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

“Mr. Skoog: I congratulate the United Kingdom on assuming the presidency of the Security Council for this month. I thank you, Sir, for organizing this debate and the invitation to participate. I will speak on behalf of the European Union and its member States. The candidate countries North Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania, the Republic of Moldova and Bosnia and Herzegovina; the potential candidate Georgia; as well as Monaco and San Marino, align themselves with this statement. I will make an abbreviated statement, given the many speakers remaining on the list. We welcome the Secretary-General’s 2023 report on children and armed conflict (S/2023/363). We are deeply alarmed by the more than 27,000 grave violations around the world, and we also realize that that is just the verifiable tip of the iceberg. Earlier today, Ms.”
2023-07-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9366Resumption1 (2023) · source
“The members of the Security Council must distinguish between the victim and the aggressor in this war of aggression. Under the United Nations Charter, Ukraine has the right to self-defence against Russia’s attacks in order to restore its territorial integrity. It also has the right to request international support for such efforts. The EU is committed to supporting Ukraine in that regard for as long as it takes. The meeting rose at 12.20 p.m.”
2023-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9357 (2023) · source
“Following General Assembly resolution ES-11/5 of November 2022, which acknowledged the need for a register of damage, and the Reykjavík Summit of the Council of Europe, the register has been established. We underline our support for the investigations of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court. The EU calls for a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in line with the Charter and General Assembly resolution ES-11/6, adopted in February, and with respect for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders — a peace that will benefit all nations, as the Ambassador of Ukraine just said. We welcome international efforts to that effect and reaffirm our support to President Zelenskyy’s peace formula.”
2023-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9357 (2023) · source
“Thirdly, the EU is firmly committed to ensuring full accountability for war crimes and the other most serious crimes committed in connection with Russia’s war of aggression. We emphasize the importance of coordinated accountability initiatives to combat impunity and ensure justice. We support the ongoing work for the establishment of a tribunal for the prosecution of the crime of aggression, which is of concern to the international community as a whole. The EU welcomes the establishment of the International Centre for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine at the European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation in The Hague. We are also fully supportive of the establishment of an international mechanism to register the damage Russia has inflicted.”
2023-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9357 (2023) · source
“The EU condemns in the strongest possible terms the attack at the Kakhovka plant, which is a direct consequence of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. The downstream flooding has not only put tens of thousands of civilian lives in danger, but it is also affecting water and energy supplies and causing an ecological and environmental catastrophe. As the United Nations has repeatedly requested, we urge Russia to enable safe, rapid and unhindered humanitarian access to the populations in need of assistance, in particular in the temporarily occupied territories. Aid cannot be denied to those in need. The impact of Russia’s aggression on children is particularly horrific, and we look forward to the imminent publication of the Secretary-General’s report on children and armed conflict.”
2023-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9357 (2023) · source
“The decision by the Russian Central Election Commission to hold so-called elections in the territories of Ukraine temporarily occupied by Russia’s military is yet another violation of international law — and, by the way, of General Assembly resolution ES-11/4, on Ukraine’s territorial integrity, adopted in October 2022. Secondly, we reiterate the importance of upholding international humanitarian law. We are appalled by reports that evacuation teams rescuing civilians following the destruction of the Kakhovka hydroelectric plant dam are being shelled. We urge the Russian Federation to cease such attacks and allow help to the affected civilian population, including in areas under Russian military control.”
2023-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9357 (2023) · source
“The most recent report of the Commission of Inquiry (A/HRC/52/62) also concludes that the attacks on Ukraine’s energy- related infrastructure and the use of torture by Russian authorities may amount to crimes against humanity. We call on Russia to uphold international human rights law. Its practice of forcibly issuing Russian passports to Ukrainian citizens is in blatant violation of international law and undermines Ukraine’s sovereignty. The International Committee of the Red Cross should be granted full and unconditional access to all detained persons, and all Ukrainian citizens illegally detained by Russia should be released.”
