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 must support further intensified efforts by the African Union High Representative, former President Konare, and by the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission Chairperson, former President Mogae. We should also coordinate closely with regional leaders to use their influence over the parties. The region has indeed a critical role to play, but this does not absolve the Security Council and the United Nations of its responsibilities. We therefore welcome the leadership shown by Secretary-General Guterres and encourage him to continue to actively engage on South Sudan, as many others have said here this morning, using his good offices and bringing the United Nations system together.”
2017-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7930 (2017) · source
“Those responsible for human rights violations and abuses must be identified and held accountable. Accountability can be an effective deterrent of atrocity crimes. We therefore encourage the President of the Security Council to take forward the Panel of Experts' proposal that we heard about this morning that the Council write to the President of the Human Rights Council and to the High Commissioner for Human Rights to request that the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan receive the full legal and forensic support needed to carry out its work. It is essential that the Council stands united on the situation in South Sudan, and there is no reason why we should not.”
2017-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7930 (2017) · source
“It is unacceptable that South Sudan remain one of the most dangerous countries in the world for humanitarian workers. We have just heard this morning of the World Food Programme as being just the latest entity to experience unacceptable obstacles to its work. The Secretary-General's report (S/2017/224) indicates that the Government's procedures change regularly and that denials or delays in clearance appear to be systematic rather than incidental. Any manipulation of access to humanitarian aid for the civilian population is inexcusable and must end. We call on all parties to the conflict to uphold humanitarian principles and meet their obligations under international humanitarian law. The rapid, safe and unhindered delivery of relief across South Sudan must be ensured.”
2017-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7930 (2017) · source
“While the belligerents have continued their war of attrition, they must by now realize that only a political solution can resolve the conflict. Immediate adherence to the ceasefire by all parties is critically needed to allow for a meaningful political process. Such a process should be closely supported by the United Nations, the African Union and IGAD and aimed at revitalizing a comprehensive and inclusive political dialogue, always with the full and effective participation of women. The innocent civilians trapped in the nightmare in South Sudan cannot wait. While efforts to find a political solution continue, there is a need to urgently address the humanitarian situation to avoid catastrophic consequences. Humanitarians must be able to do their job.”
2017-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7930 (2017) · source
“Instead, the political, security and humanitarian situation in South Sudan has continued to deteriorate, as we heard this morning. Millions are starving, and millions more are displaced either inside or outside the country. Continued fighting and reports of increased ethnically motivated violence is of deep concern. As the Special Representative of the Secretary-General said, this is a man-made disaster. Attacks against civilians and reports of high levels of sexual and gender-based Violence in Wau, Pajok and Malakal are appalling. Yet in the face of the growing desperation and suffering of the people, we continue to see the denial of access for humanitarian actors and a failure to take the steps needed to end conflict and build peace.”
2017-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7930 (2017) · source
“We called for an end to the violence, for increased humanitarian access, for the United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS) to be able to do its work, and for support for implementation of the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan. Two days later, on 25 March, the Heads of State of countries members of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) issued a communique deciding that all humanitarian corridors should be immediately opened. The IGAD extraordinary summit further declared that the Government of South Sudan had agreed to announce a unilateral ceasefire. In the month since then, however, the parties have failed to deliver on even one of these commitments and benchmarks.”
2017-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7930 (2017) · source
“I would like to begin by thanking Special Representative of the Secretary- General David Shearer for his sobering briefing but also for the very energetic way with which he has begun his mission under difficult circumstances. I would also like to thank the representative of Senegal for his strong leadership at the helm of the Committee established pursuant to 2206 (2015) concerning South Sudan. As many colleagues have mentioned this morning, it was just over a month ago that the Security Council met at the ministerial level (see S/PV.7906) to adopt a presidential statement on South Sudan (S/PRST/2017/4).”
2017-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7930 (2017) · source
“The parties hold the key to finding a final status solution, but the international community, including regional actors, must also meet their responsibilities by supporting the parties in their efforts to break the current deadlock. We welcome the efforts by the United States of America to move the issue forward. The Council, too, has an obvious role in shouldering that responsibility and in moving forward with concrete and constructive ideas on how to solve the conflict. We have a very important task ahead of us.”
