YouSaid · the spoken record

Van Shalkwyk

lines on the record

130

first

2019-02-19

most recent

2020-10-05

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24

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un-security-council

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1. “Also of concern is the observation in the Secretary General's report that West Africa has seen a striking increase in ISIL and Al-Qaida-linked recruitment and violence and that the Islamic State West Africa Province, believed to comprise 4,000 fighters, now ranks alongside the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant- Khorasan as the strongest ISIL regional affiliate. We are of course also particularly concerned about reports suggesting that ISIL/Da'esh is attempting to establish itself in Central Africa, and even in the Southern African region. South Africa will continue to stand steadfast with our fellow African brothers and sisters in the fight against terrorism on the continent so that that terrible scourge is not allowed to erode the hard-won progress we have collectively made in Africa.”

   2019-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8605 (2019) · source

2. “As the report indicates, ISIL/Da'esh is attempting to regroup and re-establish itself in a covert capacity and further expand its international presence by means of affiliates. The present lull in attacks by the group might, regrettably, be only temporary. South Africa notes with particular concern the findings in the Secretary-General's report concerning the African continent, where ISIL/Da'esh has sought to exploit peace and security challenges, via affiliates, to further the group's abhorrent agenda. Areas of particular concern highlighted in the report include parts of North Africa, where the crisis in Libya in particular has provided fertile ground for ISIL/Da'esh affiliates in fragile countries and the surrounding region.”

   2019-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8605 (2019) · source

3. “Like others, we would like to thank Mr. Vladimir Voronkov, Under- Secretary-General of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism, and Ms. Michele Coninsx, Executive Director of the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate, for their briefings on the Secretary- General's strategic-level report on the threat posed by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Da'esh) (S/20l9/612). The comprehensive report on the threat posed by ISIL/Da'esh provided in the Secretary-General's ninth strategic-level report emphasizes that, while the group has suffered significant setbacks, it nevertheless remains a serious threat to international peace and security as a result, inter alia, of its highly-adaptive nature and continued access to significant funds and recruits.”

   2019-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8605 (2019) · source

4. “Since most of the other questions around the topic on which the President asked us to focus have already been asked, I will take a slight liberty and request, from her perspective, an understanding of the challenges faced by women in uniform, especially those in leadership positions, and we hope to see an increasing number of those positions going to women. We are very proud of our own progress, for example, with regard to the Force Intervention Brigade in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Some of her perspectives in that regard would be much appreciated.”

   2019-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8552 (2019) · source

5. “As we have just done, we extend condolences following loss of life. However, there is a trend. We believe that, with regard to the safety and security of peacekeepers, they are increasingly coming under fire. It is becoming increasingly dangerous. What does Lieutenant General Ngondi think could be done to ensure the safety of peacekeepers? What do we need to enhance their safety and security? It is technology or equipment? We know that situations differ in terms of how dangerous they are, but what is his View with regard to what we can do to try to curb the rising death toll and the increasing number of attacks on peacekeepers? Turning to Major General Cheryl Pearce, South Africa is a great supporter of women in peacekeeping operations. We are very glad to see her here, in particular as a woman in a leadership role.”

   2019-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8552 (2019) · source

6. “Funding is constantly an issue as it pertains to ensuring success and that peacekeepers are safe and peacekeeping operations effective. It is vital to ensure that, with respect to peacekeeping operations, there is no reversal in the gains made. The Force Commanders are probably well aware ofthe decision that the African Union Peace and Security Council made regarding the drawdown of UNAMID and some of the concerns that have been raised, such as, in particular, not leaving a vacuum and, as some of the other members have already mentioned, the handover of sites. How is that kind of situation managed, especially as it pertains to agreeing with the host State, when a certain decision runs counter to the original view, for instance the handover of sites to civilians? How is that situation managed? What assistance is needed from the Council?”

   2019-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8552 (2019) · source

7. “With regard to Cyprus, it is one of our longest- running peacekeeping missions. It is one we think of as "business as usual". As we know, things are not always that easy. It would be good to hear her perspective. Much has been said about trilateral cooperation. We would like to hear from our briefers about the value of trilateral cooperation. As members of the Council, we always provide our views regarding how important it is. Could we perhaps have a practical example of how it works in both missions, because the two missions are very different? As an African member of the Council, the situation in the Sudan is very important to us. We are also well aware of the operational and financial challenges being faced.”

