YouSaid · the spoken record

Arias

lines on the record: 1,107
first: 1999-09-11
most recent: 2023-02-07
sittings or episodes: 176
sources: un-security-council

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“Through its work, however, the OPCW provides the international community with materials that will assist accountability mechanism in their tasks. As mandated by the Conference of the States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention, the Technical Secretariat has continued the transfer of information to the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism to Assist in the Investigation and Prosecution of Persons Responsible for the Most Serious Crimes under International Law Committed in the Syrian Arab Republic since March 2011, established in 2016. It should be recalled that all the mandates given to the Convention and the decisions by the OPCW policymaking organs concerning the Syrian chemical dossier remain binding on all States parties and on the Technical Secretariat.”
2021-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8785 (2021) · source
“Over the years, the policymaking organs of both the OPCW and the Security Council have been calling for an end to impunity for chemical-weapons use and for the perpetrators to be held accountable. Resolutions 2118 (2013), 2209 (2015) and 2235 (2015) all contain those strong messages. The Secretary-General also supported that call in several of his statements by underlining that accountability is an essential part of deterrence against the use of chemical weapons. The OPCW, including the Investigation and Identification Team, as part of the Technical Secretariat, is never a court or a tribunal; and neither was the OPCW-United Nations Joint Investigative Mechanism, established by the Security Council in 2015 and discontinued in 2017.”
2021-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8785 (2021) · source
“These are, first, to declare to the Technical Secretariat the whereabouts of the facilities in which the chemical weapons used in March 2017 in three attacks in Ltamenah were developed, produced, stockpiled and operationally stored for delivery; secondly, to declare to the Technical Secretariat all of the chemical weapons it currently possesses, as well as chemical-weapon production facilities and other related facilities; and thirdly, to resolve all the outstanding issues regarding its initial declaration on its chemical weapons stockpile and programme. Once I have reported that all of those measures have been completed, Syrian rights under the Chemical Weapons Convention will be reinstated.”
2021-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8785 (2021) · source
“On 21 April 2021, the OPCW Conference of the States Parties decided to express grave concern at the proven cases of chemical-weapons use in Syria that contravene the provisions of the Convention. It also decided to deprive Syria of the following rights and privileges: to vote in the Conference and in the Council; to stand for election to the Council; and to hold any office in the Conference, the Council or any subsidiary bodies. Through that decision, the Director-General is to regularly report to the OPCW Executive Council on whether Syria has completed the measures that it had failed to fulfil thus far.”
2021-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8785 (2021) · source
“That established case of chemical-weapons use by the Syrian Arab Air Force is in addition to the three other cases identified in the first IIT report, of April 2020, and presented to the Council in detail during my briefing to the Council on 12 May 2020. Let me therefore just recall that in its first report, the IIT concluded that there were reasonable grounds to believe that the perpetrators of the use of chemical weapons in Ltamenah on 24, 25 and 30 March 2017, were individuals belonging to the Syrian Arab Air Force that used sarin on two occasions and chlorine on one occasion. After the publication of those two reports, in 2020 and 2021, the IIT continued its investigation into cases of the use or likely use of chemical weapons. Currently five cases are being investigated. The IIT will report on them in due course.”
2021-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8785 (2021) · source
“On 12 April, in line with its mandate to identify the perpetrators of the use of chemical weapons in Syria, the Investigation and Identification Team (IIT) issued its second report. In that report, the IIT, on the basis of all the information obtained and analysed, concluded that there were reasonable grounds to believe that at approximately 21:22, on 4 February 2018, during ongoing attacks against Saraqib, a military helicopter of the Syrian Arab Air Force, under the control of the Tiger Forces, hit eastern Saraqib by dropping at least one cylinder. The cylinder ruptured and released a toxic gas, chlorine, which was dispersed over a large area, affecting 12 named individuals.”
