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 the President for convening today’s meeting. I would also like to express my gratitude to Mr. Jamal Usseni Jamael and Special Representative Leila Zerrougui for their valuable insights. I would like to extend my condolences to Indonesia for the casualties it suffered in the recent attack against peacekeepers in the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), and to others who have paid the greatest price while working to establish peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Despite a stable political situation, peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo remains elusive. The Allied Democratic Forces have carried out dozens of attacks, which have left over 100 people dead, mostly civilians.”
2020-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/598 (2020) · source
“Yet, serious challenges remain. Therefore, once again, we call on all sides to act swiftly, build confidence, start the intra-Afghan negotiations without delay and fulfil their commitments to working towards a long-term reduction in violence and the establishment of peace. We need to see a comprehensive peace agreement that ends the violence for good.”
2020-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/597 (2020) · source
“We strongly condemn the attacks, including threats, abductions and the horrific attack on the Dasht-e-Barchi hospital in Kabul on 12 May. It is essential that crimes such as these are investigated and that perpetrators are held accountable.The spread of COVID-19 is having a devastating impact on women and girls owing to the increased level of domestic violence caused by lockdown measures. In this regard, we appreciate the European Union-United Nations Spotlight Initiative aiming to highlight the risks of increased domestic violence and to raise awareness of sexual and gender-based violence. In conclusion, I would like to stress that Afghanistan has come a long way with the help of the international community, including the United Nations, the European Union, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and many nations around the world.”
2020-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/597 (2020) · source
“According to the Secretary-General’s recent report (S/2020/549), there were 3,422 armed clashes during the reporting period. The conflict remains one of the deadliest in the world, with 417 child casualties, including 152 killed and 265 maimed, in the first quarter of the year. We deplore in the strongest terms the attacks against children. We call on all parties to reduce violence immediately and establish a humanitarian ceasefire in order to protect all civilians, in particular women and children, and to focus efforts on tackling the COVID-19 pandemic, in which health- care personnel remain on the front line, risking their own lives to save others. There is absolutely no excuse for the deliberate attacks on health-care personnel and facilities by either the Taliban or the Afghan national security forces.”
2020-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/597 (2020) · source
“We urge the Government and all Afghan actors and armed groups, particularly the Taliban, to seize the current historic opportunity for peace and reconciliation and to commit actively to an inclusive Afghan-owned and Afghan-led peace process, while making sure that any effort pertaining to the peace process does not erode the human rights and fundamental freedoms guaranteed by the Afghan Constitution. The achievements of the past 19 years, for which Afghans and the international community, including Estonia, have made enormous sacrifices, must be retained and further enhanced. We are deeply concerned as the security situation on the ground remains violent and unpredictable. High-profile attacks by anti-Government elements have continued.”
2020-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/597 (2020) · source
“We expect the Government of Afghanistan to stay the course of accountable governance and to ensure the meaningful participation of a diverse and inclusive negotiating team for the intra-Afghan negotiation. We are therefore glad that the 21-member negotiating team comprises representatives from various political and social constituencies, including four women. This shows some progress and, to a degree, attests to women’s participation in the peace process. And so we regret that the Taliban has questioned the inclusiveness of the team.”
2020-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/597 (2020) · source
“I would like to commend UNAMA on its activity and engagement under challenging conditions in support of the Government and the people of Afghanistan in several areas, in particular the women, peace and security agenda, transitional justice, the inclusion of civil society, as well as on its provision of coordination, advice and assistance to protect human rights during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) crisis. Estonia strongly supports these efforts and is always open to exploring ways in which the United Nations, including the Security Council, may further assist UNAMA’s endeavours. We consider the political agreement between President Ghani and Mr. Abdullah as an important step in strengthening the republic and progressing towards reconciliation and sustainable peace.”
2020-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/597 (2020) · source
“I would like to thank Ms. Deborah Lyons for her significant work and comprehensive briefing to the Council and wish her much success in her upcoming years in a challenging role as the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). I would also like to thank the Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Ghada Fathi Waly, for her proficient presentation and Ms. Shaharzad Akbar for giving a bold and realistic explanation of the situation in Afghanistan.”
2020-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/597 (2020) · source
“We commend Jordan and Sweden for organizing the UNRWA Pledging Conference to raise funds for the Agency’s needs, which took place yesterday. Estonia has been a long-standing contributor to UNRWA, with an annual core funding of €80,000. For the current year, we have already allocated an additional €200,000 to support UNRWA’s activities.”