2023-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9357 (2023) · source
“International monitoring mechanisms, including the Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine and the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, have concluded that Russian authorities have committed a wide range of violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law in Ukraine. The reported violations include indiscriminate attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, a widespread and systematic pattern of summary executions, torture and ill-treatment and unlawful confinement, as well as inhumane detention conditions, rape and other forms of sexual and gender-based violence and forced transfer and deportation, including of children. Many of those amount to war crimes.”
2023-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9357 (2023) · source
“When African Heads of State visited Kyiv last week calling for peace, Russia responded by bombing the city, as it did when the Secretary-General visited last year. The way to end Russia’s assault on Ukraine is crystal clear. Russia must end its war and immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw all of its forces and proxies from the entire territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders. I will emphasize three brief points in my intervention — first, the tragic human rights situation in the territories temporarily occupied by Russia; secondly, the importance of upholding international humanitarian law and thirdly, the need for accountability. The human rights situation in the occupied territories is of grave concern.”
2023-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9357 (2023) · source
“We know that the United Nations system is fully mobilized through humanitarian relief, support to refugees and internally displaced persons, human rights monitoring, mine action, nuclear safety, addressing the dire global consequences of Russia’s aggression and much more. It has our very strong support. As Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression approaches the tragic 500-day mark, the people of Ukraine and the international community desire a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine, in line with the Charter of the United Nations and the resolutions of the General Assembly. Yet one country, the aggressor, remains steadfast in pursuing its brutal war on a neighbouring country and its people.”
2023-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9357 (2023) · source
“Mr. Skoog: I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union (EU) and its member States. The candidate countries North Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the potential candidate Georgia, as well as Andorra and San Marino, align themselves with this statement. I first want to thank Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo for her briefing and to take this opportunity to commend the entire United Nations team on the ground, led by Resident Coordinator Denise Brown, for the invaluable assistance it is providing to the people of Ukraine at this very difficult time.”
2023-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9357 (2023) · source
“We will soon adopt a joint communication on a new outlook on the climate and security nexus, which will address the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation on peace, security and defence. Strong partnerships are needed. We welcome and encourage increased joint work between the EU, the United Nations system, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and NATO. We look forward to an ambitious twenty-eighth session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in the United Arab Emirates that moves us forward on the energy transition and keeps 1.5°C alive.”
2023-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9345Resumption1 (2023) · source
“Climate and environment are an integral part of the EU-United Nations strategic partnership priorities for peace operations and crisis management. Thirteen out of 22 current EU civilian and military missions and operations are deployed in parallel with the United Nations missions, for example, in Mali, the Central African Republic, Somalia, Libya and Iraq. The EU’s progressive deployment of environmental advisers to all its missions and operations will enable joint EU-United Nations local capacity-building efforts, data sharing and management of the environmental footprint. Let us not forget that armed forces also have to contribute to the global target of net zero by mid-century, following up on the Environment Strategy for Field Missions. The EU will further step up its engagement.”
2023-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9345Resumption1 (2023) · source
“We support the position of the Group of Friends on Climate and Security in favour of consideration of a regular report by the Secretary-General and for a dedicated United Nations envoy on climate and security. I also want to express our appreciation for the Informal Expert Group of Members of the Security Council on Climate and Security. Building on the broad support for this topic, the United Nations and Member States have been integrating climate as one central aspect into the mandates of missions such as the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan and the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq. The EU and its member States support the United Nations in that vital endeavour.”
2023-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9345Resumption1 (2023) · source
“Therefore, we support the proposals put forward by some members of the Security Council during this debate, in particular to encourage United Nations Special Representatives to provide the Council with climate-related information during their briefings and to present recommendations for targeted action; to strengthen the mandates of all United Nations missions, so that they can support the most vulnerable countries in climate-related risk assessments and management; and to continue to support the work of the United Nations on the ground. The climate, peace and security advisers deployed to United Nations missions and the Climate Security Mechanism play particularly important roles.”
