YouSaid · the spoken record

Zhang Jun

lines on the record: 2,260
first: 2019-08-02
most recent: 2023-12-19
sittings or episodes: 311
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

“Mr. Zhang Jun (China) (spoke in Chinese): I wish to thank Under-Secretary-General Griffiths and Special Coordinator Wennesland for their briefings. I wish to commend in particular Special Coordinator Wennesland for his tireless efforts to actively engage with all parties for the de-escalation of the conflict so as to prevent a humanitarian crisis. Together with United Arab Emirates and the Russian Federation, China requested this emergency meeting. The Al Ahli Hospital, in Gaza, was attacked, claiming the lives of hundreds of innocent civilians. China is shocked by this heinous attack and strongly condemns it. The protection of civilians in armed conflict is a red line under international humanitarian law. Civilians and civilian facilities such as hospitals and schools should not and must not be targeted in military operations.”
2023-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9443 (2023) · source
“An increasing number of civilians are paying the price with their lives and bearing the brunt of the conflict. Therefore, concerning the issue of a ceasefire, the cessation of hostilities, the protection of civilians and the prevention of a greater humanitarian catastrophe, the Council must effectively shoulder its responsibility and play its due role.”
2023-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9442 (2023) · source
“We call for an immediate ceasefire and the protection of civilians to prevent a greater humanitarian catastrophe. The draft resolution submitted by Brazil reflects the general view of the international community as to the initial steps that the Council should take to achieve a ceasefire. And, given the current circumstances, it might be the only possible draft resolution on which the Council can reach a consensus. Certain countries are stating orally that the Council should take appropriate action. However, their votes on the text of the draft resolution raise doubts regarding their willingness to enable the Council to take meaningful action and to find a solution to the problem. In the final analysis, Council members should not sit idly by. The current situation in Gaza is escalating.”
2023-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9442 (2023) · source
“It should send a strong message and call for a ceasefire and the protection of civilians so as to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe. China has therefore proposed amendments intended to improve the draft resolution, while at the same time agreeing with the Russian amendment. We are very disappointed that it failed to be adopted. Nevertheless, in view of the rapidly deteriorating situation in Gaza and the air strike on the hospital, among other actions, yesterday, which resulted in hundreds of civilian casualties, the Council therefore must take immediate measures. China condemns in the strongest terms any air strike against hospitals, and we urge Israel to effectively adhere to its the obligations under international humanitarian law.”
2023-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9442 (2023) · source
“The reason given then was that they intended, rather, to base their positions on the draft resolution submitted by Brazil so as to have more time to deliberate. Brazil and other colleagues agreed to that request by postponing the voting for another 24 hours, which was followed by a further delay, until now. Over the past 40 hours, those countries have neither commented on nor expressed opposition to the Brazilian draft resolution. That led us to hope that today they would vote in favour of the draft resolution and the Council would be able to adopt the resolution. However, the final result of the vote is nothing short of unbelievable. China also believes that the Brazilian draft resolution still has room for improvement.”
2023-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9442 (2023) · source
“Mr. Zhang Jun (China) (spoke in Chinese): The night before last, I already gave a comprehensive account of China’s views on the current situation in Palestine and Israel. In the upcoming emergency meeting, I shall elaborate on China’s position. I will now focus on China’s position on today’s vote and the fact that draft resolution S/2023/773 failed to be adopted. We are shocked and disappointed. The night before last, Russian draft resolution S/2023/772 focused on the humanitarian situation in the conflict between Palestine and Israel, and called for an immediate ceasefire and the protection of civilians. That draft resolution received a great deal of support and sponsorship from Arab countries. However, some countries chose to cast a negative vote.”
2023-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9442 (2023) · source
“Since the outbreak of the crisis, China has actively conducted efforts to facilitate the easing of tensions and has actively promoted peace talks. Our Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Wang Yi, has communicated extensively with all relevant parties to elaborate China’s policy and position. The Special Envoy of the Chinese Government on the Middle East will visit countries of the region this week to conduct mediation work. China will always stand on the side of peace, justice and international law. We are ready to work with the international community to make unremitting efforts to stop the fighting in Gaza at an early date, achieve the peaceful coexistence of Palestine and Israel and establish lasting peace and security in the Middle East.”