2020-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/596 (2020) · source
“We are worried about the announcement by the Palestinian leadership regarding terminating all agreements with Israel and the United States, including those involving security cooperation. We call on the Palestinian Authority to reconsider that decision and remain committed to the Oslo Accords. In order to engage in direct negotiations, both parties need Governments with legitimate and democratic mandates. We encourage the Palestinian Authority to set a date for the holding of elections throughout the occupied Palestinian territories. Finally, we reiterate the important role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in supporting efforts to prevent a major coronavirus disease outbreak in the occupied Palestinian territories.”
2020-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/596 (2020) · source
“A unilateral annexation of parts of the occupied West Bank would undermine the prospects of a negotiated two-State solution and threaten the stability of the region. We are also concerned about Israel’s continued settlement activity in the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem. I would like to recall an important element of resolution 2334 (2016) — the prevention of all acts of terror, incitement, provocation and violence against civilians. Although in recent months the situation in Gaza has remained relatively calm, we stress that firing rockets from Gaza into Israel, as well as any other form of violence targeting civilians, is unacceptable.”
2020-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/596 (2020) · source
“I would like to thank His Excellency Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit for his presence and his briefing. I also thank Special Coordinator Mladenov for his briefing. We welcome the initiative taken by the United States, which has provided us the impetus to revive the Middle East peace process. The counterproposal submitted by the Palestinian Authority to the Middle East Quartet is a step in the right direction. It is essential that both parties take steps to engage in a constructive dialogue with the aim of achieving a negotiated two-State solution that takes into account the legitimate aspirations of both parties and Israeli security concerns. In order to maintain the current momentum towards peace, it is vital to refrain from any unilateral steps that would undermine it.”
2020-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/596 (2020) · source
“Finally, we express our strong appreciation to Belgium as Chair of the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict for ensuring the continued functioning of the Working Group despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.”
2020-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/594 (2020) · source
“Estonia continues to support UNICEF and the Office of the Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict through voluntary contributions. We are concerned about the increased vulnerability of children in armed conflict due to the coronavirus disease pandemic, including in terms of recruitment and the denial of humanitarian access. We reiterate our strong support for the Secretary-General’s call for a global ceasefire, aimed to protect the most vulnerable among us. We extend our deep appreciation to all actors on the ground ensuring the continued work of the monitoring and reporting mechanism. We note with concern the potential gaps in reporting due to the limitations imposed by the pandemic and the possible impact on the implementation of the Council’s mandate on children and armed conflict.”
2020-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/594 (2020) · source
“The monitoring and reporting mechanism on children and armed conflict is a unique and valuable mechanism created by the Council for the collection of timely, objective, accurate and reliable information. That data, along with the consistent application of the criteria laid out in the report of the Secretary-General contained in document S/2010/181 to guide the Secretary-General’s annual reporting, provide an essential tool for the Council for addressing and preventing violations against children in conflict. The mechanism cannot deliver without sufficient human and financial resources. We strongly support ensuring continued dedicated child-protection capacity in United Nations missions, including in situations of transition and drawdown.”
2020-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/594 (2020) · source
“Estonia joined the group of over 100 countries endorsing the Safe Schools Declaration earlier this year. We are deeply concerned about the high number of child casualties — over 10,000 children killed or maimed — with the number of attacks climbing in Afghanistan, Mali and Myanmar. We are alarmed by the increase in the denial of humanitarian access to children, and unlawful attacks against schools and hospitals, in, among other places, the Syrian Arab Republic, the occupied Palestinian territory, Afghanistan and Somalia. We are deeply concerned about the continued underreporting of cases of sexual violence, and the lack of accountability and access to services, including sexual and reproductive health services, in this regard.”
2020-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/594 (2020) · source
“The continued high level of verified violations against children also points to the continued failure by parties to comply with international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law. We support the Secretary-General’s call for strong national accountability measures for grave violations against children and for cooperation with relevant international accountability mechanisms, including the International Criminal Court. As a party to the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict, Estonia calls on countries not yet having done so to ratify the Protocol. Likewise, we welcome all initiatives that aim to strengthen the protection of children in armed conflict.”