   2019-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8552 (2019) · source

8. “The briefers gave us quite a challenge - coming here without prepared statements and fielding questions. We really appreciate that. As we have stated before in the Chamber, we remain of the View, especially with regard to the two missions represented here today, both for the Sudanese people and the people of Cyprus, that the solution to their problems lies with the communities themselves. In our view, peacekeeping operations create an environment to find the peace they need to find. It would be helpful to hear from our colleagues whether or not they think that that approach plays a positive role in specific missions. We are referring to the drawdown and withdrawal of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID). It will be interesting to hear the perspectives of Lieutenant General Ngondi about that issue.”

   2019-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8552 (2019) · source

9. “Let me start by thanking Under-Secretary-General Lacroix and Lieutenant General Ngondi for their briefings. It is good to see a fellow brother from Africa speaking to us today. I would also like to thank Major General Pearce for her briefing. Let me also extend condolences to the families of all peacekeepers, men and women, who have made the ultimate sacrifice in their duty to keep the peace and help communities and societies achieve peace and find a way forward. We appreciate their sacrifice and acknowledge the difficult circumstances in which peacekeepers work and the challenges they must face and overcome. My delegation would like to reaffirm the importance of peacekeeping as one of the most effective tools available to the United Nations as it promotes and maintains international peace and security.”

   2019-06-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8552 (2019) · source

10. “In conclusion, the socioeconomic challenges in the Sudan are part of the root causes of the broader challenges it faces. We should therefore focus our support on economic development and home in on financial mobilization to support the country in its economic recovery. We commend the countries that have contributed in that regard.”

    2019-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8549 (2019) · source

11. “South Africa furthermore stresses how important it is that UNAMID continue to provide technical and logistical assistance to the Sudan's Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration Commission in disarming and demobilizing armed combatants. We urge the Transitional Military Council, the Declaration of Freedom and Change forces and the country's political parties to engage in constructive dialogue with a view to restoring peace and stability in the Sudan. Given the volatile state of the region, that is also vital to regional stability. The Sudan remains a key strategic country on the continent, and it is bordered by seven countries - Egypt, South Sudan, the Central African Republic, Chad, Eritrea, Ethiopia and Libya. Instability in the Sudan will have a negative effect in the region.”

    2019-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8549 (2019) · source

12. “We underline the primacy of African-led initiatives in the quest for a lasting solution to the crisis in the Sudan. In that regard, we welcome the efforts of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia, Chair of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, to bring the parties back to the negotiating table in an approach consistent with that of the AU communique of 6 June. It is key that the Sudanese chart their own path to peace, devoid of interference, and that is also vital to ensuring that the substantial progress in peacebuilding that has been achieved in Darfur is not reversed. We also welcome all other efforts being undertaken at a bilateral level.”

    2019-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8549 (2019) · source

13. “With regard to the political situation, too many people have lost their lives in the political circumstances that have created so much uncertainty. In that regard, in line with the communique of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union (AU) of 13 June and the 3 June press statement by the three African members of the Security Council, we strongly condemn and lament the tragic and unjustified loss of life and remind the transitional authorities in the Sudan of their obligation to protect civilians and respect their fundamental rights. We urge the Transitional Military Council to return to the internal dialogue with the aim of responding swiftly and effectively to the legitimate aspirations of the Sudanese people, as well as to the framework established by the African Union.”

    2019-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8549 (2019) · source

14. “There is too much contestation of power and too much mistrust. An assessment of the drawdown is urgently needed, and the Security Council should reject the Transitional Military Council decree on handing over its team sites to the Rapid Support Forces. We should call on the Transitional Military Council to rescind that decision immediately and without conditions and to allow UNAMID to hand over identified assets to civilian entities. With regard to the attacks on UNAMID and United Nations agencies and the looting of their property, we want to reiterate our reminder to the Republic of the Sudan of its primary responsibility to provide protection to both the civilian population and United Nations property, and we call on the Sudan to investigate and bring to account the people who have been committing those crimes.”

    2019-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8549 (2019) · source

15. “It should be systematic, taking into account the security conditions on the ground and in the Sudan as a whole. It should also ensure that no vacuum is created, which could hamper the progress already made as well as undermining the protection of civilians. We support UNAMID in making continued efforts to address the security concerns of the local communities and internally displaced persons, particularly given the current volatile situation. Perhaps it is time to ask some questions. Should we stick to the original drawdown time frames? Should we not reassess the situation and then recalibrate? The situation has evolved. It is not the same in the centre of the Sudan, and we cannot proceed as if nothing has happened. Darfur is also part ofthe greater Sudan and is implicated in that regard.”

