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

“Our continued strong support to the State-building and peacebuilding processes in the Somali region will be crucial, and we must stay the course together with the Somali people in keeping up the momentum and build on what has already been achieved.”
2018-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8398 (2018) · source
“In this regard, we welcome the Secretary-General's recent decision to expand the mandate of the Special Envoy to the Sudan and South Sudan to include the entire Horn of Africa. It will give the United Nations greater ability to support and facilitate further positive developments in terms ofpeace and security, human rights, stability and ultimately development, economic growth and welfare. Turning to Somalia, the sanctions regime in place continues to play a critical role in supporting the international effort to defeat Al-Shabaab, through averting the flow of illicit arms and preventing the group from raising funds, while at the same time allowing the important build-up of the Somalia national forces, as Somalia is preparing to take greater charge of its own security.”
2018-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8398 (2018) · source
“As the Secretary General said in his address to the General Assembly, despite the chaos and confusion in our world, there are also winds of hope blowing around the globe (see A/73/PV.6). The developments in the Horn of Africa represent a unique opportunity that promises to bring not only stability to the region but also allows its countries and peoples to reap the benefits of the political, economic and social cooperation that will follow. It shows how regional cooperation can turn the page on war and conflict. There is still hard work ahead to secure the full potential of the peace dividends. We need to offer our full support in seizing the opportunities and addressing remaining concerns.”
2018-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8398 (2018) · source
“We welcome the adoption of resolution 2444 (2018) this morning. The historic the historic and significant developments in the Horn of Africa that we have witnessed over the past year, triggered by the Eritrean- Ethiopian reconciliation, have dramatically changed the dynamics in the region and open a new chapter of peace and cooperation. The basis for the restrictive measures against Eritrea adopted almost a decade ago is no longer in place, which is why we supported the resolution. It is imperative that the Security Council continues to support the courageous decisions taken by the leaders in the region, as these developments will have far-reaching and positive consequences for the greater Horn of Africa region and beyond.”
2018-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8398 (2018) · source
“The elections on 23 December are not a panacea for all troubles, but they would be a crucial step in the work towards achieving peace and stability in the country and beyond.”
2018-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8397 (2018) · source
“The international community's united support for credible elections is clearly demonstrated in the joint communique issued by the African Union Peace and Security Council and the United Nations Security Council in July, as well as the joint communique of the AU, SADC, International Conference on the Great Lakes Region and United Nations on the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Region. Maintaining that unity for the entire electoral cycle, including the post-election period, will be significant. In conclusion, bridging the confidence gaps, ensuring democratic space, addressing violence and maintaining unified international support will be critical to ensure credible, transparent and inclusive elections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2018-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8397 (2018) · source
“Technical support as well as the Special Representative's good offices are essential. MONUSCO should also continue to be prepared to support the logistical preparations for the elections. International and United Nations staff, including election observers, peacekeepers and experts working in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, must be able to safely carry out their tasks. The Government bears the primary responsibility to protect international staff within its territory and to hold perpetrators accountable. We would like to recall that attacks on peacekeepers and United Nations personnel and experts are sanctionable offenses under the Democratic Republic of the Congo sanctions regime.”
2018-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8397 (2018) · source
“We appreciate the Government's efforts, as well as those of the United Nations and health workers on the ground, and we continue to emphasize the need to prevent the disease from spreading, including to neighbouring countries. We have heard the concerns in that regard today by the Special Representative, including on the security situation in Beni. We welcome the regional initiatives by the Southern African Development (SADC) and the African Union (AU) to support the Democratic Republic of the Congo with election observation missions. The Government should be encouraged to also engage with other regional and international actors in that regard. It is crucial that the United Nations and MONUSCO continue to assist the Government and the Electoral Commission before, during and after the elections.”
