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

“We agree with Foreign Minister Linde that the link between security and respect for human rights, democracy and the rule of law is crystal clear. Upholding human rights is not merely compatible with conflict-resolution strategies; it is an essential element in ensuring peace and democracy. Human rights violations can be an early indicator and a driver of conflict and, regrettably, are also its constant feature. We strongly welcome the focus of the Chairperson-in-Office on women and peace and security. We support the work of the OSCE on the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000), and we see merit in further cooperation and exchange between the United Nations and the OSCE in that regard.”
2021-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/256 (2021) · source
“I would like to ask Foreign Minister Linde on what issues the OSCE would expect to advance in the 5+2 format during this year. With regard to the Nagorno-Karabakh issue, we continue to support the efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group co-Chairs to find a comprehensive and sustainable settlement to the conflict. In addition, we commend and support the OSCE chairpersonship’s offer of dialogue with Belarus, and we call on the Belarus authorities to respond to the offer, as well as to bring their policies and practices into compliance with their OSCE commitments. We also repeat our call on Belarus to follow up on the recommendations from the Moscow Mechanism report, as presented in November 2020. As a crosscutting priority, we must protect and promote human rights.”
2021-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/256 (2021) · source
“In that context, we remind the Russian Federation of its responsibilities in line with the judgment of 21 January of the European Court of Human Rights in the case Georgia v. Russia. We reiterate our call for access for the European Union Monitoring Mission to the whole territory of Georgia, as well as for human rights monitoring mechanisms and humanitarian and other civil society organizations. Estonia supports the efforts of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, her Special Representative and the OSCE Mission to Moldova to resolve the Transnistrian conflict. In addition to confidence-building measures, we should also seek to resolve the main underlying issues of the conflict. We are carefully following developments on the ground, and we encourage a results-oriented meeting in the 5+2 format as soon as possible in 2021.”
2021-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/256 (2021) · source
“On Georgia, I would like to highlight that we are deeply concerned about the Russian military build-up in the occupied regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. We call on the Russian Federation to fulfil its obligations under the ceasefire agreement of 12 August 2008 and its subsequent implementing measures of 8 September 2008 and withdraw its military forces from Abkhazia and South Ossetia regions without delay. We are also deeply worried about Russian military exercises, infrastructure reinforcements and borderization activities in the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. We urge Russia and the de facto authorities that it backs to refrain from any new provocative steps that could further escalate the already fragile security and humanitarian situation on the ground.”
2021-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/256 (2021) · source
“We underline Russia’s responsibility as a signatory of the Minsk agreements and urge Russia as a party to the conflict and to the Trilateral Contact Group to implement the provisions that it has committed itself to. We regret that the restrictions imposed on the freedom of movement of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission have persisted, notably in non-Government- controlled areas of eastern Ukraine, hindering the Mission from fully implementing its mandate. We further call on Russia to stop fuelling the conflict by providing financial and military support to the armed formations it backs. Foreign Minister Ann Linde, how could the OSCE and the Security Council further assist in advancing the steps needed to bring about a solution to the conflict?”
2021-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/256 (2021) · source
“Global and regional organizations need to work hand in hand — we stand for stronger cooperation between the OSCE and the United Nations. We welcome the Swedish chairpersonship’s focus on the conflicts in the OSCE region, which constitute a threat to international peace and security and contribute to great human suffering. Unfortunately, for the seventh year in a row, violations of international law and the Helsinki principles, as well as a number of bilateral and multilateral agreements and commitments, including the Budapest Memorandum, continue. The Russian Federation has illegally annexed Crimea and occupied certain parts in eastern Ukraine.”
2021-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/256 (2021) · source
“I thank the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden, Ann Linde, for taking on the challenging task of leading the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) this year. I am sure this will be a natural continuation of Sweden’s dedicated work in the Security Council. I thank her also for briefing us on Sweden’s chairpersonship priorities. Estonia absolutely shares her view that multilateral cooperation is the best way to address our common challenges and that we should uphold our common rules and fulfil commitments, including notably those on which the OSCE was founded upon. Respecting the norms and principles of international law enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations as well as the Helsinki Final Act is of the utmost importance.”
