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

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“At this point, I would like to say a few words in my capacity as the representative of Sweden. The Charter of the United Nations places the people at the forefront, but, far too often, the people are forgotten or neglected during our deliberations in the Council. Our meetings on the humanitarian situation in Syria serve as a reminder that the Syrian conflict needs to be first and foremost about the Syrian people. The conflict in Syria has led to a humanitarian disaster, with consequences far beyond Syria's borders. As the conflict enters its eighth winter, 13 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance and more than 5 million of them are children. Six million people are displaced within Syria, many of whom have been forced to flee more than once, and a further 5 million have fled to neighbouring countries.”
2018-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8423 (2018) · source
“It is well known that there are different perspectives on the Syrian conflict in the Council and that discussions can sometimes be heated. The adoption of today's resolution demonstrates, however, that in the face of urgent needs Council members can come together to shoulder a collective responsibility. On behalf of the co-penholders, I would like to thank the representatives of all delegations for their constructive engagement during the negotiations on resolution 2449 (2018). I would also like to thank Under-Secretary-General Lowcock and his team here in New York for their support. Most important, I would like to pay tribute to the staff of the United Nations humanitarian agencies and their implementing partners for their tireless efforts to help the Syrian people.”
2018-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8423 (2018) · source
“There are millions ofpeople who still depend on humanitarian assistance. This resolution is about ensuring that they receive assistance through the most direct routes and that the relief reaches as many people as possible throughout the country. The United Nations cross-border operations, based on resolution 2165 (2015), are necessary as long as the humanitarian needs remain and humanitarian access from within the country is impeded. As a co-penholder together with Kuwait, our compass has been defined by the humanitarian imperative to act. Over the past weeks, we have consulted all members of the Council and other stakeholders, including Syria and the neighbouring countries. We have been committed to facilitating a fair, impartial and transparent negotiations process.”
2018-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8423 (2018) · source
“I will say a few words on behalf of the co-penholders, Sweden and Kuwait, and follow up with a few remarks in my national capacity as the representative of Sweden. With the adoption of resolution 2449 (2018) today, the Security Council has upheld its obligation to millions of people in Syria. On behalf of the co-penholders, Kuwait and Sweden, I strongly welcome this decision. The renewal of the modalities of resolution 2165 (2015) for an additional 12 months will continue to save lives and alleviate suffering every day in Syria. The United Nations does not have an alternative route for reaching those people in need. It is an existential lifeline. While the situation on the ground has changed much over the past year, the humanitarian needs unfortunately remain enormous.”
2018-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8423 (2018) · source
“I want to briefly highlight three specific areas where the mandate of MINUSCA has been strengthened. The first is the protection of civilians, including prevention and early warning. The second is MINUSCA's political role in supporting the peace process, and the third is MINUSCA's ability to provide logistical and technical support to the Central African armed forces. I also want to emphasize that the resolution recognizes the adverse effects of climate change on the stability of the Central African region and stresses the need for adequate risk assessments and long-term strategies by the United Nations and Governments of the region. The mandate was not adopted by consensus, but we urge all Council members to unite in their support to the Central African Republic and to MINUSCA, and we know that they will.”
2018-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8422 (2018) · source
“The Central African Republic is now taking important steps to advance the peace process under the African Union-led African Initiative for Peace and Reconciliation in the Central African Republic. In parallel, its national security forces are improving their capabilities in spite of the very volatile and fragile situation in the country, as the recent attacks on civilians in Alindao and Batangafo demonstrated. I want to emphasize the critical role played by the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) in securing stability and advancing the peace process, as well as in supporting the protection of civilians and fighting sexual and gender-based violence. We would like to thank France for its work on resolution 2248 (2018).”
2018-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8422 (2018) · source
“We expect to remain a major humanitarian donor in response to the huge needs outlined by Director Ghelani today. We urge others to join us and respond to her appeal this morning.”
