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

“We support the proposal put forward by the representative of the Netherlands this morning that the Security Council stay engaged and make public statements in support of the electoral process moving forward. At the NATO Summit in Brussels on 11 and 12 July, we will reaffirm our commitment to doing our part to strengthen and to enable a self-sufficient Afghan security sector that is able to provide the conditions necessary to increased security in Afghanistan. Combating terrorism, creating stability and building national capacity and strong institutions will require action to address the political and economic root causes of conflict and instability. Our commitment to Afghanistan remains firm.”
2018-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8294 (2018) · source
“For our part, to that end and through our most recent contribution to the Afghan National Army trust fund, we support the establishment of the first Women's Police Town, which is aimed at enabling and furthering women's participation in the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces. It is imperative for Afghanistan's future and stability that the planned elections take place in 2018 and 2019 according to schedule and that they be conducted in an inclusive, credible and transparent manner. We urge all stakeholders to do their utmost to ensure increased women's participation in the elections. Recent targeted assaults on the electoral preparations are not only horrific attacks on civilians but also direct attacks on the efforts to build democracy.”
2018-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8294 (2018) · source
“Through regional cooperation, such challenges can be addressed and transformed into mutually beneficial opportunities. Women's full and effective participation in peace processes and political, social and economic life is essential to creating legitimate systems that cater to the needs of the whole population. In addition, it is difficult to think of any other structural change that would more effectively reject what the Taliban stands for. I want to welcome the efforts that the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan has made to that end, which we support. We encourage efforts to ensure women's full participation in the preparations and in the ministerial meeting in Geneva in November.”
2018-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8294 (2018) · source
“We call on the Taliban to respond to the plea for peace from the Afghan people and to engage in a dialogue with the Government to achieve that end. A peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan is key to achieving development and prosperity in the broader region. That should be in everyone's interest. We urge all those with stakes and influence, especially the countries of the region, to act with full and unreserved commitment to engaging constructively in support of a political solution. Indeed, many challenges faced by Afghanistan are common to the countries of the region: security threats, radicalization, the production of, and trade in, narcotics 4 with all its negative effects, as highlighted by Executive Director Fedotov earlier this morning - climate change and conflicts over water and energy resources.”
2018-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8294 (2018) · source
“However, while the past weeks have offered a much-needed glimpse of hope, we remain concerned about the security situation in Afghanistan. The continued high number of civilian casualties, not least among children, and the attacks against humanitarian and development workers are unacceptable. International humanitarian law applies to all parties. There is no military solution to the conflict. The only viable option is an inclusive and Afghan-owned and Afghan-led peace process, leading to a politically negotiated settlement. We strongly welcome the unprecedented steps taken by the Afghan Government in the pursuit of peace. The Government's peace offer at the second Kabul process conference and its temporary unilateral ceasefire are commendable. We deeply regret that the Taliban has not extended its partial ceasefire.”
2018-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8294 (2018) · source
“On 12 May, a small group of ordinary Afghan citizens began an extraordinary journey. They left their homes in Helmand province to begin a 600-kilometre march to Afghanistan's capital, Kabul. As they marched, their numbers increased and they were greeted by large crowds when they arrived in Kabul on 18 June. They brought with them a simple message. After 40 years of violence and conflict, the time for peace in Afghanistan has come. In the presence of Ambassador Saikal, I want to pay tribute to the incredible resolve and resilience of the Afghan people. The widespread support for the march was a demonstration of the strong desire for peace in Afghan, all the more after the brief but historic ceasefires that inspired it.”
2018-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8294 (2018) · source
“Today's challenges may be testing the resolve of the international community and the strength of our system for collective security, but they are not insurmountable. Meeting them will require a determined effort on the part of the countries of the region, as well as a willingness to compromise and an unwavering commitment to the principle on which our international system is built. It is a shared responsibility, not least for the Security Council, and we have to shoulder it too. In the words of former Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjold, "only he deserves power who every day justifies it".”