2021-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/256 (2021) · source
“Finally, I S/2021/246 S/2021/246 would like to reiterate our deep appreciation to the Sudan for offering its generous support to the Ethiopian refugees who have fled from Tigray. In conclusion, the Sudan has made significant progress, but much remains to be done. We hope that the good cooperation between the Sudan and UNITAMS will help the country to rise to the challenge so that it can complete its historic transition. The international community must spare no effort in supporting the aspirations of the Sudanese people to achieve democracy, peace and prosperity.”
2021-03-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/246 (2021) · source
“In all those efforts that I just mentioned, the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in the Sudan (UNITAMS) can support the Sudan. I urge the Sudanese to tap into that resource. In order to have a systematic approach, we encourage the Sudan to articulate the priority areas where they will need help from UNITAMS. I further urge the transitional Government to finalize the status- of-mission agreement as soon as possible in order to enable the effective operation of UNITAMS. Estonia is concerned about the recent escalation of tensions between the Sudan and Ethiopia over the Fashaqah border area. We urge the leaders of Ethiopia and the Sudan to de-escalate the situation and work towards a peaceful solution.”
2021-03-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/246 (2021) · source
“Unfortunately, the socioeconomic situation continues to impose significant hardship on the Sudanese people, but we commend the important steps that the transitional Government has taken to put the country on the path towards economic recovery. Estonia welcomes the exchange rate reform and encourages the transitional Government to continue implementing its critical reform agenda. The continued reports of intercommunal violence in Darfur are very concerning. We urge the transitional Government to accelerate the implementation of its national strategy for civilian protection. We are also concerned about the destruction of a former site of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur on 23 February. Extending State authority to all of Darfur will have to remain an important goal.”
2021-03-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/246 (2021) · source
“In particular, the formation of the new transitional Government and the expanded Sovereign Council are important milestones. We further recognize the Government’s latest cooperation with the International Criminal Court, as the restoration of justice and accountability remain crucial. However, it is also important to acknowledge the significant challenges that lie ahead related to the implementation of the Agreement. Estonia underscores the importance of the inclusion of women in the implementation of the peace agreement. In addition, we call on the parties that have not yet joined the peace agreement to do so urgently.”
2021-03-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/246 (2021) · source
“We welcome the announcement by the Sudan of its accession to United Nations human rights instruments, namely, the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance. Since institutions form the backbone of democracy, Estonia encourages the Sudan to continue with institution-building, as set out in the Constitutional Document, especially the Transitional Legislative Council. We also urge the Sudan to enhance women’s meaningful participation in the transitional decision-making bodies. Estonia also welcomes the continued efforts made by the Sudanese to implement the Juba Agreement for Peace in the Sudan.”
2021-03-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/246 (2021) · source
“I join others in thanking the briefers for their insightful overviews. Allow me also to extend a very warm welcome to the new Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Perthes. I look forward to working with him, and he can count on Estonia’s support. It is commendable that, despite multiple challenges, the Sudan has continued to make progress in its historic transition. Estonia recognizes the many important milestones that the Sudan has achieved since the last Security Council briefing (see S/2020/1183), ranging from governance and human rights to economic reforms.”
2021-03-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/246 (2021) · source
“We condemn in the strongest terms the targeted killings of those who dare to speak out against the Government and criticize the ruling regime.”
2021-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/226 (2021) · source
“Syria’s persistent lack of cooperation means that we do not have clarity on its chemical weapons stockpiles and production facilities. The situation continues to pose a threat to international peace and security. We hope that, once the Conference of the OPCW States parties resumes in April, it will take appropriate action to address Syria’s violations of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on Their Destruction. Estonia continues to stand up for international law and the fundamental principles of human rights. Three years ago today, Sergei Skripal and his daughter were poisoned with a Novichok chemical nerve agent in Salisbury, United Kingdom. The same poison was used again in August last year in an attempt to assassinate Russian politician Alexei Navalny.”
