YouSaid · the spoken record

Spasse

lines on the record: 253
first: 2022-03-31
most recent: 2023-12-22
sittings or episodes: 56
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 believe that the tripartite agreement concluded among the OPCW, the United Nations Office for Project Services and the Syrian Arab Republic should be further extended. It is time for Syria to understand that it must fully declare and destroy its chemical weapons programmes in a transparent and verifiable manner. It should fully cooperate with the OPCW in compliance with resolution 2118 (2013). As this is the last meeting in which Albania will take the floor on this file, we stress the importance for the Security Council to take responsibility in implementing its resolutions, and in that context, these regular meetings remain a necessity. In concluding, allow me, Mr. President, to express Albania’s appreciation for the way Ecuador has presided over the complicated work of the Security Council during this month of December..”
2023-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9519 (2023) · source
“We welcome the twenty-fifth round of consultations between the Declaration Assessment Team (DAT) and the Syrian National Authority, which took place in Damascus at the beginning of November, as confirmed by the 122nd monthly report of the Director-General of OPCW. We remain concerned about the results of the analysis of samples. collected by the DAT on two sites during the limited in-country activities in April this year. The results revealed the presence at two sites of indications of several chemical warfare agents that had not been declared. We call on Syria to provide all relevant information regarding the chemical weapons and related activities. We fully support the work of the OPCW, United Nations agencies and other international organizations in that regard.”
2023-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9519 (2023) · source
“According to the note of the OPCW Technical Secretariat dated 23 September 2023, Syria continues to refuse to fully cooperate with the international community regarding the chemical weapons programme. There are several gaps, inconsistencies and discrepancies in the declarations of the Syrian national authorities. Twenty out of 24 outstanding issues raised by the Technical Secretariat remain unresolved. The substance of the unresolved outstanding issues involves unverified quantities of chemical weapons, the undeclared production of chemical weapons and undeclared chemical weapons, including chlorine and sarin, used in chemical attacks. All of that gives us serious concerns regarding the potential existence of undeclared stockpiles of chemical weapons, activities and facilities.”
2023-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9519 (2023) · source
“I thank Mr. Ebo for his briefing. Ten years ago the Syrian Arab Republic acceded to the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on Their Destruction. Syria committed to cooperating with the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in the exercise of all its functions. Accordingly, 10 years after, Syria should have destroyed its chemical weapons and chemical weapons production facilities. Unfortunately, that has not been the case. Several international reports have found that chemical weapons have been used in Syria since its accession to the Convention. The identified perpetrators should be held accountable.”
2023-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9519 (2023) · source
“We must also support those on the ground who are working tirelessly to defend human rights and provide assistance to those in need, including by providing funding for humanitarian aid, supporting grass-roots organizations and offering refuge to those who are in immediate danger. In the light of those sobering realities, it is incumbent upon us to rally together and respond to the call for action. We cannot afford to stand idly by while the people of Afghanistan continue to suffer. We must mobilize our resources, political will and diplomacy to support Afghanistan in its quest for lasting peace, stability and prosperity. In conclusion, we urge all members to redouble efforts to find viable and sustainable solutions and to stand with the people of Afghanistan in their pursuit of a better future.”
2023-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9515 (2023) · source
“Albania welcomed the independent assessment (S/2023/856, annex) published several days ago. We must use that momentum to prioritize our efforts to achieve a secure, stable, prosperous and inclusive Afghanistan and to discuss the strategic focus areas for addressing those priorities. Any progress or increased engagement with the de facto authorities must be linked to benchmarks grounded in human rights obligations, particularly in women’s rights. All our efforts to address the overall humanitarian, human rights and socioeconomic situation in Afghanistan will fall short if we fail to urgently address the dire situation of women and girls in the country.”