2018-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8397 (2018) · source
“Safeguarding the democratic space through ensuring the full and equal participation of women is also critical. That includes clear information about voting rights and registration processes. The high levels of violence, including sexual and gender-based violence, and other human rights violations and abuses must be addressed. As we heard today, the security situation also has a direct impact on the Ebola response. We welcome the recent visit of the Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, Mr. Lacroix, and the Director-General of the World Health Organization, Mr. Tedros, to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Council remains unified in its support to halt this health crisis, as reflected in resolution 2439 (2018), which we adopted two weeks ago.”
2018-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8397 (2018) · source
“There now needs to be a clear, common understanding among the main political actors as regards the outstanding technical aspects, including on the voting machines, in order to de-escalate tensions and quell over-politicization of the issue. The restrictions on democratic space continue to hamper the prospects for credible elections, as set out today by Ms. Mbela. The New Year's agreement and the confidence-building measures foreseen therein must be fully implemented by all parties. It is important that all candidates have the same possibilities to campaign, including through access to media. National civil- society-led observations of the elections will play a crucial role and must be allowed to carry out their work without interference.”
2018-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8397 (2018) · source
“However, significant challenges remain to bridge the confidence gaps. In that regard, we welcome the steps taken by the Independent National Electoral Commission and Special Representative Zerrougui to build trust in the electoral process. We call on all parties to re-engage in consultations to resolve outstanding issues. The Government, of course, holds a particular responsibility in that regard. Disagreement on voting rolls and voting machines, including the uncertainty around timely delivery of the equipment, continues to be of concern. There is still need for greater outreach and public information about the electoral process, including the voting machines, from the Electoral Commission, the Conference e'piscopale nationale du Congo and other civil society stakeholders. That is especially important in regions outside of Kinshasa.”
2018-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8397 (2018) · source
“I was encouraged by the Special Representative's message today that the main players are committed to making sure that the electoral process is successful, because transparent, credible and inclusive elections would contribute to peace and stability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the entire region. Should they fall short, all of that would no longer be certain. The Council must therefore remain actively engaged. I would like to focus on three important aspects in the preparations for the elections: confidence-building, ensuring democratic space, and international support. Confidence in the electoral process will be key for the elections to be credible and to produce an outcome that would be acceptable to all. Important progress has been made in recent weeks, especially on the technical aspects of preparations.”
2018-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8397 (2018) · source
“I thank Ms. Leila Zerrougui, Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), for her continuous, tireless efforts, as well as those of her team. We believe that the United Nations, including her good offices, play a significant role, and we deeply appreciate her updates to the Security Council. We are also very grateful to Ms. Mbela for her valuable perspectives from the ground. We understand that the situation and the circumstances under which she operates are not always easy. We are now less than two months away from decisive elections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2018-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8397 (2018) · source
“From almost every situation on our agenda, we know that unity in the Council and among the main regional players and neighbouring countries is a key element for success. We must therefore stand united and rally behind the United Nations-facilitated process. The high-level conference to be held in Palermo next week will provide an opportunity in this regard.”
2018-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8394 (2018) · source
“I am encouraged by the readiness expressed by Libya to continue its dialogue with the World Bank to start finding a way forward on this issue, even if only a partial one. We stand ready to continue supporting that process. The people of Libya want peace; they want security; and they want a brighter future for their children. The main conclusion from my visit last week is that the status quo is untenable. The recent crisis was a close call. We are now at a time when momentum should be seized to break the impasse and firmly put Libya back on a credible path towards peace and unity. The Council, the wider United Nations membership and regional organizations have a common strategic interest in Libya reaching a political solution.”
2018-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8394 (2018) · source
“We remain open to further use of the sanctions instrument, including against those who seek to obstruct the United Nations- facilitated process. Upholding the sanctions regime is also crucial to helping ensure that Libya's natural resources are protected and properly managed for the benefit of the Libyan people. This applies also to the country's frozen assets. As Chair, as well as in our national capacity, we have listened carefully to Libya's concerns regarding the management of frozen funds. We have actively pursued a way forward on this issue in discussions with other members of the sanctions Committee, Libyan representatives in New York and now in Tripoli, and the entities whose assets are frozen.”
