Mr. President, Distinguished Delegates:
Since I began this assignment nine months ago, I have visited Myanmar five times, Bangladesh three times as well as other tours in the region and beyond.
18-months have now passed since the recent violence in Rakhine State forced hundreds of thousands of Rohingya and others to flee their homes, including across the border into Bangladesh.
In the broader context of Myanmar’s democratic transition, military and civilian tensions persist ahead of general elections next year and the peace process remains fragile while the country struggles with the legacy of decades of rule by the army and subsequently, fundamental issues relating to the protection of human rights.
Rakhine
In addition to accountability, I have been underlining in my engagements, the following steps that are needed: i) Ending the violence in Rakhine; ii) Unfettered access to affected people; iii) Addressing the root causes and; iv) inclusive and equitable development.
I have witnessed first-hand in my two visits to Cox’s Bazar, refugees living in extremely challenging temporary conditions and with little sign of hope.
While Bangladesh and host communities have been very generous, we cannot expect this to continue indefinitely. The recently launched UN Joint Response Plan for 2019 to benefit both refugees and host communities needs urgent funding.
Meanwhile, I am concerned that the heavy fighting with the Arakan Army (AA) will further impact efforts toward the dignified, voluntary and safe return of refugees.
I have appealed to all sides to ensure the protection of civilians and uphold their responsibilities under International Humanitarian and Human Rights Law.
For refugees in Bangladesh, knowing that the UN and its partners are present at their places of return will be positive incentive to return.
In developing durable solutions for those displaced within Myanmar, it is vital that the current positive efforts by Myanmar to draft a national strategy on the closure of IDP camps address the underlying issues in Rakhine, including the question of citizenship and restoring freedom of movement.
Even prior to the fighting with the AA, the level of access was a problem. Access in the implementation of the MoU between Myanmar and UNDP/UNHCR to support the creation of conditions for the return of the refugees from Bangladesh was insufficient. This must improve to address fragility of all communities in Rakhine.
Any complementarity, especially at the regional level by ASEAN in support of the bilateral efforts between Myanmar and Bangladesh will be crucial.
At the request of both governments, I will continue my shuttle diplomacy and to engage all other regional stakeholders.
I will also continue to encourage Myanmar’s greater international cooperation towards the effective and holistic implementation of all recommendations of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State.
On related key issues, I am in close contact at the highest levels on steps that authorities are taking with a view to transparent and credible procedures.
In my recent visits to Myanmar, I have advocated for a “Zero Tolerance for Discrimination” campaign from top down.
In addition, I will aim to coordinate and foster greater intercommunal dialogue in Rakhine State through my Office in Nay Pyi Taw.
Accountability
Accountability is essential for combating impunity and genuine reconciliation.
Myanmar’s Independent Commission of Enquiry (ICOE) has responded positively to my recommendation that it should engage with United Nations human rights entities such as with OHCHR and the FFM.
There needs to be complementarity, including with the latest Human Rights Council mandated independent investigative mechanism.
But national responsibility and ownership of accountability are also important, not least from the perspective of the victims in Cox’s Bazar and throughout Myanmar.
In line with the Basic Principles on the Right to Remedy and Reparation for Victims of Gross Violations of Human Rights Law and Serious Violations of International Humanitarian Law, accountability should not be solely seen in terms of criminal liability.
I therefore am encouraging various initiatives that give the victims different kinds of voices and supporting projects that foster dialogue as mentioned above.
Peace Process
We are witnessing in other areas beyond Rakhine, including Kachin and Shan states, setbacks in the complex peace process. In these areas too, many affected civilians require assistance and access there too has been restricted.
Despite some positive steps towards an inclusive and peaceful solution, such as the 21 December unilateral ceasefire declaration by the Tatmadaw, tensions have escalated, including between the government side and signatory groups of the October 2015 Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA).
It is the responsibility of all parties to exercise restraint and avoid actions that can reverse the important gains of the peace process.
I stand ready to help support this process.
Some refugees from the camps in Thailand recently returned to Myanmar. It will be important to seize on such important confidence-building measures and build momentum.
Concluding Remarks
2020 general elections activities could add to the domestic complexities.
In such an environment, State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is evidently moving ahead carefully on democratic reform, as highlighted by the recent efforts on the constitutional amendment. It will be paramount that reform issues address institutionalised discrimination.
I am grateful that the Government of Myanmar agreed to and facilitated the installation of my small four-staff Nay Pyi Taw Office in January, helping reinforce the constructive cooperation that has been extended to me so far, as reflected in the access I have been able to enjoy.
