YouSaid · the spoken record

Van Shalkwyk

lines on the record: 130
first: 2019-02-19
most recent: 2020-10-05
sittings or episodes: 24
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

“South Africa continues to regret the decision of the United States to withdraw from the J CPOA, and we share the disappointment expressed by the Secretary-General in his report regarding the United States decision not to renew waivers for nuclear non-proliferation projects in the framework of the JCPOA. It is our view that the decision of the United States will inadvertently affect the ability of Iran to fully implement the provisions of the JCPOA and resolution 2231 (2015). It would be important to recall that the lifting of sanctions, especially on certain nuclear-related materials, was part and parcel of the JCPOA.”
2019-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8695 (2019) · source
“My delegation therefore fully supports the Secretary-General's view that such diplomatic efforts must be preserved and be built upon. South Africa notes the four steps undertaken by Iran to partially cease the implementation of some of its commitments under the JCPOA, which came understandably 14 months after the withdrawal of the United States from the JCPOA. Notwithstanding the merits of such undertakings by Iran, South Africa wishes underscore that it remains of the utmost importance for Iran to continue to comply with the provisions of the JCPOA. Likewise, it is also critical for all the remaining parties to the JCPOA to fully implement and abide by its provisions.”
2019-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8695 (2019) · source
“Allow me to begin by thanking Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo, Ambassador Pecsteen de Buytswerve and Ambassador Skoog for their insightful briefings. My delegation joins others in welcoming the eighth report of the Secretary-General on the implementation ofresolution 2231 (2015) (S/2019/934). I wish to reaffirm South Africa's commitment to the full implementation of the resolution. South Africa welcomes the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) as an important and, indeed timely and relevant, non-proliferation instrument, which came out of intense diplomatic efforts and complex negotiations among China, France, Germany, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, the United States, the European Union and the Islamic Republic of Iran in 2015.”
2019-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8695 (2019) · source
“In conclusion, South Africa welcomes the efforts of the Special Coordinator to ensure that inclusive Palestinian elections are held in the near future. We note Hamas's acceptance of the proposed election plan of President Abbas and call on all parties to ensure that safe and inclusive elections are held throughout the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem.”
2019-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8690 (2019) · source
“South Africa welcomes the significant progress made on implementing the package of intervention for Gaza of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee for the Coordination of the International Assistance to Palestinians, particularly in the delivery of electricity and health-care services. However, despite those interventions, the humanitarian and socioeconomic situations remain dire. We echo the Secretary- General in that the provision of health care should not be determined by political considerations but should be based on the needs of the people of Gaza. We commend and support the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East in ensuring that those and other vital needs of the Palestinian people are met.”
2019-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8690 (2019) · source
“We cannot allow children to fear places that are supposed to be places of learning and refuge. South Africa emphasizes that those actions undermine the prospects for peace and contravene the decisions of the Council, effectively undermining its own credibility. If the Council is unable or unwilling to uphold its own decisions, it loses its effectiveness. In that regard, my delegation will continue to insist on the full implementation of resolution 2334 (2016) and all other Council resolutions on the matter. The situation in Gaza is of grave concern to South Africa. The recent increase in tensions has led to further killings and a perpetuation of the conflict. South Africa calls on all parties to cease those violent attacks, which only drive the parties further away from each other and diminish any hope for the restoration of negotiations.”
2019-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8690 (2019) · source
“In that regard, South Africa remains extremely concerned about the continued settlement activity in the occupied Palestinian territory. As reported by the Secretary-General, over 3,000 housing units were advanced or approved in the occupied West Bank, including 300 units in East Jerusalem, during the reporting period alone. In relation to the expansion of illegal settlements, the seizure, destruction or demolition of Palestinian property has led to the displacement of 260 people, including 133 children. Additionally, the Secretary-General's report highlights incidents of Israeli security forces in Hebron firing teargas canisters and stun grenades at schools in response to children throwing stones at a military patrol. Such disproportionate and undue reaction by the Israeli security forces cannot be allowed and must be condemned.”
2019-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8690 (2019) · source
“The continued disregard for those prevailing and longstanding internationally accepted concepts cannot be allowed, particularly with regard to the circumvention of final-status issues such as the borders, the status of Jerusalem and the right of return of refugees. As we and other Member States have stated on numerous occasions, the only way to achieve sustained peace and security in the Middle East is through reaching a lasting agreement between the Palestinians and the Israelis themselves, based on the agreed peace process and the relevant United Nations resolutions and international terms of reference, including the Madrid principles, the Arab Peace Initiative and the Quartet road map, among others. That can be done only if all sides abide by their obligations under international law, including Security Council resolutions.”