2018-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8421 (2018) · source
“Sweden will continue to contribute, including with substantial humanitarian assistance, as well as through the European Union's development cooperation and support, to the Multinational Joint Task Force in the fight against Boko Haram. In conclusion, United Nations regional offices, including UNOCA, have an important role to play as the United Nations moves towards a prevention-centred approach in the spirit of sustaining peace. Many of the security risks that we face today, such as climate change and terrorism, are not bound by national borders but will, by default, need regional and international responses. Beyond our membership on the Council, we will continue to advocate for effective conflict prevention, including through supporting regional responses by United Nations regional offices and regional organizations.”
2018-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8421 (2018) · source
“We therefore encourage the Government to seek support from the United Nations and regional actors. If the crisis continues to deteriorate and steps are not taken to address the situation, the Council should consider options for more active engagement in a spirit of prevention. The security situation in the wider Lake Chad basin remains one of deep concern. The number of attacks carried out by Boko Haram has increased in recent months and the humanitarian situation is not improving, as we have heard. The international community needs to do more to support national and regional efforts in addressing the situation. We welcome UNOCA's continued support to the Lake Chad Basin Commission and the implementation of the regional strategy for stabilization, recovery and resilience of the areas affected by Boko Haram.”
2018-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8421 (2018) · source
“We therefore urge all parties to immediately end the violence call on the Government to urgently take concrete steps to build genuine trust and confidence, as underlined by Special Representative of the Secretary-General Fall this morning. That includes engaging in an inclusive, mediated dialogue with communities in the English- speaking region, as well as to release political detainees. Safe and unhindered humanitarian access must always be ensured, in accordance with humanitarian principles. Access should also be provided to human rights monitors and the media to help establish the facts. United international engagement is needed to assist Cameroon in managing the crisis, including building trust and overcoming divisions. International support is also needed to address the humanitarian situation.”
2018-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8421 (2018) · source
“Continued disturbing reports of grave violence, including extrajudicial killings, abductions and restrictions of movement, must be investigated, and accountability for all human rights violations and abuses must be ensured. A continued crisis risks having serious regional implications, including on the fight against terrorism in the Lake Chad basin and efforts to bring peace to the Central African Republic. As we have heard today, that is the fastest-growing displacement situation, which represents a clear threat to international peace and security. To change that trajectory, the post-electoral period should offer a window of opportunity.”
2018-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8421 (2018) · source
“The situation room platform, set up by the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom in Cameroon, is a good example of how women can be encouraged to take part in elections. Operationalizing the regional action plan for the women and peace and security agenda remains critical, and related initiatives by UNOCA and regional organizations should be supported. In the spirit of preventive diplomacy, the deteriorating situation in Cameroon must be addressed. We are deeply concerned over the acute humanitarian situation that I have described today and the massive displacement caused by the crisis in the North-West and South-West regions of the country.”
2018-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8421 (2018) · source
“We welcome the expanded analysis on climate and security in the Secretary-General's report (S/2018/1065). We hope to see that approach also replicated in other regions and in all parts of the United Nations system. The increase in conflicts between farmers and herders, aggravated by the impact of climate change, is a worrisome development. We welcome the regional plan to reinforce conflict prevention and early-warning mechanisms at the national and regional levels, with the participation of women and youth. We appreciate UNOCA'S efforts in that regard. The situation in Central Africa has been dominated by elections in a number of countries in the subregion, as we have just heard. We must continue to ensure the equal and unhindered participation of women in those processes, including possibilities to run for office.”
2018-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8421 (2018) · source
“They can take a comprehensive approach to challenges and support countries in addressing the root causes of conflict, as well as effective and coordinated regional responses, including to promote regional integration, cross-border cooperation and development. The work of these important regional offices and of our regional envoys must therefore continue to be actively supported, and we believe that their capacity should be further strengthened. My Foreign Minister, Ms. Margot Wallstrom, witnessed first-hand the devastating effects of climate change on local communities, especially women, during herjoint visit to Chad this summer with Special Representative Fall and Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed. Climate-related security risks are among the challenges that require both a holistic approach and a regional response.”
