YouSaid · the spoken record

António

lines on the record: 609
first: 2003-08-06
most recent: 2021-10-20
sittings or episodes: 58
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

“It also requested the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights to launch a thorough investigation into violations of human rights and other abuses against civilians in Burundi. In addition, the Peace and Security Council decided to increase the number of military experts and human rights observers deployed on the ground to help contain the violence and create conditions conducive to a political dialogue among the actors concerned. Similarly, the Commission was requested to begin drafting a plan for the possible deployment of an African-led mission to Burundi. Follow-up actions are being taken.”
2015-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7553 (2015) · source
“In addition to her previous efforts, the President of the African Union Commission, Ms. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma has repeatedly made similar calls on the parties, particularly after the assassinations of General Adolphe Nshimirimana and Colonel Jean Bikomagu. These calls having not been heeded by all Burundian stakeholders, our continental organization again met in its Peace and Security Council on 17 October. On that occasion, the Council decided, inter alia, to impose targeted sanctions, including travel bans and asset freezes against all Burundian actors whose actions and words had contributed to the ongoing violence and hindered the search for a solution to the crisis.”
2015-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7553 (2015) · source
“Faced with the growing deterioration of the political and security situation, and the real threat of a widespread confrontation in Burundi, the African Union has stepped up its initiatives to bring peace and stability to that still-fragile country. The Peace and Security Council, at its meeting held on the sidelines of the 25th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Head of State of the African Union, held in Johannesburg in June, agreed on a road map articulating actions that it was important to take to resolve the tension, avoid a spiral of violence and enable Burundi to preserve the benefits of the Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Agreement, which is the very foundation of the social and political pact between the various components of the Burundian people.”
2015-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7553 (2015) · source
“The Government of Burundi has reported on its efforts to restore security throughout nation, particularly in the so-called protest districts ofthe capital. While the Government estimates that it has recovered over 90 per cent of the weapons held by civilians in the course of its disarmament operations, it is clear that these efforts have not yet succeeded in restoring calm on the ground. On the contrary, we are witnessing, both on the part of the Burundian Government and of some of those contesting the President's third term, a hardening of positions and methods, as well as a serious resurgence of violence.”
2015-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7553 (2015) · source
“Targeted assassinations of political and military figures, extrajudicial killings, acts of torture and other cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment, arbitrary arrests and illegal detentions, clashes between police and armed elements, the regular discovery of corpses in the streets in some neighbourhoods, among other manifestations, have become the almost daily lot of the Burundian population. I also note with deep concern the inflammatory statements issued by political leaders. However such statements may be explained away, they are simply unacceptable in view of the painful past of the Great Lakes region, which, more than any other region of the continent, has suffered the pangs of mass violence.”
2015-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7553 (2015) · source
“Burundi faces a serious political and security crisis, marked by increasing violence and serious violations of human rights. In addition, more than 200,000 Burundians have taken refuge in neighbouring countries, including Tanzania, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. Even as the Security Council meets here, the security situation continues to deteriorate. Initially concentrated in the capital, Bujumbura, insecurity and armed violence have spread recently to some localities of the interior.”
2015-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7553 (2015) · source
“We greet all those who have spoken before me, as well as the Ambassador of Uganda, who shall speak later. At the outset, on behalf of the African Union, allow me to express our sincere gratitude to the Security Council for giving us this opportunity to speak at this crucial moment in the history of Burundi. The full text of our statement will be made available to Council members, given the limited time at our disposal. Itake this opportunity to reiterate the deep gratitude of the African Union to the East African Community and the leaders of the region, including those of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region. We also thank Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and all our bilateral and multilateral partners. We note with concern that, since April, the peace that was hard won by Burundians is being put to the test.”