2019-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8690 (2019) · source
“Let me also add our voice of thanks to Mr. Mladenov for his briefing and to Ms. Raemer for the perspectives that she shared with us. South Africa thanks the Secretary-General and welcomes the second written report for 2019 on the implementation of resolution 2334 (2016) (S/2019/938). We hope that the practice of written reports continues and look forward to the next written report in June 2020. South Africa fully supports the negotiations in pursuit of the two-State solution and the agreed peace processes aimed at ensuring two viable States coexisting side by side to the mutual benefit of all peoples in the region.”
2019-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8690 (2019) · source
“We call on all parties to ensure the protection of civilians and to adhere to their obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law. The Afghan people recently went to the polls to elect a new President. We hope that the Independent Election Commission can conclude its important work with regard to the electoral process and is able to announce the results of the presidential elections in due course.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8687 (2019) · source
“The inclusion of women's voices in the peace talks is vital to ensuring that the significant gains in women's and girl's rights are protected. The unique perspectives of Afghan women would also provide additional viewpoints that are necessary to the peace process. The efforts of the Afghan Government in advancing those integral rights are welcomed and encouraged to continue. The continuing high levels of violence in Afghanistan, particularly the indiscriminate attacks perpetrated against civilians, women, children and the elderly remain of concern to South Africa. The continuing violence will undermine the progress made in the political process. The effect of that violence is particularly felt by the most vulnerable in society, including women, children and those living with disabilities.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8687 (2019) · source
“That would also assist in promoting national unity and cohesion, aimed at achieving a lasting political solution. In that regard, the only way for Afghanistan to achieve durable peace and stability is through a comprehensive and inclusive Afghan-led and Afghan- owned political process, leading to a negotiated settlement of the conflict. My delegation is of the view that any engagement towards long-lasting peace and security for the people of Afghanistan should be considered. However, it is also important that all sectors of the Afghan Government and society be included in those discussions so as to ensure that a comprehensive and inclusive peace is established and sustained. South Africa strongly believes that an integral aspect of that engagement is the inclusion and participation of women.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8687 (2019) · source
“Allow me to begin by thanking the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) for his briefing. In that regard, I would also like to commend UNAMA's personnel and Mr. Yamamoto for their vital contribution to supporting Afghanistan's efforts towards restoring peace and stability in the country, particularly with regard to the recent election process and UNAMA's efforts to support that process. I would also like to extend our appreciation to Ms. Khurram and the Permanent Representative of Afghanistan for their briefings. With regard to the peace process, South Africa encourages all Afghan stakeholders who are committed to the nation's peace talks to renew their efforts as they rebuild trust and work towards peace and reconciliation.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8687 (2019) · source
“On our continent, the African Union seeks durable peace and sustainable development through the mechanisms and structures it has put in place for conflict prevention, peacemaking, peace support operations and intervention, as well as peacebuilding and post- conflict reconstruction. It is important to strengthen the linkages between regional and global mechanisms if we want to ensure that the United Nations system, and in particular the Security Council, is able to help establish enabling environments in countries plagued by conflict and in order to support nationally owned reconciliation processes and bring about sustainable peace and security.”
2019-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8668 (2019) · source
“To those who had committed grave violations of human rights, it offered amnesty in exchange for public disclosure of the truth about their crimes, and to the victims it gave an unusual opportunity to be heard, as well as hope for reparations." The international community, and the United Nations in particular, has an important role to play in creating an enabling environment in which reconciliation can occur. Durable peace cannot be achieved simply through the signing of peace agreements. It also requires a comprehensive approach that involves the active participation of the broader multilateral system in addressing peace and security and sustainable development needs. As in peacekeeping operations, different situations require different responses in dealing with post-conflict reconciliation and development.”
2019-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8668 (2019) · source
“Equally important are efforts to ensure the representation of women and youth, not only in transitional justice processes but also at the negotiating table beforehand. As Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who chaired the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, has written, "The establishment of South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission was a pioneering international experiment, with a potentially far- reaching effect on the way we all deal with conflict. Normally, when countries move through the difficult transition from oppression to democracy, they deal with the past in one of two ways: either the leaders of the old order are put on trial or dealt with summarily, or previous events are swept under the carpet and the suffering of those subjected to violence is ignored. South Africa followed a third, unique way when it ended apartheid.”