2018-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8421 (2018) · source
“We thank Special Representative Fall and Ms. Ghelani for their briefings today and for their tireless and very important efforts. They can count on our support, both in the preventive action of the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA) and the humanitarian efforts of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Advocating for an increased focus on preventive diplomacy has been a priority for Sweden throughout our tenure on the Council. One of the most effective operational tools the United Nations has for preventing conflict is precisely its regional offices, which are uniquely positioned to engage in constructive dialogue and provide political accompaniment, with local knowledge, continuity and respect.”
2018-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8421 (2018) · source
“All actors in the region must now come together to de-escalate tensions and make common efforts to achieve political solutions to the ongoing conflicts and crises in the region. It is also crucial to continue the important political dialogue with Iran on its role in the region, as well as on the human rights situation in the country. We will continue that dialogue through our established channels, including through the European Union. In conclusion, at a time when multilateralism is often described as under pressure, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action remains a model for successful multilateral negotiations and reaffirms the principle of the peaceful settlement of disputes under the Charter of the United Nations for our common good as the norm. It is important to hold on to it.”
2018-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8418 (2018) · source
“Iran must heed the Council's call and refrain from any actions that put its commitment to resolution 2231 (2015) in doubt. All parties must contribute to further de-escalation in the region. With respect to other alleged transfers and possible arms shipments, we thank the Secretariat for its thorough analysis and reporting so far in relation to the information at hand. We appreciate today's update by Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo and look forward to further analysis, as appropriate, in due course. As our term on the Council comes to an end, we note that divisions in the region remain deep, to the detriment ofinternational peace and security both in the region and beyond. We believe that the Council should intensify efforts to bridge those divides.”
2018-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8418 (2018) · source
“It is very important to respect both sides of the deal. The procurement channel must be kept functioning and the Joint Commission should continue to discuss any outstanding issues under the agreement. It is also important that the Iranian people continue to experience the economic benefits of the deal. The withdrawal of the United States and its reimposition of sanctions is therefore regrettable. We fully support the efforts within the European Union to protect and preserve the JCPOA in all its aspects. Like many others, we continue to express our serious concerns about ballistic-missile activity that is inconsistent with annex B of resolution 2231 (2015), including the most recent test, on 1 December. That matter, however, should be addressed separately and not at the expense of the JCPOA.”
2018-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8418 (2018) · source
“It has effectively ensured the exclusively peaceful nature of the Iranian nuclear programme and made our world a safer place in that regard. It should also be seen in the broader non-proliferation context. The undermining of the Plan of Action risks undermining our efforts elsewhere. Together with its European Union partners, Sweden continues to strongly support the full implementation of the agreement. We welcome Iran's continued engagement and implementation of its nuclear-related obligations under the Plan of Action, as reported by the International Atomic Energy Agency. I want to equally welcome Iran's participation in this meeting, since Iran is a party to the JCPOA and directly affected by resolution 2231 (2015). Iran's early ratification of the Additional Protocol would be a significant confidence-building measure.”
2018-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8418 (2018) · source
“I thank Secretary of State Pompeo for his presence here today and his engagement on the subject. I also want to thank Under-Secretary- General DiCarlo and Mr. Christiane for their briefings, and of course to express our great appreciation to our Dutch colleague and his team for their very diligent work in facilitating the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015). This is the fifth briefing on the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015) during Sweden's tenure on the Council and probably the last, so I would like to reiterate our principled position on this agenda item. The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) is a prime example of finding successful multilateral solutions to collectively shared challenges.”
2018-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8418 (2018) · source
“We must do everything in our power to make sure that the hope of two States is kept alive and that a just, lasting and comprehensive peace, based on international law, the relevant United Nations resolutions and previous agreements, is realized.”
2018-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8405 (2018) · source
“On the Israeli side, representatives of civil- society organizations are delegitimized, which limits them in their efforts to do their important work. We call on the Palestinian and Israeli leaderships to support and respect members of civil society and allow them to operate and express their views freely. We cannot let the viability of a two-State solution move out of reach. Action is urgently needed if we are to avoid the risk of ending up not only in perpetual occupation but in a one-State reality, which was the reason for the Council's adoption almost two years ago of resolution 2334 (2016). We look forward to the Secretary-General's latest report next month, with a View to having a more thorough examination of its implementation.”