2015-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7553 (2015) · source
“We have to step up our efforts to address the prevailing humanitarian challenges, which were compounded by the recent flooding, which resulted in additional displacement of populations. We have to increase our economic and financial support to provide the much-needed peace dividends to the suffering Somali population. We have to step up our capacity- building assistance for the emerging Somali State to be able to stand on its own and shoulder its responsibilities. It should nonetheless be clear that, ultimately, Somalia's leaders have the primary responsibility for responding to the aspirations of their people to peace, security and reconciliation. They ought to do more and demonstrate the necessary leadership, vision and determination to that end.”
2015-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7551 (2015) · source
“on the ground. Let me add that the decision by the European Union will compound the serious financial gap already created by the depreciation of the euro in relation to the dollar. In conclusion, I would like to stress that we are in the last stretch of our long journey aimed at helping the Somali people and authorities bring to a definite end over two decades of senseless violence, untold suffering and complete anarchy, which has affected both regional and international security. At this critical juncture, AMISOM. and the Somali national security forces deserve increased support. Without such support, we run the risk of undermining the tremendous achievements made at such a high cost during the past nine years. Needless to say, our support to Somalia should go beyond security.”
2015-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7551 (2015) · source
“Accordingly, the United Nations has the duty to provide all the necessary support to AMISOM, whose action aims at creating conditions conducive for the early deployment of a United Nations peacekeeping operation that would support the long-term stabilization and reconstruction of Somalia. Such enhanced support is all the more urgent and necessary, as AMISOM. is facing additional constraints brought about by the decision of the European Union to cut the allowances to the uniformed personnel of AMISOM. by 20 per cent, beginning in January 2016. That measure affects the very personnel who are making the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty on behalf of the entire international community. There is no doubt that that decision will have a serious adverse effect on the morale of uniformed personnel, at a time when more is expected of AMISOM.”
2015-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7551 (2015) · source
“We express the hope that that step will be followed, in the not too distant future, by a logistical support package to the Somali police force, along the lines of the one provided to the Somali National Army. That is critical, in view of the increasing role expected of the Somali police forces in the period ahead in the context of the revised AMISOM. concept of operations. While the African Union appreciates the United Nations support for AMISOM, it is also important to bear in mind that, in deploying a mission in Somalia, the AU is acting on behalf of the Security Council, which has the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security.”
2015-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7551 (2015) · source
“I commend the African members of the Security Council for the sustained efforts they have made in the course of the consultations on the draft resolution for the AU's concerns to be taken into account. In the period ahead, the African Union will consult with the Secretariat on the implementation of the relevant provisions of the resolution to ensure that the required support to AMISOM. takes into account the peculiar conditions in which the Mission is operating and is delivered in a timely and responsive manner, based on the needs of the Mission and on the request made by the AMISOM. leadership. The African Union welcomes the planned provision of in-theatre medical evacuation for the Somali police force.”
2015-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7551 (2015) · source
“(UNSOA), underlined the imperative for UNSOA to remain an independent and dedicated capacity that reports to United Nations Headquarters and is accountable to the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for all matters relating to logistical support for AMISOM. This was seen as a sine qua non for the delivery of logistical support in a flexible, timely and responsive manner. While taking note of resolution 2245 (2015) and acknowledging the advances it contains with respect to support to both the AMISOM. and Somali national security forces, I would like to reiterate the relevance of the Peace and Security Council's position, as outlined above, and regret that this position was not adequately reflected in the resolution.”
2015-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7551 (2015) · source
“Within this context, the security strategy in the period ahead is to create and preserve an enabling environment for the unfolding political peace and reconciliation processes in Somalia. The concept of operations addresses the challenges identified by the Joint African Union/United Nations benchmarking exercise. It is imperative to note that the most consistent View expressed during the development of the concept of operations was the importance of the provision of flexible and timely logistical support to AMISOM through a more responsive and robust United Nations Support Office for AMISOM. It was against this background that, in its communique of 18 September, the African Union Peace and Security Council, having welcomed the strategic review of the United Nations Support Office to AMISOM.”