We must collectively continue to build trust and work in partnership with the Government of Myanmar.
I will continue to speak truth and help build bridges and greater mutual understanding, including in support of the United Nations role in upholding international norms and standards.
This requires confidence-building and regular communication with all leaders. While I do share concern that progress has been slow, my first five visits to Myanmar have highlighted the enormous challenges that will require tremendous international support.
Thank you.
The Secretary-General strongly condemns the deadly terrorist attacks that took place in Mogadishu.
The Secretary-General extends his condolences to the families and friends of the victims and wishes a swift recovery to those injured. He commends the response of the Somali emergency services to the bombings.
The Secretary-General trusts that Somalis will not be deterred by such violence from pursuing a peaceful and prosperous future. He reiterates the support and...
The Secretary-General strongly condemns the deadly terrorist attacks that took place in Mogadishu.
The Secretary-General extends his condolences to the families and friends of the victims and wishes a swift recovery to those injured. He commends the response of the Somali emergency services to the bombings.
The Secretary-General trusts that Somalis will not be deterred by such violence from pursuing a peaceful and prosperous future. He reiterates the support and...
Mr. President,
It is an honour to brief the Security Council for the first time as the Special Envoy for Syria, some eight weeks into my mandate.
I have taken up this task with all humility, and conscious of the profound grief and suffering of the Syrian people everywhere. I am conscious of the need to end this conflict for the sake of Syria, the region and the world. I know you all understand the scale and difficulty of my task. It is not for the lack of talent that my predecessors did not achieve more. And it will of course not be possible to satisfy every party on every issue.
But I can promise you that I will work impartially and diligently to discharge the mandate given to me in Security Council resolution 2254, to facilitate the political process. To do that will require the cooperation of all Syrian and international parties. It will require the readiness of all to deal seriously with the realities of the conflict and to work together to move things step by step in a positive direction.
Mr President,
In my initial engagements, I have reminded all parties that resolution 2254 contains all the elements required for a political solution. The resolution begins by respecting the sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity of Syria and provides a roadmap for a truly Syrian-led and owned political process. And this is a key, because I am convinced that a real peace process in Syria needs to be owned by the Syrians – including over half the population, Syrian women - for it to be sustainable.
Resolution 2254 demands compliance with international law, stresses protection of civilians and unfettered humanitarian access, cessation of hostilities, addressing terrorism, implementing confidence-building measures, and releasing detainees and abductees. All of these are vital if we are to see Syrians moving out of conflict. It further addresses the issues of governance, the constitutional process and UN supervised elections. These are the means by which the Syrians, and no one else, should determine their future. It speaks of safe and voluntary refugee returns and of reconstruction– issues that present themselves on a major scale and require serious discussion. In short: resolution 2254 takes a comprehensive view on the issues that need to be addressed to end the conflict and bring stability and genuine peace.
Mr. President,
My first and most important priority has been to engage the Syrian Government and the Syrian Negotiations Commission and seek their views and cooperation.
In Damascus, I was received very well by Foreign Minister Moallem. He responded positively to my core message. He expressed interest in the success of my mission and he welcomed my intention to return. Last week, Deputy Special Envoy Ramzy returned to Damascus and held good discussions with Deputy Foreign Minister Miqdad, reaffirming an agreement to sustained dialogue on peace in Syria, on the basis of resolution 2254, with the aim of building confidence and towards a Syrian-led and -owned and UN-facilitated political process.
I visited the Syrian Negotiations Commission at their office in Riyadh and met with all components led by Coordinator Nasser Hariri. I appreciated very much their positive response to my message and their commitment to engage and seek dialogue and negotiation to implement resolution 2254. My senior advisers had follow-up discussions a few days ago with them. They affirmed their readiness for a sustained dialogue on the basis of resolution 2254 towards a Syrian-led and -owned and UN facilitated political process.
I have also appreciated the frank, practical and constructive engagements with all international stakeholders, including visits to Moscow, Cairo, Ankara, Tehran, Paris, Berlin, Brussels, and meetings with senior officials of key countries in Geneva, at Davos, and recently in Munich. I will be in Washington on Tuesday and other capitals in due course - including London, Beirut, Amman and Beijing.
Mr. President,
I have recalled to all my interlocutors, and I remind you, that we are not starting from scratch – we have 12 living principles developed by the Syrians in Geneva and affirmed in Sochi; we have baskets that have formed an agreed agenda for intra-Syrian talks under UN facilitation. But beyond that, let me share five core thoughts with you on the way ahead.