2018-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8405 (2018) · source
“The Council has a responsibility to actively contribute beyond these regular meetings, and Sweden has made concrete proposals to that effect. We need to show the so-called post-Oslo generation that there is an alternative to conflict, violence and a constant deterioration on the ground, and the voices of young Israelis and Palestinians must be heard and listened to, in line with resolution 2419 (2018). Israel and Palestine have a responsibility to build peaceful and inclusive societies, particularly with the meaningful participation of women and young people. The shrinking space for civil society, along with the negative human rights developments, is a source of great concern. On the Palestinian side, laws are used to curtail freedom of expression.”
2018-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8405 (2018) · source
“As we have repeatedly stated, there is an urgent need for, first, concrete humanitarian interventions with a quick, direct and immediate impact on daily lives that can alleviate the suffering; secondly, the easing of restrictions and improvement of access and movement to and from Gaza, including for all donors, with the aim of ending Gaza's closure; and lastly, steps that can further Palestinian reconciliation and enable the Palestinian Authority's return to Gaza. We support the Egyptian-led efforts to achieve reconciliation, and we call on all Palestinian factions to engage genuinely to that end. Only reconciliation can lead to a united Palestinian leadership and a reunification of Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.”
2018-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8405 (2018) · source
“We all know that another full- fledged conflict would be an immense tragedy. We commend Egypt for its mediation efforts. But while calm has been restored for now, that is only temporary relief. The situation for the people in Gaza is untenable. It is a humanitarian catastrophe affecting 2 million people without freedom to move to or from Gaza. If we do not address the situation there holistically, a new flare-up of violence will be just around the corner.”
2018-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8405 (2018) · source
“Whether it is the continued Israeli occupation and illegal settlement expansion; threats of demolitions and evictions of villages such as Khan Al-Ahmar in Area C; violence in and around Gaza, including the recent firing of rockets, as well as incitement, hatred and violence; or actions that shrink the space for civil society, the parties have a responsibility to reverse those negative trends. Last week we witnessed another dangerous outbreak of violence in and around Gaza. We condemn the firing of rockets against Israel by Hamas and other militant groups, and regret the loss of life on both sides. While recognizing Israel's legitimate security concerns, we underline that the Israeli response must be proportionate. In the past seven months, approximately 200 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza and more than 24,000 injured.”
2018-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8405 (2018) · source
“I am honoured by the presence here today of Their Majesties King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden. I would like to start by thanking Special Coordinator Mladenov for his briefing and welcome his strong engagement on the issue, including in the recent efforts to prevent another conflict in Gaza. The vision of the international community remains unchanged. It is one that sees Israel and Palestine, side by side in peace and security, with Jerusalem as the future capital of two States and home to three world religions, in a two-State solution that resolves all final status issues. Every month, however, we reflect on the continuing deterioration of the situation on the ground, which seriously hampers the hopes for a two-State solution.”
2018-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8405 (2018) · source
“The futile war in Yemen has been going on for far too long, leading to immense suffering and thousands dead. The recent developments provide a window of opportunity that must now be seized. A united and active Security Council can make a difference. Our focus should be on supporting the United Nations efforts to immediately address the dire humanitarian situation and on ensuring that the political consultations get off to a good start.”
2018-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8404 (2018) · source
“Secondly, the parties must be called upon to engage in good faith with the political consultations brought about by Martin Griffiths. It will be important to ensure the representation and effective participation of women in that process from the start for all the reasons mentioned by Ms. Jarhum today. Thirdly, it is important to ensure humanitarian and commercial access. Yemen's ports and roads must be kept open and safe. All parties are obliged to respect international humanitarian law and to ensure humanitarian access. Fourthly, it is necessary to pursue confidence-building measures, including those relating to Sana'a airport, the Central Bank of Yemen and other economic measures, as well as prisoners. Mr. Griffiths also has our strong support in all that he is doing in that regard.”