2023-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9345Resumption1 (2023) · source
“I will not go into detail on the multiple connections between climate, the environment and conflict here, as we have discussed them in seven debates in the Security Council in the past two years alone. We have heard a number of testimonies this morning as to how climate change drives conflict. It is worth reminding ourselves — and the Council — of General Assembly resolution 63/281 of 2009, which invited the relevant organs of the United Nations to intensify their efforts to address climate change, including its possible security implications. While it was vetoed, the Council’s draft resolution S/2021/990 of 2021, sponsored by 113 countries, was a clear indication of broad support for action. The climate crisis is leading to water scarcity, food insecurity and environmental degradation. It will drive conflicts for decades to come.”
2023-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9345Resumption1 (2023) · source
“Mr. Skoog: I would like to express our appreciation to the United Arab Emirates for organizing this debate and for inviting us to speak. I will speak on behalf of the European Union (EU) and its member States. The candidate countries of North Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova, and the potential candidate country Georgia, align themselves with this statement. This is an abbreviated version, and we will submit the full text in writing out of respect for all the other participants who wish to speak this afternoon. The correlation between climate, peace and security is evident. It will grow stronger as the climate crisis unfolds. The most vulnerable populations will suffer most, particularly women and girls.”
2023-06-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9345Resumption1 (2023) · source
“In conclusion, I reiterate our call for a just, comprehensive and lasting peace, in line with the Charter of the United Nations and the General Assembly resolution adopted in February (resolution ES-11/6). The EU is unwavering it our support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, within its internationally recognized borders, and its inherent right of self-defence against Russia’s aggression. We will continue to stand firmly with the Ukrainian people for as long as it takes.”
2023-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9321 (2023) · source
“Concretely that support enables vulnerable countries to afford imports of key staples despite price increases and currency devaluations, as well as to increase their resilience and food autonomy in the longer term. I want to reassure the members of the Council that every effort in support of Ukraine has come in addition to, and not instead of, our global commitments, as illustrated by the increase in EU official development assistance. We are grateful to all countries that are generously supporting those in need in Ukraine and elsewhere, and once again encourage all to step up their assistance, in line with the humanitarian response plan and appeal for aid of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs this year.”
2023-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9321 (2023) · source
“In addition to the Grain Initiative, the EU’s solidarity lanes have allowed the export of more than 32 million tons of Ukraine’s food and agricultural goods. Vessels chartered by the World Food Programme have transported almost 600,0000 tons of wheat through various Black Sea ports, including to Ethiopia, Afghanistan, Yemen, Somalia and Kenya. Through Ukraine’s own Grain from Ukraine programme, hundreds of thousands of metric tons of grain have been donated to countries in need, as we just heard. We know that these efforts are insufficient for countries vulnerable to food insecurity. Therefore, together with our member States, we are providing €18 billion to address urgent and longer-term food security needs in 2021 and 2024, focusing on regions most affected by food insecurity.”
2023-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9321 (2023) · source
“Thirdly, Russia’s aggression and its weaponization of food have undermined global food security, driving up food and fertilizer prices worldwide. We welcome the Secretary-General’s active engagement to address those serious consequences, and call on all Member States to come together in support of his efforts. They benefit us all, including Russia. The Black Sea Grain Initiative, in particular, has been instrumental in bringing down global food prices. It is crucial that it be renewed and run at its full potential in order to provide the continuity and predictability needed by operators and to avoid a discontinuation in shipments of grains to countries in need. We must not forget that there would be no need for the Initiative were it not for Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.”
2023-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9321 (2023) · source
“The EU is firmly committed to ensuring full accountability for war crimes and the other most serious crimes committed in connection with Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, including through the establishment of an appropriate mechanism for the prosecution of the crime of aggression. We welcome the creation of the new International Centre for Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression, in The Hague, and we reiterate our support for the investigations of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court. We are also fully supportive of the establishment of an international mechanism to register the damages Russia has inflicted, as recommended by the General Assembly in resolution ES-11/5, adopted in November 2022.”
