YouSaid · the spoken record

Thomas-Greenfield

lines on the record: 1,605
first: 2021-05-27
most recent: 2023-12-22
sittings or episodes: 219
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

“The conditions in Ethiopia today rival those in Somalia in 2011 during the onset of the famine. We remember that famine with horror. More than 250,000 people died despite the warnings. That did not have to happen. Starvation should never happen, and the famine does not have to happen. The Government of Ethiopia can choose to reverse its course on the expulsion of the United Nations personnel, and all parties to the conflict can immediately facilitate the full and unimpeded access of humanitarian aid. If these calls for humanitarian access continue to go unheard, then the Security Council must act. We can ensure that the United Nations is allowed to deliver impartially.”
2021-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8875 (2021) · source
“It is conducting important human rights investigations, in conjunction with the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission. The United Nations personnel barred from Ethiopia must be allowed to return immediately. Their work is urgent, and some of those dedicated public servants are trying to stop a famine before it is too late. The unprecedented expulsion of those United Nations officials follows a pattern of escalating obstruction. In July, an Inter-Agency Standing Committee Emergency Directors Group from Headquarters was detained while trying to conduct an assessment mission in Tigray. Three non-governmental organizations were suspended shortly thereafter. Those actions are calculated to intimidate and silence. However, they do not accomplish that goal; instead, they push starving people to the brink.”
2021-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8875 (2021) · source
“Neither did the Government of Ethiopia follow the proper process for calling attention to its concerns, as we heard from the Secretary-General today. What could be the justification for expelling the United Nations focal point responsible for ensuring that food and humanitarian assistance reach those who need it? What could be the justification for expelling the United Nations focal point for the well-being of children in Ethiopia? There is none. As the Secretary-General made clear, United Nations personnel cannot be declared personae non gratae. The United Nations is impartial. The United Nations is neutral. In Ethiopia, it is delivering life-saving aid, including food, medicine, water and sanitation supplies, to all those in desperate need.”
2021-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8875 (2021) · source
“I thank Secretary-General Guterres for his briefing to us this afternoon. First and foremost, I want to offer solidarity and support to the United Nations during this trying time as they work to save lives. We called for this urgent meeting today given the events that have transpired over the past week. The Ethiopian Government’s reckless expulsion of seven key United Nations officials, including the Head of UNICEF, the Head of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and a senior official from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, is an affront to the Security Council, the United Nations and all Member States, as well as our shared humanitarian principles. There is no justification for the Government of Ethiopia’s action — none at all.”
2021-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8875 (2021) · source
“The United States has been, and will continue to be, unequivocal in its call for an end to predatory behaviour across the entire United Nations system, no matter the setting or the nationality of the accused. We demand accountability for parties guilty of criminal acts and for assistance for victims and survivors. I join my British colleague in calling for an immediate review of MONUSCO. We will work through the Office of the Victims Rights Advocate and the United Nations trust fund in support of victims of sexual exploitation and abuse to achieve justice. The Congolese people deserve an effective, efficient and accountable United Nations.”
2021-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8873 (2021) · source
“As the regional diplomatic dynamic improves and more armed groups pursue options for civilian reintegration in the years to come, we will need to discuss how peacekeeping success is contextualized and defined. We also need to consider ways to help the Congolese security forces address armed groups that are no longer a threat to international peace and security but continue to pose a limited threat to civilians. The United States looks forward to such conversations. Lastly, we must end sexual exploitation and abuse at the hands of United Nations personnel. MONUSCO alone has seen 17 new allegations so far this year. Those allegations are horrifying, and they are unacceptable. Most have been levelled at MONUSCO troops and police, but a significant portion concerns the actions of civilian staff.”
2021-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8873 (2021) · source
“Secondly, given the terrible violence in the east, the United States is committed to ensuring that MONUSCO has every tool it needs for its mission. MONUSCO has a valuable role to play in protecting civilians, and it must take that role seriously. It also has a valuable role to play in stabilizing State institutions and promoting key governance and security sector reform. Each of those objectives is particularly important as the Democratic Republic of the Congo approaches elections in 2023 and as security conditions in the east grow more dire. The Mission must also continue to coordinate with the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo on a phased, conditions-based drawdown in the coming years.”