2020-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/594 (2020) · source
“We thank all briefers for sharing their views today. We also thank France for organizing today’s debate, which addresses the key building blocks of the Security Council’s work on children in armed conflict. The report of the Secretary-General before us (S/2020/525) confirms the continuing immense need for the Council’s attention to children and armed conflict — and not only today. The protection of children is relevant to every situation on our agenda and should be included in all our discussions on peacekeeping and special political mission mandates as well as in the work of the sanctions committees. The conclusions and discussions of the Security Council Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict provide valuable input for this and should be drawn upon systematically.”
2020-06-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/594 (2020) · source
“Retour, réclamation et rehabilitation, together with five other groups, has also been listed in the Secretary-General’s report on patterns of conflict- related sexual violence (S/2019/280). In that light, I fully support the call made by the Secretary-General in paragraph 97 of his report (S/2020/545) “to take a firm, unequivocal stance regarding the application of sanctions under article 35 of the Agreement”. I should like to end my statement by commending the robust cooperated response of MINUSCA, the authorities of the Central African Republic and partners to protect civilians from armed group violence and support the peace agreement.”
2020-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/572 (2020) · source
“Although the number of human rights abuses has decreased, it is important to remember that the monitoring and reporting of incidents has, unfortunately, been affected by the pandemic. Attacks on civilians and the abuse of human rights are direct violations of the peace agreement and as such are unacceptable. The most visible of such actions by some armed groups, spoilers, if you will, has been the announcement by the group Retour, réclamation et rehabilitation of the suspension of the armed group’s participation in the agreement’s follow-up and monitoring mechanisms, expanding the area of its activities and directly attacking the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) and national forces.”
2020-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/572 (2020) · source
“Secondly, the law establishing the Commission on Truth, Justice, Reparation and Reconciliation has finally been promulgated. That is great news. I hope that the next steps necessary to operationalize the Commission will follow swiftly, including the naming of commissioners. The Commission will be an invaluable tool in the fight against injustice and impunity, and assist in national reconciliation. I hope that the health crisis will not hinder the continued capacity-building of justice and the rule of law in the country. Thirdly, but perhaps most important, violence and the abuse of human rights in the Central African Republic continue, with new hotspots emerging.”
2020-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/572 (2020) · source
“I wish to thank you, for President, for having convened today’s meeting, and I should also like to express my gratitude to the speakers for their valuable insights. As has been expressed by many today, the full implementation of the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in the Central African Republic is the only path towards lasting peace in the Central African Republic. I should like to highlight three developments. First, it is good to hear that the preparations for the upcoming elections are in full swing. I hope that this work can continue safely in respect of the ongoing health crisis. The Government of the Central African Republic has demonstrated its ability to utilize innovative solutions in difficult circumstances, for example, the payment of civil-servant salaries using mobile networks.”
2020-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/572 (2020) · source
“Participants included EU member States; human rights activists; 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; the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons; the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic, and others trying to shed light on Syrian rights violations and bring perpetrators to justice. The Security Council should also consider this kind of holistic approach to accountability.”
2020-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/551 (2020) · source
“We remind the Syrian Government and its allies that the European Union (EU) will not provide aid to Syria’s reconstruction before a genuine political process is in place. I would also like to stress that the current economic crisis in Syria is not the outcome of international sanctions, but rather a result of widespread corruption and lack of good governance. The difficult economic situation in neighbouring Lebanon also greatly affects Syria. Finally, these points will be repeated in two weeks during the fourth Brussels Conference to support the future of Syria, convened by the EU. We welcome the inspiring video-teleconference on accountability for crimes committed in Syria, held by the EU within the framework of that Conference on 8 June in Geneva.”
2020-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/551 (2020) · source
“The plan of the Syrian regime to hold parliamentary elections in July is in clear violation of the road map set out in that resolution. A credible and inclusive political process must be in place before any such actions. As Ms. Ghazi described, an important step towards national reconciliation is solving the situation of detainees in Syria. We call on the Syrian Government to abide by the international human rights law and relevant Security Council resolutions, including resolution 2139 (2014), and to release immediately all arbitrarily detained persons, particularly women and children. Forced disappearances must stop. Unfortunately, past announcements of general amnesties have not led to any significant releases of arbitrarily detained Syrians.”
2020-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/551 (2020) · source
“I would like to thank Special Envoy Pedersen and Ms. Noura Ghazi for their briefings. Looking at north-western Syria, we express growing concern about the recent ceasefire violations and military build-up of the Syrian army around Idlib. In order to avoid civilian casualties and another wave of mass displacement, preventing military escalation must remain the Council’s priority. Continued fighting in the Idlib area may also accelerate the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), as it limits the work of humanitarian aid organizations. It is unfortunate that we are hearing of few new developments in the political process. We call on the parties to set a date for the meeting of the Constitutional Committee as soon as possible. We reiterate the need to implement resolution 2254 (2015).”
