YouSaid · the spoken record

Sonia Farrey

lines on the record

34

first

2020-07-23

most recent

2020-12-10

sittings or episodes

5

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

1. “The Team must seek to engage both with us at the United Nations and with individual Member States that are providing staffing, funding and support. The United Kingdom continues to support the work of the Investigative Team, hence why we have contributed £2 million and continue to engage in New York, London, Baghdad and Erbil. The work undertaken by the Team is unique and we must ensure that it continues to provide a sustainable and internationally supported mechanism in the future. The United Kingdom welcomes continued support for the Team from Security Council members through funding, staffing and engagement to demonstrate the Council’s commitment and to ensure that evidence is gathered to hold Da’esh to account.S/2020/1193”

   2020-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1193 (2020) · source

2. “We welcome progress on draft legislation to provide the domestic legal basis for the prosecution of Da’esh members for international crimes in Iraq. We urge the Investigative Team, the Government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government to collaborate closely in order to agree upon a way forward and secure an evidence-sharing mechanism that provides assurances on the use of the death penalty. We also welcome continued collaboration with the Iraqi judicial authorities. Justice also means assisting the victims of Da’esh to rebuild their lives. We welcome the Team’s expanded capacities for assisting with witness protection and support, including psychosocial care and gender-attuned services for survivors and family members. Regular updates to the Security Council are key in allowing us to see the progress the Team is making.”

   2020-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1193 (2020) · source

3. “We also welcome the addition of thematic units, particularly in the area of gender-based crimes. The United Kingdom will continue to support the Investigative Team to ensure that it is able to fulfil its mandate. That is why the United Kingdom has provided assistance to minority-focused investigations, as well as supporting the development of Shuhud, a digital platform allowing witnesses and survivors to submit information related to Da’esh crimes remotely, securely and confidentially. We welcome contributions from other countries. Holding Da’esh to account should be a truly international effort, just as the Global Coalition against Daesh was. The United Kingdom is seized of the enormity of the task ahead to find a solution that enables UNITAD’s evidence to be used effectively to bring those responsible to account in Iraq.”

   2020-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1193 (2020) · source

4. “I welcome Special Adviser Karim Khan’s report on the continued progress made by the United Nations Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da’esh/Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (UNITAD) in recent months (see S/2020/1107) — the first report since the Team’s mandate was extended for a year in September. I wish to underline that this is extremely important work and we continue to support efforts to ensure accountability for the victims of Da’esh. The United Kingdom notes UNITAD’s flexibility in implementing its mandate while responding to challenges posed by the coronavirus disease, particularly in terms of limitations on field-based investigative activities. The fact that six dedicated investigation units are now in place is to be commended.”

   2020-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1193 (2020) · source

5. “The United Kingdom continues to support reconciliation efforts in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Western Balkans more widely, including through our project programming and our role in the Berlin process and Peace Implementation Council. We encourage Bosnia and Herzegovina to fully respect the rule of law, democracy, media freedom and human rights. We support Bosnia and Herzegovina’s continued commitment to Euro-Atlantic integration, and look forward to the submission of the next NATO programme of reforms.”

   2020-11-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1103 (2020) · source

6. “I would like once again to remember the many thousands of victims and the continued suffering of the families, too many of whom are still missing their loved ones. We acknowledge the suffering on all sides of the Balkans conflicts, and it is only through meaningful reconciliation across communities that we can fully overcome the painful legacies of the past. We once again call for an end to the glorification of convicted war criminals and the denial of the Srebrenica genocide. This definition has been officially recognized by two international tribunals as well as domestic judicial bodies, and denial merely serves to reinforce the deep societal divisions that threaten to block Bosnia and Herzegovina’s progress.”

   2020-11-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1103 (2020) · source

7. “With local elections imminent, we urge those responsible for these divisive statements to, instead, keep the citizens they were elected to represent at the forefront of their minds. Challenges such as migration, climate change and serious organized crime must be faced head on. This year marks 25 years since the General Framework Agreement for Peace was signed, bringing an end to the conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is important that Bosnia and Herzegovina and the international community find ways to mark the anniversary collectively and look ahead to the positive and prosperous future that Bosnia and Herzegovina deserves. This follows the commemoration earlier this year of the twenty-fifth anniversary of the genocide at Srebrenica.”

