YouSaid · the spoken record

Sven Jürgenson.

lines on the record: 527
first: 2020-03-31
most recent: 2021-06-28
sittings or episodes: 119
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

“I thank Special Coordinator Wennesland and Mr. Paulsen for their briefings. Estonia calls for the active engagement of the Security Council, the members of the Middle East Quartet and the countries of the region in creating favourable conditions for the resumption of direct meaningful negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. Finding a long-lasting solution to the conflict is in the interest of the whole region and beyond. We remain committed to supporting a two-State solution, based on international law, relevant Security Council resolutions and internationally agreed parameters. I would like to encourage the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority to continue practical steps to strengthen bilateral cooperation and rebuild mutual trust and confidence.”
2021-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/404 (2021) · source
“We are concerned about the reports of systematic repression of journalists, sexual violence and the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict. The parties must cease these violations immediately, and perpetrators must be held to account. We welcome the tireless diplomatic efforts made to end the war, including those by Special Envoy Griffiths, United States Special Envoy Lenderking, the Sultanate of Oman and the P5+4 group, who met at the beginning of this week. We also welcome the recent announcement by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on ways to end the crisis. We encourage all parties to engage with the Special Envoy and agree on a ceasefire immediately in order to start an inclusive political process, with the participation of women and youth.”
2021-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/372 (2021) · source
“Five million people across the country are already on the verge of famine, and there is a sharp increase in the number of coronavirus disease cases, while only half of the country’s health facilities are functioning. In this context, we welcome the recent decision of the Yemeni Government to approve the entry of four fuel ships into the port of Al-Hudaydah, as well as the decision of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to grant $422 million worth of fuel to the Government of Yemen. However, in order to improve the severe humanitarian situation, additional steps are needed, including a sustainable solution for removing obstacles from the import of fuel and commercial items. We also call on all parties to protect civilians, particularly those in the most vulnerable situations, including internally displaced people, women and girls.”
2021-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/372 (2021) · source
“I thank Special Envoy Griffiths and Under-Secretary-General Lowcock for their briefings. Estonia shares the deep concern about the continuing military escalation in Yemen, as it undermines the United Nations-led efforts to find a political settlement and aggravates the humanitarian crisis. We call upon all parties to immediately de- escalate and put an end to the hostilities, including the Houthis’ assault on Ma’rib and the cross-border attacks on the territory of Saudi Arabia. We also urge all parties to refrain from indiscriminate attacks against civilian objects, as they are a violation to international humanitarian law. Due to the fighting, the need for humanitarian assistance is rapidly increasing in several areas, as there are thousands of newly displaced families, especially in the Ma’rib governorate.”
2021-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/372 (2021) · source
“Bringing justice and addressing the rights and needs of the survivors of conflict-related sexual violence is one step towards breaking this cycle.”
2021-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/375 (2021) · source
“This approach includes providing comprehensive services, including psychosocial, legal, and sexual and reproductive-health services as well as livelihood support. We continue to support the mandating and deployment of women protection advisers and look forward to their deployment in Libya and the Sudan. We see sufficient capacity and funding as key for the functioning of monitoring and reporting arrangements. We will continue to call for the Council to speak up on reprisals and attacks, including targeted sexual violence against women active in public life, women human rights defenders and those providing assistance to survivors of sexual violence. The shadow that conflict-related sexual violence casts is long: its memory is carried forward, and it can fuel endless cycles of violence.”
2021-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/375 (2021) · source
“Estonia continues its support for the Team of Experts on the Rule of Law and Sexual Violence in Conflict, which in 2020 provided technical assistance in the prosecution and trial of Ntabo Ntaberi Sheka. Redress and reparations for survivors are part of accountability. We support the designation and use of sexual violence as a stand-alone criterion for sanctions and for briefings by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General to Security Council sanctions committees. We encourage all parties to conflict to adopt specific commitments to addressing conflict-related sexual violence. We continue to call for a non-discriminatory and rights-based approach to assisting survivors of sexual violence, respecting their diversity and their needs.”
