YouSaid · the spoken record

Aboul-Gheit

lines on the record: 661
first: 1999-08-25
most recent: 2023-11-29
sittings or episodes: 72
sources: un-security-council

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

“They include the fact that some donor States have not honoured their pledges and commitments to peace-building in post-conflict States. These challenges are also reflected in the lack of coordination between the pace of the United Nations achievements in the areas of security and politics and its pace in building the economic and social infrastructures in the countries affected, in particular the pace of implementing programmes or building institutional capacities such as the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of ex-combatants in civil society, de-mining and trying war crimes. There is no doubt that peace cannot be divided - it is indivisible - and that the security and political aspects of peace, despite their absolute importance, are not adequate for a comprehensive framework for building peace.”
2003-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4748 (2003) · source
“The United Nations working method has differed according to the mandate entrusted to it by the Security Council. Experience in the field has shown that the Organization has succeeded to a great extent in developing its expert capabilities in planning, implementation and commanding peacekeeping missions in accordance with differing mandates, which vary in size and nature. The United Nations has succeeded tangibly in building participation and communication bridges with regional powers and organizations in the area of the conflict. Although myriad parties have recognized that the experience of the United Nations in many conflict areas was positive, we must not disregard the fact that the Organization continues to face many challenges to its efforts.”
2003-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4748 (2003) · source
“Mr. Aboul Gheit (Egypt) (spoke in Arabic): The question of the role of the United Nations in post- conflict situations is gaining increasing importance in light of the variables in international conflicts. This has put major responsibility on the shoulders of the international community, and we must all have the political will to address it. The role of the United Nations in peace-building and peace maintenance in different phases of conflict resolution is established and is gaining importance, particularly in light of the United Nations successes in Angola and Mozambique and its proven capabilities in dealing with delicate and difficult situations in Kosovo, Timor-Leste and Sierra Leone. However, this role has varied in the case of each conflict.”
2003-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4748 (2003) · source
“Finally, if we were to reject war at all costs and also reject peace at all costs, we now have the opportunity to build peace upon a foundation that is clearly based on law and legality and the hopes of humanity, including the right of peoples to live free of weapons of mass or limited destruction.”
2003-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4726 (2003) · source
“Resorting to war and the use of force epitomizes, in our view, the failure of political action aimed at achieving the peaceful settlement of disputes. I cannot believe that the Council, under any circumstances, would not assume its responsibility under the Charter of maintaining international peace and security. Nor can I believe that the Council would delay acting to put an end to a tragedy that endangers the lives of thousands of people and undermines the foundation of the edifice constructed by the world in order to avert the recurrence of violence and cruel wars.”
2003-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4726 (2003) · source
“The international action for the elimination of proscribed Iraqi weapons cannot ignore the fact that such action will remain incomplete without the full implementation of paragraph 14 of resolution 687 (1991), which calls for making the Middle East a zone free of weapons of mass destruction. The disarmament of prohibited Iraqi weapons is only one step towards that objective, which must be fully implemented at the regional level, as called for by resolution 687 (1991). The international community, on the basis of the rule of law and respect for international legitimacy, demands that the Council and its members safeguard the Charter, which rejected war and called for the peaceful settlement of disputes.”
2003-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4726 (2003) · source
“At the meeting of the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the League of Arab States on 24 March, an important resolution was adopted that pays tribute to the advocates of peace. The resolution contained important elements that must be taken into account by the Security Council in its consideration of the question of Iraq and its grave repercussions for international peace and security. Foremost among those elements is the cessation of the aggression, the withdrawal of foreign forces, the reaffirmation of respect for Iraq's sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity and the need for all States to refrain from interfering in Iraq's internal affairs.”
2003-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4726 (2003) · source
“As the genuine representative of the conscience of the international community and the source of international legitimacy, the Security Council is called upon to send a clear message calling for the immediate cessation of fighting in the territory of Iraq and for the attempt to resume efforts to reach a settlement by peaceful means. It is called upon to affirm the inadmissibility of any infringement on the sovereignty of Iraq and its neighbours and to affirm Iraq's sovereignty over its territory and resources. All parties must respect international humanitarian law and the responsibilities that flow from it. We the members of the international community have the common duty to urge the Council to assume its responsibilities swiftly.”