2021-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8873 (2021) · source
“Security conditions have improved in the Kasaïs, which allowed MONUSCO to exit from those provinces earlier this year, while continuing to provide bridging support for key stabilization and peacekeeping efforts. Transitional justice measures are also paving the way for a smooth drawdown. Similarly, we hope conditions continue to improve in Tanganyika so that MONUSCO can draw down from that province next year. Beyond those immediate steps, we need more progress to allow for a responsible drawdown in North and South Kivu and Ituri. We welcome the joint transition plan of the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and MONUSCO to guide those conversations moving forward and hope all indicators and benchmarks will be realistic and attainable.”
2021-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8873 (2021) · source
“First, while we have seen some improvements elsewhere, the United States remains deeply concerned about the security situation in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Civilians there are being killed by armed groups every day. We remain particularly troubled by the number of lethal attacks by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Sham in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, also known as the Allied Democratic Forces, and the increasing threats posed by improvised explosive devices. The military of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and United Nations peacekeepers must coordinate better on joint operations under the state of siege to protect civilians using the full authority of MONUSCO’s robust mandate.”
2021-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8873 (2021) · source
“Let me thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ms. Keita, for her briefing today. I also thank Ambassador Abarry, Permanent Representative of the Niger, for his leadership in his capacity as Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1533 (2004). In addition, I commend Ms. Mbangu on her work, thank her for her briefing and welcome the presence of the representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo here today. Today I would like to discuss three aspects of the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: first, our serious security concerns; secondly, the role that the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) can play; and thirdly, our concerns about exploitation and abuse by United Nations personnel.”
2021-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8873 (2021) · source
“Together, let us ensure the needs and aspirations of the Haitian people are met and that we do everything we can to help the country become more democratic, more prosperous and more secure for the Haitian people.”
2021-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8871 (2021) · source
“In terms of security, the United States supports BINUH’s efforts to help the Haitian National Police become an accountable and reliable force that can meet Haiti’s internal security needs, including tackling gang violence. Thirdly and finally, following the earthquake, the United Nations reported that approximately 650,000 Haitians required humanitarian assistance. The United States has provided nearly $44 million to aid those in need. The United States Agency for International Development, in conjunction with its partners, continues to assess and respond to the humanitarian needs caused by the earthquake. We urge everyone to do their part to help the Haitian people, who have suffered so much.”
2021-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8871 (2021) · source
“We urge Prime Minister Henry to make every effort to secure a political accord with the broadest possible consensus and engagement with civil society and political actors. Accountability for the perpetrators of the assassination of President Moïse would be an important step towards bringing the country together. Secondly, the human rights situation in Haiti continues to deteriorate. Human rights defenders faced even more attacks during the summer. Those responsible for the Bel Air, Cité-Soleil and La Saline massacres need to be held accountable. The perpetrators of the killings of political activist Antoinette Duclaire, journalist Diego Charles and the President of Port-au- Prince Bar Association, Monferrier Dorval, also need to be brought to justice.”
2021-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8871 (2021) · source
“To that end, today I would like to address three aspects of the situation in Haiti: the political path forward, security threats and human rights abuses, and addressing humanitarian needs. First, the United States supports an inclusive, Haitian-led process that charts a path to democracy through free and fair elections as soon as conditions permit. It is crucial that Haiti’s Government, political parties, civil society, religious leaders, the private sector and the diaspora work together in the interests of the Haitian people to return to democratic governance. Government authorities should move quickly to restore the country’s democratic institutions, including an effective, independent judiciary.”
2021-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8871 (2021) · source
“On 7 July, the Haitian people learned that their President had been brutally assassinated. In August, a 7.2-magnitude earthquake hit. And then, as if that were not enough, a tropical storm came crashing through. That is just in a two-month period. But Haitians have suffered for decades — the people of Haiti keep being hit while they are down, again and again. In the context of ongoing efforts to reach a political accord as a first step towards restoring stability and that of the dire humanitarian situation faced by Haitian people, Haiti needs the support of the United Nations and the multilateral system as much now as ever before. As we look to renew the mandate of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) later this month, we must keep the plight of the people of Haiti firmly in mind.”