First: it is essential for me as the UN mediator and facilitator to have direct and effective engagement with the Government of Syria, and of course with the opposition. This is needed to build confidence and trust and to develop sustained dialogue with the parties. It is needed to bring the Syrians to real negotiations under UN auspices to end the devastating conflict in the country and make a new beginning so that Syrians can together “win the peace” – a peace for all Syrians. I welcome the readiness of the parties to engage with me in this regard. And I look forward to returning to Damascus in a few weeks and to seeing the Syrian Negotiations Commission again after that.
It is not for me here to prejudge what can be built in a deeper dialogue. But I believe there is a shared sense that battlefield developments might be winding down. Nevertheless, the conflict is far from over. And the challenges of winning the peace are staggering in scale and complexity.
Large tracts of territory remain outside of government hands. ISIL is nearly defeated territorially but experience suggests it can reemerge. Syrians yearn to see the issue of detainees, abductees and missing persons meaningfully addressed.
Around half of Syria’s pre-war population have been displaced, you know the figures: 5.6 million refugees, 6.6 million IDPs and 80% of Syrians are living below the poverty line and half are unemployed. 11.7 million Syrians need humanitarian assistance.
I was pleased that, with the engagement of the US and Russian co-chairs of the ISSG and the facilitation of the Syrian government, we recently saw the largest single humanitarian convoy of the conflict reach 40,000 IDPs in to Rukban.
Let me emphasise, Mr President, that the UN stands ready to support a durable solution for the people of Rukban, one that abides by core protection standards, that must be coordinated with all relevant parties.
Socio-economic challenges are acute, with major challenges in service delivery, including gas shortages.
Mr. President,
After 8 years of war, Syrian society has undergone a profound transformation that has also dramatically impacted Syrian women. Many have assumed new responsibilities as the primary breadwinners of their families. Others have faced increased forms of violence specifically targeting women. Syrians – men, women and children - are suffering enormously.
Part of my mandate is to try and find ways to address this issue. Syria remains volatile for those who remain inside Syria and for those who wish to return.
My second point: Let me observe here that I was encouraged by the recent release of 42 detainees/abductees. This was the second release operation conducted by the Russian Federation and Turkey within the framework of the working group on detainees, abductees and missing persons. At the same time, we need to scale up and prioritize action on this issue which is of immense humanitarian importance and is also an essential part of building confidence. We are intensively engaging on this issue with the parties, and in key capitals. We are eager to see more meaningful progress to be unlocked in the period ahead, and we are in concrete discussions on how to attempt to do this.
My third point: Beyond the formal parties, the full spectrum of the Syrian people need to be engaged and involved in the effort to build confidence and trust, and search for peace. Engaging Syrians from different walks of life reminds me of what is at stake for civilians in this conflict. It reminds me of Syrians’ resilience in responding to the overwhelming needs generated by this conflict, and of their stake in the political process.
Over the past two months, my team has conducted consultations with more than 200 Syrian civil society actors from inside Syria and the diaspora. I have been carefully studying the insights and reflections of these Syrians, to inform my thinking and I remain committed to ensuring that a broad spectrum of Syrian civic actors are heard and included in our efforts to promote sustainable peace.
Mr. President,
Next week, the Women’s Advisory Board will be in Geneva. They have already been in touch to convey that there will be no sustainable peace in Syria unless all Syrians are included in shaping the future of the country. I look forward to hearing their views on how to advance the women’s rights agenda and strengthen the meaningful participation of women in the political process.
This brings me to my fourth point: As I deepen the dialogue with the parties, I sense a wide acceptance of the notion that convening a credible, balanced, inclusive and viable Syrian-led and -owned Constitutional Committee, under UN auspices in Geneva, can be important to revitalize the political process. It can be a door opener to a deeper dialogue and genuine negotiations.
I also believe it is now well understood that a package of understandings is needed to ensure that the Syrian Government and opposition are on board on essential principles of procedure to guide the work of a constitutional committee. It is my hope that we can finalize the rules of procedure and the composition of the committee in the near future. I will do everything possible to facilitate a credible composition including a minimum 30% female representation.
Mr. President,
As we focus on developing a real Syrian-led process, we of course all acknowledge that external intervention has been a significant factor in the conflict. Five international armies operate across Syria’s land and airspace, in tension or even conflict, generating daily risks for international escalation. The involvement of course extends beyond the military sphere to a range of other spheres as well. So this brings me to my fifth point: that I will focus on improving international dialogue and cooperation.