2018-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8394 (2018) · source
“In 2018, seven individuals were added to the sanctions list for engaging in acts that meet the sanctions designation criteria, including violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law, attacks against oil installations and attempts to export oil illegally. This shows the readiness of the sanctions Committee to use this tool in pursuit of peace and stability and to protect the broader interests of the Libyan people. The illegal flow of arms continues to fuel the conflict and cause suffering to the civilian population. In my meeting with President Serraj, he pointed to reported violations of the arms embargo. All United Nations Members must do more to fully implement the sanctions, including the arms embargo, and the Council needs to act on reported violations.”
2018-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8394 (2018) · source
“We welcome the introduction of sexual and gender-based violence as a separate listing criterion for sanctions in resolution 2441 (2018), adopted earlier. The sanctions Committee's visit to Libya on 1 and 2 November was the first of its kind since the adoption of the sanctions regime in 2011. It provided the opportunity to obtain first-hand information from various counterparts, receive briefings on the political transition and security situation, review the implementation of sanctions and strengthen the engagement and cooperation with the Panel of Experts. I hope that the planned visit to the eastern part of the country that had to be postponed this time can be carried out soon. The aim of the sanctions is to advance peace, security and stability.”
2018-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8394 (2018) · source
“Security-sector reform and further efforts to build professional armed forces and police should be apriority. Any sustainable political solution in Libya will require the full and equal participation of women. We stress the importance of women being engaged at all stages and levels of the political process. For instance, women should be adequately represented in the Libyan delegations to the upcoming Palermo conference and have seats at the table. Continued reports of human rights violations and abuses, including sexual and gender-based violence, are of deep concern. The widespread abuses in prisons, detention facilities and migrant centres are unacceptable and must be stopped, as the Special Representative of the Secretary-General rightly pointed out.”
2018-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8394 (2018) · source
“Economic issues underpin the conflict, and there is little chance to make progress unless serious efforts are undertaken. Predatory economic practices and profiteering for personal gain must be more effectively countered. Economic reforms are also critical to ensure a fairer and more equitable distribution of resources. Recent initiatives are encouraging. However, more needs to be done to enhance transparency and accountability, fight corruption and promote the unity of the financial institutions. I met with some key new ministers in charge of finances and internal affairs who seem to understand all the challenges and to be committed to starting work to address them. They need to be supported. To restore stability, there is an urgent need to establish functioning and unified security institutions.”
2018-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8394 (2018) · source
“The upcoming conference can provide an important opportunity to find a way out of the current protracted transition and to promote conditions for free and fair elections. My United Kingdom colleague rightly pointed to the virtue of inclusivity at the national conference. We must therefore now urge all Libyan actors to engage responsibly and constructively in the process and work together in a spirit of peaceful compromise. The House of Representatives, for its part, must honour its commitment to ensuring a legal framework for elections. The elections must in turn be thoroughly prepared to ensure that the necessary conditions are in place, and all parties should recommit to respecting the election results. The recent crisis also provides an opportunity to address some of the underlying root causes.”
2018-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8394 (2018) · source
“The Libyans themselves must of course own the political process. However, active international support and unity are needed. The facilitating role of the United Nations is critical in that regard. Special Representative of the Secretary-General Salame's determined efforts to use his good offices and promote reconciliation and dialogue between the east and the west, as well as the intention to expand the presence of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya to the eastern part of the country, should be commended. All international and regional partners need to unite in fully backing the United Nations efforts. We welcome Mr. Salame's plans, as he outlined to us today, to prepare for a national conference at the beginning of next year.”