2020-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/551 (2020) · source
“There is no denying that climate change will continue to undermine international peace and security and that this threat will only increase without targeted action. We commend UNOCA for addressing this issue in the report.”
2020-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/542 (2020) · source
“In the light of that and the pandemic, it is more important than ever to remove impediments to humanitarian access and to ensure that human rights organizations can work in the country without hindrance. Furthermore, there must be accountability for violations and abuses if we are to avoid the establishment of a culture of impunity, which would only breed more violence. Estonia continues to support UNOCA’s efforts in Cameroon to build political momentum towards reconciliation and peace. We hope that improvements in Cameroon’s political situation will quickly pave the way for enhanced security and human rights in the country. The complex and fragile situation in Central Africa is exacerbated by the effects of climate change, as is evident in the record floods that have affected hundreds of thousands of people in the region.”
2020-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/542 (2020) · source
“Furthermore, I would like to condemn the attacks against humanitarian and medical services workers — people who are trying to alleviate the growing humanitarian crisis and save lives by curbing the spread of diseases, including measles, cholera and now, also the coronavirus disease. I would like to express my condolences to the people of Cameroon and Chad for those attacks. Speaking of Cameroon, it is good to hear of the steps taken by the Government to implement the recommendations from the Major National Dialogue. However, it remains very worrying to hear of the deteriorating humanitarian and human rights situation, in particular the human rights violations and abuses committed against women and children.”
2020-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/542 (2020) · source
“I would like to thank Special Representative Fall for today’s briefing to the Council on the invaluable work of the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA) in the Central African region. The Secretary-General’s report (S/2020/463) highlights a number of concerns for the Central African region and a number of threats to regional peace and security. The arrival of the pandemic has only made matters worse. A pattern of terrorism and violent extremism persists in the area, with Boko Haram increasing its attacks in Chad and northern Cameroon. Targeting civilians and taking advantage of the pandemic by intensifying attacks is especially deplorable.”
2020-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/542 (2020) · source
“According to the clarification provided in the latest report, at the end of May, the Office has not been able to access the territory of the Sudan to conduct investigations into the Darfur situation since 2007, precluding the Office from obtaining access to crime scenes, victims and witnesses, as well as documentary, judicial and forensic evidence. Therefore, while wholeheartedly welcoming the steps taken by the Sudan at the national level to begin to implement accountability, we call on the authorities to extend their full cooperation to the ICC in all necessary matters. We hope that the events of yesterday will mark the beginning of a new dialogue between the Sudanese authorities and the Court, which is a prerequisite for any meaningful path to the justice and accountability that the victims still long for and deserve.”
2020-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/538 (2020) · source
“As the ICC warrants remain in force, we call upon all States to fully engage and cooperate with the ICC on the arrest and surrender to The Hague of the now four remaining suspects. We see time and again that, in any peace process, the rebuilding of a resilient society needs to include the elimination of impunity. Six months ago, in December 2019 (see S/PV.8691), the Prosecutor expressed hope that in the near future her Office would be granted access to the Sudan to facilitate its work and discuss the way forward.”
2020-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/538 (2020) · source
“We hope that the African Union- United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur, as well as the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan, will be seen as useful allies by the authorities in helping to build the necessary capacities to provide civilians with full protection. I now turn to the role of the complementarity of the Court. According to the Prosecutor’s report, there is currently no information available whereby any of the ICC suspects held in the custody of the Sudanese authorities, including Mr. Al-Bashir, would be subject to domestic investigation or prosecution for the particular grave crimes alleged in the respective ICC warrants.”
2020-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/538 (2020) · source
“This is why we call on the authorities to extend their meaningful cooperation to the ICC. It is also important to ensure that every effort be made to prevent further violations on the ground. Estonia condemns, and calls for the cessation of, all acts of violence, which unfortunately continue to be perpetrated in the Sudan, including in the Darfur region, in 2020. We are particularly concerned about incidents of sexual and gender-based violence against women. We further join the Office of the Prosecutor in condemning attacks against humanitarian aid workers in Darfur. This is not a path towards sustainable peace. At the same time, we welcome the Sudan’s commitment to assuming full responsibility for the protection of civilians.”
