YouSaid · the spoken record

Blanchard

lines on the record: 205
first: 2016-04-14
most recent: 2020-01-22
sittings or episodes: 27
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

“Until that time, Canada stands with the people of Venezuela in their peaceful struggle for democracy, human rights and the rule of law. It is those principles that we have expressed in the Ottawa declaration for Venezuela, and we encourage all those present to endorse that document to demonstrate their shared commitment. We will continue our efforts in cooperation with our partners in the Lima Group, through the United Nations system and in other multilateral forums. Canada calls on all members of the international community to likewise support the Venezuelan people as they seek to liberate their country from the Maduro dictatorship.”
2019-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8472 (2019) · source
“Let us recall that the democracy clause of the Inter-American Democratic Charter, signed by then- President Chavez in Quebec City in 2001, clearly rejected any unconstitutional alteration or interruption of the democratic order. In that spirit, we repeat our call on the Maduro regime to cede power immediately. Tens of thousands of Venezuelans have taken to the streets in recent weeks demanding genuine change. The Lima Group has made it clear that it supports a peaceful and democratic transition in Venezuela - a transition that is already under way, based on the Venezuelan Constitution 4 and that it rejects the use of force. We call on all member States that are in communication with the Maduro regime to urge an end to violence. Peaceful protesters seeking food and medicines should not face tear gas and bullets.”
2019-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8472 (2019) · source
“Together with more than 50 democratic countries around the world, including most countries of the Americas, we have recognized Juan Guaido as the legitimate interim President of Venezuela. That recognition is based firmly on Venezuela's own Constitution. On 15 January, the democratically elected National Assembly declared that the presidency had been usurped by Nicolas Maduro. According to article 233 of the Venezuelan Constitution, in the absence of a legitimate President Juan Guaido, as President of the National Assembly, shall assume the functions of interim President. The Lima Group supports his agenda to call free and fair elections as soon as possible in order to peacefully restore constitutional democracy in Venezuela.”
2019-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8472 (2019) · source
“When opposition leaders are jailed, placed under house arrest or forced into exile and when the media is unable to report freely, it is not a free, fair and legitimate election. It is a sad travesty; it is a fraud. Even during his original mandate, Nicolas Maduro demonstrated a record of repression, corruption and serious human rights abuses that violated the constitutional rights of Venezuelan citizens and denigrated their democratic institutions. The regime's attacks on democracy included the establishment of the National Constituent Assembly, created to usurp the powers of the democratically elected National Assembly because of the opposition majority in that body. It is clear that the Maduro regime has no authority to govern Venezuela.”
2019-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8472 (2019) · source
“However, despite the international community's efforts, it is clear that the deepening crisis in Venezuela is having a growing effect on regional stability and security. (spoke in English) The Lima Group, including Canada and now with the full participation of Venezuela's interim Government, met yesterday in Bogota, where we affirmed that the continuance of Nicolas Maduro and his illegitimate regime in power represents an unprecedented threat to security, peace, freedom and prosperity throughout the region. We also reiterated our commitment to democratic and peaceful transition, based on the Venezuelan Constitution, and our rejection of the Maduro regime's illegitimate claim to power. Let us be clear. The presidential elections in May 2018 were clearly 4 I repeat, clearly 4 fraudulent.”
2019-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8472 (2019) · source
“The Nicolas Maduro regime continues to hinder access for much-needed humanitarian assistance to vulnerable people in Venezuela. Let there be no doubt that Venezuela is under the control of a dictatorship that would see its people starve rather than cede one iota of power. Fleeing such conditions, more than 3.4 million people have left Venezuela since 2015 and neighbouring countries have generously offered refuge and support. On 4 February, during the 10th ministerial meeting of the Lima Group, Canada announced some $53 million in development, stabilization and humanitarian assistance to help those affected by the crisis in Venezuela, including refugees, migrants and host communities.”
2019-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8472 (2019) · source
“Mr. Blanchard (Canada) (spoke in French): I thank you, Sir, for inviting Canada to join today's debate. (spoke in English) Many thanks to Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo for an excellent and sobering briefing. (spoke in French) Canada welcomes the opportunity to discuss Venezuela in the Security Council. Since we last met on this issue (see S/PV.8452), the situation in Venezuela has only deteriorated, with grave consequences. On 23 February, regime actors employed deadly force against their own people instead of accepting the delivery of aid from neighbouring countries. Canada offers deepest condolences to the families of the victims and we reiterate our call, as many others today have done, for the events to be investigated and the perpetrators brought to justice.”
2019-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8472 (2019) · source
“In the face of this catastrophe, we as the international community must stand in solidarity with the democratically elected National Assembly, with Interim President Juan Guaido, and with the Venezuelan people in pursuit of a peaceful resolution to the current crisis. It is with this goal in mind that Canada has taken such concrete action as to impose targeted sanctions on 70 regime officials and, along with Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Paraguay and Peru, referred the situation in Venezuela to the International Criminal Court. Canada is also pleased to host the next meeting of the Lima Group in Ottawa. Canada stands proudly with Venezuelans. We commend their courage and reiterate our own unwavering commitment to the universal principles of democracy, rule of law and human rights.”
2019-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8452 (2019) · source
“Canada expresses its solidarity, gratitude and support for each of the countries that have been forced to host hundreds - in some cases hundreds of thousands * of Venezuelans. If the situation persists, it is estimated that there will be 5.3 million refugees and migrants from Venezuela by the end of this year. This situation poses a serious threat to the stability and security of the region. (spoke in English) How can there be any doubt that the movement of more than 3 million refugees so far - with the potential ofthat number soon becoming 5.3 million - constitutes a threat to regional security?”
2019-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8452 (2019) · source