2021-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/375 (2021) · source
“We reiterate our call for accountability for conflict-related sexual violence in Syria, which is long overdue, as well as for violence committed by the Tatmadaw in Myanmar. As a member of the Security Council, Estonia will continue to underline the fundamental importance of human rights, including women and girls’ human rights, in combating conflict-related sexual violence. We continue to call for women’s full, equal and meaningful participation in peace processes as well as in COVID-19 recovery. We have and will continue to underline the absolutely crucial importance of accountability — through domestic systems of justice or, if appropriate, through the International Criminal Court.”
2021-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/375 (2021) · source
“We have acknowledged the Ethiopian Government’s willingness to collaborate with international human rights experts, and we urge it to guarantee an independent and credible investigation, including an unimpeded access of experts, as well as access for humanitarian aid organizations so that they can assist the survivors of sexual violence. In Yemen, conflict-related sexual violence has been reportedly committed by all parties, including in detention and internally displaced persons camps. We welcome the adoption of resolution 2564 (2021), which designates an individual to the Yemen sanctions list based on actions related to the systematic detention, torture and sexual violence conducted against politically active women.”
2021-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/375 (2021) · source
“Gender inequality, compounded by harmful social norms, also means that the price for sexual violence remains low or non-existent for perpetrators and results in gaps in legal frameworks and services for survivors. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has exacerbated these inequalities, and to even a greater extent for women and girls in conflict situations — as the Council recognized in resolution 2532 (2020). The Secretary-General has drawn attention to the reports of sexual violence against women and girls in Tigray.”
2021-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/375 (2021) · source
“We also need to admit that the victims and survivors of conflict-related sexual violence are victims and survivors of war. They deserve support and justice. Neither as States nor as the Security Council can we address conflict-related violence without recognizing the need to ensure the full enjoyment of human rights, including sexual and reproductive health and rights, by women and girls. The report of the Secretary-General confirms that gender inequality is a root cause and a driver of sexual violence in times of conflict and peace. It turns women and girls into targets and a means of waging war. It contributes to stigma, victim-blaming and the underreporting of sexual violence.”
2021-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/375 (2021) · source
“I thank all briefers for their presentations and — even more crucially — their daily tireless work. I also thank the Special Representative for the presentation of the annual report on conflict-related sexual violence (S/2021/312) and welcome the concrete recommendations therein. This is the twelfth dedicated report by the Secretary-General, which clearly shows that conflict-related sexual violence — unforgivable and still unpunished — is widely used as a weapon of war across conflicts. We need to treat it systematically as such, picking up its early signs, countering its use, making addressing it part of ceasefires and peace agreements and making sure that its severity and impact is not ignored and that those who commit it are punished and not included in amnesty provisions.”
2021-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/375 (2021) · source
“We would like to highlight that the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo maintained its operational capability and continued its monitoring and advising as well as operational activities, even during the coronavirus-disease pandemic. As cooperation with the EU has become increasingly significant in Kosovo, we would welcome a strategic review of UNMIK in due course. Finally, we call on Serbia and Kosovo to engage in good faith, in a spirit of compromise, and to work on reaching a legally binding comprehensive agreement on the normalization of relations, in accordance with international law and the EU acquis. Such an agreement would contribute to the stability of the region and be crucial for both to take further steps on their respective European paths.”
2021-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/370 (2021) · source
“This will require taking forward reforms, guided by the Stabilization and Association Agreement and the European reform agenda as well as regional cooperation. We hereby stress the importance of strengthening the rule of law, in particular the fight against corruption and organized crime, and the need to promote socioeconomic development. Kosovo has shown continued commitment to the Specialist Chambers over the recent period. We support the work of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers and the Specialist Prosecutor’s Office. Full cooperation with these institutions remains essential as an important demonstration of Kosovo’s commitment to the rule of law.”