2021-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8785 (2021) · source
“The Syrian Arab Republic acceded to the Chemical Weapons Convention in September 2013, one month after another sarin attack — this time in Ghouta and which claimed more than 1,300 lives — took place and was investigated by the United nations mission. Since then, the OPCW Technical Secretariat has been providing ample information to the Conference of the States Parties and the Executive Council of the OPCW as well as the Security Council through the United Nations Secretary-General, with monthly reports and my direct briefings. It is a disturbing reality that eight years down the road, the Syrian chemical weapons dossier remains far from closed. I shall now provide the council with an update on developments related to the Syrian dossier.”
2021-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8785 (2021) · source
“The grim reports of that suffering include, among the atrocities inflicted in that war, the use of chemical weapons. Chemical weapons have been used in the Syrian Arab Republic both before and after its accession to the Chemical Weapons Convention, in 2013. Those well-documented and repeated uses have taken place despite the successful destruction of more than 1,300 tons of declared Syrian stockpiles and stringent OPCW verification measures. One of the deadliest attacks took place in Khan Shaykhun on 4 April 2017. It involved the use of sarin and led to several dozen casualties and more than 500 people injured.”
2021-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8785 (2021) · source
“Mr. Arias: It is a great pleasure to see all present gathered here once again in person, protected and in good health. Here in the Netherlands we are still in the process of getting vaccinated, and we help to once again be fully operationally engaged in person very soon. I thank the Estonian presidency of the Security Council for giving me this opportunity to inform the Council about developments at the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) since my most recent appearance in the Council, on 11 December 2020 (see S/2020/1202), when I engaged in a comprehensive exchange with members at the invitation of the South African presidency. The Syrian people have been suffering from war for more than 10 years; the Council is well aware of that.”
2021-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8785 (2021) · source
“In conclusion, as Argentina's presidency comes to an end this month of August, I am pleased to have this opportunity to congratulate you, Sir, and your country for your active and successful role during this period.”
2013-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7024 (2013) · source
“To that end, it is necessary to ensure legal certainty for foreign investment, strengthen Haitian institutions such as the investment facilitation centre, and implement agreements pertaining to the promotion and reciprocal protection of investments. Both from a development cooperation and investment point of View, it is essential to maintain political stability, over which some doubts currently exist. For that, the role and work of MINUSTAH is indispensable. Therefore, we reiterate our strong support and commitment to the renewal of the mandate of MINUSTAH and its presence in Haiti over the coming years. Spain of course associates itself with the statement delivered by the Deputy Head of the delegation of the European Union.”
2013-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7024 (2013) · source
“My country is one of the major donors in Haiti, with our cooperation especially focused on access to safe drinking water, the education sector, rural development and the fight against malnutrition. We believe that the cooperation of all stakeholders with the coordination mechanism for external support put in place by the Government of Haiti in late 2012 is very important to the efficiency and transparency of aid. We want to increase the number of Spanish businesses in Haiti, which are clearly still insufficient. We forecast that foreign investment will be a key instrument to promote socioeconomic development in the country.”
2013-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7024 (2013) · source
“At the same time, the Haitian National Police should continue to be strengthened so that it can assume the functions turned over to it by MINUSTAH. In terms of human rights, we encourage the Government of Haiti to move forward with its commitment to ratify various United Nations Conventions on the matter, and to take measures for the fulfilment of recommendations made to Haiti in the context of the latest universal periodic review carried out in Geneva. In particular, Spain is concerned about sexual and gender-based violence, with alarming figures in Haiti made worse by frequent impunity for such crimes. In the field of development cooperation, Spain reiterates its commitment to Haiti.”
2013-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7024 (2013) · source
“Spain welcomes the progress in the area of security made by Haiti throughout 2013. Given that positive development, Spain reaffirms its commitment to the current security model in Haiti, which relies on MINUSTAH staff for the maintenance of a safe and stable environment throughout the country, as well as with police forces to meet tasks associated with prosecuting crime. However, we agree that MINUSTAH should be looking to reconfigure gradually, eventually reducing its number of troops with missions focusing on assisting civilian populations over the medium-term, especially during emergencies. We very much look forward to a report to that effect, due to be submitted by the Secretary-General to the Security Council in March 2014.”