2020-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/538 (2020) · source
“As of yesterday, the former fugitive Ali Muhammad Ali Abd–Al-Rahman, also known as Ali Kushayb, has been in the custody of the ICC after surrendering himself voluntarily in the Central African Republic. This is an important step in the pursuit of justice for the crimes committed in Darfur. We join the Court in thanking the Central African Republic, France, Chad, the Netherlands and the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic for their support in securing the arrest, surrender and transfer of Mr. Kushayb to the Court. I will now turn to the situation of the Sudan. We have followed with interest the positive developments in the Sudan, in particular in relation to the peace process, and we hope that it can be concluded by 20 June. However, peace cannot be achieved without justice.”
2020-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/538 (2020) · source
“I thank the Prosecutor, Ms. Fatou Bensouda, for her thirty-first report and for her excellent briefing to the Council today. Let me start by reaffirming Estonia’s commitment to promoting respect for international law and a rules-based international order. Allow me to express our full confidence in the International Criminal Court (ICC) as an independent and impartial judicial institution. In this light, we further reaffirm our strong support for the work of the ICC and its Prosecutor. In implementing its mandate, the Court has a particular role in eliminating impunity and ensuring justice for the victims of the crimes enshrined in the Rome Statute, without impediments.”
2020-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/538 (2020) · source
“The Committee established pursuant to resolution 1591 (2005) is committed to working together with the Sudan and all relevant stakeholders to make this a reality.”
2020-06-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/528 (2020) · source
“Common social-distancing measures against COVID-19 have been difficult to implement in IDP camps owing to the difficult living conditions there, in particular overpopulation and the scarcity of water. Finally, I would like to reiterate that all the aforementioned elements were brought to the attention of Council members for the purpose of pointing out areas where challenges may arise, so that the Council is aware as it deliberates on how to best support the Sudan during its transition. I would also like to take this opportunity to emphasize that the sanctions regime was established for the sole purpose of S/2020/528 helping to bring peace to Darfur. It is not intended to punish the Sudan, but to support the achievement of sustainable peace.”
2020-06-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/528 (2020) · source
“Further destabilizing events concerned a sanctioned individual, Musa Hilal, and Arab communities. The Panel stated that the supporters of Musa Hilal have been mobilizing to obtain his release from prison. In addition, the Panel reported on the possible formation of a new armed group by communities that fear that they may lose the land that they seized during the Darfur conflict. In terms of regional context, almost all Darfurian armed groups maintained a presence in Libya, which remains an important source of financing. With regard to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Panel expressed its concern that certain factors, such as having more than 1.8 million people in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps and porous borders with neighbouring countries, may have a serious impact on the spread of the disease.”
2020-06-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/528 (2020) · source
“For the benefit of the Council, so that it can provide the best support to the Sudan in relation to the most recent developments on the ground, I would like to highlight the following important elements from the Panel’s reporting, without prejudice to the national positions of individual Committee members on these issues. The Panel reported that, despite many hampering factors, including COVID-19, the peace talks in Juba continued, with 20 June 2020 set as the last date of negotiations. The clashes between the Sudan Liberation Army/Abdul Wahid faction (SLA/AW) and the Government of the Sudan forces in Jebel Marra have lessened since late 2019, owing to the reciprocal ceasefire. However, the SLA/AW continued to recruit and train new fighters thanks to its exploitation of the Torroye gold mine in south-eastern Jebel Marra.”
2020-06-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/528 (2020) · source
“Following the induction, in a letter dated 21 May addressed to me in my capacity as Chair of the Committee, the Panel outlined its priorities within its mandate, outlined in the relevant Security Council resolutions. In accordance with paragraph 2 of resolution 2508 (2020), the Panel submitted its first quarterly report, covering the period 13 March to 1 June 2020, to the Committee. Due to the restrictions warranted by the coronavirus-disease (COVID-19) pandemic, the Panel was unable to travel. Instead, it collected and verified information remotely.”
2020-06-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/528 (2020) · source
“In accordance with paragraph 3 (a) (iv) of resolution 1591 (2005), I have the honour of briefing the Security Council on the work of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1591 (2005), concerning the Sudan, covering the period from 26 March to 8 June 2020. Following the appointment of the five experts to serve on the Panel of Experts on the Sudan until 12 March 2021, the Secretariat organized a virtual induction for the Panel that took place between 8 and 14 April 2020. The induction sessions included planning the work for the new mandate and holding virtual bilateral meetings with Member States, including the Sudan and United Nations agencies.”
