YouSaid · the spoken record

Xolisa Mabhongo

lines on the record: 41
first: 2020-04-29
most recent: 2020-12-14
sittings or episodes: 7
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

“Therefore, South Africa will continue to cooperate with the Prosecutor. We reaffirm our determination to continue all efforts to trace and surrender the fugitives from justice.”
2020-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1236 (2020) · source
“That underscores the importance of international cooperation to prevent suspects from evading arrest. While we have encountered a number of challenges in providing assistance to the Mechanism, we wish to underscore that South Africa is deeply committed to its international obligations in that regard and stands ready to fulfil them. We have taken note of the remarks by the Prosecutor this afternoon. We assure Council members that the recommendations made by the Prosecutor will receive the necessary attention by our Government. Regarding the most recent interaction between the Prosecutor and South Africa, I can report that the matter is being escalated to the highest authorities. A visit by the Prosecutor to South Africa will be welcome and will be in line with the escalation of that matter.”
2020-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1236 (2020) · source
“At the outset, I wish to thank President Agius and Prosecutor Brammertz for their comprehensive reports and their presentations to the Security Council today. We congratulate them on their reappointment. South Africa believes that the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals is carrying out commendable work, and we note the significant efforts to continuously improve its functioning. As pointed out in the President’s report (see S/2020/763), the coronavirus disease has had a far-reaching impact on the Mechanism’s operations. In that respect, the Mechanism and its staff are to be commended for their commitment to ensuring that it remains operational during these difficult times. We acknowledge the noteworthy coordination between the Prosecution and certain States that resulted in the arrest of Félicien Kabuga in France.”
2020-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1236 (2020) · source
“An essential component of justice is that it be carried out and witnessed. The establishment of the truth and reconciliation commission and special court will not only ensure accountability for crimes committed but also that justice is witnessed by the victims in the Sudan. While South Africa is encouraged by the significant progress that the Sudan has made, we remain concerned at ongoing reports of continued deaths and violence, as well as reports by the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur of human rights violations related to children. We urge all stakeholders in the Sudan to engage in constructive dialogue in order to restore peace and stability in the country. In that regard, the support of all stakeholders within the international community remains vital for both national and regional stability.”
2020-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1192 (2020) · source
“Hussein by the International Commission of Inquiry on Darfur regarding crimes committed in Darfur is also promising. The Sudan’s commitment to full and unlimited cooperation with the ICC and the emphasis on the commitment to resolution 1593 (2005), as set out in the Juba Agreement for Peace in the Sudan, are commendable. Such commitments were already initiated during the first visit by the Prosecutor to the Sudan in mid-October and further cooperation between the Sudan and the Court is welcomed. South Africa ardently supports the principle of complementarity and encourages all States to develop their legal systems to ensure accountability for the most serious crimes. South Africa therefore welcomes the establishment of a truth and reconciliation commission in relation to Darfur and a special court for Darfur crimes.”
2020-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1192 (2020) · source
“At the outset, allow me to thank the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Ms. Fatou Bensouda, for her comprehensive briefing on the situation in the Sudan. South Africa continues to support the full implementation of resolution 1593 (2005), pursuant to which the situation in Darfur was referred to the Prosecutor of the ICC to investigate war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. We are encouraged by the progress made in terms of the ongoing efforts to ensure justice for the victims of the Darfur conflict, particularly the developments in the ICC case against Mr. Abd-Al-Rahman, including the opening of the confirmation of charges hearing in February 2021. The questioning of Mr. Al-Bashir, Mr. Harun and Mr.”
2020-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1192 (2020) · source
“In conclusion, Iraq simply cannot and should not be an arena for conflict or a base point for any other country’s strategy towards any of its neighbouring countries, as Iraq aims to be an active player on the path to peacebuilding, achieving stability and improving security opportunities. South Africa reiterates its support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iraq in line with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and continues to support UNAMI in the implementation of its mandate. We also continue to urge the United Nations and the Government of Iraq to consider utilizing the Peacebuilding Commission in order to make greater strides in rebuilding the country.”