2013-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7024 (2013) · source
“The Secretary-General has submitted a detailed report (S/2013/493), which has already been referred to and which I value and appreciate a great deal. Spain shares the concern reflected in the report as to the stagnation in the political situation in Haiti and the apparent deadlock in the holding of the partial legislative and municipal elections that are supposed to take place before the end of the year. Like MINUSTAH and the rest of the international community in Haiti, we call on representatives of the executive and legislative branches of Haiti to reach an agreement on this matter in the coming weeks. If they manage to do so, it would be an expression of mutual goodwill and a sense of statehood as reflected specifically in progress towards the formation of a transitional Electoral Council.”
2013-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7024 (2013) · source
“Mr. Arias (Spain) (spoke in Spanish): I very much appreciate the Argentine presidency's inviation for Spain to participate in this bi-annual debate on the situation in Haiti. I see that as an acknowledgment of my country's commitment to the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) and to strengthening institutions and the socioeconomic development of Haiti. I welcome the presence among us, for the first time, of the new Special Representative of the Secretary- General in Haiti and Head of MINUSTAH, Ms. Sandra Honore. I wish her every success in her new. important and difficult role. I would like to welcome the Ambassador of Haiti, Mr. Denis Regis, and I wish him all the best in his new and important role.”
2013-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7024 (2013) · source
“Such debates must help raise awareness ofthe importance of firm condemnation of such crimes and result in the Council's renewed support for advancing the fight against impunity and maintaining a proactive stance to help reduce the incidence of sexual violence in conflict and refer such cases to the International Criminal Court. Finally, the observer of the European Union will be delivering a statement that Spain naturally aligns itself with and has actively contributed to.”
2013-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6984 (2013) · source
“Spain will do its utmost to participate actively in the various forums addressing the issue. At the most recent session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, Spain took part in both the interactive dialogue based on the thematic report of the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences (A/HRC/23/49), and in the panel on women's rights that took place in the same context. In both forums Spain emphasized the importance of criminalization and deplored the deficiencies that emerge when dealing with violence against women, due to a lack of specific training and education, and to the patriarchal and stereotypical patterns that hinder appropriate approaches to such cases, both in terms of prosecution and investigation.”
2013-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6984 (2013) · source
“Therein lies the importance of including the subject of responsibility in peace agreements and supporting the participation and advancement of women in peacebuilding processes. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, through the UNDP/Spain Fund I just mentioned, we have promoted the establishment of a number of assistance centres aimed at providing psycho-social support and training for women victims of acts of sexual violence, in order to facilitate their social and economic reintegration. The commitment of States and international organizations to fighting impunity must be further strengthened through an ongoing debate within the international community, so as to create mechanisms that can effectively prosecute any form of sexual violence in conflict.”
2013-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6984 (2013) · source
“To cite but two examples, in South Sudan efforts have been focused primarily on educating and raising awareness in indigenous communities on gender equality, while in Colombia the programme has involved training women in human rights and violence prevention so that they can later replicate such teaching in their communities. Since combating impunity should be specifically included in humanitarian and development programmes, the Spanish Humanitarian Aid Office has drafted a guide to addressing sexual Violence in humanitarian interventions. Legal codification and training are indispensable in the fight against impunity, but beyond that there is a need for clear political will in order to see that perpetrators are prosecuted and to guarantee legal and social protection for victims.”
2013-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6984 (2013) · source
“The most recent reform of Spain's military code of conduct includes the obligation to provide specific protection to women and children against rape, enforced prostitution, humiliating and degrading treatment or any other form of exploitation or sexual assault within the context of armed conflict. Regarding training, we must realize that in a post- conflict scenario, where legal systems are broken, it is essential that the reconstruction of national capacities includes specific training on cultures of impunity. Spain has therefore given support to specific programmes in that area through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)/Spain Millennium Development Goals Achievement Fund.”
2013-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6984 (2013) · source
“There are two key instruments in the fight against impunity for crimes of sexual violence in conflict - legal codes and training. An adequate legal code ensures that the necessary legal tools are in place in order to bring perpetrators to justice. I reiterate Spain's support for the conclusions of the fifty-seventh session of the Commission on the Status of Women, which highlighted the inclusion of crimes of sexual Violence in the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and the fact that the ad hoc international criminal tribunals recognize rape and other forms of sexual violence as possible war crimes, crimes against humanity or acts of genocide or torture.”