2021-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/370 (2021) · source
“We welcome the formation of the new Kosovo Assembly and the Government as well as the election of the new Kosovo President. Now that all institutions in Kosovo have been formed, the European Union (EU)-facilitated Belgrade-Pristina dialogue should continue without delay. In this regard, we fully support the efforts of the EU High Representative, Josep Borrell, and the EU Special Representative, Miroslaw Lajčák. It is crucial that in the end all open issues be solved. We encourage Serbia and Kosovo to engage more with the civil societies, in particular with women and youth, as they can significantly contribute to the solutions on the issues at the negotiation table. We urge both the Governments of Serbia and of Kosovo to advance on their European path.”
2021-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/370 (2021) · source
“We would like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for his comprehensive briefing. We also welcome the Foreign Ministers of Kosovo and Serbia to their first Security Council briefing on the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) and thank them for the statements. Estonia commends Mr. Tanin for leading the work of UNMIK in helping to ensure Kosovo’s democratic development and advance regional stability in the Western Balkans. We appreciate UNMIK’s support for women’s participation in decision-making processes as well as for initiatives aimed at the youth and the fight against gender-based violence. We particularly commend the supportive activities undertaken by UNMIK in helping Kosovo’s local authorities and communities to alleviate the challenges caused by the pandemic.”
2021-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/370 (2021) · source
“The adverse effects of climate change as well as the spreading insecurity in Central Mali and the ongoing coronavirus disease pandemic continue to exacerbate the suffering of civilians, especially the most vulnerable groups in society. In this regard, we call on all the relevant parties to allow access to humanitarian aid and relief efforts.”
2021-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/336 (2021) · source
“The recent steps taken by the Malian authorities to fight impunity for violations and abuses of international human rights law in central Mali are a step in the right direction. We urge the authorities to follow through with the relevant investigations and legal proceedings. Breaking the cycle of impunity and ensuring that all perpetrators of human rights violations and abuses, as well as violators of international humanitarian law, are brought to justice must be political and judicial priorities. The only way forward in achieving lasting peace is to focus on reconciliation and rebuilding trust in society. The humanitarian situation in Mali continues to be a source of concern.”
2021-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/336 (2021) · source
“We are encouraged by the show of goodwill during the two meetings of the Agreement Monitoring Committee that took place outside of the capital in February and March. It is positive that progress was made on increasing women’s participation during those meetings. At the same time, we urge the parties to focus on achieving tangible progress in the implementation of the Agreement. More needs to be done for the redeployment and effective use of reconstituted army units, as well as in the area of re-establishing State presence and services in the north of Mali. We remain very concerned about the continued negative trends in the human rights and the humanitarian situation.”
2021-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/336 (2021) · source
“The deliberate targeting of civilians by terrorists and armed groups is simply unacceptable, and every effort needs to be made to alleviate the suffering of the people. Estonia will continue contributing to the fight against terrorism in Mali by participating in the international operations and training missions that are there to support the Malian authorities. However, a military approach alone will not suffice. A long-term solution to the Malian conflict can come about only through political will and inclusive dialogue, as well as full ownership and commitment by all the parties. In this regard, the Algiers Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali will continue to be an essential framework and basis for such a dialogue.”
2021-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/336 (2021) · source
“Women as well as youth need to be given an opportunity and a safe space to make their voices heard and their ideas taken onboard. More attention needs to be given to building trust and consensus in society. I would like to recognize the positive role and engagement of the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States in supporting the political transition in Mali. Regional organizations can have an important role and offer their support in the transition process. The security situation in Mali remains extremely concerning. All attacks against the national and international security presence, such as last week’s heinous attack against a MINUSMA camp in Kidal, must be condemned in the strongest terms.”
2021-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/336 (2021) · source
“We recognize that the reform agenda for the transition period is ambitious, and we call on the Malian authorities to identify and implement its most pressing priorities. It is of the utmost importance to take concrete, transparent and credible steps beginning now to make the elections in March 2022 a reality. In the preparations for the holding of elections, we urge the Malian authorities to focus on working out a detailed and operational electoral calendar. I would like to stress the need for inclusivity in the electoral process. Full, equal and meaningful participation by women — as candidates, community organizers and voters — is of key importance. We call on all parties to comply with the 2015 gender quota law.”