2023-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9439 (2023) · source
“Xi Jinping, has highlighted on many occasions that the fundamental way to resolve the Palestine question is to establish an independent State of Palestine. History has time and again proven that, for the Israel-Palestine situation, the repeated outbreak of crisis is fundamentally due to the fact that the basis of the two-State solution continues to be eroded, the Middle East peace process has veered off the right track and relevant United Nations resolutions have not been effectively implemented. When dealing with this new round of conflict between Palestine and Israel, the international community must transcend the piecemeal, case-by-case crisis management model, persevere in the fundamental direction of the two- State solution and make greater efforts towards a comprehensive and lasting solution to the question.”
2023-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9439 (2023) · source
“The protection of civilians should be a priority for all parties. In its previous dealings with regard to complex issues, the Council has usually started with a humanitarian initiative. The current conflict is spreading and suffering is continuing. The Council should not give up its effort in that regard. Brazil has also proposed a draft resolution. We welcome that. We hope that all parties, in a responsible and constructive spirit, will continue to seek consensus and take more actions to ease the tension and avoid a humanitarian disaster, thereby demonstrating sincerely the responsibility and mission of the Security Council and ensuring that it is able to meet this test of its morality and conscience. The President of China, Mr.”
2023-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9439 (2023) · source
“The Security Council has the primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security and should play its due role in resolving the current crisis. It is also the shared expectation of the international community that the Council will reach consensus as soon as possible and adopt real measures. In the past few days, Council members have been in close communication on the Palestine issue and situation. The draft resolution proposed by Russia demonstrates the overall direction of the Council’s focus on humanitarian concerns and the protection of civilians, and it was co-sponsored by many countries, including Arab countries such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Qatar. We greatly regret the fact that the Council failed to agree on the draft resolution. Humanitarian issues should not be politicized.”
2023-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9439 (2023) · source
“We hope that Israel heeds the appeals of the international community and resumes the water, electricity and fuel supply to Gaza and stops the collective punishment of the people there. We support the opening of a humanitarian corridor at an early date so that food, medicine and other humanitarian relief supplies can be delivered in a timely and smooth manner. We appreciate the efforts in that regard by Egypt and the other countries concerned. At the same time, China calls on the international community to increase its input to, and support for, United Nations humanitarian agencies continuing their work in Gaza. China will provide emergency humanitarian assistance to Gaza through the United Nations and via bilateral channels.”
2023-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9439 (2023) · source
“Civilians should not be the target of military operations. The indiscriminate use of force is unacceptable. The maintenance of one’s own security cannot come at the expense of harming innocent civilians. The safety of United Nations staff and humanitarian workers must be guaranteed. China supports diplomatic and mediation efforts so that the hostages can be released at an early date. In the light of this grave situation, China calls for the opening of a humanitarian relief corridor as soon as possible to avoid a more serious humanitarian disaster. We are seriously concerned about the consequences of Israel’s imposition of a full siege on Gaza and its order of emergency evacuation of the population in northern Gaza.”
2023-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9439 (2023) · source
“In the light of this grave situation, China calls for the fighting to be brought to an end as soon as possible, preventing its endless spread and avoiding any further deterioration of the situation. Military means are not the way forward. Violence in response to violence will lead only to an endless vicious cycle. China calls on the relevant countries to take an objective and just position and to apply the brakes so that we can avoid a large-scale conflict and humanitarian disaster and avoid causing an even bigger blow to regional and international security. In view of the gravity of this situation, China calls for the observance of international humanitarian law and for sparing no effort to ensure the security of civilians. The protection of civilians in armed conflict is a red line under international humanitarian law.”