2019-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8668 (2019) · source
“While human rights norms have strengthened transitional justice, and although that has become an acceptable response during political transitions, they have also shaped the transition process into a largely legalistic field with an often-narrow accountability and justice-based focus. It is also necessary to consider that there is a political necessity to promote alternative means of accountability. Focusing on prosecutions alone can destabilize transitions. Therefore, the whole spectrum of transitional justice needs to be explored, including truth commissions and reparations for victims. In addition, it is important to recognize the value and importance of community- based or traditional justice mechanisms, whereby local conflict-resolution and healing practices are adapted to address grave violations.”
2019-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8668 (2019) · source
“Reconciliation measures during transitions from post-conflict situations are crucial to ensuring long- term stability. However, it is equally important to realize that one size does not fit all. Transitional justice processes must respond to the specific context of the country in transition. The creation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in our country was the manner in which we chose to deal with our own past and future. Countries emerging from conflict must find their own ways of bridging the past with new possibilities for the future in the context of their own unique circumstances. The debate on peace and justice still continues, and each State needs to take broad ownership of its particular transitional processes and find its own balance in the sequencing of peace, justice and reconciliation.”
2019-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8668 (2019) · source
“State institutions, political parties, organizations and the business sector were also required to elaborate on their respective roles in the past. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission had to deal with the question of reconciliation and the future, on the one hand, and the necessity to establish the truth in relation to past events and ensure reparations to the victims of gross human rights abuses, on the other hand. Those issues had to be carefully considered and balanced, both during and after the historic transition from apartheid and oppression to a constitutional democracy. The compromises were sometimes painful, as was confronting the truth of past oppression. However, for us, based on our own national circumstances and history, it was our way of reconciling the decades-long oppression and proceed with nation-building.”
2019-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8668 (2019) · source
“Our Truth and Reconciliation Commission was established with the aims of granting amnesty from criminal and civil liability to people who made full disclosures of acts committed with a political objective during the course of conflicts of the past; affording victims an opportunity to relate the violations they suffered; taking measures aimed at granting reparations to victims; restoring the human and civil dignity of the victims of human rights violations; and making recommendations aimed at preventing the committing of gross human rights violations. Many South Africans had an opportunity to appear before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in a series of public hearings, either as victims or as perpetrators of acts that had violated human rights.”
2019-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8668 (2019) · source
“It is a pleasure to see you here with us again, Mr. President, and we thank you once more for your generosity and having hosted us last night - we really appreciate that. I wish to begin by thanking the Secretary-General, Mr. Ozerdem and Ms. Elman for their briefings on this very important topic on the role and value of reconciliation in the maintenance of international peace and security. South Africa recognizes and values the importance of national reconciliation processes in achieving sustainable peace, especially in countries transitioning from conflict to post-conflict situations. As the Security Council will be aware, South Africa went through its own process of reconciliation after having dismantled the oppressive system of apartheid.”
2019-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8668 (2019) · source
“In conclusion, South Africa calls on all parties to exercise the utmost restraint to ensure a de-escalation ofhostilities, as well as for respect for Syria's territorial integrity and sovereignty. We also look forward to Special Envoy Pedersen's briefing on the progress made in the work of the Constitutional Committee and welcome the holding of the second round of talks at the end of November. Every small step towards peace and stability should be encouraged to the benefit of all Syrians.”
2019-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8664 (2019) · source
“The circumstances in which innocent civilians find themselves behove us, as Security Council members, to do more to ensure that their basic needs and requirements are met. We must also ensure that the recent developments in the north of Syria do not jeopardize the United Nations cross-border humanitarian operations. Let me take this opportunity to pay tribute to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and its partners for the vital work they do in challenging environments in order to ensure that those in need receive the necessary, and in many cases life-saving, assistance. The mandate for that cross-border assistance is due for renewal at the end of the year. South Africa will work with the co-penholders and all interested parties to find common ground and unity in that regard.”
2019-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8664 (2019) · source
“South Africa remains gravely concerned about the dire humanitarian situation in Syria and the negative impact on the Syrian people of the recent hostilities. Although we have noted the various peace agreements and memorandums of understanding, and that the levels of violence have decreased, clashes between parties continue to further aggravate the dismal circumstances that many civilians are already facing. The continued threat of violence and destruction cannot be acceptable, particularly with regard to the most vulnerable members of society - women, children the elderly and those with disabilities. South Africa reiterates its call on all parties to comply with their obligations under international law, particularly with regard to the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure.”
