YouSaid · the spoken record

Andjaba

lines on the record: 606
first: 1996-12-11
most recent: 2005-10-27
sittings or episodes: 91
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

“We expect a solution to this problem to be found urgently. Furthermore, it is our strong belief that, once sanctions are imposed, there should be no selectivity on the part of the Security Council in implementing them. In this connection, we commend the tireless efforts of Ambassador Fowler to ensure that sanctions imposed against UNITA are fully implemented. We have a real chance to ensure together that armed conflict is prevented and present conflict contained. But conflict is prevented by people and it is only logical that those who are entrusted to prevent conflict be safe and secure. This cannot be overemphasized. Furthermore, competition among United Nations Members and regional organizations cannot prevent conflict, nor can it enhance peacekeeping and peacemaking.”
1999-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4072 (1999) · source
“In order to prevent conflict, a sound understanding of the underlying factors is necessary. For example, in Africa, the accumulation, through illicit trafficking, of small arms and light and heavy weapons, inter alia, needs to be prevented. Therefore, the relevant recommendations contained in the Secretary-General's report on the causes of conflict and the promotion of durable peace and sustainable development in Africa need to be implemented. In this decade, sanctions have been used more frequently, though with mixed results. Namibia supports the view that, before sanctions are imposed, their scope and purpose should be defined and their duration clearly specified in the resolution imposing them. Resolving problems arising from the application of sanctions must rest with the United Nations, under whose name they are imposed.”
1999-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4072 (1999) · source
“It is therefore important for the Security Council in particular to assist the OAU in its early-warning capacities. Regional arrangements can contribute to the maintenance of peace only if their actions are consistent with Chapter VIII of the United Nations Charter. It is in this context that we welcome the expanding relationship between the United Nations and the OAU, especially in conflict prevention, peacekeeping, peacemaking and conflict resolution. The tendency to undertake peace enforcement without specific mandate from the Security Council and without acting in accordance with the United Nations Charter should be discouraged, as it undermines the credibility of the Council and diminishes its role in the maintenance of international peace and security.”
1999-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4072 (1999) · source
“At their last Summit in Algiers before the new millennium, the Organization of African Unity (OAU) heads of State and Government reaffirmed their resolve "to make the OAU the vital instrument of their collective action both within Africa and in relation to the rest of the world". In that respect, they declared that the OAU Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution is a valuable asset for the African continent which must be nurtured and consolidated. The heads of State and Government made it very clear that this Mechanism, which symbolizes the concerted resolve of the African continent to fully assume its responsibilities, does not release the United Nations from its obligations under the Charter as far as the maintenance of international peace and security is concerned.”
1999-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4072 (1999) · source
“Let me also state that the mission's success was the result of the collective effort of all the members of the Security Council, including you, Sir. However, in the end and to a great extent, it is the willingness of the Security Council to take appropriate action and the trust, confidence and cooperation between the Secretary-General and the Security Council that will determine whether armed conflict can be prevented or whether lives have to be lost first before action is taken. Equally important are the readiness and the willingness of those primarily involved to prevent armed conflict and to resort to peaceful means.”
1999-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4072 (1999) · source
“Indeed, the Security Council's work is in part facilitated by the good offices of the Secretary-General. Fact-finding missions through the Secretary-General's office, such as the mission of his Special Envoy to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other relevant African States, have proven useful in enhancing the understanding and appreciation of that situation by the Security Council in particular. Similarly, the Security Council's mission to Jakarta and Dili this year - which I had the honour to lead - clearly demonstrated the usefulness of such missions. The Council should therefore utilize this type of mission whenever feasible. In this connection, I wish to thank my colleagues, in particular Ambassador Holbrooke, for their kind words addressed to me.”
1999-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4072 (1999) · source
“In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, while peace remains fragile, as in many other conflict situations, not only may a prolonged delay in deploying military observers to preserve the peace achieved by the peacemakers unravel the achievements of the regional peace process; but the recurrence of conflict holds real possibilities of engulfing the major part of the continent. Therefore, for peace to become real in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and in neighbouring countries, the Security Council should show the same resolve, urgency and commitment towards African situations as it has and continues to do towards others. In the African situations and elsewhere, the Secretary-General has shown his determination to use his good offices to address armed conflict where it exists and my delegation commends him for that.”