2023-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9439 (2023) · source
“Mr. Zhang Jun (China) (spoke in Chinese): This new round of conflict between Palestine and Israel continues to escalate and has already caused heavy civilian casualties and a humanitarian crisis. A spillover effect is impacting regional peace and stability. China is deeply concerned about that. We condemn all acts that harm civilians and oppose any violation of international law. We support the Security Council in playing a responsible role and support all efforts aimed at facilitating the de-escalation of the conflict and the restoration of peace. We welcome all initiatives that are conducive to protecting civilians and easing the humanitarian crisis. Based on that position, we voted in favour of the draft resolution that was put to the vote (S/2023/772).”
2023-10-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9439 (2023) · source
“Next year, China will host a new session of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and will take the opportunity to continue to play an active role in achieving peaceful development in Africa and increasing international cooperation with Africa.”
2023-10-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9435 (2023) · source
“In more than 10 countries, including Ghana and Djibouti, the Luban Workshop has been training and cultivating a large number of talented young people in the local community, which benefits local development. In the capital of Ethiopia, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, built with China’s assistance, has been formally completed and is now making new contributions to the prevention and control of diseases in Africa and the protection of public health in Africa. While attending the China-Africa leadership dialogue in South Africa in August, President Xi Jinping announced three initiatives, namely the African industrialization initiative, the agricultural modernization programme and the talent cultivation cooperation programme, which will give added impetus to Africa’s integration and modernization processes.”
2023-10-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9435 (2023) · source
“Since the very beginning, China has supported Africa’s capacity-building, which is an important element of its cooperation with Africa, and it is committed to helping Africa achieve industrialization, modernization and sustainable development. In Nigeria, the Lekki sea port, built by a Chinese company, has officially begun operations, facilitating local shipping channels and creating hundreds of thousands of jobs. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the construction of the Kinsuka substation’s underground transmission lines is being stepped up, with the substation expected to address the power shortage in the local transmission area.”
2023-10-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9435 (2023) · source
“At present, the complexity and intractability of the hotspot issues in the Horn of Africa, the recurring political turmoil in West Africa and the Sahel countries, and the rampant violent and terrorist activities in the Great Lakes and Lake Chad regions have all contributed to a situation of recurring conflicts that deserve our in-depth consideration. The international community should help the countries concerned to strengthen capacity-building in such areas as government governance, security sector reforms, sustainable development and human resources development. The United Nations should provide vigorous support to Africa’s implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and make more tangible efforts to eradicate poverty, guarantee food security, strengthen infrastructure development and increase employment.”
2023-10-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9435 (2023) · source
“Therefore, the concerned parties should fulfil their humanitarian commitments in a timely and complete manner. At the first Africa Climate Summit, African leaders collectively demanded that developed countries honour their commitments to climate financing, which have been delayed for 14 years. The Council has a role to play in urging that political commitments to Africa are effectively translated into concrete actions. Thirdly, it is necessary to build a partnership anchored in the fundamentals that focuses on the long term.”
2023-10-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9435 (2023) · source
“The United Nations should focus on responding to the concerns of the AU, while some developed countries should assume greater responsibility in terms of settling their historical debt as soon as possible rather than shifting blame or simply doing nothing. African countries have devoted themselves to AU peacekeeping operations and, to that end, have called on international communities to provide predictable and sustainable funding. Traditionally developed country donors should maintain their high level of support, and the United Nations should push for substantial progress in resolving relevant issues without delay. The Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia, South Sudan and the Sahel are significantly underfunded in terms of humanitarian operations.”
2023-10-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9435 (2023) · source
“So- called standards should not be imposed on Africa in the name of the United Nations. Such a practice interferes in Africa’s internal affairs and is not conducive to cooperation between the AU and the United Nations. Secondly, we must build a partnership of mutual support and shared responsibility. The negative impact of the long-lasting legacy of colonialism and hegemony on peace and stability in Africa is far from over, as global crises and geopolitical conflicts bring further harm to Africa. The international community should prioritize the maintenance of peace and stability in Africa.”