2018-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8293 (2018) · source
“The full and effective participation of women at all levels is necessary to achieve stability and sustainable development. Indeed, we know all too well the drivers of conflict, but that means we also know how to prevent them. It includes building strong, unified, tolerant, open and free societies, where respect for human rights and legitimate and credible governance institutions prevail. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development represents a framework for addressing the root causes of conflict and is one of the most powerful tools we have for economic and social development in the Middle East and North Africa, as in every other region. I started my remarks today recalling the cultural and historical legacy that the Middle East and North African region has given to the world.”
2018-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8293 (2018) · source
“As we continue to work to end the current crises, we must improve our ability to prevent new conflicts from developing, which means identifying and addressing conflict risks and drivers early, so that we can take early action to sustain peace and prevent conflict before emerges. These drivers include youth unemployment - more than half the population of the region is under 25 years old- chronic underdevelopment and the lack of economic opportunities. However, as we agreed when we adopted resolution 2419 (2018), on youth, peace and security, earlier this month (see S/PV.8277), young people can be a powerful force for peace and prosperity. And women also have a powerful role to play in building the region's future. There are established links between gender inequality, political instability and underdevelopment.”
2018-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8293 (2018) · source
“The interconnected nature of the challenges we face make international and regional cooperation not only desirable but essential. Terrorism and violent extremism affect us all, and we must continue our joint efforts to fight them. That is an integral part of the Security Council's responsibility for maintaining international peace and security. For the fight against terrorism to have any chance of succeeding, it must always be conducted with full respect for international law, including humanitarian law and human rights, and can never be used as an excuse for indiscriminate warfare or the inhumane treatment of detainees.”
2018-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8293 (2018) · source
“The experience of other regional security arrangements, such as the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, including with the Paris Charter, could serve as a model, as several speakers have mentioned this morning. Such a framework should seek to establish common norms and a comprehensive and collaborative concept of security. More than anything, it could help build well-needed confidence and trust between all the countries in the region. Such a framework could also serve as an effective counterpart and partner for the United Nations in its efforts to prevent conflict and promote peace, much like in Africa, where the close cooperation of the United Nations with the continent's regional organization, the African Union, has proved essential.”
2018-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8293 (2018) · source
“The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has gone unresolved for seven decades. The protracted conflict in Yemen has just escalated even further. The United Nations is the only international institution with the legitimacy and credibility to facilitate the political processes needed to end these conflicts. The leadership of the Secretary- General and the use ofhis good offices is essential. We in the Security Council must do all we can to provide him with the support, unity and backing that he and his Special Representatives need. Regional and international dialogue and cooperation must be the primary means for peacefully resolving disputes. There is a need for a common framework in the Middle East for discussion and cooperation on issues of mutual interest and challenges, including security.”
2018-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8293 (2018) · source
“The principles and rules of international humanitarian law are frequently violated, including through indiscriminate attacks on civilians, civilian infrastructure and humanitarian workers, the inhuman and degrading treatment of detained persons and refusals to grant humanitarian access to people in need of assistance. Even the international prohibition against the use of chemical weapons has been violated. So far this has been allowed to happen with impunity, but that must change. We have a responsibility to ensure that the perpetrators of such crimes are brought to justice and held accountable. Military strategies will not deliver sustainable peace. Only inclusive political solutions and peaceful settlements can end conflicts once and for all. The brutal war in Syria is well into its eighth year.”
2018-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8293 (2018) · source
“It is only by working together that we can shoulder the great responsibility that the Charter entrusts to the Council. The permanent members of the Council have a particular responsibility in this regard. We must enhance our efforts for the millions of civilians affected by conflict who depend on us to uphold international law and ensure protection and humanitarian assistance for those most in need. The region is currently the scene of some of the worst humanitarian disasters in modern times. Every day, courageous humanitarian workers risk their lives to provide assistance to people in need. For that we are grateful, and we need to support them. The very system that we have built over decades to protect the most vulnerable in times of armed conflict is under threat.”