2023-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9515 (2023) · source
“It is essential to prioritize the protection of civilians, uphold human rights and work towards addressing the root causes of the conflict by promoting inclusive and sustainable development in Afghanistan. The instability in Afghanistan has the potential to spill over into neighbouring countries, further exacerbating regional tensions and insecurity. It is evident that the situation in Afghanistan is not a mere domestic issue, but one that has reverberating consequences for international peace and security. We expect the de facto authorities to manage, mitigate and prevent threats to regional and global stability by taking all the necessary measures to prevent the use of Afghan soil for threats or attacks against any other countries; for planning and financing terrorist attacks; or for producing, selling and trafficking illegal narcotics.”
2023-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9515 (2023) · source
“Ongoing extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, detentions, torture and the ill-treatment of former Government officials and members of the former Afghan National Defence and Security Forces remain deeply concerning. Cases of torture and inhumane treatment in detention centres, as well as human rights violations, remain largely unpunished. This culture of impunity is once again showing us the real face of the Taliban. They promised a more inclusive and less repressive leadership but ended up doing the exact opposite. We cannot turn a blind eye to the plight of the Afghan people, who are enduring unimaginable hardships and uncertainty on a daily basis.”
2023-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9515 (2023) · source
“I thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Otunbayeva, Director Rajasingham, Executive Director Akbar and Ambassador De La Gasca, Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1988 (2011), for their insightful presentations. The overall situation in Afghanistan continues to be a matter of grave concern that needs increased attention and action from the international community. For years, the people of Afghanistan have endured violence, discrimination and deprivation of their most basic rights. Women and girls continue to be excluded and erased from public life. The Taliban have already institutionalized large-scale and systematic gender- based discrimination and violence against women and girls. As a result, women and girls in Afghanistan are living in an apartheid regime.”
2023-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9515 (2023) · source
“Unfortunately, Tehran has continuously rejected every offer to return to the full and effective implementation of the JCPOA, and regrettably, its nuclear programme is now more advanced than ever. In conclusion, I would like to express Albania’s position that the international community must continue to maintain scrutiny over Iranian ballistic missile activities until Iran finds its path towards diplomacy.”
2023-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9511 (2023) · source
“In addition, Iran’s provision of missiles and uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) technology to its partners and proxies endangers international stability and escalates regional tensions. The illicit transfer of hundreds of Iranian Mohajer and Shahed series of UAVs to Russia, in clear violation of resolution 2231 (2015), has become a supply of death for the Ukrainian people. The whole picture obviously raises questions as to whether Iran will ever take any steps to reverse the escalatory destabilizing trajectory and its disregard for international norms. The international community has dealt patiently and reasonably with Iran in trying to convince Tehran that the diplomatic path is the best solution.”
2023-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9511 (2023) · source
“As assessed by the Secretariat, the examined ballistic missile components seized by the United Kingdom in early 2023 in a vessel in the Gulf of Oman were of Iranian origin. Aiming to empower the Houthis and supporting their escalatory and destabilizing actions in Yemen, and recently in the Red Sea, Iran has clearly violated resolution 2231 (2015) by illegally transferring weapons without the approval of the Council. Furthermore, Iran has continued with other escalatory steps, in blatant violation of paragraph 3 of annex B of the resolution, by conducting activities related to ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons. The launch of Qased rockets in September 2023, disregarding the restrictions under the JCPOA, is another deplorable violation of resolution 2231 (2015).”
2023-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9511 (2023) · source
“A lack of transparency continues from the Iranian side, and the ability of the International Atomic Energy Agency to carry out full verification and monitoring remains heavily undermined. So far, Iran has continued to accumulate uranium, and its stockpile is enriched up to 60 per cent, while Tehran constantly refuses to comply with its legal obligations under the subsidiary arrangement. Iran’s missile programmes remain one of the greatest challenges to international non-proliferation efforts. Today Iran holds the largest inventory of strategic missiles in the Middle East, posing an increased threat to countries across the region and beyond. As the Secretary-General’s report clearly states, cruise missiles of Iranian origin were used in an attack on the Al-Dahbba oil terminal in Yemen in November 2022.”