2023-10-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9435 (2023) · source
“In the northern part of Mozambique, through joint operations, the Government’s forces and the Southern African Development Community have eradicated local terrorist forces and restored peace and stability. The African Union and subregional peacekeeping operations have focused on pragmatic and efficient operations and have achieved widely acknowledged remarkable results. In the face of global and regional challenges, the Council should continue to support the African Union in leveraging its advantages and enlarging its role. United Nations peacekeeping operations should be informed by AU’s useful practices, adapt to the changing situation on the ground and play its role, as required. The United Nations and the AU enjoy an equal relationship of cooperation and there is therefore no hierarchy in terms of leadership or command.”
2023-10-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9435 (2023) · source
“Last week, members of Security Council visited Addis Ababa, where it held its annual consultations with the AU Peace and Security Council. The consultations produced a series of new ideas and recommendations giving new impetus to cooperation between the United Nations and the African Union. In addressing complex and intertwined global challenges, the United Nations, the African Union and other subregional organizations in Africa must strengthen their solidarity and cooperation and build a strong partnership. First, we must build a partnership on an equal footing, with mutual respect and understanding. In recent years, the African Union and all subregional organizations have been actively engaged in addressing peace and security challenges and promoting the approach of African solutions to African problems.”
2023-10-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9435 (2023) · source
“Mr. Zhang Jun (China) (spoke in Chinese): I thank Special Representative Onanga-Anyanga and Ambassador Mohammed for their briefings. I listened closely to the briefing by Mr. Dersso. In recent years, as a champion of multilateralism and solidarity among developing countries, the African Union (AU) has been leading African countries forward along the path of development, revitalization and integration. We welcome the strengthened efforts to enlarge the African Continental Free Trade Area. The African Union has formally acceded to the Group of 20, its first Climate Summit was held in Africa and Ethiopia and Egypt have joined the cooperation mechanism of the group of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, all of which that attest to Africa’s growing global influence, as an important pole in the world.”
2023-10-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9435 (2023) · source
“China looks forward to working with the international community and Council members to support and assist the Haitian people in finding the right path out of their crises.”
2023-10-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9430 (2023) · source
“If the Council had taken that step sooner, the security situation in Haiti might not have deteriorated to where it is today. From now on all countries are obliged to take concrete action in accordance with Council resolutions and to contribute to curbing the gang violence in Haiti and protecting the safety and lives of its people. The multiple crises in Haiti are intertwined, and security issues represent only one dimension of that. A comprehensive approach is therefore essential to finding a comprehensive solution. The Council will have opportunities this month to hold in-depth consultations and discussions on the political situation in Haiti, the sanctions regime and the work of BINUH.”
2023-10-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9430 (2023) · source
“We urge the Haitian authorities and all parties and factions to respond positively to the mediation efforts of CARICOM and the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), work in the fundamental interests of the people, show sincerity in conducting dialogue and taking on their responsibilities, and create conditions conducive to holding free and fair elections as soon as possible. At China’s strong request, and with the support of a majority of Council members, the penholders have finally taken China’s views on board and have used the resolution to explicitly request that all countries take all possible steps to cut off at their source the channels by which Haitian gangs obtain small arms, light weapons and ammunition. That is a very important decision.”
2023-10-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9430 (2023) · source
“At the same time, the implementation of the resolution must comply with international law and the basic norms governing international relations, so as to avoid infringing on other countries’ sovereignty or interfering in their internal affairs. Without a legitimate, effective and accountable Government in place, it is hardly possible for any external support to have a lasting impact. The Haitian authorities and all the parties and factions involved should reach the broadest possible consensus on transitional arrangements as soon as possible and come up with a feasible and credible timetable. Regrettably, today’s resolution does not send the strongest possible message in that regard. With China’s facilitation, the resolution recognizes CARICOM’s efforts to promote a political settlement of the Haitian crisis.”