2018-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8293 (2018) · source
“Sweden, together with the rest of the European Union, will continue to fully support the nuclear agreement with Iran and its implementation. The challenges in the Middle East and North Africa are taking up an increasing portion of the Council's agenda. At the same time, it could be argued that in no other region has the Security Council been more divided or more flagrantly failed to live up to its responsibilities. During our time as an elected member, we have tried to bridge the divides and contribute to constructive, results-oriented discussions aimed at making a real difference on the ground. It was in that spirit that we hosted the Secretary-General's retreat in Sweden in April. We came away with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to collective efforts.”
2018-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8293 (2018) · source
“Today the Middle East and North Africa region is home to a vibrant young population, striving to be active citizens in inclusive open societies and to build better futures for themselves and their fellow citizens, which brings great hope. Yet many aspirations are still held back. Intensifying internal conflict and sectarian violence polarize countries across the region. Increasingly, conflicts in the Middle East are interlinked and there is a risk of regionalization, which could have global consequences. The goal to create a zone free of weapons of mass destruction in the region, which has been supported by the Security Council, has not materialized. There have been setbacks in diplomatic efforts in that area.”
2018-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8293 (2018) · source
“I thank you, Mr. President, for organizing today's broader debate on a region that unfortunately makes up a very large portion of the agenda of the Security Council and on which members of the Council have been divided far too often. I would also like to thank the Secretary-General for his thought-provoking intervention earlier today on the situation in the Middle East and North Africa. We align ourselves with the statement to be made later on behalf of the European Union. Throughout history, the Middle East and North Africa have acted as a confluence for many of the world's peoples and religions and as a conduit for trade and human interaction for the benefit and advancement of the region and beyond. In the process, the region has gifted us an unrivalled wealth of history and culture.”
2018-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8293 (2018) · source
“Let me conclude with a quoteation from United States Senator Robert Fitzgerald Kennedy, who died 50 years ago today. "This world demands the qualities of youth: not a time oflife but a state of mind, a temper of the will, a quality of the imagination, a predominance of courage over timidity, of the appetite for adventure over the life of ease." We must never seek to quell those qualities of youth, either in the next generation of leaders or in ourselves.”
2018-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8277 (2018) · source
“That means inviting, including and listening to youth and youth-led civil society in our work. I would like to thank all delegations for their positive contributions to the negotiations on the draft resolution. I want to pay a special word of thanks to the initiator and co-penholder, Peru, as well as to express my gratitude at the fact that so many countries decided to become co-sponsors of the draft resolution. Today's draft resolution marks an advance in our collective determination to ensure that youth can play their rightful and necessary role in the work of the Security Council and in building peace across the world. We have heard their voices here in the Chamber, most recently in April. We should not only listen to them and heed them, but also learn from them.”
2018-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8277 (2018) · source
“First, it underlines the contribution that young people can make to peace and security if they are actively engaged and their knowledge, strengths and enthusiasm are unlocked and taken seriously. Secondly, it recognizes the diversity of youth and the need to counter any stigmatization of youth as having different aspirations, opportunities and challenges. Every voice must be heard. The draft resolution also highlights the need to recognize the specific challenges and discrimination young women face. Thirdly, it highlights that youth are a crucial part of implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and in advancing peaceful, just and inclusive societies. Fourthly, the draft resolution calls on both Member States and all United Nations entities to enhance the level and quality of dialogue with youth.”
2018-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8277 (2018) · source
“During the open debate on youth, peace and security in April (see S/PV.8241), my delegation underlined the need to harness the power and leadership of youth as effective peacebuilders in all aspects of sustaining peace. I am therefore delighted to introduce, along with Peru, today's draft resolution on youth, peace and security (S/2018/532). The draft resolution builds on the ground-breaking resolution 2250 (2015)), so ably shepherded through the Security Council by Jordan in 2015. I would also like to acknowledge again today Jordan's continued leadership and championing of the youth, peace and security agenda at the United Nations. The draft resolution before the Council today builds on and complements resolution 2250 (2015). It does so in several ways.”
2018-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8277 (2018) · source
“The year 2018 marks the 50-year anniversary of a historic and tumultuous year in the history of many of our countries. The year 1968 heralded the arrival of a new generation, whose members marked their arrival loudly with protests and demonstrations, including the occupation of universities, aimed at challenging elites and changing the status quo. Many of the young leaders of those movements would go on to be leaders in their countries, bringing the "spirit of '68" to the organizations they once railed against. Since then new generations have been constantly challenging the status quo - just one reminder of how the power of youth can, and will, herald change.”