1999-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4072 (1999) · source
“The Security Council must continue to work to preserve peace at all times, irrespective of the fragility of the peace or the geographical location. Where peace agreements have been secured, the Security Council must act swiftly to assist in consolidating the peace by facilitating implementation of those agreements. Delayed action is delayed peace and prolonged suffering. More often than not, peace between adversaries is inherently fragile and thus needs to be nurtured to longevity. In Sierra Leone, swift action by the Security Council under the appropriate and adequate mandate would have the saved lives and limbs of thousands of innocent civilians.”
1999-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4072 (1999) · source
“President, for having arranged this important open debate. The primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security rests with the Security Council. However, the prevention of conflict and its recurrence requires a multifaceted approach by the Security Council and other principal organs. In Africa, for the most part, the causes of armed conflict remain poverty and underdevelopment. Hence, as the Security Council considers its role in the prevention of armed conflicts to be within its primary responsibility, the principles and provisions of the Charter must be adhered to. Today, internal wars continue to take a heavy toll on civilian populations, especially the most vulnerable. Early warning is therefore the best way to avert tragedies in different parts of the world.”
1999-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4072 (1999) · source
“In his report on the work of the Organization, the Secretary-General rightly stated that "Taking prevention more seriously will help to ensure that there are fewer wars and less consequential disasters to cope with in the first place." (A/54/l, paragraph 21) In fact, the Carnegie Foundation has put this into perspective. It has estimated that the cost to the international community of the seven major wars in the 1990s - not including Kosovo - was $199 billion, and that this was in addition to the cost to the countries actually at war. More important, it has been concluded that most of these wars could have been averted if more attention had been paid to prevention. My opening remarks are aimed at demonstrating the importance of preventing armed conflict and the significance of today's meeting in turn. My delegation commends you, Mr.”
1999-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4072 (1999) · source
“Finally, it remains essential for the international community to continue providing the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina with the necessary resources and logistical assistance needed to build the basic foundation for a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and peaceful country.”
1999-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4069 (1999) · source
“In this context, my delegation hopes that their Excellencies will encourage Parliament to consider favourably and expeditiously the draft electoral law and private property legislation due in Parliament in order to speed up the return of the internally displaced persons to their homes. Overall, my delegation notes with appreciation the progress that has been achieved thus far with respect to the implementation of the Peace Agreement, especially the ongoing efforts to establish common institutions. Furthermore, my delegation warmly welcomes the New York Declaration by the Joint Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
1999-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4069 (1999) · source
“In this regard, may I quote the report of the High Representative "that the work of the Presidency has constructive elements and the rotation of the function is working smoothly and the Presidency quickly reached agreement on a number of important areas, including reorganization of the Diplomatic and Consular services appointment of new Ambassadors, a commitment to establishing the State border service, and a reduction of a military budget". (S/I999/1115, annex, para. IQ These are indeed positive elements in the sphere of institution-building, and we therefore encourage the Presidency to persevere in the great task of rebuilding their nation. We note also the improvement in the rate of return of refugees and internally displaced persons to their original homes.”
1999-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4069 (1999) · source
“Mr. Minister, we welcome you to our midst and wish to commend you and Ambassador Turk for taking the initiative to convene this very important meeting. Like those who spoke before, we pay tribute to the victims of the air crash in Kosovo and express our heartfelt condolences to their families. We would also like to welcome and thank their Excellencies for their invaluable and informative briefing on the current status of the implementation of the Dayton Peace Accords in Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
1999-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4069 (1999) · source
“Namibia condemns the killing of two expatriate United Nations workers in the Rutana province on 12 October this year, deaths that led to the suspension of United Nations humanitarian activities. We hope that these activities will resume as soon as security conditions permit. Furthermore, it is important that investigations into the killings are carried out and that the perpetrators are brought to justice. We are grateful to the Secretary-General for having sent the Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs to Burundi and other countries in and outside the region to consult with their leaders on the situation in the country and the United Nations role in helping with the peace process. We look forward to the outcome of his visit.”