2021-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8871 (2021) · source
“Let me start by congratulating Ireland for an extraordinarily successful and productive month during its presidency. I would like to welcome Kenya’s assumption of the presidency. We look forward to working with you, Mr. President, during this month. Let me thank Special Representative La Lime for her comprehensive briefing on the situation in Haiti. The United States highly commends the work she and her team have done under such challenging circumstances. I would also like to thank Ms. Douyon for her briefing. The past few months have been trying ones for the people of Haiti. Cities and towns have faced escalating violence, including gang violence. Hundreds of thousands of people are living in makeshift structures, having been forced to flee their homes, as we just heard from Special Representative La Lime.”
2021-10-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8871 (2021) · source
“Over the course of this six-month extension, we look forward to receiving reports from the Secretary- General on the situation in Afghanistan, particularly for its vulnerable groups, and the United Nations own recommendations about what their role and future in Afghanistan will look like. We recognize that the current situation in Afghanistan is fluid and dynamic. But the United Nations role must always work to serve Afghans and advance their human rights and fundamental freedoms. We will stand by them in that goal.”
2021-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8862 (2021) · source
“This text also underscores the United Nations role in advancing the human rights of Afghan women, children and members of minority groups. Resolution 2596 (2021) recognizes that United Nations staff are working in deteriorating security conditions throughout the country. We remain deeply concerned about the safety and security of UNAMA’s national staff. The United Nations must protect them and their families. As the single-largest donor of humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan, the United States is committed to UNAMA’s coordination function with partners on the ground providing food, protection, shelter and essential healthcare, water, sanitation, hygiene services and so much more vital humanitarian aid to Afghans.”
2021-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8862 (2021) · source
“The Security Council has taken an important step to underscore the importance of the United Nations work in Afghanistan during this critical moment for the country. The United Nations has worked in Afghanistan since 1948. By extending the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) today, we demonstrate this body’s commitment to the United Nations vital role in supporting the Afghan people. By extending UNAMA’s work as assigned in resolution 2543 (2020), we are emphasizing the importance of the United Nations continued commitment to human rights, civilian and child protection, humanitarian assistance coordination and countless other functions, which will be fundamental to the future of Afghanistan.”
2021-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8862 (2021) · source
“We urge the Government of the Sudan to implement its national plan to protect civilians and help ensure that the transition from UNAMID is a success. Successful transitions show the best of what the United Nations can accomplish and honour the service of peacekeepers in peacekeeping missions. But transitions really take real vision and long-term planning. I hope we can use the lessons learned from Liberia and Darfur and develop clear strategic visions focused on the interests of everyday people to guide future transitions.”
2021-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8851 (2021) · source
“That also required the United Nations country team, the host Government and civil society to step up to create sustainable mechanisms for protecting civilians after the peacekeepers withdrew. We hope to see that inclusive approach in Darfur now that the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) has drawn down and during upcoming Council discussions regarding the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan. Transitions are successful only if they are supported by committed and accountable host Governments. We appreciate the reform efforts of the Government of the Sudan. However, we remain very concerned about the intercommunal violence occurring in Darfur and the resulting number of people displaced from their homes.”
2021-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8851 (2021) · source
“Liberian civil society, including religious leaders, women’s groups and journalists, worked to prevent and mitigate conflict at the local level. We worked with local officials to monitor the Government’s implementation of the peacekeeping plan. They observed elections to ensure that they were free, fair and credible. All those efforts were guided by an inclusive vision and a strategic plan, focused on addressing the needs and interests of everyday people. UNMIL worked tirelessly to protect civilians and ensure a drawdown that did not lead to increased violence. At this point, if I may, I would like to commend India for providing women peacekeepers. They were very important as role models for young Liberian women and girls, who saw the power of women in uniform. I thank India for that.”