2018-06-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8277 (2018) · source
“The Council must come together to address the crisis and the tension. Otherwise, we risk sliding into another devastating conflict like we did four years ago. This is indeed about conflict prevention. The Special Coordinator presented a plan last week that included the urgent implementation of already approved projects for Gaza, which would have immediate benefits for the daily lives of people, revive efforts to empower the Palestinian Authority to take up its responsibilities in Gaza, and sustain the 2014 ceasefire understandings on the ground, including halting the militant build-up. Sweden stands ready to contribute to efforts in the Security Council to take such measures forward with renewed urgency and determination.”
2018-06-01 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8274 (2018) · source
“The draft resolution does not address the end result of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict for which the Council has been striving for many years - a negotiated two- State solution based on international law, previous agreements, relevant United Nations resolutions and known parameters. Furthermore, the draft resolution was not presented for negotiations or consultations among the members of the Council, in accordance with established procedure. For those reasons, while sympathetic to many aspects of the draft, we abstained in the voting on the text. While the Council could not agree today, we must not abdicate our responsibility under the Charter. On Wednesday, the Special Coordinator clearly warned us of how close to the brink of war we currently are and of the pressing humanitarian situation in Gaza (see S/PV.8272).”
2018-06-01 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8274 (2018) · source
“I would like to pay tribute to the Kuwaiti delegation for facilitating the draft resolution. We all know that the matter is sensitive, but our Kuwaiti colleagues have displayed good faith, inclusiveness, flexibility and transparency during the negotiations process. With regard to the draft resolution proposed by the United States, we believe that the language does not address the full reality or context of the situation in Gaza, including the violence and tragic loss of life we have witnessed since last March. In addition, the proposal does not contain important language on international humanitarian law and humanitarian access, which are of fundamental importance to the people on the ground.”
2018-06-01 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8274 (2018) · source
“It deplores both excessive disproportionate and indiscriminate force by Israeli forces against civilians in Palestine and the firing of rockets from Gaza into civilian areas in Israel. Thirdly, it calls for immediate steps to end the closure of Gaza. While fully understanding the legitimate security concerns of Israel, Palestine and Egypt, we have repeatedly called for the lifting of restrictions and full and sustained access for all donors. Fourthly, the text welcomes and urges further engagement by the Secretary-General and the Special Coordinator to assist in immediate efforts to de-escalate the situation on the ground. We urge all parties to act with utmost restraint to avoid the loss of life, break the cycle of violence and prevent a new conflict.”
2018-06-01 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8274 (2018) · source
“I congratulate Russia on assuming the presidency of the Security Council. We deeply admire and thank Poland for the manner in which it conducted business as president of the Council in May. It is highly regrettable that the Council was unable to find unity around a meaningful decision in response to the situation in and around Gaza over the past few months. Sweden voted in favour of the draft resolution presented by Kuwait (S/2018/516) for a number of reasons. First, it calls for full respect by all parties of international human rights law and international humanitarian law, including with regard to the protection of the civilian population. The draft resolution requests that the Security-General recommend a mechanism for that purpose. Secondly, the text condemns all acts of violence, including acts of terrorism.”
2018-06-01 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8274 (2018) · source
“We thank the Kuwaiti delegation for the draft resolution, which includes a call for measures for improving the situation for civilians in Palestine, including the establishment of a mechanism for that purpose. We hope for constructive engagement by everyone on the draft resolution.”
2018-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8272 (2018) · source
“Once again we urge all parties to act with the utmost restraint to prevent loss of life and protect civilians, in particular children, ensure that all measures taken are proportionate and take immediate steps to de-escalate the situation and break the cycle of violence. We welcome the fact that the attacks and retaliation appear to have ended, at least for now. The Council has the responsibility to contribute to de-escalation in Gaza. As many others around the table have said today, we regret that the Council has not been able to agree on public statements relating to the situation. The Council must come together to address the crisis and more broadely engage in efforts to advance the peace process and the two-State solution.”