2023-10-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9430 (2023) · source
“However, in view of the current security situation in Haiti and the concerns and appeals of the international community, especially those of the CARICOM nations, and based on our trust in friendly countries, China has taken a constructive position on the Council’s adoption of resolution 2699 (2023). In accordance with the resolution, we hope that the countries leading the Multinational Security Support Mission to Haiti will hold in-depth consultations with Haiti on specific arrangements for the deployment of security forces, with a view to reaching an agreement and ensuring that the arrangements will have the support of the Haitian people. Moreover, reporting to the Council should be done in a timely manner.”
2023-10-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9430 (2023) · source
“In the past few weeks we have been engaging Council members in thorough consultations with the aim of delivering an appropriate framework to facilitate the deployment of multinational security support. Among other issues, the consultations have centred on invoking Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations. Proceeding from the principles of State sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs, China has always taken a cautious and responsible approach to the Council’s invocation of Chapter VII in authorizing the use of force. There have been some precedents for abuse of that authorization in previous practice.”
2023-10-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9430 (2023) · source
“Mr. Zhang Jun (China) (spoke in Chinese): China would like to express its deep sympathy with the tragic situation of the Haitian people. We have been working to increase the Council’s attention to the question of Haiti, demanding that the Haitian authorities and all political parties and factions effectively assume their responsibilities and calling on United Nations agencies and the relevant international and regional partners to provide Haiti with targeted assistance. China appreciates Kenya’s willingness to lead a multinational security support mission and play an active role in improving the security situation in Haiti, along with some of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) nations.”
2023-10-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9430 (2023) · source
“As a next step, China will further deliver on its pledges and support Afghanistan by providing humanitarian assistance and development aid. China will make more tangible contributions, within its capacity, in order to support the Afghan people in overcoming their difficulties and building a better future.”
2023-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9423 (2023) · source
“We are pleased to note that Afghanistan’s neighbours and the countries of the region have been at the forefront of economic and trade cooperation and improving connectivity with Afghanistan; connectivity projects and economic and trade cooperation are moving ahead swiftly. We hope that the international community will support the efforts of countries in the region; continue to leverage platforms such as the coordination and cooperation mechanisms among Afghanistan’s neighbours — the Shanghai Cooperation Organization-Afghanistan Contact Group — and help the country to unleash its development potential and maintain security and stability. Since 2021, China has provided 4 trillion renminbi worth of food, medicine and vaccine supplies, among other emergency supplies, as well as 1 billion renminbi worth of humanitarian assistance.”
2023-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9423 (2023) · source
“We hope that UNAMA will act in line with that resolution and prioritize the use of its resources to help alleviate the humanitarian situation, while promoting economic and social development, advocating a prompt unfreezing of the country’s overseas assets and reporting to the Security Council in a timely manner. Meanwhile, UNAMA should continue to facilitate the international community’s engagement and dialogue with the Afghan authorities and play a constructive role in the peaceful reconstruction of Afghanistan. With security in place, UNAMA staff should conduct more fieldwork. It should make timely adjustments concerning staff vacancies, use its resources more efficiently, improve its staffing structure and recruit more professional staff from countries in the region.”
2023-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9423 (2023) · source
“At the same time, the sanctions mechanism established under resolution 1988 (2011) is no longer relevant in the light of the current developments and should therefore be adjusted or lifted expeditiously. Since its establishment, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has carried out considerable work to maintain stability, promote economic and social development, facilitate the engagement of the Afghan authorities with the international community and improve the country’s humanitarian situation. China commends those efforts. Resolution 2626 (2022) granted a broad mandate to UNAMA and clearly defined its priorities.”
2023-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9423 (2023) · source
“In the past, in order to facilitate dialogue on peace and stability in the country, the Security Council decided to grant exemptions to the travel ban for some Taliban personnel, which has yielded positive results. However, some countries view dialogue and engagement with Afghanistan as a reward and insist on ending the exemption and using that as a tool to penalize the Afghan authorities and exert pressure on them, imposing restrictions on their dialogue and engagement with the international community. Evidence shows that closing the door of dialogue will only exacerbate antagonism and division. The Security Council should resume the package of exemption arrangements as soon as possible and make it easier for Afghanistan to engage with the international community.”