2021-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/226 (2021) · source
“There is no justification for the use of chemical weapons by anyone, anywhere and under any circumstances. It is imperative to hold accountable all those who have used such arms, often against defenceless men, women and children. We owe it to each and every one of the victims. We need it to heal the country and build peace in Syria. We need accountability to preserve the credibility of the norm against chemical-weapons use. Regrettably, all attempts in the Security Council to move towards accountability have thus far been blocked by a veto. It is encouraging to see, however, that the first criminal inquiries on the use of chemical weapons in Syria have reached courts in Germany and France. There is still hope for justice. There are still gaps, inconsistencies and discrepancies in the Syrian declaration.”
2021-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/226 (2021) · source
“One of the defining features of the Syrian conflict has been the repeated and systematic deployment of chemical weapons against civilian populations — we saw it in Ghouta, Douma, Sarmin, Khan Shaykhun and elsewhere. The Syrian regime’s responsibility for the use of chemical weapons has been confirmed, on seven separate occasions, by independent investigative mechanisms of the United Nations and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). In addition, the Joint Investigative Mechanism has confirmed that the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant has also used such weapons on two occasions. Estonia fully trusts the independent, impartial and professional work of the OPCW Technical Secretariat and its investigative bodies, as well as the credibility of their reports.”
2021-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/226 (2021) · source
“I thank Mrs. Nakamitsu for her briefing. This March marks the tenth anniversary of the Syrian civil war. Ten years ago, when tens of thousands of Syrians peacefully gathered on the streets to protest against corruption and demand respect for their basic human rights, there was hope for political reforms and transformation. The violent crackdown on the peaceful anti-Government protests by the Al-Assad regime, however, turned it into one of the most deadly and destructive conflicts in recent history — about half a million people have been killed and many more injured, maimed or tortured, and millions have been displaced and their homes destroyed.”
2021-03-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/226 (2021) · source
“In conclusion, I would like to reiterate Estonia’s continued support to all efforts to resume meaningful negotiations between the Israelis and the Palestinians on all final-status issues, based on international law, relevant Security Council resolutions and agreed parameters.”
2021-03-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/218 (2021) · source
“In this context, we welcome the participation of the representatives of the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority at the meeting of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee for the Coordination of the International Assistance to Palestinians held on 23 February. We call on all parties to refrain from any unilateral steps that increase tensions and undermine the viability of the two-State solution. We reiterate our call to Israel to halt the continued settlement expansion and demolitions in the occupied Palestinian territories. The recent demolitions and confiscation of items and structures at Humsa Al-Baqai’a, in the Jordan Valley, are worrisome and contrary to international law. It is also essential to prevent any acts of violence against civilians, including acts of terror and acts of provocation, incitement and destruction.”
2021-03-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/218 (2021) · source
“The recent agreement reached in Cairo between the Palestinian factions on the arrangements of the elections is another positive step towards holding free, fair and inclusive elections, which should take place throughout the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem. Estonia also welcomed the resumption of civilian and security coordination between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. We encourage the parties to build upon these developments and take further practical steps, which will hopefully lead to more favourable conditions for resuming direct negotiations to achieve a two-State solution. Those steps should include further coordinated efforts to combat the coronavirus disease pandemic, as well as increased economic cooperation.”
2021-03-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/218 (2021) · source
“I thank Special Coordinator Wennesland for his briefing. Let me also express my appreciation to Mr. Oren Gian and Ms. Malak AbuSoud for sharing their experiences on connecting Israeli and Palestinian youth. We are encouraged by some positive developments, which will hopefully contribute to reviving the Middle East peace process. In addition to the normalization of relations between Israel and certain Arab States, we have also seen thrust in the work of the Middle East Quartet, which held a virtual meeting last week. We welcomed the decree by President Abbas on holding legislative, presidential and National Council elections.”