2018-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8404 (2018) · source
“As stated before, we fully support the five interventions outlined by Mark Lowcock and their individual and collective endorsement. We look forward to working with everyone to translate that commitment into a Security Council resolution and we stand ready in that regard. We believe that there is strong unity in the Council around such requests. We now need to rally behind the following. The first step is a cessation of hostilities around infrastructure and facilities for humanitarian aid and commercial imports. All parties have the responsibility to protect civilians and civilian objects and to take all feasible steps to prevent and minimize harm, particularly to schools, medical care and humanitarian personnel.”
2018-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8404 (2018) · source
“A continued offensive would only prolong the suffering of the Yemeni people and move us further from a negotiated political settlement. As we have heard, we have a window of opportunity right now, and our focus must be on ending the fighting and getting the parties to the table. Political consultations, led by the Special Envoy, represent our best chance of reaching a turning point in the conflict, moving towards a political solution and alleviating the suffering. We must focus on thatjoint objective immediately. Today, our briefers from the United Nations have again put the ongoing tragedy on our desks, as well as presenting us with the immediate steps needed to save lives, improve the humanitarian situation and create the conditions necessary for a political solution.”
2018-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8404 (2018) · source
“The armed conflict has intensified, with dramatic increases in air strikes, shelling, attacks and fighting in residential areas. I want to express our huge appreciation for the work of all the humanitarian agencies that are operating under those terribly difficult circumstances. With civilians getting caught in the crossfire and civilian infrastructure coming under attack, there have been scores of civilian casualties. Hundreds of thousands of Yemen's most vulnerable citizens are now trapped in active conflict zones, and in Al-Hudaydah more than half of them are children. There have also been further disruptions to the life-saving distribution network of humanitarian and commercial goods. To the extent that there is a certain lull in the attacks, it must be sustained.”
2018-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8404 (2018) · source
“I thank all of our briefers. I really want to echo the point made by my United Kingdom colleague about what a powerful message they have passed on to us again today. I thank them and their colleagues on the ground for all the work they are doing - and that includes Ms. Rasha Jarum - to alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people and bring an end to that war. During the most recent Council meeting on Yemen on 23 October (see S/PV.8379), Mr. Lowcock warned that 14 million people - half of the Yemeni population - could risk famine if the military escalation and economic crisis continued. Should we reach that point, he added, most ofthe innocent civilians losing their lives would be women and children. Since then, and despite those warnings, the situation has deteriorated further, as we have just heard.”
2018-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8404 (2018) · source
“The challenges ahead for the country are immense, and the path to peace will be very difficult. We must not be naive, but the revitalized Peace Agreement provides an opportunity that now must be seized. The Council should step up its engagement in the next few months and work closely with the region, while encouraging progress and making sure that the parties live up to their commitments. Including women and protecting children should be a priority, for all of the reasons that we heard in the briefings today.”
2018-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8403 (2018) · source
“We also undertook a field visit to the towns of Bor and Pibor, in the eastern parts of the country. We met with children affected by the armed conflict and visited reintegration programmes for former child soldiers. It became very clear that the reintegration of children cannot take place in a vacuum. If there are no schools or health services, then reintegration will not lead to the desired results, neither for the victims nor for society as a whole. Hopefully, the Agreement now signed will also trigger the Government, with the support of the international community, to invest in long-term development. Protecting the children of South Sudan is our moral obligation. But it is also an investment for the future, critical to prevent conflict and sustain peace.”
2018-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8403 (2018) · source
“That included the need to work with the United Nations to expand the current action plan, which is focused on recruitment, into a comprehensive action plan that would address all grave violations against children. Another important recommendation that we made was to continue to facilitate the release and reintegration of children as part of the implementation of the peace Agreement, and to allocate sufficient funds for the reintegration of former child soldiers. In that regard, the Security Council should also consider whether the mandate of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan should be adjusted to that new situation, including the possibility of adding a stronger emphasis on disarmament, demobilization and reintegration and the capacity-building component.”
