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

“Further, we reiterate our appeals to the Government of Iraq to take all measures to protect the UNAMI election monitoring team, EU observers, domestic monitors and all other individuals deploying throughout the country to deter election fraud and contribute to the integrity and transparency of the election process. Finally, we need judicial accountability for the militia killings of civil society actors. The Special Representative of the Secretary-General and her team have worked tirelessly on this front. We again call on Iraq to bring to justice the killers of innocent reformers and redouble its efforts to create a safe electoral environment for candidates and voters. Ehab Al-Wazni, Hisham Al-Hashimi and countless other activists, journalists and protesters deserve justice.”
2021-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8842 (2021) · source
“And I would like to extend our deep and sincere gratitude to our partners and allies for joining us in funding the election monitoring team so soon after making voluntary contributions to UNAMI’s equally important technical electoral assistance mission — the largest in the world of its kind. UNAMI’s electoral advisers have worked diligently to train the Independent High Electoral Commission to enable free and fair elections. The Secretary-General’s latest report on UNAMI (S/2021/700) outlines the phased deployment of 130 election monitors in advance of and on election day. We welcome this prompt deployment pursuant to resolution 2576 (2021) and note the need to maximize the number of United Nations personnel on the ground in advance of the election.”
2021-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8842 (2021) · source
“In particular, President Biden lauded the Iraqi Government’s efforts to prepare for free and fair elections on 10 October, and he praised UNAMI’s electoral assistance and the European Union Election Observer Mission as good-faith efforts by the international community to meet Iraqi demands for such support. The United States announced the $5.2 million grant to the UNAMI election monitoring team, which follows a previous $9.7 million United States commitment. This demonstrates that we have complete confidence in UNAMI, in its impartiality, expertise and earnest commitment to a better future for Iraqis.”
2021-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8842 (2021) · source
“Make no mistake: as the Iraqi Government itself made clear, the mission to defeat the Islamic State in Iraq and the Sham (ISIS) is still ongoing, but it is shifting to a new phase. The United States, its coalition partners and those in NATO Mission Iraq — all present in the country at the Iraqi Government’s invitation — remain resolute and will continue to train, advise and enable the Iraqi security forces in the fight against terrorism and build their capacity to address future threats. The United States will continue to respect Iraq’s sovereignty and laws, providing the resources Iraq needs to preserve its territorial integrity and ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS. UNAMI’s crucial work factored into nearly every significant meeting during the Government of Iraq’s trip to Washington.”
2021-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8842 (2021) · source
“To ensure a long- term, sustainable and strategic partnership, we are broadening the aperture of our relationship to span the full spectrum of bilateral issues, including economic development, climate adaptation, public health and human rights. This is the assistance Iraqis tell us that they want, and we know we are uniquely positioned to help. With this renewed commitment, the United States announced a donation of over 500,000 Pfizer BioNTech vaccine doses, which have since been delivered to Iraq, and an additional $155 million in humanitarian assistance. The United States and Iraqi delegations mutually decided that the security relationship will fully transition to a training, advising, assisting and intelligence-sharing role. There will be no United States forces with a combat role in Iraq by 31 December 2021.”
2021-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8842 (2021) · source
“I thank Special Representative Hennis- Plasschaert for her very frank and informative briefing. We again thank her and the entire team of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) for their dedicated and indispensable work helping forge a future for the Iraqi people. Last month, President Biden hosted Prime Minister Al-Kadhimi in the Oval Office and reaffirmed the United States commitment to a strong, stable, democratic and prosperous Iraq. Shortly before that, Secretary Blinken hosted the United States-Iraq strategic dialogue at the State Department, which successfully ushered in a new chapter of this vital partnership.”
2021-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8842 (2021) · source
“We understand that aid is crossing and that cross-line aid is taking place in north-eastern Syria, but not in north-western Syria. What are the obstacles that the United Nations is experiencing in getting cross-line aid to the Syrian people?”
