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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“Gender analysis is a key aspect, as women are important actors in addressing the drivers and root causes of conflict. But the Council must also follow up such information with action. When it is relevant, peacekeeping missions should be mandated and given appropriate resources to that effect so that they can manage such drivers of conflict better, in close partnership with the broader United Nations country teams and other relevant actors. Targeted measures, including sanctions on individuals and entities - or indeed certain goods - involved in fuelling conflicts through illicit trade should also be considered.”
2018-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8372 (2018) · source
“The United Nations system, as well as other international organizations and bilateral partners, can help countries to reap the positive benefits of natural resources and to move away from a conflict-driven, informal and unprotected economy towards a transparent formal economy that can generate decentjobs and provide for social services such as education and health. The Security Council, for its part, needs to do a better job of assessing root causes and taking a more holistic approach to addressing the conflicts on its agenda. That includes assessing and addressing the issue of natural resources, as well as other root causes, in a more structured and proactive way. In order to do that, what the Council needs first and foremost is for the regular reporting from the Secretariat to include more integrated analysis of the drivers of conflict.”
2018-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8372 (2018) · source
“There needs to be a better understanding of financial flows and banks have a particular responsibility, including at the international level. In that regard, the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative and the United Nations Framework Classification for Resources should be supported. Governments should also be encouraged to develop national action plans for business and human rights. The United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the Global Compact should serve as a basis for those efforts. As is the case with many of the root causes of conflict, challenges linked to natural resources do not recognize borders. They therefore require a national, regional and international response.”
2018-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8372 (2018) · source
“The third area is the important role of responsible business. The private sector has an important responsibility to make sure that business activities are sustainable and do not have a negative impact on conflict dynamics and basic human rights. To that end, businesses need to integrate corporate social responsibility models into their core operations. That requires dialogue with host Governments and, of course, civil society, including local communities. African countries are now taking the lead in improving ownership models for extractive industries to better benefit their communities and citizens. We have just heard our colleague from Cote d'Ivoire talk about some of the African Union initiatives. Transparency is key to those efforts.”
2018-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8372 (2018) · source
“That includes tax and audit authorities that can develop fiscal policies and solid, trusted systems for public financial management. The second area is fighting organized crime. Organized crime involving natural resources, for example through fuel smuggling and illicit mining, have become the largest source ofincome for non-State armed groups and international terrorist organizations. Those activities also contribute and are often connected to corruption and erode institutions and trust in the authorities, which in turn further spurs Violence and violent extremism. Organized crime networks must therefore be forcefully addressed, including by enhancing the investigation and analysis of their linkages to the extractive industry. International cooperation and making full use of the United Nations tools on offer is recommended.”
2018-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8372 (2018) · source
“The first area is strengthening governance and national institutions. Natural resources are more likely to be a cause for conflict when there is a governance and public security vacuum. Functioning institutions to protect national interests, to uphold legal frameworks and to hold those operating outside the law accountable are therefore critical. Democratic and transparent national strategies for how natural resources are extracted and used are an equally important part of the equation. The implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, as the Ambassador of Kuwait has just said, should be the logical starting point in that regard. In line with Sustainable Development Goal 16, effective, accountable and inclusive institutions should be built at all levels.”
2018-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8372 (2018) · source
“The United Nations system has a hugely important role in ensuring that natural resources are turned from the scourge of potential conflict into a common good for development, stability and prosperity. We truly appreciate the various actions set in motion by the Secretary-General, as outlined this morning, such as improved analysis and cooperation within the system, supporting regional cooperation and initiatives, strengthened mediation, including in hydro-diplomacy, offering capacity-building to countries, looking into the connection between land rights and conflicts and, of course, the general empowerment of women, including at the local level. Today I would like to point to three areas that can help to tap the opportunities and positive benefits of natural resources while mitigating the risks of them being a driver of conflict.”