2018-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8272 (2018) · source
“In words and deeds, Sweden has repeatedly encouraged and called for a remedy to UNRWA's financial crisis, . We also underline the importance of unimpeded access to Gaza for all humanitarian actors. It is crucial that our humanitarian support contribute to increased intra-Palestinian unity. It is therefore high time to end the policy of closure in Gaza. While fully understanding the legitimate security concerns of Israel, Palestine and Egypt, we repeat our call for the lifting of restrictions and full and sustained access and movement. We welcome Egypt's opening of the Rafah crossing point during the holy month of Ramadan, as well as Egypt's efforts towards intra-Palestinian reconciliation. Yesterday's developments occurred at a sensitive time.”
2018-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8272 (2018) · source
“Since 30 March the Council has been seized repeatedly of the violence in and around Gaza. As we all know, Gaza is on the verge of social and economic collapse. We must urgently address the humanitarian crisis and alleviate the suffering of its people. Just last week, we welcomed proposals to that end. We encourage efforts to take such measures forward with renewed urgency and determination. It is important to prioritize initiatives that have immediate positive effects on the daily lives of Palestinians in Gaza and the wider region. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) plays a critical role in providing fundamental services, such as health and education, thereby contributing to stability in the egion. It must receive needed urgent political and financial support from us all.”
2018-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8272 (2018) · source
“I thank Special Coordinator Mladenov for his pertinent briefing. We very much welcome his commitment to addressing the volatile situation and contributing to a de-escalation of violence. I would like to begin by expressing deep regret about the violence and about the large number of people who have been killed and injured over the past few weeks. Sweden condemns yesterday's indiscriminate firing of rockets by Palestinian militants from Gaza towards Israel. Such attacks are unacceptable and must stop immediately. We note that at least one of the rockets fell in the vicinity of a kindergarten. As we have clearly stated in the Chamber, children must never be the target of violence, be put at risk or encouraged to participate in violence. Yesterday's attack did not take place in a vacuum.”
2018-05-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8272 (2018) · source
“On 24 May the independent and impartial Joint Investigation Team concluded beyond doubt that the BUK missile system used to bring down the flight belonged to the armed forces of the Russian Federation, based in Kursk. We condemn that tragedy and call upon the Russian Federation to accept its responsibility to cooperate fully with the ongoing international criminal investigation in order to establish accountability and to provide full reparations for the injury caused by those unlawful acts. We reiterate our support for resolution 2166 (2014).”
2018-05-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8270 (2018) · source
“Human-rights monitors consistently report on the deteriorating human-rights situation in Crimea, where torture, kidnapping and house searches have become commonplace. Full, free and unrestricted access for international human-rights actors to the whole territory of Ukraine, including Crimea, continues to be paramount. We welcome the yearly General Assembly resolution on the situation of human rights in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sebastopol, Ukraine, and its bold support. As the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands reminded us today, 298 human lives were lost in the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH-l7. That was a heinous crime that constitutes an unacceptable violation of international law.”
2018-05-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8270 (2018) · source
“It is unacceptable that the Mission's monitors continue to be intimidated, denied access and to have their equipment destroyed, primarily in areas held by Russian-backed armed groups. We call on Russia to use its influence over the armed groups it supports to ensure the Special Monitoring Mission's full, safe and unhindered access throughout Ukraine, including along the Russia-Ukraine State border and to the Crimean peninsula. The recent holding of presidential elections in illegally annexed Crimea and the inauguration of the Kerch Bridge, connecting the peninsula to mainland Russia, constitute clear breaches of international law. The European Union and Sweden will continue to remain firm in applying a non-recognition policy regarding Crimea, including through sanctions.”
2018-05-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8270 (2018) · source
“Our full support for those efforts does not alter the fact that Russia's continuous aggression against Ukraine is the origin of the conflict, and that Russia has the influence to end it Whenever it so chooses. The withdrawal of foreign armed formations, military equipment and mercenaries from the territory of Ukraine, as well as the restoration of Ukrainian control over its State border, remain crucial. Sweden will welcome, and be ready to contribute to, a possible United Nations mission in Donbas. However, such a mission must, from the outset, cover the entire occupied area of Ukraine, including the Russia-Ukraine border, and have as its clear aim the restoration of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. We strongly support the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine.”