2018-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8403 (2018) · source
“The conflict in South Sudan has had a devastating effect on the children in the country and has left deep scars in the next generation. The revitalized Peace Agreement represents an opportunity to now finally turn a corner and make the protection of children a priority. We were encouraged by the commitment to improve the situation of children affected by armed conflict expressed by our interlocutors during the visit, but action is key. The demobilization, release and reintegration of hundreds of children in 2018 and the recent accession by the Government to the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, on children and armed conflict, are important positive steps. During the visit we presented recommendations to the Government on the way forward.”
2018-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8403 (2018) · source
“The culture of impunity for crimes committed in the conflict, not least acts of sexual violence, must come to an end. Sexual and gender-based violence is now a stand-alone sanctions criterion, which should serve as a stern reminder. We also remain strongly concerned by the continued dire humanitarian situation. Rapid, safe and unhindered delivery of relief across South Sudan must be assured. Humanitarian workers are doing admirable work and must be allowed to carry out their work safely. I have stressed the need for the Government to build trust and support all the people working on the humanitarian side. Revisiting the issue of registration fees is one of the urgent ways for the Government to move forward.”
2018-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8403 (2018) · source
“That is a prerequisite for a meaningful political process. There must be consequences for violations ofthe Agreement, including targeted measures against those who incite violence or seek to derail the peace process. The spirit of inclusiveness must be safeguarded in the coming political process. The process will be viable only if it includes all stakeholders, in particular youth, women and civil society. In that regard, we strongly welcome the provisions for including 35 per cent women in the transitional Government, as an increase in the political representation of women is crucial for lasting peace. Part of the way forward will also be advancing accountability and transitional justice mechanisms, including through establishing a hybrid court.”
2018-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8403 (2018) · source
“The region's continued engagement in monitoring progress and holding the parties to account will be vital. The Council must continue to support their efforts. We believe that the Council should be actively engaged, and that means acknowledging progress made by the South Sudanese parties as well as pointing out where they fall short of their commitments. What is needed now is a clear political will to implement what has been agreed upon and to engage in genuine peacebuilding and reconciliation. We welcome the steps taken so far, including the reduced levels of fighting. At the same time, we are concerned by continued reports of military clashes. A complete cessation of hostilities by all parties, the Government and armed groups alike, must be unconditional, as all of the briefers have pointed out.”
2018-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8403 (2018) · source
“The historic and significant developments in the Horn of Africa, triggered by the reconciliation process between Eritrea and Ethiopia, have dramatically changed the dynamics in the region and opened a new chapter of peace and cooperation. Those dynamics also provide new positive momentum for South Sudan, which needs to be built on. In that regard, I want to commend the Intergovernmental Authority on Development and the facilitators for their efforts in having reached the revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan. The Agreement is now the only game in town. We must all weigh in to ensure its implementation. I was in South Sudan for only three days, but the people all testified to a new atmosphere of hope for peace.”
2018-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8403 (2018) · source
“I would like to thank Under- Secretary-General Jean-Pierre Lacroix, African Union Commissioner for Peace and Security Chergui and Executive Director of UN-Women Phumzile Mlambo- Ngcuka, for their briefings and their very active engagement in South Sudan, including in their joint visit to the country. I think that the visit serves to show the strong partnership between the African Union and the United Nations, which is very welcome. The briefers brought to our attention the horrible and difficult situation for many women and girls in South Sudan and the need for meaningful political participation for them. I just returned from South Sudan last week, having led a visit of the Security Council Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict.”
2018-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8403 (2018) · source
“The conclusions from that visit and the meeting, as reflected in the presidential statement on the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (S/PRST/2018/l6), emphasize the importance of enhancing the role of women in preventing and resolving conflict and building peace. Sweden remains committed to supporting Mali and the Sahel in their efforts to enhance security and development and build sustainable peace. In addition to our substantial troop contribution to MINUSMA, our broad commitment includes support through the EU as well as bilateral and regional development cooperation and humanitarian assistance. Strong international support, a united Security Council and effective regional cooperation through the G-5 Sahel will be key for the Sahel region's forward progress towards peace and stability.”