2020-11-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1144 (2020) · source
“It is paramount to uphold standards of justice, accountability, integrity and transparency. We are encouraged by the collaborative effort of both the Governments of Kuwait and Iraq to locate missing Kuwaiti and third-country nationals, as well as missing Kuwaiti property, including the national archives. We urge both countries S/2020/1144 to work together with the relevant United Nations institutions to resolve outstanding issues. We commend UNAMI for facilitating the transfer of the human remains exhumed from the Shaykhiyah site in the Iraqi Samawah desert to Kuwait by making available its air assets.”
2020-11-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1144 (2020) · source
“South Africa remains concerned that an increase in assaults signals a worrisome trend that Da’esh/Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) is steadily re-emerging, which is a cause for both regional and global concern. We are pleased to learn that the Iraqi security authorities have launched a campaign to control unlicensed weapons in Baghdad and across the country’s provinces. Iraqis should not have to live in an atmosphere of terror and intimidation. South Africa is pleased to note that a number of leaders of the ISIL terrorist entity have been arrested. We are also pleased by the commendable efforts of the Government of Iraq to prevent missile attacks on diplomatic missions and the subsequent arrests of suspects, thereby holding them accountable by way of fair legal procedures.”
2020-11-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1144 (2020) · source
“South Africa supports UNAMI and the Government of Iraq in its post-conflict reconstruction and development efforts, which provide much-needed humanitarian assistance throughout the country, particularly during the coronavirus disease pandemic. The spread of the pandemic in Iraq has strained an already fragile health- care system. Peace and security remain fundamental for Iraq to develop its infrastructure, grow its economy and provide basic services to all its citizens. In that regard, South Africa supports the consolidation of the Iraqi army’s control over the entire territory and welcomes continued support for the efforts of the Government to eradicate the threat posed by Da’esh.”
2020-11-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1144 (2020) · source
“Domestic unity, cohesion and determination are urgently needed to build resilience against narrow partisan interests, foreign interference and criminal elements actively seeking to impede Iraq’s stability. South Africa is pleased to witness a significant breakthrough following the formation of the new Government headed by Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi, which pays special attention to improving public services and meeting the promises made to the people of Iraq. South Africa continues to call for increased and improved cooperation between the national Government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government, including the finalization of resource- and revenue-sharing agreements.”
2020-11-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1144 (2020) · source
“We thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), Ms. Jeanine Hennis- Plasschaert, for her briefing. South Africa supports and continues to have confidence in her efforts. South Africa supports UNAMI’s mandate to promote the strengthening of the Government of Iraq and its electoral processes. We look forward to the adoption of the election law by the House of Representatives ahead of the much-anticipated elections on 6 June 2021. We support the drive for an inclusive Government that will bring together all diverse aspects of Iraqi society into its governance structures. National reconciliation and unity remain vital in avoiding future challenges stemming from shifting Government policies and actions.”
2020-11-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1144 (2020) · source
“In conclusion, we would urge, as always, that these risks be considered in the context of close partnerships with regional organizations, including the African Union, and that we seek creative, cost-effective means of utilizing existing resources and avoid generating new mechanisms that could entail significant costs and additional burdens for already strained operations.”
2020-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/751 (2020) · source
“We do not wish to downplay specific climate-related security risks, which the Security Council has progressively acknowledged in various outcomes over the years and which have received enhanced analytical capacity in the United Nations system, most notably in the Climate Security Mechanism of the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, the United Nations Development Programme and the United Nations Environment Programme. Rather, our message is that the international community needs to channel its resources effectively through the bodies in the United Nations system that are most fit for a particular purpose. We nevertheless welcome the opportunity of this meeting to explore proposals to enhance the capacity of the Security Council to better respond, as appropriate, to climate-related security risks.”
2020-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/751 (2020) · source
“We also think that there are reasonable questions about when and on what scientific basis the Security Council would invoke climate change as a contributing factor to a specific conflict situation and where precisely the Security Council draws the line with respect to incorporating environmental issues into its agenda. Certainly, climate change is but one of several serious environmental challenges with potential peace and security implications, and we need to guard against mandate creep by the Council, or the Council outpacing its own resources and capacities.”
2020-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/751 (2020) · source
“The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) holds the primary mandate and capabilities to galvanize that type of action by the international community, particularly since the UNFCCC enjoys universal membership, operates by consensus and adheres to its principles, including equity and common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities. To introduce climate change as a thematic issue on the agenda of the Security Council would, in our view, risk diffusing the importance of the UNFCCC and detract attention and resources from its essential work.”