2019-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8664 (2019) · source
“Allow me to begin by thanking Mr. Mark Lowcock for his detailed briefing, as usual. Syria and its people are at a unique juncture, at which the prospects for peace and stability are within their grasp. As South Africa has stated previously, the situation in Syria must be resolved through negotiations and dialogue, and we continue to call on all parties to exert every effort towards the full implementation of resolution 2254 (2015). We see the recent launch and first meeting of the long-awaited Constitutional Committee in Geneva as an encouraging sign. However, we must also remain cognizant of the impact of recent developments along the Turkey-Syria border on the progress achieved, both on the political track and on the humanitarian situation.”
2019-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8664 (2019) · source
“Secondly, we have a question for the two Police Commissioners from the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali and the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Building on the reforms of the Secretary-General's Action for Peacekeeping initiative, in their View, what more can the United Nations do to ensure that the United Nations Police is better equipped to carry out these duties? Their views on that would be very much appreciated.”
2019-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8661 (2019) · source
“We would like to acknowledge the critical role that the United Nations Police continues to play in ensuring stability and sustaining peace in local communities. It is important to ensure that the Police Division is better placed within the United Nations system to meet that growing demand. Finally, we would like to thank the Police Commissioners and the Police Division for the good work that they are doing in the field and to pose two questions to our commissioners. First, we would like to ask the Commissioner of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei a question that particularly relates to female officers in the field. Could she give us an indication, from her vantage point, as to the challenges that women police officers in peacekeeping missions face? And how can the Council assist in addressing those challenges?”
2019-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8661 (2019) · source
“This is conducted through regional female senior police command development courses to improve senior leadership training overall. We would like to appeal to the Secretariat to work with PCCs to increase the number of female police officers. The continued presence of United Nations police on the ground gives them the responsibility to ensure effective transitions from peacekeeping to peacebuilding, which is an important bridging role that police play in terms of bringing normalcy to countries that are affected by conflict. I believe that the sight of police can bring a sense of normalcy back to the public and the population in terms of peace, justice and addressing criminality, which are sometimes overlooked in the bigger picture when it comes to peacekeeping and bringing stability to countries.”
2019-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8661 (2019) · source
“As a police-contributing country (PCC) ourself, we strive for increasing the role of women not only in peacekeeping but also in terms of police serving in peacekeeping missions and conflict countries. We have achieved a gender parity of 50 per cent, which exceeds the provisions of the current strategy that works towards greater gender parity in police and peacekeeping troops. We welcome the continued efforts of the United Nations to build its police capabilities, as well as the contribution that they can make to local law- enforcement capacity. We regard that as a very important element in terms of responding to local priorities and building local capacity. We also commend efforts undertaken by the Police Division to promote greater female representation, as mentioned earlier, which is an important element that we strive for.”
2019-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8661 (2019) · source
“We would like to start by again thanking Mr. Lacroix for his very pertinent and in-depth briefing, as always, in addition to conveying our thanks to the Police Commissioners who briefed us today, as well as to our briefer from Bangui. In line with the presidency's instructions, we will try to be a bit more interactive in terms of engaging on this very important issue. We would like to start by recognizing the important role that the United Nations police plays in promoting stability and long-term development in conflict-affected countries. We also note its significance, which is amplified by changing conflict dynamics. In our view, there is therefore a growing role for United Nations policing, and we further recognize the success stories in many post- conflict countries.”
2019-11-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8661 (2019) · source
“I would also like to commend High Representative Inzko for his continued dedication and efforts in ensuring that the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina retain ownership of the political processes in line with the work of the Peace Implementation Council. In conclusion, South Africa encourages all parties in Bosnia and Herzegovina to recommit to the full implementation of their obligations under the various peace accords and agreements. Political will and national ownership over this process is essential to making progress towards long-term peace, stability and reconciliation for all the people and communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
2019-11-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8658 (2019) · source
“In that regard, we also call on all parties to respect the rule of law and the legal instruments that underpin the political structures in the country. That includes swiftly taking the necessary steps to harmonize the constitutions of some cantons with the national Constitution. As my delegation has stated before, direct political dialogue among parties is critical in order to resolve outstanding issues. We call for constructive and open dialogue among all the communities of Bosnia and Herzegovina. In addition to those engagements, continued cooperation and talks among the various Bosnian structures and the High Representative is also of great importance. That is the only way to make progress in finding agreement on matters vital to all communities.”
