YouSaid · the spoken record

Samura M.W. Kamara

lines on the record: 40
first: 2013-09-24
most recent: 2017-09-24
sittings or episodes: 2
sources: un-general-debate

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“I also hope that the international community will continue to stand by the great and resilient people of Sierra Leone in the pursuit of our collective aspiration to become a middle-income country. It is my fervent hope that the current momentum and development trajectory, which are defined by transformative strategies and catalytic actions, will be maintained through a sustained United Nations partnership with my successor. I therefore thank all of our development partners, both at the bilateral and multilateral levels, who have collaborated with us to support the strides that we have achieved during my tenure.””
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“I am convinced that the pace of global development and the achievement of peace and security will significantly accelerate if we appreciate the wisdom of redirecting resources from the current nuclear arms race to people-centred development. That will benefit humankind more than a continuation of the ruinous competition for superiority. It will also facilitate the attainment of our desired twin goals of sustainable peace and development. “As I graciously bow out as President of my beloved country, I will be leaving office with the sincere hope that the successful implementation of the priorities and programmes that I have laid out will enhance Sierra Leone’s attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“We must also reflect on the continent’s numerical strength, its growing economic power, its population dynamics and its increasing role in the multilateral system. Against that background, Africa’s demand, as articulated in the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration, is therefore even more legitimate and ought to be redressed and treated on the basis of equity in the global governance system. “As we look at the work that lies ahead, let us not lose sight of our shared obligation to ensure a peaceful and secure world by resolving our differences, including national and international disputes, through constructive dialogue. We must respect and prioritize strengthening the existing mediation mechanisms provided in the Charter of the United Nations.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
““As coordinator of the African Union Committee of Ten Heads of State and Government on the United Nations Security Council Reforms, I would like to end my remarks by reiterating Africa’s concern about the slow pace of the reform process. We have heard that concern expressed by the current Chair of the African Union, His Excellency Professor Alpha Condé, President of the Republic of Guinea, as well as by several other Heads of State and Heads of Government. “Beyond the compelling urge to correct the historical injustice done to Africa, we must thoroughly reflect on the current geopolitical realities that generally compel the reform and modernization of the United Nations system, particularly the Security Council.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
““While we remain determined to accelerate the positive transformation of Sierra Leone, ensuring that Sierra Leoneans benefit from the dividends of our well-earned peace and democracy, we look forward to more strategic engagement with our partners in effectively implementing the Sustainable Development Goals in Sierra Leone, especially in diversifying our economy, with a focus on agriculture, fisheries, tourism and manufacturing industries, as well as on investment in education and health. Evidence abounds that in those resource-full sectors there is enormous economic potential for public-private sector partnerships and for North-South, South-South and triangular cooperation. We urge our partners to join with us in tapping those potentials.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“With those developments, Sierra Leone is now on a solid path and will continue to consolidate its transition from war to peace and shore up democratic credentials, inclusive growth and a decent life for all. “Learning from the Ebola virus outbreak, my Government has responded to the task of building a resilient health system to prevent, detect and respond to any public health threats of similar nature. We have established public-health laboratories nationwide that have full capabilities to test for viral hemorrhagic fevers, including Ebola. The floods and mudslides are pointing us to a greater emphasis on the environment, particularly regarding land management, reforestation, affordable housing, urbanization and upgrading slums.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“We have established a more stable and regulatory environment for investment and wealth generation, which in the medium- and long-term will create employment opportunities for the inclusive socioeconomic development of young people, the disabled and women. “My Government’s programmes for local Government and decentralization have provided greater space for wider and deeper community participation in our development trajectory. Furthermore, the launch of the Open Government initiative in 2008, followed by our membership of the Open Government Partnership in 2014, has together created an effective platform for transparent governance and citizens’ empowerment, thereby building trust and confidence between my Government and the people.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“I therefore reiterate Sierra Leone’s support for the Paris Agreement on Climate Change and urge concerted global efforts in dealing with this immediate, real threat to humankind. “Under my leadership, Sierra Leone has enhanced political stability by strengthening institutions and laying a basis for good governance by allowing those institutions sufficient leverage and latitude to deliver on their respective statutory mandates. My Government has recorded significant milestones in the areas of gender equality and women’s empowerment, as well as in promoting youth employment and empowerment.