2021-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8851 (2021) · source
“We made sure everyone stayed committed to the purpose. That meant engaging frequently with civil society, local stakeholders, the United Nations country team and international partners, both diplomatically and in the broader non-governmental organization community. Key to our vision was ensuring that the Government of Liberia was also prepared, as was building confidence in the local security institutions and their services. The United States worked with the Liberian armed forces, the United Nations and the donor community to help make the Liberian National Police more responsive and accountable to the Liberian people. UNMIL built capacity in Liberia’s courts and trained judicial personnel to lead institutions that could effectively protect Liberians. Local efforts to sustain peace were equally important.”
2021-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8851 (2021) · source
“After 14 years of a deadly civil war and 15 years with a peacekeeping force, Liberia held three successive free and fair elections and successfully turned over power to a second President in a peaceful transition. Today Liberia even contributes its own peacekeepers to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali, as we heard earlier. That remarkable transition started with early, close and frequent coordination among me, the former Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Liberia — Ms. Ellen Margrethe Løj — and former President Johnson-Sirleaf. We knew that UNMIL’s leaving could cause challenges for stability and safety, and we therefore developed a vision long before it was necessary to make that transition. We used that vision to share a common message with the people of Liberia.”
2021-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8851 (2021) · source
“In order to truly plan for the future of a mission, including its conclusion, mission leadership must look beyond the time limitations of the mandate and plan for what is to come. Peacekeeping missions are not intended to be permanent, but many have become just that. A strategic vision means smoother, more sustainable political transitions with earlier and more holistic planning across the United Nations system. No one understands that better than former President Johnson-Sirleaf, which is why I am so glad she has joined us here today. I had the great fortune of working with former President Johnson-Sirleaf while serving as Ambassador to Liberia, leading up to the decision to close the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL). I would like to expand on her comments here today.”
2021-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8851 (2021) · source
“I would like to thank Secretary-General Guterres as well as former President Johnson-Sirleaf and Ms. Safaa Elagib Adam for their briefings. Allow me also to thank Ireland in particular for hosting this very important discussion on the topic of peacekeeping transitions. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all peacekeepers who take on such important tasks. During the December 2020 renewal of the peacekeeping mandate for the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, our top priority was to help formulate a strategic vision for the Mission. That strategic vision is our way of challenging ourselves, our fellow Security Council members and the United Nations itself to think beyond the mandate to the topic at hand, that is, transitions.”
2021-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8851 (2021) · source
“As we face the great challenges of our times, we can use all the help we can get from The Elders to rally the Security Council and the United Nations towards a more peaceful and prosperous world.”
2021-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8850 (2021) · source
“We support efforts by The Elders to advise on Ethiopia, and we support the appointment of President Obasanjo as a special envoy for the Horn of Africa. Some countries, including some members of the Security Council or those that seek to be on the Security Council, believe human rights are optional. They are not. This dangerous notion flies in the face of the self- binding principles that serve as the bedrock for the United Nations. Any efforts to rollback human rights protections in the Security Council, including efforts to limit human rights monitoring and reporting, will be met with the strongest possible opposition from us. As we do this work of protecting human rights, stopping the pandemic and fighting the climate crisis, we welcome the wisdom and the guidance of The Elders. Their contributions are invaluable.”
2021-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8850 (2021) · source
“The United States is committed to meeting our human rights obligations and ending discrimination in all its forms. To that end, in July, the United States announced its intent to issue a formal standing invitation to all United Nations experts who report and advise on thematic human rights. Looking globally, we are just as committed to advancing human rights abroad — from Afghanistan to Ethiopia to Yemen. Most recently, the Security Council reaffirmed that the human rights of all Afghans, including women and girls and members of minority groups, must be upheld (resolution 2593 (2021)). Only through promoting the rights of the Afghan people can we lay the groundwork for a stable, secure and inclusive Afghanistan at peace with itself.”
