YouSaid · the spoken record

Bakuramutsa

lines on the record: 295
first: 1994-09-23
most recent: 2018-05-17
sittings or episodes: 41
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

“Furthermore, their early release, accomplished without consultation with the Government of Rwanda and at the discretion of one single individual, seriously erodes the ICTR's achievements in holding accountable those responsible for the meticulous planning and execution of the genocide against the Tutsi. It also conveys the extremely dangerous message that international justice is lenient when crimes are committed in certain parts of the world and thereby trivializes the crime of genocide. In conclusion, Rwanda calls on the Security Council to consider the challenges that threaten the primacy of international law in sustaining international peace and security. Restoring the rule of law is not just the true means of achieving sustainable international peace and security, it is the only one.”
2018-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8262 (2018) · source
“Among other things, the establishment of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) and, later, of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals was aimed at ending impunity and contributing to the process of national reconciliation and restoring and maintaining peace. Rwanda is concerned that it is not living up to that goal. Our concerns are based on the ICTR's recent early releases of some masterminds of genocide who have shown no remorse for the crimes they committed. To be exact, 14 of them have been set free and three more are currently in the process of early release. In some instances, such as that oer. Ferdinand Nahimana, those early releases have enabled various publications to continue propagating the ideology of genocide.”
2018-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8262 (2018) · source
“We believe that there should be no impunity for egregious crimes against humanity and mass atrocities. Accountability for those responsible for heinous crimes is integral to maintaining international peace and security. The Council must stress that peace and justice go hand in hand, and that its members, particularly its permanent members, must serve as models when it comes to upholding accountability by not harbouring fugitives implicated in genocide. The Security Council has tribunals and mechanisms in place that were established to fight impunity and contribute to international peace and security. Debates such as today's present us with an opportunity to be introspective and consider whether those legal institutions and mechanisms have met our expectations. Are they actually ensuring accountability?”
2018-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8262 (2018) · source
“Africa has wisely resorted to the wide spectrum of modalities envisaged in Chapter VI and other relevant provisions of the Charter of the United Nations in the desire to prevent disputes between parties and stop existing disputes escalating into conflict. It is worth pointing out that we are having this debate on the seventieth anniversaries of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Those important instruments are being threatened by numerous instances of backtracking on our pledges. Accountability has been threatened by Member States' lack of cooperation in complying with arrest warrants issued by international mechanisms, supporting investigations concerning fugitives and prosecuting suspected individuals within their jurisdiction.”
2018-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8262 (2018) · source
“We appreciate Judge Owada echoing that point. Thirdly, the management of international peace and security must be based on a genuine consensus that is forged on the basis of the principles ofinternational law. Fourthly, as the primary organ responsible for maintenance of international peace and security, the Security Council also needs to make wider and more effective use of the procedures and framework for the pacific settlement of disputes, particularly Articles 33 to 38 of the Charter. African countries have put in place a Peace and Security Architecture through regional and subregional organizations that possess built-in mechanisms for conflict prevention and mediation. Bodies such as the Peace and Security Council and the Panel of the Wise give this architecture greater strength.”
2018-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8262 (2018) · source
“However, what we see is that certain nations show contempt for those principles, pursuing narrow national or group interests, which can have devastating consequences. We have yet to see a world order emerge that is based on justice and respect for the obligations arising from treaties and other sources of international law and, most critically, the purposes and principles of the Charter itself. In that context, I would like to focus on the following four points. First, the United Nations must fulfil its purpose of developing friendly relations among nations, predicated on the principle of equal rights. Secondly, there should be a renewed focus on using peaceful means for addressing breaches of international peace and the settlement of international disputes, with a wider and more effective use of the provisions of the Charter.”
2018-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8262 (2018) · source
“Human rights abuses remain rampant and humanitarian law is flouted in open violation of the Charter's principles. The Charter does not just collectively bind us to efforts aimed at saving succeeding generations from the scourge of war; it also confers a shared commitment to creating a world order that is based on the rule of international law. Let me reiterate my country's continued commitment to translating our trust in the Charter into practice. On the maintenance of international peace and security by upholding international law, allow me to begin with a simple fact: we, as Member States, solemnly entered into this covenant, the United Nations Charter, trusting that its principles were immutable.”