2018-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8372 (2018) · source
“The research presented in the joint United Nations-World Bank report Pathwaysfor Peace: Inclusive Approaches to Preventing Violent Conflict suggests that 40 to 60 per cent of intra-State armed conflicts over the past 60 years have been triggered, funded or sustained by natural resources. During the recent Council trip to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as has been referred to by my Peruvian colleague, we saw first-hand how the rich natural resources there have largely yet to translate into greater prosperity and stability for the broader population in the areas where most of those riches are found. In Liberia, disputes related to land tenure have long been a key cause of conflict. The Liberia configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission, which I chair, is therefore beginning to focus its work on the management of natural resources.”
2018-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8372 (2018) · source
“It is closely related to the issue that we are discussing today and one of the conclusions drawn at that debate was on the need for the United Nations to better understand and analyse those risks. The same can be said of today's issue. We also welcome the upcoming Arria Formula meeting on water and security. All such steps aim to improve our track record in preventing conflicts. Natural resources are clearly a driver of conflict in many contexts. While resources such as oil, natural gas and minerals have the potential to confer significant benefits on populations and to improve development outcomes, they can also fuel instability and violence.”
2018-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8372 (2018) · source
“Ithank the Secretary-General for his insightful briefing, good analysis and, as always, action-oriented approach. We thank the Bolivian presidency for providing another important opportunity for us to discuss the root causes that lead to or may lead to conflict. For the Council to be effective in its preventive role and in sustaining peace, it is crucial that we better understand and address the underlying drivers of conflicts. The root causes are different depending on the context. They can include violations and abuses of human rights, gender inequality, poverty and weak governance and very often they are a combination of several or all of those factors. In July, Sweden hosted a debate in the Council on climate-related security risks, focusing on climate as a driver of conflict (see S/PV.8307).”
2018-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8372 (2018) · source
“All national stakeholders, countries in the region and the international community must now focus efforts on ensuring that the opportunity to change the trajectory in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is seized.”
2018-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8370 (2018) · source
“Let us hope that the prize will help turn the corner towards putting an end once and for all to that most horrendous of crimes and that women will be empowered to play a full and equal part in the future of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Congolese people have suffered for too long. The upcoming elections and the subsequent democratic transfer of power will offer an opportunity for renewed momentum in putting the interests of the people first. Credible and peaceful elections are necessary but not sufficient on the road ahead for the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Moving from constant emergency mode and humanitarian crisis towards real development based on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the enjoyment by all Congolese of their fundamental rights is necessary.”
2018-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8370 (2018) · source
“We would also like to acknowledge the ongoing efforts of the Secretariat to improve the overall security and conditions for United Nations experts, an issue that requires the Council's further attention and support. Just as we landed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, we were met with the announcement that Dr. Mukwege and the Panzi hospital had been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. That is very significant recognition for all women affected by sexual abuse, and it has shed light on the tremendous suffering that conflict-related sexual violence imposes on victims, their families and entire societies in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and elsewhere.”
2018-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8370 (2018) · source
“We underscore the continued need for the Democratic Republic of the Congo authorities to fully cooperate with the follow-on mechanism, initiated by the Secretary-General and led by Mr. Robert Petit, as well as national investigations. It is also important that the national investigations take note of recommendations made by the mechanism, especially in terms of conducting thorough and legally robust investigations without artificial timelines for its completion. We welcome the anticipated extension of the mechanism. The Swedish investigation is still experiencing issues relating to cooperation with Democratic Republic of the Congo authorities.”
2018-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8370 (2018) · source
“TheUnitedNationscountryteamalsodeserves credit for its important work, exploring a broader peace and development agenda amid honourable efforts to provide humanitarian assistance in difficult circumstances. In an ideal scenario, venues will open up after the elections for a stronger development focus, based on a credible Government plan focusing on the long-term needs of the population for socioeconomic development, based on the Sustainable Development Goals. I want to take this opportunity to note some new dynamics in the trial and investigation into the murders of United Nations experts Zaida Catalan and Michael Sharp, which were also raised by my American colleague.”