2017-04-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7929 (2017) · source
“In conclusion, settling the Middle East peace process and realizing the two-State solution is, first and foremost, in the interest of Israel and Palestine, but also in the interest of wider regional peace and security, as it will create better conditions for dealing with other regional conflicts and tensions. A two-State solution must meet the security needs of both parties and Palestinian aspirations for statehood and sovereignty, and it must end the occupation and resolve permanent status issues. The two-State solution is seriously at risk, and we must now avoid any prejudging of the outcome of future negotiations, such as the status of Jerusalem as the future capital of the two States.”
2017-04-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7929 (2017) · source
“We welcome the readiness of the United Nations to scale up support for evacuees and call on all parties to protect civilians, which is their obligation under international humanitarian law. Intensified efforts to achieve a real nationwide ceasefire are urgently needed. A political agreement on the basis of resolution 2254 (2015), including a credible political transition, is the only path to sustainable peace in Syria. Key stakeholders must intensify efforts to facilitate progress on launching the next round of United Nations-led intra-Syrian talks in Geneva under the leadership of Secretary-General Guterres and his Special Envoy, Staffan de Mistura. We welcome recent progress in Lebanon. It is now important to reach an agreement on a new electoral framework and to hold timely parliamentary elections.”
2017-04-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7929 (2017) · source
“The full and sustainable opening of the crossing points for humanitarian organizations and State representatives, with due consideration given to both Israeli and Palestinian security needs, is key. I would now like to say a few words on Syria and Lebanon. The conflict in Syria has entered its seventh year, with devastating human suffering. The repeated use of chemical weapons in the conflict is appalling and must stop immediately. We support the full investigation of the attack on Khan Shaykhun on 4 April and the work by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons in that regard. We condemn in the strongest terms the horrific attack in Rashidin on 15 April, which killed 126 people, including many children.”
2017-04-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7929 (2017) · source
“Resolution 2334 (2016) on settlements, violence and the distinction between Israel and occupied land was also in line with the important recommendations made in the report of July 2016 by the Quartet (see S/2016/595). The resolution has clear messages for both parties, and both parties have a duty to implement its provisions. Thirdly, the situation in Gaza remains tense and unsustainable. All parties must act responsibly and in the interests of the inhabitants of Gaza. Steps must be taken to produce a fundamental change in the political, security and economic situation. That includes intra-Palestinian reconciliation, accelerated reconstruction and an end to the Israeli closure policy.”
2017-04-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7929 (2017) · source
“Indeed, the viability of the two-State solution could soon move beyond our reach. Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank must, therefore, come to an end. In line with European Union policy, Sweden strongly condemns the so-called regularisation law, which seeks to allow the confiscation ofprivately owned Palestinian land. That law, as well as the Israeli announcements regarding thousands of new illegal settlements units on occupied land and the decision to establish the first new settlement on the West Bank in over 20 years, constitute flagrant violations of international law, as stated in resolution 2334 (2016). They also undermine peace and the viability of the State of Palestine.”
2017-04-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7929 (2017) · source
“Secondly, there is now a real sense of urgency regarding the issue of settlements. Developments on the ground continue to take us further away from the two- State solution. The idea ofa status quo is an illusion. The increased number of settlement units and the growing incidence of the demolition of Palestinian homes and infrastructure will only lead to further suffering. That will spark continued and recurring outbursts of violence, which must, of course, be condemned. It will also have severe repercussions for regional peace and stability. The settlements, the separation barrier built on occupied land, the demolition of homes and the evictions are illegal under international law. They negatively impact the human rights of Palestinians and seriously threaten the two-State solution.”