2020-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/751 (2020) · source
“The key to addressing climate change is to secure international collaboration to take the necessary mitigation and adaptation measures and to ensure that all developing countries that require means of implementation support or assistance in responding to the loss and damage caused by climate change receive such support. Insofar as there are security implications to climate change, these are likewise best addressed through massively scaled-up, appropriate and accessible climate- adaptation and mitigation-related support to the affected countries.”
2020-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/751 (2020) · source
“Even in those circumstances, the contribution that the Security Council can make is modest and unclear. We therefore welcome this opportunity to hear ideas from Council members as to what that contribution could be. It is important to emphasize that climate change is a sustainable development issue that needs to be addressed through the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with assistance to Member States from multilateral bodies dedicated to effectively supporting all three pillars of sustainable development — economic, social and environmental.”
2020-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/751 (2020) · source
“In these specific instances, climate change is a threat or risk multiplier that escalates existing tensions and conflict by placing strain on already scarce resources. Notwithstanding these instances, there is currently little scientific evidence to support the more generalized conclusions of a direct causality between climate change and threats to international peace and security. South Africa therefore remains wary of introducing climate change into the Security Council as a thematic issue, or adopting generic decisions in this forum. Instead, where climate change is thought to be a clear contributing factor to a threat to international peace and security, it is appropriate for the Security Council to comment on this issue, within the specific context of the countries that may be affected.”
2020-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/751 (2020) · source
“We thank the Assistant Secretary-General as well as the briefers for their contributions on this matter. South Africa’s strong commitment to a collective, multilateral response to the existential challenge of climate change remains unwavering, and we are redoubling our efforts at the continental and national levels to address the crisis, even during the current coronavirus disease pandemic. South Africa recognizes that extreme weather events, drought, water scarcity, food insecurity and desertification, which are thought to be exacerbated by climate change, have the potential to increase the risk of violent conflict, either within sovereign States or across State boundaries. In Africa, there is some evidence to suggest that this may be the case in parts of the Sahel and the Lake Chad basin, as well as the Horn of Africa.”
2020-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/751 (2020) · source
“South Africa reiterates that the only viable and sustainable option for a peaceful resolution of this conflict is the establishment of a viable Palestinian State, existing side by side in peace with Israel within internationally recognized borders based on those existing on 4 June 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in line with all relevant United Nations resolutions, international law and internationally agreed parameters. The future of the region hangs in the balance. The actions of a few in the coming days and months will determine whether future generations will continue to live under the threat of the scourge of war or if they will be able to enjoy the freedoms and peace envisaged at the founding of the United Nations.”
2020-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/430 (2020) · source
“Any peace plan for the Middle East cannot allow Palestinian statehood to devolve into an entity devoid of sovereignty, territorial contiguity and economic viability. In that regard, a solution must be premised on a just settlement, with just laws, that is rights-based and that facilitates equality and equity for all who have a right to live in the territories of Israel and Palestine. This includes sovereign equality between States. We therefore call on the parties and other States to refrain from taking any unilateral action that would jeopardize the two-State solution and remove any option for the parties to find a path towards negotiations in line with international agreed parameters.”
2020-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/430 (2020) · source
“The dangerous prospect of Israel continuing with its unilateral actions and the annexation of large parts of the occupied West Bank and the Jordan Valley not only shows belligerence but also threatens efforts to advance regional peace. These acts are illegal and also risk undermining the viability of a negotiated two-State solution, which will have negative consequences for the entire peace process. The international community must therefore act more decisively now to end the occupation and reset the path towards a viable two-State solution guided by international law. Additionally, South Africa would like to emphasize that any steps taken towards formalizing the annexation of illegally occupied land or territory should not go unchallenged.”
2020-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/430 (2020) · source
“Those principles are described in Article 2 of the United Nations Charter, including its paragraph 4, which states: “All Members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations.” It is the obligation of the United Nations and the Security Council in particular to act against those who go against these norms and values. It is perplexing that during these unprecedented times, as the international community addresses the global challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic, Israel is exploiting the situation to further advance its de facto annexation of Palestinian land.”
2020-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/430 (2020) · source
“South Africa reminds members of the Security Council that the fate of the State of Palestine and the two-State solution, which has been endorsed by Member States for decades, is aligned with international law, including General Assembly and Security Council resolutions. These cannot be disregarded or ignored. We, as members of the Security Council and indeed the United Nations, all subscribe to a collective set of norms and values that should govern our behaviour towards one another.”