    2019-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8549 (2019) · source

16. “The violence against civilians is particularly unacceptable. Furthermore, women and children continue to be the most vulnerable members of the population and the most affected by sexual violence, which is still a weapon of war in the conflict. With regard to the proposed drawdown, we would like to reiterate the decision of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union of 13 June. It is our view that in line with the strategic assessment of UNAMID of 1 June, and given the unfolding situation in the Sudan, the drawdown and liquidation process should be carried out in a responsible manner, and UNAMID troops should be relocated to the remaining team sites that have been identified as security hotspots until such time as the situation is stabilized.”

    2019-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8549 (2019) · source

17. “Jeremiah Mamabolo, Joint Special Representative and Head of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur, and the UNAMID team for all their efforts in difficult conditions, which have so far resulted in the drawdown of 4,000 troops. We also welcome UNAMID's continued work with national and local authorities, as well as with the United Nations country team and other partners, to facilitate mediation and address the underlying issues of access to land and resources. While noting the significant progress that has been made in the peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts in Darfur, we are concerned about the security challenges that persist, as well as the human rights violations highlighted in the special report of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission and the Secretary-General (S/2019/445).”

    2019-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8549 (2019) · source

18. “My delegation would like to thank you, Mr. President, for convening this meeting. We also thank the briefers for the comprehensive briefings, which have highlighted a number of key issues that still require our firm commitment. I would like to focus on two key issues, the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) and the political situation in the Sudan. However, at the outset I want to note that South Africa deplores the loss of innocent lives that took place in the past few days in Zalingei. We express our condolences to the families of the deceased and wish the injured a speedy recovery. Turning to UNAMID, we would like to express our appreciation to Mr.”

    2019-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8549 (2019) · source

19. “We call on the international community to support these efforts and in particular to provide assistance for the refugees" return and reintegration. Finally, we appeal to the international community to support the Government and the EAC mediation process so as to lay the foundation for an environment that is conducive to the holding of democratic elections and support a peaceful transfer of power, in order to ensure peace and stability beyond 2020.”

    2019-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8465 (2019) · source

20. “We urge the international community to do more to alleviate the socioeconomic challenges and humanitarian situation facing the people of Burundi and call on its partners to support the implementation of the national dialogue process for the benefit of the Burundian people. In that vein, we reiterate the call made by the AU during its thirty-second summit for the European Union to lift the unilateral sanctions imposed against the Republic of Burundi. We encourage Burundi to continue to work towards the voluntary repatriation and dignified return of refugees. The gradual return of refugees is evidence of the improvement in the country's situation. To date approximately 210,000 refugees have returned voluntarily to Burundi. In 2018 alone, 58,262 Burundians returned, mainly from Tanzania, the Congo, Kenya and Uganda.”

    2019-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8465 (2019) · source

21. “Burundi participates alongside other countries in United Nations and African Union peacekeeping missions with much success, with more than 6,000 Burundian men and women deployed in various peacekeeping operations, mostly in the Central African Republic and Somalia. We therefore call on the international community to support Burundi in strengthening its peacekeeping capacity, as it is of critical institutional value to the country. We would like to congratulate Burundi on its appointment to the African Union Peace and Security Council. We note Burundi's adoption of a 10-year national development plan that provides direction on the way towards sustainable development by 2030.”

    2019-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8465 (2019) · source

22. “South Africa welcomes the decision by the Government of Burundi to finance the elections with the country's own national budget. With regard to the political developments in Burundi, we are encouraged by the continued stable security situation in the country. We would like to congratulate the Government of Burundi on having initiated the preparatory process for the elections, especially the establishment, on 31 August 2018, of an Independent National Electoral Commission, in keeping with the Burundian electoral code. We commend Burundi's contribution to peace and security through its deployment of troop contingents.”