2021-08-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8841 (2021) · source
“We call on the Al-Assad regime to adhere to a nationwide ceasefire, deliver on confidence-building measures and fully engage in the political process. We call on the Security Council to build on the consensus that we recently reached on cross-border assistance, expand humanitarian access and help to deliver aid to a people in desperate need. In response to Mr. Pedersen’s comment, I can affirm that the people of Syria and their plight have not been forgotten by the Security Council. I will now conclude with a question to Under- Secretary-General Griffiths. We welcome the fact that he plans to visit the region in the coming months, and I have two questions. What does the United Nations need to improve access on the ground? And can Mr. Griffiths update the Council on any progress that the United Nations has made on cross-line deliveries?”
2021-08-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8841 (2021) · source
“The United States will not fund large-scale reconstruction efforts until irreversible progress on the political track has been made. But the United States is committed to providing aid through all modalities, including both cross-border and cross-line, and investing in early recovery projects. We welcome efforts by humanitarian actors to facilitate cross-line aid, including with the support of, and in cooperation with, Turkey, and we urge others to do the same. After more than a decade of conflict, we need to reach a peaceful resolution to the conflict and an end to this war. The United States therefore remains committed to resolution 2254 (2015). It provides the only viable path to a political solution to the Syrian conflict.”
2021-08-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8841 (2021) · source
“That reinforces the urgency behind improving humanitarian access and ensuring that humanitarian actors can deliver unimpeded life-saving assistance to all parts of Syria. To that end, over the coming months the Council should strengthen and expand its humanitarian commitments. Let me state unequivocally that the United States is committed to supporting all Syrians in need, regardless of where they reside, including under the authority of the Syrian regime. The United States sanctions are targeted at those who are robbing the Syrian people through their corrupt practices and are committing war crimes, not at civilians. We will continue to work with NGOs and the United Nations to ensure that our sanctions do not have unintended consequences.”
2021-08-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8841 (2021) · source
“Because the Council did not reopen Al-Yarubiyah and Bab Al-Salam crossings, United Nations convoys are forced to cross more lines of control, negotiate access with more armed opposition groups and confront more shipping delays and road closures. Regime restrictions have kept essential items, including baby formula, from reaching civilians in areas such north- eastern Syria. In order to reach more Syrians in need of assistance, the regime must remove barriers and hindrances to aid delivery and facilitate the work of humanitarian organizations. Meanwhile, the pandemic continues to strain Syria’s already fragile and limited health infrastructure and exacerbate humanitarian needs across the country.”
2021-08-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8841 (2021) · source
“We commend the Security Council and its member States, which worked tirelessly and constructively to reach agreement, adopted resolution 2585 (2021) unanimously (see S/PV.8817) and, in the process, saved countless lives. That was an important moment for the Security Council. It showed that we can do more than just talk. We can work together to find solutions and deliver actions on the world’s most pressing challenges. Now is the time to do that again, because Secretary-General Gutierrez, United Nations agencies and dozens of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) operating in Syria are all in agreement that we need to do more. Humanitarian needs in Syria are increasing.”
2021-08-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8841 (2021) · source
“The Al-Assad regime should immediately release the tens of thousands of arbitrarily detained men, women and children in its custody and share information on the fate of more than 130,000 Syrians who are reportedly missing or detained after being arbitrarily arrested by the regime. Finally, today marks the first time that the Security Council has met on the humanitarian situation in Syria since the reauthorization of United Nations cross- border humanitarian assistance. Thanks to unanimous action by the Council, the vital cross-border lifeline at Bab al-Hawa was restored. Approximately 1,000 trucks a month, filled with food and medicine, including vaccines and equipment to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease, will continue to reach the more than 3 million Syrians in desperate need in the north- west for another year.”
2021-08-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8841 (2021) · source
“When it finally meets again, the Constitutional Committee must be allowed to produce results. It is time for the Al-Assad regime to quit stalling and credibly participate. Those negotiations are a crucial step in the process towards ending the fighting and achieving lasting peace. The Syrian regime can take a step forward by addressing the plight of detained and missing persons. Members of the Security Council have repeatedly expressed the fact that that would bolster the political process. The Syrian regime understands that. It occasionally announced purported amnesties, but it has yet to make any meaningful efforts to address that critical issue.”