Some challenges must be addressed urgently or else Syria will be engulfed in renewed escalations – escalations that would have immense human costs, derail any progress on the political front, and risk regional spill over. Intensive diplomacy is underway. But even more is needed regarding the future situation in the north-east.
There, I believe a way forward is needed that, to paraphrase the Secretary-General, ensures the unity and territorial integrity of Syria and takes into account the security concerns of neighbouring States, while recognizing and giving voice to different components of Syria’s population. Likewise, HTS advances in Idlib and escalations in the area underscore the need to uphold the fragile ceasefire arrangement for Idlib, to protect the civilians, and also counter the Security-Council listed terrorist groups and foreign fighters that have been such a scourge on Syria, while also addressing the root causes and conditions in which they thrive. I welcome the recent Sochi summit’s fresh impetus to fully implement the Idlib memorandum. And I urge this to be a continued focus in the lead-up to the next Astana meeting. Meanwhile, the international community must ensure that the international norms against the use of chemical weapons are indeed respected and enforced. On another note, I would add that the growing risk of further confrontations between Israel and Iran in Syria and that this should not be overlooked.
Mr. President,
Beyond crisis management, I note well that key international players express emphatic support for a political settlement for Syria under UN auspices and affirm resolution 2254. They agree on the need to counter Security-Council-listed groups and the need for peace and stability. They support a political settlement that meets the legitimate aspiration of the Syrian people and preserve Syria’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. They share an appreciation of the realities of 2019 and that real diplomacy is needed to address them. At present different formats of discussion make contributions. And the United Nations has engaged judiciously with all who seek to help. But I believe there are real possibilities for strengthening international support and I believe we need to be creative in this regard. I will be working hard in this direction. If we are to see how issues can be unblocked and how to help the parties move in a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned process, a common forum where key states engage seriously on these issues may be needed.
Mr President,
Let me conclude: my engagements with all parties, without exception, have been positive and forward-looking. But, of course, as we go deeper into the issues, the parties’ willingness to move from good words to real talks will be put to the test. I will engage all in good faith with five goals in the period ahead:
First: To begin and deepen a sustained dialogue with the Syrian government and the opposition on building trust and confidence towards a safe, calm and neutral environment;
Second: To see a more concrete action on detainees, abductees and missing persons through engagement with the Astana players and the Syrian parties and all concerned;
Third: To engage a wide range of Syrians as I proceed and to involve them in the process;
Fourth: To convene a credible, balanced and inclusive constitutional committee as soon as possible;
Fifth: To help the international parties deepen their own dialogue towards the common purpose of a credible and sustainable political settlement of the Syrian conflict that can enjoy international legitimacy.
Mr. President,
If you allow me - one final thought: Syrians have every capacity to live together in peace and a political settlement is plainly needed if we are to see real and genuine reconciliation. There is no military solution and the true victors will be those who can move beyond slogans and paint a hopeful picture of what Syria could look like in ten years – a picture that all Syrians can support, even if the road towards it will be long and hard.
Mr President,
I’ve spent much of my career working with problems that seem totally intractable, dynamics that seemed eternally fixed. But I know, first hand, that history can bend in directions that nobody anticipated.
Thank you.
Mr. President,
Thank you for the opportunity to address the Council on this important initiative: Silencing the Guns in Africa. I would like to commend the Equatorial Guinean Presidency for organizing this debate.
Silencing the Guns is an initiative to promote prevention, management and resolution of conflicts in Africa. It is important, not only for what it aims to do, but also for what it says about the importance of African leadership and partnership with the global community.
It was the African Union that pledged in 2013 “not to bequeath the burden of conflict to the next generation of Africans and undertake to end all wars by 2020”.
The AU’s Peace and Security Council then took the lead and developed a “Master Roadmap of practical steps to Silencing the Guns by 2020”, endorsed by the AU Assembly in January 2017.
H.E. Mr. Ramtane Lamamra, AU High Representative for Silencing the Guns in Africa, whom we have the honor to welcome here today, has worked closely with the United Nations to help accelerate the implementation of the initiative.
And this cooperation is wide-ranging. Indeed, the UN-AU strategic partnership has become a cornerstone of the UN’s peace and security initiatives in Africa.
The UN and the AU share a common mission – to prevent conflict. Thus, Silencing the Guns also means keeping them from firing in the first place. In the last two years, we each have strengthened our joint ability to detect and defuse crises before they escalate, as well as our cooperation to help resolve them.