2023-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9321 (2023) · source
“Russia must immediately facilitate the safe return of Ukrainians who were forcibly transferred or deported. We also strongly condemn Russia’s attacks and violence against journalists and media workers. UNESCO has stated that 12 journalists have been killed in Ukraine since the start of the invasion. The safety of journalists is indispensable to ensuring the right to freedom of opinion and expression and, in particular, the freedom of the press. We urge Russia to enable safe, rapid and unhindered humanitarian access to populations in need of assistance, in particular into the temporarily occupied territories through the front lines. It is imperative that the safety of humanitarian workers is ensured. Secondly, there can be no impunity for the commanders, perpetrators and accomplices of atrocities.”
2023-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9321 (2023) · source
“Russia must therefore immediately stop its indiscriminate and decimating shelling of civilians and civilian areas. Under international humanitarian law, deliberate attacks on civilians or attacks that do not distinguish between military targets and civilians, are prohibited under all circumstances. We strongly condemn cases related to sexual and gender-based violence. We are particularly horrified by the impact of Russia’s aggression against children. Children are being killed and maimed and schools and hospitals have been attacked, in blatant violation of international law. Russia’s practice of forcibly transferring and deporting Ukrainian children is a violation of international humanitarian law. The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine concluded that it amounts to war crimes.”
2023-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9321 (2023) · source
“Griffiths and others have described from inside Ukraine, resulting from Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified military aggression, are unimaginable. For 15 months now, the Russian leadership has struggled, without success, to find any justification whatsoever for its illegal war of aggression. Russia must stop its war and immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw all of its forces and proxies from the entire territory of Ukraine, within its internationally recognized borders. I will emphasize three points in my intervention — the importance of upholding international law and international humanitarian law, the need for accountability and efforts to address the global consequences of Russia’s war of aggression. First, international law and international humanitarian law must be respected.”
2023-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9321 (2023) · source
“Mr. Skoog: I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union (EU) and its member States. The candidate countries North Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Bosnia and Herzegovina; the potential candidate country Georgia; and the European Free Trade Association country Liechtenstein, member of the European Economic Area, as well as Andorra and Monaco, all align themselves with this statement. Like everyone else, I want to first thank Under- Secretary-General Martin Griffiths for the briefing and to commend him and the United Nations system for their excellent work on the ground, providing humanitarian assistance under very difficult circumstances in Ukraine and in many other places. The horrors that Mr.”
2023-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9321 (2023) · source
“The European Union reaffirms its full support for the efforts of the European Union Military Operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which continues to assist the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina in maintaining a secure environment for all citizens. The European Union reaffirms the importance of continued cooperation among international actors and expresses its support for the mission of the High Representative and his Office in the implementation of the 5+2 agenda. (spoke in English) We reiterate our unequivocal commitment to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s EU perspective as a single, united and sovereign country.”
2023-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9319 (2023) · source
“Credible, genuine measures, including proper implementation, to address shortcomings in the area of the protection of fundamental rights comprising non-discriminatory treatment of persons belonging to minorities, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons, are urgently needed. (spoke in French) The European Union welcomes the inauguration of the new Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the new Government of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, following the elections held in October 2022. The European Union calls for the rapid establishment of a functioning government, including at the cantonal level, with a view to focusing on the reforms needed for EU membership.”
2023-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9319 (2023) · source
“The European Union urges all political actors in Bosnia and Herzegovina to refrain from and renounce provocative divisive rhetoric and actions, including questioning the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of the country, and to end the glorification of convicted war criminals, as well as genocide denial, and instead actively promote reconciliation. The European Union is concerned over the legislative initiatives and announcements in the Republika Srpska entity, including secessionist rhetoric, that are not in line with the EU path of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Freedom of expression, media freedom and pluralism, as well as freedom of operation of civil organizations, are key pillars of a democratic society.”