2019-11-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8658 (2019) · source
“Allow me to begin by thanking Mr. Valentine Inzko, High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, for his briefing and report (S/2019/843, enclosure) on the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as Ms. Selma Korjenie for her briefing. As evident from the High Representative's briefing and report, the continued disagreements by the political parties has negatively impacted the fulfilment of the 5+2 agenda, established by the Peace Implementation Council Steering Board. In addition, the divisive, provocative and nationalist rhetoric contributes to undermining the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the State. South Africa therefore calls on all parties to recommit to the formation of an inclusive Government without delay and in line with previously agreed commitments.”
2019-11-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8658 (2019) · source
“We welcome the initiative taken to develop a resolution to create an environment necessary to provide those in need with much-needed humanitarian support. However, my delegation is concerned at the politicization of the humanitarian situation. We instead believe that the Council should strictly focus on helping those caught in the middle of this devastating conflict. It is for this reason that South Africa voted in favour of the co-penholders' draft resolution (S/2019/756), as we believe that the dire humanitarian situation on the ground outweighs our concerns regarding some elements of the text.”
2019-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8623 (2019) · source
“As mentioned in our statement to the Council earlier (see S/PV.8622), my delegation continues to be very concerned about the devastating human tragedy unfolding in Syria, in particular the situation in and around Idlib. The highest priority of the Council should be to stop the killing and end the suffering of innocent civilians. There has to be an immediate end to the violence and talks must begin to reach a Syrian-led political transition reflecting the will of the Syrian people. South Africa condemns all human rights abuses, in particular violations of the rights of vulnerable groups such as women, children and ethnic minorities. South Africa also condemns the lack of respect for international humanitarian law.”
2019-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8623 (2019) · source
“In conclusion, my delegation reiterates that the situation in Syria can be resolved only through negotiations and dialogue under the auspices of resolution 2254 (2015) and under the guidance of Special Envoy Pedersen, in order to halt the loss of innocent civilian lives and to restore peace, stability and security in Syria.”
2019-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8622 (2019) · source
“With regard to my last point on recent political developments, we note the joint statement of Iran, Turkey and the Russian Federation regarding the situation in Syria, following their discussions in Turkey earlier this week. We welcome their unified commitment to increasing humanitarian assistance to all Syrians throughout the country, without preconditions. With regard to the constitutional committee, we look forward to receiving an update from the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Syria, Geir Pedersen, at his next briefing to the Council.”
2019-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8622 (2019) · source
“We hope that it will be but one of many steps towards long-term peace in Idlib and in Syria as a whole. With regard to the humanitarian situation in other parts of Syria, South Africa wishes to welcome the recent delivery by the United Nations and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent of essential humanitarian assistance to the people in Rukban. That assistance has long been awaited and is much needed by the people remaining in Rukban. South Africa maintains its position that while civilians remain in Rukban, humanitarian assistance, as needed, should be provided, and also that those wish to leave should be assisted in doing so.”
2019-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8622 (2019) · source
“The damage and destruction of civilian of civilian infrastructure and the inability to provide basic services contribute to the further deterioration of the humanitarian situation, pushing thousands of civilians towards Syria's northern border. If no intervention is made to address the humanitarian situation in Syria, it will result in further deaths of innocent civilians. An alternative to war has to be found. While my delegation acknowledges the threat and violence committed by terrorist groups, we must also acknowledge and ensure that no counter-terrorism actions should be taken at the expense of civilian lives. We reiterate our position that any such action should be taken only within the boundaries of international law. South Africa has noted and welcomes the unilateral ceasefire declared on 31 August by the Syrian Government.”
2019-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8622 (2019) · source
“In addition to the grave loss of lives, the destruction of civilian infrastructure - such as schools, health facilities, markets and water stations, which are essential to the survival of civilians still in the area f is particularly concerning and must be condemned. In that regard, South Africa calls on all parties to ensure that they respect their obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law for the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure. We wish to re-emphasize that health facilities hold a special status under international law, which must be respected.”
2019-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8622 (2019) · source
“Let me begin by thanking Ms. Ursula Mueller for her briefing on the humanitarian situation in Syria. We, too, are deeply concerned about the dire humanitarian situation in Syria, particularly with regard to the thousands of civilians who continue to suffer. While we continue our deliberations here in the Council, we should not forget those who remain under the threat ofviolence, in particular those civilians still in Idlib. South Africa remains deeply disturbed about the high number ofcivilians, especially women and children, who have lost their lives, sustained severe injuries or have been displaced, in some cases multiple times, since April of this year.”
