YouSaid · the spoken record

Taye Atskeselassie Amde

lines on the record: 83
first: 2020-04-28
most recent: 2021-05-25
sittings or episodes: 11
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

“In that regard, we reiterate the need to place a global focus on increasing support for ongoing relief and reconstruction efforts in order to restore lasting peace and normalcy.”
2021-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/250 (2021) · source
“We unequivocally reaffirm our full commitment to respect and protect human rights and to bring all who violate such rights to justice. The Government is also committed to ensuring transparency and access to information. Accordingly, we facilitated access to both local and international media to report from the ground and, as a result, numerous international media organizations are present in the Tigray region. We hope that the responsible and diligent work of the media will counter the flurry of disinformation that has been dominating the platform. Let me conclude by reaffirming our commitment to sparing no effort in fulfilling our solemn responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of our people. Rest assured that we are ready and willing to engage with the international community in a constructive manner.”
2021-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/250 (2021) · source
“I would also like to take this opportunity to relay the gratitude of my Government for the response of the international community, including the WFP S/2021/250 and other United Nations agencies and Governments who stood with the Government and the people of Ethiopia in this time of need. I also wish to echo the appeal made by our humanitarian partners for more resources in order to scale up our progress thus far. Alleged human rights violations have also been a focus of the international community. The Government authorities and the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission will continue to investigate and report on the status of human rights. In that respect, we stand ready to receive assistance and to explore the possibility of collaborating in joint investigations.”
2021-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/250 (2021) · source
“Accordingly, on 29 November, we signed an agreement with the United Nations for enhanced coordination on humanitarian access. That agreement allows unimpeded, sustained and secure access to the humanitarian community. Due to the progress in the security situation in the Tigray region, we opened a “notification only” procedure for humanitarian actors starting 3 March. We also have an effective coordination mechanism between the Government authorities and humanitarian actors, as evidenced by the testimony provided by Mr. David Beasley, World Food Programme (WFP) Executive Director and Mr. Filippo Grandi, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, who visited the region.”
2021-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/250 (2021) · source
“That resulted in a food shortage in Tigray and adjacent regions, as well as the displacement of citizens, thus compounding the pre-existing food security challenges in the Tigray region, where 1.7 million people were participating in a safety net programme. Furthermore, developments in the Tigray region have increased the humanitarian burden on a system already strained by the conflicts instigated by Tigray People’s Liberation Front and its affiliates in other parts of Ethiopia. In accordance with our disaster management policy, we utilize our national resources, first and foremost, to address humanitarian needs. Nevertheless, we also work closely with local and international partners to fill the gaps created by resource constraints.”
2021-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/250 (2021) · source
“Nonetheless, Ethiopia remains vulnerable to the risk of food insecurity emanating from natural and anthropogenic disasters, including conflict. Allow me to share some facts on the situation in Ethiopia so that the members of the Council can have a well-rounded and accurate picture of the situation. On 4 November, the Tigray People’s Liberation Front attacked the national army. The treasonous crime against those unsuspecting men and women in uniform goes beyond what any other country has faced in recent history. The Government of Ethiopia had to take the necessary measures to preserve the unity and sovereign integrity of the State of Ethiopia. The unabashed destructive acts of the criminal group cost Ethiopians a great deal, devastating their infrastructure and disrupting their normal private and public lives.”
2021-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/250 (2021) · source
“We commend the United States for dedicating today’s open debate to this worthy topic. I am pleased to address the members of the Security Council and other participants on the situation in Ethiopia, with a focus on recent developments pertaining to humanitarian challenges. My country, Ethiopia, has struggled with food insecurity as one of the core challenges to its national and human security. The vicious cycle involving climate change and extreme weather conditions, underdeveloped adaptation and resilience, competition over resources, conflict and food insecurity has long been an existential challenge. Over the years, we have made progress in addressing food insecurity through effective national policies, the efficient administration of available resources and effective international cooperation.”
2021-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/250 (2021) · source
“I would like to take this opportunity to call on the members of the Security Council to redouble their efforts to strengthen women’s role in conflict prevention, peacekeeping, peacebuilding, mediation and enforcement, including through capacity-building and the provision of financial and technical support to developing countries.”
2020-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1084 (2020) · source
“To minimize the implementation gaps, we must strive to mainstream the women and peace and security agenda in all our policy interventions, and my Government is committed to implementing a series of actions over the next decade under the 10-year perspective development plan. We are also consulting with a wide range of stakeholders, including civil society organizations, on a draft national action plan on the women and peace and security agenda. In conclusion, let me reaffirm Ethiopia’s full commitment to sustaining progress towards the full implementation of resolution 1325 (2000). Today’s commemorative meeting is an opportunity for us all to recommit to implementing the resolutions and declarations we have agreed on, thus ensuring that women are fully involved as equal partners in peace and political processes at all levels.”