Our partnership with the AU involves concrete action. In January 2018, among other initiatives, the United Nations kicked off a two-year project to support policy dialogue and technical assistance on conflict prevention and mediation in Africa.
Mr. President,
The African Union and the United Nations partnership is bearing fruit in different countries of the continent.
In the Central African Republic, the AU, with United Nations support, shepherded the recent signing of the peace agreement.
In South Sudan, the signing of the revitalized peace accord facilitated by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) with the support of the AU and the UN has sparked renewed hope, even as more needs to be done to definitively silence the guns and end abuses, including sexual and gender-based violence in South Sudan.
In Somalia, the UN and AU continue to work together in support of Somalia’s state-building agenda, the fight against violent extremism and the efforts to restore peace and stability in the country.
And the United Nations continues to work closely with the African Union and other partners to ensure the peaceful conduct of elections on the continent.
In Madagascar, the United Nations and Southern African Development Community (SADC) actively supported the good offices efforts led by the AU and Mr. Lamamra, during the 2018 presidential election. These efforts contributed to a peaceful process.
The United Nations has also increased its support to efforts to counter-terrorism and prevent violent extremism in Africa. In June 2018, the UN signed with the AU a Memorandum of Understanding in this area to increase its cooperation and capacity-building support to the AU and several sub-regional organizations as well as to Member States.
Silencing the guns for good requires the participation of all. As we assess efforts to increase women’s leadership and meaningful participation in political processes, we see that progress has slowed, despite the combined work of the UN, the AU and civil society. We must redouble our efforts in this critical pursuit.
Mr. President,
Building resilient societies is also key for silencing the guns. This implies strong institutions that respond to the needs of citizens, good governance and inclusive politics.
In recent years, the continent has made great strides in deepening democracy and democratic institutions, including through the implementation of the African Governance Architecture.
However, numerous governance challenges remain, including the marginalisation of certain groups from political processes, the prevalence of a ‘winner-takes-all’ approach, corruption, and the mismanagement of natural resources.
The UN continues to work with the AU and the Regional Economic Communities in helping to build strong national institutions and addressing the root causes of armed conflict, including through support to democratic consolidation, upholding human rights, ending marginalization and promoting inclusive socio-economic development, in line with the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
Mr. President,
As the Secretary-General stated that, with the recent peaceful elections and truces, “a wind of hope is blowing in Africa”. Along with political progress, we are witnessing that across the continent, entrepreneurship is up, access to education has increased and child mortality has declined. One year ago, Africa’s leaders launched the African Continental Free Trade Area. These and other positive developments are clear evidence that it is Africans, in partnership with the global community, who are leading the way to sustainable peace and prosperity in the continent.
In “silencing the guns” African countries have a central role to play in making the initiative a success, as do the African Union and Africa’s private sector and civil society.
But it is vital that the international community lend its support to Africa in achieving this objective. Let this debate today galvanize global support for these efforts.
Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you, Mr. President,
Exactly a month ago, I briefed the Security Council on the protracted crisis in Venezuela, including its political, economic, human rights and humanitarian dimensions. Since then, we have witnessed an alarming escalation of tensions.
As I reported in my previous briefing to the Council, on 23 January the President of the National Assembly, Juan Guaidó, invoked provisions of the Constitution to declare himself interim President of Venezuela during an opposition-led protest. The application of these constitutional provisions were strongly contested by the Government. As part of the actions he has taken since then, Mr. Guaidó announced that food and medical supplies would be transported to Venezuela.
In response, the United States and other countries stockpiled food and medical supplies at the Colombian and Brazilian borders as well as in Curaçao.
Separately, the Russian Federation and China delivered supplies to Venezuela, in coordination with the Venezuelan Government, to be distributed to those in need.
On 22 February, the Venezuelan Government temporarily closed several international bridges at the border with Colombia as well as border crossings with Brazil. It also increased its security presence in those areas.
On 23 February, Mr. Guaidó led efforts by volunteers and other lawmakers to transport food and medicine that had been stocked in Brazil and Colombia across the border to Venezuela.
Violent incidents occurred at different points along the borders with Brazil and Colombia, as the Venezuelan security forces blocked the aid supplies coming into Venezuela.
At the Colombia border, two trucks were burned as they attempted to cross the border, with the Government and opposition accusing each other of burning them.
According to Colombian migration authorities, at least 285 individuals were injured on the Colombian side. It is our understanding that no aid from this site was allowed in.