2021-03-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/218 (2021) · source
“We look forward to the fifth Brussels Conference on Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region, to be held at the end of March. Estonia has contributed financially for years to support alleviating the human suffering of the Syrian people and will continue to do so until they no longer need our support. At the same time, we reiterate the European Union position that there will be no funding of reconstruction unless a genuine and inclusive political transition, in line with resolution 2254 (2015), is firmly under way.”
2021-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/206 (2021) · source
“We welcome the plan to commence vaccinating the Syrian population through the COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access programme, and we appreciate the efforts of humanitarian workers at this front line. Instability continues across Syria. We condemn the recent series of terrorist attacks that took place in the areas of Azaz, Al-Bab and Afrin. Stability and granting unimpeded humanitarian access are fundamental preconditions for humanitarian action to be effective. Military solutions cannot bring peace to Syria. That is why the European Union and its member States are determined to continue their support to the Syrian people. Mitigating the consequences of the Syrian conflict has been one of the priorities of Estonian humanitarian assistance.”
2021-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/206 (2021) · source
“The promises of replacing cross-border deliveries with cross-line aid have fallen short. The cross-line aid clearly remains irregular and unreliable, while the ongoing access restrictions continue to hamper the response to the growing needs. It is especially worrying, considering the significant increase of food insecurity. Humanitarian access in Syria is one of the priority issues for the Donor Support Group of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, of which Estonia is a member. Against the backdrop of the decision to cut back humanitarian aid, the spread of coronavirus disease continues to endanger Syrian civilians, especially the most vulnerable communities, including women and children.”
2021-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/206 (2021) · source
“I thank Under-Secretary Lowcock for his briefing on the humanitarian situation in Syria. As the Syrian conflict approaches its tenth anniversary, let us consider the following. About half a million people have lost their lives, and millions of others have been deprived of their homes and livelihoods. Civilians in Syria still suffer from widespread insecurity and violations of international law. Continued violations and a deteriorating humanitarian situation in the country are also the result of a political impasse in the Security Council. Unfortunately, permanent members have used their veto to block Council actions aimed at ending this tragedy. One of these vetoes was cast last year (see S/2020/661), which cut in half the cross-border mechanism, which provides life-saving aid to millions of people in northern Syria.”
2021-02-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/206 (2021) · source
“The effective implementation of the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in the Central African Republic will also benefit from the active support of its guarantors and facilitators. In that regard, I would like to welcome the strongly worded communiqué issued last week by the African Union. Finally, I would reiterate that accountability must be established for the spoilers of the Agreement and the democratic process of elections.”
2021-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/187 (2021) · source
“Their courage clearly demonstrates the desire for a country where authority is given by the people, not taken by force. Their decisions must be accepted and respected by all political actors, and any disputes regarding the electoral results must be settled peacefully and lawfully. Estonia joins the calls for an immediate ceasefire and the revitalization of political dialogue and the reconciliation process. There is no road to lasting peace through violence. Moreover, with half of all registered voters being women, it should be evident that the country can only benefit from the full and meaningful participation of women in political and peace processes.”
2021-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/187 (2021) · source
“I would like to extend my personal condolences to the peacekeepers of MINUSCA who have paid the ultimate price while protecting the lives of the people of Central Africa. The rapid and robust response by MINUSCA to ensure the protection of civilians and the delivery of humanitarian assistance has been commendable. We look favourably at the request to increase the personnel of the Mission in order to improve its ability to fulfil its mandate in the current volatile circumstances. However, the primary responsibility for protecting all populations in the country and for advancing national reconciliation and the political dialogue still rests with the authorities of the Central African Republic. Despite the risk of violence, the people of the Central African Republic went out to vote and will do so again soon.”