2017-04-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7929 (2017) · source
“Reaching that final-status agreement would have several positive regional side effects. It would enhance regional cooperation, diminish regional tensions and remove some of the arguments used to recruit and radicalize youth in the region and beyond. If the Arab Peace Initiative were part of the solution, those positive side-effects would be multiplied, creating a whole new regional dynamic that would benefit all constructive actors. That highlights the importance of maintaining the Middle East peace process and the Palestinian question on the agenda of the Council. Together with Israelis and Palestinians, the international community and the Council have a responsibility to remain engaged in order to find a just, comprehensive and sustainable resolution to the conflict, and regional partners have a key role to play.”
2017-04-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7929 (2017) · source
“I would first like to thank Special Coordinator Nickolay Mladenov for his briefing. The United Nations and its agencies deserve to be commended for the increasingly challenging work they are undertaking in the field across the Middle East. I would like to start with three issues relating to the Middle East peace process. First, the Palestinian question has been on the agenda of the United Nations since the Organization was founded. Today, 70 years later, after decades of violence and suffering affecting both sides, and after 50 years of occupation, it seems clear to all that the parties by themselves are unable to resolve the matter and reach the solution that the Security Council is striving for - two States, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security.”
2017-04-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7929 (2017) · source
“We are therefore encouraged by the Secretary-General's commitment to making Libya a priority for 2017. While reviewing its long-term approach, it is crucial that the United Nations remain fully engaged in the short term as well. It must be equipped to play a leading role, as Mr. Kobler said, in moving from containment to reinvigorating the political process in support of negotiations between the parties and coordinating international efforts. Time is of the essence.”
2017-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7927 (2017) · source
“The Political Agreement's implementation should reflect the interests of all Libyans, women and men, and the whole of the country, including the South. It goes without saying that the details of any possible amendments are for the Libyan people to decide. We are encouraged by the parties' signs ofincreased willingness to engage in dialogue, as well as by the constructive support from neighbouring States and regional organizations. In that regard, we are happy to see the valuable inclusion of the European Union, Libya's neighbour and partner, in the quartet. In order to respond to what we hope is an emerging readiness to move the process forward, the United Nations must now urgently pursue a reinvigorated, broad and long-term approach to Libya.”
2017-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7927 (2017) · source
“As one of the 10 largest bilateral donors to Libya, Sweden stresses that all international assistance must be implemented in line with international law, including refugee law. There is clearly no military solution to the conflict. The only Viable way forward is through Libyan-led, United Nations-supported political negotiations based on the Libyan Political Agreement. The Security Council and the international community as a whole have a responsibility to come together in support of the Libyan Presidency Council and the Government of National Accord as the sole legitimate Government, in accordance with resolution 2259 (2015) and subsequent resolutions. At the same time, we should be receptive to parties' calls for amendments to the Political Agreement that can ensure inclusivity.”
2017-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7927 (2017) · source
“The decision of the International Criminal Court to intensify its work on Libya is more relevant than ever. The security vacuum has also had dire consequences for Libya's many refugees and migrants, as has been mentioned here this morning. We are alarmed by the reports of arbitrary detention and unsafe conditions in migrant detention centres. We welcome the efforts of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya to investigate the allegations of sexual abuse and exploitation of women in those centres, and urge the parties to enable increased humanitarian access for international organizations such as the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the International Organization for Migration.”
2017-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7927 (2017) · source
“As documented in the Secretary-General's report (S/2017/283), the civilian population of Libya is clearly paying a staggeringly high price as a result of this conflict. Millions of people have been affected, with 300,000 currently displaced by insecurity and violence. Illegal flows of arms into the country prolong the conflict and increase civilian suffering. We would like to remind all United Nations members of their responsibility to fully implement the Libya sanctions, including the arms embargo. A breakdown in the rule of law has resulted in all parties to the conflict committing widespread human rights abuses and unacceptable violations of international humanitarian law, including against children. Those responsible should be held to account.”