2018-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8370 (2018) · source
“More funding is needed for the overall humanitarian response and, not least, safe and unimpeded humanitarian access must be granted. We commend the work of MONUSCO, which operates under difficult conditions and with an extensive mandate. We appreciate the more proactive posture of the Mission, which has enabled better protection for both civilians and peacekeepers. With limited resources, MONUSCO has been able to deliver important results. We fully support the mandate of the Mission and the continued good offices of Special Representative Leila Zerrougui. It is important that MONUSCO be prepared to manage violence and insecurity in connection with the elections, including in the post-election context. Continued efforts for the transfer of capacity can, we hope, be explored after the elections.”
2018-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8370 (2018) · source
“The destabilizing activities of armed groups are of grave concern. It is important never to let violence and human rights violations become the new normal, and all parties are responsible for that. The Government has a particular responsibility to address violence and abuse, including sexual and gender-based violence. The high percentage of violations that are attributed to State agents is of great concern. Fighting impunity is key. We call on the Government to continue to strengthen efforts to ensure that those responsible for violations are held to account. The fragile security situation has also had a negative impact on the Ebola response, as well as other humanitarian efforts. We call for a period of tranquillity to allow for addressing the threat of Ebola.”
2018-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8370 (2018) · source
“The recent discussions in Kampala on advancing the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Region, as referred to by Special Envoy Djinnit, highlight the importance of regional coordination, including for the conduct of credible elections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The joint statement of the Security Council and the African Union Peace and Security Council earlier in July illustrated international unity on the need for those elections to be credible. We condemn continued human rights violations by armed groups in the Democratic Republic ofthe Congo. We are especially concerned about the escalation of violence and attacks in and around Beni, in the Kasai region and most recently in the mining town of Rubaya. Sexual and gender-based violence is widespread.”
2018-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8370 (2018) · source
“The continued readiness of MONUSCO to assist with technical and logistical support is welcomed. The ambitious efforts of the Conference episcopale nationale du Congo (CENCO) to train and deploy national observers should be encouraged and supported. Further efforts are clearly needed to build confidence and for the elections to be widely accepted among the Congolese people. Good offices functions by CENCO or the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, as needed, are important in that regard. Any concerns about the conduct of the elections should be addressed peacefully and through established channels and institutions, and be duly considered in accordance with international standards. Continued regional leadership and international unity are key.”
2018-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8370 (2018) · source
“As preparations proceed, there is need for more proactive outreach and increased public information about the electoral process. That includes clear guidance on the functioning of the voter registry and the voting machines. Legitimate concerns and recommendations on how to improve those processes should be taken on board and considered in a transparent and collaborative fashion. Independent election observers would bring further credibility to the electoral process and help to bring added trust and confidence. We welcome the intention of the Southern African Development Community to provide support with an observation mission, and encourage the Democratic Republic of the Congo to also engage with other national, regional and international actors.”
2018-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8370 (2018) · source
“The opening of equal democratic space for all is essential, including the freedom of assembly and of expression. As in any other country, the Government has a special role to play in ensuring the fulfilment of those measures. Everyone must be able to campaign freely and peacefully, political prisoners must be released, and the political rights of all must be safeguarded. Women's full and equal participation in the elections is vital and must be supported and encouraged. Unfortunately, the conditions for women's participation still look dire. Much more needs to be done to mitigate the political, economic, security and social impediments to women's participation on equal terms. The Independent National Electoral Commission has a critical role to play.”
2018-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8370 (2018) · source
“Today I will address the elections, the overall security and human rights situation and the role of the United Nations, and will share a few thoughts on the way forward. When Sweden joined the Council in January 2017, a major crisis had just been avoided by the signing of the 31 December 2016 agreement. The agreement provides the road map towards peaceful, credible and inclusive elections on 23 December - elections that are indeed critical to peace and stability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and in the broader region. Those elections are now less than three months away. Important progress has made in recent months. We welcome the important preparatory steps that have been taken. Efforts are now urgently needed to implement all parts of the agreement, including the confidence-building measures.”
2018-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8370 (2018) · source
“Ithank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Zerrougui and Special Envoy Djinnit for their briefings. I extend my gratitude to the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as well as the co-leads France, Equatorial Guinea and Bolivia, the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) and the United Nations country team for organizing our visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo last week. The visit, although limited to Kinshasa, offered very useful impressions of the progress on the electoral calendar, but also on remaining challenges, the human rights situation, humanitarian needs and security.”