2015-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7551 (2015) · source
“In line with the relevant decisions of the African Union Peace and Security Council and the Security Council, the Commission, with the involvement of all concerned stakeholders, including the United Nations, has developed a revised concept of operations for AMISOM. This document was forwarded to the Secretary-General by the AU Commissioner for Peace and Security on behalf of the Chairperson of the Commission, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, through a letter dated 23 October, for onward transmission to the members of the Security Council. The strategic end-state, as identified in the concept of operations, is significantly to deplete the military and related capacity of the Al-Shabaab and other armed opposition groups.”
2015-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7551 (2015) · source
“These attacks serve as a constant reminder of the fragility of security, not just in Mogadishu, but in Somalia as a whole. Another source of concern is a potential alliance between Al-Shabaab and the so-called Islamic State. As a result of its depleted capability and desperation for support, Al-Shabaab is exploring this avenue for survival by possibly shifting alliances to more resourced international terrorist groups. This is a worrying development that all stakeholders must closely monitor. To address the evolving security challenges, there is a pressing need to step up efforts to complete the expansion phase, with a View to liberating the remaining areas controlled by the Al- Shabaab terrorist group. This will pave the way for the transition to the stabilization phase by March 2016.”
2015-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7551 (2015) · source
“While these offensives have continued to deplete Al-Shabaab capabilities by limiting their sources of revenue and freedom of movement, AMISOM. was also, as a result, compelled to extend its lines of communication. The Mission now covers an expanded area of operation. Under pressure to maintain relevance, Al-Shabaab is taking advantage of these extended lines of communication to conduct targeted attacks against AMISOM. and the Somali National Army defensive positions. The group has also continued to conduct asymmetric attacks with increasing efficiency and lethality on the Government and the local population alike. The most recent attack was just a week ago on a popular hotel in Mogadishu patronized by Government officials.”
2015-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7551 (2015) · source
“Nevertheless, while reviewing the ambitious State-building agenda that lies ahead, we must not shy away from assessing the effectiveness of the efforts deployed on the ground, the extent to which we are promoting a truly Somali-owned process and the level of coordination among the international partners. It is only through such an approach that we can ensure that we are taking the realities on the ground in Somalia into account at every step and maximizing the impact of our support. In Somalia, we are now facing a threat ofa different nature than what we were contending with just a year ago. AMISOM. and the Somali National Army have conducted a number of successful offensives, the latest being Operation Juba Corridor.”
2015-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7551 (2015) · source
“These positive developments have greatly enhanced the prospects for the successful conclusion of the political process. Much remains to be done, however. Against this backdrop, all international stakeholders should continue to provide the required support to Somali stakeholders in order to overcome the remaining challenges. The African Union remains committed - including through AMISOM, whose mandate, as determined by the Peace and Security Council, also includes a political component - to continuing to support and facilitate these processes, in close coordination with IGAD, the United Nations and other partners.”
2015-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7551 (2015) · source
“These, as all members know, will expire in August and September 2016, respectively. In this respect, the recent launch of the national consultative forum on elections is another promising step. The forum agreed on the consultative process and methodology, and began the initial debate on the approaches to the electoral process. Injust a few days, public consultations on the electoral process will commence in various parts of Somalia. It is our hope that the national and regional stakeholders will maintain the unity of purpose they have shown thus far. Significant progress has also been made against key milestones in the completion of Somalia's federal State formation process and towards reviewing the Provisional Constitution.”
2015-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7551 (2015) · source
“It would be remiss of me ifI did not once again put on record the African Union's deep appreciation to Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon for his tireless efforts towards the promotion of peace and security on the African continent and in Somalia in particular. I have no doubt, as we move ahead, that we can continue to rely on his support. The deployment of AMISOM. and the progress made in the implementation of its mandate would not have been possible without the support of other African Union partners. Those include the European Union and its member States, as well as the United States of America. As we gather in this Chamber today, we should applaud the Federal Government of Somalia for reaffirming its commitment to respecting the constitutionally-mandated terms of the legislature and executive.”