Along the Brazilian border, indigenous groups supporting the opposition attempted to deliver aid stockpiled in Brazil and met resistance. According to the Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights, between 22 and 23 February four deaths were confirmed near the Brazilian border and another 64 individuals were injured, most of them by gunshot.
The UN Human Rights Office also received several reports pointing to the involvement of pro-government armed elements in the violent attacks on protestors.
Mr. President,
In a statement, on 23 February the Secretary-General stated his shock and sadness at the recent violence and loss of life that brought additional suffering to the Venezuelan people.
He reiterated the appeal he had made to Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza on 22 February that lethal force not be used by anyone under any circumstances. The Secretary-General also called for calm and urged all actors to lower tensions and pursue every effort to prevent further escalation.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet condemned the violent scenes that took place at various points along Venezuela’s borders with Brazil and Colombia. She condemned “the excessive use of force by the Venezuelan security forces” and said the Government must stop its forces from using it. She also urged the Government to “rein in” its “proxy” groups and “arrest those among them who have used force against protestors”.
Mr. President,
The Secretary-General is concerned by the serious humanitarian problems facing the country, and their impact on vulnerable populations.
While the lack of official data is a serious challenge in assessing the situation, available information depicts a grim reality with the economy continuing to deteriorate, and with people dying of preventable causes and leaving the country in search of assistance.
Civil society groups report that maternal mortality has increased by over 50 per cent since 2017 as have the number of infant deaths. Dialysis patients, among other groups of people that suffer from chronic conditions have taken to the streets to protest the lack of medicines and of services they require to stay alive.
Data used by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) indicates that measles is under control, but 80 per cent of hospitals lack the required medicines and 30 to 40 per cent of the medical personnel have left the country.
New estimates by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the International Organisation for Migration place at 3.4 million the number of Venezuelans who have left the country.
Mr. President,
In Venezuela, the UN system is working in cooperation with relevant state institutions and other actors, to support efforts to address these challenges. Seven resident agencies, funds and programmes and a non-resident agency, have moved from policy-oriented support to a strengthened, prioritized and coordinated UN effort that delivers assistance closest to people in need. Since 2018, the UN has been implementing a scale-up effort that consists of three pillars of action: life-saving, economic recovery, and conflict prevention and human rights. The scale up was developed in the context of the UN Development Assistance Framework for Venezuela.
Delivery of assistance is guided by General Assembly Resolution 46/182 and the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence. Such assistance must be free from political objectives and delivered on the basis of need.
Much more remains to be done to address the extremely urgent needs of the Venezuelan people. The UN is ready to continue expanding these efforts. We will continue to act in accordance with the humanitarian principles, working with Venezuelan institutions, to assist people in need.
The Secretary-General has stressed repeatedly the importance of these guiding principles and has called on all stakeholders and Member States to respect them.
Mr. President,
As he has repeatedly stated, the Secretary-General is ready to exercise his good offices if the parties avail themselves of this option.
Venezuelan actors across the entire political spectrum have the responsibility to put the interests of the Venezuelan people at the center of their actions at this most critical time.
Thank you, Mr. President.
Monsieur le Président,
Je voudrais vous remercier pour l’opportunité que vous m’offrez à nouveau, de m’entretenir avec le Conseil, sur la situation au Burundi. Avant de le faire, permettez-moi de vous féliciter pour vote présidence du Conseil de Sécurité, ce mois-ci.
Mon exposé sera articulé sur les principaux développements qui ont prévalu au Burundi et dans la région, depuis mon dernier briefing, en particulier les activités que j’ai menées au nom du Secrétaire général, ainsi que les perspectives d’avenir dans le cadre de la résolution de la crise politique, et cela à seize mois seulement de la tenue d’élections générales dont le scrutin présidentiel.
Monsieur le Président,
Distingués Membres du Conseil de sécurité,
Mesdames et Messieurs,
Depuis mon exposé de novembre dernier, la situation du Burundi a été marquée par les développements majeurs ci-après:
Le 25 janvier, le Gouvernement Burundais et l’Equipe pays des Nations Unies, ont signé un Accord de coopération, dans le cadre de l’UNDAF 2019–2023, d’un montant de 784,4 millions de dollars US (dont 46 % sont immédiatement disponibles), concrétisant ainsi le soutien continu des Nations Unies aux programmes prioritaires du Gouvernement, exprimés dans son Plan National de Développement. Le 9 février, le Haut-Commissariat aux réfugiés a lancé un appel de fonds de 296 millions de dollars US, pour venir en aide aux réfugiés regroupés dans les camps de Tanzanie, du Rwanda, en Ouganda et en RDC.
