Sierra Leone Stattement at the UNSC Briefing on the Situation in the Middle East – (UNDOF) and (UNIFIL)

STATEMENT BY
H.E. DR. MICHAEL IMRAN KANU
AMBASSADOR/PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE

Mr. President,

1. I thank you for convening this meeting at the request of the Russian Federation.
2. I further thank Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations and Major General Patrick Gauchat, Head of Mission and Chief of Staff of the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO)for their important briefings.
3. Given the focus of the meeting, Sierra Leone at the outset expresses it condolences to the United Nations and the Republic of India for the passing of the Late Brigadier General Amitabh Jha, Deputy Force Commander of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in December last year.
4. Sierra Leone commends the efforts of UNDOF and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in carrying out their vital mandates in perilous conditions amidst escalating challenges in the Middle East. These missions remain essential to maintaining stability and preventing further escalation of tensions in their respective areas of operation in the Syrian Golan and in southern Lebanon.
5. Sierra Leone views the cycle of violence and the instability and uncertainty, as a result of the recent political upheaval and military activities in Syria and Lebanon with grave concern, especially as it relates to the operations of UNDOF and UNIFIL. The situation in the Syrian Golan is one of continuous attacks on peacekeepers positions leading to injuries in violation of the Disengagement of Forces Agreement, (1974) and undermining the operations of UNDOF to maintain peace in the Syrian Golan.
6. UNDOF continues to play a crucial role in monitoring the ceasefire between Israel and Syria in the Golan Heights. However, we are deeply concerned about the increasing challenges faced by peacekeepers, including restrictions on their freedom of movement, heightened security risks, and the ongoing presence of IDF Soldiers and other unauthorized actors within the area of separation. These obstacles not only hinder UNDOF’s ability to carry out its mandate effectively but also risk undermining the fragile calm in the region. We call on all parties to respect the 1974 Disengagement Agreement and provide full cooperation to ensure UNDOF’s safety and operational effectiveness.
7. Additionally, actions by both parties resulting in the use of heavy construction equipment and materials other than the designated separation features are grossly unacceptable and undermine the ceasefire. These physical structures have potentially restricted UNDOF’s area of influence in terms of carrying out patrols and responding to other emergencies.
8. Sierra Leone commends the efforts of UNDOF and the cooperation of other parties in facilitating the safe return of individuals from both sides and the administration of medical services to the wounded in the spirit of upholding human dignity despite the prevailing security situation. These actions demonstrate enduring political and military cooperation to build trust and promote relationships between parties to the conflict.

Mr. President,

9. Similarly, in Lebanon, UNIFIL faces an increasingly precarious operating environment, compounded by heightened tensions along the Blue Line and acts of hostility that jeopardize peacekeepers’ safety. The mission’s ability to carry out its mandate under Security Council Resolution 1701 (2006) is further hampered by restricted access and misinformation, which threaten to erode trust with local communities. We urge all parties to fully respect UNIFIL’s mandate, refrain from provocative actions, and work towards the full implementation of Resolution 1701 to ensure stability in southern Lebanon.
10. Furthermore, it is concerning to note that on 4^th January 2025 UNIFIL observed an IDF bulldozer destroying a blue barrel marking the line of withdrawal between Lebanon and Israel in Labbouneh, as well as an observation tower belonging to the Lebanese Armed Forces immediately beside a UNIFIL position there. We are of the view that the IDF’s deliberate and direct destruction of both clearly identifiable UNIFIL property and infrastructure belonging to the Lebanese Armed Forces is a flagrant violation of resolution 1701 and international law. We therefore call on all actors to avoid any actions, including the destruction of civilian property and infrastructure, that could jeopardize the cessation of hostilities agreement.
11. Notwithstanding these violations we note that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have commenced its withdrawal from areas around Naqoura.  We also note that even though the IDF is still present elsewhere in the UNIFIL area of operations, the preparations for its phased withdrawal, in parallel with the increased deployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces to southern Lebanon, is continuing.

12. We commend UNIFIL for supporting the re-deployment of the Lebanese forces to positions in Naqoura and Alma al-Sha’b after Israeli forces withdrew.  It is our hope that the UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon will continue to liaise and coordinate with both parties to de-conflict and support the full implementation of Security Council resolution 1701.

13. we take note of the emergence of a new government in Lebanon and caretaker authority in Syria, and we believe that these developments could have significant positive implications for the safety and security of peacekeepers UNIFIL and UNDOF as well as the effective implementation of their mandates.
14. Additionally, the Cessation of Hostilities and Related Commitments on Enhanced Security Arrangements and Toward the Implementation of UNSCR 1701 between Israel and Lebanon is a welcome development and offers hope that the conflict in southern Lebanon can be resolved, and which in turn will facilitate the effective implementation of the mandate of UNIFIL.
15. In this vein, we positively note the statement by the Chairman of the Cessation of Hostilities Implementation “Mechanism”, on 15^th January 2025, that The Lebanese Armed Forces “checkpoints and patrols operate effectively throughout south-west Lebanon, and the Soldiers are dedicated to their mission as Lebanon’s sole security guarantors. Their presence created a sense of security and stability which will be important for the civilians who will soon resume normal activities in the area”.
16. UNIFL and UNDOF are vital to preserving regional stability. We call on all stakeholders to uphold their commitments, provide unimpeded access to peacekeepers, and prioritize constructive dialogue to address underlying tensions. In this regard, this Council should not only prioritize actions that guarantee the safety of peacekeepers but also facilitate the effective implementation of the mandates of the respective missions. Let us reaffirm our collective responsibility to support these missions including through a visit to Lebanon and ensure their safety, effectiveness, and ability to contribute to long-term peace in the region.
17. In closing President, we should note our regret that in the conflicts in the Middle East and elsewhere, the disturbing wanton disregard for international law compliance and application. This includes the prohibition of attacks against peacekeepers. Regrettably, the seeds of impunity, which have been sowed are now gaining roots through the entrenched selective or inconsistent application of international law, and sustained covert and overt acts to undermine accountability.
18. The issue of accountability for crimes against peacekeepers has, from the outset, been related to their safety and security, and therefore must be prioritize by this Council. We therefore recall Security Council Resolution 2589 (2021) in which the Council called for a renewed focus on measures to bring to justice the perpetrators of the killing of, and all acts of violence against United Nations personnel serving in peacekeeping operations.
19. The Special Court for Sierra Leone was the first to convict for attacks against UN peacekeepers. We therefore condemn all acts of violence against UN personnel serving in peacekeeping operations. We urge for full respect for international law, applicable international obligations, as well as Status of Forces Agreements (SOFAs) and Status of Mission Agreement (SOMAs) between UN missions and host States.

I thank you.