2017-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7927 (2017) · source
“I would like to begin by thanking Mr. Martin Kobler for his briefing and his commendable and tireless efforts, which we greatly appreciate. The briefing we just heard from him provides a sobering assessment of the situation in Libya. Despite the efforts to reinvigorate the political process, the security situation continues to worsen across the country. We are particularly concerned about the recent military escalation in southern Libya, as well as the recurring violent clashes in the capital, including attempts to take over Government infrastructure, and the fighting in the oil crescent. It is imperative that we not allow such developments to run the risk of returning the country to full-scale conflict. The consequences would be disastrous both for the people of Libya and the security of the entire region.”
2017-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7927 (2017) · source
“Lastly, the Committee has also consulted with the Permanent Mission on the subject of oversight of certain Libyan public and financial institutions, also pursuant to a recommendation of the Panel. Finally, the Committee received two letters from Malta concerning the activities of two vessels that reportedly were illicitly attempting to export petroleum products and fuel from Libya to other destinations. The Committee has not yet completed its consideration of that matter.”
2017-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7927 (2017) · source
“On the subject of communication with Libya, I would also like to mention that the Committee has sought information from the Permanent Mission of Libya to the United Nations concerning the officials authorized to sign off on documentation relating to any future arms embargo exemption requests, pursuant to paragraph 8 of resolution 2174 (2014). That was done as a follow-up to a recommendation made by the Panel Of Experts established pursuant to paragraph 24 of resolution 1973 (2011) in its interim report. The Committee has also shared with the Permanent Mission details concerning all previous arms embargo and assets freeze exemption requests considered by the Committee.”
2017-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7927 (2017) · source
“The Committee had no objection to a notification submitted by the United Kingdom, under paragraph 19 (a) of resolution 1970 (2011), in relation to the same listed identity. Regarding an exemption request received from Canada, pertaining to an asset owned by a listed individual, the Committee sought additional details prior to further consideration of the matter. On the travel ban, during the period under review, the Committee approved an update to its fourth implementation assistance notice, which relates to the travel ban measure. Upon the request of Libya, the Committee also approved the extension of a travel ban waiver for a listed individual who is currently undergoing medical treatment in Egypt until 23 August.”
2017-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7927 (2017) · source
“The Committee also received two post- delivery notifications from the United Nations Support Mission in Libya and from Malta, respectively, the latter having been submitted together with that of the European Union delegation. Those notifications were for items that have previously been exempted by the Committee under paragraph 13 (b) of resolution 2009 (2011) and paragraph 9 (c) of resolution 1970 (2011). The Committee further responded to three requests from Tunisia, Turkey and Greece for guidance on the scope and implementation of the arms embargo. Concerning the assets freeze, the Committee has not yet concluded its consideration of a request by Switzerland for exemption, in accordance with paragraph 19 (b) ofresolution 1970 (2011), in relation to the assets ofthe Libya Africa Investment Portfolio.”
2017-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7927 (2017) · source
“My report is slightly more dry than the one we just heard, I am afraid. In accordance with paragraph 24 (e) of resolution 1970 (2011), I have the duty to report to the Security Council on the work of the Committee established by the same resolution. The report covers the period from 7 December 2016 to 19 April 2017, during which time the Committee members dealt with various aspects of the sanctions regime via the silence procedure. First, with regard to the arms embargo, during the period under review, the Committee approved a request for an exemption from the arms embargo submitted under paragraph 9 (c) of resolution 1970 (2011) by the Netherlands.”
2017-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7927 (2017) · source
“Speaking in Geneva earlier this year, the Secretary- General told the Human Rights Council that "perhaps the best prevention tool we have is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the treaties that derive from it". If we are to fully live up to our responsibility to prevent conflict and maintain peace, human rights must be at the core of our business. We must and we can do better.”
2017-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7926 (2017) · source
“The mechanisms and special procedures of the OHCHR and the Human Rights Council's are an independent and reliable source of information that the Security Council should make better use of in its work by, inter alia, inviting them to regularly briefthe Council on urgent human rights related matters - before, during and after conflicts. Early warning mechanisms and relevant and independent information from the ground is crucial in order for the Security Council to effectively assess, prevent and respond to conflicts. Briefings by the Secretariat to the Council should always include human rights as part of broader conflict analysis, drawing on the whole of the United Nations system to support the Council's decision-making.”