Monsieur le Président,
Distingués Membres du Conseil de sécurité,
Mesdames et Messieurs,
Je me suis rendu au Burundi du 20 au 29 janvier dernier, dans l’intention de m’entretenir avec le Président Nkurunziza et les autorités burundaises, des conclusions de la réunion du Conseil de Sécurité du 21 novembre dernier, mais aussi pour réaffirmer, à la veille du Sommet de la Communauté de l’Afrique de l’Est (CAE), le soutien des Nations Unies au processus du dialogue inter-Burundais. Malheureusement ces entretiens n’ont pu avoir lieu.
J’ai toutefois saisi l’opportunité de ma présence à Bujumbura, pour interagir avec des membres de la communauté internationale et du corps diplomatique. Et mes interlocuteurs se sont réjouis des développements sécuritaires encourageants dans le pays, en dépit de la récurrence d’incidents frontaliers violents rapportés par des médias et certain pays voisins.
Je me suis ensuite rendu le 31 Janvier 2019 à Kampala pour une visite de travail avec le Président Museveni, Médiateur du Dialogue inter-burundais. Cette rencontre m’a permis de réitérer au Président Museveni, le soutien du Secrétaire général, ainsi que celui du Conseil de sécurité, au processus de dialogue inter-Burundais conduit par la région. J’ai surtout noté sa disponibilité et son engagement à parvenir coûte que coûte au dialogue inter-Burundais de même que sa détermination à contribuer à l’apaisement de la crise du Burundi et des tensions entre les pays de la région.
Le lendemain de ma visite au Président Museveni, c’est-à-dire le 1er février 2019, s’ouvrait le Sommet d’Arusha, au cours duquel le Président Paul Kagamé du Rwanda a succédé au Président Museveni en qualité de Président en exercice de la CAE. Outre les autres points de l’ordre du jour, le Sommet a également pris connaissance du rapport final du Facilitateur sur le dialogue inter-burundais mais a décidé que les leaders de la région se concerteraient ultérieurement à cet effet. Le Facilitateur que j’ai rencontré le 4 février, m’a informé qu’il avait fini son travail de facilitation et qu’il revenait désormais au Médiateur de prendre la suite du processus. Il a aussi confirmé les concertations en cours entre les Chefs d’Etat de la sous-région.
Monsieur le Président,
Depuis la tenue du Sommet ordinaire de la CAE, le Burundi a renouvelé la confiance au Médiateur, lequel a déjà entamé ses premières consultations avec ses pairs de la sous région. Vous vous souviendrez que dans son dernier rapport au Conseil de sécurité, le Secrétaire général s’était engagé à proposer des options sur le rôle des Nations Unies au Burundi, en étroite concertation avec les partenaires internationaux, et en particulier les pays de l’Afrique de l’Est, y compris le pays concerné, le Burundi, sans oublier l’Union Africaine dont je salue ici la présence et la participation à cette importante réunion. Avec la nouvelle donne proposée par le Sommet de l’EAC, à savoir la désignation des Présidents du Kenya, de la Tanzanie, et de l’Ouganda, pour conduire la médiation, je compte reprendre le contact avec eux pour connaitre les détails de leur nouvelle approche. En fait, il s’agira de réévaluer ensemble les voies et moyens pour aider la région à assister efficacement le Burundi dans la résolution de la crise politique actuelle.
Je souhaiterais, à cet égard, suggérer aux Membres du Conseil, s’il est dans leur intention d’adopter une déclaration à la presse, de réitérer leurs encouragements aux efforts de la région ainsi que le plein soutien du Secrétaire général à la Médiation. Il est important que la médiation s’assure de cet accompagnement et assistance dont le Facilitateur a bénéficié dans l’exécution de sa mission. Mais toutes ces propositions de soutien ne doivent viser qu’un seul objectif. A savoir que le dialogue inclusif inter-Burundais, demeure la seule option viable pour un règlement durable de la crise politique et pour une bonne tenue d’élections en 2020, et ceci dans un environnement apaisé et dans l’esprit de la lettre de l’Accord d’Arusha.
Je vous remercie de votre aimable attention.
Mr. President,
In its resolution 2202, unanimously adopted on 17 February 2015, this Council endorsed the “Package of Measures for the Implementation of the Minsk Agreements”, calling on all parties to fully implement the Measures, including a much-needed comprehensive and lasting ceasefire. In its Presidential statement of 6 June 2018, this Council again unanimously reaffirmed the centrality of the Minsk Agreements.