1999-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4067Resumption1 (1999) · source
“We encourage the parties to resolve the question of a successor to former President Nyerere, so as to fill the vacuum caused by his untimely death, allow the process to move forward and bring an end to the suffering of the people of Burundi. Let me emphasize that only inclusion of all the people of Burundi - irrespective of ethnicity - in the political, economic and social development process of the country can bring peace to Burundi. It is up to the people of Burundi to muster the courage and will to foster mutual accommodation and acceptance. The international community can only assist. We call on the donor community to continue to support the Arusha negotiations and to provide resources and assistance for addressing the humanitarian needs of the population in need of such assistance.”
1999-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4067Resumption1 (1999) · source
“Tanzania continues to bear this burden despite meagre resources. We hope that it will continue to play a positive role in the negotiations. We encourage the parties in Burundi to continue in earnest with the negotiations in a bid to find a peaceful solution to the country's civil strife. We call upon those who have not been participating to join the process so that peace can be found for all the people of Burundi. In the same vein, it is important that the fighting stop, so that all efforts are concentrated on a negotiated settlement. We very much regret that it might not be possible for such a settlement to be reached by the end of the year, but we are hopeful that this will take place early during the new millennium.”
1999-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4067Resumption1 (1999) · source
“They are forced to flee their homes in search of safety or have been forced into regroupement camps where humanitarian conditions are appalling and where there is no adequate shelter or water supply. Worse still, some of these camps are inaccessible to humanitarian organizations. We pay tribute to the late Mwalimu Julius Nyerere for the leadership he provided and the tireless efforts he made in bringing the parties to the negotiating table. We cannot fail to recognize the role played by the United Republic of Tanzania in the Burundi peace process. Indeed, Tanzania has extended its hospitality to many Burundian refugees, just as it did to many Namibians during the days when we were fighting for the independence of our country. Today, Tanzania, a least developed country, continues to play host to about 300,000 refugees from Burundi.”
1999-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4067Resumption1 (1999) · source
“My delegation would like to thank you, Sir, for organizing this open meeting to address the situation in Burundi. Not only has this situation destabilized the whole country, but its impact has gone beyond its borders. It is in this context that we extend our appreciation to Assistant Secretary-General Ibrahima Fall for the informative briefing provided to us. The Great Lakes region is besieged by many problems that require the collective will, efforts and support of the international community. We are deeply concerned at the increasing violence and instability in Burundi. We are also concerned at the plight of the refugees who are fleeing continuing fighting between the rebels and Government forces. It is disheartening to know that innocent civilians are the main victims of this conflict.”
1999-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4067Resumption1 (1999) · source
“Namibia attaches great importance to the United Nations declarations of 1994 and 1996 on measures to eliminate international terrorism, and other measures adopted by the United Nations on this matter. The adoption of this draft resolution will therefore contribute to the ongoing effort to eliminate terrorism. We condemn all acts of terrorism regardless of their motivation, manifestations, perpetrator or victim. In finalizing pending conventions, therefore, we must make sure that all those who commit acts of terrorism are properly covered. To put it simply, no exemption should be entertained in the war against terrorism. Against this background, my delegation will vote in favour of the draft resolution before us.”
1999-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4053 (1999) · source
“Terrorists bury themselves within their surrounding communities, indistinguishable from ordinary law-abiding citizens. At the appropriate moment they emerge from the shadows to strike, before disappearing back into anonymity. Terrorism undermines the confidence in a Government's ability to maintain law and order by sowing fear among the citizens. In turn, the Government imposes a harsh regimen of security measures, including states of emergency, curfews and a daily routine of road blocks, snap-checks and cordon-and-search operations, which are sometimes repressive counter-measures that Governments are forced into in order to protect their citizens from terrorism.”
1999-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4053 (1999) · source
“My delegation commends you, Sir, and your delegation for convening this meeting on this very important subject of terrorism, and for the draft resolution before us. The wheel of time is bringing us closer to the entry into the third millennium. Against the backdrop of this historic benchmark, we believe that humankind will have to fight relentlessly against terrorism. For many years, humanity was haunted by terrorism, which has acquired many definitions at every turn during its long history. Whatever the meaning to different generations and peoples, terrorism has brought about human tragedy of unparalleled magnitude to innocent and unsuspecting ordinary citizens, culminating in tragic loss of life, fear, panic and destruction of property.”
