YouSaid · the spoken record

Turay

lines on the record: 32
first: 2022-04-13
most recent: 2023-07-14
sittings or episodes: 6
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 time to accelerate efforts is now, and concerted and concrete steps need to be taken urgently to address the incidence of crimes of sexual violence and to restore the dignity of survivors, including by promoting forward-looking strategies and strengthening accountability and prevention by enforcing compliance with the relevant normative positions that we are all agreed on.”
2023-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9378Resumption1 (2023) · source
“In our view, peace is not merely the absence of visible conflict, and in order to have true peace, survivors must have access to justice. Let me conclude by appealing to everyone here today to reflect deeply on the fact that notwithstanding the many stringent measures that have been adopted both individually and collectively in this area, the despicable crime of conflict-related violence, especially sexual violence, has continued unabated around the world, and often with total impunity.”
2023-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9378Resumption1 (2023) · source
“Building on our domestic efforts, in his address to the General Assembly in September 2021 (see A/76/ PV.6), President Bio called for global solidarity on access to justice, remedies and assistance for survivors of sexual violence in the form of a stand-alone resolution, which the Assembly adopted by consensus as resolution 76/304 on 2 September 2022. That resolution not only highlights the gravity of sexual violence, but specifically calls out such crimes as abhorrent and destructive of international peace and security and seeks to lift up survivors, who deserve dignity and justice. I encourage all Member States to implement the resolution’s directives, as most of its elements speak to the issues of accountability and prevention.”
2023-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9378Resumption1 (2023) · source
“While there is no gainsaying the fact that many commendable actions have been taken by both the General Assembly and the Council in the form of treaties, conventions and resolutions, including resolution 1820 (2008), women and children around the world remain vulnerable to sexual violence, whether in times of war or peace. There is still much to be done at the national, subregional, regional and global levels if we are to fully implement the landmark resolutions 1325 (2000) and 1820 (2008) and other relevant human rights instruments in our grand efforts to turn the tide against sexual violence in all its forms and manifestations.”
2023-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9378Resumption1 (2023) · source
“The delegation of Sierra Leone is pleased to join this global discourse on the theme of promoting the implementation of Security Council resolutions on conflict-related sexual violence. I would also like to congratulate your country on assuming the presidency of the Council for the month of July, Mr. President, and I thank you for convening this timely debate. Having experienced one of the bloodiest and fiercest civil wars in recent history, during which sexual violence, including rape, sexual slavery and forced marriage, was used as a tactic of war by the warring factions, Sierra Leone is fully aware of the horrifying impact of such crimes on the lives and livelihoods of its women and girls and will spare no effort to combat that scourge.”
2023-07-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9378Resumption1 (2023) · source
“In conclusion, Sierra Leone calls on Israel and Palestine to uphold their shared responsibility to build mutual trust and advance the potential for a two-State solution based on the pre-1967 borders, in the spirit of international consensus and founded on a just and mutually acceptable solution. In that connection, any solution to the current crisis should be consistent with international law, the relevant United Nations resolutions, the Madrid principles, the Arab Peace Initiative and the work of the Middle East Quartet, guided by the overarching principles of non-violence, the recognition of Israel and the acceptance of previous agreements arrived at in furthering the Middle East peace process.”
2023-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9309Resumption1 (2023) · source
“Sierra Leone urges both Israel and Palestine to refrain from unilateral actions that could exacerbate tensions and trigger violence. Our sympathy in that regard is with the victims of the prolonged violence. We condemn the rise in violence, incitement and all other actions that negate peace efforts and that run counter to international law and the relevant Security Council and General Assembly resolutions. We acknowledge the plight of Palestinian refugees and reiterate the need for continued humanitarian and socioeconomic assistance to the most vulnerable, especially women, the elderly, children and young people, through the competent United Nations agencies, non-governmental organizations and other international humanitarian organizations that can ensure their right to life, freedom and prosperity.”
2023-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9309Resumption1 (2023) · source
“At this point, we as a community of nations should meaningfully engage to stop the deaths, displacement and loss of property and curb the immense fear that has been instilled in the minds of both Palestinians and Israelis in the region. Decades after the General Assembly’s adoption of the partition plan in its resolution 181 (II), the Palestinians and Israelis are still exposed to violence and conflict leading to untold deaths, trauma, displacement and anguish. In that regard, Sierra Leone calls on the Security Council to implement its own resolutions pertaining to the Israeli-Palestinian question and explore all possible diplomatic and political avenues that can lead to a peace process geared to achieving a two-State solution, with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace.”