2003-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4726 (2003) · source
“Undoubtedly, if the international inspection regime in Iraq had been given sufficient time and if all States had maintained the position that peace was possible and deserved going the extra mile within the framework of international legality, it would have been possible for humanity to prevent the painful picture we see today - the picture of the dead and wounded soldiers and civilians, whose numbers will only increase in coming days. The loss of a single victim is a loss to humanity; the loss of a single victim is a seed of resentment and revenge that will continue to haunt succeeding generations, who will have to pay the price of these sad and disturbing developments.”
2003-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4726 (2003) · source
“That way, we would spare the people of Iraq and the peoples of the Middle East and the whole world the scourge of a war that will bring nothing but destruction, devastation, destabilization and threats to the welfare and security of peoples. It is a war that threatens to reach grave dimensions and to have serious, long-lasting and far- reaching repercussions. Egypt has participated actively in the various stages of international action on the question of Iraq throughout the last decade. Egypt's approach is based on its firm belief in the need to act within the collective international security system provided for in the United Nations Charter. It is also based on the absolute need to preserve the territorial integrity, unity and sovereignty of Iraq, as well as the territorial integrity, unity and sovereignty of its neighbours.”
2003-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4726 (2003) · source
“Mr. Aboul Gheit (Egypt) (spoke in Arabic): Once again the Security Council faces a new challenge in the discharge of its responsibilities with respect to the painful circumstances in the Middle East. Those challenges are posed by the ongoing aggression of the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian people and their territory and the continuation and increased ferocity of the military operations in Iraq after the failure of efforts to reach the peaceful settlement called for in the Council's resolutions. Difficult days have passed since the outbreak of hostilities in Iraqi territory. Today we meet to consider the collective action we should take to put an end to the fighting and to resume political action in the framework of international legality with a view to achieving a peaceful settlement to this crisis.”
2003-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4726 (2003) · source
“This makes it a duty for all to work seriously to avoid war, save lives, to protect interests and safeguard the noble principles that mankind has built on the rubble of the tragedy of the Second World War, when humanity said, "Never again".”
2003-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4717 (2003) · source
“We advocate a just and comprehensive peace in that sensitive part of the world. We call for all conditions to be provided to reach that end. The right of peoples to self-determination must be protected. As proposed by my President, Hosni Mubarak, weapons of mass destruction must be eliminated. The Charter and United Nations resolutions must be respected. Therefore, we urge the international community to give the inspection regime the necessary opportunity to achieve security and peace in the region, which has suffered for so long and has known much tragedy. War would have serious consequences. Humanity and international relations would suffer from war.”
2003-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4717 (2003) · source
“The committee will visit Baghdad in the next few days in order to ensure Iraq's continued constructive cooperation with the United Nations within the framework of all relevant resolutions, the latest of which is resolution 1441 (2002). The Middle East, whether in the Gulf region or in Palestine, needs to attain the objectives of peace and stability. It must give its peoples the opportunity for economic and social development and growth in order that they may all enjoy well-being. No doubt the deteriorating, even dire, circumstances in Palestine and the attempts to break the will of the Palestinian people, who resist occupation, will not help in realizing those hopes for growth and development. They will not give freedom and independence to this people, who have long suffered and whose rights have been usurped.”
2003-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4717 (2003) · source
“It rejected the use of threats to the security and integrity of any Arab State. It called on all States to support Arab efforts to avoid war. The Arab States called for giving sufficient time to inspection teams to complete their mission in Iraq. Finally, the Arab Summit stressed the Council's responsibility to avoid harming Iraq and its people and to maintain the independence, unity and territorial integrity of Iraq. Egypt reaffirms its adherence to those Arab positions. In that context, Egypt has been active in the ministerial committee created by the Summit, which last week undertook intense contacts in New York.”
2003-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4717 (2003) · source
“That is the overall point of view of those internationally respected and credible international officials and professionals. We have confidence in them, and we call on Iraq to complete the implementation of resolution 1441 (2002). I do not believe that it is necessary to state that today the Security Council stands at a pivotal and critical juncture. The way the Council deals with this vital issue will have deep repercussions on international relations, now and for decades to come. We therefore urge the Council members to reaffirm their commitment to the Charter and the resolutions of the United Nations. We call on them to settle international disputes by peaceful means in order to avoid a war that would have negative repercussions for all. The Arab Summit held in Egypt on 1 March rejected any attack on Iraq.”
