YouSaid · the spoken record

Alemu

lines on the record: 1,245
first: 2011-03-10
most recent: 2018-07-30
sittings or episodes: 191
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

“The strong message to emerge today from the Council on this issue is indeed very good. We trust that both parties heed the call.”
2017-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7939 (2017) · source
“It is also imperative that the parties urgently begin to establish the Abyei Area administration and constitute the Abyei police, in accordance with the commitments under the 20 June 2011 agreement, without which UNISFA will be forced to continue to operate in a governance vacuum, which creates difficulties for the mission in carrying out its mandate and shouldering additional burdens in undertaking civilian responsibilities. Therefore, the parties should also endeavour to unlock some of the issues hindering the establishment of a civilian administration and police services, with a view to making progress towards the full implementation of the 2011 agreement. In the absence of any progress, the continued presence of the mission, which is so critical for peace and stability in the Abyei Area, will be in serious jeopardy.”
2017-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7939 (2017) · source
“In that regard, we welcome the outcome of the extraordinary meeting of the Joint Political and Security Mechanism held in Addis Ababa yesterday under the auspices of the African Union High-level Implementation Panel, which underscored the need for both parties to urgently take practical steps to activate the JBVMM. and facilitate its work. The meeting also outlined a clear road map on steps that need to be taken over the coming weeks and months. That is indeed the essence of what we discussed over the past couple of days. We sincerely hope that things will move in the right direction so that there can be tangible progress by the time we meet again, in six months, to consider this file.”
2017-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7939 (2017) · source
“Let me take this opportunity to express our thanks and appreciation to the penholder and to all the members of the Council for demonstrating the necessary flexibility and compromise in a bid to achieve consensus. With regard to the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism (JBVMM), which was the most important sticking point in the negotiations, all of us know the reason for the lack of meaningful progress; there is no point in dwelling on it here. The most important issue is that both parties should demonstrate full commitment to the implementation of their arrangements and take the necessary steps to that effect, as called for in the resolution just adopted. On that, the penholder has a very strong point.”
2017-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7939 (2017) · source
“We welcome the unanimous adoption of resolution 2352 (2017), which renews the mandate of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) for another six months. As the only troop-contributing country to this unique mission, it should come as no surprise that we attach a lot of importance to UNISFA. That is why we actively and constructively engaged in the negotiations of the resolution. We worked with the penholder and other members on this important file even before joining the Security Council. We know that there has always been unanimous support for this mission since its inception. No doubt, the negotiations on the resolution were not easy. In the end, however, it is good that all of us were able to maintain Council unity on this important matter.”
2017-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7939 (2017) · source
“We support the measures he is undertaking, including through the appointment of the special coordinator and the establishment of a high-level task force to develop a strategy for improving the United Nations response.”
2017-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7938 (2017) · source
“The close cooperation and coordination provided by the Special Representative of the Secretary- General of the United Nations and the Special Envoy of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission are important, and the implementation of the framework for cooperation between the two organizations will go a long way towards ensuring greater coordination of efforts. Finally, with regard to allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse by United Nations peacekeepers, we reiterate our strong condemnation of all such acts throughout the United Nations system and reaffirm our commitment to support the implementation of the United Nations zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse. We welcome the Secretary-General's commitment to preventing and combating such abuses.”
2017-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7938 (2017) · source
“We believe that enhancing global and regional partnerships in the fight against conflict-related sexual violence should form an important part of the international response in conflict and post-conflict situations. In that connection, the African Union has demonstrated its commitment to fighting impunity and holding accountable those responsible for conflict- related sexual violence. The joint efforts of the United Nations and the African Union are imperative, not only in the fight against sexual exploitation and violence in conflicts but also in supporting the implementation of the women and peace and security agenda on the continent.”
2017-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7938 (2017) · source
“It is important to strengthen peacebuilding efforts aimed at rebuilding national capacity and institutions, particularly the capacity of the security sector and the judiciary to fight impunity and bring perpetrators to justice. However, what is needed in order to sustainably prevent sexual exploitation and violence is to address the root causes of conflict. That applies, of course, to all of the crimes and inhumane acts that usually follow violent conflicts. Moreover, as the Deputy Secretary-General stressed, in our efforts to ensure success in the fight against sexual exploitation and violence, we must never overlook what takes place at the family and societal levels, since that lays the foundation for what takes place, in a more egregious manner, during times of violence.”