1999-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4053 (1999) · source
“Never before has a region been the subject of so many reports in the United Nations yet the situation seems to remain the same. In the area of the maintenance of international peace and security, the report of the Secretary-General on the causes of conflict and the promotion of durable peace and sustainable development in Africa has provided recommendations which hold the key to solving Africa's problems. The recent OAU summit held in Algiers has once more demonstrated the resolve of African States to make peace and development the rule in Africa. What is needed, therefore, is the political will to earnestly assist Africans to make peace and security in Africa a reality.”
1999-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4049Resumption1 (1999) · source
“The Secretary- General stated in paragraph 104 of his progress report (S/ 1999/ 1008) that "As of 31 August, the United Nations had received only half of the $800 million it had requested to meet humanitarian needs in Africa". The time has now come for the international community to pay equal attention to all conflicts. However, we are of the view that reacting to humanitarian situations alone is not enough. The international community should spare no effort in addressing the root causes of conflict. Democracy, good governance, accountability, transparency and the rule of law have all taken root in most countries in Africa. These must, however, be accompanied by the necessary development assistance if they are to be sustained.”
1999-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4049Resumption1 (1999) · source
“Many of the efforts needed are of a long-term nature, requiring the commitment of the Government and donors for many years to come." My delegation could not agree more. Namibia therefore supports the earliest deployment of the proposed peacekeeping force to Sierra Leone, to be known as the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL). Only then can the people of Sierra Leone begin to nurture peace in their country. We must act with the same urgency to address conflict situations in Africa as we do elsewhere in the world. Peace in Africa will benefit us all. It is important for the international community not to be seen to be selective when dealing with various humanitarian situations around the globe.”
1999-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4049Resumption1 (1999) · source
“At the same time, the international community has a major role to play to ensure an end to the immoral use of children as soldiers. We will continue to witness the tragedy of war- affected children who are severely malnourished, abused, raped and murdered at the hands of adults unless we all get involved and do something serious about it. The Secretary-General has issued his report (S/1999/1003) on the Observer Mission in Sierra Leone, which, inter alia, states in paragraph 57 that, "With the signing of the Lorne Peace Agreement, the people of Sierra Leone have an opportunity to repair some of the damage caused by their long conflict and to set their country back on the road to peace and prosperity. In order to do so, they will have to make a strong national effort, but they will need significant international assistance in that regard.”
1999-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4049Resumption1 (1999) · source
“Several international human rights instruments have been developed and ratified over the past 50 years which address the rights, protection and welfare of children. Fundamental guarantees pertaining to the rights and needs of children are explicitly noted in these agreements. There is, however, an urgent need for all parties to conflicts to respect fully the provisions of these international instruments. The impact of armed conflict on children in Africa has been particularly harmful, disproportionate and widespread. No region of the continent has been spared the scourge of armed conflict. It is true that the primary responsibility for bringing to an end the use of child soldiers lies with the relevant Governments and other parties to the armed conflicts.”
1999-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4049Resumption1 (1999) · source
“What we had feared is now taking place in the Congo. Resolution 1234 (1999) is being flouted in earnest in the eastern part of the Congo, not to mention the continuous looting of the natural resources of the Congo. The pace for the deployment of the military liaison personnel, the dispatch of the technical assessment team and the eventual deployment of the peacekeeping force should therefore be increased. Any further delay will prolong the agony and suffering of the people of the Congo and result in more bloodshed in that country. We thank the European Union and all those who have assisted the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in the peace process for the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We call for their continued assistance.”
1999-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4049Resumption1 (1999) · source
“Security Council resolution 1234 (1999) of 9 April 1999 called for the immediate signing of the Ceasefire Agreement, among other things. Now that the Agreement has been signed by all parties, we regard it of utmost importance for a United Nations peacekeeping operation to be deployed to the Democratic Republic of the Congo without further delay, in order to implement the Agreement. Such an international peacekeeping force, of the right size, should be deployed with an appropriate mandate under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations and should be supported with the necessary resources. We have always maintained that the Council should act swiftly so as to avoid creating a vacuum. It is now time for the international community, in particular the Security Council, to take immediate action.”