2013-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6984 (2013) · source
“Mr. Arias (Spain) (spoke in Spanish): Sexual violence in conflict is a phenomenon that should receive more and urgent attention, and Spain welcomes every effort of the international community to continue working to combat this scourge more effectively. We also welcome the Council's adoption this morning of resolution 2106 (2013), of which Spain was a sponsor. It is particularly pertinent in that it specifically addresses the issue of impunity as one of the key components in the fight against sexual Violence in conflict. Combating impunity must be addressed with a comprehensive approach that promotes an education system that promotes the dignity and equality of men and women, a social system that condemns sexual violence and a legal mechanism aimed at ensuring the protection of victims and the punishment of perpetrators.”
2013-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6984 (2013) · source
“The work and support of the United Nations will be of the utmost importance in that election. Spain underscores the central and impartial role that the United Nations plays in promoting peace and stability in Afghanistan. The Afghan election is also closely linked to the process of reconciliation and reintegration of Taliban elements willing to participate in the democratic system. We support all efforts aimed at making such reconciliation a reality, despite the enormous resistance that the process faces both inside Afghanistan and in the complex regional environment. We must strongly support dialogue that leads to a sustainable and inclusive reconciliation process that involves armed groups and all sectors of Afghan society.”
2013-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6983 (2013) · source
“Furthermore, the Mutual Accountability Framework, agreed last year in Tokyo, continues to lay the groundwork for the political and financial sustainability needed to uphold the current Afghan regime. The Afghan Government must, in that context, continue and strengthen its fulfillment of its fundamental commitments in the areas of governance, development, the rule of law, human rights and the fight against corruption. In that regard, the presidential election announced for 5 April 2014 will be a significant logistical test, to meet which the international community will provide support to Afghanistan. The Afghan authorities will be responsible for ensuring an inclusive, transparent and democratic election that produces results that are fully acceptable to the Afghan people.”
2013-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6983 (2013) · source
“The participation of the Spanish Cooperation will continue in the years to come under the form of multilateral projects through our contributions to international organizations. The year 2012 was one of major international events related to Afghanistan; 2013 is the time to build upon their numerous accomplishments. For example, the bases are currently being laid for the new allied mission that will operate after 2014, which will focus exclusively on training, assistance and support for the further strengthening of the Afghan National Security Forces after 2015. At the regional level, we are pleased to note that the Istanbul Process, whose main objective is to promote cooperation and regional security to achieve peace and stability in Afghanistan, is making decisive progress.”
2013-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6983 (2013) · source
“Last December, Murghab district was included in tranche 4, bringing the entirety of the Badghis province into the transition process. We are satisfied at the way in which the transition is progressing. Spain will remain fully engaged by providing advice, capacity-building and support to the Afghan security forces until the conclusion of the process. With regard to the civilian aspect of transition, the vast majority of the cooperation projects Spain is carrying out in its area of responsibility is already being managed by Afghan personnel. The transfer has been formalized through the signing of appropriate agreements with the competent Afghan ministries. In July, seven years of successful presence of direct Spanish Cooperation in Afghanistan will come to an end.”
2013-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6983 (2013) · source
“Throughout the past 12 years, Spain has continuously been one of the main contributors to the Security Council-mandated NATO International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan (ISAF). Like our partners in ISAF, we have now begun withdrawal. At the present time, there are some 900 Spanish soldiers deployed in the provinces of Herat, Where the airport is operated by Spain, Badghis, where the Spanish provincial reconstruction team is based, Qala-i-Naw and Kabul. Spain resolutely supports the efforts of the Afghan Government in the ongoing and complex transition process, in both the security and civilian perspectives. We welcome this week's announcement of the achievement of milestone 2013, whereby Afghan forces will take the lead in security operations and of the start ofthe fifth and final phase ofthe transition process.”