2017-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7938 (2017) · source
“The need to enhance the capacity of peacekeeping missions to prevent conflict-related sexual violence 4 particularly through increased participation by women in peacekeeping, the provision of gender- sensitive predeployment training on preventing sexual exploitation and abuse, and the implementation of the zero-tolerance policy - has already been recognized, as has the need to involve women and other vulnerable groups in conflict prevention, conflict resolution and peacebuilding. Where serious violations have occurred, the individuals or groups responsible for such grave violations of international humanitarian law should certainly be held accountable, as allowing impunity is no less a crime.”
2017-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7938 (2017) · source
“The Council should encourage or pressure, as appropriate, all parties to an armed conflict to fully comply with international humanitarian law, particularly in relation to the protection of civilians. The implementation by Member States of the relevant regional and international legal instruments for the prevention, punishment and eradication of all forms of violence against women would also contribute to better national, regional and international responses to victims of sexual violence.”
2017-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7938 (2017) · source
“Refugees, asylum seekers and migrants in countries in conflict, including children, have in many instances been subjected to conflict-related sexual violence, and it should be remembered that such acts are considered war crimes under international law. The report of the Secretary-General and the recommendations contained therein could form an important basis for addressing sexual violence in various conflict and post-conflict situations. They will have particular significance in the consideration of specific conflict or post-conflict situations, and the Council should explore the ways and means of ensuring the implementation of the relevant recommendations, including by assigning protection advisers.”
2017-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7938 (2017) · source
“The annual report (S/2017/249) of the Secretary- General on conflict-related sexual violence, which was issued last month, with its thorough analysis of current trends and emerging concerns regarding sexual violence in conflict as a tactic of war and terrorism, certainly provides a useful framework for our discussion. Sexual exploitation and abuse have indeed become rampant in various conflict and post-conflict operations and are often linked to other grave crimes, such as killings and the recruitment and use of child soldiers. It has also been used as a tactic of war by armed groups, particularly extremist and terrorist groups, such as the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant, Boko Haram and Al-Shabaab, to terrorize the civilian population and achieve strategic objectives.”
2017-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7938 (2017) · source
“Let me start by expressing appreciation to you, Sir, for organizing this open debate and for being here again to highlight the great significance of the meeting today. I wish to thank Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, Under- Secretary-General Adama Dieng and Ms. Mina Jaf for their insightful briefings. It also gives me pleasure to welcome the Defence Minister of Sweden, and I thank him for being at this meeting. At a time when the number of victims of sexual violence targeted by parties to armed conflicts and terrorists is on the rise, this debate could not be more appropriate and relevant in the endeavour to mobilize efforts for concerted and effective international action aimed at preventing and responding to this growing problem.”
2017-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7938 (2017) · source
“Coordination between the 1540 Committee Group of Experts and the Monitoring Team could also be envisaged in relation to the capacity-building and technical assistance provided to Member States or other organizations. Such joint participation and coordination would enable the 1540 Committee Group of Experts and the Monitoring Team to coordinate their responses to the risks posed by terrorists.”
2017-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7936 (2017) · source
“As a follow-up to today's joint briefing, the Chairs of the Committees could consider convening a joint meeting between the Committees at the experts' level to identify concrete measures or mechanisms that could help to further enhance the existing cooperation with a View to preventing the spread of weapons of mass destruction into the hands of terrorists. In addition, the possibility ofthejoint participation ofthe 1540 Committee's Group of Experts and the Monitoring Team of the Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015) concerning Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (Da'esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities in national workshops and regional meetings in the context of 1540-related issues could be further explored, where appropriate.”
2017-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7936 (2017) · source
“The objectives of resolution 1540 (2004) can be best achieved through the gradual control and reduction of nuclear, biological and chemical weapons, leading towards their total elimination and prohibition. In that regard, we welcome the ongoing discussions in the context of the General Assembly to negotiate and adopt a comprehensive and universal legally binding framework on the prohibition of nuclear weapons with a view to their total elimination. We believe that is vitally important. We concur with Ambassador Llorentty Soliz that cooperation between the three Committees at the experts' level should continue.”
2017-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7936 (2017) · source
“Therefore, enhanced information sharing among Member States, as highlighted by the Monitoring Team, remains vital. We note with great concern the threat posed by the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, their means of delivery and related materials, and of the possibility of such weapons falling into the hands of non-State actors, particularly terrorists. We believe that the issue of the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction under the agenda of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004) should be seen from the broader point of View of a total ban and elimination of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery.”