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“More than 500 lives were lost, several people were severely injured and traumatized, more than 600 remain missing, around 7,000 were rendered homeless and physical property and assets worth an estimated $30 million were lost. “This year’s rainfall is the third in a series of heavy torrential rains with devastating impact, mostly on vulnerable groups in our cities. Such rains displace hundreds of people, destroy farmland, businesses and properties and cost lives. “While I once again take this opportunity to thank the international community for its support during these moments of grief and need, let me state that such disasters are a stark reminder that climate change is real. They also demonstrate the level of Sierra Leone’s vulnerability to climate change.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“The fight to end, eradicate and prevent the recurrence of the Ebola virus was largely won through strong leadership, community ownership and national resilience. “While we were on the verge of turning the corner in our post-Ebola recovery strides, Sierra Leone was severely hit by torrential rainfall in the early hours of 14 August, leading to flash flooding in several areas of the capital city, as well as the collapse of the hillside of Mount Sugarloaf, overlooking Freetown and its environs, causing widespread devastation. The impact has been penetrating and far-reaching, especially for women and children, who were most affected.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
““Three years ago, in 2014, the unexpected and unprecedented outbreak of the Ebola virus substantially wiped out the social and economic fabric and the gains that Sierra Leone had painstakingly achieved over 10 years of progressive post-conflict reconstruction efforts. Shortly after being recognized as one of the countries with the highest growth rate in the world, our economy plunged very sharply, from record high gross domestic product growth rates of 15.2 per cent and 20.1 per cent, in 2012 and 2013, respectively, to record low rates of 4.6 per cent and -21.7 per cent, in 2014 and 2015, respectively. The epidemic revealed fundamental systemic weaknesses that still remained to be addressed in post-conflict Sierra Leone, especially in the health-care system.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
““As I have already stated, since I assumed the leadership of Sierra Leone almost 10 years ago, the country continues to make steady progress, particularly in the priority sectors of infrastructure, human development, agriculture and food security, democracy, international relations, justice, human rights and inclusive governance, as outlined in my medium-term development plan, the Agenda for Change, followed by the Agenda for Prosperity. Those transformative strategies have gone a long way to more visibly repairing and healing the damage and scars resulting from a brutal war, while also charting a path for achieving sustainable socioeconomic development and shared prosperity and, more particularly, for transforming Sierra Leone into a middle-income country by the year 2025.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“Regional organizations are usually better positioned to generate the necessary political will for conflict prevention within their regions. “The role of the Peacebuilding Commission has been exemplary, and its experience, expertise and knowledge in preventing conflicts from escalating into violence or war, as well as in supporting post- conflict endeavours, should be tapped into. In that regard, we encourage the sharing of the experiences gained and lessons learned through the engagement of the Peacebuilding Commission.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“My country has indeed benefited from mediation efforts under the auspices of the United Nations and the Economic Community of West African States. We have learned from experience that for mediation efforts to be fruitful, they must embrace such measures as the timely cessation of hostilities, credible ceasefire agreements and the timely deployment of peacekeeping and observer missions to be able to undertake and supervise the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of ex-combatants and displaced persons. “Furthermore, the role of regional organizations in partnership with the United Nations must be further strengthened to ensure a greater response at the regional level in implementing preventive measures such as early-warning mechanisms.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
““In that regard, I am heartened by the powerful impetus of the preferential use of preventive diplomacy and mediation efforts in the maintenance of international peace and security by the United Nations system. The good offices of the Secretary- General, including the early-warning system and the international contact groups, are important instruments in preventing conflicts and must be further strengthened to effectively respond to any crisis situation. The effective utilization of Chapter VI of the Charter therefore remains the best option for the Organization in the prevention and peaceful settlement of disputes. “Obviously, mediation remains a powerful instrument for the prevention and settlement of armed conflicts and must be utilized to the fullest extent possible.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“This Assembly should, in that regard, reflect on reforms that will reinforce our collective obligation to upholding the purposes and principles on which our Organization was founded. “The General Assembly has consistently reaffirmed our collective commitment to strengthening the role of mediation in the peaceful settlement of disputes and in conflict prevention and resolution. It is a valuable and cost-effective tool. It is Sierra Leone’s firm belief that we must continue to build on the gains made in our preventive diplomacy efforts, including heightened collaboration with each other and among our regional organizations and actors, making use of experiences that have helped us achieve relative international peace and security.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“The seemingly unending cycles of conflict and violence, the destructive and devastating impacts of climate change, the spread of terrorism and the largest refugee, migration and humanitarian crises in recent history continue to call into question the effectiveness of our present international machinery, as well as our ability to promote sustainable peace and a decent life for all. “We should therefore generate innovative ideas and credible mechanisms that will bring all conflicts to a peaceful end. We should promote social progress, peace and security, human rights and fundamental freedoms. We must secure better standards of life for humankind. We must remain steadfast in our commitment to building a sustainable planet for present and succeeding generations.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