2018-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8394 (2018) · source
“If it were not for the mediation efforts of the United Nations, and of course the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, the situation could have easily spiralled out of control and we could have seen a return to 2014. Hopefully, that is now a signal to those who thrive and hold on to the status quo that that is not tenable. The ceasefire, as well as the recently announced security agreement in Tripoli, must now be effectively implemented. We urge all parties to end hostilities, refrain from further destabilizing threats or actions and protect civilians. The crisis at the end of August should also be a wake-up call for us all and serve as a turning point for the political process. We all agree that only through political solutions can there be sustainable peace in Libya.”
2018-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8394 (2018) · source
“I would like to thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Salame for his briefing today and for the excellent work that he and his staffare doing on the ground. I also once again thank him for facilitating last week's important, indeed historic, visit by the members of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011) concerning Libya. We read the reports and our cables but nothing can really replace a field visit. Last week, I was in Tripoli for less than two days but that was enough to realize how the spike in violence in Tripoli at the end of August and in September had really shattered the capital and put the country on the brink of collapse. The windows of the oil company were blown out by rockets and the building remains with glaring holes as a symbol of fragility.”
2018-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8394 (2018) · source
“De Mistura therefore needs and deserves the wholehearted backing of the Council, because it is only through a United Nations-led process that we can achieve a political solution that is acceptable to all Syrians and the international community. At this critical time, we want to reiterate our strong call on the Syrian Government, which I believe everyone in the Council agrees on, to fully engage and support the United Nations-led political process and make sure that there will be real progress in time for the next meeting in November, as previous speakers have said.”
2018-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8383 (2018) · source
“We therefore call again on the Syrian Government to fully cooperate with the United Nations, and on those with close relations with Damascus, especially Russia, to support such efforts. We fully support Mr. De Mistura and his mandate to establish the constitutional committee, which constitutes the first step towards a political solution in line with resolution 2254 (2015). The Sochi final statement made clear that it was via the Geneva process and the facilitation of the Special Envoy that the final selection of the committee would be made. Therefore, the Special Envoy's intensified efforts in many ways constitute a make-or-break moment for the United Nations efforts to convene a credible constitutional committee and for the legitimacy that comes with that. Mr.”
2018-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8383 (2018) · source
“I thank the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Syria for his briefing this morning. We commend Mr. Staffan de Mistura's intensified efforts to reach a political solution and bring an end to the conflict in Syria. We very much appreciate his update today following his visit to Damascus, although I have to say that the content of what he has reported on, the response from Damascus, is not what we had hoped for. We are deeply disappointed by the continued lack of cooperation on the part of the Syrian Government regarding the constitutional committee, which contradicts the Sochi final statement that was circulated by Russia to the Council. We support Mr. De Mistura's approach and his insistence on credibility, balance and international legitimacy.”
2018-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8383 (2018) · source
“One such simple step would be to immediately pardon and release the two imprisoned Reuters journalists. Myanmar should further recognize the gravity of the crisis, take needed measures on accountability and improve the situation in Rakhine. Only then will conditions for safe and voluntary return of refugees be in place.”
2018-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8381 (2018) · source
“Darusman today. Myanmar is at a crossroads and now has a historic decision to make. Either it chooses the path towards more repression and growing international isolation, or it chooses the path ofjustice, peace and prosperity. If it chooses the latter, the international community stands ready to support it. Regional actors have a critical role to play. The Special Envoy's positive engagement to build trust is needed and should now be translated into concrete steps forward. The United Nations and its partners have the capacity to support peace, humanitarian and longer-term development efforts. We cannot expect the Government to solve everything overnight, but steps are urgently needed to demonstrate commitment and gain credibility in the international community.”
2018-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8381 (2018) · source
“Indiscriminate air strikes, mortar shelling and the use of land mines have a devastating impact on civilians in these regions, and humanitarian access continues to be limited. These conflicts are among the longest ongoing armed conflicts in the world and are at risk of further escalation. To stay true to our commitments to preventing and sustaining peace, we should be actively addressing these situations with a more proactive United Nations engagement. The military and the Government must redouble their efforts to advance the peace process. Such a process needs to be inclusive, with the meaningful participation of women. To achieve lasting peace, a political solution is needed that addresses the aspirations and grievances of all Myanmar's ethnic minorities and ends the culture of impunity in the country, as forcefully underlined by Mr.”
