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

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“Mr. Antonio: First of all, I would like to thank the delegation of Lithuania for organizing today's open debate and for giving us the opportunity to present the African Union's perspectives on the very important question of the proliferation of small arms and light weapons. I also wish to thank the Secretary-General and the High Commissioner for Human Rights for their comprehensive briefings. I thank my brother, Mr. Karamoko Diakite, for the very profound and moving testimony he offered on behalf of victims. One of the major threats to peace and security in Africa is the presence and continued proliferation of small arms and light weapons (SALW). According to 2004 statistics, out of the approximately 500 million illicit small arms and light weapons in circulation worldwide at that time, more than 100 million were in Africa.”
2015-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7442 (2015) · source
“As we speak about immigration to Europe, we should not lose sight of the extent of immigration between developing countries, which is also called South-South migration, and the issues around it. There are more Africans moving within their own region than those who travel long distances to go to other parts of the world. Therefore, this trend must also be taken into account as we address the issues at hand. The efforts of the African Union aimed at advancing regional integration, including in terms of the promotion of free movement and labour migration, should therefore be acknowledged and supported.”
2015-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7439 (2015) · source
“It is worth noting that this political declaration stressed, among other things, the parties' shared commitment to fight irregular migration and to address all its relevant aspects, including prevention, strengthened immigration and border management, the smuggling of migrants, return and readmission, as well as addressing the root causes of irregular migration and enhancing cooperation to address trafficking in human beings and offering international protection. Another issue of concern to Africa is the political impact of migration on host communities. The increase in xenophobia in Africa and beyond, especially in the context of the economic crises in many countries since 2008, is a challenge we must face.”
2015-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7439 (2015) · source
“At the seventh African Union Commission-European Union Commission College to College Meeting, which took place in Brussels on 22 April, the two parties reviewed a wide range of issues, including questions related to legal, irregular and forced migration. In particular, they agreed to intensify the implementation of the EU-Africa declaration that was endorsed by Heads of State and Government at the EU Africa Summit in April 2014.”
2015-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7439 (2015) · source
“Therefore, in addressing this problem, the international community will need to act on the basis of a comprehensive and balanced approach that takes into account realities and trends as well as linkages between migration and other key economic, social, political, humanitarian and development issues. For its part, the African Union is fully aware of its responsibility and is ready to assume its share. In addition to the development of an African policy framework on immigration, the AU is also committed to fighting exploitation and human trafficking in collaboration with regional economic communities, international partners and civil society organizations.”
2015-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7439 (2015) · source
“However, some of the migrants we are confronted by are not refugees, and neither are they fleeing out of choice, but as a result of hardships that are an assault and human dignity that should offend our moral sensibility. As global warming and water scarcity force more and more people to flee, it is clear that the current situation reveals gaps in our existing international instruments. It is important, therefore, that we make use of the opportunities provided, especially in the discussions on the post-2015 development agenda, to begin to address this situation. The most vulnerable categories, including internally displaced persons and refugees, are often subject to exploitation and human trafficking. They deserve our particular attention and protection.”
2015-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7439 (2015) · source
“It is our conviction that ad hoc solutions that place the emphasis solely on one specific aspect - for example, focusing on trafficking without addressing either the reasons pushing people to flee their home countries or even the almost total breakdown of law and order - which have allowed human trafficking to flourish are unlikely to bring about the much-needed change that will prevent people who do not have livelihoods from looking for greener pastures elsewhere. We should therefore act to ensure conditions of security and dignity at home, because desperate people will definitely continue to flee difficult situations, in particular those of armed conflict. It is important to note that migration by refugees from war is protected by international law.”
2015-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7439 (2015) · source
“The need for enhanced coordination, cooperation and partnership among all stakeholders and actors - including the United Nations, the African Union and the European Union (EU), as well as the countries concerned, including those of origin, transit and destination - cannot be overemphasized. Equally important is the need to step up our collective efforts to address the root causes of the problem and to enhance our commitment to prevent and resolve conflicts, realize the development agenda and move towards a more just international system.”
2015-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7439 (2015) · source
“Clearly, there are other push factors, including the lack of sufficient progress with regard to intra-Africa mobility, demographic dynamics, the digital revolution, widespread youth unemployment and rising inequality. Due to those dynamics, a flurry of highly organized transnational criminal and terrorist groups, including those involved in trafficking in persons and the smuggling of migrants, have also emerged. Those present a serious threat to African and international stability and security. For wherever one finds human traffickers and people smugglers, one is also sure to find drug and traffickers. In that context, the principles of humanity, solidarity, burden-sharing and respect for international law, including human rights and humanitarian law, should be placed at the centre of the international response strategy.”