Four years after their adoption, the Minsk Agreements remain the only agreed framework for a negotiated peace in eastern Ukraine. While diplomatic efforts within the Minsk framework continue, the Minsk provisions regrettably remain largely unimplemented, including its key security and political aspects. Negotiations appear to have lost momentum, with the main stakeholders either unable and/or unwilling to reach an agreement on the key steps forward or being distracted from focusing on the implementation of agreed steps.
I would like to recall that detailed discussions on the implementation of the provisions of the Minsk Agreements have been taking place in separate fora, in which the United Nations is not a participant. The Secretary-General has been consistent in stressing the United Nations’ strong support for the lead role of the Normandy Four, the Trilateral Contact Group, the OSCE and other key actors to find a peaceful settlement of the conflict in eastern Ukraine. The Secretary-General has also repeatedly called for revitalising efforts in these negotiation formats and bilateral channels.
Mr. President,
As consistently highlighted by incidents over the past five years, the conflict in eastern Ukraine is neither dormant, nor frozen. It is a conflict in the heart of Europe which continues to claim victims.
With the five recommitments to the ceasefire by the main stakeholders in the Trilateral Contact Group format last year there is a total of over a dozen such ceasefire recommitments since the start of the conflict. Each one was regrettably, short-lived.
As reported by the OSCE, military advance positions on both parts of the contact line are coming closer to each other’s in the so called “grey areas” while the use of heavy weapons and their deployment in the proximity of the contact line, is a reality.
This week, another round of discussions within the Trilateral Contact Group will be taking place in Minsk. It is the UN’s sincere hope and expectation that relevant parties reach tangible outcomes at these meetings and implement decisions in good faith, and without delay.
Mr. President,
While there has been an overall reduction of violence since 2014, including in the number of civilian deaths, casualties and destruction continue on almost a weekly basis. At the same time, an estimated 1.5 million people remain internally displaced.
The periodic escalations remind us of the unstable reality along the contact line that continues to adversely impact the already dire socio-economic situation and the crumbling infrastructure in the conflict-affected area. There is an urgent need to agree on the additional measures that would make the ceasefire sustainable and irreversible. Without delay, the priority of the parties should be to withdraw heavy weapons from populated areas, disengage forces and protect critical civilian infrastructure.
Mr. President,
The United Nations remains fully committed to playing its role to continue to provide humanitarian assistance, human rights monitoring and development support. The scale and urgency of needs stemming from the conflict remain immense.
Over half a million people are living within five kilometres of the contact line and they are the most exposed to periodic shelling, gunfire, landmines and unexploded ordnance. The area around the contact line remains among the most mine-contaminated areas in the world.
As called for by this Council in its Presidential Statement of 6 June last year, it is essential that the international community steps up efforts to help meet the humanitarian needs on the ground as part of the Humanitarian Response Plan for Ukraine.
The United Nations will continue to spare no effort to fulfil its responsibilities in the delivery of humanitarian assistance and the monitoring of human rights. However, I wish to underline that it is also essential that the UN’s humanitarian efforts on the ground are not politicized or instrumentalized by any side.
Mr. President,
This year, the conflict in eastern Ukraine will be entering its sixth year. There should be no illusion today that while negotiations may have become protracted, this conflict remains an active threat to international peace and security. And it would be misleading to think that time by itself will bring about solutions.
On this occasion, and, echoing the Security Council’s expectations, the United Nations once again calls for swift progress in the implementation of the Minsk Agreements.
The United Nations also urges all parties to avoid any unilateral steps that could deepen the divide or depart from the spirit and the letter of the Minsk Agreements.
The conflict in Ukraine is first and foremost tragically affecting the Ukrainian people. But it also takes place in a context of increasing challenges to the international peace and security framework. The conflict continues to test the credibility of international and regional organizations.
In his address to this Council two years ago on conflicts in Europe, the Secretary-General stressed the need to prevent new crises and resolve existing conflicts in the region. Last month, in his New Year message to the General Assembly, the Secretary-General again singled out the conflict in Ukraine as one of the key challenges that continues to confront the international community. Member States need to work together in the interest of regional stability.
The United Nations underlines the need to fully respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, within its internationally recognized borders, in accordance with relevant General Assembly and Security Council resolutions.
Once again, we urge all parties to demonstrate the necessary political will to ensure the earliest possible end to the conflict and help bring about peace and stability in all of Ukraine.
Thank you.