2020-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/430 (2020) · source
“To date no action has been taken to stop the building of settlements on illegally occupied land; to stop the confiscation and destruction of Palestinian land and property; to stop the illegal blockade of Gaza, essentially forcing 3 million people to live in an open-air prison; or to stop the annexation of territory illegally acquired through the use of force. All of those actions are violations of international law and a threat to the maintenance of international peace and security, and no collective measures have been taken towards the prevention or removal of the threats to peace facing the Palestinian people. We, the Security Council, the wider United Nations membership and the international community, cannot allow such flagrant violations of international law to continue. The prevailing situation undermines our credibility.”
2020-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/430 (2020) · source
“It is perhaps ironic that the history of our Organization, which is meant to bring about global peace and security, runs almost concurrently with that of the period of occupation that began with the Nakba. The stated purpose of the United Nations is, according to Article I of the Charter, “To maintain international peace and security, and to that end: to take effective collective measures for the prevention and removal of threats to the peace”. In that regard, we have again failed the people of Palestine.”
2020-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/430 (2020) · source
“The Preamble to the Charter of the United Nations begins with the quote: “We the peoples of the United Nations determined to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, which twice in our lifetime has brought untold sorrow to mankind.” We must acknowledge that we have failed the people of Palestine. Entire generations of Palestinian children have known nothing but violent oppression and the untold sorrow of being stripped of their lands, identity and human rights. On 15 May, Palestinians observed Nakba Day, when, 72 years ago, the world stood by and watched while hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were forced to flee or were expelled from their homes, villages and towns. Very few have been able to return and reclaim their heritage.”
2020-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/430 (2020) · source
“We support and continue to call for the unhindered passage of humanitarian aid, medical supplies and volunteers providing medical assistance to all parts of the occupied territories. My delegation commends the Palestinian Authority for the efforts it has undertaken amid difficult circumstances to ensure the health and safety of Palestinians in the occupied territories during these unprecedented times brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and express solidarity with the people of Palestine. We call on Member States as well as the rest of the international community to support the efforts of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East in providing much-needed humanitarian assistance to Palestinian refugees. I would now like to turn to the reality that the Palestinian people currently face.”
2020-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/430 (2020) · source
“Let me begin by thanking Special Coordinator Nickolay Mladenov for his briefing today. It is indeed a sobering account of the persistent reality facing millions in the occupied Palestinian territories. Allow me to make a few remarks on the issue of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the occupied Palestinian territories. South Africa fully supports the call by the Secretary-General as well as the Envoys to the Middle East urging all warring parties in the region to end hostilities and turn their focus to the challenge posed by COVID-19. We should, however, emphasize that in the case of Palestine there are no warring parties in the conventional sense, given the asymmetrical nature of power in the context of an occupation.”
2020-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/430 (2020) · source
“It is only through dialogue and compromise that a political settlement can be reached that will bring peace and stability not only to Bosnia and Herzegovina but also to the wider region.”
2020-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/379 (2020) · source
“In addition, provocative, divisive and nationalistic rhetoric could undermine stability in the country and threaten the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the State. On a positive note, we welcome the appointment of the Chair of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Council of Ministers. We believe that this will assist in paving the way for dialogue and cooperation. Nonetheless, other outstanding appointments, including those of the Constitutional Court judges and other entities, continue to hamper the effective functioning of the State. Accordingly, we encourage all parties to expedite the conclusion of these important processes. In closing, let me reiterate my delegation’s call for constructive dialogue among all entities, as well as among the various Bosnian structures and the High Representative.”
2020-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/379 (2020) · source
“The lack of progress in the dialogue process remains an issue of concern. We therefore call on all parties to remain seized with the objectives of the country’s dialogue and to refrain from actions that could undermine its prospects, thus stalling reconciliation and durable peace. The existing agreements and mechanisms remain relevant to taking the dialogue process forward and we urge all stakeholders to work within their parameters and in good faith in support of that objective. More importantly, we wish to emphasize that national ownership of the peace process resides with all Bosnia and Herzegovina stakeholders. The ongoing disagreements between the political parties continue to negatively impact the fulfilment of the agenda of five objectives and two conditions established by the Steering Board of the Peace Implementation.”