   2020-11-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1103 (2020) · source

8. “We urge the authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina to redouble their efforts to address outstanding judgments of the European Court of Human Rights, most notably the Sejdić-Finci ruling, and to ensure that all of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s citizens can exercise their fundamental democratic rights and participate equally in their country’s future. While we look forward to a time when they will not be necessary, international judges in the Bosnia and Herzegovina Constitutional Court continue to be a vital safeguard in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s judiciary. We continue to share the High Representative’s frustration at the persistent threat of divisive nationalist rhetoric, even at a time when greatest solidarity is needed in the face of a global pandemic.”

   2020-11-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1103 (2020) · source

9. “We hope that all actors will support this important development and help the parties in Mostar to allow citizens to exercise their democratic rights. I would also like to congratulate the Office of the High Representative for its work in Brčko district. Its strong coordinated effort with the international community has continued to promote good governance, infrastructure development and private- sector growth there. Collaborative work of this kind offers a potential model for reform elsewhere in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Ensuring citizens’ ability to exercise their democratic right is vital.”

   2020-11-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1103 (2020) · source

10. “Despite these challenges, we are glad that preparation for the 2020 local elections has continued. Like High Representative Inzko, we commend the work of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Central Election Commission in the face of numerous political challenges, and support its endeavours to reduce the risk of election fraud. The United Kingdom would like, in particular, to welcome the agreement reached by the leaders of the Party for Democratic Action and the Croat Democratic Union, which enables local elections to be held in Mostar on 20 December, for the first time since 2008. This breakthrough demonstrates the importance of cross-party and cross-community cooperation in propelling the country forward.”

    2020-11-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1103 (2020) · source

11. “I thank the High Representative and his team for his latest comprehensive report (S/2020/1052, annex). This highlights that the international community still has a role to play in supporting a secure, peaceful and sustainable future for Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Office of the High Representative continues to have an important role to play in galvanizing action by local authorities to create this future. It has the United Kingdom’s full support, including the use of executive powers, should the situation require it. Bosnia and Herzegovina, like nearly every other country, is now facing the challenges of responding to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). This will require continued focus and coordination by the authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina at all levels as the number of cases rises.”

    2020-11-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1103 (2020) · source

12. “While we note the delays due to COVID-19, it is crucial that all relevant stakeholders, particularly the relevant troop-contributing countries, cooperate constructively to ensure the full implementation of the reforms mandated by the Council. Finally, we look forward to receiving MONUSCO’s exit strategy — developed jointly with the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo — later this month. We expect the transition to be conditions-based, with clear and measurable benchmarks. We call on the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to participate actively in planning MONUSCO’s exit. National ownership will be critical in ensuring a sustainable exit.”

    2020-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/987 (2020) · source

13. “We echo the Secretary-General’s call to investigate fully the allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse in 2018-2020 against those working on the Ebola response in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Sexual exploitation and abuse are abhorrent, and the United Kingdom expects thorough investigations whenever allegations are made. The protection of civilians is of the utmost importance to peace and stability. We welcome MONUSCO’s development of targeted provincial protection-of- civilian strategies. Local and national ownership will be essential to their successful implementation. We call for the prompt implementation of mandated reforms to MONUSCO and its Force Intervention Brigade.”

    2020-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/987 (2020) · source

14. “We urge all State agents to demonstrate full respect for human rights and call for continued efforts by the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo on improving the human rights environment. As the second-largest bilateral donor to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the United Kingdom remains a committed humanitarian and development partner. We recognize the broader socioeconomic impact of COVID-19 on the health crisis and humanitarian situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We are concerned about the risk of further deterioration in both and a reduced capacity to respond to crises, including the eleventh Ebola outbreak in Equateur province and growing concerns of food insecurity.”