2017-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7926 (2017) · source
“The failure to act fails the victims and undermines the legitimacy of the Council. We must also not forget the important role played by the International Criminal Court in this regard. The Human Rights Council is the main United Nations human rights body. We absolutely agree with that. That should continue to be the case, and the Human Rights Council needs to have our full support in delivering on its mandate. It is equally clear that human rights are a critical aspect of the Security Council's mandate to maintain international peace and security. These are mutually reinforcing structures.”
2017-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7926 (2017) · source
“Just as a lack of respect for human rights can be a spur to conflict, a comprehensive human rights framework that ensures that the rights of all individuals and communities within a society are recognized and respected is critical to building sustainable peace. The United Nations, including peacekeeping operations, should better support efforts to strengthen national capacities, including on the rule of law. Ending impunity is also of key importance for reconciliation. Cultural impunity is a terrible trend. The importance of ensuring accountability for human rights abuses and violations is relevant in all three phases. The Security Council must do better. There are numerous examples of where grave human rights violations have occurred and where early action by the Security Council could have made a difference.”
2017-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7926 (2017) · source
“Human rights components must be standard in all peace operations. The protection and promotion of human rights should be a whole-of-mission approach. The integration of human rights into all aspects of peace operations, as well as in reports by the Secretary- General, should be strengthened. Human rights mandates decided upon by the Security Council must be adequately and sustainably funded. Finally, human rights are essential for consolidating peace when emerging from conflict. Building sustainable and peaceful societies requires a comprehensive approach that brings together peace and security, sustainable development, gender equality and human rights.”
2017-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7926 (2017) · source
“Monitoring respect for all human rights - civil and political rights, as well as economic, social and cultural rights - must be an integral part of prevention. Responding early to violations and abuses of human rights can effectively prevent conflicts before they become a threat to regional and international peace and security. Secondly, during conflicts, respect for international law, including human rights law and international humanitarian law, must be upheld. The trend is unfortunately the complete opposite. The correlation between conflict and discrimination against women has been established, making upholding women's human rights a security concern. Monitoring and reporting of all human rights during conflicts are crucial, including for the protection of civilians. schools and hospitals.”
2017-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7926 (2017) · source
“These organizations have clear objectives on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, not least as part of efforts for preventing conflicts. However, even ifthese are positive trends, then it is clear that we still need to do better. Human rights are relevant to the work of the Security Council across all three phases of the conflict cycle: before, during and after. We need to step up in all three phases. First, the primary responsibility for protecting the human rights of their populations lies with States. A failure to do so erodes trust within society and increases fear, suspicion and exclusion, sowing the seeds of instability and conflict. Some ofthe recurring causes of armed conflict relate to land ownership, language rights and minority rights.”
2017-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7926 (2017) · source
“In February, Uruguay, Senegal and Sweden organized an Arria-formula meeting on human rights components in peace operations in order to learn from the experience to date and to discuss how to further strengthen this work. Another positive development has been briefings from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on particular human rights situations. In addition, the Council has addressed human rights in relation to both thematic and country-specific concerns. Improved cooperation with regional organizations, such as the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States, has contributed and can further contribute to a greater emphasis on human rights within the Council, including in peace operations.”
2017-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7926 (2017) · source
“We are encouraged by the concrete measures that he has put in place that are aimed at strengthening the capacity of the system of the United Nations to detect and respond early to signs of looming crisis. In this regard, the Human Rights Up Front initiative is a useful example of an approach that cuts across the three pillars to deliver early and contextualized analysis focused on prevention. The Security Council's approach to human rights has evolved over time. Over the past 10 years, we have seen a positive trend, with significant growth in human rights functions within peace operations. Human rights components are now central to almost all mandates of peace operations, which enhance their quality and effectiveness. That includes capacity-building for host nations and reporting to the Security Council.”