2018-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8370 (2018) · source
“Effectively implementing the gender provisions of the peace agreement remains crucial for achieving sustained peace. We also hope that the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia will become a best-practice case study when it comes to youth and the implementation of resolution 2419 (2018), which we follow with great interest. In conclusion, Colombia has travelled far on its path towards peace. It is now crucial that it stay the course and that all parties continue to do their part. The unwavering support of the international community, including the Council, remains critical. We must collectively ensure that this historic opportunity can bring peace and prosperity to all Colombians and that Colombia continues to serve as an inspiration to the world.”
2018-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8368 (2018) · source
“The international community should give all possible support to that endeavour. We continue to stress the importance of the full political, legal and socioeconomic reintegration of former members of the FARC-EP. That includes implementing productive projects, as well as addressing the key issue of access to land. We welcome President Duque's firm support for more effective reintegration. On the ELN, we welcome continued direct contact between its members and the Government. Sweden, as a member of the Grupo de Paises de Apoyo, Acompafiamiento y Cooperacion a la Mesa de Conversaciones, will assist the process as much as it can. We welcome the commitment of Vice-President Marta Lucia Ramirez to maintaining dialogue with women's groups.”
2018-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8368 (2018) · source
“That is of grave concern and underscores the need for the State to fill the power vacuum and safeguard the rule of law. We therefore welcome the national pact for life and for the protection of social leaders and human rights defenders, adopted on 23 August. Bringing security, development and the rule of law to conflict-affected areas is critical. We welcome President Duque's emphasis on more focused and tightly coordinated action by State agencies. A stronger presence of civilian authorities and agencies providing services to communities should be paired with efforts to improve security in conflict-affected areas. The necessary resources must be made available for bringing Colombian institutions to all parts of the country, as well as for mobilizing civil society, communities and the private sector.”
2018-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8368 (2018) · source
“Its independence and autonomy must be fully respected. Cooperation among all parties continues to be essential in enabling progress on that central aspect of the agreement. The transformation of the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia-Ejercito del Pueblo (FARC-EP) into the FARC political party has been a central part ofthe peace process. For the peace agreement to remain credible, it is critical that effective and adequate protection be ensured. It is also an important component if the agreement is to serve as a model for other efforts, including for the process with the National Liberation Army (ELN). The killing of human rights defenders, community leaders and FARC-EP members and their families reportedly continues unabated.”
2018-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8368 (2018) · source
“To address the underlying causes that have fuelled conflict and violence for so many years, outstanding issues must be resolved. In that regard, we are pleased to see that appointing members to the Commission for the Follow-up, Promotion and Verification of the Implementation of the Final Agreement was one of the first actions of the new Government. The Commission is without a doubt the appropriate forum for taking those discussions forward. Following conflict, as Jean Arnault just said, it is often challenging to strike the right balance between peace and justice. At the same time, it is an issue of decisive importance for sustainable peace. The Special Jurisdiction for Peace, with its objectives of guaranteeing truth, justice, reparation and non-repetition, is a key component of the agreement.”
2018-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8368 (2018) · source
“At a time when too many conflicts are becoming more entrenched, Colombia is an important inspiration to the world. It also provides a very clear example of how a united Security Council can contribute to peace. President Duque and the leadership of the Fuerza Alternativa Revolucionaria del Comun (FARC) should be praised for their sustainedpolitical will and dedication to the peace process. Their determination to implement the peace agreement has provided an opportunity to bring peace, socioeconomic development, security and the rule of law to all parts of Colombia. Although an irreversible course for peace has been set out, many challenges remain. As very often after a complex and long-standing conflict has been resolved, that is to be expected. The continued engagement of all parties is now crucial.”