    2019-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8465 (2019) · source

23. “As South Africa, we are concerned with the current trajectory, which has overturned the 2000 Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Agreement for Burundi. As such, we implore the mediation process to revert to the principles of that Agreement. South Africa calls on upon the Burundians to implement the principles of the 2000 Arusha accords. It is our view that the global ceasefire agreement flowed from those accords and that, as such, the two should be read together. South Africa stands ready to support the Government and the people of Burundi. We encourage Burundi to work closely with the East African Community and the African Union to create an environment conducive to the holding of elections. In this regard, all Burundian parties need to demonstrate a spirit of cooperation in order to ensure peace and stability beyond 2020.”

    2019-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8465 (2019) · source

24. “With the submission of the final report of former President Mkapa to the EAC, South Africa and the international community need to await direction from the leadership of the East African Community and the African Union in strengthening our commitment to helping Burundi, especially in view of the elections scheduled for 2020. South Africa supports a Burundi- led process that respects its sovereignty and that is within the parameters of the Constitution. Any political impasse in Burundi can be addressed only through a fully inclusive dialogue. We therefore call on the international community to continue to support the initiatives of the EAC. We deplore any efforts, by any party, that seek to undermine or sidestep the Arusha accords.”

    2019-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8465 (2019) · source

25. “We also commend the essential and valuable work of the Special Envoy of the Secretary- General, former President Kafando, as well as the Burundi configuration of the PBC, under the able leadership of Ambassador Lauber. South Africa welcomes Burundi's participation in the summit of Heads of State of the East African Community and the African Union summit of 11 February. That participation is in line with our long- standing position on the importance of the role played by regional and continental bodies in the resolution of the impasse.”

    2019-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8465 (2019) · source

26. “We thank former President Michel Kafando, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Burundi; Ambassador Fatima Kyari Mohammed, Permanent Observer of the African Union to the United Nations; and Ambassador Jiirg Lauber, Chair of the Burundi configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC), for their important and insightful briefings on the evolving situation in Burundi and for their unwavering commitment to the country. South Africa fully supports the facilitation process led by the East African Community (EAC) in the spirit of the Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Agreement, with the support of the African Union and the United Nations. In this regard, the efforts of the mediator, President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, and the facilitator, former President Benjamin Mkapa of the United Republic of Tanzania, is acknowledged and commended.”

    2019-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8465 (2019) · source

27. “Most of Yemen's imports, including food and humanitarian assistance, enter through Al-Hudaydah port, which the ongoing fighting has frequently put out of action. Any hindrance to the delivery of this vital humanitarian aid after agreement has been reached among all the parties concerned can only exacerbate an already severe crisis. We reiterate that the only sustainable solution is a Yemeni-led negotiated political settlement that is inclusive and fair and puts the interests and welfare of all the citizens of Yemen first.”

    2019-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8464 (2019) · source

28. “It is imperative that all parties make every effort to adhere to the ceasefire agreement and the full implementation of the Al-Hudaydah agreement. We want to reiterate that the conflict cannot be resolved through military might. The parties must engage constructively and in good faith in order to overcome the obstacles and find a political solution that can end the conflict. That includes the continued exchange of prisoners, which is an important confidence-building measure that could contribute to reaching a political solution. The humanitarian situation in Yemen remains dire. We call on all parties to ensure that the necessary humanitarian aid can safely reach its intended destinations.”

    2019-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8464 (2019) · source

29. “The meeting was a commendable confidence-building measure by the parties, and we congratulate them on agreeing on phase 1 of the mutual redeployment of forces. We look forward to the Committee convening again within a week to finalize phase 2. South Africa remains concerned about the serious humanitarian and security situation in Yemen. We reiterate that, in order to ensure a long-term solution to the crisis in Yemen, it is necessary for all parties to commit to a political process. We also welcome the proposal made by the Chair of the Redeployment Coordination Committee to move forward in the implementation of the Al-Hudaydah agreement. We hope that this commitment will result in tangible process that can bring peace and stability to the region.”

    2019-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8464 (2019) · source

30. “We thank Mr. Martin Griffiths, Special Envoy of the Secretary- General for Yemen, and Mr. Mark Lowcock, Under- Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, for their informative briefings. We also welcome the appointment of Lieutenant General Michael Lollesgaard and wish him every success as Chair of the Redeployment Coordination Committee and Head of the United Nations Mission to Support the Hudaydah Agreement. We also join in congratulating the members of the Redeployment Coordination Committee on making progress in planning for the redeployment of forces, in line with the Al-Hudaydah agreement, during their fourth joint meeting, held in Al-Hudaydah city from 16 to 17 February.”

    2019-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8464 (2019) · source