2017-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7926 (2017) · source
“The inherent link between the protection and promotion of human rights and the maintenance of international peace and security is clear and embodied in the Charter. Violations and abuses of human rights - civil and political as well as economic, social and cultural - can be drivers of conflict. Conversely, the respect for and protection of human rights contribute to addressing the root causes and drivers of instability, thereby helping to prevent and resolve conflicts and sustain peace. I would like to thank the Secretary-General for his briefing. We fully support his commitment to human rights as an intrinsic part of the work of the United Nations across all its pillars. We fully agree that human rights are integral to successfully delivering on both the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and resolution 2282 (2016).”
2017-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7926 (2017) · source
“We repeat that here very often, but let us not forget that the text goes on "to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women and ofnations large and small, and to promote social progress and better standards of life in large freedom". I could end there, but I do have a few more things to say. First, the Human Rights Council is - as has been said here today - at the heart of the United Nations human rights architecture and deserves our full engagement. But human rights are also at the core of the Security Council's work. We see that in our discussions almost every day. Human rights have always played a role in its work. However, we should give greater attention and consideration to how they can be further integrated.”
2017-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7926 (2017) · source
“I would like to begin by thanking you, Madam President, for convening today's meeting. Human rights are universal. As Governments, we are all obliged to promote and protect them. As former Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson often said - and I apologize for repeating something that we have all heard so many times - "There is no peace without development, no development without peace and neither peace nor development without respect for human rights". As a tribute to him and a reminder to all of us, it is sometimes useful to go back to the preamble of this fantastic, inspiring book. Our founders were "determined to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war".”
2017-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7926 (2017) · source
“Constructive engagement with the Monitoring Group is in everyone's interest. We encourage the Somali and Eritrean authorities to strengthen relations with the Group, which can help reinforce a positive trajectory for the Horn of Africa. Sweden will continue to give its full support to the group's work in the year ahead.”
2017-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7925 (2017) · source
“We note the report of a possible breach of the arms embargo. It is important that this incident be thoroughly investigated. We would also note the need for continued vigilance regarding any possible exploitation of natural resources by Al-Shabaab. Turning to Eritrea, we are encouraged by the fact that the Monitoring Group, in consecutive reports, has found no evidence of Eritrean support for Al-Shabaab. It is essential that Eritrea cooperate in a constructive manner with the Monitoring Group in order to allow them to verify this finding conclusively. Sweden supports the efforts of the Chair to facilitate a way forward regarding access for the members of the Monitoring Group to Asmara, and believe a visit by the Chair could be a helpful step. We hope that 2017 can be a positive year for engagement between the Monitoring Group and Eritrea.”
2017-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7925 (2017) · source
“We remain deeply concerned about the severe humanitarian situation caused by the drought in Somalia and the region. In addition to the direct human impact, the effects of the drought have potential negative implications for peace and security. In order to respond to the needs of the five million people already suffering from acute food shortages, immediate safe and unhindered humanitarian access to effectively support the relief effort is essential. The reports of the Monitoring Group on humanitarian access contribute to keeping the Council informed of the situation on the ground, as does its accounts of violations and abuses of international humanitarian law and human rights law. We particularly welcome the Monitoring Group's reporting on sexual and gender-based violence, including on steps taken to end impunity.”
2017-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7925 (2017) · source
“We had the opportunity last month to welcome the successful conclusion of the electoral process in Somalia and to hear directly from President Farmajo (see S/PV.7905). We acknowledged then that strengthening the national security sector must now be a top priority for the new President and Government. Sweden shares the assessment of the Monitoring Group that Al-Shabaab remains the most significant threat to security in Somalia. If we are to build on recent progress, sustained engagement by the Council will be vital. As the Government of Somalia turns its attention to building a credible and effective national security sector, the Monitoring Group will be an essential tool for our support to these efforts, and to the Government, in particular with regard to the partial lifting of the arms embargo.”