2015-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7439 (2015) · source
“The massive increase in the number of people trying to cross the Mediterranean Sea cannot be divorced from the conflicts and acute humanitarian crises in some parts of Africa, in particular the situation in Libya - which is the main point of departure for the migrants. The conflict in that country has played an important role, and any attempt to address the issue would also need to address the conflict in Libya and in the broader Sahel region. Many migrants are also fleeing conditions of abject poverty exacerbated by a number of factors, including climate change, which has had devastating consequences on traditional livelihoods.”
2015-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7439 (2015) · source
“Today's meeting takes place against the backdrop of an ever-increasing humanitarian disaster in the Mediterranean sea, which is resulting in the the loss of the lives of thousands of migrants, many of them Africans trying to look for safer and better living conditions in Europe. These horrific incidents, which are a major issue of concern to the African Union, should serve as a wake-up call for the international community to reflect on the causes of this mass movement of people, as well as the appropriate actions that need to be taken to find a lasting solution to this persistent problem.”
2015-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7439 (2015) · source
“Mr. Antonio: Allow me, first of all, to congratulate you, Madam President, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for this month. I would also like to thank you for convening this important meeting and for giving us an opportunity to share with Council members the perspectives of the African Union (AU) on the very important issues of migration to Europe and the smuggling of migrants in the Mediterranean Sea. I would also like to welcome the presence among us of Ms. Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and of Mr. Peter Sutherland, Special Representative of the Secretary- General for International Migration.”
2015-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7439 (2015) · source
“President, for giving us the opportunity to share our perspectives on this very important matter with Council members, and to reiterate the AU's determination to shoulder its share of responsibility in the fight against terrorism and Violent extremism in all their forms and manifestations.”
2015-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7432 (2015) · source
“The Network of African Journalists for Peace is now playing an important role in outreach efforts in that regard. Fourthly, the AU Commission is providing a platform for Victims of terrorist acts to contribute to overall efforts to counter terrorism and Violent extremism. In Algiers in October, the Commission organized the first AU symposium on the victims of terrorist acts, a very important part of our strategy. Fifthly, it is encouraging member States to ensure that their economic development and poverty alleviation policies and programmes are successfully implemented. As a follow-up to the Nairobi Summit, the AU Commission will work with the African Development Bank and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa to provide the necessary support to member States. In conclusion, I would like to thank you once again, Mr.”
2015-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7432 (2015) · source
“In that regard, the initiatives the AU Commission has taken include the following measures. First, it is developing and implementing programmes designed to counter radicalization and violent extremism in prisons and detention facilities, in order to rehabilitate disengaged fighters and support their reintegration into their communities. Initiatives in that regard are under way in Somalia and will be expanded to other countries in the future. Secondly, it is facilitating open discussions between State authorities and civil society, including religious authorities and women's organizations, in order to enable communities to air grievances and contribute actively to efforts to counter extremist ideologies. Thirdly, it is engaging the media in countering terrorist narratives and delegitimizing violent ideologies.”
2015-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7432 (2015) · source
“Following the Summit, the AU Commission convened a forum in Addis Ababa that brought together the African regional groupings, relevant United Nations institutions and other international agencies with the goal of formulating a coordinated implementation plan. Efforts to combat terrorism without acknowledging and addressing the drivers of violent extremism are likely to be counterproductive. Mindful of that fact, the AU is actively working with member States to develop sound national policies and programmes aimed at countering radicalization, delegitimizing the terrorist's narratives vis-a-Vis young people, building young people's resilience in the face of violent extremism and renewing their confidence in their Governments' ability to respond to their needs.”
2015-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7432 (2015) · source
“The African Union's commitment was further demonstrated by its holding in Nairobi on 2 September 2014 of a special summit of the Peace and Security Council dedicated to terrorism and violent extremism. At the Summit, the Peace and Security Council emphasized the need to address conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism and violent extremism. It also stressed the importance of adopting comprehensive counter-terrorism strategies that empower civil society organizations, including religious leaders, women and vulnerable groups, and that cover not only security and law enforcement but also poverty eradication, job creation and development.”