2015-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7551 (2015) · source
“I acknowledge the presence of the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, which is yet further testimony of the importance that the United Kingdom attaches to the situation in Somalia and a reflection of its determination to assist that country to overcome the daunting challenges confronting it. I commend the members of the Security Council for their continued commitment to the quest for peace and reconciliation in Somalia. Over the years, they have continued to extend significant support to the African Union-led efforts aimed at neutralizing the Al-Shabaab terrorist group and creating the conditions for the successful conclusion of the ongoing political process.”
2015-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7551 (2015) · source
“personnel has displayed an unparalleled commitment, sense of duty and courage. At the African Union (AU), we take particular pride in their achievements. The huge sacrifices they have made have enabled Somalia to open a new and more hopeful chapter in its troubled history. We are determined to ensure that the sacrifices made are not in vain. I would like to thank the United Kingdom for convening this meeting, which will provide us with an opportunity to take stock of the situation, including the implementation of Vision 2016, and agree on how best to address the remaining tasks.”
2015-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7551 (2015) · source
“Mr. Antonio: Today's meeting is taking place against the backdrop of major achievements in Somalia towards the realization ofVision 2016, for which we must commend the leadership of the Federal Government of Somalia and the Somali security forces. We must also commend the countries of the region, which, through the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), have remained actively engaged in the efforts to achieve peace, security and reconciliation in Somalia. I pay tribute to all the uniformed and civilian personnel of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), as well as to the troop- and police-contributing countries, namely, Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria and Uganda. Since their deployment, which is now entering its ninth year, AMISOM.”
2015-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7551 (2015) · source
“In conclusion, I wish to highlight the fact that the African Union, the regional economic communities and national Governments are strengthening their respective capacities to respond to emergencies and disasters. Models for emergency response teams, emergency medical teams and the African Capacity for Immediate Response to Crises are being tested in various crisis theatres. ASEOWA saved lives safely, swiftly, inexpensively and effectively. The ASEOWA model provides a working template and guidelines for emergency responders in Africa, and perhaps in other continents.”
2015-08-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7502 (2015) · source
“Pursuant to article 12 of the International Health Regulations, the Director-General of the World Health Organization determines that an event constitutes a public health emergency of international concern. As we have witnessed, Ebola was a threat to international peace and security, for which the Council has the primary responsibility. Yet there is no role in the International Health Regulations for the Security Council. With the impending review of the International Health Regulations, the African Union wishes to invite members of the Security Council to consider how best to address those lacunae, to coordinate with the World Health Organization and to assess the role ofthe Council once the latter determines that an event constitutes a public health emergency of international concern.”
2015-08-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7502 (2015) · source
“ASEOWA was flexible enough to deploy its teams to where they were needed the most and to support the people's priorities. ASEOWA worked with national authorities to restore critical maternal newborn and child health care and other medical services in vital health-care centres. ASEOWA worked with local organizations to help revitalize hospitals and support strained medical capacities in an infection-free environment. All that was accomplished at a cost that was only a fraction of what other aid interventions usually cost. Lesson nine involves bridging the gap between Geneva and New York in the event of public health emergency of international concern, like Ebola.”
2015-08-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7502 (2015) · source
“It is in that context that the African Union Commission reiterates its commitment to speed up the establishment of the African Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and to ensure that it is operational in the next couple of months, as directed by the policy organs of the African Union. The Centre will partner with the World Health Organization and other relevant stakeholders to assist member States in addressing gaps with regard to compliance with International Health Regulations, thereby complementing one another and ensuring effectiveness. Lesson eight has to do with a cost-effective mission. ASEOWA deployed close to 850 medical workers from 18 African countries, and recruited more than 4,000 local volunteers - including survivors - to work all over the affected countries.”
2015-08-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7502 (2015) · source
“Another major lesson learned from the Ebola outbreak is the need for the AU to put in place a medium- to long- term programme to build Africa's capacity to deal with public health emergencies and threats in future. Disease surveillance and detection, emergency preparedness for health and natural disasters and the proper responses are vital. It is therefore imperative that the capacities and systems most needed to prevent, detect and respond to public health threats must be reinforced in order to ensure that, in the medium- to long-term, African countries meet all the International Health Regulations and have in place the requisite capacities and systems.”