2023-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9309Resumption1 (2023) · source
“I thank you, Madam President, for convening today’s important open debate. I also thank the Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process for his update. The recent incidents in the Middle East as it relates to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict are an indication that until a holistic and comprehensive approach to the dispute is sought, a recurrence remains inevitable, and it will continue to pose a serious threat to regional and international peace and security. This protracted conflict in the Middle East continues to undermine every effort of the Security Council to uphold the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and fulfil its core mandate of maintaining international peace and security.”
2023-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9309Resumption1 (2023) · source
“In that regard, Sierra Leone reiterates its commitment to the principles, ideals and objectives of the Charter of the United Nations — a commitment that we made when we joined the Organization as its 100th member in 1961 and one that we prioritized in our bid for election as a non-permanent member of the Security Council for the term 2024 to 2025.”
2023-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9308Resumption1 (2023) · source
“Therefore, preserving and strengthening the values of the peaceful settlement of disputes, the dignity of humankind and meaningful, sustainable economic development, through international cooperation and multilateral efforts, as enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and reaffirmed in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, are all essential for promoting and supporting the three pillars of our Organization, namely, peace and security, development and human rights. In conclusion, our collective resolve to recommit to multilateralism must be an immediate necessity. Our inaction will have a debilitating effect on the dignity of humankind.”
2023-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9308Resumption1 (2023) · source
“As a small State, and given its experience, Sierra Leone recognizes the benefits of multilateralism and its significance in promoting peace, security and development at the national, regional and global levels. It is our firm belief that we should consistently uphold the principles of international law and fulfil our obligations as Member States in accordance with the Charter in order to maintain international peace and security. We have a binding commitment to building a global society that is more just, inclusive and equal than the one we live in today. In that vein, we are committed to supporting effective multilateralism with the United Nations at its centre.”
2023-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9308Resumption1 (2023) · source
“Looking ahead, we must not lose sight of our shared obligation to ensure a peaceful and secure world by resolving our differences, including national and international disputes, through constructive dialogue. We must respect and prioritize strengthening the existing mediation mechanisms provided for in the Charter. Sierra Leone has indeed benefited from mediation efforts under the auspices of the United Nations and the Economic Community of West African States at the subregional level. The role of regional organizations in partnership with the United Nations should be further strengthened to ensure a greater response at the regional level in implementing preventive measures such as early-warning mechanisms.”
2023-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9308Resumption1 (2023) · source
“We also support the Advisory Board’s view that our systems should be able to shift focus and resources quickly to tackle new and emerging risks, positioning our Organization for more effective prevention. Ultimately, prevention should be seen as a universal obligation according to which every State has a role to play in prevention and peacebuilding. Sierra Leone aligns with the view that we must stop thinking of security within narrow nationalistic parameters and accept the fact that our collective survival depends on greater investment in peace. That will require the United Nations to become a more effective body at the centre of the global security architecture.”
2023-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9308Resumption1 (2023) · source
“However, we cannot champion the causes of justice, equity, accountability and legitimacy when Africa, a continent on which two thirds of the discussions in the Security Council are focused, remains excluded and underrepresented in one of the most important decision-making organs of the United Nations. In that connection, we endorse the view of the High-level Advisory Board on Effective Multilateralism that the Security Council should be expanded to equitably reflect the regions of the world that are chronically underrepresented, including those such as Africa with large and growing young populations, and to ensure that voices from conflict-affected regions are more meaningfully included in the Council’s decision-making.”
2023-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9308Resumption1 (2023) · source
“We are challenged to generate innovative ideas and credible mechanisms that will bring all conflicts to a peaceful end, maintain peace and security, promote social progress, human rights and fundamental freedoms and secure better standards of living for humankind. We have limited options and no alternatives to multilateralism to address such challenges. In that regard, the Security Council should consider measures that will reinforce our collective obligation to uphold the purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations.”