2015-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7432 (2015) · source
“Over the past two decades, the relevant AU policy organs have adopted a number of instruments designed to facilitate and promote coordinated and effective action against terrorism and violent extremism. The 1999 Algiers Convention on the Prevention and Combating of Terrorism and its 2004 supplementary Protocol, as well as the 2002 Plan of Action on the Prevention and Combating of Terrorism and the establishment of the African Centre for Study and Research on Terrorism, have provided a sound legal and institutional basis for enhanced cooperation among member States. From an operational perspective, steps have been taken to mobilize member States to fully and effectively implement the AU's normative counter- terrorism framework.”
2015-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7432 (2015) · source
“Those factors, coupled with the growing exploitation of technology such as the Internet, have given the terrorists a wide-ranging reach. Therefore, while we consider solutions and ways to counter the threats posed by terrorists, it is equally imperative to engage in addressing the conditions that contribute to fuelling radicalization and Violent extremism. Only then can we effectively and sustainably protect our territories and, more important, our youth against terrorism and related phenomenona. ForAfrica, extracting its youth from indoctrinization and radicalization remains a priority, given that young people comprise over 60 per cent of Africa's combined population and represent a huge potential demographic dividend, as underlined by Secretary of State Manuel Augusto of Angola.”
2015-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7432 (2015) · source
“Terrorist groups, such as Al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb, the Movement for Unity and Jihad in West Africa, Boko Haram, Les defenseurs des musulmans en Afrique noire "Ansaru" and Al-Shabaab, have displayed an increased capacity for enlisting youth into their ranks. In the report presented to the meeting of the African Union Peace and Security Council held on 2 September 2014 in Nairobi, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission outlined factors that have contributed to creating a breeding ground for alienation and radicalization. They include, but are not limited to, widespread conditions of conflict and poverty, marginalization, human-rights violations, unresolved conflicts, ethnic, national and religion-based discrimination and the lack of employment and opportunities for youth.”
2015-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7432 (2015) · source
“Mr. Antonio: On behalf of the African Union (AU) Commission I wish to extend a special welcome to His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II and to thank him for his presence among us today, which attests to his personal commitment and that of his country regarding the critical global phenomenon of Violent extremism. I also wish to extend a special welcome to the honourable ministers and other high- level officials who have been present at this meeting. I also wish to thank Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Mr. Peter Neumann and Mr. Scott Atran for their comprehensive briefings. In Africa, terrorism and Violent extremism continue to represent the most serious threat to peace and security.”
2015-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7432 (2015) · source
“We would also like to note that there is an existing agreement between the African Union and UN-Women on various aspects of the women and peace and security agenda. In conclusion, let me stress that, despite the persistence of several challenges, the African Union remains determined to continue its efforts to restore the African woman's true place as the generator of social and economic development of our societies.”
2015-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7428 (2015) · source
“The programme is designed to provide a framework for the development of strategies and effective mechanisms to increase women's participation in the promotion of peace and security. It also seeks to improve the protection of women in conflict and post-conflict situations in Africa. Mr. Omaish took the Chair. In the same vein, I would like to recall the importance of the agreement signed on the margins of the twenty- second African Union Summit between the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict and the Department of Peace and Security ofthe African Union. The agreement provides a framework for establishing closer cooperation between the United Nations and the African Union in key areas with regard to prevention and the response to sexual violence in conflict situations in Africa.”
2015-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7428 (2015) · source
“Fourthly, efforts were intensified to ensure strict compliance with the principle of parity among elected and appointed officials, in particular in the areas of peace and security. Therefore, half of the Commission's leaders are women, including the Chairperson of the Commission herself, Ms. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma. The number of women representatives and special envoys on the ground has increased from 1 to 11 since 2014. In addition, three of the five members of the African Union Panel of the Wise are women. Fifthly, the African Union Commission committed to accelerating progress in the implementation of the African Union's programme Silencing the Guns in Africa by 2020. Sixthly, in June 2014, the African Union Commission launched a five-year programme entitled "Gender, Peace and Security".”
2015-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7428 (2015) · source
“Secondly, an annual open meeting has been organized since 2010 in the African Union Peace and Security Council on the issue of the vulnerability of women and children in conflict situations in Africa. Thirdly, in January 2014, Ms. Bineta Diop was appointed Special Envoy for Women, Peace and Security. Since her appointment, she has undertaken missions in several conflict zones. Moreover, the Special Envoy was mandated by the African Union Peace and Security Council, at its meeting on 16 December 2014, to develop a framework for the follow-up to, and acceleration of, the implementation of the various instruments adopted on the continent with regard to women and peace and security.”