2020-06-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/528 (2020) · source
“We know from the past that little was done internationally to stop the killings when they were taking place. That is why the Council must do better in future to prevent and react to similar horrendous crimes. The International Residual Mechanism assists States and individuals in doing better to keep the promise of never again. Estonia continues to support the Mechanism’s work and the extension of its mandate.”
2020-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/527 (2020) · source
“After the French authorities arrested Félicien Kabuga on 16 May, Mr. Kabuga, who is known as the financier of the Rwandan genocide, is finally going to face justice for acts committed 26 years ago. We commend the resolve of the Office of the Prosecutor and the many countries and international entities, such as INTERPOL and EUROPOL, for their assistance. We now strongly urge Member States to provide the necessary assistance so that the six remaining fugitives may be arrested and brought to trial. The essence of the efforts of the International Residual Mechanism is to establish justice and provide recourse to victims. Last year, we commemorated the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Rwandan genocide and next month we will commemorate the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide.”
2020-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/527 (2020) · source
“We also note the work of the Mechanism on the ongoing trial proceedings in the Stanišić and Simatović case, the appeal proceedings in the Ratko Mladić case and the pretrial phase in the multi-accused Prosecutor v. Maximilien Turinabo et al. contempt case, now joined by the Ngirabatware contempt case. We further welcome other activities of the Mechanism, including in relation to the its unified filing system and that system’s public interface — the unified court records database — created to allow public access to the judicial records. We further recognize the initiatives taken to address gender parity in the Mechanism’s staffing and the steps taken to eliminate harassment. International criminal justice and the fight against impunity continue to depend on a collective effort.”
2020-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/527 (2020) · source
“I thank Judge Carmel Agius, President of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals, and Prosecutor Serge Brammertz for the detailed report submitted to the Council (S/2020/309, annex) and for their informative briefings today. Estonia commends the Mechanism for its work and the progress made during the reporting period, both in the Hague and in Arusha, including all the efforts aimed at ensuring business continuity to the greatest extent possible under the current extraordinary circumstances. We take note that the restrictions in place to curb the spread of the pandemic have adversely affected timelines for case completion and that any delays would be kept to a minimum.”
2020-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/527 (2020) · source
“We commend the G-5 States for the steps taken to raise awareness in and train the Joint Force, as well as for the announcements regarding the investigation of alleged human rights violations, and we stand ready to support that process further. Finally, to achieve long-term security in the Sahel, we need to address the root causes of the instability. In this regard, it is necessary to make efforts to reduce poverty and the marginalization of certain groups, and to promote gender equality. It is of the utmost importance to keep those aspects in mind when designing strategies and mandates together with the countries of the region.”
2020-06-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/515 (2020) · source
“Estonia closely monitors the developments in the Sahel and contributes to restoring security and stability in a number of ways, including by contributing personnel to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali and the French-led Operation Barkhane, and making financial contributions to the European Union Trust Fund for Africa. Furthermore, we are part of the recently created Task Force Takuba, which will seek specifically to tackle the terrorist threat in the Liptako-Gourma area. Allow me to stress the importance of adhering to human rights principles and the framework of international humanitarian law when conducting counter-terrorism operations.”
2020-06-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/515 (2020) · source
“It is encouraging that the Joint Force of the Group of Five for the Sahel (G-5 Sahel) has conducted an increased number of operations over the past six months and strengthened its capabilities. The terrorist threat is often cross-border in nature and therefore needs to be addressed in such a manner. It is positive that the G-5 countries took the decision at the beginning of the year to allow for more flexibility when conducting Joint Force operations across State borders. In order to make counter-terrorism efforts in the Sahel region as effective as possible, we need to strengthen cooperation among the various actors operating in the region.”
2020-06-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/515 (2020) · source
“I would like to thank today’s briefers for their valuable input and the French presidency for convening the meeting. The growing number of terrorist attacks against civilians and national and regional security forces in the Sahel region is extremely concerning. More attacks often result in the withdrawal of the State presence from already fragile areas, which in turn negatively affects the humanitarian situation on the ground. We must therefore work even more efficiently together to strengthen the State and security presence in those areas most affected. In this regard, we commend the efforts of regional and subregional organizations, such as the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States, to coordinate and further mobilize joint counter- terrorism operations.”
2020-06-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/515 (2020) · source