with their obligations to ensure the protection of civilians and humanitarian and medical personnel, and to respect and protect civilian objects, hospitals and medical facilities. When taking up the co-penholdership for Syria and the humanitarian track, Sweden clearly stated that its commitment would be to the Syrian people and humanitarian principles. We have sought to depoliticize humanitarian matters and focus on the humanitarian imperative to act. Nevertheless, we will leave the Council with a strong sense of frustration.”
2018-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8423 (2018) · source
“We have witnessed indiscriminate attacks in densely populated areas. We have witnessed the deliberate targeting of schools and hospitals, as well as attacks on humanitarian workers and medical personnel. And we have witnessed, over and over again, the refusal to grant humanitarian access to people in need of assistance. The integrity of the international legal order depends on our continuing to seek ways to ensure that those responsible for those crimes are brought to justice and held accountable. During its two years on the Council, Sweden has repeatedly underlined the importance of upholding international law, including international humanitarian law, international human rights law and international refugee law, whether in Syria, Yemen or South Sudan.”
2018-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8423 (2018) · source
“The Council has on numerous occasions called on the parties - in particular the Syrian authorities - to allow safe, sustained and unhindered humanitarian access. Yet substantial and arbitrary obstacles remain, which are hindering the delivery of humanitarian assistance throughout Syria. That includes areas that have recently been retaken by Government forces and their allies. Even if an occasional humanitarian convoy is allowed to reach those most in need, the fact is that the humanitarian actors do not have the access that the Council has repeatedly demanded. Syria is a clear case in point in which the international legal order - built over decades to protect the most vulnerable in times of conflict - has come under threat. We have witnessed frequent violations of the rules and principles of international humanitarian law.”
2018-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8423 (2018) · source
“Without a doubt, a very heavy responsibility for this disaster inevitably rests with the Government of Syria - something that the international community will not forget. For years, the Council has dealt with one crisis after another in Syria - each a humanitarian catastrophe in its own right. The conflict has been characterized throughout by a blatant disregard for human dignity. Homs, Aleppo and eastern Ghouta will not be forgotten. Idlib, where 3 million civilians are trapped with no safe place to flee, could yet be added to that list. It is key to uphold the fragile ceasefire in Idlib, where a military offensive would most likely result in a new humanitarian disaster of unimaginable proportions. We urge the Astana guarantors - Russia, Turkey and Iran - to ensure that the ceasefire is upheld and that civilians are protected.”
2018-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8423 (2018) · source