1999-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4049Resumption1 (1999) · source
“As a result of those efforts and the determination of African leaders to address conflicts afflicting the continent, the Ceasefire Agreement was signed on 10 July 1999 by the States involved in the Democratic Republic of the Congo conflict and subsequently by the Movement for the Liberation of the Congo and the Congolese Rally for Democracy on 1 and 31 August 1999, respectively. That war has caused immense human suffering to hundreds of innocent civilians, some of whom have lost their lives. Others are now internally displaced or have sought refuge in neighbouring countries. The humanitarian needs of these refugees and internally displaced persons need to be addressed, for it will take time before they return to their homes.”
1999-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4049Resumption1 (1999) · source
“We share the view that the Security Council has exercised and continues to exercise a double standard in the application of sanctions, which has indeed undermined the effectiveness of sanctions imposed against UNITA. The political will of the international community is of utmost importance in rendering the sanctions more effective. We highly commend the efforts and commitment of Ambassador Robert Fowler of Canada, the Chairman of the sanctions Committee, in galvanizing momentum among the international community to implement sanctions against UNITA. Since the outbreak of the war in the Democratic Republic of the Congo more than a year ago, enormous efforts have been made by regional leaders, the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and the United Nations to resolve the conflict.”
1999-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4049Resumption1 (1999) · source
“Namibia remains committed to the full implementation of sanctions against UNITA and pledges its full support to the work of the panels and eagerly awaits their recommendations in this regard. UNITA must not be permitted to continue defying the will of the international community with impunity. UNITA must comply with its obligations under the Lusaka Protocol by demilitarizing its forces and must permit the extension of State administration to areas under its control. With regard to the further tightening of sanctions against UNITA through the adoption of national legislation criminalizing violations of the Council's sanctions imposed against UNITA, my Government supports this measure and will approach the Secretariat for assistance in preparing its own national legislation in this regard.”
1999-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4049Resumption1 (1999) · source
“Furthermore, as the Secretary-General correctly points out in his progress report, rivalry in mediation efforts is detrimental to peace and frustrating to United Nations peacekeeping efforts, and therefore new initiatives must augment the existing mediation efforts. In this context, we reiterate our appeal to the international community to continue and to increase assistance to the Organization of African Unity and other regional organizations in Africa. The Security Council has issued numerous resolutions imposing sanctions against UNIT A. In addition, the Security Council adopted resolution 1237 (1999) on 7 May 1999, establishing the expert panels with the mandate to study the violations of sanctions against UNITA.”
1999-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4049Resumption1 (1999) · source
“21) It is for this reason that we commend the initiatives of the United Nations for its support to the Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament and the peacekeeping training centres in Cote d'Ivoire and Zimbabwe, as well as regional and subregional initiatives in the areas of conflict prevention through the United Nations Integrated Regional Information Network, which serves as an early- warning mechanism in Central and Southern Africa. To this end, we commend the United Nations post- conflict peace-building effort in countries emerging from civil wars and its assistance in the destruction of small arms and light weapons trafficked in violation of Security Council-imposed sanctions.”
1999-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4049Resumption1 (1999) · source
“Furthermore, and according to the Carnegie Commission on Preventing Deadly Conflict, the cost to the international community of major wars in the 19903, excluding Kosovo, amounted to $199 billion. We also know that Africa received less than $5 billion in foreign direct investment in 1998. If half of the resources lost to wars were channelled into development programmes, then surely millions of children, women and men who today are victims of armed conflict would be saved and Africa's development and prosperity would have been enhanced. Thus, we concur with the Secretary-General's views that "Taking prevention more seriously will help to ensure that there are fewer wars and less consequential disasters to cope with in the first place." (ibid., para.”
1999-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4049Resumption1 (1999) · source
“It is now 17 months since the comprehensive report of the Secretary-General was issued. Notwithstanding the recommendations contained therein, conflict in many parts of Africa - based on ethnicity, religion or the pursuit of diamonds, drugs, timber concessions and other valuable commodities - continues to plague Africa. Rebel groups and their supporters are creating turmoil on our beloved continent. The security and neutrality of refugee camps are not respected, while the problem of refugees and internally displaced persons is becoming unmanageable. The traffic in women and girls as sex slaves and the recruitment and training of children as combatants are rampant. Today, massive resources continue to be diverted to the procuring of arms and munitions.”