2023-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9511 (2023) · source
“Let me start by thanking Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo, Ambassador Skoog and Ambassador Frazier for their briefings. The sixteenth report of the Secretary-General (S/2023/975) on the implementation of resolution 2231 (2015) is another important document shedding light on the advancement of the Iranian illicit nuclear programme and its non-compliance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). It is yet further testimony to the unlawful nature of Iranian nuclear proliferation activities, and it questions once again its so-called peaceful purposes. We do not see meaningful steps towards the fulfilment of the obligation under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons Safeguards Agreement and its Additional Protocol.”
2023-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9511 (2023) · source
“As this is Albania’s last meeting on this issue, allow me to emphasize that in order to turn the tide and secure a brighter future for the region, we must continue to advocate political solutions. We also have to provide not only increased and effective humanitarian aid, but also education and economic alternatives that can break the cycle of poverty and create a future of hope for the generations to come.”
2023-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9505 (2023) · source
“The international community should not leave them to bear the brunt of this humanitarian crisis alone. Amid these challenges, we must remain vigilant of the environmental degradation of the region’s fragile ecosystems and its enormous impact on communities. The livelihoods of those who depend on natural resources are at risk due to climate shocks, leading to food insecurity, water scarcity, displacement and clashes among communities, as described in the Secretary-General’s report. The shared efforts of the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa and the Economic Community of Central African States, which we fully support, remain crucial.”
2023-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9505 (2023) · source
“Regional efforts to fight Boko Haram in the Lake Chad basin have been encouraging. However, to break the control of terrorist groups over certain areas where the State authority is absent, more international support should go to the Multinational Joint Task Force in the Lake Chad basin and the regional strategy. We also note with particular concern the continued targeting of educational and medical facilities in the north-west and south-west regions of Cameroon, leaving children robbed of their right to education and with their aspirations crushed under the weight of poverty and insecurity. Turning the focus to the tragic impact of the Sudanese civil war, we salute Chad and the Central African Republic, which, despite their own challenges, opened their hearts and homes to Sudanese refugees.”
2023-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9505 (2023) · source
“The establishment of accountable and participatory systems in the region, reflecting the will of the people, is a pivotal force for bolstering legitimacy of leadership, as well as for promoting dialogue and reconciliation. While we are encouraged by the progress made in Cameroon, particularly with internally displaced persons returns and economic improvements in the north-west and south-west regions, we welcome further efforts to support the national dialogue between the Government and armed groups, aiming at lasting peace and the protection of civilians. That leads me to the next point — the volatile security situation in many countries of the region, translated into millions of internally displaced persons or refugees living in alarming conditions, deprived of the necessities of life.”
2023-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9505 (2023) · source
“I thank Mr. Abarry, Special Representative of the Secretary-General, for his briefing. Allow me to raise a few points highlighted in the Secretary-General’s report (S/2023/934). The challenges that Central Africa is facing are multifaceted and deeply rooted, and are exacerbated by persistent conflicts. That is why we should advocate for solutions that promote inclusive governance and address root causes of conflict. Those solutions can come only through the transparent and inclusive completion of democratic transitions and reforms. Albania notes the progress made in Chad implementing the Doha Peace Agreement and holding the upcoming constitutional referendum and general elections in 2024. We echo the Secretary-General’s call to enhance efforts to promote human rights, including by combating impunity.”
2023-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9505 (2023) · source
“The working-age population could shrink, negatively affecting the reconstruction and economic recovery process of the country. That is the aim of Russia — to destroy Ukraine as a factor in the region and to make life there unbearable, hoping that Ukraine will accept the conditions of the Kremlin. And that is why we will continue to stand with Ukraine by supporting it politically, economically and militarily until a just and lasting peace is achieved, based on the Charter and respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.”
2023-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9501 (2023) · source
“In that context, we cannot condone Russia’s continued cynicism in the Security Council in its attempts to blame the supply of arms by Western countries as the cause of the conflict. Although the Russian Federation has expressed such concerns in the Chamber, its military attacks in Ukraine continue, including with the use of drones and other weapons acquired by Iran and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. The main targets are critical and civilian infrastructure, the energy-supply system and the agriculture infrastructure. According to a recent study of the Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies, the huge population loss caused by the war, primarily due to refugees, could bring about demographic problems for Ukraine.”