2023-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9308Resumption1 (2023) · source
“I thank you, Sir, for convening this timely open debate at a time of global crises, uncertainties and challenges. Sierra Leone aligns itself with the statement to be delivered by the Permanent Representative of Azerbaijan on behalf of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries. The seemingly unending cycles of conflict and violence, the destructive and devastating impacts of climate change, the spread of terrorism, as well as the refugee, migration and humanitarian crises of recent times, continue to challenge the effectiveness of our current international system, as well as our ability to promote peace and a decent life for all on a sustainable planet.”
2023-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9308Resumption1 (2023) · source
“In conclusion, we believe in the axiom that there can be no peace without development and no development without peace. Together we are stronger, and it is much easier to sustain peace with all the stakeholders on board than when some are of them are excluded or marginalized.”
2022-11-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9181Resumption1 (2022) · source
“Therefore, it helps greatly to work closely with local actors to fully and truly understand the conflict perspective and context-specific characteristics of a given region, as well as people’s strengths, assets and strategies in the face of violence. In that way, we can identify and strengthen the capabilities for resilience that are crucial for the development of peace and the transformation of conflict. A resilience-building approach therefore offers a crucial tool for analysing and designing policies and programming that are tailored to the specific needs of people at the local level. In building peace and national reconciliation and avoiding polarization, it is critical for all stakeholders, Governments, civil society, the private sector, women and young people to be holistically engaged.”
2022-11-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9181Resumption1 (2022) · source
“That is a powerful metaphor to remind peacebuilders that successful outcomes for peace depend on local actors engaging with the peacebuilding community in order to value prevention more and focus those outcomes on the long term and on peacebuilding at the local level, and not only at the national level. A key factor in building sustainable peace is local ownership, which is often inadequately attended to or undermined by international actors in the process of humanitarian action, development assistance, disaster recovery and peacebuilding efforts. That is compounded by the fact that external actors often focus only on the fault lines of conflict in a country and fail to notice, invest in or prioritize the sources of resilience of the people in the most difficult circumstances.”
2022-11-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9181Resumption1 (2022) · source
“At the outset, Madam President, let me congratulate you on Ghana’s assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of November 2022. I thank Ghana for organizing today’s open debate on peacebuilding and sustaining peace. Sierra Leone concurs with the view that integrating resilience in peace processes is critical for conflict prevention and sustaining peace. For some peacebuilding proponents, resilience can act as a boundary object that facilitates cooperation among security, humanitarian and development actors involved in a protracted crisis. Resilience also relates to strengthening capacities, as opposed to fragilities or the phenomenon of so-called failed States.”
2022-11-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9181Resumption1 (2022) · source
“In that regard, I would like to point to the experience and work of the innovative outreach section of the Special Court for Sierra Leone, which served as a hub for engagement with the communities directly affected to ensure that the accountability mechanism was responsive to their needs and could provide access to impartial information. Let me close by urging the Security Council to continue, in the light of its mandate under Article 24 of the United Nations Charter, to take effective measures to maintain international peace and security and suppress breaches of peace through, inter alia, criminal accountability to end impunity.”
2022-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9052Resumption1 (2022) · source
“Thirdly, and in this regrettable era of disinformation and misinformation, it is vital to safeguard the crucial role of the media, civil society and victims’ organizations in strengthening accountability both nationally and internationally. There must be full respect for the principles safeguarding the protection of the media, civil society and human rights defenders, including victims’ organizations, in covering or working in conflict situations and dangerous environments. It is these groups that are usually the first responders and witnesses to the facts and truth. Reinforcing their protection and accountability for violations of their protection must be absolute. In situations where we have existing accountability mechanisms or such mechanisms are contemplated, outreach and a field presence are essential.”
2022-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9052Resumption1 (2022) · source
“Compliance and accountability must therefore not be selective. Secondly, being a State party to the Rome Statute establishing the International Criminal Court, Sierra Leone welcomes the recognition of the right of victims to participate in proceedings, to have protection, support and legal representation and to obtain reparations. For the first time in history, that recognition in the Rome Statute has granted survivors of mass atrocities a voice in the administration of justice. That approach should now have gone beyond being seen as mere innovation and should be pursued and applied universally as part of the global strategy to strengthen accountability and justice. In calling for a universal, victim-centred view, we also acknowledge the importance of linking it to a gender-sensitive and inclusive approach.”