2023-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9423 (2023) · source
“At the same time, the obstacles that unilateral coercive measures pose to humanitarian assistance are still prominent. Although resolution 2615 (2021), clearly states that the provision of humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan does not constitute a violation of the Council’s sanctions, many humanitarian institutions still feel constrained when delivering aid to Afghanistan out of fear of long-arm jurisdiction. We once again call on the relevant country to lift its unilateral sanctions against Afghanistan as soon as possible. Fourthly, we must address engagement with the authority in Afghanistan. That the Afghan interim Government is in power is a fait accompli. The international community should adopt a long-term view and engage with it in a practical manner.”
2023-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9423 (2023) · source
“We once again urge the United States side to return the assets immediately, in full and unconditionally, and not to find more excuses to further delay the process. Thirdly, I would like to speak about unilateral coercive measures. Compared with the freezing of assets, which is only the tip of the iceberg, unilateral coercive measures are the real, massive iceberg below the surface. Under the unilateral coercive measures, the banking system of Afghanistan has collapsed. Cash flow is nearly depleted, and the process of economic recovery is stalled. There is a serious shortage of medicine and medical devices, imported water-purification equipment, construction materials, machine parts, among other supplies. The day-to-day life of the Afghan people has been severely impacted.”
2023-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9423 (2023) · source
“A year ago, the United States announced the transfer of $3.5 billion out of the frozen assets to the so-called “Afghan Fund”, set up in a foreign bank, claiming that the Fund would be used to improve livelihoods and stabilize the economy. However, two years have passed and not one penny of the Fund has been returned to the people of Afghanistan. According to the Secretary-General’s latest report, the Fund has accrued $128 million in interest. The Fund’s board held three meetings to discuss — unbelievably — how to pay for the Fund’s operations with the interest. This is a new form of plundering. It is absurd beyond words. The money belongs to the people of Afghanistan. No matter what money laundering techniques are used, it will not become the lawful earnings of others.”
2023-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9423 (2023) · source
“Those figures clearly demonstrate that cutting back — by a big margin — humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan for political or ideological reasons and linking humanitarian assistance with other issues will only stand in the way of Afghanistan’s stability and development. Winter is coming. We call on traditional developed country donors to prioritize the need for survival of the Afghans, refrain from instrumentalizing humanitarian assistance to exert pressure and not to let the Afghans fall victim to political considerations. Secondly, I would like to touch upon Afghanistan’s frozen assets overseas. In August 2021, the United States illegally froze $7 billion of the Afghan Central Bank’s assets.”
2023-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9423 (2023) · source
“The United Nations Development Programme estimated that Afghanistan’s gross domestic product shrank by 3.6 per cent last year, largely due to a sharp drop in the humanitarian funding it received. According to the Secretary-General’s report (S/2023/678), as many as two thirds of its population will need humanitarian assistance next year, while the United Nations Afghanistan humanitarian response plan, as it stands now, is only 27 per cent funded. The latest data from the World Food Programme indicates that about 41 million Afghans are food insecure, with more and more women and children living in hunger.”
2023-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9423 (2023) · source
“In the meantime, Afghanistan is still facing severe challenges in areas such as its humanitarian situation, terrorist threats, livelihoods and the protection of the rights and interests of women and children. We expect the country’s authorities to build political inclusivity and govern with moderation, develop good-neighbourly cooperation, protect the rights and interests of ethnic minorities and women and children and make positive efforts in the interests of its people. At the same time, the international community should sustain its attention and support to Afghanistan, provide its people humanitarian assistance and help with its economic development. In that context, four issues warrant close attention. First, there has been a significant reduction in donor countries’ humanitarian assistance for Afghanistan.”
2023-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9423 (2023) · source
“Mr. Zhang Jun (China) (spoke in Chinese): I would like to first thank Special Representative Otunbayeva and Executive Director Bahous for their briefings. I also listened carefully to the statement delivered by the civil society representative. Afghanistan is at a critical phase of peaceful reconstruction. Over the past two years, its interim Government has actively implemented measures to stabilize the situation, developed the country’s economy and improved people’s livelihoods. As a result, the country’s security situation has been stable on the whole, with a significantly lower incidence of violence and a steady increase of tax revenues and imports and exports. Those positive developments should be acknowledged and encouraged.”