2013-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6983 (2013) · source
“Mr. Arias (Spain) (spoke in Spanish): This summer will herald a decisive moment for the international community's commitment in Afghanistan. Spain has been part of that commitment from the outset and has devoted significant military and civilian efforts, with the clear aim of contributing to the stabilization and reconstruction of the country. Ijoin previous speakers in thanking the Secretary- General for his report (S/2013/350) and Special Representative Jan Kubis for his briefing. I also acknowledge the important work carried out by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). I note in particular the work carried out by my colleague and friend Ambassador Tanin.”
2013-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6983 (2013) · source
“It is essential that the progress and successes of the past decade not be reversed. The Special Representative of the European Union for Afghanistan has already made a statement, which we of course share. Nevertheless, I am also grateful, Mr. President, for the fact that you have given me the opportunity to make an additional set of comments in my national capacity.”
2013-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6935Resumption1 (2013) · source
“Finally, allow me also to emphasize the enormous importance that Spain attaches to the role that the European Union can play in assisting the Afghan authorities on issues related to capacity-building, including governance, transparency and the rule of law, as well as in the training of civil servants and members of the police and judicial sectors, and in the socioeconomic development of the country in general. In the light of what I have said here, Spain firmly supports the ongoing negotiations for an ambitious cooperation agreement for partnership and development between the European Union and Afghanistan, which will certainly set the tone for and guide the relations between both partners in the coming years. The coming months will be decisive for the consolidation of the international community's legacy in Afghanistan.”
2013-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6935Resumption1 (2013) · source
“In that context, the presidential elections announced for 5 April 2014 will be a significant challenge from a logistical perspective. The international community will continue to support Afghanistan, which in turn will have to ensure an inclusive, transparent and democratic election, with results that the Afghan people can fully identify with. The work and the support of the United Nations will be of great importance in those elections. That is why Spain supports the decision to extend the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan by one year, and greatly appreciates the central and impartial role that the United Nations is playing in promoting peace and stability in Afghanistan.”
2013-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6935Resumption1 (2013) · source
“On the regional level, we welcome the fact that the Istanbul Process, whose principal goal is to promote regional cooperation and security in order to achieve peace and stability in Afghanistan, is decisively moving forward. Spain is currently examining its contributions to the confidence-building measures that are associated with the Process. In addition to everything I have just set out, we are also working to secure the political and financial sustainability essential for the consolidation of the Afghan political system. We trust that the Government of Afghanistan will continue to fulfil its basic commitments in the fields of governance, development, the rule of law, human rights and the fight against corruption.”
2013-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6935Resumption1 (2013) · source
“For that to be successful, it should involve the armed groups and all sectors of Afghan society in a context of respect for the Afghan Constitution, especially when it comes to human rights, in particular those of women and girls. The year 2012 was a year of major international events related to Afghanistan. Now it is time to note the year's many achievements. Afghanistan will continue to need international assistance after 2014. That is why the bases for the new allied mission for the post-2014 period are being outlined, focusing exclusively on educational and training tasks. In that way it will seek to assist the Afghan National Security Forces in the best possible way so that they can successfully deal with the important work that they have to do and that is expected of them.”
2013-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6935Resumption1 (2013) · source
“We are considering doing that in parallel with the transfer of responsibility in the crucial area of security. Currently, most of the projects are already being managed by Afghan personnel. The transfer will be formalized with the signing of the appropriate agreements with the representatives of the Afghan ministries that will take over those projects. In 2013, Cooperacion Espafiola en Afganistan will conclude after seven years of positive collaboration. It should be emphasized, however, that Cooperacion Espafiola will continue to participate in multilateral projects through its contributions to international organizations. Despite the difficulties inherent in the complex peace process, recent progress permits us to hope for a possible relaunch of dialogue towards sustainable and inclusive reconciliation.”
2013-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6935Resumption1 (2013) · source
“We must therefore redouble our efforts in the coming months, particularly in the areas of governance, institution-building and economic development. The transfer ofresponsibilities in the security sector to Afghan authorities has already been completed in the six districts of Badghis province. We are satisfied with the way in which the transition is progressing. Spain will continue cooperating and will remain firmly committed to the activities of consulting, training and supporting the Afghan security forces during the completion of the transition process. With regard to the civil aspects of the transition, we are now in a position to complete the transfer of the cooperation projects that we have developed in our area of responsibility.”