2021-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/187 (2021) · source
“I thank Under-Secretary-General Lacroix for briefing us today on the difficult developments in the Central African Republic and the steps that the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) has taken in response. I would also like to thank the other briefers for their valuable insights and, in particular, Ms. Ekomo-Soignet for sharing her perspective with us. Estonia condemns in the strongest terms the targeting and killing of civilians, humanitarian workers, security personnel and United Nations peacekeepers by armed groups, in particular the Coalition des patriotes pour le changement. The perpetrators and instigators of that violence must be investigated and brought to justice.”
2021-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/187 (2021) · source
“In conclusion, the coming months will be crucial for Somalia, and allow me to reiterate Estonia’s full support for the country and its people.”
2021-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/173 (2021) · source
“However, for that to happen, serious work and planning must commence now. That includes holding the force-generation conference and renewing the mandate of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) to reflect the changing situation on the ground. I would also like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the commitment and sacrifice of AMISOM forces in Somalia alongside the courageous Somali security forces in order to defeat Al-Shabaab. Estonia is deeply concerned about the dire humanitarian situation, especially about the projection that the humanitarian situation is set to worsen this year. According to the recently issued humanitarian response plan, $1.09 billion will be required in 2021. I call on the international community to provide the necessary funding to save lives in Somalia.”
2021-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/173 (2021) · source
“In order to ensure that Somalia is making progress in its democratization process, I strongly support the development of an agreed pathway to one-person, one-vote elections in 2024 and 2025. On that note, I also fully support the institutionalization of regular consultations between the Federal Government and the federal member states so that they can make progress on a number of State- building priorities. Estonia is encouraged by the recent progress towards the security transition in Somalia, and we welcome the independent assessment as well as the updated Somali transition plan. That momentum must continue to build the necessary stepping- stones for Somalia to assume full responsibility for its security by the end of 2023, as set out in the updated Somalia transition plan.”
2021-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/173 (2021) · source
“Additionally, Estonia underlines the need to put in place measures and institutions to protect human rights. In that regard, I reiterate the call to establish the independent national commission on human rights, which has a key role to play in promoting and protecting human rights. The high level of conflict-related sexual violence remains very concerning. It is crucial to hold the perpetrators of sexual violence accountable. I therefore urge the Federal Government to take steps to protect women and girls from sexual and gender-based violence by enacting the 2018 sexual offences bill. Estonia also calls for the full implementation of the conclusions of the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict.”
2021-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/173 (2021) · source
“The leaders need to arrive at a broadly accepted understanding within the framework of 17 September agreement and hold elections without further delays. I welcome the 16 February agreement of the technical committee as a step in the right direction and call on the leaders to act on it. Holding peaceful and inclusive elections is also important to renew the legitimacy of the Somali federal institutions, which is necessary not only to safeguard immediate stability in the country but also to build long-term sustainable peace in Somalia. In the upcoming elections, Estonia urges the Somali authorities to implement the 30 per cent female quota and ensure that marginalized groups, including youth, are included. I also call on them to protect the freedom of expression and the press.”
2021-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/173 (2021) · source
“I join others in thanking the briefers for their insightful overviews. I would also like to welcome the Foreign Minister of Somalia to today’s discussion. Estonia is very concerned about the deteriorating security situation and strongly condemns the violence in Mogadishu. I call on all parties to exercise restraint and calm, as violence will only exacerbate the existing problems and fuel the growing grievances of the Somali people, as well as open up opportunities for terrorist groups and spoilers to exploit. The recent spike in Al-Shabaab activity is a stark reminder that there is no room for error and that we cannot let the political impasse derail our critical progress. It is therefore crucial for the Somali leaders to urgently come together to put the interests of the Somali people first.”
2021-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/173 (2021) · source
“We also welcome the convening of the timely high-level pledging conference for Yemen on 1 March, co- hosted by Sweden and Switzerland. Estonia’s intention is to continue to contribute in order to help alleviate the critical humanitarian situation of the people in Yemen. We also reiterate our call on the Houthi authorities to ensure immediate and full access to the FSO SAFER oil tanker for the United Nations team.”