2023-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9501 (2023) · source
“Let me start by thanking the briefers for their remarks. Since the beginning of the unjustified military aggression by Russia against Ukraine, one of the main goals of the Kremlin has been to undermine the role and the support of the international community. The choice is very simple: either we accept that Russia, a permanent member of the Security Council, can violate the Charter of the United Nations and change borders by force, or we react against it by supporting Ukraine in defending its country, the security architecture of Europe, the principles of international law and the foundations of the international rules-based order. The international community made a clear choice when the General Assembly massively voted to condemn Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.”
2023-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9501 (2023) · source
“Regardless of the closure of the Mission, Albania will continue to stand with the people of the Sudan. In that vein, we reiterate our call to the conflicting parties to uphold their international obligations for the protection of civilians, in particular of women and girls. Now more than ever, it is imperative that humanitarian efforts are sustained to prevent the further deterioration of an already catastrophic situation in the country.”
2023-12-01 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9492 (2023) · source
“Therefore, terminating the mandate of UNITAMS was not a decision taken lightly. Albania regrets the outcome of events in recent weeks and praises the UNITAMS personnel for their unwavering dedication and commitment in the pursuit of peace and stability in the Sudan under very challenging circumstances. We stress that the security of United Nations personnel is paramount. Albania calls on all Sudanese parties to cooperate fully with UNITAMS and United Nations agencies during the transition and liquidation phase. We welcome the appointment of the Secretary- General’s Personal Envoy for the Sudan, Mr. Ramtane Lamamra, and express our support in his challenging task. In conclusion, it is crucial that risks associated with an orderly UNITAMS termination are mitigated as best as possible.”
2023-12-01 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9492 (2023) · source
“Let me start by congratulating you, Mr. President, and your team on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council. I also would like to congratulate China on the way it presided over the Council during the month of November. We thank the penholder for working relentlessly and for accommodating different views. Albania voted in favour of resolution 2715 (2023) requesting the termination of the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS) as of 3 December, following the letter of the Government of the Sudan, which was taken into full consideration. However, we remain deeply concerned about the Sudan’s escalating insecurity and human crisis, where civilians continue to endure human rights violations and breaches of international humanitarian law.”
2023-12-01 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9492 (2023) · source
“UNISFA has facilitated critical humanitarian assistance to almost a quarter million vulnerable and displaced individuals. The conflict in the Sudan has placed further strains on the humanitarian situation with over 9,000 refugees. We stress the necessity of continued humanitarian assistance for those in need. As this meeting marks Albania’s last address on the issue of Abyei in the Security Council, we seize the moment to express regret for the stalled progress in advancing the political process and achieving a mutually acceptable permanent solution for the Abyei Area. While the conflict in the Sudan has complicated matters and impeded progress, that should not hinder the aspirations of the Abyei people for a peaceful settlement. We look forward to engaging with the Council to renew the mandate of UNISFA for one year.”
2023-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9467 (2023) · source
“The presence of UNISFA in Abyei plays an important role in preventing further escalations of violence. However, the fighting in South Kordofan has created restrictions for the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism and hampered UNISFA’s freedom of movement. We urge all parties to respect the status-of-forces agreement and allow the mission to safely execute its mandate. The Sudan and South Sudan should also respect the 2011 agreement and withdraw their military and police troops from the demilitarized zone. The engagement demonstrated at the transhumance corridors conference is positive and efforts to strengthen peaceful coexistence between communities should continue. Thirdly, the protection of civilians must remain a priority.”
2023-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9467 (2023) · source
“UNISFA has made significant gains in promoting the rule of law in the absence of the Abyei police service, however, the ultimate responsibility lies with the Sudan and South Sudan. The African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development and the United Nations should continue engagement and monitoring efforts with the aim of resuming political talks. We commend UNISFA for enhancing its early warning systems to bolster responses. It is imperative that all social cohesion and peacebuilding efforts ensure the full, equal and meaningful involvement of women, youth and civil society. Secondly, the fragile security situation is concerning, with intercommunal violence persisting and leading to attacks against United Nations personnel. We strongly condemn the attacks and call for full investigations.”