2015-08-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7502 (2015) · source
“Technical expertise came from 18 member States, African Humanitarian Action, an African humanitarian non-governmental organization, the Economic Community fo West African Sates, Africans in the diaspora, as well as from affected countries. The ASEOWA volunteers included doctors, nurses, epidemiologists, lab scientists and technicians, public health officers, social workers, psycho-social experts, community mobilizers, communications experts and survivors of EBOLA. They all promptly responded to the call of the African Union Commission for help. Lesson seven has to do with the need to build Africa's capacity to deal with future public health emergencies.”
2015-08-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7502 (2015) · source
“On our part, the African Union Commission developed its own process software to manage the recruitment and processing of volunteers, which contributed significantly to our ability to process - in two days" time - and select from more than 500 potential volunteers provided by each member State. The human resources process involved verifying credentials, background checks, medical clearance and insurance. Technology and innovation are key in responding to any future emergency. Lesson six pertains to African solidarity, the spirit of Africa helping Africans. ASEOWA was conceived in the spirit of African solidarity, and supported by the African Union's convening power, political leverage, its continental reach and its networks in all regions of Africa, including the diaspora.”
2015-08-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7502 (2015) · source
“By joining forces with the Commission in the Ebola response, and with the commitment to support the African Centre for Disease Control and Prevention - in the context of medium to long-term post Ebola measure - the African private sector has demonstrated the true spirit of African solidarity: Africa helping Africa. Lesson five is that technology and innovation played an important role in the AU response to the Ebola outbreak. ASEOWA field epidemiologists are equipped with global positioning devices for contact tracing, and they use mobile technology to transmit their data and reports in real time. Software such as ArcGIS, Stata and Epi Info were used to generate and analyse data.”
2015-08-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7502 (2015) · source
“ASEOWA received financial and technical support from partner countries and organizations, such as the United Nations, WHO, the United States of America, China, Japan, Sweden, Norway, the European Union, Turkey, Kazakhstan, and the World Bank, among others. The African Private Sector - through the Africa Against Ebola Solidarity Trust Fund - remains the single-largest financial contributor to the AU's Ebola response. In addition, the African private sector leveraged its assets and technology for the use of ASEOWA. Through a short message service code campaign, the private sector succeeded not only in mobilizing financial resources for ASEOWA, but also in mobilizing ordinary Africans to participate in the fight against Ebola.”
2015-08-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7502 (2015) · source
“ASEOWA remained the central coordinator for Africa's response, working with member States and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in the field and at the Strategic Emergency Centre at the African Union Commission in Addis Ababa to ensure daily coordination meetings in Addis Ababa, bringing together member States, development partners, United Nations and humanitarian agencies and interdepartmental participation from within the African Union Commission; coordination between Addis Ababa and the capitals of the affected countries and of key development partners; coordination among medical, logistic and other emergency experts; and coordination from headquarters to the field offices in West Africa. Lesson four concerns partnership, in particular with the African private sector.”
2015-08-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7502 (2015) · source
“As a result, ASEOWA volunteers deployed to the Ebola hottest spots and were instrumental in drastically reducing Ebola cases by February 2015. Lesson three regards collaboration with and coordination among various actors. Although coordination in the field was particularly challenging because tasks assigned to some actors were not properly coordinated, ASEOWA liaised and collaborated effectively with the United Nations, WHO, the United States Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Medecins Sans Frontieres, Red Cross and other organizations, as well as with Cubans and the Chinese, with whom the African Union managed and worked together inside Ebola treatment units in the affected countries.”