2018-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8368 (2018) · source
“I thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Jean Arnault, for his briefing today and for the very valuable work he is doing. We continue to strongly support the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia. I also want to welcome Minister for Foreign Affairs of Colombia, Mr. Carlos Holmes Trujillo. We are very grateful for his commitment to the peace effort and we know his personal dedication to this issue, based on his very long experience, including as former Peace Commissioner. The Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace in Colombia is the result of a historic process, aimed at ending more than 50 years of conflict and violence. Colombia has proved that through leadership, dialogue and diplomacy, even the most difficult conflicts can be brought to an end.”
2018-10-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8368 (2018) · source
“We simply cannot sit idly by as the lives of millions of innocent civilians are at risk. The Security Council must remain actively engaged and step up its efforts in support of Special Envoy Martin Griffith and Mr. Lowcock. We must call in unison on all parties - and repeat that call and remind them - to engage in good faith in an inclusive United Nations- led political process without preconditions, but with dedication, energy and serious commitment. The high- level week, as the United Kingdom Ambassador said, coming up now should be used as an opportunity in that regard. The people of Yemen have already paid an unacceptably high price for this senseless war.”
2018-09-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8361 (2018) · source
“After years of bloody conflict, it is evident that there is no military solution to the crisis in Yemen. Intensified diplomatic efforts are instead urgently needed to find a peaceful solution. We commend the Government of Yemen for its constructive approach in those recent efforts, and we find it deeply regrettable that the Houthis did now show up in Geneva and have continued their military activities. But the temporary setback in Geneva cannot be an excuse for a return to violence. The recent escalation not only aggravates the humanitarian situation, it also undermines the prospects for a political process. All sides will lose. We have again today been put on notice. It is unbearably frustrating that this year, 2018, we are hearing about massive famine and cholera outbreaks - fully preventable things.”
2018-09-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8361 (2018) · source
“First, steps need to be taken towards an urgent cessation of hostilities in order to promote the political process and, above all, protect the civilian population. Secondly, safe and unhindered humanitarian access needs to be ensured, including the full functioning of key ports and roads. Humanitarian personnel must be allowed to carry out their mission to save lives across the whole country - unhindered and without risking their own safety. Thirdly, respect for international humanitarian law needs to be safeguarded, including the protection of civilians, and medical and humanitarian personnel. The three asks by Mr. Lowcock today - stabilize the economy, protect civilians and ensure medical assistance and evacuation - make perfect sense and should be heeded.”
2018-09-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8361 (2018) · source
“The recent fighting on the main road between Al-Hudaydah and Sana'a is now an urgent concern. The disruption of that critical supply chain would have disastrous humanitarian consequences. Hundreds of thousands of people are at risk in Al-Hudaydah and millions more in other governorates, if Al-Hudaydah is cut off from the northern parts of the country. An additional 1 million children in Yemen are now at risk of descending into famine, bringing the total number of children at risk to 5.2 million, as we have heard. In the face of such a dramatic humanitarian situation, the demands from the Security Council, as agreed in the presidential statement adopted in March (S/PRST/2018/5), needs to be repeated loud and clear.”
2018-09-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8361 (2018) · source
“I thank Mr. Mark Lowcock for his sobering update today. He and all humanitarians working tirelessly to alleviate suffering and save lives have our full and wholehearted support. He should be congratulated on an ambitious and effective relief effort under what we understand to be overwhelming circumstances. The briefing today demonstrates the desperate urgency of the humanitarian situation. The people of Yemen are already suffering from the world's largest humanitarian disaster, and with the recent deteriorating security environment, the situation is getting worse by the day. Civilian causalities are increasing, medical facilities are no longer functioning, disease is spreading, hunger is growing and the humanitarian space to reach those in need is again shrinking.”
2018-09-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8361 (2018) · source
“That is why we are gravely concerned about the clear lack of implementation of resolution 2334 (2016) and why we were surprised that no report of the Secretary-General was circulated prior to today's meeting. We recall that the provision of written reports is standard practice in the Council, as stipulated by presidntial note S/2017/507. A report was circulated in June (S/2018/614), in line with the request made by 10 members of the Council. We encourage the continuance of that practice and look forward to receiving a written report for the next quarterly reporting period.”