2018-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8262 (2018) · source
“Today's discussion therefore stresses the need to uphold the principles of international law in the maintenance of international peace and the need to support the role of the Security Council and the international judicial system in fostering a culture of the rule of law that promotes international peace and security. Peace and security are strengthened if there are no exceptions or double standards in the application of international law. The Security Council should promote the rule of law through greater use of the means for pacific settlement of disputes and, more frequently, by recourse to the International Court of Justice. We believe that the starting point is to look at the Charter of the United Nations, by which we are all bound. Today we see a world that is hardly at peace.”
2018-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8262 (2018) · source
“Allow me to express Rwanda's appreciation to the Polish presidency for convening today's open debate on the state of respect for international law in the context of the maintenance of international peace and security. It is evident from today's briefings that upholding international law is fundamental to the maintenance of international peace and security and to preventing, managing and resolving crises. We all agree that international law directly contributes to world peace. We also agree that this is not something new, as the concept of international law predates even the United Nations, which was founded in 1945.”
2018-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8262 (2018) · source
“Individually and collectively, we have a long way to go, but we can achieve the meaningful and long-term changes we seek if we continue to put women at the centre of our agenda. In conclusion, Rwanda stands ready to work with Member States, the Secretary- General and the United Nations as a whole, particularly UN-Women, to make this agenda a success.”
2017-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8079 (2017) · source
“Nationally, the Government of Rwanda, bringing to bear strong political will, has made great strides in empowering women to fully participate in all sectors and fields, an approach complemented by the fact that private-sector, civil-society, religious and non-governmental organizations are also taking ownership of the part they play in the empowerment and advancement of women. In addition, we have adopted a national action plan in order to fast-track existing national mechanisms and frameworks for implementing resolution 1325 (2000). The plan is based on two pillars, the first being that of promoting the equal participation of women and men in all peace initiatives at all levels, and the second of integrating gender perspectives into peace and security efforts.”
2017-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8079 (2017) · source
“As a regional initiative, the East African Community, in collaboration with the African Union, has developed a regional implementation framework to enhance women's leadership in conflict prevention, peacebuilding and mainstreaming gender in security policymaking, and to ensure that women's rights are protected in humanitarian crises, transitional contexts and post-conflict situations. It is important to note that the action plan also ensures that activities related to women and peace and security are not seen as stand- alone efforts but rather as an integral part of regional peace and security discussions that are in line with promoting gender equality.”
2017-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8079 (2017) · source
“After listening to the briefers for today's debate, it is clear that blocking women's rights and empowerment has direct negative effects on society as a whole. During the genocide in Rwanda against the Tutsi, rape and other forms of violence were primarily directed at women not just to degrade them individually but also to strip the humanity from the larger community of which they were a part. As situations of armed conflict and violent extremism continue to prevail in many parts of the world, with women and children bearing the primary burden, we must work steadfastly to empower women and encourage their participation in the entire spectrum of peace processes and in the promotion of the rule of law, good governance and mediation.”
2017-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8079 (2017) · source
“My delegation welcomes the Secretary- General's efforts to mainstream this agenda within the ongoing reforms of the United Nations peace and security architecture and recognize the collaborative advantage that it will confer on the Joint United Nations- African Union Framework for an Enhanced Partnership in Peace and Security. The participation ofwomen in peace and security is not only the right thing to do but also the smart thing to do, as it is a proven fact that when women are involved in conflict prevention and efforts to achieve unity and reconciliation, as well as peacebuilding, sustainable outcomes are achieved. Women contribute added value in addressing especially critical issues, such as protecting children's rights, combating gender-based violence and promoting human rights.”
2017-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8079 (2017) · source
“Ms. Bakuramutsa (Rwanda) (spoke in French): My delegation would like to thank the French presidency for convening today's important debate. (spoke in English) We are also grateful to all the briefers this morning for their insightful remarks. It has been almost exactly 17 years to the day since the international community recognized the urgent importance of mainstreaming a gender perspective into peacekeeping and multidimensional peace support operations. On this anniversary, we must take stock of the progress we have been able to make and of what still remains for us to accomplish, individually and collectively.”