2015-08-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7502 (2015) · source
“Hence, ASEOWA volunteers were placed at the disposal of the countries to support and supplement their health workers, whose ranks have been badly depleted by the Ebola virus disease. ASEOWA worked within the national incident management system set up by each affected country. ASEOWA teams were deployed on the ground by the Governments' Ebola incident management system to support the following six pillars of the response as adopted by the countries: case management; logistics management; surveillance and contact tracing; communication and information; social mobilization; and psychosocial care. The credibility of the ASEOWA leadership and volunteers inspired trust in the affected population, from the national leadership to communities, which provided entry points into national coordination structures.”
2015-08-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7502 (2015) · source
“Again, the African Union Commission moved rapidly, within the space of a single month, from Lagos through Addis Ababa, Kinshaha and Nairobi to mobilize health workers and recruit and deploy volunteers from Nigeria, Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Kenya. In addition, ASEOWA recruited about 4,000 local volunteers within the three affected countries. Lesson two regards the underlying principle and flexibility of ASEOWA. In the context of the international community's response to Ebola, the African Union has the largest deployment of the much-needed human resources for health, but was embedded within national ministries of health based on their needs. ASEOWA's concept of operations clearly defines its strategy; a central tenet is that the AU will support but not dictate to the affected countries.”
2015-08-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7502 (2015) · source
“It took less than four weeks for the AU support to the Ebola Outbreak in West Africa to be deployed following the adoption of the Peace and Security Council mandate. ASEOWA was established following the Peace And Security Council mandate of 19 August and deployed to Liberia by 15 September. By October, ASEOWA was deployed to the three affected countries. That is unprecedented. Once a decision was made in November 2015 to initiate a surge, increasing the number of ASEOWA volunteers from the initial 100, it took less than one month to have close to 835 volunteers working in all three affected countries.”
2015-08-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7502 (2015) · source
“The primary objective was to contribute to the ongoing efforts to stop the Ebola transmission in the affected countries, prevent its international spread and contribute to rebuilding the health systems. The Peace and Security Council twice extended the mandate of ASEOWA, which will expire on 31 December, although the epidemic is deemed contained and under control. The African Union Commission is currently undertaking a comprehensive evaluation of the ASEOWA mission with a view to identifying lessons learned and experiences gained. Allow me, however, to share with the Council nine of the key lessons learned, among others. Lesson one concerns a speedy response and deployment of the urgently needed human resources for health.”
2015-08-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7502 (2015) · source
“It will be recalled that, following the World Health Organization (WHO) declaration on 8 August 2014, the Peace and Security Council of the African Union, at its 450th meeting held in Addis Ababa on 19 August 2014, invoked article 6 (f) relating to aspects of its mandate with regard to humanitarian action and disaster management and decided, "given the emergency situation caused by the Ebola outbreak, to authorize the immediate deployment of an AU-led military and civilian humanitarian mission, comprising medical doctors, nurses and other medical and paramedical personnel, as well as military personnel, as required for the effectiveness and protection of the Mission". The Peace and Security Council mandate led to the establishment of ASEOWA.”
2015-08-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7502 (2015) · source
“Nabarro, whom we thank both for their role in tackling this disease and in coordinating the international effort, including with the African Union. I look forward to listening to Mr. Mosoka Fallah and Mr. Per Thoresson, as well as to representatives of Council members and affected countries.”
2015-08-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7502 (2015) · source
“Mr. Antonio: At the outset, I wish to congratulate you, Madam President, on your delegation's assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for August and for inscribing this critical issue on the agenda of the Council in order to reflect on this difficult chapter in our nations' history, show our appreciation to all stakeholders and reflect on how to better prepare ourselves to counter any eventual epidemics. I also thank the Nigerian presidency for inviting the African Union (AU) to take part in this debate in order to bring to bear its perspectives on lessons learned from the Ebola epidemic, given the African Union's active engagement in the continent's coordinated response in the framework of the African Union support to the Ebola Outbreak in West Africa (ASEOWA). That was well underlined by Dr. Chan and Dr.”
2015-08-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7502 (2015) · source
“Before concluding, allow me to stress that, for the African Union, the problem of the illicit proliferation of small arms and light weapons requires the commitment of all States in order to achieve a holistic and integrated solution through improved cooperation and coordination, as well as by reinforcing capacities to regulate compliance with all aspects, as provided for in existing international and regional instruments.”