2018-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8381 (2018) · source
“It is for these kinds of situations that the Council has been given the authority to make referrals to the Court. Fourthly, the refugee camps outside Cox's Bazar in Bangladesh need continued and enhanced support. More funding is urgent. Only less than half of the response plan has so far been covered, seriously hampering humanitarian efforts. Protection in the refugee camps must be improved, not least for the most vulnerable. Particular attention should be given to survivors of sexual and gender-based violence - women and men, girls and boys. The fact-finding mission report also sheds important light on the violations of international humanitarian law and violations and abuses of human rights law that are being perpetrated by the Myanmar military in other parts of the country, most notably in Kachin and Shan states.”
2018-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8381 (2018) · source
“Today's presentation by the United Nations-mandated fact-finding mission has provided the Council with solid and credible evidence. The Rohingya population and other groups in Rakhine state have been subjected to systematic and widespread human rights violations. Many of these violations undoubtedly amount to the gravest crimes under international law. We note in particular that the fact-finding mission report includes crimes against humanity and even genocide. The report presented to the Council today should be a turning point. The Council must now take meaningful action on accountability. We should pursue consultations on a Security Council draft resolution, including a referral of the situation to the International Criminal Court.”
2018-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8381 (2018) · source
“Secondly, conditions must be created to ensure that all those who have fled can return to their places of origin in a safe, voluntary and sustainable manner. For this to take place, refugees need dignified conditions to return to, where they can begin to rebuild their lives, free from fear and with confidence in the future. This will require real change on the ground. We need a new deal in Rakhine, as the late Secretary-General Kofi Annan stated at the Arria formula meeting in October last year. The Annan Commission report provides the framework for such a new deal. The genuine implementation of its recommendations is urgent. Thirdly, all avenues must be pursued to ensure effective accountability for the crimes committed.”
2018-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8381 (2018) · source
“Most importantly, a genuine process towards resolving the issue of citizenship in a way that fully satisfies legitimate rights is still absent. Continued action by the Council with regard to the crisis in Rakhine is therefore needed, and I would like to highlight four areas. First, the United Nations and humanitarian partners must be allowed full and unhindered access to Rakhine state. While some limited access has been granted, including to carry out assessments in a few villages, broader access for assessment and protection is urgently needed. The memorandum of understanding with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the United Nations Development Programme must be fully implemented.”
2018-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8381 (2018) · source
“While some rudimentary architecture for the repatriation ofrefugees has been put in place, the security and human rights situation in Rakhine is still far from being adequately addressed. More than 100,000 people have been confined in camps for internally displaced persons since 2012, and the Government has failed to close the camps in a sustainable manner. Freedom of movement is still restricted and media is not allowed access. Rohingya continue to flee to Bangladesh in the hundreds every month. The Myanmar Government claims that it has implemented most of the recommendations of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State, formerly led by the late Kofi Annan. Some steps have indeed been taken, but what is absolutely clear is that the vision set out in this important report remains distant.”
2018-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8381 (2018) · source
“Despite these early warning signals, there was resistance, and too little was done too late to prevent this crisis of immense proportions from evolving. There should be important lessons to draw from this for the Council. Since the peak of crisis in August last year, the Council has succeeded in taking some small, but important, steps. In November, we unanimously adopted presidential statement S/PRST/2017/22, setting out a road map to address the crisis, and in April the Council undertook an unprecedented visit to Bangladesh and Myanmar to follow up on the implementation of the road map. However, as all previous speakers have underlined today, too little real progress has been achieved on the ground.”