2017-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8079 (2017) · source
“I should like to conclude, by thanking, on behalf of my Government, those countries that respected the Security Council resolutions by initiating legal proceedings against those responsible for genocide in Rwanda - countries such as Belgium, Cameroon, Canada, Switzerland and Zambia - as well as those countries, such as Seychelles that provided the information making it possible to trace the sale and delivery of arms to members of the former Government of Rwanda.”
1996-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3656 (1996) · source
“Over and above that, my delegation regrets the continual confusion caused by the incomplete information provided by the Secretariat to the decision-making bodies that might have a certain impact on the future of Rwanda. The content of the most recent report coordinated by the Danish Government, which is entitled "Joint evaluation of emergency assistance to Rwanda", and whose authors we would like to thank, may go unnoticed. What it calls "Lessons from the Rwanda experience" will never serve as a lesson for anybody. My Government keenly hopes that the office to be created in Rwanda by the Secretariat and the Security Council will help the United Nations do what it has so far been unable to do for Rwanda and its inhabitants.”
1996-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3656 (1996) · source
“In conclusion, Rwanda and the entire world have witnessed the behaviour of this Organization before and during the genocide in my country, which is a Member country and a former Trust Territory of the United Nations. Many accounts have been given of the situation, but it gravely concerns my Government when we observe a continual and systematic lack of desire to give adequate and necessary support to the Rwandan Government to help it reconstruct the country, to complete its efforts to bring all the sons and daughters of the country together, to stanch its wounds, to rehabilitate the survivors and to establish justice, which would form the basis of a state of law.”
1996-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3656 (1996) · source
“It is true that Rwanda is in need, but it is also true that the Rwandans have their dignity, and they intend to keep it. Despite the insistence of the Rwandan Government when speaking to the Special Representative of the Secretary- General, despite various steps, vis-a-vis various departments of the Secretariat, and despite contacts with various members of the Security Council who have in turn approached the Secretariat, my Government can only conclude that there has been a deliberate desire not to give the proper equipment to Rwanda to help it to reconstruct the country and, generally speaking, a desire to keep the Government in the difficult situation caused by the genocide and destruction of the infrastructure and economy of the country.”
1996-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3656 (1996) · source
“After having evaluated the equipment left behind by UNAMIR, the Government of Rwanda found that, in the first place, the value of the equipment was much lower than the figures quoted in the Secretary-General's report. Secondly, the equipment consisted of materiel not suited to the needs expressed to the Secretary-General by the Rwandan Government - namely, the kind of equipment required to speed up the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the country, and to facilitate the return of refugees. What little equipment which remained was in such a state that it was not economically viable to repair it, as this might have become a burden on the State's budget. Consequently, my Government wishes to inform the Council that the equipment left to it by UNAMIR cannot be received due to its nature and its condition.”
1996-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3656 (1996) · source
“The Secretary-General's report refers to equipment which is valued at approximately $9.2 million and intended to be handed over to the Rwandan Government, as well as another parcel of weapons in a state of disrepair, which was valued at $6.1 million and was also to be given to the Government. I would like to remind the Council that that equipment is being given to the Government of Rwanda pursuant to the request to the Secretary-General for non- military materiel to speed up the reconstruction of the country as well as to facilitate the return of refugees. That request by Rwanda enjoyed the support of the Security Council in various resolutions that recommended that the Secretary-General give part of UNAMIR's mate'riel to the Rwandan Government while respecting the rules and procedures of the General Assembly.”
1996-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3656 (1996) · source
“This is why the Rwandan Government was very pleased to welcome the Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs to Kigali, and the question of the political office was in fact resolved this morning. In this connection, we should once again like to remind the Council that it is customary for the Government of Rwanda to be consulted in every matter of interest to the country and to the Rwandans. Furthermore, the Government of Rwanda would like to clarify information contained in the report of the Secretary-General regarding the UNAMIR equipment that was left behind in Rwanda.”