2017-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7936 (2017) · source
“We appreciate the report and updates that we have received on the activities of that Committee. We recognize the important work of the analytical support and sanctions Monitoring Team in assisting the Committee's work and commend their expertise and professionalism. The report rightly points out that Al-Qaida and its affiliates continue to present a complex and difficult challenge to international security. Moreover, the emergence of ISIL has not strategically weakened Al-Qaida. Although the decline in the number of volunteer fighters going to Iraq and Syria is good news, we note the growing challenge with regard to returnees and the relocation of fighters. We note what South-East Asia and West and East Africa are experiencing in terms of a rising level of risk emanating from ISIL and Al-Qaida affiliates.”
2017-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7936 (2017) · source
“We appreciate the timely submission by the Council of the comprehensive international framework to counter terrorist narratives as requested by the presidential statement adopted on 11 May 2016 (S/PRST/2016/6). We believe that developing counter- narratives should benefit from existing good practices and also take into account respective national contexts so as to be effective. The work of the Committee established pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015) concerning the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) (Da'esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities is very critical in overseeing the sanctions measures imposed by the Security Council on ISIL (Da'esh), Al-Qaida and associated groups, individuals, undertakings and entities, in accordance with the relevant resolutions.”
2017-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7936 (2017) · source
“In that regard, we would like to commend the role of the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force and other bilateral partners in their continued engagement with the CTC and the CTED. We also note that identifying new threats, emerging trends and potential responses; countering terrorist financing, transnational organized crimes and their linkage to the funding of terrorism, the misuse of social media for the purposes of financing terrorism, as well as establishing awareness of the increased use of the Internet and other communication technologies for terrorist purposes, have also been given due attention by the Committee. In all those areas, the engagement and cooperation of all relevant stakeholders, both public and private, remain very critical.”
2017-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7936 (2017) · source
“The expert assessments, which provide assistance to Member States in the implementation of Security Council resolutions on terrorism, have also been very useful and relevant. We note in particular the increase in the number of assessments and their follow- up on facilitating technical assistance, as reported by the Chair, and appreciate the CTC as well as CTED for their efforts in that regard. We believe that the promotion of regional cooperation should be strengthened and should also focus on the most affected countries and regions. It is right that the assessment visits to Member States should be followed-up with the facilitation of capacity- building and technical assistance where there is a need to fill in the existing gaps.”
2017-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7936 (2017) · source
“I would like to begin by thanking you, Sir, for convening this meeting, which we find very relevant and useful in the light of the common goal that the three Committees share as important subsidiary organs of the Security Council in countering terrorism. We express appreciation to all three Chairs - Amr Abdellatif Aboulatta, Kairat Umarov and Sacha Sergio Llorentty Soliz - and their respective teams for their dedicated efforts. With regard the report ofthe Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001) concerning counter- terrorism (CTC), we recognize the indispensable role that it plays in monitoring the implementation of resolution 1373 and the other relevant resolutions on counter-terrorism. Ethiopia also appreciates the work of the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) in implementing the CTC's decisions.”
2017-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7936 (2017) · source
“In conclusion, we cannot overemphasize the significance of forging even stronger multilateral cooperation in partnership between the African Union, the United Nations, the European Union and other relevant regional and international partners for sustainable peace, security and development in Africa.”
2017-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7935 (2017) · source
“Its intention to make an initial contribution to the African Union Peace Fund once its governance structures are put in place, with a view to encouraging international support for the African Union's requests for assistance for its peace support operations from United Nations assessed contributions, is also very much welcomed. Finally, in the light of the upcoming EU-Africa Summit, due to be held in Cote d'Ivoire later this year, we hope the strategic partnership between Africa and Europe will be further strengthened. We take note of the EU's revitalized framework for joint action in that regard.”
2017-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7935 (2017) · source
“We are particularly grateful for what the EU has done in Somalia for so long, but quietly and with great effect. We therefore hope that Europe will continue to remain true to the spirit of the strategic partnership that has been forged with Africa in tackling issues of mutual concern as well as in ensuring collective peace, security and prosperity. That is why we welcome the EU's renewed commitment to investing in African peace and development as an investment in its own security and prosperity. Indeed, EU support for the promotion and maintenance of peace and security on our continent, inter alia, through its African Peace Facility, which is providing substantial amounts of funding to African Union-led peace support operations, has been quite significant.”