““The choice of the theme for this session, ‘Focusing on people: Striving for peace and a decent life for all on a sustainable planet’, is apt and timely in an era of global uncertainties and challenges, including the emergence of new threats that tend to undermine our efforts in the promotion of economic and social advancement of all peoples. For 72 years, through this Organization, we have combined our efforts to prevent a major war and to promote human rights, fundamental freedoms, justice and equal rights for men and women of all races. Yet we are faced with unprecedented global challenges of enormous proportions.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“Those lessons have provided us with valuable and cost-effective tools for the peaceful settlement of disputes and conflict prevention. “We have always been more than ready and willing to share those lessons with other countries in a similar plight, especially countries within our small g7+ group of post-conflict countries, which are striving to leave fragility behind and promote resilience. We have already held three highly successful and widely acclaimed peaceful, free and fair democratic elections following the end of the civil conflicts. Those are milestones that significantly demonstrate our exemplary performance in the consolidation of peace and security. The elections to be held will be no different in terms of transparency, fairness or credibility.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
““As I look back on those 10 years, as I look back on that long and challenging path we have travelled together, as I prepare to step aside, I do so with a sense of pride, a sense of fulfilment and a sense of satisfaction that we have played our parts in the rebuilding of our nation, in transforming lives and in giving hope to millions of people. “Let me particularly commend the United Nations for its significant contribution to restoring peace, security, stability and economic reconstruction in my country. I am happy to note that today Sierra Leone is described by the United Nations, through the Peacebuilding Commission, as a proud storehouse of lessons for a seamless transition from war to peace, democracy and stability.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“We are not yet where we want to be as a country, but with the sustained support of the international community, Sierra Leone is not where it was 10 years ago. “Today, a country that was once regarded as a fragile State is ranked the most peaceful in West Africa and about the fourth most peaceful in Africa. We have raised our economy to become one of the fastest growing in Africa. Even when we were halted and derailed by the Ebola virus outbreak, with the international community’s support, we fought hard, and once again we are registering a positive economic outlook.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“Ban Ki-moon, for their leadership and outstanding commitment to advancing our collective aspirations and energy, maintaining global peace and security and achieving sustainable development for all, as well as for their concern regarding climate change. “In March of 2018, the people of Sierra Leone will go to the polls to elect their new leaders in local Government, parliamentary and judicial elections. A few months from now, my second term in office will come to an end, and I will be graciously handing over power to Sierra Leone’s next democratically elected President. We have had 10 years of working together, 10 years of building and consolidating peace and democracy, of enjoying the atmosphere of a peaceful transfer of power, political party pluralism, a vibrant civil society and a critical media landscape.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“I bring the Assembly fraternal greetings and very best wishes from His Excellency Mr. Ernest Bai Koroma, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone. President Koroma deeply regrets that he is unable to participate in the seventy- second session of the General Assembly, due to unavoidable circumstances. He has, however, instructed me to deliver the following message. “I congratulate the President on his assumption of the responsibility for directing the work of the General Assembly at its seventy-second session. I would like to assure him of my personal support and that of my country throughout his tenure. Let me also congratulate and warmly welcome our new Secretary-General, Mr. António Guterres. I commend and thank their predecessors, Mr. Peter Thomson and Mr.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“It is imperative that we follow a pragmatic approach with renewed vigour and commitment to providing our people with a future that guarantees justice, peace and security, accountable and democratic governance, a transparent and equitable distribution of wealth, a safe and sustainable environment and health and education for all. Those are all essential elements in setting the stage for the implementation of the post-2015 development agenda. “Let me join the family of the United Nations in expressing our condolences and solidarity with the people of Kenya, Pakistan and Nigeria for the irreparable loss of valuable lives during the recent terrorist attacks. Our thoughts and prayers are strongly and firmly with the families of the deceased.””