2018-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8381 (2018) · source
“I thank Mr. Darusman for his informative briefing. We really commend the dedicated and meticulous work of the independent international fact-finding mission in Myanmar, and we believe it was important that his report, establishing the facts and circumstances of the crisis, in particular Rakhine state, could be presented to the Security Council today. We have been actively seized with the situation in Myanmar since we joined the Council in January 2017. In the beginning, our engagement was in a preventive spirit, including to support the Secretary-General. There were worrying reports and the situation grew worse. I want to quote from the report of the fact-finding mission: "What happened on 25 August 2017 and the following days and weeks was the realization of a disaster long in the making." (A/HRC/39/64, para. 31).”
2018-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8381 (2018) · source
“If we are serious about our constant call that there is no military solution to the conflict in Yemen, then only through a negotiated political solution will this war and the immense suffering that it has caused the people of Yemen come to an end.”
2018-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8379 (2018) · source
“First, a durable ceasefire is needed, at least for the purpose set out by Mr. Lowcock. Secondly, we must provide safe and unhindered humanitarian access to all those in need, with ports and key roads kept open and functioning, including Al-Hudaydah and Saleef. Commercial imports should also be maintained and expanded to reach all ports. Thirdly, there must be respect for international humanitarian law in all circumstances, including by protecting civilians, medical, humanitarian and United Nations personnel across the country and meeting the basic needs of the civilian population. Fourthly, the Council should urgently call in good faith on the parties to engage in a United Nations-led inclusive political process. As a Council, we should step up our efforts to support Mr. Griffiths in his commendable efforts.”
2018-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8379 (2018) · source
“That connection is painfully apparent in Al-Hudaydah, where the fighting is not only causing civilian casualties but is also affecting both aid operations and commercial imports. We remain particularly concerned about the continued fighting on the main road to Sana'a, as it is impacting the vital supply chain and life-line to northern Yemen, as well as the occupation of humanitarian warehouses and the blocked access to the vital milling facility. The Security Council has once again today been put on high alert, and we have a responsibility to respond. Based on resolution 2417 (2018), which addresses conflict-induced food insecurity, and as agreed in our presidential statement (S/PRST/20l8/5) earlier this year, it is now time to come together and make equally critical and urgent demands.”
2018-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8379 (2018) · source
“Those include expanding liquidity to stabilize the currency, expediting applications for lines of credit for importers of core commodities and holding back on restrictions in that area, and ensuring the payment of civil servants - teachers as a first step - as well as pensioners in the northern part of the country. We welcome today's announcement that Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates will provide teacher allowances across the country, and we heard Mr. Lowcock's further recommendations in that area. However, and turning now to my second point, on the military escalation, those economic measures are far from enough. The economic collapse and food security crisis is not happening in a vacuum; it is a direct consequence of the ongoing conflict and is aggravated by the current military escalation.”
2018-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8379 (2018) · source
“First, on the economy, the numbers presented today are staggering. As we have heard, if the current economic crisis continues, an additional 5.6 million people could risk severe food insecurity in the coming months. That would add to the individual catastrophe of millions and bring the total number of people in pre-famine conditions to 14 million. That famine is the result of a man-made situation that occurred before our eyes and on our watch. To help reverse those trends, we support Mr. Lowcock's call today for urgent measures to stabilize the Yemeni economy.”
2018-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8379 (2018) · source
“Allow me to start by expressing our condolences and sympathies to the Government and the people of Yemen following the devastating tropical cyclone. I also want to thank Mr. Mark Lowcock for his update and for having drawn our attention to the acute food crisis * indeed famine * in Yemen, as foreseen in resolution 2417 (2018). Mark Lowcock and the Humanitarian Coordinator for Yemen, Lise Grande, have our wholehearted support in their efforts, as do all United Nations personnel and humanitarians in Yemen, who are working under what we understand are extremely challenging and difficult circumstances. I want to focus mainly on the economic crisis and the military escalation in Yemen - two factors that are aggravating the humanitarian disaster that has been the predictable, but not inevitable, effect of the conflict being played out in Yemen.”