2017-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7935 (2017) · source
“In that regard, we appreciate the growing cooperation between the United Nations and the European Union, which encompasses a wide range of issues across the peace, security and development agendas. That includes, inter alia, preventive diplomacy and mediation, peacekeeping, the fight against terrorism and violent extremism, combating human trafficking and other transnational organized crimes, the global response to humanitarian crises, tackling the issue of large movements of refugees and migrants, addressing the impact of climate change and promoting sustainable development. For us in Africa, Europe is not only a neighbouring continent but also an important partner - a vital partner - for addressing the many peace, security and development challenges we face. We in the Horn of Africa are extremely mindful of this fact.”
2017-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7935 (2017) · source
“A peaceful and harmonious Europe would be an important pillar for global peace at a time when there is more confusion than clarity at the global level. The European Union remains one of the most indispensable multilateral organizations, with a crucial role to play at a time of great uncertainty and a great deficit in trust, including in institutions that have endured for a long time. The United Nations-EU partnership is one of the most important global regional partnerships for the promotion and maintenance of international peace and security, which we need to foster now with even more and deeper commitment. The significance of this partnership has indeed been reinforced in the light of the new challenges that we referred to earlier.”
2017-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7935 (2017) · source
“It is in fact going through difficult times, as the EU Global Strategy for Foreign and Security Policy has acknowledged. We understand that there are no easy solutions to some of those challenges and, in a much more interconnected and interdependent world, Europe cannot find solutions to these difficult and complex challenges alone. That is why reaffirming the multilateral approach, investing in a stronger United Nations and enhancing cooperation and partnership with other regional organizations is a sensible and logical thing to do, as outlined in the EU Global Strategy. It is indeed music to our ears to hear the High Representative stress that the EU vision is the United Nations vision. This is a time when that kind of commitment can serve as an example to all.”
2017-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7935 (2017) · source
“Wejoin others in welcoming Her Excellency Ms. Federica Mogherini for today's annual briefing on strengthening the partnership between the United Nations and the European Union (EU). We thank the High Representative for her remarks on the EU's foreign policy priorities and its perspectives on some of the most pressing issues of peace and security to both the United Nations and the European Union. It is indeed symbolic that we are discussing the United Nations-EU partnership on Europe Day, and I wish to take this opportunity to congratulate our European friends on the sixtieth anniversary of the EU. We are also holding this meeting at a time when the world is facing unprecedented challenges and threats to peace, security and prosperity. Europe is certainly not immune to those challenges.”
2017-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7935 (2017) · source
“We hope that the resumption of direct and serious talks between the parties without preconditions - what the African Union has been calling for and has fully supported now that Morocco has returned to the African Union family, which is a very important development which we welcome - might facilitate speeding up the process of finding an amicable solution to this long- standing dispute and that the African Union will have a supportive role in the United Nations-sponsored peace talks.”
2017-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7933 (2017) · source
“Any meaningful progress on the peace process hinges on the full cooperation of the two parties with the Secretary-General, and it is only appropriate that the Council call on the parties to commit themselves to resuming the fifth round of negotiations in good faith and without any conditions. We believe that the appointment of a new Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General for Western Sahara who commands the trust and confidence of both parties will be very critical to realizing that objective. It would be remiss of us to fail to take this opportunity to thank, following the presidency, Personal Envoy Mr. Christopher Ross for having been such an upright person in whom we can repose confidence. We wish to thank him for his service. We feel this is fair and proper.”
2017-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7933 (2017) · source
“This is something that we have always supported based on our conviction that it would provide for the self- determination of the people of Western Sahara in the context of arrangements consistent with the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations. In this connection, it is imperative that the Council understand the context of the problem we have been facing and fully support the proposal by Secretary- General Antonio Guterres to relaunch the peace process with a new spirit and dynamism to achieve a mutually acceptable political solution to the Western Saharan issue, in accordance with all relevant Security Council resolutions.”