2021-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/336 (2021) · source
“I thank Under-Secretary-General Lacroix for his briefing. We welcome the appointment of Mr. El-Ghassim Wane to the position of Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Mali and offer our full support to him and to the work of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). Estonia is following very carefully the developments in the political transition in Mali. We take note of the latest progress, such as the adoption of the Government’s action plan and road map for the transition period, as well as the creation of the strategic committee on political and institutional reforms. At the same time, we encourage the Malian authorities to fully honour the commitments that they have made for themselves and for the Malian people.”
2021-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/336 (2021) · source
“Nevertheless, clashes between splinter rebel factions continued in parts of Jebel Marra. A number of intercommunal clashes also broke out. The Government of the Sudan took some measures to respond to those clashes. However, more measures to enhance the protection of civilians for communities in Darfur continued to be of paramount importance and need to be expedited. On 11 March 2021, the Secretary-General appointed the Experts to serve on the Panel until 12 March 2022. Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate that the sanctions regime was established for the sole purpose of helping to bring peace to Darfur. It is not to punish the Sudan, but to support the attainment of sustainable peace. The 1591 Committee reiterates its commitment to working together with the Sudan and all relevant stakeholders to make this a reality.”
2021-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/308 (2021) · source
“With regard to the de-listing request submitted by the Sudan, the Committee removed one individual, Adam Yacub Sharif, from the 1591 Sanctions List and objected to the de-listing of one individual. The Committee continues to consider the de-listing request for the two remaining individuals. On 11 March 2021, the Committee received the Panel’s last quarterly update. The Panel updated us about the implementation of the Peace Agreement, regional dynamics, the status of the armed groups in the region and intercommunal violence. I would like to bring to the attention of the Council the following from the Panel’s reporting. In the first months of 2021, the peace process in Darfur continued and reached a significant new stage. Fighting between the Government of the Sudan forces against rebel factions in Darfur have notably diminished.”
2021-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/308 (2021) · source
“The Sudan underlined that the situation in Darfur had considerably improved in comparison to 2005 when the sanctions were imposed. The Sudan expressed its readiness to work with the Committee in order to establish “clear, well-identified and measurable key benchmarks” to review measures on the Government of the Sudan with the ultimate objective of lifting the sanctions regime. All neighbouring States supported the Sudan in its efforts to implement the Juba Peace Agreement and expressed their commitment to the implementation of the sanctions measures. The Sudan and States of the region further noted their willingness to cooperate with the Committee and the Panel of Experts towards furthering peace in the Sudan and the region.”
2021-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/308 (2021) · source
“On 4 March 2021, the Committee received a letter of response from the Chargé d’affaires a.i. of the Permanent Mission of the Sudan. The Panel’s final report was made publicly available on 13 January 2021. On 23 February 2021, the Committee held virtual informal “informal” consultations with the Sudan, Chad, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Libya and Uganda. This was the eighth meeting of the Committee held to discuss implementation of the measures with the Sudan and States of the region. The invited States were also encouraged to share their views on the final report of the Panel of Experts on the Sudan. Following a briefing by the Panel of Experts, the Sudan and States of the region expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to share their views on the final report with the Committee and the Panel.”
2021-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/308 (2021) · source
“Committee members discussed the content and recommendations presented by the Panel of Experts on 11 January 2021, during the virtual informal “informal” consultations. Following these Committee discussions, the Committee considered follow-up action. In this regard, the Committee issued a press release on 25 February, urging the Juba Peace Agreement (JPA) signatory movements to stop recruiting fighters, in violation of the JPA, including in internally displaced persons camps (SC/14449). The Committee also urged the major non-signatory Darfurian groups to engage in peace talks with the Government of the Sudan as soon as possible. On behalf of the Committee, I addressed a letter dated 25 February 2021 to the Permanent Representative of the Sudan to the United Nations, reiterating some of the Panel’s recommendations.”