2020-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1084 (2020) · source
“Ethiopia is working to increase the enrolment of women at all levels of education and boost their participation at all levels of decision-making in our national institutions. The appointments of the country’s first woman President, the first woman President of the Federal Supreme Court and the first woman Chair of the electoral board and achieving gender parity in the Cabinet are all part of our efforts to increase and elevate women’s participation. My Government also set up a new ministry with a direct oversight of the security sector to ensure women’s involvement in peace and security matters. Over the past two decades, Ethiopia has made steady progress S/2020/1084 in increasing both the number of women and women’s leadership positions in our armed forces and police, as well as in addressing their barriers to entry.”
2020-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1084 (2020) · source
“Women have been responsible for the transformation in the provision of basic health services throughout rural Ethiopia, especially with regard to maternal and child health. They continue to be instrumental in conflict prevention, notably in mediation and in the resettlement of internally displaced persons. Women’s role in our security sector reform is also central. The equal participation of women in all sectors of life in Ethiopia is constitutionally guaranteed. Access to education is a critical element in that endeavour. Women cannot enjoy their full rights as long as they continue to struggle for access to education. Addressing poverty and the educational deprivation of women is essential if we are to achieve fundamental changes in advancing gender equality.”
2020-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1084 (2020) · source
“More work and practical commitments are needed to bridge the gap in implementation, including in the context of the COVID-19 response, and to support Member States in developing policies and strategies that align with the women and peace and security agenda. The full, equal and meaningful participation of women in development and peace and security should no longer be an option. It is an absolute imperative. We believe that neither peace nor prosperity can be achieved or sustained without the active and meaningful involvement of women in society. Lasting peace and security cannot prevail as long as women continue to face gender-based violence, have their rights violated, lack access to public services and enjoy only limited participation. For Ethiopia, the empowerment of women is a key pillar of our development aspirations.”
2020-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1084 (2020) · source
“As the Secretary-General’s latest report (S/2020/946) on women and peace and security makes clear, despite the progress made with regard to gender equality over the past two decades, major hurdles remain. Those limited gains are now at risk of reversal due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Gender-based violence is on the rise. Women are at the forefront of the fight against this deadly virus and are paying enormous sacrifices. Tragically, they are also likely to be disproportionately affected by its economic consequences. That is why it is so fitting that this debate focuses on the implementation of that milestone resolution.”
2020-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1084 (2020) · source
“Allow me to first congratulate you, Sir, on a successful presidency of the Security Council and to extend our appreciation to you for organizing this commemorative meeting. I also wish to thank Secretary-General António Guterres and all the briefers for their statements. This year marks the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of landmark resolution 1325 (2000), the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and the seventy-fifth anniversary of our Organization’s founding. All of these instruments recognized the vital and indispensable role women play in the promotion of peace and security and called on Member States to prioritize gender equality and women’s empowerment.”
2020-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1084 (2020) · source
“In conclusion, to build back better after this pandemic, all Member States must redouble multilateral efforts to achieve our commitments under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, as well as the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. We are glad that the Security Council has, in recent years, given due attention to that issue. This is an area where we believe that the United Nations system as a whole should continue to deepen cooperation and partnership with a view to providing meaningful capacity-building support to national and regional efforts. Ethiopia remains fully committed to doing its part in accelerating the implementation of our international and regional commitments relating to the effects of climate change and environmental degradation.”
2020-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/929 (2020) · source
“Our endeavour to overcome the multifaceted climate-related challenges in the Intergovernmental Authority on Development and Horn of Africa region deserves attention and robust support from partners. Flooding in Ethiopia, the Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia and Kenya have displaced tens of thousands of already vulnerable people. The massive locust infestation across the region has also left already food-insecure communities in dire straits. The loss of stocks in those displaced communities needs strong restocking intervention in order to prevent resource- induced conflicts and uncontrolled migration.”
2020-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/929 (2020) · source
“We strongly believe that our ability to end hunger and poverty; ensure access to sanitation and sustainable energy; and guarantee decent work for the youth and women all depend on the actions that we take today. We must raise public awareness about the dangers of environmental change and make our citizens part of the solution. That is why we mobilized Ethiopians from all walks of life in the context of the Green Legacy Initiative, planting 5 billion tree seedlings this year alone, even despite the COVID-19 pandemic. This has now become an annual tradition, and we are seeing an encouraging shift in attitudes towards the environment and conservation. Our target is 20 billion seedlings by 2024.”