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
““Let me therefore reiterate that Africa’s participation in the ongoing intergovernmental negotiations is firmly rooted in our steadfast commitment to the African common position articulated in the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration on the reform of the United Nations. “The Millennium Development Goals remain a very lofty agenda in the history of our collective efforts for global socioeconomic development, although their full achievement has been thwarted by a multitude of factors. The year 2015 is a critical one for the United Nations as it marks the Organization’s seventieth anniversary. It is also the target date for the MDGs and the tenth year since the World Summit was held in 2005. “We are expected to agree on a post-2015 development framework.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
““As the coordinator of the African Union committee of 10 Heads of State on Security Council reforms, let me once again emphasize the need for urgent reform of the Council. The role of the United Nations should be strengthened, not weakened. The need for equitable geographical representation, with all the privileges of membership in the Security Council, cannot be overemphasized. Africa will therefore continue to work closely with the relevant stakeholders and Member States, particularly other non-permanent members of the Council, for an early and decisive reform of that organ.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“Sierra Leone pledges its continued support to the work of the Human Rights Council and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights as we strive together to maintain universally accepted standards of human rights and democratic governance. “It is in that context that we have also embarked upon a constitutional review process to address major socioeconomic and political issues. A constitutional review committee has been established with a broad spectrum of membership, drawn from all political parties, civil society, women, youth, disabled persons and even the diaspora. The process will be inclusive and guided by a critical analysis in a broad national debate, with the aim of strengthening democratic institutions and promoting national unity. We expect the committee to submit a draft review within two years.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“Sierra Leone will continue to collaborate with the United Nations and other interested partners in promoting the enactment of the Gender Equality Bill so as to enhance women’s participation in the decision-making process. “We commend the support of the United Nations and international partners for the work of the Special Court for Sierra Leone, whereby it has made meaningful contributions to the advancement of the rule of law at both the national and international levels. With our continued support, the Special Court is expected to complete its mandate by the end of this year. “We are pleased to note that the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights entered into force in May 2013.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“Sierra Leone, a nation with good credentials as a post-conflict country, is a deserving candidate for continued international support. “Sierra Leone continues to uphold its national heritage of interreligious tolerance and peaceful coexistence, as well as the principle of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. In that regard, we remain focused on, and committed to, our reporting obligations to international treaty bodies. “In line with the relevant provisions of the Disability Act 2011, we have established a National Commission for Persons with Disability. The current and first Chairman and Chief Commissioner is a person with impaired vision. We have also enacted the Sexual Offences Act 2012 to address the specific issue of sexual violence against women and girls.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“It aims to build a sustainable future for all Sierra Leoneans, requiring sound macroeconomic management and fiscal policies for a society with strong institutions to facilitate good governance, the social, economic and political empowerment of women and young people, the required social support for the disadvantaged, increased transparency and accountability, and justice for all. “In taking up this huge challenge, Sierra Leone will continue to welcome the strong partnership that exists with the various United Nations agencies and other international development partners for the achievement of a well-planned, seamless transition to a more developmental phase of peacebuilding and for scaling up support to Sierra Leone’s political and economic priorities, as outlined in our ‘Agenda for Prosperity’.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
““Sierra Leone’s vision for transformative and inclusive socioeconomic development was initially encapsulated in my Government’s poverty- reduction strategy, articulated in the ‘Agenda for Change’ that we rolled out in my first term of office. These have been encouraging achievements and with residual challenges as well. In my current, second term, we are poised to build on those successes with renewed determination. “With a sustained commitment to provide improved standards of living for our people and to raise the country to middle-income status, we have rolled those residual challenges over to our successor development programme, the ‘Agenda for Prosperity’, which I launched in July this year. This is Sierra Leone’s road map to our post-2015 development agenda.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
““Today, Sierra Leone is on the threshold of transformation in its engagement with the Peacebuilding Commission as well as in its socioeconomic development. With support from the Commission and the Peacebuilding Support Office as well as other international and local development partners, Sierra Leone continues to make significant gains in the areas of good governance, human rights, gender equality and the fight against corruption and transnational organized crime. A number of international treaties have been ratified and national legislations enacted to address these challenges, which have the potential to undermine ongoing peacebuilding and peace-consolidation efforts.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