2003-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4717 (2003) · source
“We have heard their opinions in many press conferences since then, and have seen their media appearances on television screens around the world. The two reports have specific elements that we wish to underline. First, inspections are making concrete progress towards the genuine elimination of weapons of mass destruction. A second element is the call for giving the inspectors more time - not years or weeks, but some months. That call was reaffirmed by the Arab Summit held at Sharm-el-Sheikh, which called for giving the inspection teams a sufficient period of time to complete their mission in Iraq. The Summit also called for those inspection teams to continue to act objectively in carrying out their mission. Thirdly, the IAEA did not come to the conclusion that Iraq has revived its nuclear programme in the past four years.”
2003-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4717 (2003) · source
“Mr. Aboul Gheit (Egypt) (spoke in Arabic): Once again, for the third time in the past few months, the Security Council is taking up the issue of Iraq. The opportunity has been given to all Member States of the United Nations to express their points of view and opinions on this grave situation surrounding Iraq. This indeed underlines the gravity and timeliness of the issue, which threatens stability in the Arab Gulf region and which will have adverse effects and unpredictable repercussions for international peace and security. The entire international community, represented by its Governments and peoples, has followed the reports by Mr. Blix, Executive Chairman of the United Nations Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission (UNMOVIC), and Mr. ElBaradei, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).”
2003-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4717 (2003) · source
“Egypt will continue to support the efforts of the Organization and to cooperate with it, with a view to successfully combating international terrorism and eradicating its evils.”
2003-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4710 (2003) · source
“To date Egypt has submitted three full reports to the Committee. The most recent one was submitted on 20 January and contained clarifications relating to Egyptian anti-terrorism legislation. On this occasion, we would like to express our heartfelt thanks and appreciation for the invaluable efforts made by Sir Jeremy Greenstock, who is working tirelessly, objectively and in a balanced manner. We have full confidence in him and in his work as the head of the Committee. Egypt is confident that this international Organization, as an effective mechanism representing international will and legitimacy, can assume a leading role in the combat against terrorism. Hence we look forward to the assumption by the United Nations of its responsibilities in this regard.”
2003-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4710 (2003) · source
“In this context, we would like to renew this call, and we hope that we can make progress and convene such a conference as soon as possible. Egypt also proposed that an international conference be convened to declare the Middle East a zone free from weapons of mass destruction. Egypt deems this extremely important and believes that it must be achieved as soon as possible, as a key element of international peace and security and a factor in promoting the stability of the region. The CTC proves daily and undoubtedly that it is a vital and effective mechanism in the war against terrorism. It affirms the role of the United Nations as a successful instrument for the coordination of international efforts in this respect. Egypt maintains close and continuous cooperation and coordination with the Committee.”
2003-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4710 (2003) · source
“The United Nations must take an effective, leading role in such a dialogue, as it is the mother organization with the greatest ways and means to achieve concrete results in that respect. Among the proposals from the international community, we note that more than one member proposed that an international conference be convened under the auspices of the United Nations to define terrorism and to determine the common response of the international community to terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Another member proposed the convening of a special session of the General Assembly to adopt new measures in the fight against terrorism. Perhaps we should recall here that Egypt was the one that years ago called for the convening of an international conference, under the auspices of the United Nations, to discuss terrorism-related issues.”
2003-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4710 (2003) · source
“The best guarantee of that outcome is to carry out those tasks within a framework that affirms the primacy of international law and our commitment to the provisions of international law and international legality, foremost among which are the relevant United Nations resolutions and the provisions of international humanitarian law and human rights - and, at the national level, to show commitment to national laws, legislation and the decisions of national courts. Allow me to comment briefly on some of the proposals contained in the report of the Secretary- General of 18 February (S/2003/191). Let me start with one proposal of special importance, which, if we agree to it, will have a positive impact on the international war against terrorism: the international community must develop interaction and dialogue among civilizations and religions.”
2003-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4710 (2003) · source
“It is imperative that we not fall into the trap laid by terrorist elements by creating tension and disagreement in the international community. Therefore, we have to pay close attention soon to the importance of solidarity at this very delicate juncture. It is very important not to confuse terrorism with other political questions. Terrorism, as with all diseases faced by humankind throughout history, requires of us the following for its defeat: to define terrorism, distinguishing it from other phenomenon; to identify its causes and how to deal with them; and to choose the best means to combat terrorism.”