2019-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8622 (2019) · source
“It is therefore imperative for us as the international community to redouble our efforts to supporting continued peace in Guinea-Bissau while also supporting the aspirations of the African Union's efforts to silence the guns.”
2019-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8614 (2019) · source
“Moreover, the regional implications of the drug-trafficking trade route are worrisome, as they are also utilized for arms and human trafficking. The recent seizure ofa significant consignment destined for Mali underscores the urgency of providing support to curtail this pandemic. Most concerning is the fact that drug trafficking could possibly be utilized to fund and fuel terrorist activities in an already volatile region. Lastly, the decades of political instability have made it difficult to implement public policy; consequently, the level of human development remains low in Guinea- Bissau. Most worrisome is the negative impact on young people in the absence of conducive socioeconomic conditions, as mobilization for terrorist activities may thrive as a result.”
2019-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8614 (2019) · source
“As the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNIOGBIS) continues its drawdown process, and in the light of the impending presidential elections, we must be prudent in our approach to ensure that we do not leave a vacuum. It is important that we safeguard the gains that have been accomplished by UNIOGBIS in partnership with the Government and regional bodies. On the drug-trafficking challenges, South Africa commends the work being done by the new Partnership Coordination Forum on countering drug trafficking and transnational organized crime, and particularly recognizes the mammoth task that it is undertaking. South Africa supports the Secretary-General's call on the international community to support and curb this epidemic.”
2019-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8614 (2019) · source
“South Africa would like to commend the work done by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Union, the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries, the European Union, the United Nations and international stakeholders and on their steadfast commitment in breaching the political impasse and their mediation efforts. We urge ECOWAS to continue safeguarding this welcome progress; the support of the international community is paramount in this regard. The maintenance of regional stability in Guinea- Bissau is a necessary condition for further unlocking fragile regions of the area such as Mali and the other countries of the Group of Five for the Sahel and for promoting broader peace on the African continent.”
2019-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8614 (2019) · source
“Following the legislative elections on March 10, a new Government has been put in place, as well as a new Prime Minister. In this regard, we look forward to the presidential elections set for 24 November, which are crucial in continuing to set a trajectory of stability in Guinea-Bissau. In particular, we must commend the notable inclusion of women in the new Government, who now hold eight of 16 ministerial and three of 15 Secretary of State positions. Furthermore, we urge the parties to address the reforms stipulated in the Conakry Agreement.”
2019-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8614 (2019) · source
“My delegation would like to express its appreciation to you, Mr. President, for having convened this meeting. We would also like to express our appreciation to the briefers for their comprehensive inputs. Foremost, let me express our appreciation and greatest support to the former Special Representative, Jose Viegas Filho, and his team, including the United Nations country team in Guinea-Bissau, for their tireless efforts in contributing to the peace and stability of Guinea-Bissau. My intervention will be restricted to two points: the political situation and drug trafficking in Guinea- Bissau. On the political front, my delegation wishes to commend the Government of Guinea-Bissau for the significant progress achieved to date.”
2019-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8614 (2019) · source
“South Africa remains committed to addressing terrorism holistically as a security threat, and equally to addressing the conditions and factors that give rise to terrorism and fuel it. Its causes and manifestations are varied and should be taken into account in elaborating counter-measures, in full compliance with international law, including human rights law and humanitarian law. It is also critically important that countries refrain from the use of unilateral coercive measures in their counter-terrorism efforts. Such measures often result in unintended casualties and serve to fuel a vicious cycle of resentment and hatred that ultimately perpetuates further violent extremism and terrorism.”
2019-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8605 (2019) · source
“In that regard, we commend the Secretary-General's international regional conferences, including the African Regional High-level Conference on Counter-Terrorism and the Prevention of Violent Extremism Conducive to Terrorism, inaugurated by the Secretary-General and His Excellency President Kenyatta of Kenya in Nairobi in July. In the fight against ISIL/Da'esh, South Africa also views as important the work of the United Nations Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da'esh/Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (UNITAD), which undertakes the task of investigating the crimes committed by ISIL/ Da'esh and works to ensure that those responsible face accountability for their crimes.”
2019-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8605 (2019) · source
“South Africa remains committed to international cooperation in fighting terrorism. No country can shoulder the burden alone. The centrality of the United Nations in coordinating and facilitating international efforts to fight terrorism and providing support to those Member States requiring it is crucial if we are to succeed. In that regard, we value the work of the counter-terrorism bodies of the United Nations in assisting Member States in fighting the scourge and encourage greater cooperation among them and regional bodies, including the African Union.”
2019-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8605 (2019) · source