2021-08-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8841 (2021) · source
“We urge those parties with influence on the Al-Assad regime to help mediate a solution. That assault is another reason to reiterate our call for an immediate ceasefire, in line with resolution 2254 (2015), not only in Dara’a but also in north-western Syria, where increasing attacks by the regime and its supporters have killed dozens of civilians, including children and humanitarian first responders. The United States therefore reiterates its full support for the Special Envoy’s tireless efforts to broker a peaceful solution to the conflict in Syria and achieve a lasting nationwide ceasefire. We strongly support the Special Envoy’s efforts to foster dialogue and bridge gaps between all parties. To that end, there are clear steps that the Al-Assad regime can and must take.”
2021-08-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8841 (2021) · source
“I thank Special Envoy Pedersen, Under- Secretary-General Griffiths and Mr. Erksoussi for their briefings. Today I would like to discuss three aspects of the political and humanitarian situation in Syria. The assault on Dara’a and the need for an immediate ceasefire; necessary confidence-building measures for peace; and the dire humanitarian situation. First, we must address the Al-Assad regime’s assault on Dara’a, which killed civilians and displaced tens of thousands of people. The Al-Assad regime’s blockade on humanitarian aid has left residents struggling to survive without water, food, electricity and medicine. Humanitarian organizations are standing ready to provide urgently needed assistance but the Al-Assad regime is keeping them out. The regime must immediately grant them access to Dara’a so that they can save lives.”
2021-08-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8841 (2021) · source
“We again urge all parties to the Riyadh Agreement to redouble efforts aimed at its implementation and to return the Yemeni Government to Aden so that it can restore basic services and take steps to improve economic stability. We continue to have grave concerns over the state of the FSO SAFER tanker, as the Council heard from other members today. With their delays and unreasonable demands, the Houthis have thus far squandered the opportunity that the United Nations has afforded them to avoid an environmental and economic calamity. Despite all those challenges, I would like to end where I started — with a note of hope. We have a real opportunity here for peace in Yemen. Let us therefore stand together, our voices united as one Council, and do everything we can to support some of the world’s most vulnerable people.”
2021-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8840 (2021) · source
“Finally, taking a step back, we must address the economic issues in Yemen because they are inextricably linked to the broader peace and humanitarian efforts. We cannot reach a durable solution to the conflict or adequately address food insecurity if the underlying economic grievances that have driven the conflict since its beginning are not addressed. Martin Griffiths laid out the concerns quite effectively, noting that 5 million people are on the verge of famine. For the same reasons, the United States urges Saudi Arabia, the Yemeni Government and the Houthis to take steps to ensure that fuel is adequately imported and distributed throughout Yemen at a fair price.”
2021-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8840 (2021) · source
“In that regard, I thank Qatar for its recent contribution of $100 million to support humanitarian operations in Yemen. We also cannot lose sight of another heartbreaking dimension of this conflict — the abuses that the Houthis continue to inflict on children. I thank Henrietta Fore for raising such concerns. The United States is alarmed by the latest reports of the Houthis’ recruitment of thousands of children into military training and indoctrination camps. That threatens the country’s long-term stability, but, more important, it is just plain wrong and gut-wrenching. Children are not warriors. That cannot continue, as Council members heard from the Executive Director of UNICEF. We must place children first and we must keep them safe, allowing them to pursue their education.”
2021-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8840 (2021) · source
“The parties must seize that opportunity and finally bring the conflict to an end. Only a durable peace agreement between the Yemeni parties can begin to reverse the dire humanitarian situation facing Yemenis, with more than 2 million young Yemenis facing life-threatening malnutrition. To address that situation immediately, the United States announced nearly $165 million in additional humanitarian assistance for Yemen earlier this month. That will support the World Food Programme in providing emergency food assistance for more than 11 million people every month. We reiterate the call for other countries, especially those in the region, to increase their support for the United Nations Yemen humanitarian response plan, which remains severely underfunded.”
2021-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8840 (2021) · source
“The Houthi offensive on Ma’rib has stalled but it has not become any less brutal. June was the deadliest month for civilians in nearly two years. That offensive is costly. We have all seen the images of Houthi missile strikes that killed women and children. We urgently need a nationwide ceasefire so that other areas of Yemen do not endure unnecessary violence and suffering. The Saudi-led coalition and the Government of the Republic of Yemen have shown openness to a ceasefire but the Houthis seem determined to continue their military campaign. This is the moment to change their minds. Between the stalemate in Ma’rib, the appointment of a new United Nations Special Envoy and an unprecedented regional consensus on resolving the conflict, we have a valuable opportunity for dialogue.”