2003-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4710 (2003) · source
“This meeting also affirms our belief in the importance and centrality of the role of the United Nations in the war against terrorism. We are convinced that the greater the international participation in this war, the closer we will be to achieving its objectives. This war must be viewed as a process that would unify the countries of the world and preserve the security and safety of their citizens - not the opposite. It must be collective, coordinated and balanced. It should avoid taking unilateral measures or antagonizing cultures, civilizations or religions merely because they are different. We should not be lacking in our enthusiasm to recall that the objective of all terrorism is to sow panic, terrorize people, destabilize countries and spread enmity.”
2003-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4710 (2003) · source
“Mr. Aboul Gheit (Egypt) (spoke in Arabic): There is no doubt that today's meeting of the Council to follow up on the ministerial meeting of 20 January on combating terrorism is an affirmation of the increased importance the Council gives to international efforts to combat international terrorism. It is a question that imposes itself forcefully on the international agenda. We are convinced that stepping up and coordinating these efforts within the framework of the United Nations is the only guarantee of their success. Terrorism cannot be eradicated nor can terrorists be controlled except through coordinated efforts by all countries of the world to achieve effective and concrete results. Given that, we were keen to participate in today's meeting to enrich the dialogue on this very important question.”
2003-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4710 (2003) · source
“We will all have to keep the beacon illuminated, because it will light our way to a stable, secure international community, which we can all build based on the edifice of the United Nations and its Charter.”
2003-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4709Resumption1 (2003) · source
“We have called for an urgent Arab summit that would help create conditions to stop military action. As a contributor to all such forums, Egypt, the oldest country in the world - as old as history itself - appeals to the Council to continue to shoulder its responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. It appeals to every Member State to assume its responsibility to take collective action to achieve that objective. War, for all its complexities and dangers, sometimes seems to be the easiest path. Peace requires concerted, continued effort and self-control, which befits States that hold the beacon of freedom. They must maintain that beacon, not by force and fire, but by wisdom and law. We will not lose hope of reaching a peaceful settlement.”
2003-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4709Resumption1 (2003) · source
“The dangerous repercussions that armed conflict would have for the Middle East and the entire world make it incumbent on all members of the international community to maintain international law and to work, patiently and with determination to reach a peaceful settlement in order to achieve peace and stability and in order to be able to deal with other serious problems and crises faced by the region, such as the tragic situation in the Palestinian territories, as well as to confront the phenomenon of international terrorism, which is a danger to the entire world. We do not doubt at all that war in the region can only fuel terrorism and exacerbate its pernicious effects. All the peoples of the world are calling for peace. Our countries are hoping that we will be able to give peace a further chance.”
2003-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4709Resumption1 (2003) · source
“Thirdly, through its resolutions, which represent an integrated whole, the Security Council is the only body entrusted by the international community to deal with the situation. Finally, Iraq must continue to cooperate fully with the inspection teams and comply with the terms of the relevant Security Council resolutions with respect to the inspections.”
2003-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4709Resumption1 (2003) · source
“We must all uphold the choice of peace in settling the current crisis. We must commit ourselves to achieving this by collective political action. The unity of the Security Council is the only means of strengthening its authority and of validating its credibility. That was demonstrated in the adoption of resolution 1441 (2002), which represents the approach that the Council must maintain. Egypt wishes here to affirm the following points in dealing with the question of Iraq. First, we must keep in mind that our objective is to achieve a peaceful settlement of this conflict. Secondly, the inspection process must be fully supported and must continue, without interruption or rigid deadlines, so long as it can achieve positive results. It must achieve its goal of removing all weapons of mass destruction from Iraq.”
2003-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4709Resumption1 (2003) · source
“In addressing the situation in Iraq, members of the Security Council must never forget that the credibility of international law is not solely dependent on eliminating the proscribed Iraqi weapons, to the complete neglect of applying the same criteria to all cases. That credibility hinges on the Security Council's achieving all its objectives and priorities in that context. The disarmament of Iraq must be only the beginning of the process of removing the danger of all weapons of mass destruction from the Middle East. That will confirm the Security Council's credibility in the eyes of the peoples of the region and demonstrate its commitment to justice and equality, the bases for any proper international relations. The Security Council is called upon today to assume its responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security.”
2003-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4709Resumption1 (2003) · source
“It must be clear that Iraq's compliance with its obligations under Security Council resolutions and its ongoing responsiveness to the demands of the Council and the inspectors will lead to the speedy completion of the inspections and to an end to the dark tunnel in which it has existed for more than a decade. If we cannot emerge into the fresh air and light - the assured outcome of the commitment of all parties to the rules of international legality - that tunnel may lead us into a deep abyss. The threat of weapons of mass destruction, the focus of our attention today, is not confined to Iraq. We must bear in mind that all tasks undertaken, voluntarily or under coercion, to disarm Iraq represent a step towards freeing the Middle East from weapons of mass destruction, as provided for in resolution 687 (1991).”