2018-05-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8270 (2018) · source
“We are deeply concerned over the recent escalation of violence and the deteriorating humanitarian and human-rights situation in Donbas. Casualties, heavy shelling, damaged critical infrastructure and imminent environmental disasters underline how civilians are bearing the heaviest burden. Almost 3.5 million people are now affected by conflict and need humanitarian assistance. The thousands of Ukrainians living along the contact line are in particular need. It is crucial that humanitarian actors be given full, safe and unhindered access to people in need of humanitarian assistance, as has been stated by many around the table today. We call for an immediate and full implementation of the Minsk agreements, and we support efforts within the Normandy format to that end.”
2018-05-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8270 (2018) · source
“I thank the briefers for their excellent input in today's discussion. I should like to express our appreciation to the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland, the Kingdom of the Netherlands and of Ukraine for being present here today. We very much welcome this opportunity to discuss the situation in eastern Ukraine, and we want to thank the Polish presidency for scheduling this very important briefing. The redrawing of borders - backed by military power - as we have seen not only in Ukraine but also in Georgia, represents a threat that goes beyond Europe. When a State decides to challenge the international legal order and the Charter of the United Nations as such, it constitutes a threat to us all. Security is not a zero-sum game, and the rules-based order can function only when everyone adheres to the rules.”
2018-05-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8270 (2018) · source
“Sweden calls on Burundian authorities to ensure that the three human rights experts mandated by the Human Rights Council can carry out their work in the country unhindered. In addition, we urge Burundi to swiftly agree on a memorandum of understanding with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, as well as with the African Union, with regard to its human rights and military observers. Upholding and respecting human rights and ensuring accountability are critical, nurture trust, strengthen dialogue and reconciliation - and ultimately contribute to durable peace.”
2018-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8268 (2018) · source
“We expect the Government to commit fully to the inter-Burundian dialogue. The efforts of the Burundi configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) are equally important. The PBC remains a unique platform for discussing the situation in the country with Burundi. We strongly support Ambassador Lauber's approach and efforts and hope that the dialogue on socioeconomic issues will contribute to increased confidence between Burundi and its partners. In the short term, addressing the humanitarian situation in Burundi is of paramount importance. Urgent action is needed to alleviate immediate suffering rooted in issues such as food insecurity and protection challenges. Lastly, continued reports of grave human rights violations and abuses in Burundi remain deeply worrisome.”
2018-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8268 (2018) · source
“However, reports of an overall climate of intimidation, including the closure of certain media outlets in the lead-up to the referendum, demonstrate that conditions for reconciliation and long-lasting political peace and stability are still largely absent. The spirit and key provisions of the Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Agreement for Burundi therefore remains relevant and central. They constitute a pillar for peace and stability in Burundi and the entire region. An inclusive political resolution of the current conflict must be found through dialogue. A lack thereof will negatively affect upcoming elections in 2020 and the socioeconomic and humanitarian situation. We fully support greater involvement in East African Community-led mediation efforts under President Museveni and former President Mkapa.”
2018-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8268 (2018) · source
“I would very much like to thank the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Burundi, Mr. Kafando, and Ambassador Jiirg Lauber for their very useful briefings today. I would like to underscore that we fully support their efforts to achieve durable peace and sustainable development in Burundi. Today's briefings underlined the precarious nature of the current political, economic and humanitarian situation in the country and continued reports of grave human rights violations and abuses. The attack on 11 May, which many have mentioned, killed 26 people in Ruhagarika and further demonstrates that the security situation remains fragile. The referendum on 17 May was held against that backdrop. We note that the Government allowed some campaigning during the campaign period.”
2018-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8268 (2018) · source
“We must strive to create a world in which no one, neither Government nor armed groups, believe that they can violate without consequence the rules that we have all agreed on to protect civilians caught up in conflict. The Council has a unique role in changing the game. It is one we cannot abdicate or ignore.”