2021-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8840 (2021) · source
“We were disappointed to hear today that there has been no progress on these talks since the last briefing by Assistant Secretary-General Khiari. Today I would like to discuss three aspects of the conflict in Yemen: the need to put an end to all violence; the need to address the humanitarian crisis; and the need to address the underlying economic and fuel grievances exacerbating the conflict. The new Special Envoy presents us with a real opportunity. The conflict in Yemen is a rare case where the Security Council and the international community share a broad consensus. We all agree that the fighting must end, and we all agree that a political path to peace, one with meaningful participation by women, minority leaders and civil society, must be pursued. Let us seize this moment because time is precious and lives are being lost.”
2021-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8840 (2021) · source
“The United States greatly appreciates today’s informative briefing. We welcome Under-Secretary- General Griffiths back to this monthly meeting on Yemen in his new capacity. I also thank Executive Director Fore for her briefing and Assistant Secretary- General Khiari for his update. We also welcome the participation of the Yemini Government in this meeting today. We warmly welcome the Secretary-General’s appointment of Hans Grundberg as the United Nations Special Envoy for Yemen. The United States is eager to work with Special Envoy Grundberg as he consults widely with a broad cross-section of the Yemeni people. We look forward to his plan for the next stage of the United Nations peace efforts and to his briefing the Security Council soon.”
2021-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8840 (2021) · source
“The United States believes that the repatriation and prosecution, as appropriate, of those foreign terrorist fighters is the best way to hold individuals accountable for their crimes and to prevent their uncontrolled return to countries of origin or elsewhere. To be clear, we do not exclude ourselves in that call; we are repatriating our own, as well. The Secretary-General’s report provides a stark outline of the shifting ISIS threat, but it offers hope and a way forward, too. Together, we can stop the spread of ISIS in Africa, counter its presence elsewhere and undercut its finances. We can listen closely to civil society. We can address the humanitarian crises caused by foreign terrorist fighters. Together, we can work towards stamping out the ISIS threat once and for all.”
2021-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8839 (2021) · source
“To bolster that kind of civil society engagement, the United States provides funding to the Strong Cities Networks, the Global Community and Engagement Resilience Fund, mother schools and many other civil society organizations that work to strengthen community resilience against violent extremism. Finally, let us address the difficult issue of the approximately 2,000 foreign terrorist fighters in detention centres. About 60,000 of their associated family members, mostly women and children, are stranded in displaced persons camps. That includes tens of thousands of innocent children. No child should suffer for their parents’ crimes. That situation is untenable. It is a humanitarian crisis, a human rights crisis and a security crisis.”
2021-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8839 (2021) · source
“But that evolution can never come at the expense of dulling its ability to apply effective pressure on ISIS and Al-Qaida. As we apply that financial pressure, we must remember that the most successful counter-terrorism approaches incorporate perspectives and voices beyond those in the national Governments and local administrations. We need to listen to the people affected by terrorism on the ground. That includes women, young people, civil society, religious leaders, educators, the private sector, victims of terrorism and affected communities. Some of the people and organizations closest to the threat understand it better than anyone.”
2021-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8839 (2021) · source
“We must continue those efforts. Undercutting the financing of ISIS and other terrorist organizations is one of the most effective ways to defeat them. Let us therefore sharpen our focus and strengthen our efforts to go after terrorist financiers and financial facilitators, including virtual currencies and new payment methods. To that end, the United States continues to believe in the strength of sanctions and the unique role of the ISIS and Al-Qaida sanctions regime under resolution 1267 (1999). It is the most effective global tool to proscribe specific ISIS branches, members and support entities. As it has since its creation in 1999, the 1267 sanctions regime must continue to evolve to ensure that it remains a credible counter-terrorism tool.”
2021-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8839 (2021) · source
“That attack on a humanitarian group, working to rid the country of landmines, shows the barbarity of ISIS-Khorasan and its efforts to undermine the Afghan people’s security. Given the ongoing events in Afghanistan, we are monitoring this situation very carefully. As President Biden has stressed, we will hold the Taliban accountable for its commitments not to allow any terrorists to threaten the United States or its allies from Afghan soil. As I said earlier this week, we must all work together to ensure that Afghanistan cannot ever again be a base for terrorism. While such threats are real, there is good news. The Secretary-General’s report notes that ISIS financial reserves are on a downward trajectory. That is, in part, thanks to the hard and valiant work of the United Nations, in cooperation with other multilateral bodies.”