2003-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4709Resumption1 (2003) · source
“ElBaradei for their efforts in leading the inspection teams with objectivity and professionalism. The results of their efforts were set out in two balanced reports that confirmed their determination to pursue their tasks so that they may bear fruit in the near future. This success was demonstrated in the unity of the international community, in international legality and in the unanimity of the Security Council in adopting resolution 1441 (2002), which affirmed the effectiveness of collective action by the Council, which must be maintained.”
2003-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4709Resumption1 (2003) · source
“Mr. Aboul Gheit (Egypt) (spoke in Arabic): Three months ago, on 8 November 2002, the Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 1441 (2002). The adoption of that resolution was in accordance with international legality and demonstrated the importance of moving unanimously, under the Charter of the United Nations, towards the peace option and the solution of problems through the unanimity of the Security Council to that end. That resolution is being implemented satisfactorily. On 14 February, we heard the reports of Mr. Blix and Mr. ElBaradei on the inspections in Iraq. The message received by the international community affirmed the speedy success of the activities and inspections and held the promise of further such success in the near future. I wish on this occasion to express our appreciation to Mr. Blix and Mr.”
2003-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4709Resumption1 (2003) · source
“I truly did not intend to speak unless you were presiding. I should like to emphasize my delegation's support for the Organization's and Council's efforts in this area and our full readiness to participate actively in these activities.”
2002-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4660Resumption1 (2002) · source
“On this basis, and in order effectively to combat injustice against women, Egypt last September hosted a conference at Sharm el-Sheikh aimed at setting up a new international movement for women and peace. Many prominent international personalities participated in that conference. The purpose of that conference was to initiate a series of activities in preparation for an international conference in 2004 dealing with the issue of women and peace. The outcome of the Sharm el-Sheikh conference emphasized the importance of recognizing women as an effective element in the settlement of conflicts and of acknowledging the importance of their participation in efforts at peacebuilding. In conclusion, I should like to extend my thanks to you, Madam President, for convening this meeting to address this very important issue.”
2002-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4660Resumption1 (2002) · source
“Fourthly, we believe that dealing with the issue of the protection of civilians in armed conflict should be accorded the highest priority in the work of the Organization, and of the Security Council in particular. We should also devote greater attention to the most vulnerable areas, notably Africa and the occupied Palestinian territories. We must also devote greater attention to the most vulnerable sectors of society, which lack protection and care. In this context, Egypt expresses its serious concern at the increased rate of violence against women and children during armed conflict and at the negative economic, social, psychological and physical impact it has on them.”
2002-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4660Resumption1 (2002) · source
“The practices of the Israeli occupying forces and their continued use of heavy weaponry in densely populated civilian areas have resulted in a doubling of the number of civilian casualties, which has led to a deterioration in the standard of living in all areas, in particular in the social, economic and health areas. Egypt strongly condemns and totally rejects this situation. We cannot accept any justification for such a situation, regardless of the claims that are made, particularly since the right to resist an occupying Power is a sacrosanct right guaranteed by the Charter of the United Nations and by international law. That right is complemented by the right of peoples to self- determination and to independence.”
2002-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4660Resumption1 (2002) · source
“A flagrant example of the failure of the international community, and the United Nations in particular, is the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories - the West Bank and Gaza - where the civilian population is suffering daily from the incursions of the occupying forces, which are violating the provisions of the Fourth Geneva Convention and its first Additional Protocol. The suffering of children, women, the elderly and other vulnerable sectors of society grows worse and longer day by day. What increases the suffering further is the fact that medical and humanitarian care is delayed and access to victims prevented. The fact is that the occupying Power has actually impeded the work of those who seek to provide care.”
2002-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4660Resumption1 (2002) · source
“There are many other situations that have not been accorded the same degree of importance or in which such intervention has not been as successful. These include other parts of Africa and the Middle East. Despite the increasing awareness of the Members of the United Nations of the scale of this new challenge and their agreement with regard to the responsibility of the Organization, whether through the Security Council or the General Assembly, for preventing conflict and resolving it in a peaceful manner, as well as their belief in the importance of providing protection and humanitarian assistance to civilians victims of armed conflict, the international community still has a long way to go in this respect.”