2018-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8379 (2018) · source
“We note the envisaged visit to Damascus next week and welcome Mr. De Mistura's offer to update the Council on progress immediately after the visit has been completed. Needless to say, the content and assessment of that report will be very important. The Syrian people have endured unspeakable suffering for too long. The agreement on Idlib has delivered some modest but concrete and much-needed relief. The agreement can and should be used to reinvigorate the United Nations-led political process. Only the United Nations has the legitimacy and the credibility for a viable and enduring political solution in line with resolution 2254 (2015). As others have said, Syria has reached a fork in the road. As Council members we must shoulder our responsibility and send a strong and unified message in support ofUnited Nations efforts.”
2018-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8373 (2018) · source
“Women's meaningful participation is - as we all know - necessary for sustainable peace and development in Syria - as elsewhere. In line with the express support of the Council for the swift establishment of the constitutional committee, we encourage the Special Envoy to continue his efforts to set up the committee as quickly as possible. We therefore call on the Syrian parties, in particular the Syrian Government, to engage constructively with the Special Envoy and to contribute to the United Nations-led process as well as within the committees' proceedings once convened. We also expect all members of the Council and other relevant actors to move from words to action and actively support the efforts of the Envoy and his mandate to set up and decide on the composition of the committee.”
2018-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8373 (2018) · source
“The Special Envoy has full authority to decide on its composition, procedures and time frame, as well as our support. It is critical that the constitutional committee is credible, balanced and representative of the Syrian people and reflects the diversity of the country. It needs to include Syrians from different ethnic, religious and geographical backgrounds in order to meet those criteria. Furthermore, women's full, effective and substantive participation is important for the legitimacy of the committee. We support the Special Envoy's determination expressed here today to ensure that a minimum of 30 per cent of committee and subcommittee members are women, including the subcommittee that will draft the constitutional reform.”
2018-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8373 (2018) · source
“A military offensive in Idlib would not only have catastrophic humanitarian consequences, but it would also have put at risk a political solution. We now look to the Astana guarantors to live up to their commitments as well as their obligations under international law, and to safeguard the last remaining de-escalation zone in Syria until a peaceful settlement can be reached. The ceasefire in Idlib offers an opportunity to reinvigorate the United Nations-led political process. This is an opportunity that must be seized. As agreed by the Council, the first step towards a sustainable political solution, in line with resolution 2254 (2015), is the establishment of a constitutional committee. We must now join efforts, support and insist on the swift establishment of the committee.”
2018-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8373 (2018) · source
“I would like to start by thanking Mr. Staffan de Mistura for his comprehensive and forward-looking update to the Security Council today. We commend his continuous and tireless efforts towards reaching a political solution and bringing an end to the conflict in Syria. I want to echo the regret other speakers have expressed about his mission coming to an end, and, naturally, to send him a very strong message of admiration and gratitude for the work he has done. Of course, the mission remains ongoing, and, as always, we stand behind him fully. He has our full support, including for the way ahead he has outlined today and the immediacy with which he will pursue it in coming weeks. We welcome the fact that Turkey and Russia have reached an agreement on a ceasefire in Idlib.”
2018-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8373 (2018) · source
“Addressing the root causes of conflict effectively, including by improving the transparent management of natural resources in order to benefit people, is a crucial part of that vision.”
2018-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8372 (2018) · source
“The Peacebuilding Commission, with its broad agenda and a wider range of stakeholders, is well placed to complement and contribute to Council efforts to address the underlying causes of conflict, including the issue of natural resources. The Commission can also take a regional approach, which is often needed when it comes to these borderless challenges. Actors such as the World Bank, civil society and of course the private sector can and should be invited to discussions that provide advice on action to the Security Council. In conclusion, we fully support the Secretary- General's vision of putting conflict prevention and sustaining peace at the centre ofwhat we do.”
2018-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8372 (2018) · source