2021-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8839 (2021) · source
“To start, we are deeply worried by the Secretary-General’s assessment that ISIS continues to expand throughout Africa, especially in various parts of West Africa and the Sahel, in addition to Central and East Africa. To neutralize that expansion, the United States is providing critical counter-terrorism assistance to disrupt, degrade and respond to terrorist activity perpetrated by ISIS. Our tactical training, mentorship and equipment strengthens the capacity of the law enforcement, the judicial sector and communities in our partner nations to respond to that growing threat. In June, ISIS-Khorasan attacked a HALO Trust camp in northern Afghanistan, killing 10 people and injuring 16.”
2021-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8839 (2021) · source
“Today’s meeting is an important opportunity to discuss the threat posed by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Sham (ISIS) and the actions that we are all taking to prevent and counter terrorism. Our thanks go to Under-Secretary-General Voronkov, Assistant Secretary-General Coninsx and Mr. Moradian for their informative briefings today. I would also like to thank the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team, the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate, the United Nations Office of Counter- Terrorism and the other United Nations entities that contributed to the report (S/2021/682). Today I would like to discuss the current state of the threat posed by ISIS and everything that we can do to counter that threat, especially by undercutting its finances.”
2021-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8839 (2021) · source
“Together let us make sure that we deploy technology rightly and justly to protect the protectors and empower them to better serve so many of the world’s most vulnerable people.”
2021-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8838 (2021) · source
“We need to give due respect for safeguarding information gathered in accordance with international human rights law and international humanitarian law. To those ends, we welcome the Secretary-General’s efforts to launch a new digital transformation strategy for United Nations peacekeeping. We look forward to supporting its implementation. We are eager to discuss all of this further, in particular how we can enhance peacekeeping medical capabilities, at the upcoming United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial Conference. We welcome the fact that the Republic of Korea, as ministerial host, intends to focus on this theme. Technology can be used as either a tool for good or a weapon for harm. It can take lives — or, more important, it can save lives.”
2021-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8838 (2021) · source
“Contingent-owned equipment guidelines and reimbursement rates will also need to ensure TCCs/PCCs are compensated for their investments in technological solutions. Wherever we encounter capability gaps, we should work through the light coordination mechanism to share information and identify potential capacity-building partnerships to close those gaps. Finally, we must work together to ensure that innovative technologies are used responsibly. Military intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, including unmanned aircraft systems and camp security technologies, offer promising solutions to peacekeeping operations. However, they must be used in line with United Nations doctrine and policy.”
2021-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8838 (2021) · source
“We are excited to see the vast improvements in data collection and analysis that phase 1 delivered, and we look forward to seeing the results of phase 2 efforts to reduce the reliance of our peacekeeping missions on fossil fuels and increase their use of renewable energy technologies. We continue to seek innovative solutions to today’s peacekeeping challenges and attempt to scale those solutions across missions. We must take a phased and gradual approach. Our troop- and police-contributing country (TCCs/PCCs) partners need time to develop, learn, deploy and sustain new capabilities. Procuring and sustaining new equipment requires additional training, different maintenance and spare parts, resources and patience.”
2021-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8838 (2021) · source
“Peacekeeping missions predominantly operate in areas with unreliable power, or without electricity grids altogether. Missions look for autonomous power supply options and rely heavily on diesel generators to overcome that challenge. In fact, more than 90 per cent of the total consumed electricity by peacekeeping missions is supplied by diesel generators. That diesel costs a great deal — a large share of total mission cost. It accounts for the majority of United Nations greenhouse-gas emissions, and it leaves missions vulnerable to supply chain disruptions. It is time to disrupt that reliance on diesel. The United Nations environmental strategy for peace operations provides a framework for reducing the environmental footprint of United Nations field operations and for deploying missions that achieve maximum efficiency at a minimum cost.”