1996-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3656 (1996) · source
“The delay in the Secretariat's reaction made it necessary for me to approach the Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, since the office fell under his aegis, to remind him of the recommendations contained in the Security Council resolution on the subject and to insist on a meeting between the Secretariat and the Government to discuss the question of the political office. Despite all those steps, my Government was not contacted by anyone to consider the statute and the mandate of this unit. It should be noted that preparations for the departure of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR), and particularly the decision of the Special Representative of the Secretary- General to leave his post, did not favour the Secretariat's negotiating on that office.”
1996-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3656 (1996) · source
“In my letter of 1 March 1996, addressed to the President of the Security Council, and in the letter from the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Rwanda, addressed to the Secretary-General, the clear-cut position of the Government was that it accepted the proposal for a political office, as set out by the Secretary-General in his report. My Government took the initiative of inviting the Special Representative of the Secretary-General to Kigali to hold consultations on specific proposals regarding the status, mandate and duration of the United Nations political office. He never discussed the subject with the Government again.”
1996-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3656 (1996) · source
“The Government of Rwanda has instructed me to deny firmly the information contained in the Secretary-General's report suggesting that negotiations with the Government with respect to establishing a small political office in Rwanda have become difficult. I wish to recall that paragraph 46 of the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda of 29 February 1996, states that the Rwandan Government did not give its consent to any of the three options presented by the Secretary-General. In my official statement at the formal meeting of the Security Council at which resolution 1050 (1996) was adopted, I confirmed our acceptance of the proposal for a political office contained in the report of the Secretary- General.”
1996-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3656 (1996) · source
“The sectoral approach to the Rwandan problem makes it impossible to see that arming militia members and former Rwandan troops is contributing to the massacre taking place in Burundi. The fact that the Rwandan criminals have gone unpunished encourages the criminals in the region to do likewise. This is why we request the Council and the Secretariat to revise their approach, to consider the question holistically. If it did so, it would become clear that the Commission has more importance than the draft resolution attributes to it. I should like to depart slightly from the subject on the agenda to pass on a message from the Government of Rwanda, given the importance of the matter.”
1996-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3656 (1996) · source
“Again, the sectoral approach taken to the situation in Rwanda makes it impossible to see that the acquisition of appropriate equipment could contribute to the return of refugees and stability in the country. By arming themselves, the criminals continue to send a war-like and criminal message to the refugees, whereas the Government of Rwanda has established a policy for the unconditional return of refugees and, by way of support from the Secretariat, has received unusable and inappropriate equipment that the so-called Assistance Mission for Rwanda could not take away with it. At the same time, the masterminds of the genocide and their militia organizations are building up their arsenal and receiving humanitarian assistance, which enhances their power and authority over the refugees in the camps.”
1996-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3656 (1996) · source
“What do the orphans - the victims and survivors of genocide - and all peace-loving Rwandans feel when they see that the efforts of the Government that put a stop to the genocide are being undermined by the acts of the very people whose moral duty it is to prevent acts that disrupt peace and security, and who are supposed to be implementing a Security Council resolution on an arms embargo? The sectoral approach is also applied to the return of refugees. How can the Government of Rwanda encourage the return of refugees when their self-proclaimed leaders are in the process of rearming themselves and are receiving various kinds of support from Member countries of this Organization.”
1996-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3656 (1996) · source
“This vision prevents us from implementing the conventions that we ratified on both genocide and refugees. Thus, those responsible for the genocide in Rwanda and their militias enjoy refugee status, when they are actually armed and leading an armed band. The Government of Rwanda would like to encourage national reconciliation. But what meaning can reconciliation have if it takes place between those who survived the genocide and its perpetrators, when the latter are in the process of rearming themselves to carry out other massacres?”
1996-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3656 (1996) · source
“It should be noted that the word "genocide" appears nowhere, which contributes further to playing down the offence, which is limited to rearmament despite the embargo. The sectoral approach means that we are completely overlooking the fact that those who are acquiring weapons are the same people who masterminded the genocide, supported in various ways by various collaborative State networks. The International Tribunal, which should have inquired into those cases, is not mentioned anywhere, which has further weakened the role and importance of that Tribunal. Again, the sectoral approach makes it impossible to establish the links between the fact that criminals are acquiring arms and the fact that the International Tribunal is not actually functioning.”