1999-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4049Resumption1 (1999) · source
“The other reason is to stress that the Netherlands remains an important donor country and development partner to Africa and particularly to my country, Namibia. It is therefore no surprise to us, Sir, that your delegation has initiated yet another important debate, this time on the progress made towards the implementation of the recommendations contained in the report of the Secretary-General on the causes of conflict and the promotion of durable peace and sustainable development in Africa. Your physical presence in presiding over this meeting, Sir, is no small measure of your interest. My delegation thanks the Secretary-General for the progress report which is guiding our discussions and for his tireless efforts in addressing conflict situations in Africa and mobilizing international support for the development of Africa.”
1999-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4049Resumption1 (1999) · source
“In his report on the work of the Organization to the General Assembly at its fifty-fourth session, the Secretary-General had this to say on Africa: "An estimated 44 per cent of Africans, and 51 per cent of those in sub-Saharan Africa, are living in absolute poverty. Of the 30 million people infected by HIV/AIDS in the world, 23 million live in sub-Saharan Africa; 91 per cent of all AIDS deaths in the world have occurred in 34 countries - 29 of which are in Africa." (A/54/I, para. 172) There are over 6 million refugees and about 8 million internally displaced persons in Africa. Twenty countries are either engaged in or affected by conflict. And the list goes on. I have chosen to commence my statement with this extract for two reasons. One is to highlight the incompatibility of conflict with durable peace and sustainable development.”
1999-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4049Resumption1 (1999) · source
“Acquisition of weapons is always accompanied by the diversion of scarce resources away from social services. It discourages foreign investment and tourism. It contributes to unemployment and its attendant problems of organized crime, poverty, ignorance and lawlessness. We would not be true to our consciences if we confined ourselves to tackling the illicit traffic in small arms: we need to include also arms transferred licitly to irresponsible regimes by those who know full well that they will be distributed among ethnic groups that are bent on committing inhuman activities such as ethnic cleansing. My delegation encourages the Governments of arms exporting countries as well as those of receiving countries to exercise a substantial degree of responsibility in such transactions.”
1999-09-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4048 (1999) · source
“Many tend to believe that it is the duty of African leaders alone to constrain the availability and flow of arms in and into the region. Against this backdrop, we believe that the effort to rid Africa of its superfluous small arms is a shared responsibility for the region's leaders and for the international community as a whole. Uncontrolled transfers of small arms, especially to irregular forces, for cash, diamonds or other commodities weaken or facilitate the collapse of States and result in anarchy. Naturally, non-State parties to the conflicts have a capacity for unusual cruelty and serious violations of international humanitarian and human rights law. Such violations are always the order of the day in areas where the illicit supply of small arms and light weapons flourishes.”
1999-09-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4048 (1999) · source
“The merchants of war, on the other hand, motivated by the fortunes they make from arms sales, feel no urgency to curb arms transfers nor are they concerned with the devastating consequences those arms have on developing countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Arms transfers and trafficking, and the resulting armed conflicts which they feed, are having a devastating impact on social, political and economic life for Africa south of the Sahara, a region endowed with natural resources but which still has pockets in which live the poorest people in the world today. It is therefore imperative that the international community should seek to address effectively the culture of impunity related to arms trafficking.”
1999-09-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4048 (1999) · source
“Namibia holds the View that the uncontrolled availability of small arms and light weapons encourages the outbreak or continuation of hostilities which have the capacity to ruin treasuries, destroy life and property and cause panic. Weapons force people to live in an atmosphere of increasing insecurity where differences become more polarized and where peace is at best fragile and at worst illusory. This distressing state of affairs is attributable largely to the impunity with which weapons manufacturers and arms exporters transfer small arms and light weapons to corrupt, unscrupulous and undemocratic regimes with track records of human rights violations and to rebel groups and anti-national elements which use these weapons to subject populations to brutal savagery for their own selfish ends.”