2023-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9319 (2023) · source
“In the current geopolitical context, the EU underlines the urgency for the country to move forward on its EU path, in particular via fulfilling all 14 key priorities for the opening of EU accession negotiations identified in the Commission’s opinion on Bosnia and Herzegovina’s application for EU membership. The EU also calls on all political leaders in Bosnia and Herzegovina to swiftly implement the commitments set out in the agreement reached on 12 June 2022 and urgently finalize the constitutional and electoral reform in line with the key priorities.”
2023-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9319 (2023) · source
“Mr. Skoog: I will speak on behalf of the European Union (EU) and its 27 member States. The candidate countries North Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova all align themselves with this statement. Since the Security Council last met on this agenda item (see S/PV.9179), Bosnia and Herzegovina has achieved the status of EU candidate country, indeed a very significant step for the country and for the European Union and not irrelevant for the Council. That status is based on the understanding that the steps specified in the European Commission’s recommendations are taken, in order to strengthen the rule of law, the fight against corruption and organized crime, migration management and fundamental rights.”
2023-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9319 (2023) · source
“Many of the countries most affected by climate change have themselves testified to the link between climate, peace and security in the Council and in the Peacebuilding Commission. It would be highly relevant for the Council to have a discussion based on a report from the Secretary-General providing data and evidence regarding the link between climate change and security. Upholding facts and the truth in this organ is crucial to maintaining trust in the United Nations system, as a whole, and to ensuring that the United Nations can pursue its work of building and sustaining peace. We look forward to working with the United Nations on how we can improve our capabilities for conflict prevention, peacebuilding and sustaining peace within the framework of the Secretary-General’s New Agenda for Peace.”
2023-05-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9315Resumption1 (2023) · source
“The creation of the multi-partner Complex Risk Analytics Fund (CRAF’d), a United Nations multilateral financing instrument aimed at strengthening our shared capabilities to better anticipate, prevent and respond to complex risks in fragile and conflict-affected settings, is advancing the use of data and scientific knowledge for conflict prevention and resolution. We are supporting CRAF’d and believe that the analysis coming out of these new tools should feed into the Security Council’s work. It seems obvious that we should always base ourselves on evidence and facts. However, on some issues where we have plenty of evidence, such as the link between climate change and security, some Security Council members are still denying the facts.”
2023-05-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9315Resumption1 (2023) · source
“Moreover, women are formidable peacebuilders, and we need to support their full, equal and meaningful participation in all peacebuilding processes — not least to build trust in them. Similarly, we strongly support the accelerated implementation of the youth, peace and security agenda and the promotion of young people’s participation in peacebuilding. Finally, the Council and, more broadly, the United Nations, have to make use of the best data and evidence that we have in order to shape our decisions.”
2023-05-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9315Resumption1 (2023) · source
“One concrete example of operational United Nations- EU collaboration is Yemen, where the EU — at the request of the United Nations — is playing a strong coordinating role of Track II mediation and of support to the ceasefire. Another example is the EU-United Nations Development Programme partnership on Insider Mediation that has enabled building and piloting critical mediation capacities in 14 countries. The third cycle of that partnership is presently being launched, with specific attention to the inclusion of women. This initiative was mentioned by many here this afternoon, including the previous speaker. Indeed, it is crucial that all such instruments are inclusive in their approach. We know that more gender- equal societies are more peaceful.”
2023-05-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9315Resumption1 (2023) · source
“In Somalia, for example, we support communities that have been liberated from Al-Shabaab and suffer from their punitive actions and the drought. In the Central African Republic, the EU Advisory Mission supported the Government in creating a reliable legal framework to thoroughly restructure the organization of the police and gendarmerie and meet the needs of the Central African Republic. Those are just a few examples. We promote international peace efforts in Yemen, Libya and Syria. We also support in-country civil society actors in their efforts to prevent conflicts, respond to crises and build peace. Much of our support is channelled through the United Nations, for example to the United Nations Standby Team of Senior Mediation Advisers and the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund.”