2021-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8838 (2021) · source
“It is a top priority of the Secretary-General’s Action for Peacekeeping (A4P) initiative, and it is a top priority for us too. The A4P Plus initiative further emphasizes the need to ensure the well-being of peacekeeping personnel, including by providing reliable medical support for all peacekeepers. We therefore deeply appreciate the Secretariat’s efforts to improve emergency medical care practices using technology. We have supported those priorities through our own capacity-building partnerships for years, working with troop-contributing countries and providing them with the technology and equipment they need to enhance their medical capabilities and save lives. The right technology can also increase mission efficiency and effectiveness.”
2021-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8838 (2021) · source
“I thank you, Mr. President, for bringing this important issue before the Security Council. I also wish to thank the Secretary-General for his briefing. Today’s peacekeepers work day and night under some of the world’s most severe circumstances to address threats to international peace and security. We thank them for their service. They deserve the most advanced, cutting-edge technology to help them do their difficult job better. The right technology helps keep peacekeepers safe, and it helps them keep the communities they serve safe too. It is therefore our duty to ensure that they have the technology and use it appropriately. After all, we all share the responsibility of ensuring the safety and security of peacekeepers as they, in turn, protect civilians.”
2021-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8838 (2021) · source
“Together, we must do everything we can to help Afghans who wish to leave and seek refuge. I will conclude where I began. The Afghan people deserve to live in safety, security and dignity. We in the international community stand ready assist them.”
2021-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8834 (2021) · source
“Those aid deliveries must resume immediately, and the World Food Programme must have immediate and sustained safe passage to deliver this much-needed assistance. Finally, and critically, all Afghan nationals and international citizens who wish to depart must be allowed to do so safely. President Biden has made clear that any action that puts United States personnel or our mission at risk will be met with a swift and strong military response. The United States promises to be generous in resettling Afghans in our own country, and I am heartened by the pledges we have seen from other nations to do the same. We all need to do more, and the time to step up is now. We urge Afghanistan’s neighbours and others in the region and beyond to give refuge, be it temporary or permanent, to Afghans attempting to flee.”
2021-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8834 (2021) · source
“We also call on the Taliban to permit humanitarian organizations to continue their vital work in Afghanistan. In addition to the ongoing violence, the Afghan people are suffering acutely from the effects of the coronavirus disease and drought. Those urgent humanitarian needs must remain top of mind for all of us in the coming hours, days, weeks and beyond. Humanitarian personnel and agencies must have safe, unhindered access to provide life-saving assistance to the increasing numbers of Afghans in need. We are deeply concerned that right now aid is not flowing to people in crisis. According to the World Food Programme, more than 500 tons of aid are currently sitting at border crossings taken over by Taliban forces.”
2021-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8834 (2021) · source
“Over this past weekend, members of the international community joined together to state unequivocally that every Afghan should be able to live in safety, security and dignity. We also called on all parties in Afghanistan to ensure safe departures and the protection of human life and property. Today I would like to reiterate, re-emphasize and reassert that call. Civilian populations, including journalists and non-combatants, must be protected. Attacks against civilians and civilian objects must stop. And the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Afghan citizens, especially women, girls and members of minority groups, must be respected. We also call on all parties to prevent terrorism, and we must all ensure that Afghanistan cannot ever again be a base for terrorism.”
2021-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8834 (2021) · source
“I thank Secretary-General Guterres for his sobering briefing and strong statement. His role, along with the roles of his Personal Envoy, Jean Arnault, and Special Representative Lyons and her team on the ground, is especially vital now as we enter an uncertain and crucial period that requires the international community to speak with a clear and unified voice. The United States deeply appreciates the continued efforts of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan and of other United Nations actors on the ground in Afghanistan that are continuing to provide life-saving assistance to Afghans in need. We also thank the delegations of Norway and Estonia for calling today’s meeting, and India for convening it, given the events of the past 72 hours. We welcome the participation of the delegation of Afghanistan in today’s meeting.”
2021-08-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8834 (2021) · source
“Given the voting trends at the OPCW, it is clear that the Russian and Al-Assad disinformation, including as propagated here in the Security Council every month, is failing to persuade most States. The United States, along with an overwhelming number of responsible nations, will continue to support the work of the OPCW in carrying out its critical mandate against the backdrop of the continued threat of chemical-weapons use. The Security Council must unite to forcefully condemn this method of warfare, and the international community must identify and hold accountable all those who use such weapons in violation of international law. There simply cannot be impunity for the use of chemical weapons.”