2017-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7933 (2017) · source
“This should create a positive atmosphere for the relaunching of the peace process and de-escalate the tension. Both parties, with which we are equally friendly, should be called upon to honour their commitments to the agreement reached with MINURSO in relation to the ceasefire. They should refrain from taking any action that could undermine their agreement and further aggravate the situation on the ground. The latest developments have underscored the need to exert renewed efforts for the resumption of talks between the parties to find ajust, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution to the long-standing issue on the basis ofthe relevant Security Council resolutions.”
2017-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7933 (2017) · source
“All the same, we decided to vote in favour of the resolution because of our conviction that the Secretary-General appears to be committed to relaunch the peace process, and of our hope that there is a new spirit. Of course we also felt we needed to take into account the effort that has been made by the presidency to achieve the progress we saw. That said, however, we would like to reiterate the importance of the restoration of the full functionality of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), whose role has become all the more significant in light of developments on the ground. We welcome the progress made in facilitating the return of the civilian component of MINURSO. We are very pleased at the progress made surrounding the programme created in connection with the buffer zone.”
2017-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7933 (2017) · source
“Iwish to thank our colleagues from the United States for the serious efforts they made to ensure consensus was reached on resolution 2351 (2017). We appreciate the readiness they have demonstrated to accommodate all legitimate concerns. We have all been following developments that have unfolded over the past several months surrounding the issue of Western Sahara, as well as the undeniable progress - although fledgling - that we had begun to see. We would have been even more pleased if the points we had raised, which did not amount to more than minor tweaking, had been taken on board. They were not, and we understand why not. Our effort was designed to ensure alignment with fundamental principles in the position of the African Union.”
2017-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7933 (2017) · source
“The answer to the last question speaks to the need for unity within the Security Council, most of all in isolating, marginalizing and defeating the enemies of peace, which requires an unambiguous commitment to the fight against terrorism. Perhaps Syria is the best example for doing more to create some clarity in connection with the end game, including with respect to the fight against terrorism. It seems to us that there is a need for major efforts in that area. I would like to conclude by reiterating what we have always stressed - one cannot ignore the Palestinian issue. In that regard, no diplomatic effort will succeed in providing a sustainable solution unless the Palestinian conflict is addressed on the basis of the two-State solution. That is also critical for regional and international peace and security.”
2017-04-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7929 (2017) · source
“We do not believe that, given the presence of political will and an unambiguous commitment to a win-win outcome based on justice and security for all, it would be impossible to make progress with respect to any of the conflict situations in the Middle East and, for that matter, in our own region, the Horn of Africa. But honest dialogue has to be given priority. In that respect, it is critical that the Secretariat play its proper role by way of providing analyses of conflict situations as objectively as possible, without fear or favour. Differences in the interpretation of fact are unavoidable and more or less acceptable, but we cannot be allowed to have our own facts. That is one major impediment to the success of diplomatic efforts.”
2017-04-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7929 (2017) · source
“Therefore, the answer to the second question it seems to ask is provided by the report of the High- level Independent Panel on Peace Operations (see S/2015/446). This would mean that we should invest more in diplomacy and thus ensure the primacy of politics, which in fact is and should be the major vocation of the United Nations and the Security Council, which is supposed to be the tip of the spear for the world body in ensuring international peace and security. This applies to all the difficult conflict situations in the Middle East.”
2017-04-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7929 (2017) · source
“This takes us very close to addressing the second key question in the concept paper, which asks what steps can be taken to identify and address threats to international peace and security. Obviously, as we have already the implied in the foregoing, the steps that have to be taken have to be political and diplomatic, based on justice and aimed at addressing the legitimate demands and concerns of all concerned. Very rare indeed are the instances, without denying exceptional circumstances, when the military approach has resulted in laying the foundation for durable and sustainable peace among States. This is all the more pertinent today when the devastating effects of war are making resort to it a threat of existential proportions.”
2017-04-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7929 (2017) · source
“In fact, developments taking place daily make it rather plain that one would be delusional if one thought it were possible to see light at the end of the tunnel. We often talk about how UnitedNations peacekeeping would fail without a political framework and a political strategy to guide it and to identify the end game. This problem is even more pronounced and more and more evident at the global level, including with respect to the situation in the Middle East, most particularly in this regard in connection with the Palestinian issue. It is impossible to question the claim that in all parts of the world, including the Middle East, it is not the primacy of politics but rather the military approach that has pride of place as the chosen means of resolving disputes, misunderstandings and conflicts.”