2018-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8264 (2018) · source
“Safeguarding respect for international humanitarian law, refugee law and international human rights law in these compacts will be crucial. In practical terms, close coordination and solidarity across the international community is essential to effectively addressing the needs of migrants and refugees. We support the recommendations contained in the report of the Secretary-General (S/2018/462) and are committed to implementing them. Today the ICRC and Ms. Edwar have asked us to do more, so it is high time to step up. Waging war in violation of the rules seems to come at a very small cost; the cost is borne by innocent civilians.”
2018-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8264 (2018) · source
“Secondly, we welcome efforts to strengthen the protection-of-civilians mandate of United Nations peacekeeping missions. While the primary responsibility for the protection of civilians undoubtedly lies with the host nation, United Nations missions have a crucial role to play. In this regard, we need to build on positive experiences and best practices. We welcome the newly agreed accountability policy clearly stating the responsibility of senior leadership for strategically employing the protection-of-civilians mandate in the work plans of missions. Thirdly, at the core of both the Secretary-General's and the President of the General Assembly's agendas are the global compacts for refugees and migrants. The number of people displaced by conflict continues to rise, and today's levels of forced displacement are unprecedented.”
2018-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8264 (2018) · source
“The international community, including the Council, can and should act to protect medical care in armed conflict. International law must be respected, and violations of international law, including international humanitarian law, must be addressed. We need concrete steps to improve monitoring and reporting mechanisms, as well as data collection. We are currently looking into how United Nations peacekeeping missions and military practice could be improved to more effectively protect health care. Together with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Swedish Red Cross, the Swedish Government will launch a project aimed at enhancing the ability of armed forces to meet their obligation to ensure the protection of and respect for health care in armed conflict while performing their duties.”
2018-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8264 (2018) · source
“First, there is an urgent need to advance the commitments set out in resolution 2286 (2016), on the protection of health care in armed conflict and on turning the recommendations of the Secretary-General into action on the ground. In Syria alone, 112 attacks against medical facilities and workers took place in 2017. In addition, 645,000 medical items were removed from inter-agency cross-line convoys. In Yemen, health infrastructure has deteriorated drastically during the conflict, and we are witnessing the breakdown of public institutions, including health-care services that have to make do with very scarce supplies. In Afghanistan, women make up the largest group of those unable to access health-care services as a result of violence.”
2018-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8264 (2018) · source
“Its reporting and monitoring of grave violations against children in armed conflict are important elements not only for ending impunity, but also for engagement with parties to conflict. As Chairman of the Security Council Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict, Sweden will continue to insist on action on this agenda in the Council. The Secretary-General spoke about the need to break the vicious circle between conflict and food insecurity. We welcome the ongoing work of the Council on conflict and hunger, which we hope can lead to the adoption of a resolution in the very near future. I would like to focus on three issues at the heart of the protection-of-civilians agenda.”
2018-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8264 (2018) · source
“In addition, creating a link between protection, empowerment and participation can help support sustainable peace and avoid the narrow perception of women as primarily objects of protection, as Hanaa Edwar said this morning. The disproportionate suffering of children as a result of armed conflict must be highlighted. Boys and girls are killed and maimed, recruited as soldiers, as human shields or even as forced suicide bombers. Schools and health-care facilities are destroyed, impeding children's enjoyment of their human rights. It is essential that we protect children today to prevent new cycles of violence and conflict tomorrow. The children and armed conflict agenda is an important accountability mechanism.”
2018-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8264 (2018) · source
“The widespread constraints on humanitarian access by parties to conflicts and deliberate attacks against medical personal and humanitarian workers cruelly deprive civilians of the assistance that they so desperately need. The protection needs of women, girls, men and boys often differ. Integrating a gender perspective into the implementation of international humanitarian law and our targeted humanitarian responses is essential. The experiences from Mali, Iraq, Afghanistan and South Sudan affirm the importance of integrating a gender perspective across the operations of United Nations missions, including references to gender in Security Council resolutions and statements and collecting and analysing gender- and age-disaggregated data.”
2018-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8264 (2018) · source