1996-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3656 (1996) · source
“I would like to give some examples of that approach, which has become a matter of routine for this Organization, and which my country is now, and will long continue to be victim to, unless the wisdom and understanding of members of the Security Council help this Organization to change it. The efforts made by the Rwandan Government to take control of its own future are encountering difficulties as a result of that sectoral approach. We are now considering the problem of the rearming of former Rwandan troops. That problem is linked to the arms embargo against the people who committed genocide. But the sectoral approach obliges us to consider the matter as if it were a simple offence committed by some businessman carrying out some sort of illicit operation. In fact, those people conceived, planned and carried out the genocide.”
1996-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3656 (1996) · source
“We are astonished that this Organization has not denounced that situation, which is on a level with the illegal acquisition and circulation of weapons in the region. I say again that the success of this resolution and its implementation is not only of concern to Rwanda but is vital for the population of the entire subregion. May I request, through you, Mr. President, that the Security Council and the Secretariat, which is the main source of information for the Council, to cease taking a sectoral approach to the question of Rwanda, as the problems of the subregion are interlinked and interdependent.”
1996-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3656 (1996) · source
“As we have said on other occasions, the continuation of the Commission's work is vital for ensuring peace and security in the Great Lakes region. The uncontrolled circulation of arms spares no country in the subregion. The arms acquired under these circumstances are being used by Rwandan militia members who support the Burundi extremists to destabilize the Government of Burundi. Furthermore, Rwanda has just received approximately 8,000 refugees from Zaire, who were expelled from their native land by other citizens of their country in cooperation with militia members and Rwandan soldiers whose legal acquisition of arms we denounce, as we do the refugee status from which they continue to benefit, despite the international Convention on refugees signed at Geneva.”
1996-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3656 (1996) · source
“These consequences are, first, that the Commission will encounter difficulties in fulfilling its mission. The Security Council has not sufficiently equipped it to overcome these difficulties. The second consequence is the destabilization of the region, which will continue because of the infiltration of arms and militia members into both Rwanda and Burundi. It should be noted that these infiltrations are already taking place, and a rapid solution must be found to the damage they are causing. The third consequence is the loss of human life, displaced persons and refugees. The fourth consequence is economic regression and the risk of famine in the region. The fifth consequence is the possibility of the subregion going up in flames.”
1996-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3656 (1996) · source
“That is why my delegation will be pleased to see the adoption of the draft resolution before the Council today. In this context, I wish to thank the American delegation for its initiative and all delegations that helped in drafting and amending it. My delegation will never tire of repeating that control over the implementation of a resolution, especially one formulated under Chapter VII, can be exercised only with the authority granted under another, stronger resolution. That is why, if it was to be effective, this draft resolution should have been restrictive. Unfortunately, it is too weak to allow the Commission effectively to tackle the task assigned to it. We are convinced that the Council is aware of the many foreseeable consequences if the Commission is unable to achieve the objectives of its mandate.”
1996-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3656 (1996) · source
“My delegation wishes to congratulate the International Commission of Inquiry to investigate reports relating to the sale or supply of arms and related mate'riel to former Rwanda government forces in the Great Lakes region. It is very important to note that the contents of the Commission's first report contrast remarkably with those of the second. The latter brings to light elements of incontestable information and pieces of evidence and confirms what non-governmental organizations and the BBC, of international renown, had already uncovered. Indeed, if the Commission was able in so brief a time to produce such remarkable work, despite the obstacles it encountered, it could do even more and its impact would be particularly significant on matters related to security and stability in the region.”