2013-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6935Resumption1 (2013) · source
“We are now engaged in the withdrawal ofthe 1,300 Spanish soldiers who are still in Afghanistan, distributed throughout the provinces of Herat, whose airport is managed by Spain; Badghis, which is one of the most inaccessible and disadvantaged provinces of the country and where the Spanish provincial reconstruction team is located in Qala-i-Naw; and Kabul. Spain has supported in the past and continues today to strongly support the efforts of the Afghan Government in the complex transition process, both in their security and civilian aspects. We are currently entering a difficult stage in the process. We are in the final stretch, as we all know. We all have to do our utmost to ensure that the transition is irreversible and sustainable.”
2013-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6935Resumption1 (2013) · source
“Mr. Arias (Spain) (spoke in Spanish): This year, we commemorate the twelfth anniversary of the international community's commitment to Afghanistan. I believe that this is an excellent moment to thank the Secretary-General for introducing his report (8/2013/133) to the Council today, and to say that I greatly value the contribution made to this debate by Ambassador Tanin. Spain, which has been part of this process from the beginning, has been making a military and civilian contribution to the stabilization and reconstruction of the country. The human toll of Spain's military effort in Afghanistan has been high; 100 Spaniards have died since the arrival of our troops. Spain is currently the eighth largest contributor to the NATO International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan, under the Security Council's mandate.”
2013-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6935Resumption1 (2013) · source
“Spain's experience in this area, resulting from our extensive involvement in peacekeeping operations, has shown us that there can be no stable and lasting peace if human rights are not respected. The protection of civilians should therefore also be part of the international community's approach to post-conflict situations as it could become a tool of prevention with a view to avoiding a resurgence of the previous combat situation. Spain associates itself with the statement to be delivered by the observer of the European Union.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“Thirdly, attacks on medical staff and installations and on humanitarian personnel, and constraints imposed on their activities, are also an indirect attack on the civilian population. The Security Council has the means necessary to enable humanitarian actors to carry out their work, guaranteeing their safety and promoting an environment conducive to their rapid and unimpeded access to civilians in need. My Government calls on the Security Council to assess the possibility of recalling the content of the resolution on health care in danger adopted at the 31st International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent in 2011. Spain has always considered it a very positive fact that the protection of civilians in armed conflict is included in the mandates of peacekeeping operations.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“Spain believes that this is an issue to which the Council and the commissions of inquiry should pay special attention, since it can come up against victims' reluctance to report incidents for fear of stigma in their communities. Among the groups that are particularly vulnerable to the effects of conflict, I would like to stress the issue ofpeople with disabilities. This year the General Assembly will host a high- level meeting on disability and development, which Spain, together with the Philippines, has the honour to co-facilitate. This is also a good opportunity to note that in the area of the effective protection of civilians, the special needs of this group should be taken into account.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“First is the use of bombs and explosives in urban areas to kill or maim civilians, destroy basic infrastructures such as hospitals, schools and water-storage facilities, and displace huge numbers of civilians. Spain deplores this grave violation of international humanitarian law, especially when it is used deliberately as a way ofwaging psychological warfare on the civilian population, and believes that the Council must continue to focus on this practice and to explore and exploit all possible means to put an end to it. Secondly, it is the elderly, women and children who suffer most in such conflicts. Sexual violence continues to be used as a weapon in conflict and even as a military strategy, leaving victims with scars that last into the post-conflict period.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“At times, resorting to inclusive mediation - in the sense described in the United Nations Guidance for Effective Mediation - can play a preventive role in the protection of civilians in armed conflict. Spain, which is a staunch supporter of the available instruments for conflict prevention, is an active member of the Group of Friends of Mediation, and is promoting a mediation initiative in the Mediterranean that is holding its first seminar on mediation in the region right now in Madrid. I hope that the Council will take the outcomes of such initiatives into consideration inasmuch as they may offer ways of effectively protecting civilians in conflict situations. I would like to express particular concern about three facts that represent serious obstacles to the application of the modern concept of the protection of civilians.