2021-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/308 (2021) · source
“In accordance with paragraph 3 (a) (iv) of resolution 1591 (2005), I have the honour to brief the Security Council on the work of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1591 (2005) concerning the Sudan, covering the period from 11 December 2020 to 24 March 2021. During this reporting period, the Committee issued its annual report for the year 2020 (S/2020/1209), which is available on the Committee website; it held two informal “informal” consultations in the format of a closed videoconference, and has received and considered the Sudan Panel’s final report (S/2021/40) and the last quarterly update. The Panel of Experts on the Sudan submitted its final report to the Committee in December 2020.”
2021-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/308 (2021) · source
“The disruptions to water and electricity supplies, the extremely dire situation and the constant exposure to violence that migrants and asylum seekers endure are of great concern. We call on the authorities to pay close attention to these issues and to take concrete steps to alleviate the suffering of civilians. It is important to note that the political process under the umbrella of the United Nations and the Berlin process remains the only acceptable international framework to support Libyans in achieving a lasting peace.”
2021-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/292 (2021) · source
“Concrete steps need to be taken to further build trust between the Libyan parties and in Libyan society. That includes thoroughly investigating all alleged human rights violations, mass killings, torture, enforced disappearances and ensuring justice for victims. It is important to root out the culture of impunity and focus on accountability. These actions are essential to achieving sustainable peace, security and reconciliation. To support this aim, the European Union recently decided to impose targeted sanctions on two individuals responsible for gross human rights violations and abuses in Libya. We remain concerned about the humanitarian situation on the ground.”
2021-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/292 (2021) · source
“Operation IRINI acts strictly under authorization from the Security Council, is impartial in its activities and offers an important contribution to the implementation of the sanctions regime. Estonia supports the establishment of a credible, realistic and effective ceasefire-monitoring mechanism that acts under United Nations auspices. We welcome the initial meeting between the United Nations advance team for preparing the ceasefire mechanism and the 5+5 Commission. We also thank the Secretary-General for his progress report on ceasefire-monitoring in Libya and the recommendations made therein (see S/2021/281). It is now important to move forward with practical arrangements in order to allow UNSMIL’s monitoring component to become operational.”
2021-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/292 (2021) · source
“We stress the importance of the full implementation of the Libyan ceasefire agreement, including ending all foreign interference, removing foreign fighters and opening the coastal road. The Libyan parties have clearly expressed their vision for achieving peace, and the international community must respect it. We call on all those involved to put an immediate end to the blatant violations of the Libyan sanctions regime and withdraw all foreign fighters and mercenaries from Libya. All actions that violate the Libyan arms embargo must stop immediately. We welcome the efforts of the European Union Naval Force Mediterranean Operation IRINI in support of the implementation of the Security Council arms embargo.”
2021-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/292 (2021) · source
“I thank Special Envoy Ján Kubiš for his briefing. I would like to express Estonia’s full support for the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL). We welcome the latest developments in Libya’s political process. The formation of a new interim authority is a step towards stability. This will allow starting the preparations for elections in December. It is important to ensure an inclusive process that involves all voices, especially those of women and youth. In that regard, it shows promise that five seats in the new Cabinet are held by women. We are encouraged by the continuation of the 5+5 Joint Military Commission meetings and their contacts with UNSMIL and the security working group of the international follow-up committee for Libya.”
2021-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/292 (2021) · source
“I would like to conclude by commending UNAMA for its continuous efforts, in particular for its work in promoting the role of women with regard to peace and security agenda, addressing the situation of children affected by armed conflict, supporting transitional justice, victim-centred justice and the inclusion of civil society, and for its activities in supporting the protection of human rights under challenging conditions in Afghanistan.”