1996-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3656 (1996) · source
“Mr. Bakuramutsa (Rwanda) (interpretation from French): Allow the Rwandan delegation to congratulate you, Sir, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council. The wisdom you inspire and your experience as a seasoned diplomat give confidence to the countries whose problems are on the Council's agenda that those problems will be speedily resolved. My delegation is entirely at your disposal to help you carry out your task. I wish to take this opportunity to thank Ambassador Legwaila, Permanent Representative of Botswana, and his delegation for their outstanding work, particularly with respect to convening public meetings that allow all Members of the Organization to participate.”
1996-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3656 (1996) · source
“The Council should resume contact with the various Somali leaders and listen to them impartially. The Council should help them to create a forum to facilitate dialogue between those leaders, which they say they want. Humanitarian aid should be continued, but it should be borne in mind that the most pressing need is to find a political solution.”
1996-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3641 (1996) · source
“We recognize the importance of security for United Nations personnel, but we also attach great importance to the participation of the interested parties - in this case the Somali people themselves - in decisions about their future. However, the Somali leaders have requested reinstatement of the United Nations Political Office for Somali in Mogadishu. My delegation sincerely hopes that this legitimate appeal will be heeded and answered. Great attention must be paid to the situation of Somalia, which is a Member State of this Organization. This is all the more important because of the problems which Somalia faces. In conclusion, my delegation appeals to the Security Council and the Secretariat to provide an opportunity for the Somali people themselves to find a solution to their problem.”
1996-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3641 (1996) · source
“All the United Nations offices, such as those of the United Nations Development Programme and the United Nations Political Office for Somalia, have preferred to base themselves in Nairobi. My delegation is convinced that the establishment of the so-called Political Office for Somalia in Nairobi is useful neither for the Somalis nor for United Nations agencies operating in Somalia. The latest report of the Secretary-General on Somalia mentions no important initiative taken by that office throughout 1995. Depriving Somalia of the presence of the international community and the United Nations in Mogadishu has given a green light to the various factions. The Somalis and their leaders need time to rise above conflict, heal their wounds and find common ground.”
1996-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3641 (1996) · source
“The Organization will bear responsibility before history in particular for its handling of the situation in African countries, which, despite official statements, have been neglected. As for Somalia, it is for the Somalis to find a solution to their problems. The Secretary-General's report records the efforts made to form a Government. However, the parties have said that, in order for them to come together, they need a facilitator, the necessary resources and a forum. The Somali leaders are ready for dialogue and have expressed a wish for it. The same leaders have also appealed to the United Nations to continue to play the role of facilitator and mediator. What is the point of having several United Nations offices for Somalia in Kenya? Their effectiveness is difficult to gauge.”
1996-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3641 (1996) · source
“Genocide in Rwanda was made possible by the withdrawal of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda. Yet the same Organization is prepared to intervene elsewhere, in countries where the problems are similar but less severe. Experience has shown that countries which have been abandoned ultimately experience disasters from which they have difficulty recovering. In the long term, failing to take a political stance, or taking inadequate positions, together with the weakness of the preventive diplomacy of which this Organization is such a strong advocate, means that the Organization and the international community pay a heavy price, dealing with the damage caused by bad policy.”
1996-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3641 (1996) · source
“The misfortune gnawing away at those countries is not very different; it has become a common denominator for most African countries. That is why my delegation hopes that this public debate on Somalia will not give its participants a sense of self- satisfaction. We hope that it will lead to thought in the Security Council and the Secretariat of this Organization, and among Somalis and all Africans who are victims of situations which are often beyond their control. My delegation would also like to denounce the minimalist practice, increasingly adopted by this Organization, of abandoning member countries in difficulty. We have seen it take place in Somalia, Rwanda and, to some extent, Liberia. It is well-known that the withdrawal of the United Nations force from Somalia helped to increase chaos there.”
1996-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3641 (1996) · source
“I congratulate the OAU on its efforts and initiatives to facilitate agreement between the Somali factions. We also congratulate the League of Arab States. We convey our encouragement to the humanitarian organizations of United Nations agencies, non-governmental organizations and others for the sacrifices they have made for the Somali people. Just a few hours before this discussion on Somalia began we were making solemn declarations, with satellite coverage, about development programmes in Africa. That made us forget for a moment the reality of Africa and its problems. We cannot delude ourselves about those problems, because they are the daily lot of thousands of people. We must not forget that Somalia is not an isolated case in Africa; there are also Rwanda, Burundi, Liberia, Sierra Leone and others.”