2022-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9052Resumption1 (2022) · source
“In the context, however, describing an era as “golden” may be counterproductive, since it denotes a regrettable regression for accountability and a persistence of impunity. It is against that background that I would like to highlight three points aimed at strengthening accountability and justice for serious violations of international law. First, the development of a global strategy to institutionalize and strengthen international legal principles of accountability should be based on full respect for international law, particularly in our approach to conflicts and other persistent challenges. In ensuring full respect for international law, due regard must be given to the issue of its legitimacy in accounting for the views of our pluralistic multilateral system, and to the central point that international law must be applied consistently.”
2022-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9052Resumption1 (2022) · source
“Sierra Leone reaffirms the view that under Article 24 of the Charter of the United Nations, the Security Council has the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security and must therefore undertake the primary role, on behalf of the States Members of the United Nations, in addressing accountability gaps and ending impunity. Sierra Leone’s commitment to accountability and justice is informed by its transitional justice experience, including the establishment of the Special Court for Sierra Leone, created by a treaty between the United Nations and the Government of Sierra Leone in 2002 and authorized by resolution 1315 (2000). The Special Court was meant to address an impunity gap, and that was during a period seen as a golden era for international criminal justice under the leadership of the Security Council.”
2022-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9052Resumption1 (2022) · source
“The delegation of Sierra Leone congratulates the Albanian presidency and commends it for holding this important open debate. We would like to take this opportunity to restate our unwavering commitment to accountability and justice, that is, independent and impartial justice for serious violations of international law. We see the strengthening of accountability and justice mechanisms at both the national and international levels as critical not only to maintaining international peace and security but to achieving sustainable development.”
2022-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9052Resumption1 (2022) · source
“The time is now to accelerate efforts aimed at taking concerted and concrete steps to address incidents of sexual violence crimes, restoring the dignity of survivors by promoting forward-looking strategies, and strengthening accountability as prevention through enforcing compliance with the relevant normative positions that we have all adopted.”
2022-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9016Resumption1 (2022) · source
“Yet women and children around the world remain vulnerable to sexual violence, be it in times of war or peace. There is still much to be done at the national, subregional, regional and global levels if we are to fully implement landmark resolutions 1325 (2000) and 1820 (2008) and other related human rights instruments in our grand effort to turn the tide against sexual violence in all its forms and manifestations. Let me close by encouraging delegations present in this Chamber to deeply reflect upon the fact that, notwithstanding the many strong measures adopted individually and collectively, the despicable crime of sexual violence has continued unabated around the globe, and often with total impunity.”
2022-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9016Resumption1 (2022) · source
“The resolution will not only highlight the gravity of sexual violence, but will specifically call out the crime as abhorrent to international peace and security and will uplift survivors as deserving dignity and justice. I therefore avail myself of this opportunity to encourage all Member States to support that noble initiative when the times comes, as most of its elements speak to the issue of accountability as prevention. In our view, peace is not the absence of visible conflict and, in order to have true peace, survivors must have access to justice. It is no gainsaying that many commendable actions have been taken by both the General Assembly and the Security Council in the form of treaties, conventions and resolutions, including resolution 1820 (2008).”
2022-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9016Resumption1 (2022) · source
“On the domestic front, in recent times we have taken many bold steps to address the incidence of sexual violence. From amending our national law on sexual violence to setting up a special court on rape, as well as establishing a one-stop centre to provide services for survivors of sexual abuse, we continue to demonstrate an exemplary commitment to combating the incidence of sexual violence within our borders. Building on our domestic efforts, in his address at the General Assembly in September 2021 (see A/76/ PV.6), His Excellency the President of Sierra Leone called for global solidarity with regard to access to justice and remedies for survivors of sexual violence in the form of a stand-alone resolution, to be adopted by the Assembly hopefully during this seventy-sixth session.”
2022-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9016Resumption1 (2022) · source
“The delegation of Sierra Leone is pleased to join the global discourse on accountability as prevention: ending cycles of sexual violence in conflict. I congratulate you, Madam President, on assuming the presidency of the Security Council for the month of April, and I thank you for convening this timely debate. I also thank the Secretary-General for his recent insightful report on conflict-related sexual violence (S/2022/272). Having experienced one of the bloodiest and fiercest civil wars, during which sexual violence, including rape, gang rape, sexual slavery, forced marriage, et cetera were used as tactics of war by the warring factions, Sierra Leone is fully aware of the horrifying impact of such crimes on the lives and livelihoods of its women and girls and is sparing no efforts in combating that scourge.”
2022-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9016Resumption1 (2022) · source