2020-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/379 (2020) · source
“We would like to thank the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mr. Valentin Inzko, for the latest report of his Office on the political, security and humanitarian situation in the country (S/2020/345, annex). The work of his Office remains invaluable for the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina and of the region. At the outset, South Africa lauds the efforts of all sides to respond to the coronavirus disease pandemic and hopes that this will be seen as an opportunity to realize unity of purpose even beyond its containment. With respect to measures taken to address the pandemic, South Africa concurs with the assessment of the Office of the High Representative that all efforts must be well devised, properly targeted and closely coordinated in order to improve their success.”
2020-05-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/379 (2020) · source
“In conclusion, South Africa reaffirms its position that, if there is no progress on the political front, the humanitarian situation will further deteriorate, with an increase in destruction and the loss of life. The only way to resolve the conflict in Syria is through negotiation and dialogue. South Africa calls on all parties to exert every effort to fully implement resolution 2254 (2015) and bring peace, security and stability to all of Syria.”
2020-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/354 (2020) · source
“In this regard, we call on the parties to make every effort to authorize all available modalities, including aid deliveries from Damascus and cross-line and cross-border assistance, to ensure that the aid is delivered to the thousands that need it. While we welcome that the 5 March ceasefire agreement continues to hold, we must also be cognizant of the effect that the hostilities over the past decade have had on civilians and essential civilian infrastructure. The impact on the provision of such basic services as health, education and water has been severe. South Africa reiterates that all parties must adhere to their obligations under international humanitarian law, particularly with regard to the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure.”
2020-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/354 (2020) · source
“With regard to the general humanitarian situation throughout Syria, while we are all understandably focused on the impact of COVID-19, we cannot forget the dire humanitarian situation that remains ongoing in the country. The need for shelter, water, sanitation, food and protection remains high. The provision of these services, especially in the north-west, depends on the cross-border mechanism’s ability to bring in essential assistance to all those who require it. Nevertheless, additional support is required in the north-east of the country. With the closure of the Al-Yarubiyah crossing point in January, gaps have emerged in the provision of necessary aid to this region.”
2020-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/354 (2020) · source
“This aspect is important, given that, while sample collection among the thousands of displaced persons living in camps and informal settlements in north-east Syria will be challenging to begin with, collecting samples in areas where hostilities may be ongoing will be even more challenging, if not impossible. South Africa calls on the relevant authorities to ensure that humanitarian workers have safe, sustained and unhindered access to all parts of Syria. It is also important that border crossings affected by COVID-19-related precautionary measures not have a negative bearing on the delivery of humanitarian assistance to the aforementioned vulnerable communities.”
2020-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/354 (2020) · source
“In addition, we are concerned that, while all groups are susceptible to the virus, the elderly and people with underlying health conditions are particularly at risk, especially those in the vulnerable refugee and internally displaced person populations. Included in this response is the need for required testing and assessment capacity. We encourage the international community to assist in ensuring that the necessary equipment is available to that end. Without safe access to the areas where testing and aid is required, however, none of these efforts will be effective.”
2020-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/354 (2020) · source
“In order to effectively fight the spread of the virus, we must ensure that the necessary equipment and supplies are available to all those who require it. Continued hostilities and violence will hinder and harm the effectiveness of the Syrian Government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic as well as that of the United Nations. An important aspect of this response is to focus on preparedness and response planning to minimize the impact of COVID-19 on vulnerable populations, including people living in close proximity to each other in refugee and internally displaced person camps, who have limited access to basic services, such as water, shelter and medical care.”
2020-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/354 (2020) · source
“I thank Under-Secretary-General Mark Lowcock for his comprehensive briefing on the humanitarian situation in Syria. South Africa remains deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation in Syria. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has added a further layer of complexity to this already catastrophic humanitarian situation. Given the multifaceted nature of the humanitarian situation in Syria, we applaud the United Nations, its implementing partners and all of their volunteers and personnel for their continued and committed efforts. With regard to the impact of COVID-19 on the humanitarian situation in Syria, South Africa fully supports both the Secretary-General’s call for an immediate and global ceasefire and Special Envoy Pedersen’s call for an immediate nationwide ceasefire in Syria.”
2020-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/354 (2020) · source