2023-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9467 (2023) · source
“I thank Under-Secretary- General Lacroix and Special Envoy Tetteh for their informative briefings. I welcome the presence of the representatives of the Sudan and South Sudan at this meeting. We appreciate the near completion of the reconfiguration of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) to a multinational United Nations force. Its work is essential in promoting security and the protection of civilians in the Abyei Area. Allow me to focus on three key concerns. First, as highlighted in the Secretary-General’s report (S/2023/777), the conflict in the Sudan has impeded any political progress in resolving the final status of Abyei. That is regrettable since the Sudan and South Sudan had achieved momentum, and dialogue was on the right path.”
2023-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9467 (2023) · source
“Grandi today should serve as a call for immediate action and a recommitment to upholding the principles of humanity, solidarity and shared responsibility. By working together, we can make a positive difference in the lives of millions of refugees and ensure a more secure and prosperous future for all.”
2023-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9465 (2023) · source
“The alliance will serve as a platform that can mobilize resources more efficiently within the first few days of a crisis by linking the private sector, philan- thropy and international organizations, and facilitate immediate coordination in full compliance with the United Nations principles of humanitarian aid. Lastly, I would like to stress the importance of investing in long-term solutions. Empowering refugees through education and vocational training, providing access to health care and promoting economic opportunities will not only address their immediate needs, but will also enable them to rebuild their lives with dignity and contribute to the development and stability of their host communities. In conclusion, the briefing by Mr.”
2023-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9465 (2023) · source
“The pri- vate sector can bring access to finance, cutting-edge technology, research and development and operational capabilities. With the private sector’s expertise and capabilities in fields such as logistics, telecommunica- tions, transport and data analysis, humanitarian actors will gain improved efficiency and effectiveness in their response efforts, thereby providing a lifeline for indi- viduals and families forced to leave their homes ow- ing to conflict, persecution or natural disasters. Aware of the potential and the role the private sector, Alba- nia, together with Schmidt Futures and other partners, launched in September a private sector humanitarian alliance.”
2023-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9465 (2023) · source
“We commend the efforts of High Commissioner Grandi and his unwavering commitment to alleviating the suffering of refugees worldwide. Nevertheless, it is evident that the scale and complexity of the issue require heightened international cooperation and financial support. It is essential to recognize the contributions made by countries, especially low- and middle-income countries, which host 75 per cent of refugees, and by communities that generously provide a safe haven for refugees. Their hospitality should be acknowledged and supported through increased international aid and burden-sharing efforts. We believe that the private sector can play a crucial role in our common efforts to address the challenges we face in responding to and accommodating the needs of refugees and internally displaced persons.”
2023-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9465 (2023) · source
“It is disheartening to witness a situation in which families and individuals are uprooted from their homes, torn from their communities and exposed to a myriad of challenges. The impact on their lives is immeasurable, marked by loss, trauma and a constant struggle for survival. As members of this body, it is our moral obligation to take the necessary steps within the Council’s mandate to protect and assist those vulnerable populations. We must renew our collective determination to find sustainable solutions that address the root causes of forced displacement. We must strive to prevent and resolve conflicts, promote respect for human rights and strengthen humanitarian assistance and protection for refugees and the communities hosting them.”
2023-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9465 (2023) · source
“I thank High Commissioner Grandi for his sincere and comprehensive presentation. Let me start by expressing our deep concern regarding the dire situation faced by refugees worldwide, stemming from war, persecution, violence and human rights violations. Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine, the conflicts in the Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Myanmar, the combination of drought, floods and insecurity in Somalia, the prolonged humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan and the deterioration of the situation in the Middle East after the terrorist attack of Hamas against Israel, just to mention a few, give little hope that the numbers presented by the High Commissioner will decrease any time soon, but rather the contrary. The figures we heard here today should alarm us and compel immediate action at the highest level.”
2023-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9465 (2023) · source
“We have the privilege to serve as coordinator of the shared commitments initiative for 2023 and to work closely with other like-minded countries that believe in the transformative power of the women and peace and security agenda to enable the Security Council to fully realize its mandate to maintain international peace and security.”