2023-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9423 (2023) · source
“By putting forward the collective Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, China hopes to work with other countries to promote economic development, better livelihoods, mutual benefits and win-win scenarios and to contribute Chinese ideas and solutions in order to strengthen global governance and address humanitarian issues. Together with the international community, we stand ready to continue to actively participate in multilateral and bilateral humanitarian relief operations and continue to provide support and assistance, within our capacity, to countries in need.”
2023-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9418 (2023) · source
“They interfere with the private sector’s regular activities in trade, investment and business operation. As such, they have become the biggest obstacle to public- private humanitarian cooperation. The international community should jointly urge relevant countries to immediately lift unilateral sanctions, eliminate their negative effects and create favourable conditions for international humanitarian actions. During his recent meeting with the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Beijing, President Xi Jinping pointed out that China is an active supporter, participant and contributor to the international humanitarian cause.”
2023-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9418 (2023) · source
“We must rise above external blood transfusions and enhance the ability to organically generate blood. Humanitarian action should be effectively dovetailed with the development strategies of the countries concerned, with greater investment in infrastructure, industrial and agricultural development, education and training, among others. The private sector has a unique role to play in promoting trade and investment, financing cooperation, creating jobs, thereby aligning humanitarian assistance more closely with sustainable development. It is worth noting that illegal unilateral sanctions severely affect the ability of the public sector of the countries concerned to provide basic services such as health care, education and the provision of food.”
2023-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9418 (2023) · source
“Humanitarian crises in some countries are rooted in their deteriorating economic situation and the heightened threat from climate change and energy and food crises, among other situations, which all boils down to development at the end of the day. The key to reducing humanitarian needs and dependence on humanitarian assistance lies in people-centred development. In some countries, despite decades-long international humanitarian actions and significant investments in human and material resources, the humanitarian situation has yet to be fundamentally alleviated, which merits careful reflection. China is of the view that we must look beyond traditional means of humanitarian assistance and attach greater importance to the path of economic development. We must go further than short-term help and seek long-term fundamental solutions.”
2023-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9418 (2023) · source
“It has been proven that by effectively increasing the voice and representation of recipient countries, humanitarian actions will be delivered in a more efficient and targeted manner, with definitive results that will better stand the test of time. For some time, international humanitarian assistance has been overly focused on certain countries. Humanitarian assistance in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia, Haiti, South Sudan and the Sahel are severely underfunded. This is not normal and cannot go on like this. We should therefore promote coordination among United Nations humanitarian agencies, allocate resources fairly and rationally and help all countries in need. Fourthly, we should promote humanitarianism and development in an integrated manner.”
2023-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9418 (2023) · source
“Thirdly, we should establish efficient partnerships on an equal footing. Ultimately, humanitarian assistance is to be effective and successful in benefiting the recipient country, to be measured by how well it is received among the population in that country. When determining priorities, modalities and projects, humanitarian agencies should not only communicate with key donors, but also pay more heed to the views of recipient countries and various local actors. The private sector, in its participation in humanitarian action, should make use of its comparative advantages and be more relevant to the actual needs of the countries concerned.”
2023-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9418 (2023) · source
“A few countries, under the pretext of democracy and human rights, have all too easily cut or even suspended humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan and other countries, which will only victimize innocent civilians, worsen the socioeconomic crisis in Afghanistan and contravene the spirit of humanitarianism. For quite some time at the Security Council, there has been constant controversy over the issue of humanitarian access. We advocate against complicating simple issues, especially politicizing issues of a professional nature. We should resolve differences through dialogue and consultation, guide our actions on the basis of national conditions of the countries concerned and find effective ways to ensure that humanitarian supplies reach those in need quickly and safely, without hindrance.”
2023-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9418 (2023) · source