2015-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7428 (2015) · source
“These include the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa; the Solemn Declaration on Gender Equality in Africa; the gender policy adopted by the African Union in 2009; and the proclamation of the African Women's Decade 2010-2020. The vision enshrined in these instruments focuses on three areas of action: prevention, protection and the participation of women in conflict resolution and peacebuilding processes. In order to achieve that vision, courageous steps have been taken. First, this issue was dealt with at the highest level of the pan-African organization by including it on the agenda of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union.”
2015-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7428 (2015) · source
“Given these challenges, the international community should pool, coordinate and scale up its efforts so as to strengthen prevention and suppression measures as well as tackle the root causes of sexual violence through the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women. The African Union is making determined efforts to combat violence against women, be it in time of war, peace or post-conflict reconstruction. In addition to its accession to existing international legal frameworks, the AU in recent years has developed several legal and political instruments relating to women and peace and security.”
2015-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7428 (2015) · source
“An examination of current theatres of armed conflict and their recent evolution makes it clear that women are among the primary Victims, who continue to be subjected to heinous criminal acts such as rape, sexual slavery and forced pregnancy or sterilization. Unfortunately, Africa is affected by this scourge, as was underscored by the three African Security Council members and by Ms. Bangura and Ms. Allamin in their respective presentations. The statement made by Mrs. Jeannine Mabunda Lioko of the Democratic Republic of the Congo spoke volumes and was extremely instructive about the challenges facing the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and its response with respect to this scourge, which, based on the information she gave us, is beginning to bear fruit.”
2015-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7428 (2015) · source
“Indeed, this year marks the fifteenth anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000); the thirtieth anniversary of the third World Conference on Women, held in Nairobi; and the twentieth anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. For African women, the year 2015 is particularly significant because it forms part of the celebration of the African Year of Women's Empowerment and Development towards Africa's Agenda 2063, as well as of the commemoration of the fifth anniversary of the African Women's Decade 2010-2020. In the context of these celebrations, our debate today should not be limited to launching commemorative celebrations but, rather, should be an objective assessment of the state of implementation of the commitments undertaken so as to renew our commitment with respect to this issue.”
2015-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7428 (2015) · source
“Allow me at the outset to warmly congratulate you, Madam President, on the assumption by your country, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, of the presidency of the Security Council for this month. I thank Ms. Zainab Hawa Bangura, Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, for her very comprehensive report. I also thank Ms. Hamsatu Allamin, civil society representative in this debate. We welcome the presence and participation this morning of eminent persons who kindly agreed to come to New York to take part in this debate. This debate, whose topic is sexual violence against women in conflict situations, is taking place in the context of the commemoration of several legal and political landmarks on women and peace and security.”
2015-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7428 (2015) · source
“For their part, Africa's leaders are more determined than ever to work to build a more just and prosperous future. The adoption of Agenda 2063 at the twenty- fourth Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the African Union in Addis Ababa on 30 and 31 January is in fact an expression of their willingness to inject the necessary momentum with the goal of achieving a strong, united, prosperous and peaceful Africa.”
2015-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7414 (2015) · source
“The agreement enables us to back the ongoing efforts designed to put the protection of children at the centre of every issue related to peace and security in Africa. We welcome the partnership between the United Nations and the African Union in this area, including the support from UNICEF. The concept note that frames today's debate (S/2015/ 168, annex) makes eloquent mention of the effect that precarious economic situations have on the recruitment of children into armed groups. Unaware of the possible dangers, our children are sometimes forced to go to enter the ranks of armed groups simply in order to feed or clothe themselves. That is why it is vital that we support Africa's efforts to bring about a positive and inclusive socioeconomic transformation benefiting every sector of the population, including children.”
2015-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7414 (2015) · source
“Furthermore, the African Union's critical role in maintaining peace and security and promoting transparent governance at every level has made a significant contribution to the protection of civilians, including children. The peace operations deployed by the AU in response to situations of conflict on the continent, particularly in Burundi, the Darfur region of the Sudan, Mali, the Central African Republic and Somalia, have played a key role in that regard. Here, I cannot fail to stress the importance of the agreement signed on 17 September 2013 between the Peace and Security Department of the Commission of the African Union and the United Nations Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict.”
2015-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7414 (2015) · source
“The African Union (AU), whose diplomatic, judicial and political commitment to children is eloquently expressed in its actions, has continued its efforts to resolve conflicts and ensure the protection of human rights, particularly of children. The legal arsenal we have developed for that purpose includes the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights and its Protocol on the Rights of Women in Africa, and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child. Taken together, those instruments add up to a chain of standards, some of them highly innovative, that exceed international requirements and place children at the centre of the challenges and imperatives of peace, development and progress.”