2017-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7925 (2017) · source
“Let me begin by thanking the Ambassador of Kazakhstan, Mr. Umarov, for his briefing and the excellent work he is doing in his capacity as Chair of the Committee pursuant to resolutions 751 (1992) and 1907 (2009) concerning Somalia and Eritrea. We highly value the work done by the Chair, the Committee and the Somalia-Eritrea Monitoring Group. This is part of our wider effort to bring peace, stability and prosperity to the Horn of Africa. As the Chair has pointed out, global peace and security cannot be achieved without resolving the disputes and conflicts in the Horn of Africa. In this regard, we would like to draw attention to the statement issued today by the European Union on the 15-year anniversary of the decision by the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission on the delineation of the border between the two countries.”
2017-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7925 (2017) · source
“An EAC summit, including on the situation in Burundi, at the earliest possible time, is important, as it would add further momentum to the quest for stability and progress in Burundi. Meanwhile, the political and human rights situation continues to cause concern. It is therefore important for agreements to be reached to allow for the full functioning of the Office ofthe High Commissioner for Human Rights and African Union military and human rights observers. Despite some progress, the challenges in the Great Lakes region remain significant. The international community remains committed. However, ultimately it will up to the countries of the region to find peaceful solutions. We must fully support the constructive actions of regional actors who seek to move the region beyond insecurity, uncertainty and political division.”
2017-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7923 (2017) · source
“The Regional Oversight Mechanism meeting in Luanda in 2016 and the African Union Peace and Security Council statement in support of the reactivation of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Region and the Nairobi Declarations-related mechanism to deal with the security challenges in the region are examples of positive regional efforts. Influential regional actors should coordinate so as to ensure coherent messages. It is important that the Security Council provide backing for and align itself with such efforts. We should support Mr. Djinnit's efforts in the same way. Constructive regional engagement in Burundi by the East African Community (EAC) deserves full support, in particular the inter-Burundian dialogue under the Mediator, President Museveni, and the Facilitator, Mr. Mkapa.”
2017-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7923 (2017) · source
“The active participation of women, including in the elections, also adds both legitimacy and sustainability to the political process. Regional actors have an essential role to play in moving the political process forward. We welcome the efforts of the Southern African Development Community to support progress in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. A visit by representatives of the Southern African Development Community's Organ on Politics, Defence and Security has the potential to provide momentum for the implementation of the New Year's Eve agreement and that momentum is urgently needed.”
2017-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7923 (2017) · source
“We are deeply concerned by the continued and increased levels of violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as well as by the deteriorating humanitarian situation there. There is a risk that political uncertainty and the lack of progress in the implementation of the comprehensive political agreement of 31 December 2016 will exacerbate instability. That includes the situation in the east and the activity by armed groups; the resurgence of the Mouvement du 23 mars M23 is one such example. The Council has repeatedly and clearly signalled to the Congolese parties how important it is that they implement their agreement. That includes the need for a transitional Government supported by all the parties in order to prepare for elections. The legitimacy of the Government is linked to respect for the agreement.”
2017-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7923 (2017) · source
“The scale of displacement, with 9.5 million refugees and internally displaced persons, is a clear indication of the political and security challenges that still plague the region. It is clear that a regional approach is needed if the interconnected nature of the crisis is to be addressed. The Great Lakes region has witnessed some success in its integration in recent years, especially in terms of trade and economic activity. We also commend the generosity and solidarity of the people and countries of the region in hosting their displaced neighbours, often for very long periods. However, more must be done to overcome the obstacles to peace and stability facing the region and to come to terms with the armed groups in the area, including through improved implementation of the Framework.”
2017-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7923 (2017) · source
“I would like to thank the Secretary-General for his report (S/2017/208) and his Special Envoy, Mr. Said Djinnit, for his briefing today and his efforts to see the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Region implemented. I would also like to commend him for exercising his good offices and advocating with regional partners, as well as his efforts to include meaningful participation by women peacemakers in the implementation of the Framework. The situation in the Great Lakes region remains volatile and unstable. Many of the challenges are transnational, transcending national borders. Violations of international humanitarian law and abuses of human rights, carried out with impunity, contribute to the cycles of conflict.”
2017-04-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7923 (2017) · source