76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly
UN Security Council meeting on UNISFA
Statement by DPR Andre Lipand
October 27, New York
I join others in thanking the briefers for their insightful presentations. I also welcome the presence of the representatives of Sudan and South Sudan in today’s discussion.
Hearing the description of the previous lack of implementation of different agreements today has been insightful and as has been highlighted by the Special Envoy, the most recent disruption to the implementation happened just two days ago.
Estonia strongly condemns the military coup of 25th October in Sudan. It is a great setback for the Sudanese people, who have worked so hard towards democratic transition, but it also has potential destabilizing effect on the wider region. We call on Sudan’s military authorities refrain from violence, and immediately return to the road map for transition to civilian rule as laid out in the constitutional document and the Juba peace Agreement.
Madame President,
We are concerned about the serious deterioration of the operating conditions of UNISFA and strongly condemn the recent attacks on UNISFA in Gok Machar and Team Sites. The situation has already claimed too high of a toll with the death of one peacekeeper. We offer our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased, such incidents must not happen again. We call on the Government of South Sudan to facilitate the unimpeded implementation of UNISFA’s mandate. At the same time, we also call on UNISFA to address the concerns of local communities. Simultaneously, we continue to call for the operationalization of Anthony airstrip, and the timely issuance of visas for UNISFA personnel, including the police component, which is crucial for the effective implementation of UNISFA’s mandate.
Estonia is concerned about the continued cycle of intercommunal violence, and its negative impact on civilians. The increase in cases of sexual violence in recent months is alarming. We encourage authorities to join efforts for more accountability to deter further violations. To better address these issues, we echo the Secretary-General’s call for the inclusion of human rights expertise in the Mission. Additionally, in order to create a more conducive environment for Rule of Law, Estonia fully supports the integrated approach to the protection of civilians promoted by the strategic review. On this note, we thank the Secretary-General for the strategic review, as we are giving it careful consideration.
Lastly, we call on Sudan and South-Sudan to take steps to build a viable political process to resolve the final question of Abyei. This political process could be aided by strengthening the civilian component of the UNISFA Mission, including by the appointment of Civilian Deputy Head of Mission. We also encourage regional actors to actively engage the parties on the Abyei question, as their support could make significant contributions.
Madame President,
My intervention today is likely the last time that Estonia will speak on the question of Abyei as a member of the Security Council. I would like to thank UN peacekeepers for their long-standing commitment and sacrifice to supporting peace in Abyei. I would also like to emphasize that Abyei people deserve better than the current status quo. Therefore, we call on the parties to capitalize on their improved relationship to push for progress on the question of Abyei, and the Council to take decisions, which are in the best interests of Abyei people. Thank you.