1996-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3641 (1996) · source
“Mr. Bakuramutsa (Rwanda) (interpretation from French): My delegation agrees with the statement made by the Chairman of the African Group, of which Rwanda is a member. We thank the Secretary-General for his report on the situation in Somalia. Although the report seems routine, at least it reminds us that Somalia exists and that its problems are still with us. We congratulate the Somali people, and the various Somali leaders, on the efforts they have made to try to find common ground for the establishment of a national government. We also pay tribute to the diplomatic efforts made by leaders in Africa. We also congratulate the Organization of the Islamic Conference, which took the initiative in convening a meeting of the various leaders in September 1995 to encourage implementation of the Nairobi agreements.”
1996-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3641 (1996) · source
“As a follow-up to UNAMIR, the Government of Rwanda has accepted the most realistic proposal - from the Secretary-General - which is to maintain a small political office to support the Government's efforts to strengthen the judicial system, facilitate the return of refugees and rehabilitate the country's infrastructure. It is an ambitious programme, but my Government will give all necessary support to that office, and is looking forward to defining, together with the Secretariat, the office's mandate. In conclusion, the people and the Government of Rwanda are determined to work towards the reconstruction of their country and for the healing of Rwandese society. All cooperation in this area is welcome.”
1996-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3640 (1996) · source
“There is a need for a truthful and honest analysis, and a need to ensure that the right lessons are learnt from the worst experience a nation can face. These lessons will serve not only Rwanda, but all African countries - and all developing countries - which could face the same situation. The Rwandese Government has done its duty with regard to UNAMIR. It is therefore with pride that the Government of Rwanda hands the UNAMIR troops back to the United Nations who served in Rwanda in a generally secure environment. In turn, we expect the Secretariat to comply with its obligation to Rwanda. Some of the issues raised by my Government have never received satisfactory attention. We would be grateful to the Secretariat if appropriate solutions could be found to the remaining problems linked to UNAMIR.”
1996-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3640 (1996) · source
“Above all, I should like to pay a special tribute to the Rwandese people, who were repressed by a totalitarian regime that victimized them with repeated massacres, crowned by genocide. Homage must be paid to the survivors who have succeeded in living in harmony with others without taking revenge. And we must not forget the Rwandese who continue to exist in refugee camps against their will, prisoners of the perpetrators of crimes against humanity. Special homage must be paid also to those Rwandese who stopped the genocide. We take this opportunity to thank the Secretary- General for recommending the establishment of UNAMIR to the Security Council. We hope that the Secretariat will engage in a serious analysis of its most recent experience with UNAMIR in Rwanda in recent years - before and after the genocide.”
1996-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3640 (1996) · source
“The people of Rwanda thank all UNAMIR's personnel and the Secretary-General's Special Representative for what they have accomplished in Rwanda. Special mention must also be made of the efforts of the numerous African Governments that are setting a good example for the international community by arresting those accused of genocide in Rwanda. The Government of Rwanda would also like to express its gratitude to the eminent African figures and the leaders of African regional and subregional organizations, all of whom are playing a major role in helping to resolve the problems faced by Rwanda and the subregion. They are demonstrating the importance of dialogue in the reconciliation process.”
1996-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3640 (1996) · source
“Our gratitude is also extended to Italy and Spain for their support. Belgium, with its historic links to Rwanda, also made a contribution to the reconstruction of the country. I would also like to thank Australia, Austria, Canada, France, Japan, Sweden and Switzerland for their tremendous support. The delegation of Rwanda would like to thank countries which contributed troops to UNAMIR. I would like also to pay homage to the soldiers who lost their lives while trying to protect or to save the lives of Rwandese during the genocide, especially the Belgian soldiers who were assassinated by the genocidal regime. Finally, I would like to pay homage to UNAMIR'S Chief Commander, General Dallaire, for his efforts and those of his staff in Rwanda during the genocide.”
1996-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3640 (1996) · source