2018-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8402 (2018) · source
“There was strong support for the priorities identified in the United Nations Integrated Strategy, including focusing on economic growth, governance and climate change. The importance of youth and increasing women's participation was also highlighted. It is important that the PBC continue to engage in order to mobilize support, sustain international attention and coordinate efforts. The Peacebuilding Commission remains a unique platform for convening actors, bringing about a holistic understanding of security and development and politically accompanying countries and regions in transition. The Deputy Secretary-General and Sweden's Minister for Foreign Affairs visited countries in the Sahel region last July. We then organized a high-level Council meeting on women and peace and security (see S/PV.8306).”
2018-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8402 (2018) · source
“In that regard, we appreciate the joint efforts by regional actors, the African Union and the European Union with the United Nations Integrated Strategy for the Sahel and the United Nations Support Plan for the Sahel. That Plan now provides a unique opportunity for more coherent and coordinated international support. The upcoming donor coordination conference in December, which will discuss the priority investment plan, will be important. We note Secretary Sidikou's very good point that pledges must be translated into real support. Earlier this week the annual session of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) also focused on the Sahel and the joint PBC-Economic and Social Council meeting on climate change.”
2018-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8402 (2018) · source
“To achieve that, it is imperative in turn that the Force live up to existing standards and expectations. The full implementation of the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali remains key. Achieving long-term stability and sustaining peace in the region also require taking a holistic and inclusive approach. The Joint Force needs to be embedded within a larger political and institutional framework, as also emphasized by the Secretary-General. We welcome the establishment of the support group for the Joint Force, but note that further efforts to enhance strategic direction are needed. That must be carried out in close coordination with regional structures and organizations. Durable peace and stability requires a combination of security and development measures.”
2018-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8402 (2018) · source
“We appreciate initiatives aimed at increasing confidence between populations and the G-5 Sahel countries' security forces. We are encouraged by the continued work on the establishment of a robust human rights and international humanitarian law compliance framework. The operational and logistical support provided by the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) to the Joint Force is important. At the same time, we continue to emphasize that this support should not affect MINUSMA's capacity to implement its own mandate and strategic priorities in Mali. As we move forward, options for further United Nations support must be seriously considered. Predictable and reliable funding is vital if the Joint Force is to be able to carry out planning and operations in an effective and sustainable manner.”
2018-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8402 (2018) · source
“To ensure the full functioning and credibility of the Force, authority over battalions must be transferred to the Force Commander. A new timeline for reaching full operational capacity should be defined soon, as others have said this morning. The further development and clarification of the Joint Force's strategic concept of operations are equally important. Clarity on the desired end state would demonstrate unity of purpose and bolster donor confidence. As stated in the Secretary-General's report (S/2018/ 1006), respect for human rights and international humanitarian law will be a key determining factor for the success of the Joint Force. It is imperative that alleged human rights violations, including those related to the operations of the Joint Force, be prevented and investigated. Perpetrators must be held to account.”
2018-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8402 (2018) · source
“We therefore welcome the determination of the G-5 Sahel countries to make a united effort to meet the security challenges. We are encouraged by the steps taken so far in the operationalization of the G-5 Sahel Joint Force, as well as the extensive support provided by partners, including not least the European Union. We know from our experience in the Security Council how regional efforts and cooperation provide such a huge and important boost to any United Nations efforts for peace. It is now crucial to swiftly implement the remaining elements of resolution 2391 (2017). Creating the conditions for outstanding troops to be deployed and the police component of the Joint Force to be established without delay should be a priority.”
2018-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8402 (2018) · source
“I too thank all our briefers this morning I want to start by commending the countries of the region for their very valuable efforts for peace and security in the Sahel. We understand how those efforts are carried out under very difficult circumstances, and I take the opportunity to express our condolences for the loss of lives among security forces and civilians. We share the grave concern about the deteriorating security situation in the region. We are especially worried about the situation in central Mali and the spill-over of violence to Burkina Faso and the Niger. The high number of civilian casualties and allegations of violations of human rights and of international humanitarian law are alarming. I think our briefers rightly underlined the effect that all this has on the people, not least the youth, of the region.”
2018-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8402 (2018) · source