““We applaud and acknowledge the human resources and financial support that the United Nations family and other development partners continue to provide, especially towards the successful conduct of our 17 November 2012 presidential, parliamentary and local government elections, all of which were held in one day, for the very first time. Those elections were widely considered to be a critical benchmark for us, signalling our preparedness to move into a more developmental phase of peacebuilding. It should come as little or no surprise that they were widely acclaimed to be peaceful, free, fair and transparent by the international community. Their successful conduct clearly demonstrates the level that Sierra Leone’s democratic process has attained, an experience we are willing to share with other countries in our subregion and beyond.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
““In that regard, we remain committed to supporting international instruments aimed at establishing peace and security in the world and an economic order that is beneficial to the rich and the poor, the weak and the strong, as well as to nations big and small. “In recent years, and despite being under post- conflict rebuilding, Sierra Leone’s contribution to the United Nations peacekeeping efforts demonstrates our strong commitment to the purpose and principles of global peace and stability. We stand ready to increase our profile in the peacekeeping landscape so as to ensure the success of peacekeeping operations. To that end, we will continue to actively engage in all new initiatives for reform of the United Nations peacekeeping operations.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“These are universal issues of great concern to the global community. Resolving and preventing conflict and violence, creating jobs, providing further incentives for foreign direct investment, broadening human and financial resources, ensuring gender equality and promoting human rights and the rule of law are not only fundamental to human progress; they are integral to sustainable development. “Sierra Leone welcomes the adoption of the Arms Trade Treaty earlier this year. This is a significant and historic achievement in our collective efforts in pursuit of a safer and more secure world. We therefore hope that the illegal transfer of conventional weapons to the wrong hands — a major source of the escalation of conflicts in the developing world, particularly in Africa — can now be largely regulated and minimized.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“However, this has not been uniform, as inequalities among many populations are on the rise, particularly in southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, where food insecurity and malnutrition are still prevalent. While access to health and education may be expanding for us, the quality of those services in many regions remains a serious challenge. “That is why the theme of this session, ‘The post-2015 development agenda: setting the stage’, is timely and appropriate. We are moving into the phase of mapping out another development framework that is expected to formulate universal goals and responsibilities encompassing the economic, social and environmental spheres. The post-2015 development agenda should have at its core the urgent need to address the causes and consequences of conflict, violence and disasters.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“While we take stock of what have been achieved and the challenges that continue to confront us, we should, in keeping with the principles set out in the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development outcome document, entitled ‘The future we want’ (resolution 66/288, annex), embark upon designing a post-2015 development goals agenda in which the specific needs and challenges of every Member States are recognized. There is no doubt that failure to capture those specific needs and commitments would compromise the credibility of such an agenda. “We also note that important progress has been made in many areas, such as reducing poverty globally, improving access to primary education for all children, reducing child and maternal mortality, increasing access to HIV treatment and reducing slum populations, to name a few.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“Human trafficking, in addition to other non-traditional security issues such as climate change, nuclear safety, energy, food and maritime security and financing for development are becoming more significant. “The use of chemical weapons in conflict poses a renewed global security threat. There is therefore a need for increased multilateral and collective engagement and responses to those complex challenges. “As we all are aware, the target date for achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) is only two years away.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“of Serbia, for his able leadership in directing the work of the General Assembly during the past session. I wish him well in his future endeavours. Let me also express sincere appreciation to the Secretary-General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, for his constructive and fruitful leadership of the Organization. Sierra Leone will continue to support the progressive implementation of his five-year Global Action Agenda. “Over the past two decades, global peace, security and the economic environment have evidently been radically transformed, to the point where neither the problems nor their solutions are simple. The international security situation has become more complex. Regional hotspot issues keep flaring up, and turbulence continues in many parts of the world, in particular Asia and Africa.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“I bring you sincere greetings and very best wishes from His Excellency Mr. Ernest Bai Koroma, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone. President Koroma regrets that he is unable to participate in the general debate of the General Assembly at its sixty-eighth session due to unavoidable circumstances. He has, however, instructed me, as his Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, to deliver to the Assembly this message of goodwill: “I congratulate Ambassador Ashe most warmly on his election to direct the affairs of the Assembly during this session and assure him of my country’s support and cooperation during his tenure. Let me avail myself of this opportunity to also express the appreciation of my delegation to his predecessor, Mr. Vuk Jeremi.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)