2023-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9452 (2023) · source
“Albania’s ranking on the Global Gender Gap Index has also continuously and significantly improved. The World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2023 ranked Albania seventeenth out of 146 countries. As we move closer to the end of our mandate in the Security Council, and as this is the last annual open debate on women and peace and security for us, I want to reiterate that women and peace and security has been one of our main priorities in the Council. We have done our best to ensure that the women and peace and security agenda is fully and meaningfully integrated into all aspects of the Council’s work, including by prioritizing the meaningful and safe participation of women civil society briefers in the Council.”
2023-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9452 (2023) · source
“Juan on the situation of women and girls — respectively, in Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan — calling for protection from gender persecution, protection from all forms of sexual violence and the inclusion of women in peacebuilding initiatives. Allow me to underline that the Albanian Government has put a sharp focus on policies that aim at boosting women’s meaningful engagement in public life. According to the Women in Politics: 2023, a global map developed by UN-Women and the Inter-Parliamentary Union, Albania ranks first in the share of women Cabinet ministers, and forty-second for the percentage of women in Parliament, representing an improvement of 12 positions in comparison to the year 2021. Albanian women’s representation in politics today is above the European Union’s average.”
2023-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9452 (2023) · source
“Albania strongly supports the Secretary-General’s goal for a radical shift in women’s participation in peacekeeping, peacemaking and peacebuilding over the next year. We need to give civil society a voice that is heard in the Security Council. We need to work more on bringing the work of women at the grass-roots level to the women and peace and security agenda. As a member of the group on shared commitments on women and peace and security, and as a Security Council member that has walked the talk during its presidencies of the Council, Albania remains committed to amplifying women’s voices and following up on the recommendations of civil society addressed to the Security Council. In that context, I would like to evoke the recommendations of Ms. Bennoune, Ms. Modi and Ms.”
2023-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9452 (2023) · source
“First, Governments and organizations must align their practices with resolution 1325 (2000) and subsequent resolutions and establish adequate institutional mechanisms to translate theory into effective implementation. Secondly, we need transformative change to challenge societal norms and business models to eliminate discriminatory practices and ensure equal access to opportunities for women at all levels. Thirdly, at the United Nations we need to encourage and increase the number of gender-sensitive training for all United Nations peacekeeping missions components to create a friendly environment for women and mitigate the occurrence of gender-based violence and sexual exploitation acts against women in contingents.”
2023-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9452 (2023) · source
“The report of the Secretary-General (S/2023/725) shows that women continue to be regularly excluded from peace processes, including in the prevention and resolution of conflicts, peacebuilding and peacekeeping, while impunity for atrocities against women and girls continues to be prevalent. Women’s unique experiences as leaders and agents of change provide essential perspectives in conflict resolution, peacebuilding and post-conflict reconstruction. Wherever women take part in a peace process, peace lasts longer. Concerted efforts are needed to bridge the gap and ensure the meaningful participation of women in international peace and security processes. To that end, I would like to emphasize three points.”
2023-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9452 (2023) · source
“I would like to start by thanking the Secretary-General for his comprehensive presentation. Albania strongly supports his work and efforts to advance the women and peace and security agenda globally. I also thank today’s briefers — Ms. Bahous, Ms. Spoljaric Egger, Ms. De Oliveira and Ms. Al-Karib — for their remarks and for helping us to better understand the current implementation stage and challenges of the women and peace and security agenda. We have made remarkable progress in the field of women and peace and security. However, the road from theory to practice remains a bumpy one.”
2023-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9452 (2023) · source
“As this is the last time Albania will speak on this issue in the Security Council, we take this opportunity to stress our support for the critical work of UNSOM in supporting the Government of Somalia. As ATMIS draws down, it is critical to build the capacity of Somalia’s security and governance to take over the responsibility to protect its people. The aspirations of the Somali people for peace, stability and prosperity deserve to be met.”