2021-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/167 (2021) · source
“The Panel also reports the systematic repression of journalists, sexual violence and the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict by several parties. The parties must cease those violations immediately, and the perpetrators must be held to account. With regard to the 30 December attack on Aden airport, we look forward to the results of the Panel of Experts’ investigation. Regarding the humanitarian situation, the rising food insecurity continues to be a major concern, as the latest United Nations report on acute malnutrition shows the highest levels of severe acute malnutrition since the start of the conflict. In that context, we commend the decision of the United States to revoke the designation of Ansar Allah as a foreign terrorist organization, as that will hopefully prevent an even more catastrophic situation in Yemen.”
2021-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/167 (2021) · source
“We welcome all international efforts aimed at supporting the inclusive political settlement of the conflict, such as the recent visit of several European Union ambassadors to Aden. We also welcome the resumption, on 24 January in Amman, of talks on the prisoner exchange, as it is an important confidence-building and humanitarian measure. Turning to the report of the Panel of Experts on Yemen (see S/2021/79), I would like to extend my appreciation for the important work that the Panel has done in carrying out its mandate, and I look forward to renewing the mandate later this month. We note with deep concern the report’s conclusion that all parties continue to commit violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law, including indiscriminate attacks against civilians, enforced disappearances and torture.”
2021-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/167 (2021) · source
“I thank Special Envoy Griffiths, Under-Secretary-General Lowcock and Ambassador King for their briefings. The escalation of hostilities in Ma’rib and Al-Jawf is very alarming. We call on the Houthis to immediately cease these assaults, as well as the cross-border attacks on the territory of Saudi Arabia. We fully share the concern expressed by Under-Secretary-General Lowcock that the assault on Ma’rib could cause harm to 2 million civilians and possibly force hundreds of thousands to flee. We urge all parties to make a joint effort to end this war and resume the political process. Only an inclusive political solution can end the conflict in Yemen. We reiterate our call on the parties to engage with the United Nations Special Envoy and agree on ceasefire and humanitarian measures without delay in order to begin political talks.”
2021-02-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/167 (2021) · source
“We welcome the engagement of the Government of Iraq with the Committee on Enforced Disappearances and urge the Government to adopt legislation on protection from enforced disappearance. On the issue of missing Kuwaiti and third-country nationals, we welcome the identification of 20 Kuwaiti missing persons recovered in Iraq. Hopefully this breakthrough will give impetus to further developments in this important humanitarian cooperation between the Governments of the two States.”
2021-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/152 (2021) · source
“We also reiterate the need for all actors to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iraq and refrain from any military action that would threaten the stability of the country. We welcome the appointment of the third female member of the Iraqi Cabinet and support the call of the President of Iraq to develop programmes to support women’s economic, social and political empowerment. With regard to the Government’s efforts to combat COVID-19, more attention must be paid to the impact of the crisis on women and children, who continue to be affected the most. We are concerned about the ongoing violence against protesters, civil society activists and journalists. We urge the Government of Iraq to take further steps to ensure accountability for all violations and protect the freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.”
2021-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/152 (2021) · source
“The Security Council must seriously consider the options for responding to Iraq’s request. We fully support the steps the Government of Iraq is taking towards making urgently needed reforms. We call upon the Government to implement the economic reforms proposed in its White Paper, to take additional measures to improve governance and the rule of law and to bring all armed forces under State control. The ongoing terrorist attacks in Iraq, including against diplomatic missions and convoys, are deeply concerning. We strongly condemn yesterday’s deadly rocket attack in Erbil. In the context of the recent terror attack in Baghdad, we reiterate our continued support for Iraq’s security and the fight against Da’esh.”