2021-08-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8830 (2021) · source
“It is disappointing that the use of a weapon of mass destruction by a Government against its own people could possibly be a source of political conflict in the Council. Fortunately, more and more members of the international community want to hold the Al-Assad regime accountable. The April decision of the OPCW Conference of the State Parties to condemn Syria’s use of chemical weapons and suspend certain rights and privileges of Syria under the Chemical Weapons Convention sent a clear and unequivocal message — the use of chemical weapons has consequences. Nearly 90 nations supported such actions. Only a small number of Al-Assad enablers, including Russia, sadly, stood in opposition.”
2021-08-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8830 (2021) · source
“Those incidents are in addition to the four chemical-weapons attacks attributed to the Al-Assad regime by the former OPCW Joint Investigative Mechanism. The OPCW earnestly attempts to engage the Al-Assad regime and assist it with complying with its obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention. Sadly, the Al-Assad regime, supported by Russia, continues to ignore calls from the international community to fully disclose and verifiably destroy its chemical-weapons programmes. Instead, the Al-Assad regime continues to deliberately delay and obstruct the work of the OPCW’s Declaration Assessment Team. The Security Council must call out atrocities and hold those who use chemical weapons accountable. Without accountability for the atrocities committed against the Syrian people, lasting peace in Syria will remain out of reach.”
2021-08-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8830 (2021) · source
“I would like to start today by congratulating France on its successful presidency of the Security Council in July and to wish India and its team success during the month of August. I also wish to thank Mr. Thomas Markram for his briefing and for the extraordinary work of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). Later this month, on 21 August, we will mark eight years since the Al-Assad regime horrifically attacked and killed hundreds of Syrian men, women and children in Ghouta with sarin gas. That terrible attack is not the only one. The Al-Assad regime’s appalling use of chemical weapons against the Syrian people is well documented. The OPCW’s Investigation and Identification Team has attributed four separate chemical-weapons attacks in Syria to the Al-Assad regime.”
2021-08-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8830 (2021) · source
“When I met with her, I promised her that I would do everything possible to support her efforts to have her son returned. No parent — no one — should have to endure such a wretched experience. The United States will continue to fiercely advocate for the return of Israeli soldiers killed in action in Gaza, as well as the return of Israeli civilians held captive there. And we will continue to push for decency, humanity, equality and peace for all.”
2021-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8826 (2021) · source
“As we work to provide aid to Palestinians in need, we are concerned about recent reports of the Palestinian Authority acting to restrict Palestinian freedom of expression and harassing civil society activists and organizations. That is unacceptable. In particular, we are deeply disturbed by the death of Palestinian activist Nizar Banat. The circumstances of his death must be fully investigated, and those responsible held accountable. It should be in all of our interests to promote a sustainable solution for Gaza and take steps towards ending the suffering on both sides. In late June, I had the honour to meet Leah Goldin. Her son Hadar was killed by Hamas militants, and his body remains in Gaza. For the past seven years, the Goldins have advocated endlessly for his return.”
2021-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8826 (2021) · source
“Shortly after signing the framework, we announced the contribution of nearly $136 million in additional humanitarian assistance to UNRWA. The new funding brings the total of United States humanitarian assistance to vulnerable Palestinians served by UNRWA this year to $318 million. But even with our robust support, the Agency’s needs are vast. We call on other Member States, especially our partners in the Gulf, to step up their financial commitments too. In addition to ensuring that the Agency is on a stable financial track, it is critical that UNRWA be able to implement its operations in line with the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence. We look forward to working with donors to intensify those efforts.”
2021-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8826 (2021) · source
“Two weeks ago, the United States signed a framework for cooperation with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). UNRWA and its staff are tirelessly committed to serving the needs of Palestinian refugees, but the Agency needs operational and managerial improvements. I want to be clear: the United States has zero-tolerance for manifestations of anti-Semitism, racism or other forms of hatred in United Nations agencies, and that includes UNRWA. That is why our framework of cooperation — the most robust to date — outlines expectations and includes benchmarks to increase UNRWA’s transparency and accountability, consistent with United Nations principles, including neutrality.”
2021-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8826 (2021) · source