    2020-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/987 (2020) · source

15. “We call on the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to support that momentum by nominating a national focal point and developing a comprehensive national framework on disarmament, demobilization and reintegration. The human rights situation remains deeply troubling, in particular the increased abuses by armed groups, widespread conflict-related sexual violence and continued violations by State agents, including in the context of measures implemented to tackle COVID-19. We condemn the involvement of the armed forces and police of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in conflict-related sexual violence. We echo the Secretary-General’s call for the adoption of a national transitional justice strategy capable of addressing the culture of impunity and providing justice.”

    2020-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/987 (2020) · source

16. “We remain committed to ensuring long-term stability and security in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. The deterioration in North and South Kivu, the resurgence of conflict in Ituri and increased Allied Democratic Forces activity in areas previously controlled by the armed forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo are of concern. There is a critical need for security sector reform in the Democratic Republic of the Congo that is grounded in a comprehensive national strategy to be developed by its Government. We are encouraged by MONUSCO’s work with governors in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo on the development of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration road maps and welcome reports that a number of armed groups and militia combatants are ready to surrender.”

    2020-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/987 (2020) · source

17. “Let me begin by thanking Special Representative Zerrougui for her briefing and commending the continuation of the vital operations of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) throughout the unprecedented coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. We are also grateful to Ambassador Abarry for briefing us on the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1533 (2004), concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We welcome President Tshilombo Tshisekedi’s call for electoral reforms based on consensus. We call on all parties to reduce tensions, which jeopardize progress, and to work together to seek reform in order to deliver timely and credible elections.”

    2020-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/987 (2020) · source

18. “It is, I am sad to say, because of the deliberate policies of the Syrian regime and its supporters to perpetuate the conflict rather than seek reconciliation, to limit humanitarian access, to cut cross- border assistance in order to make a political point, to make access to aid a political tool and to spend the State’s resources not on improving the welfare of its people, but rather on waging war. To put it another way, the problem facing Syria’s health sector is not sanctions but the fact that the regime is more intent on bombing hospitals than on building them.”

    2020-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/823 (2020) · source

19. “It is not the case that our opposition to sanctions language in the recent cross- border resolution is evidence that sanctions are a problem. As we have repeatedly said, our sanctions on the Syrian regime have broad humanitarian exemptions. The reason we objected to such language in the cross-border resolution is because we do not accept any false equivalence between the disastrous effects of the regime’s policies and the Chinese and Russian refusal to allow more than one cross-border crossing on the humanitarian situation in Syria and our targeted sanctions regime. The reason that the Syrian people lack the humanitarian and medical aid they need is not because of our sanctions or because of any lack of generosity on the part of the United Kingdom and other international donors.”

    2020-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/823 (2020) · source

20. “A separate European Union sanctions regime targets those involved in the proliferation of chemical weapons. In addition, we apply some trade and sectoral restrictions designed to limit the Al-Assad regime’s ability to fund and wage war against its own people, including through the use of chemical and biological weapons. These sanctions do not apply to food, medicine, medical equipment or medical assistance. Humanitarian exemptions apply to other equipment where this is needed, further mitigating the impact of sanctions on humanitarian programmes. We will continue to work with organizations and individuals to ensure that measures do not affect humanitarian operations in Syria and that organizations and individuals are able to import non-conflict-related goods.”

    2020-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/823 (2020) · source

21. “We would also like to take this opportunity to remind all actors of the importance of ensuring the meaningful participation of women in the United Nations-facilitated political process for Syria, as the Security Council made clear in resolution 2254 (2015). Finally, I would like to say a few words on sanctions. Our sanctions are targeted and impose asset freezes and travel bans against specific individuals and asset freezes on specific entities. Those targeted are responsible for human rights abuses against ordinary Syrians, such as repression, arbitrary detention and violence against demonstrators, and those who support or benefit from the Al-Assad regime, including by enriching themselves through luxury housing complexes built on land appropriated from Syrians who have fled, been arrested or killed.”