2020-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/929 (2020) · source
“Climate change has to be a big part of all our policy interventions at the national, regional and international levels. We in Ethiopia are taking practical steps to combat ecological factors that degrade the environment, including desertification, lack or loss of water, soil erosion and the illegal exploitation of natural resources. In that regard, the Green Legacy Initiative, launched in 2018, is not just a conservation or afforestation program. It is part of our 10-year national development plan, which envisions a green and climate-resilient economy. The plan promotes climate-resilient agriculture to prevent ecosystem deterioration, including the enhanced recovery of small springs and wetlands. This is a national imperative for us.”
2020-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/929 (2020) · source
“It is important that the international community recognize the fact that environmental change, life- threatening economic problems and lack of social cohesion have enabled terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and Al-Shabaab to exploit the genuine grievances and development needs of local communities. To tackle those challenges, United Nations peacebuilding, prevention and peacekeeping efforts should incorporate programmes such as quick-impact projects into their respective prioritization and mandates to support local efforts S/2020/929 aimed at reducing vulnerability to climate change and factors that contribute to environmental degradation. Nothing drives home this point more than the fact that eight of the 10 largest peace operations are deployed in countries with high exposure to climate change.”
2020-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/929 (2020) · source
“Regional efforts to combat desertification and drought such as the African Union-led Great Green Wall initiative, which strives to grow trees and other vegetation across the Sahel, and from Dakar to Djibouti must be encouraged and supported. The Security Council should explore mechanisms to help the most vulnerable countries and regions, including through efforts to mainstream the impacts of environmental degradation across the peacebuilding architecture. In the Sahel, the Lake Chad region and countries in the Horn of Africa region, the destabilizing effects of climate change have slowed progress towards peace and prosperity.”
2020-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/929 (2020) · source
“Its adverse effects transcend national borders. The transboundary nature of climate change and environmental degradation should therefore compel us to pursue robust cooperation at all levels on mitigation and adaptation as well as natural-resource utilization and management strategies. The health and future of our environment depends on the collective and coordinated efforts of Member States and international, regional and subregional organizations. Poor people, especially in the least developed countries, contribute little to the problem, but they are bearing the brunt of climate-change-induced disasters. To mitigate such catastrophes, developing countries need capacity- building support on risk assessment and to develop early-warning systems and build local resilience to a changing climate and environment.”
2020-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/929 (2020) · source
“Population growth, migration, expansion of agriculture and industrialization often lead to the overexploitation of natural resources, environmental degradation and loss of ecosystems. As we all know, competition over increasingly scarce resources heightens communal tensions, resulting in conflict and increasing humanitarian needs. Millions of people, including in my own country, already rely on annual emergency humanitarian aid. Even before the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic hit, the trend had been projected to worsen in the coming decades. We believe that reversing that trend and tackling the multidimensional impacts of climate change requires concerted global actions and a genuine commitment to multilateralism. It is clear that climate change exacerbates new and existing challenges.”
2020-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/929 (2020) · source
“Let me first congratulate the Niger on its assumption of the presidency of the Security Council during this historic month in the long journey of the United Nations. We applaud you, Mr. President, for having convened today’s timely debate. We thank all the briefers. Climate change is the single greatest threat facing humankind today. Climate- induced disasters such as flash floods, cyclones, strong winds, heavy rains, persistent drought and locust infestation are upending the lives of millions around the world. Our collective aspirations for peace and development are facing severe tests from climate-induced stresses. Indeed, we cannot disentangle climate change from socioeconomic development.”
2020-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/929 (2020) · source
“Finally, I would like to conclude by reiterating the firm commitment of the Government of Ethiopia to ensuring that UNISFA succeeds in delivering on its mandate. In that regard, we will further strengthen our close coordination with the Governments of the Sudan and South Sudan, as well as with the United Nations.”
2020-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/351 (2020) · source
“Thirdly, we trust that all the relevant authorities will be continuously consulted regarding the decision of the Council on the appointment of a civilian deputy head of mission and the operationalization of the Anthony airstrip, the latter being very important to improving UNISFA’s medical evacuation capability, particularly in this difficult time of global pandemic. Fourthly, it is important that the tragic events in the Kolom area and several other criminal cases be jointly investigated with a view to bringing the perpetrators to justice. That will not only help with remedial actions, but it will also contribute to trust- and confidence-building measures between the two communities and ensure long-term interdependence and fraternity.”
2020-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/351 (2020) · source
“Secondly, the troop cuts in favour of the planned deployment of three formed police units (FPUs) is impacting UNISFA’s capabilities. Its forces are overstretched, especially in the light of the increase in crime. In that regard, we wish to emphasize the need to suspend the withdrawal of the additional 295 troops scheduled for 15 May until restrictions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic are lifted and the planned FPU replacements are on the ground to assume the security responsibilities. We expect that UNISFA will be adequately resourced, including funds for preventive and preparedness measures in relation to COVID-19 and the desperately needed funds for quick-impact projects. In that connection, alleviating the situation of arrears remains not only a matter of principle but also a moral obligation.”