2018-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8358 (2018) · source
“There simply is no viable alternative to the two-State solution, which is the only way the legitimate aspirations of both peoples can be attained. Yet, as we have heard today, that goal is becoming increasingly distant by the day. We therefore need to redouble our collective efforts to salvage the two-State solution. The international community and regional stakeholders have a key role to play in revitalizing meaningful peace negotiations, which require the full participation of women. The Council, too, has a role to play, as it did when resolution 2334 (2016) was adopted. We often speak in the Chamber about how important it is that the decisions of the Council be respected.”
2018-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8358 (2018) · source
“Together with our partners, including Jordan, whose commitment to UNRWA we commend, we have sought to mobilize political and financial support over recent months. We will also use the occasion of the high-level week of the General Assembly to that end. We call on all countries to step up support, since the shortfall is unprecedented and, as mentioned, risks spurring instability and violent radicalization in both Gaza and the wider region. Unfortunately, the Oslo Accords did not bring about the peace that both Israelis and Palestinians deserve. We reaffirm our support for an end to the occupation and for the two-State solution, based on international law, the relevant United Nations resolutions and previous agreements.”
2018-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8358 (2018) · source
“We therefore regret the decision of the United States not to provide further funding to UNRWA after decades of political and financial support. The United States has traditionally been the largest donor, and its support has been much appreciated. That decision has contributed to a serious financial crisis at UNRWA, with a current funding shortfall of $186 million. A few weeks ago, UNRWA schools for more than half a million Palestinian children were opened. However, the Agency's funding beyond September is not secured. The remaining financial gap needs to be filled for schools to remain open. Sweden is among the top donors to UNRWA. In August we signed a multiannual partnership agreement worth over $200 million. We are fully committed to supporting UNRWA at this critical juncture.”
2018-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8358 (2018) · source
“We look forward to discussing that issue in greater detail at the meeting of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee for the Coordination of the International Assistance to Palestinians next week, but let me underline that it is crucial to see a lifting of the Israeli closure regime, an end to acts of violence and acts of provocation, progress in intra-Palestinian reconciliation and a return of the Palestinian Authority to Gaza. We are all aware that the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) plays a critical role on the ground. It provides education, health and other essential services to Palestine refugees, but it also constitutes a key factor for stability in the region, including in neighbouring countries, until the final-status issue on refugees has been settled.”
2018-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8358 (2018) · source
“But, as we heard, the situation remains tense and fragile and, for the sake of long-term stability, we underline the importance of all relevant parties, including the Palestine Liberation Organization, taking part in such efforts. While another devastating conflict between Israel and Hamas may have been averted, it is imperative to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Interventions with quick, direct and immediate impact on daily lives are possible and urgently needed for the population in Gaza living under dire circumstances.”
2018-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8358 (2018) · source
“The policy undermines prospects for peace and the viability of the two-State solution. We therefore urge the Israeli authorities to reconsider and reverse those policies. We call for steps to prevent acts of violence against civilians, including acts of terrorism, provocation and destruction. In line with resolution 2334 (2016) and well-established EU policy, we call for the distinction between Israel within pre-1967 borders and occupied territory. As is obvious from the Special Coordinator's briefing today, progress on implementing that part of resolution 2334 (2016) is lacking. We urge all States to act in that regard. Since our previous meeting, in August (see S/PV.8239), we welcome the fact that the situation in and around Gaza has stabilized somewhat thanks to international efforts, not least by the Special Coordinator and Egypt.”
2018-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8358 (2018) · source
“During the reporting period, the Israeli authorities announced plans and tenders for thousands of new settlement units in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, while Palestinian homes are being demolished and people are at risk of being forcibly transferred. We second the calls from both the United Nations and the European Union (EU) to the Israeli authorities to reconsider their decision to demolish the Bedouin village of Khan Al-Ahmar in area E-l. It would have serious consequences for its residents, the majority of whom are children, as well as for the contiguity of the Palestinian State and Palestinian access to East Jerusalem. Israel's settlement policy is illegal under international law, as are actions taken in that context, including the demolitions of Palestinian communities and possible forced transfers of the population.”