    2020-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/823 (2020) · source

22. “Ordinary Syrians, whether they are struggling at home or living difficult lives as refugees, do not have weeks, months or years to waste. They want the war to end and they want a negotiated political solution that enables reconciliation and reconstruction of the country. We must also remember that the Constitutional Committee is just one part of the wider political process set out in resolution 2254 (2015). Progress in the Constitutional Committee must be accompanied by immediate action on such other issues as the widespread release of political prisoners and vulnerable people; making medical care available for those in detention; and making progress in building the conditions for the safe and voluntary return of refugees and internally displaced persons. Now is the time to seize this opportunity.”

    2020-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/823 (2020) · source

23. “The United Kingdom therefore calls for the immediate and sustained cessation of hostilities by all parties, in line with requests by the Secretary-General and the United Nations Special Envoy. Neither Syria nor the region can cope with another entirely unnecessary humanitarian disaster on top of a significant COVID-19 outbreak. The Security Council is meeting just before the resumption of Constitutional Committee talks in Geneva. It is vital that all parties engage genuinely and properly with that process and that they refrain from reimposing unnecessary conditions like those pushed in November. The representatives of the regime and opposition and independent figures meeting in Geneva need to make progress on the real issues facing the country. All parties need to be driven by the urgency of the appalling situation in Syria.”

    2020-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/823 (2020) · source

24. “We are therefore concerned at the apparent erosion of the ceasefire in recent weeks, in particular an uptick in appalling attacks by extremist groups, notably on joint Russian-Turkish patrols, as well as repeated air strikes by Russian and regime forces. As I said last month (S/2020/743, annex XIII), we know what the humanitarian impact of a breakdown in the ceasefire would be: the 7 July report of the report of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic (A/ HRC/44/61) found evidence of widespread indiscriminate attacks by regime and pro- regime forces on civilians, hospitals and schools, with reasonable grounds to believe that war crimes had been committed by the regime and Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham.”

    2020-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/823 (2020) · source

25. “The Security Council has feared a dramatic rise in cases in Syria, and it appears now that such a rise may well have begun. It remains incumbent on all of us to ensure that the necessary medical and humanitarian assistance reaches all of those in need. We are also deeply concerned at the fragile nature of the ceasefire in north- west Syria, particularly in the context of an increase in COVID-19 cases. We strongly supported the ceasefire agreed by the Presidents of Russia and Turkey on 5 March and welcomed the fact that it appeared to have been broadly holding. This granted millions of Syrians in Idlib some respite and allows hundreds of thousands to return to their homes.”

    2020-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/823 (2020) · source

26. “I thank Special Envoy Pedersen for his briefing. I would like to start by once again mourning the loss of life due to the tragic events in Lebanon on 4 August, which sadly included a large number of Syrian refugees and, as we have just heard, Deputy Special Envoy Matar. I would like to join others in wishing her a speedy recovery. All of this is a reminder of the magnitude of the Beirut tragedy, but also of how generous Lebanon has been in responding to the crisis in neighbouring Syria. We are deeply concerned by the escalating coronavirus disease (COVID-19) situation in Syria. There are now over 1,650 confirmed cases, with cases in regime- held areas more than doubling in the first 10 days of August and those in north-east Syria also growing rapidly. We understand the actual number of cases to be far greater.”

    2020-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/823 (2020) · source

27. “The way in which these elections were conducted sends a clear message that the Syrian regime has not really been interested in inclusion, fairness or a political process that is owned and led by all Syrians or that allows all Syrians a role in deciding their own future. Finally, I would just like to address the comment made by the Russian representative about the White Helmets. The United Kingdom is proud of its support for the White Helmets and its life-saving search and rescue operations and activities in Syria alongside other donors. The organization is estimated to have saved over 115,000 lives and provided essential services to more than 4 million Syrians.”

    2020-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/743 (2020) · source

28. “In order for this to happen, the Syrian regime must properly and genuinely engage with the Special Envoy and the other parties on the peace process. We take note of the parliamentary elections held in Syria on Sunday. Resolution 2254 (2015), which we adopted unanimously, remains unequivocal regarding expectations for elections in Syria. They needed to be free and fair, administered under the supervision of the United Nations, and meet the high standards of transparency and accountability, with all Syrians, including members of the diaspora, being eligible to participate. Sunday’s parliamentary elections clearly did not meet these requirements. There were no independent observers and nearly half of Syria’s population, including 6 million refugees, could not even vote.”