2021-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/291 (2021) · source
“Such sustained cohesive support of the international community, in particular the countries of the region, is crucial to facilitating and guaranteeing peace in Afghanistan. We welcome active outreach by all parties in support of the peace process and endorse here the engagement of UNAMA and the Secretary-General’s new Personal Envoy on Afghanistan and Regional Issues, Mr. Arnault. This is certainly the most difficult phase that UNAMA has witnessed since the beginning of the Mission in Afghanistan.”
2021-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/291 (2021) · source
“Sustainable peace can be achieved only through a sustainable political settlement accepted by all constituencies, including marginalized groups. To achieve this, the peace process must protect and reinforce the rights of all Afghans, including women, youth and persons belonging to minorities, and preserve the gains achieved in the past two decades and guaranteed by the Afghan Constitution. We emphasize the importance of the full, equal and meaningful participation of women in the peace process. Women are equally experiencing the devastating impact of this unending war and have been fighting for the survival of countless families. Estonia and the European Union remain ready to support Afghans as they pursue the peace process.”
2021-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/291 (2021) · source
“I would like, separately, to highlight the distressing effect the conflict is having on children in Afghanistan, with almost one-third of all civilian casualties being children and half of all kids under the age of five now facing acute malnutrition. Today, we reiterate once again our call for an immediate, permanent and comprehensive ceasefire to save the Afghan people from more meaningless suffering and to create a conducive environment for sustainable peace in the country as well as stability in the region. The current soaring violence has contributed to diminishing public confidence and trust in efforts towards peace. All parties, particularly the Taliban, must fulfil their commitments and work towards ending violence to save civilian lives. We welcome the recent agreement to accelerate intra-Afghan peace negotiations.”
2021-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/291 (2021) · source
“These assassinations — in particular, of prominent civil servants, human rights defenders and journalists — must be investigated and the perpetrators held accountable. I would like to recall that the Council has recently underlined that these targeted killings of civilians may constitute war crimes and must stop immediately. The increased violence has been accompanied by the humanitarian situation deteriorating to unprecedented levels. Nearly half the population of Afghanistan is in need of humanitarian assistance, but, at the same time, increasing violence is severely impeding humanitarian access and claiming the lives of ever more aid workers. It is vital to support UNAMA’s efforts to improve the accessibility of humanitarian aid to people in dire need.”
2021-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/291 (2021) · source
“I would like to begin by thanking Special Representative Lyons and Ms. Akbar for their detailed and sobering briefings on the situation in Afghanistan. With the violence and attacks on civilians, the need for humanitarian assistance and the coronavirus disease pandemic, conditions in Afghanistan today are looking worse than they have in a decade. It is deeply troubling to hear that the security situation has deteriorated to its worst level since the deployment of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). The intensifying armed clashes continue to take the heaviest toll on the civilian population, with the number of casualties noticeably increasing since the start of the peace negotiations. The recent wave of deliberate attacks targeting civilians is indefensible.”
2021-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/291 (2021) · source
“That includes unhindered humanitarian access, stepping up humanitarian assistance, strengthening Yemen’s economy and finding a long- term solution to the import of fuel and commercial items. Finally, we reiterate our call upon the Houthi authorities to ensure immediate and full access to the FSO SAFER oil tanker for the United Nations team, as any further delays may cause a humanitarian and environmental catastrophe.”
2021-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/266 (2021) · source
“We consider it important that the resolution underlines the need for accountability for violations of international humanitarian law as well as violations and abuses of human rights. The designation of an individual based on their actions related to systematic detention, torture and sexual violence against politically active women is also significant. We call for full, equal and meaningful participation of women in the political process and regret the absence of women from the recently formed Government of Yemen. We reiterate our continued deep concern about the humanitarian situation, especially the rising food insecurity. A holistic, long-term solution is needed in order to truly help this country.”
2021-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/266 (2021) · source
“We welcome the diplomatic engagement by the United States and urge all parties to seize the shift in dynamics, engage with Special Envoy Griffiths and agree on a ceasefire and confidence-building measures without delay. The deadly fire at the overcrowded migrant holding centre in Sana’a on 7 March was a grim reminder of the many dangers migrants face in Yemen. The fire claimed at least eight lives and injured at least 170 people, with some now in critical condition. We call for urgent humanitarian access to the injured and for an international investigation to determine the cause of the incident. We welcome the recent renewal of the Yemen sanctions regime and the mandate of the Panel of Experts.”