2021-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8850 (2021) · source
“In the Security Council, we are delighted to have joined earlier this year the Group of Friends on Climate and Security and have been working with other like-minded nations toward highlighting the security implications of the climate crisis. Finally, I want to talk about human rights. From the first sentence of the United Nations Charter, the foundational unit of the United Nations is not just the nation State, but it is also the human “State”. Universal human rights are core to the Organization’s project, but too often our inalienable rights are seen as optional aspirations. Systemic racism, regular targeting of the LGBTQIA+ community and persistent discrimination against religious minorities, people with disabilities and women and girls continue in every country around the world.”
2021-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8850 (2021) · source
“Climate change is a challenge for every person in every nation on every continent, which is why at President Biden’s summit on climate, he advanced efforts to tackle the climate crisis. He announced our target to reduce emissions by 50 per cent below the 2005 levels by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Together we need to do everything we can to keep the goal of the 1.5°C limit on global average temperature rise within reach. The impacts of climate change also pose a threat to peace and security. At its current pace, the climate crisis is set to drive millions from their homes, and many of the world most fragile States and regions are the most vulnerable to climate calamity.”
2021-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8850 (2021) · source
“We have already adopted resolutions calling for a global ceasefire (resolution 2532 (2020)) and for greater cooperation to bring vaccines to conflict areas (resolution 2565 (2021)), and we need to speak out in cases where these resolutions need to be implemented, such as in Burma, where continued violence is crippling the pandemic response. Like the COVID-19 pandemic, the climate crisis threatens all of us too. In the United States, just in the past few weeks, we have experienced extreme wildfires in California, devastating hurricanes in my own home state of Louisiana, and dangerous floods here in New York, in our neighbourhoods. Of course, we are far from alone. The world is experiencing monsoons and droughts, rising sea levels and toxic air pollution.”
2021-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8850 (2021) · source
“We have already donated more than 126 million doses of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines to countries around the world, and in particular to low- to middle-income countries and the African Union. We have provided these vaccines with no strings attached, and we have provided more than all other countries combined, with many more doses to come. In addition, we are advancing major initiatives in partnership with many other Security Council members to expand vaccine production, improve access to vaccines and life-saving treatments and strengthen health-care systems. We believe that the Security Council itself has a key role to play in the COVID-19 response.”
2021-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8850 (2021) · source
“It has stressed our global health systems, destabilized economies and killed more than 4 million people around the world, including more than 600,000 Americans. And as we all know, the impacts go beyond the disease itself. Economies have suffered; instability has spread; gender-based violence has spiked; and millions of children, especially young girls, have been forced to stay home from school, and far too many may not return. More girls have been pressed into forced marriages. Childhood pregnancies have increased, and a high degree of prevalence of HIV/AIDS among young girls has occurred. We need to stop this virus, and we need to stop it now. For our part, President Biden has committed the United States to serving as the arsenal of vaccinations.”
2021-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8850 (2021) · source
“We have enshrined human rights protections and established them as foundational tenets of international law, and we have promoted sustainable development, provided life-saving humanitarian aid, and worked to improve the lives of people around the world. The Security Council has operated at the very centre of that work. We know as well as anyone how imperfect this body can be, but it is among the best tools we have to confront the great challenges before us. And right now, we are seized of a range of global threats that know no boundaries. Today I will focus on three of the most pertinent: the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, the climate crisis and the global erosion of human rights. All three were mentioned by President Robinson in her statement. The COVID-19 pandemic has spared no nation.”
2021-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8850 (2021) · source
“There was every reason to believe that we might fail to unite, and yet, beginning with the United Nations Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and building from there, we exchanged “might makes right” for a new set of self-binding principles — principles that steered us to prevent conflict, alleviate human suffering, defend human rights and engage in an ongoing dialogue to improve the lives of all people. The results are undeniable. Since the foundation of the United Nations, there have been fewer large-scale conflicts than at any point in history. We have advanced global non-proliferation and prevented nuclear war.”
2021-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8850 (2021) · source
“I thank you, Madam President, for hosting this important discussion today, and I thank President Robinson and Foreign Minister Brahimi for their briefings. I also welcome President Johnson-Sirleaf and President Zedillo to our discussion today. The work of The Elders to resolve and prevent conflict is as urgent now as ever. The experience, the guidance, the sage advice, the respect that they bring are appreciated by the Council and by the world. Eight decades ago we came together to, in the words of the Charter of the United Nations, “save succeeding generations from the scourge of war” and “reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights”. Nothing like this had ever succeeded before on this scale in the course of human history.”