2015-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7414 (2015) · source
“They have become a breeding ground providing fighters for the terrorist groups operating on the continent that are major exploiters of child soldiers, such as Boko Haram, Al-Qaida, the Mouvement pour l'unicite et le jihad en Afrique de l'Ouest and Al-Shabaab, and for malicious groups in other regions, such as the Lord's Resistance Army. Forced conscription, abduction, rape and other forms of sexual violence, killing, maiming and the creation of refugees are the main direct consequences of the barbaric acts that such groups commit against our children. The effects on children's physical and mental health, education and general welfare are extremely dangerous.”
2015-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7414 (2015) · source
“Coming as it does after the ceremony on 12 February marking the International Day against the Use of Child Soldiers, today's meeting highlights how essential it is we give this issue a special place on our political agenda and study it thoroughly in order to identify the challenges involved and the responsibilities that must be met at the international level. The fact is that this dangerous phenomenon, which is partly the result of post-Cold War intra-State conflicts, often brings with it abuses and violations of human rights, and particularly those of women and children, the most vulnerable groups. In Africa more than anywhere else, this conflict dynamic continues to produce tragic situations, with disastrous effects on children's development and survival.”
2015-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7414 (2015) · source
“On behalf of the African Union Commission and myself, I would like to congratulate you warmly, Mr. President, on your country's presidency of the Security Council this month. I would also like to thank the Secretary-General and Ms. Leila Zerrougui, his Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, the Executive Director of UNICEF and the representatives of civil society from Save the Children and Paix pour l'enfance, the latter represented by my dear brother and cousin Nzita. I should not pass up this opportunity to express my appreciation and gratitude for their worthy efforts and commitment to the comprehensive and lasting protection for our future nation builders. The choice of "Child victims of non-State armed groups" as the theme for our debate today is both timely and relevant.”
2015-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7414 (2015) · source
“I would like to take this opportunity to call on Member States to correct that injstice by supporting the common African position as outlined in the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration.”
2015-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7389 (2015) · source
“Along those lines, the current review of United Nations peacekeeping operations by the High-level Panel, which was recently hosted in Addis Ababa by the Chairperson of the AU Commission in the context of productive consultations with the African Union, was an opportunity to promote our common goal of establishing a ground-breaking, forward-looking partnership pursuant to Chapter VIII of the Charter. I cannot conclude without recalling the importance of correcting the historic injustice done to Africa, which remains the only continent that is not represented in the category of permanent members of the Security Council, while also being underrepresented in the non-permanent category. Frankly, Africa's lack of adequate representation remains at the heart of the Security Council's deficiencies of representativeness and legitimacy.”
2015-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7389 (2015) · source
“To do so, it is important for the two organizations to act with greater policy coherence so as to further strengthen the partnership regarding preliminary consultations for decision-making, a common understanding of the issues raised and support for African peacekeeping efforts. An appropriate solution should also be found regarding the legitimate request of the African Union for the financing of peacekeeping operations undertaken with United Nations consent.”
2015-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7389 (2015) · source
“The stabilization efforts undertaken by those missions and the sacrifices made by their staff have substantially paved the way and facilitated the work of the United Nations missions that then take over. This division of responsibility is taking shape as a system where the African Union has the first boots on the ground, stabilizing the situation in areas of conflict and thereby creating a situation where the United Nations can deploy peacekeeping operations at a later stage. This partnership is a boon for the United Nations and for the African Union, but it would be well served by a more innovative interpretation of the provisions of Chapter VIII of the United Nations. That would allow for the African Union and its regional mechanisms to fully play their roles as an integral part of the global system of collective security.”
2015-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7389 (2015) · source
“It is that spirit of cooperation that characterizes all United Nations activities, including those in the area of peacekeeping and international security, objectives that guided the creation of our Organization. Traditionally, in its relations with the United Nations, the African Union has fully complied with the spirit of cooperation and endorsed the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. Its efforts to promote peace and security on the continent are complementary to United Nations activities. The African Union has, inter alia, deployed a number of peacekeeping operations, including in Burundi, Darfur, Mali, the Central African Republic and Somalia.”
