Speech

Ensuring humanitarian providers can continue to help the most vulnerable

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the adoption of the Security Council Resolution on crosscutting humanitarian exceptions to UN asset freezes

• From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Dame Barbara Woodward DCMG OBE
• Published: 9 December 2022

This was published under the 2022 to 2024 Sunak Conservative government

• Location: UN Security Council
• Delivered on: 9 December 2022 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

Thank you President,

The UK congratulates the USA and Ireland on the adoption of this resolution today. We have been unequivocal in our support throughout the development of the resolution.

As humanitarian week at the UN draws to a close, and humanitarian needs around the world are soaring, I am proud that this Council is working together to support vital humanitarian aid delivery around the world.

Sanctions are a core part of this Council’s toolkit. In line with the UN Charter, they are rightly used to address threats to international peace and security.

From violent gangs in Haiti to extremist groups like al Shabaab and Al Qaeda, we have used sanctions to stop weapons flows and tackle terrorism.

This Resolution will provide that certain activities necessary for humanitarian assistance or to support basic human needs, when carried out by specified organisations, do not violate UN asset freezes.

This Resolution will help save lives by providing clarity to help ensure humanitarian providers and their service providers can continue to help the most vulnerable. It will support getting aid to those in need more effectively. The UK is pleased to have voted in favour and co-sponsored this Resolution.

Thank you.

Published 9 December 2022