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“However, I wish to underscore that in the event of a failure to exercise that responsibility, the Security Council can act, and must do so consistently. This involves careful follow-up on the conclusions of international commissions of inquiry and fact-finding missions, and, when appropriate, referral of the facts to the International Criminal Court. Accountability and the assigning of responsibility undoubtedly have an impact on support for and compliance with international humanitarian and human rights law. However, this is not enough. I would therefore like to draw attention to the existence of other instruments that can contribute to protecting civilians more effectively.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“Mr. Arias (Spain) (spoke in Spanish): I thank the Secretary-General, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the Director for International Law and Cooperation of the International Committee of the Red Cross for their statements. I would also like to thank the presidency for organizing this open debate. The fact that it is traditionally held twice a year enables the Council to address an issue that, as we unfortunately see in many conflicts, continues to demand its attention. The fight against impunity is one of the fundamental pillars supporting the effective implementation of international humanitarian, human rights and refugee law. It is States that have the primary responsibility to comply with it, and protecting civilians is incumbent on all the parties to a conflict.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“I wish to restate Spain's firm and active support for the Working Group on Supporting and Highlighting Victims of Terrorism, which is a part of the Counter- Terrorism Implementation Task Force, with a view to carrying out the United Nations Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy. The Plan of Action on Victims of Terrorism that was approved by the Global Counter- Terrorism Forum (GCTF) at the High-level Conference on Victims of Terrorism held in Madrid in July 2012 is a good reference point because it collects proposals addressed to the members of the GCTF and to any State that wishes to participate. In conclusion, Spain takes this opportunity to appeal for consensus in the negotiation of an international convention against terrorism, which would be an essential building block in fighting the scourge.”
2013-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6900Resumption1 (2013) · source
“A policy of acknowledgement, support and assistance to victims will be a strong factor in discrediting terrorism even further. Spain thanks the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force for its work in collecting and issuing recommendations and best practices of States in connection with victims. That work goes hand in hand with that of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime with regard to victims and the response of criminal justice to their needs. Despite the suffering caused by terrorism in the past few years, it is regrettable that there is still no binding international standard of a universal nature aimed at protecting the rights of victims. Spain considers it to be of utmost importance that we promote the drafting of an international statute for the victims of terrorism that would embody their rights.”
2013-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6900Resumption1 (2013) · source
“With that in mind, it is important to give a special role to prestigious personalities, the victims of terrorism and certain religious leaders. To that end, it is necessary to work with the private sector in research to develop databases, encourage the exchange of information, and appropriately manage borders and procedures in airports and train stations. The relationship with the private sector is also of utmost importance in guaranteeing the protection of tourism, of certain infrastructure and mass events. The victims of terrorism must play a central role in national, regional and international strategies because their stories carry moral weight and they can be an effective instrument against terrorism through their testimony and experience.”
2013-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6900Resumption1 (2013) · source
“The Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy must also develop a responsible interaction between local communities and police forces. It must also give special attention to social integration at the local level, to dialogue with representatives of religious minorities, and to the responsible education of religious leaders. In the light of the foregoing, Spain is participating in efforts to distribute educational material in schools that will help develop pluralism, coexistence, tolerance and respect towards others. In that area, organizations such as UNESCO can make a major contribution. One essential area is the Internet. Messages must be spread throughout the Internet that discredit terrorism, stripping it of the supposedly glorious and generous image presented in many forums and highlighting its religious doctrinal contradictions.”
2013-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6900Resumption1 (2013) · source
“For that reason, and in the light of that preventive concept, it is very important that the greatest possible effort be made at the international level to use instruments, such as the United Nations Development Programme, that can provide better technical assistance on the ground. Prevention is a very broad-based concept that includes the development of intercultural dialogue and brings civilizations closer together as a means of combating fanaticism. It is important, therefore, to highlight the value of the Alliance of Civilizations, which in a short time has become a multidimensional instrument of preventive diplomacy, encompassing the political, social, economic, religious and legal spheres, and, in addition, attaches great importance to the media and other forms of communication.”
2013-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6900Resumption1 (2013) · source