2015-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7389 (2015) · source
“Looking back at the past, it is clear that the ambitious system of collective security set up by the United Nations continues, in spite of the limitations encountered in its implementation, to be a sine qua non for tackling the global challenges that weigh heavily on international peace and security. The question today is how to ensure that we fill the gap between the principles set forth and the results we achieve each time that action is taken. Indeed, given the proliferation of cross-border threats, in particular international terrorism, the time has come to mobilize and consolidate the efforts of all actors in the international community as well as to strengthen strategic partnerships, complying with the principle of the Security Council bearing primary responsibility for upholding international peace and security.”
2015-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7389 (2015) · source
“Manuel Domingos Augusto, Secretary of State for External Relations of the Republic of Angola, who is still with us here today, and who, along with Chad, daily is paving the way within the United Nations for Africa to become a non-permanent member of the Security Council. China's choice of this topic is a good illustration of its commitment to the purposes and principles of the Charter at a time when the United Nations and the world as a whole are preparing to celebrate the seventieth anniversary of the founding of our Organization. Seventy years after the creation of the United Nations, its Charter remains fully relevant, and our Organization continues to be as fundamental as it has always been in ensuring the trinity of peace, human rights and development.”
2015-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7389 (2015) · source
“Mr. Antonio (African Union) (spoke in French): Allow me at the outset to warmly congratulate you, Mr. President, and also to convey the congratulations of the African Union (AU) Commission following the assumption by your country of the presidency of the Security Council. We believe that you will build on your experience and dedication in heading the Council's work this month. I wish you every success. I would also like to welcome the participation this morning of the Secretary-General as well as of other eminent personalities who have come to New York to participate in this important debate. I should like in particular to welcome the participation of His Excellency Mr. Aminu Wali, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Nigeria; and His Excellency Mr. Excellency Mr.”
2015-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7389 (2015) · source
“Likewise, I would like to extend our warmest congratulations to the new non-permanent members - Angola, Malaysia, New Zealand, Spain and Venezuela - and to reiterate our full confidence in their commitment and ability to bring added value to the Council in the discharge of its mandate to maintain international peace and security, including in Africa.”
2014-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7351 (2014) · source
“In conclusion, it is important to recognize that, over time, cross-border criminal activity becomes a self-sustaining enterprise in which the rewards are much higher to be offset by traditional conflict- resolution measures. There is therefore a need for innovative, collaborative and inclusive approaches that are led by the concerned States, based on confidence and transparency among them and without hindrance or restrictions on legal cross-border flows ofpeople and trade. I thank the Council once again for providing us this opportunity to share our perspective at this debate. As this is the last open meeting of the Security Council this year, I would like to thank the outgoing members of the Council - Argentina, Australia, Luxemburg, the Republic of Korea and Rwanda - for their valuable contributions to the work of the Council.”
2014-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7351 (2014) · source
“The porous African borders have long served to bring communities together and facilitate trade and have contributed to the prosperity and the enriching diversity of our people. But "porous" needs not translate into threats and risks of crime and terrorism. That is precisely what the AU Convention on Cross-Border Cooperation aims to achieve. The Convention was adopted by the June 2014 Summit of the African Union and provides a cooperative framework to transform border areas into catalysts for growth, to enable socioeconomic and political integration, to ensure efficient and effective integrated border management and to collectively address cross-border crime and terrorism.”
2014-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7351 (2014) · source
“Thirdly, terrorist groups, regardless of the ideologies they subscribe to, remain calculating interest-driven entities that will continue to seek safe havens and resources to survive and fund their activities. Judging by our experience, border regions that are poorly governed, where communities have limited or no alternatives, and in which cross-border crime flourishes, remain their optimal choice. We must therefore strengthen our early-warning mechanisms to identify potential situations of conflict that could be exploited by terrorists groups, and take the necessary preventive action. We would like to be clear: the African Union does not advocate closing or restricting bordersm nor does it seek to infringe on the sovereignty of States with regard to the management of their territories.”
2014-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7351 (2014) · source
“Whether we are working through a peacekeeping mission or mediation efforts confined to a particular geographical region, we should have an inclusive approach that brings together the concerned neighbouring States to devise and implement measures to mitigate the potential for the internationalization and prolongation of the conflict. Secondly, border communities remain our first line of defence against cross-border crime and transnational terrorist activity. They should be actively engaged and provided with the alternatives, through both quick- impact projects and long-term rehabilitation and development strategies, as a disincentive to crime and terrorism. In that connection, we have to emphasize the critical need for establishing and restoring trust between the State and border communities.”
2014-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7351 (2014) · source