    2020-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/743 (2020) · source

29. “The United Kingdom is proud to provide financial support — $1.6 million from 2019 to next year — for the efforts of the International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP) towards the immense task of accounting for missing persons in Syria. We wholly support the ICMP’s role as the holder of an impartial missing persons database, and we stress the need for a process for missing persons that accounts for all missing persons regardless of their role in the conflict or their origin, in accordance with international human rights and the rule of law. This work is vital for the rights of families of the missing to justice, truth and reparations. Any credible peace process has to address the issue of missing persons and detainees.”

    2020-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/743 (2020) · source

30. “We call on the Syrian regime to engage with the United Nations Special Envoy to discuss this critically important issue. There needs to be widespread releases of political prisoners and vulnerable people in line with what we all agreed in resolution 2254 (2015). Medical care must be available to those in detention. We were moved by Ms. Mustafa’s own story about her father. Indeed, there remain an estimated 120,000 persons missing as a result of this conflict. These S/2020/743 include persons missing as a consequence of summary executions, arbitrary and incommunicado detention, kidnapping, abduction, enslavement, sarin gas attacks and other human rights abuses, as well as combatants and civilians missing as a direct result of fighting in the day-to-day ravages of war. We recognize the psychological trauma of those left behind.”

    2020-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/743 (2020) · source

31. “Secondly, Russian and Chinese politicization of humanitarian access means that it is much more difficult for the 1.3 million people who had previously received aid through the Bab Al-Salam crossing to receive that aid. The consequences of a further outbreak and violence would be catastrophic. The United Kingdom therefore once again calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities in support of the requests of the United Nations Special Envoy and the Secretary-General. This call is now as urgent as ever. We call on all parties to work with the Special Envoy towards a nationwide ceasefire. We welcome the attendance and briefing of Wafa Mustafa today and commend her vital work and that of Families for Freedom, her bravery and her fighting for young girls, women and families who have been impacted by the detentions.”

    2020-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/743 (2020) · source

32. “This is made clear in the Commission of Inquiry’s report, which finds that 47 attacks that were investigated in Idlib were conducted by the regime’s ground and air forces and were assisted by Russian air forces. The Commission also finds reasonable grounds to believe that war crimes had been committed by the regime and Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham. It is the task of the United Nations and its Member States, in particular all members of the Council, to ensure that this does not recur. If the ceasefire breaks down, two additional factors are likely to exacerbate the suffering. First, cases of the coronavirus disease have now been confirmed in the north-west, and the numbers are beginning to increase. Tackling a widespread outbreak in the north-west would in any case be a challenge, but further conflict would likely render this task impossible.”

    2020-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/743 (2020) · source

33. “Indeed, we have yet more evidence through the recent report of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic (A/HRC/44/61), released on 7 July, and, as the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights puts it, unfathomable suffering endured by Syrian children, women and men during the military campaign launched on Idlib in 2019 and the start of this year. This includes indiscriminate attacks on civilians, hospitals and schools by pro-regime forces, backed by Russia, the killing and injuring of thousands, arrests, torture, probable war crimes by extremist forces and dire displacement conditions at the border.”

    2020-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/743 (2020) · source

34. “I thank Special Envoy Pedersen for his briefing. I also thank Ms. Wafa Mustafa for her briefing on the vital work done by Families for Freedom. We remain deeply concerned by the situation in north-western Syria. Although Russian and Turkish patrols have now succeeded under constant threat over the full distance of the M4 highway, reports of recent Russian air strikes on Al-Bab, as well as increased shelling and terrorist attacks, are a real potential for a slide back to the levels of conflict that we saw at the start of this year. We know what the humanitarian impact of the breakdown of the ceasefire in the north-west would be.”

    2020-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/743 (2020) · source