Delivered by the Permanent Representative of Estonia to the UN, H.E. Mr Sven Jürgenson
Thank you Mr. President, and also, thank you Special Representative Fall for your briefing to the Council today of the invaluable work of UNOCA in the Central African region.
Mr. President,
The Secretary General’s report highlights a number of concerns for the Central African region and a number of threats to regional peace and security. The arrival of the pandemic has only made matters worse.
A pattern of terrorism and violent extremism remains in the area with Boko Haram increasing its attacks in Chad and northern Cameroon. Targeting civilians and taking advantage of the pandemic by intensifying attacks are especially deplorable. Furthermore, I would like to condemn the attacks against people providing humanitarian services and medical services, people who are trying to alleviate the growing humanitarian crisis and save lives by stemming the spread of diseases including measles, cholera and now also COVID. I would like to express my condolences to the people of Cameroon and Chad for these attacks.
Speaking of Cameroon, it is good to hear of the steps taken by the Government to implement the recommendations from the National Dialogue. However, it remains very worrying to hear of the deteriorating humanitarian and human rights situation, in particular the human rights violations and abuses committed against women and children. In light of this, and the pandemic, it is more important than ever to remove impediments to humanitarian access and also ensure that human rights organizations can work in the country without hindrance. Furthermore, accountability for violations and abuses must be established in order to avoid the establishment of a culture of impunity, which would only breed more violence.
Estonia continues to support the actions of UNOCA in Cameroon in supporting the political momentum towards reconciliation and peace. We hope that improvements in the political situation will quickly be translated into improvements in the security and human rights situation in the country.
Mr. President,
The situation in Central Africa remains complex and fragile, and this is only exacerbated by the effects of climate change, currently evident in the record floods that have affected hundreds of thousands in the region. Mr. President, there is no denying that climate change is affecting and will continue to have effects on international peace and security and this threat will continue to grow without focused action to tackle it. We commend UNOCA for addressing this issue in the report.
Thank you Mr. President.