2021-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/266 (2021) · source
“I thank Special Envoy Griffiths, Under-Secretary-General Lowcock and Ms. Shawky for their briefings. The continuation of the military escalation is extremely worrisome. Considering the unprecedented scale of the humanitarian crisis it causes, there can be no justification for increased hostilities. We reiterate our call to the Houthis to immediately cease the assault on Ma’rib, which is putting 2 million civilians in danger, as well as to cease the cross-border attacks on the territory of Saudi Arabia. We also remind all parties to the conflict to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law and refrain from indiscriminate attacks against civilians. Only an inclusive political solution can end the conflict.”
2021-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/266 (2021) · source
“Anything less would amount to yet another farce. We remind the Syrian authorities and its allies that the European Union will not fund Syria’s reconstruction and lift sanctions until a genuine political process is firmly in place. Estonia and the European Union remain committed to finding a lasting and credible political solution to the conflict in Syria. We encourage all international actors to support the Syrian people in achieving those aims, which are also contemplated in the road map for peace, as set forth in resolution 2254 (2015) and the Geneva communiqué of 2012 (S/2012/522, annex).”
2021-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/265 (2021) · source
“The conflict will not end until the Syrian regime stops using torture to suppress free speech and silence its citizens. We demand the release of arbitrarily detained people, especially women, children and the elderly. With regard to the political process, the Syrian Constitutional Committee has not yielded the expected results. The deadlock continues as the regime refuses to meaningfully engage in the process. Planning for Syria’s future, including rebuilding the country, must take into account the legitimate claims of the Syrian opposition. Estonia and other member States of the European Union support free and fair elections in Syria under the supervision of the United Nations, in accordance with resolution 2254 (2015), with the participation of all Syrians, including members of the diaspora.”
2021-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/265 (2021) · source
“Investigative mechanisms, such as the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism to Assist in the Investigation and Prosecution of Persons Responsible for the Most Serious Crimes under International Law Committed in the Syrian Arab Republic since March 2011, of the General Assembly; the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic, of the Human Rights Council; and the Fact-Finding Mission in the Syrian Arab Republic, of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, all play a central role in collecting evidence and uncovering crimes against the Syrian people and moving towards accountability. We fully support those efforts. We hope the Security Council will work more closely with these mechanisms and incorporate this matter into its agenda.”
2021-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/265 (2021) · source
“It is the task of the Security Council to uphold and promote international law by acting decisively in response to the widespread violations of international human rights law in Syria, many of which constitute war crimes or crimes against humanity. The Secretary-General noted that the parties to the Syrian conflict have repeatedly violated international humanitarian law, with almost absolute impunity. Estonia joins Mr. Duhaime and the European Union in calling for an international mechanism to locate missing people or their remains. There must be accountability for the many war crimes and crimes against humanity — and an end to impunity.”
2021-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/265 (2021) · source
“I thank Special Envoy Pedersen for his briefing on the political situation in Syria, and Mr. Bernard Duhaime for his briefing on the status of detained and missing people in Syria. Today marks 10 years since the start of peaceful protests in Syria. Instead of answering those demands for dignity and justice, the Syrian regime responded with brutal violence. After more than half-a-million deaths, the repression persists. Millions have been displaced, thousands are being arbitrarily detained or are missing; the country has been completely destroyed; and chemical weapons and barrel bombs have been used against Syria’s own people. I recall the Secretary-General’s words from last week, that “the situation remains a living nightmare”.”
2021-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/265 (2021) · source
“As an expression of the Estonian commitment to the OSCE, let me reiterate that the Government of Estonia has confirmed its readiness to assume the role of the OSCE chairpersonship for 2024.”
2021-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/256 (2021) · source