2021-09-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8850 (2021) · source
“It is time for the Al-Assad regime to uphold its obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention and resolution 2118 (2013). The Security Council decided, in the event of non-compliance with resolution 2118 (2013), to impose measures under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations. We now have overwhelming evidence of numerous incidents of non-compliance by the Al-Assad regime. Now is the time to uphold and enforce the Council’s decision. Without accountability for the atrocities committed against the Syrian people, lasting peace in Syria will remain out of reach.”
2021-09-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8849 (2021) · source
“Russia continues to defend the Al-Assad regime for its failures to adhere to its obligations, including by spreading disinformation, attacking the integrity and professional work of the OPCW and impeding ongoing efforts by responsible nations to hold the Al-Assad regime accountable. That pattern of enablement is dangerous. The Al-Assad regime’s repeated and continued failures to comply with its obligations under international law must not be tolerated. We therefore welcome the decision of the OPCW Conference of the States Parties to condemn Syria’s use of chemical weapons and suspend its rights and privileges under the Chemical Weapons Convention. That decision sends a clear and unequivocal message that the use of chemical weapons has consequences.”
2021-09-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8849 (2021) · source
“Sadly, the Al-Assad regime continues to deliberately delay and obstruct the work of the OPCW. Syria once again demonstrated its lack of candour with the OPCW when it recently reported the destruction of two containers that had previously been inspected by the Declaration Assessment Team. Despite instructions to the regime to not open, move or alter the containers and their contents in any way, the Al-Assad regime — without seeking the prior written consent of the OPCW — reported that the cylinders were destroyed at a different location during the attack on 8 June 2021. The regime did not even notify the OPCW that the cylinders had been moved to a new location until it reported their destruction. The Al-Assad regime’s allies, including Russia, have also actively sought to block all efforts to promote accountability.”
2021-09-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8849 (2021) · source
“We welcome the intention of the OPCW’s Director-General to deploy the Declaration Assessment Team to Syria to conduct the twenty-fifth round of consultations in Damascus later this fall. The Syrian Government has a clear obligation to cooperate with the OPCW. This month marks eight years since Syria acceded to the Chemical Weapons Convention. I reiterate that, despite the OPCW’s efforts to assist the Al-Assad regime with complying with its obligations under the Convention, the regime continues to ignore calls from the international community, including the Security Council, to fully disclose and verifiably eliminate its chemical-weapons programmes. The OPCW’s assessment matches ours — that the declaration submitted by the Al-Assad regime still cannot be considered accurate and complete.”
2021-09-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8849 (2021) · source
“The Al-Assad regime has repeatedly used chemical weapons and has tried to avoid accountability by obstructing independent investigations and failing to cooperate with the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). The Al-Assad regime’s goal is clear — to undermine the organization’s work as the implementing body of the Chemical Weapons Convention. As we have noted on previous occasions, the OPCW’s Investigation and Identification Team has attributed four separate chemical-weapons attacks in Syria to the Al-Assad regime. Those incidents are in addition to the four chemical-weapons attacks attributed to the Al-Assad regime by the United Nations-OPCW Joint Investigative Mechanism. The United States firmly supports the impartial and independent work of the OPCW and all of its investigative bodies.”
2021-09-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8849 (2021) · source
“Let me start today by congratulating India on a successful presidency of the Security Council in August. I wish you, Madam President, and your team all the best during Ireland’s Council presidency in September. We look forward to working with you. I also wish to thank High Representative Nakamitsu for her very thorough and factual briefing today, and I would like to acknowledge the presence of representatives from Turkey, Iran and Syria. The United States condemns in the strongest possible terms the use of chemical weapons anywhere, by anyone, under any circumstances. There can be no impunity for those who use such weapons. The use of chemical weapons by any State constitutes an unacceptable threat to the peace and security of every State.”