2023-05-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9315Resumption1 (2023) · source
“Unfortunately, there are many such matters. Turning now to the concrete tools that the United Nations has at its disposal to promote peacebuilding, we know that building trust is a crucial component in all of these. The Secretary-General’s Special Representatives, Envoys and Mediators can have real impact in resolving conflict, and the Security Council should more systematically provide them with its unanimous backing. Strengthened tools for dialogue, mediation and good offices should be included in the New Agenda for Peace as means to prevent conflict. The EU is a major supporter of conflict prevention and peacebuilding efforts. We are working around the world to enhance trust between local populations and national authorities.”
2023-05-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9315Resumption1 (2023) · source
“Unfortunately, we have seen that the Security Council itself has become a stage for spreading disinformation, not least by Russia in the context of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. We have also seen civil society briefers being intimidated in the Council and later punished for exercising their right to free speech. The Security Council is the primary organ for protecting international peace and security, and it has to embody and uphold the Charter of the United Nations, international humanitarian law and human rights. That is the responsibility of Council members. In the same vein, the Secretariat should always present the facts as it sees them. The United Nations Charter gives the Secretary-General the possibility to bring to the attention of the Council any matter that may threaten international peace and security.”
2023-05-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9315Resumption1 (2023) · source
“Today I want to focus on the three perspectives that the Swiss presidency has outlined on building trust for sustaining peace: first, that we redouble our efforts to protect the normative frameworks of the United Nations; secondly, that we enhance our tools for mediation and dialogue and ensure that they are inclusive and thirdly, that we base our work on facts and evidence and call out those who spread disinformation. The universal norms that we all agreed on here, at the United Nations, are being attacked on a daily basis around the world. International human rights conventions are being systematically violated, including in Afghanistan, Myanmar, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Syria and in many other crises around the world.”
2023-05-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9315Resumption1 (2023) · source
“We know that peaceful, just, resilient and inclusive societies are those built on trust, those where people can express themselves freely and where institutions serve and are accountable to the people. The European Union is extremely concerned about the threats to freedom of the press today, with journalists, media workers and all those who bring independent quality information to the public increasingly facing discredit, threats and attacks, including through disinformation. The Security Council and the entire United Nations system must engage more actively in order to protect journalists and media workers, as well as to prevent and condemn harassment and, indeed, reprisals against civil society representatives.”
2023-05-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9315Resumption1 (2023) · source
“Mr. Skoog: I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union (EU) and its member States. The candidate countries North Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Bosnia and Herzegovina, the potential candidate country Georgia, as well as Andorra, align themselves with this statement. First, I want to congratulate Switzerland on assuming the presidency of the Security Council and to thank you, Madam President, for hosting this very timely debate. I also want to thank the briefers for their important contributions at the beginning of the debate. Today is World Press Freedom Day. Let me therefore underline the powerful link between what we are discussing today — trust and sustainable peace — and the protection of freedom of expression, as laid down in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 75 years ago.”
2023-05-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9315Resumption1 (2023) · source
“Finally, let me say again that the EU remains committed to the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Syrian State and will continue to call on all the parties to the conflict, particularly the Syrian regime and its allies, to advance a credible, sustainable and inclusive political solution, based on the full and comprehensive implementation of resolution 2254 (2015), as the only route to sustainable peace in Syria and the way for Syria to once again become the united, sovereign, prosperous and free country we all want to see.”
2023-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9309Resumption1 (2023) · source
“The objective of that endeavour is humanitarian, to alleviate the pain and suffering of families whose have been living in suspense during the entire time that their loved ones have been missing. The EU welcomes the ongoing work of the other actors on the issue, including Syrian civil society, the International Commission on Missing Persons, the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. We emphasize the need for enhanced cooperation and look forward to engaging constructively in the upcoming discussions to establish the new mechanism.”