2015-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7442 (2015) · source
“Furthermore, with the support of the European Union, the AU embarked in 2010 on a three-year project on the fight against illicit firearms in Africa, managed by the Regional Centre on Small Arms. That project was renewed for a further three years in July 2013, thanks to the substantial support of the European Union. Currently, the African Union is working with the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany, within the framework of it Group of Seven presidency, on developing and launching a project focused on enhancing physical security and stockpile management in the Sahel region. Physical security and stockpile management is an area in which substantial work needs to be done and in which immediate gains can be made to prevent the diversion to the illicit market of arms procured for legitimate security needs.”
2015-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7442 (2015) · source
“By so doing, the African Union succeeded in bringing together the different regions to build synergies and collaborate to address the issue through the establishment, in 2008, of the AU-Regions Steering Committee on Small Arms and Lights Weapons. Charged with the task of coordinating the implementation of continent-wide agreements related to small arms and light weapons, as well as with promoting the exchange of experiences and research and data collection, the Steering Committee developed the African Union Strategy on the Control of Illicit Proliferation, Circulation and Trafficking of Small Arms and Light Weapons, which was adopted by member State experts in September 2011.”
2015-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7442 (2015) · source
“In addition to its long- standing support for the different instruments adopted within the United Nations framework, the African Union has made significant progress over recent years in establishing the mechanisms needed to control the circulation, transfer and use of small arms and light weapons in Africa. In that regard, the African Common Position on the Illicit Proliferation, Circulation and Trafficking of Small Arms and Light Weapons, also known as the Bamako Declaration, which was adopted by the Council of Ministers of the Organization of African Unity in December 2000, remains the main policy document. In the Declaration, member States undertook to identify, seize and destroy illicit weapons.”
2015-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7442 (2015) · source
“The African Union Common Position on an Arms Trade Treaty, adopted by the Assembly of the African Union prior to the March 2013 United Nations Conference, called for a treaty that explicitly prohibits the transfer of conventional weapons to non-State actors. The principled position of the African Union on this matter is therefore undisputable and unwavering. In the face of these challenges, the African Union continues to press forward in its efforts aimed at addressing the scourge of illicit small arms and light weapons on the continent.”
2015-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7442 (2015) · source
“Diakite, it is indeed well known that countless arms have flowed from Libya into other North and West African countries as well as the Middle East, fuelling conflicts, terrorism and crime, and causing further instability. It has also been reported that illegal small arms and light weapons from Yemen have been flowing into Somalia, where they are now boosting the terrorist activities of Al-Shabaab. It should also be noted that, at the heart of the Arms Trade Treaty, adopted after years of negotiations and hard work by all Member States, lies the true desire of all States to prevent the irresponsible trade in arms and their diversion into the illicit sphere.”
2015-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7442 (2015) · source
“Furthermore, the destructive continued existence of many non-State actors, including insurgents, armed gang members, pirates and terrorists, has been strengthened by the easy availability of these weapons. We therefore support the position expressed on this specific issue by the Permanent Representatives of the three African non-permanent members of the Security Council - Angola, Chad and Nigeria - and we hope that the draft resolution under consideration by the Council will adequately address the important issue of non-State actors, especially since United Nations reports have consistently corroborated this fact. As already note by Mr.”
2015-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7442 (2015) · source
“In the light of arms flows within and from outside the continent, irresponsible trade and diversion, porous borders between countries and the absence of effective measures to control illicit proliferation, this number is growing. Although they do not in themselves trigger conflicts or cause the criminal or terrorist activities in which they are used, the widescale availability, accumulation and illicit flows of such weapons contribute to the escalation of conflicts and serious human rights violations, undermine peace agreements, put peacekeepers and humanitarian workers at risk and impede economic development, social stability, democracy and good governance in post-conflict settings.”
2015-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7442 (2015) · source