1999-09-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4048 (1999) · source
“I wish to begin by expressing my delegation's heartfelt appreciation to you, Mr. President, for the initiative you have taken to organize this very important debate on small arms. This underscores the importance your country attaches to small arms and light weapons as instruments that whet the appetites of belligerents to continue to seek solutions to political and economic problems by military means. Namibia, like many other countries emerging from war, was awash with large numbers of small arms. Those numbers have now been reduced significantly, but given Namibia's geographical location, illicit trafficking continues to this day.”
1999-09-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4048 (1999) · source
“In this connection, we commend the delegation of Canada for this timely initiative. The Secretary-General has done his part and we are most grateful to him. It is now up to the Security Council to make good use of the recommendations contained in his report and to ensure that appropriate action is effected to address the plight of civilians in armed conflict.”
1999-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4046 (1999) · source
“The root causes of the conflicts, namely, poverty and underdevelopment, must be addressed. We continue to believe that the uncontrolled flow of small arms and all types of sophisticated arms into areas of conflict needs to be addressed. It is unfortunate that some arms-producing countries have made Africa their dumping ground at the expense of Africans. We renew our call to all arms-producing countries not to transfer anti- personnel landmines and other arms to regions where armed conflict is imminent. The draft resolution that we will adopt at the end of this debate addresses the wider impact of armed conflict on civilians. Namibia is in full support of the draft resolution and hopes that its adoption will ultimately contribute to the alleviation of the plight of civilians in armed conflict.”
1999-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4046 (1999) · source
“Civilians continue to be killed and maimed by the hundreds of landmines planted in previous and current conflict zones in many parts of the world. Namibia remains committed to the implementation of the Ottawa Convention, and we join the Secretary-General in calling upon States that have not already done so to sign and ratify the Ottawa Convention. In discharging its mandate of maintaining international peace and security, the Security Council must bear the responsibility of preventing military conflicts and contributing to their resolution. The Council should work to prevent conflicts by placing emphasis on preventive measures and early-warning systems, which should include education on human rights and on the principles of humanitarian law and strict compliance therewith.”
1999-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4046 (1999) · source
“We are particularly concerned about women and girls, who are vulnerable to gender-based violence and sexual exploitation, including rape and prostitution. Such violations of international humanitarian, human rights and refugee law cannot be condoned and should not be allowed to go unpunished. We cannot over-emphasize the importance of guaranteeing the safety and security of humanitarian personnel. Namibia is currently in the process of ratifying the Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel. In addition, parties to conflicts must allow unhindered access of humanitarian workers to people affected by conflicts. Failure to allow unhindered access is a serious violation of humanitarian law and is completely unacceptable.”
1999-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4046 (1999) · source
“We will thus only highlight a few salient points and look forward to participating in the working mechanism that will be established for this purpose. Just three and a half weeks ago, on 25 August 1999, in this very same Chamber, the Security Council adopted resolution 1261 (1999) on children and armed conflict. Our position on children and armed conflict was well reflected at that meeting and I will therefore avoid unnecessary repetition. Here, I would just reiterate our call for the minimum age for recruitment and participation in hostilities to be raised to 18 years. The continued deliberate targeting of non-combatants, in violation of international law, remains an unacceptable phenomenon.”
1999-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4046 (1999) · source
“We all recognize that conflict, wherever it erupts, has a tremendous impact on civilians, who are nowadays the first and principal targets. Women and children, the elderly, the sick and refugees are attacked in large numbers and continue to be methodically forced from their homes, in search of safety. We condemn acts of violence against civilians in the strongest terms. Perpetrators of such crimes must be held accountable. We support making perpetrators financially liable to victims, and the establishment of machinery to that end. We welcome the very important report of the Secretary-General on the protection of civilians in armed conflict and the bold recommendations contained therein. We believe that the recommendations deserve thorough consideration by the Security Council.”
1999-09-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4046 (1999) · source
“There are no further speakers inscribed on my list. I should like to thank all those who have participated in this important debate for their very useful contributions, which will inform the Council's future deliberations on the item. On behalf of the members of the Council, I should like to request the Secretariat to convey our best wishes to Mr. Lakhdar Brahimi, Special Envoy of the Secretary- General for Afghanistan, and to wish him a full and speedy recovery. The meeting rose at 5.55 p.m.”
1999-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4039Resumption1 (1999) · source