2021-09-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8849 (2021) · source
“One such commitment, which the Taliban has made publicly and privately, is that those who wish to leave Afghanistan will be able to do so. Today’s resolution signals just how seriously the Security Council takes that commitment, along with the commitment to allowing humanitarian aid to flow and to preventing terrorism. Through today’s resolution, the Security Council has issued a set of calls that are clear, necessary and in the interest of Afghanistan’s people. Moving forward, we must address the most pressing security threats, stand up for the rights of the Afghan people and lay the groundwork for a stable and inclusive Afghanistan. The people of Afghanistan deserve nothing less.”
2021-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8848 (2021) · source
“The entire international community is committed to ensuring that Afghanistan is never again a safe haven for terrorism. Through this resolution, the Security Council has also reiterated the vital importance of respect for the rights of Afghanistan’s people, including its women, girls and minorities. We will not waver on that point. Respect for the rights of all the people of Afghanistan goes hand in hand with the need for parties to engage in an inclusive negotiated settlement to bring stability to Afghanistan, which the Council also emphasizes through today’s resolution. As Afghanistan enters the next chapter, it is imperative that the international community remain unified and resolute, including in holding the Taliban accountable for its commitments.”
2021-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8848 (2021) · source
“The World Food Programme estimates that, without food assistance, 14 million people in Afghanistan are at risk of starving. UNICEF has reported that COVID-19 vaccinations have dropped off by 80 per cent in recent weeks. Vital humanitarian assistance must flow to people in desperate need. Thirdly, the resolution reiterates in strong terms several of the Council’s enduring calls regarding the situation in Afghanistan. Today we have spoken once again on the urgent need to tackle the serious threat of terrorism in Afghanistan. Last week’s horrific attack in Kabul demonstrated the very real threat posed by terrorist groups such as the Islamic State in Iraq and the Sham-Khorasan Province. President Biden has made clear that we will do what is necessary to defend our security and our people.”
2021-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8848 (2021) · source
“Secondly, the resolution makes crystal clear the Security Council’s enduring commitment to assisting those who remain in Afghanistan. It underscores that all parties need to facilitate humanitarian assistance and that humanitarian actors must be given full, safe and unhindered access to continue service delivery to those in need. The Afghan people are suffering not just from conflict and massive internal displacement, but also from a nationwide drought and the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. United Nations agencies warn that humanitarian needs in the coming months will be vast. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees estimates that nearly a half million Afghans have been internally displaced this year alone.”
2021-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8848 (2021) · source
“They went to the airport in search of a better life. The international community and those in Afghanistan must honour their memory by doing everything they can to continue to help those who wish to leave. As of this morning, the United States has facilitated the evacuation of more than 122,000 American citizens, foreign nationals and at-risk Afghans out of Afghanistan since the end of July. Many have made that possible — our courageous service members, our tireless diplomats and dozens of countries, including many on the Security Council. Our allies and partners around the world have contributed to the airlift, serving as transit countries and some resettling Afghan refugees permanently. We are grateful to all who have joined forces in this remarkable effort.”
2021-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8848 (2021) · source
“Today’s resolution 2593 (2021) establishes three clear expectations regarding the future of Afghanistan. First, the Security Council expects the Taliban to live up to its commitment to facilitating safe passage for Afghans and foreign nationals who want to leave Afghanistan, whether it be today, tomorrow or after 31 August. Consistent with the right to leave any country, including one’s own, everybody must be allowed to safely leave Afghanistan for whatever reason, whenever they want, by air or by land. That is of the utmost importance to us. Sadly, the United States is grieving the loss of 13 young service members who made the ultimate sacrifice while diligently working to help people depart the country in safety. We are also mourning the hundreds of Afghans who were killed or injured during the attack outside of the Kabul airport.”
2021-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8848 (2021) · source
“To this end, we applaud UNAMI’s work documenting human rights abuses and violations and laying the groundwork for proper accountability. Together, let us hold perpetrators accountable, support free and fair elections in Iraq and prepare for the new phase of the campaign to defeat ISIS in Iraq, led by Iraq and its people.”
2021-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8842 (2021) · source