2020-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/351 (2020) · source
“In the same vein, the authorities, including the Abyei Joint Oversight Committee, must intensify their outreach to the communities in Abyei and assist UNISFA in ensuring that the Abyei box remains a weapons-free zone as required by the Security Council. In view of the above, I wish to highlight the following four critical measures that are instrumental to the delivery of the mission’s mandate. First, UNISFA-facilitated meetings between the Ngok Dinka and Misseriya leaders in Diffra should be complemented by maintaining momentum on the discussions in order to reach an agreement on the final status of Abyei and to resolve the stalled southward movement of herders. That will help in easing the current high level of tension.”
2020-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/351 (2020) · source
“It is extremely worrisome that the mission has so far recovered 27 assault rifles, 48 magazines, 1,220 rounds of ammunition and seven war-like equipment kits, in addition to similarly worrisome quantities since 28 November 2019. UNISFA troops remain on high alert in anticipation of additional attacks. The mandated protection of the Abyei Area from aggressive armed attacks and different forms of crime is becoming a daunting task that requires an organized response by the mission, the host countries and the United Nations. Ethiopia recognizes the importance of strict compliance with international humanitarian law by all parties. We uphold the role of the monitoring and reporting mechanism in tracking grave violations against women and children in the context of UNISFA’s mandate and pledge our full support.”
2020-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/351 (2020) · source
“Following the Kolom incident, my Government encouraged UNISFA to rigorously conduct wider discussions and engage with the Dinka and Misseriya communities with the objective of curbing the escalation of violence. Late this month, UNISFA forces were engaged in ambushes and armed assault incidents in Nainai and Alal, where two assailants lost their lives. The troops abided by the rules of engagement and acted in self-defence. Again, on 24 April, three armed Misseriya men riding a tricycle opened fire at the UNISFA team operation base in Alal. In response to those seemingly connected incidents, UNISFA has intensified ground patrols, including search and recovery operations in the Kolom and Youra bridge areas.”
2020-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/351 (2020) · source
“However, more needs to be done to ensure the success of UNISFA and its continued ability to fulfil its heavy responsibility. In that regard, more concrete actions by the Governments of the Sudan and South Sudan, as well as by the United Nations and the African Union, are needed to expedite a resolution of Abyei’s final status. To put things into perspective, UNISFA was facing security challenges one month after the adoption of the current mandate, with troops subjected to active fire, including by well-armed groups. The challenge was further aggravated by more volatility in the Abyei box, and, as noted in the Secretary-General’s report (S/2020/308), incidents on 19 and 22 January regrettably claimed 36 lives.”
2020-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/351 (2020) · source
“Reviewing the conception of operations in the dry season and increasing foot and mobile patrols alone cannot prevent threats or secure every inch of the Area. Furthermore, we are extremely concerned that armed groups and individuals remain present in the weapons-free zone. The security situation continues to suffer from the failure to stop murders, livestock rustling and intercommunal clashes. The lack of respect and serious observance of the weapon-free-zone provision is becoming dangerous, especially in the volatile migration season. We are encouraged by the political will and support of the leadership of the two countries. The Abyei Joint Oversight Committee, the joint military observer teams and the joint community peace committee are also showing progress in their respective tasks.”
2020-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/351 (2020) · source
“Ethiopia greatly appreciates the two Governments for their continued support to UNISFA’s leadership and peacekeeping force. The mission faced serious difficulties over the past year, especially after the two unfortunate helicopter accidents in 2019 and the subsequent suspension of those operations by the United Nations Secretariat, which has significantly constrained the mission’s air operation capability. As we all understand, UNISFA is one of the most remote peacekeeping missions, but it continues to rely solely on civilian helicopters. I want, therefore, to draw the attention of the Council to the fact that our contingents are often exposed and overstretched in their efforts to cover the vast territory, including in the context of the work of the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism.”
2020-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/351 (2020) · source
“At the outset, I wish to congratulate you, Mr. President, on the Dominican Republic’s successful presidency of the Security Council despite the difficulties caused by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. We thank Under- Secretary-General Jean-Pierre Lacroix and Special Envoy Parfait Onanga-Anyanga for their comprehensive briefings. We also welcome the presence of our brother the Permanent Representative of the Sudan. Following the adoption of resolution 2497 (2019), my Government continued to meet its commitments with regard to the deployment and mandate delivery of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA). The new political dynamics in the Sudan and South Sudan have created an encouraging atmosphere for all of us.”
2020-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/351 (2020) · source