2021-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/152 (2021) · source
“I would like to thank Special Representative Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert for her briefing and for the excellent work she is doing. We express our solidarity with and support for the Iraqi Government, which is facing political, economic and security challenges, as well as the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. It is essential that all Iraqi stakeholders contribute to improving the environment for holding credible, transparent and inclusive parliamentary elections, which are crucial for restoring trust in Iraq’s political system. We welcome the finalization of electoral legislation and call for continued technical preparations for the elections in close cooperation with the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI). Iraq’s request for UNAMI to play a role in observing the elections has been noted.”
2021-02-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/152 (2021) · source
“We call on Russia to stop using chemical weapons, stop concealing its chemical weapons programme and conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into Mr. Navalny’s poisoning. Any use of chemical weapons is a matter of international peace and security, and therefore a matter for the Security Council. Those responsible must be held to account, and the Council has an important role in ensuring that. I ask that Mrs. Nakamitsu elaborate on the main obstacles to resolving the remaining 19 open issues. Are there any prospects of closing any additional outstanding issues during the next round of consultations that are taking place this month? With regard to the work of the Fact-Finding Mission and the Investigation and Identification Team, how many incidents are the teams currently considering?”
2021-02-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/109 (2021) · source
“Accountability for these heinous crimes is an essential pillar of a political solution that will enable lasting peace in Syria. Just and lasting peace can be achieved only if the perpetrators of the war crimes and crimes against humanity are identified and brought to justice. We should be equally aware that the global norm against the use of chemical weapons erodes if we tolerate impunity without providing an effective response to these crimes. In addition to Syria, chemical weapons have been used in recent years in Malaysia, the United Kingdom and Russia to target adversaries and political opponents. The aim is clear — to silence those who dare to speak out and pose a threat to those in power. We condemn in the strongest terms the poisoning and illegal imprisonment of Mr. Navalny.”
2021-02-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/109 (2021) · source
“The fact that there are still 19 unresolved issues with regard to its declaration means that the situation continues to pose a threat to international peace and security. Worrisomely, one of the outstanding issues pertains to the existence of a chemical weapons production facility that Syria never even declared. In the light of the blatant disregard of international norms and obligations, we welcome the determination of OPCW member States to take action. The OPCW Executive Council adopted a decision in July to respond to the findings of the Investigation and Identification Team. Due to Syria’s non-compliance with that decision, a draft decision will now be submitted to the Conference of the States Parties in April in order to suspend certain rights and privileges of Syria under the Chemical Weapons Convention.”
2021-02-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/109 (2021) · source
“The United Nations-Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Joint Investigative Mechanism determined that the Syrian Arab Armed Forces used chemical weapons in Talmenes in 2014, Sarmin and Qmenas in 2015, and Khan Shaykhun in 2017. The OPCW Investigation and Identification Team has concluded that members of the Syrian Arab Air Force were responsible for the use of sarin and chlorine in three instances in Ltamenah in March 2017. Those attacks resulted in the enormous suffering and death of thousands of people, many of them children. These attacks all occurred after Syria declared that all of its chemical stockpiles and production facilities had been destroyed.”
2021-02-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/109 (2021) · source
“I would like to thank High Representative Nakamitsu for her briefing. We appreciate her strong position in defending the norm against the use of chemical weapons and stressing the need for accountability. The Al-Assad regime has used chemical weapons throughout the Syrian conflict. Although there can be no justification for their use and there is no military necessity that can be cited in their defence, chemical weapons have been an important part of the regime’s war strategy. Sarin and chlorine have been used indiscriminately against the Syrian people to spread terror, force them to leave their homes and surrender. The top independent and impartial experts in the field have established the Syrian regime’s responsibility for chemical weapons use on seven separate occasions.”
2021-02-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/109 (2021) · source
“The frequent and often deliberate disruptions to the water and electricity supply, 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 those issues and to take concrete steps to alleviate the suffering of civilians. Finally, I would like to reiterate Estonia’s full support to UNSMIL, as well as to the follow-up mechanism of the Berlin Conference. 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 lasting peace.”
2021-01-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/97 (2021) · source