2023-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9309Resumption1 (2023) · source
“EU- funded projects are intended and designed for those in genuine need and to strengthen the sustainability and cost-effectiveness of the humanitarian response. The EU will not fund early-recovery efforts that could support social or demographic engineering. As we reiterated in the Interactive Dialogue on Missing Persons in the Syrian Arab Republic held on 28 March with the Secretary-General and the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the European Union supports the establishment as soon as possible through the General Assembly of an independent mechanism to clarify the fate and whereabouts of missing persons in the Syrian Arab Republic and to provide adequate support to victims and to the families and survivors of the missing.”
2023-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9309Resumption1 (2023) · source
“The EU noted the United Nations-brokered deal securing the opening of additional border crossings in the aftermath of the February earthquakes, and we call for continuing to use all possible measures to secure the delivery of aid to all in need in Syria. Civilians must be protected at all times. The European Union echoes the calls by the Security Council for the implementation of a nationwide ceasefire. Türkiye’s security concerns with regard to northern Syria should be addressed through political and diplomatic means, and with full respect for international humanitarian law. Early-recovery projects are important to supporting resilience, community capacity-building and the self- reliance of the Syrian people and their future.”
2023-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9309Resumption1 (2023) · source
“The EU, as a member of the International Partnership against Impunity for the Use of Chemical Weapons, will continue to work to ensure full accountability in that regard. The European Union welcomed the unanimous adoption in January of resolution 2672 (2023), mandating the continuation of United Nations cross- border assistance to Syria. The uninterrupted delivery of United Nations cross-border humanitarian assistance remains vital for Syrians living in north-western Syria, and the EU will continue to advocate for all the parties to depoliticize the issue and allow the unimpeded and continued delivery of humanitarian aid to all in need.”
2023-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9309Resumption1 (2023) · source
“Syrian refugees in those neighbouring countries are still unable to go back home, since the conditions for their safe, dignified and voluntary return, in line with the parameters defined by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and in accordance with international law, have not been fulfilled. It is the responsibility of the Syrian regime to remove those obstacles, and we will be in a position to support returns only once those conditions are satisfied. As we have reiterated numerous times, the Syrian regime must fully cooperate with the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and its investigations of the use of chemical weapons in the conflict, including the attack in Douma, as well as on the completion of the dismantling of its chemical-weapon programme.”
2023-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9309Resumption1 (2023) · source
“We will continue to support efforts to gather evidence with a view to possible future legal action, including by the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism for Syria and the work of the Commission of Inquiry. The EU commends Syria’s neighbours for hosting large numbers of refugees for more than a decade. We would like to remind everyone that the underlying causes of the refugee and displacement crisis must be addressed under resolution 2254 (2015). We continue to warn against any further displacements in any part of Syria, as well as against the potential exploitation of such displacements for the purposes of social or demographic engineering.”
2023-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9309Resumption1 (2023) · source
“All the parties responsible for breaches of international humanitarian law and violations and abuses of human rights, including sexual and gender-based violence, must be held accountable. We reiterate our call to have the situation in Syria referred to the International Criminal Court. In the absence of international justice proceedings, the prosecution of war crimes and other serious crimes under national jurisdictions, where possible — and which is now under way in several EU member States — represents a crucial contribution towards securing justice, as does the Dutch- Canadian initiative to hold Syria to account for breaching the United Nations Convention against Torture.”
2023-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9309Resumption1 (2023) · source
“The EU stands firm in its commitment to that goal, supporting the continued efforts of Special Envoy Pedersen to make progress on all aspects of resolution 2254 (2015), including his steps-for-steps approach in furthering the political process and a resumption of the work of the Constitutional Committee. We reiterate again that no normalization, lifting of sanctions or reconstruction will be possible until the Syrian regime engages in a credible, sustainable and inclusive political transition within the framework of resolution 2254 (2015). In the light of the recent earthquakes, the EU notes the humanitarian exemptions in place for United Nations sanctions within the framework of resolution 2664 (2022). Accountability and justice for victims is essential for a stable, peaceful Syria.”
2023-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9309Resumption1 (2023) · source