2002-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4660Resumption1 (2002) · source
“We should like to take this opportunity to emphasize that a number of international legal instruments set out elements of international law whose application goes beyond the parties to such instruments. The most obvious example of this is the Fourth Geneva Convention and its two Additional Protocols, which go beyond the States parties and apply to the entire international community, setting out an internationally agreed framework for the treatment of civilians in armed conflict or under occupation. Thirdly, on more than one occasion the United Nations has succeeded in proving that it is able to intervene effectively to protect civilians, most notably in the Balkans, East Timor and Sierra Leone.”
2002-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4660Resumption1 (2002) · source
“What makes matters worse and further complicates the situation are the changes that have occurred with regard to the methods used by combatants and their conduct, whether at the international or domestic levels, and the growth in internal, regional and ethnic strife, including ethnic cleansing, accompanied by the disintegration of Governmental institutions and a breakdown in the rule of law and order. We believe that a major element in the growth of these tragic phenomena is the fact that countries are not abiding by the provisions of international humanitarian law, notably the Fourth Geneva Convention and its two Additional Protocols, while in some cases governance and responsible authority are absent as a result of internal strife.”
2002-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4660Resumption1 (2002) · source
“Secondly, during the past few years the Security Council has discussed the issue of the protection of civilians in armed conflict, adopting a number of resolutions and issuing several presidential statements on the subject. That reflects the importance that the Council attaches to this vital issue, which is gaining in importance because of the growing number of civilian victims of armed conflicts, compared with numbers of a decade ago, and the increase in the number of such conflicts, particularly in Africa, which accounts for almost half the total number of conflicts worldwide.”
2002-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4660Resumption1 (2002) · source
“First, within the framework of the commitment to the principles of the Charter as contained in Articles 1 and 2, including the political independence, sovereign equality and territorial integrity of States, which must be respected by everyone, we would like to stress that the protection of civilians in armed conflict must not lead to the disregard of the concept of State sovereignty or of the responsibilities and powers that States have in their territory. Balance between those two elements is necessary; indeed, it is vital, particularly since international law has dealt extensively with such elements and determined the commitments, duties and rights of States and individuals.”
2002-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4660Resumption1 (2002) · source
“We welcome the recent report of the Secretary- General, which reviews developments relating to the protection of civilians in armed conflict during the past 18 months. We agree with its conclusions that three issues have emerged that represent a challenge to the ability of States to protect civilians: sexual violence and gender-based violence; the illegal commercial exploitation of the natural resources of States; and the threat of terrorism. My delegation would like to make a number of important points in this respect.”
2002-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4660Resumption1 (2002) · source
“Mr. Aboul Gheit (Egypt) (spoke in Arabic): The right of every human being to live in lasting peace and security should be sacred. That is one of the reasons for the founding of the United Nations. That right lies at the heart of the purposes and principles of the Organization, and it is that right from which it derives its authority and mandate. The protection of civilians in armed conflict is thus a basic responsibility of the United Nations. It is also a collective responsibility, imposed by international humanitarian law. On that basis, we believe that the dialogue currently under way in the Council is vital in order to promote the efforts of the Organization in this area and to bring about further progress in dealing with this serious challenge.”
2002-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4660Resumption1 (2002) · source
“Egypt also welcomes the fact that the Statute of the ICC has ensured gender-sensitive justice that includes the adoption of necessary measures to protect victims and witnesses, equitable representation of male and female judges, and the availability of legal expertise on such specific issues as violence against women.”
2002-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4635Resumption1 (2002) · source
“Together, these conventions constitute the basis for international efforts to include the gender dimension in every aspect of the work of the Organization and to recognize the vital role of women in the establishment of international peace and security. Egypt welcomes the fact that the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) includes the gender dimension in its articles. Thus its definition of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide includes gender-based violence, rape, forced prostitution, trafficking in persons, and torture and other forms of inhuman and degrading treatment, including enslavement.”
2002-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4635Resumption1 (2002) · source
“We would like also to reiterate the importance of respecting the various international conventions and agreements relating to women when we discuss the issue of women, peace and security. Foremost among these instruments is the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949 relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War and its two Additional Protocols of 1977, which together represent the legal basis for the protection of women and girls during armed conflict. Also important are the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and the outcome of the Beijing Conference and its Platform of Action.”
2002-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4635Resumption1 (2002) · source