2017-04-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7929 (2017) · source
“The fact that the overall trajectory is worrying cannot be gainsaid. It seems to us very easy in this regard to respond very quickly to the first question in the concept paper on who benefits from this state of affairs. It is those who believe that they benefit little from peace or the balance ofnormal life based onjustice and fair play, and the the terrorists who are determined to undermine trust among peoples and religions. There are no easy solutions to the multiple and complex challenges facing the Middle East region. However, the need for a comprehensive and holistic approach to addressing the multiple and complex challenges and threats facing the region has never been more urgent than at this particular point in time.”
2017-04-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7929 (2017) · source
“I would like to thank you, Madam, for organizing this debate today. We shall attempt to respond to what I refer to as key questions in the concept paper (S/2017/305, annex). There are three, and I shall try to address them. We are also grateful to Mr. Mladenov for his comprehensive briefing on the latest developments in the Middle East.We appreciate the humane sentiments that underpinned his presentation. The peace and the security situation in that region remains a matter of serious concern because of its obvious grave implications for international peace and security. In the meantime, what we see is, as Mr. Mladenov stressed, the continued worsening of the humanitarian situation and the danger of chemical and biological weapons falling into the hands of terrorist groups.”
2017-04-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7929 (2017) · source
“He may draw the attention of the Security Council to massive and systematic human rights abuses on the basis of his sole analysis and assessment of specific human rights situations, but with full awareness of the need to respect the sovereignty and the territorial integrity of States, as well as the principles of international law governing inter-State relations.”
2017-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7926 (2017) · source
“In terms of the way forward, the Security Council would best be served in dealing with human rights situations by enhancing its constructive and complementary relations with other principal bodies of the United Nations and by taking advantage of their tools and expertise. But, as so clearly indicated in the 2005 World Summit Outcome (resolution 60/1), the general principle to be adhered to is the need for all to work within their respective mandates, and the role of the Secretary-General should also not be overlooked.”
2017-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7926 (2017) · source
“But the solution is not to replace the functions of those other organs and mechanisms, but to improve and strengthen them so that they can effectively deliver on their mandated responsibilities. However, that does not mean that the Security Council should remain indifferent to grave instances of human rights violations and crimes against humanity. The Council should be able to use all ofthe wide range of tools at its disposal to respond in a timely and effective manner to situations that endanger the maintenance of international peace and security. Unfortunately, the track record of the Security Council in that regard is far from reassuring, and that has been the subject of much political and academic debate for quite some time. It is undoubtedly overdue for the Council to start being more self-critical.”
2017-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7926 (2017) · source
“Of course, we cannot ignore the need for improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the Human Rights Council and other United Nations human rights mechanisms in carrying out their mandates, but the responsibility for that falls within the mandate of other principal organs of the United Nations, most of all the General Assembly. Needless to say, the discussions on human rights issues have always tended to be ideological, and their susceptibility to politicization and the lack of the consistency and coherence in dealing with human rights situations makes it extremely difficult to build the necessary consensus within the wider membership of the United Nations.”
2017-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7926 (2017) · source
“Therefore, we believe that the Security Council should remain focused on carrying out its mandated responsibilities, as outlined in the Charter of the United Nations and not encroach on the powers and functions of other organs of the United Nations. Replicating the work of these organs will not only be inconsistent with the principles of the Charter, but will also create unnecessary division and discord. At a time when the Council is not able even to find common ground in addressing the most pressing issues of international peace and security, that will further undermine its ability to effectively carry out its primary responsibility.”
2017-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7926 (2017) · source
“The primary organ within the United Nations system responsible for strengthening the promotion and the protection of human rights, addressing situations of human rights violations and promoting the effective coordination and mainstreaming of human rights within the United Nations system is indeed the Human Rights Council. Human rights issues also constitute an important part of the work of the Third Committee of the General Assembly, which among others examines human rights questions, including reports ofthe special procedures of the Human Rights Council and adopts numerous draft resolutions submitted under the human rights agenda item during its annual session.”
2017-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7926 (2017) · source
“A number of important decisions have resulted from those discussions, which continue to guide the work of the Council in terms of the linkages between human rights and peace and security. Many peacekeeping and special political missions have also been mandated to monitor and report on human rights situations. That notwithstanding, it seems to us self-evident that the protection and the promotion of human rights do not fall within the purview of the Security Council. In other words, the Council considers them only insofar as they relate to its primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security.”
2017-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7926 (2017) · source