2018-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8358 (2018) · source
“I would like to thank Special Coordinator Mladenov for his clear briefing today. I also thank him for his reminder about the urgency and volatility of the situation on the ground and about the fact that, 25 years after the historic Oslo Accords, we need to have a serious and frank discussion about the obstacles to peace and threats to the two-State solution, which represents international consensus. I would like to address three elements of resolution 2334 (2016): settlements, violence and differentiation. The Israeli settlement policy continues unabated despite repeated international condemnation.”
2018-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8358 (2018) · source
“As co-penholders for the Syria humanitarian file, Kuwait and Sweden will continue to ensure that the Council follows developments in Idlib very closely. We continue to be actively exploring all options for the Security Council. We stand ready to work with all Council members and the relevant actors on the best way forward. Enough blood has been shed. All efforts should now be political and diplomatic.”
2018-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8355 (2018) · source
“Women's full and effective participation in the work of the committee must be ensured. We call on all involved to respect the independent middle list created by the United Nations, and we encourage the Special Envoy to convene the committee as soon as possible, as he indicated. Let us all be clear: a full-scale military operation in Idlib would risk any remaining hope for a sustainable and peaceful settlement in Syria. Only once a credible political transition is firmly under way, and when conditions for safe, voluntary and dignified return of refugees and internally displaced persons are in place, will the international donor community be ready to assist in the reconstruction of Syria. The responsibility - and ability - to avoid a catastrophe and allow time for dialogue still lies with Syria and the Astana guarantors.”
2018-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8355 (2018) · source
“We also support the call by Under-Secretary-General Lowcock to all parties to abide by deconfliction protocols. We also appreciate the update by Special Envoy De Mistura on the United Nations-led political process and his tireless efforts in that regard. We agree with him on how resolution 2254 (2015) is intrinsically linked to how to solve the situation in Idlib. Incentives are needed for the day after separation, both for armed groups and for the civilian population. Such incentives can come only from a genuine diplomatic effort on the implementation of resolution 2254 (2015). It is therefore urgent to make progress on the political process in parallel. We lend our full support to the United Nations mandate to establish the constitutional committee and prerogative to ensure its credibility and international legitimacy.”
2018-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8355 (2018) · source
“Civilians and civilian objects must be protected, and all parties are obliged to apply the principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution. All those obligations apply across Idlib and in all of Syria, inside and outside any demilitarized zone. The very clear demands on the parties to the conflict in resolution 2401 (2018) likewise remain in place. We also express our grave concern over new reports of attacks on medical facilities despite deconfliction, for example, the case of the 6 September bombing of the medical facility in Kafar Zita. Such attacks may amount to war crimes. There can be no impunity for violations and abuses of international law, and we reaffirm our strong support for the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism and the Commission of Inquiry in that regard.”
2018-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8355 (2018) · source
“The Secretary-General last week called on the Astana guarantors "to find a way to isolate terrorist groups and create a situation in which civilians will not be the price paid to solve the problem of Idlib". That is as true for Idlib as it is true across Syria. Over the past few weeks, in meeting after meeting, Sweden and Kuwait, together with the vast majority of Security Council members, have consistently called on the Astana guarantors to implement their own de-escalation agreement in Idlib. We will continue that preventative diplomacy, and we repeat our calls today that Syria and its allies must refrain from escalating violence in Idlib, ensure humanitarian access and full freedom of movement for all persons and abide by all their obligations under international law.”
2018-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8355 (2018) · source
“That is also required in order to succeed with efforts to separate terrorist groups as designated by the Security Council from armed opposition groups. We would appreciate receiving more information on the agreement made in Sochi today, including on the implementation of a demilitarized zone to be established by 15 October and reassurances of an immediate cessation of hostilities. We also welcome Special Envoy De Mistura's work in that regard, and we encourage coordination between ongoing efforts where relevant. Counter-terrorism measures in no way relieve the parties of their very clear obligations under international law, which are applicable throughout Idlib and Syria.”
2018-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8355 (2018) · source