2023-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9446 (2023) · source
“Thirdly, the humanitarian situation remains dire, with 8.3 million people in need of assistance. Although famine has been averted, recurring climate shocks and conflict continue to exacerbate humanitarian needs, disproportionately affecting women and children. We stress the importance of continued humanitarian aid to mitigate those challenges. We express concern over the continued conflict in Laascaanood, which is taking a heavy toll on civilians and essential infrastructure. As reported by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, more than 185,000 people have been displaced. We call on all parties to agree on a ceasefire and end the hostilities, while those responsible must be held accountable.”
2023-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9446 (2023) · source
“We commend the progress made towards the reconfiguration of the Somali National Army and the collaborative efforts with partners to launch the counteroffensive against Al-Shabaab. We recognize the many challenges faced, particularly with Al-Shabaab’s continued use of improvised explosive device attacks. In that regard, stabilization efforts remain crucial to ensuring gains are consolidated and to avoiding a security vacuum in liberated areas. As the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) looks to draw down by the end of 2024, efforts must be made to strengthen the capacity of the national forces. Coordination and planning between ATMIS and Somalia is critical to preparing the country for a security handover and enabling it to ensure the protection of its civilians.”
2023-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9446 (2023) · source
“We also welcome efforts to promote women’s participation in public life, but we think that the legal frameworks against conflict- related sexual violence must be strengthened. We encourage the Government of Somalia to work with the United Nations and advance its State-building efforts. Progress is required on the constitutional and electoral processes. We are deeply concerned about the reported restrictions on freedom of expression, journalists and media. We call on the Government of Somalia to take steps to create a safe and inclusive civic space essential for any thriving democracy. Secondly, we are encouraged that the Government has taken ownership of and prioritized its security and taken steps to restore peace and stability in the country.”
2023-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9446 (2023) · source
“I thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Laing for her update on the situation in Somalia and underline our support for the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM). I also thank Mr. Souef for his briefing and welcome the presence of Somalia in this meeting. Albania commends the Government of Somalia for its ongoing commitment to addressing the complex situation and strengthening the fight against terrorism. Allow me to focus on three key areas. First, as highlighted by the Secretary-General’s report (S/2023/758), Somalia has made progress on key legislative processes to advance national priorities. In that regard, we welcome the approval of the child rights bill, which is a significant step towards protecting the rights of all Somali children.”
2023-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9446 (2023) · source
“Regional cooperation should be extended and reinforced to support more sustainable and transparent management of those natural resources. We hope to see the recommendations of the regional forum held in Kinshasa in September on a regional mineral tracking or certification system implemented without delay. A fairer distribution of wealth could act as an incentive for armed groups to disarm and participate in demobilization and reintegration programmes, which should receive adequate support. Finally, I thank the Special Envoy for his unwavering support to the signatory countries in implementing the regional strategy and addressing the root causes of the conflict.”
2023-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9440 (2023) · source
“If we agree that children are the ones to shape our future, what future can we expect if those same children are forced to replace their pens with guns? If we agree that mothers forge the character of their children, then what characters can we expect if those same mothers undergo grave violations? We are doomed to fail, even if we make our way out of the crisis. The solution we are looking for is called accountability. In that vein, we welcome the support of the Office of the Special Envoy for the implementation of the Kinshasa Declaration on Enhancing Judicial Cooperation in the Great Lakes Region. That leads me to my third point. The Great Lakes region is blessed with enormous natural resources but is struggling with the problem of their illegal exploitation and illicit trade.”
2023-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9440 (2023) · source
“Along the political track, Albania positively notes the regional ownership in providing security guarantees in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Such guarantees were ensured via the extension of the East African Community regional force mandate to 8 December and the endorsement of the deployment of the Southern African Development Community mission during its forty-third ordinary summit, held on 17 August. We reiterate the need for all of those initiatives to be harmonized and mutually reinforcing, as noted during the quadripartite meeting held in Addis Ababa. Secondly, Albania is alarmed by the worsening humanitarian situation in the region, combined with heinous attacks against civilians, rising conflict-related sexual and gender-based violence against women and child recruitment. We should all reflect on what that means.”
2023-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9440 (2023) · source