“They are suffering from horrific human rights abuses and as a result of the economic and political crisis, are unable to meet their most basic needs, such as obtaining food and access to health services and medicines. The urgent nature of the humanitarian situation should leave no one indifferent. If Nicolas Maduro is turning a deaf ear to the calls of the Lima Group and the international community, perhaps he will listen to the more than 3 million Venezuelans who have fled their homeland in search of a better life, and who in many cases have fled in order to survive. This exodus is already the largest in the modern history of the region. Many transit to or reside in neighbouring countries, which have shown extraordinary generosity towards our Venezuelan brothers and sisters.”
2019-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8452 (2019) · source
“We support his commitment to lead Venezuela to free and fair presidential elections, to invite the international community to support his efforts and to respect Venezuela's Constitution and democratic institutions. Canada watched this week as thousands of Venezuelans took to the streets in a powerful and peaceful demonstration of their commitment to democracy. We have faith that a durable solution to the crisis in Venezuela will be achieved through the leadership and courage of the Venezuelan people. (spoke in French) While the international community forms a common front to denounce Nicolas Maduro's dictatorship, we must not lose sight of the critical circumstances in which millions of Venezuelans find themselves.”
2019-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8452 (2019) · source
“Canada welcomes the opportunity to discuss Venezuela in the Council. Given the severity ofthe worsening crisis and its grave impacts on the people of Venezuela and on the security and stability of the region, our discussion today is timely. Together with democratic countries around the world, including most countries of the Americas and the Organization of American States, we have firmly rejected Nicolas Maduro Moros's illegitimate claim to power. The presidential elections in May 2018 were not free and fair; in fact, they were fraudulent and for that reason the Maduro regime has no authority to govern Venezuela. Canada stands by the democratically elected National Assembly and Venezuela's constitutional order. Canada reiterates its full support to Juan Guaido', President of the National Assembly, as the interim President of Venezuela.”
2019-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8452 (2019) · source
“We look forward to the presidential election in 2019, and we hope that the lessons learned from the October parliamentary elections will be applied to the presidential election. (spoke in English) The next presidential election, to be held in 2019, is crucial to the future of Afghanistan. It is important that lessons be learned from the recent legislative elections. Shortcomings must be addressed. Some initiatives must be taken to ensure that the presidential election is free, fair and credible. All stakeholders have an important role to play to ensure that the country is ready. The Independent Election Commission, the Electoral Complaints Commission, the Government, the political parties, civil society and the international community must all come together to ensure that Afghans can vote freely and in security.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8426 (2018) · source
“We also welcome the work of the United Nations and other partners to distribute ballots in rural areas ahead of the elections. We encourage the Afghan national authorities to continue to actively address irregularities and to promote and protect the rights of those in rural communities, especially women candidates and voters, to participate in public affairs. Their inclusion is essential to the integrity of the elections. Afghanistan recently went through an important democratic process during the October parliamentary elections. I commend the bravery of the Afghan people who, defying intimidation and threats of violence, went to the polls to cast their votes. I also recognize the courage of the Afghan elections officials and the security sector personnel who supported the elections process.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8426 (2018) · source
“In our last federal election in 2015, only 26 per cent of elected parliamentarians were women. Of course, that did not prevent Prime Minister Trudeau from forming the first gender-balanced cabinet in our history. But still, it shows that the people of Afghanistan ought to be congratulated. (spoke in French) I would like to congratulate the Afghanistan's Independent Election Commission on its gender equality policies and on its concrete efforts to increase the political participation of women. I also note the tremendous efforts of civil society actors, such as the Transparent Election Foundation of Afghanistan and the Afghan Women's Education Center, for their courage in promoting the rights of women and girls, as well as those of ethnic and religious minorities, during the electoral process.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8426 (2018) · source
“That work has also included religious and political leaders from the provinces of Balkh, Nangarhar and Herat, and uses both an Islamic perspective focused on sharia laws and secular laws. Canada commends President Ghani for reaffirming, at the Geneva Ministerial Conference, that the Government of Afghanistan intends to continue to defend the constitutionally protected rights of Afghan women. Canada also commends the leadership of First Lady of Afghanistan Rula Ghani on the empowerment of women and girls. Leadership at the top is making a difference. The success of many women in recent parliamentary elections may be related to those efforts and leadership. So far, 28 per cent of elected parliamentarians are women - a number that is higher than in many democracies and higher than in my own country, Canada.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8426 (2018) · source
“Secondly, I would like to emphasize Canada's support for the meaningful inclusion of Afghan women and girls in decision-making processes. As you said so well yourself, Mr. President, in your statement on behalf of Cote d'Ivoire, we know that no country can achieve true peace and prosperity without the full participation of all of its citizens, especially women and girls, as well as ethnic and religious minorities. That is why we have partnered with Oxfam Canada on the Amplify Change project, which supports the participation of Afghan women and girls in decision-making processes. To date, Oxfam has helped 680 women and 600 men better understand and safeguard women's legal rights.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8426 (2018) · source
“I thank them. The Conference highlighted the solidarity of the international community as we stand with the Afghan people and the Afghan Government in their efforts to bring peace and prosperity to their country. Furthermore, we urge the Taliban to respond to the Afghan Government's offer of peace and to negotiate peace for the people of Afghanistan. I am also glad to note the successful adoption by the General Assembly on 6 December of resolution 73/88, on Afghanistan, which demonstrated the international community's enduring support for Afghanistan. At this time, I want to highlight the important role of Afghanistan's neighbours in supporting peace efforts, improving regional interconnectivity and promoting economic development opportunities with Afghanistan.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8426 (2018) · source
“I would first like to thank Special Representative Yamamoto and Ms. Ghizaal Haress for their insightful briefings. I would also like to thank the Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1988 (2011) for their briefings. My remarks today will cover three themes: regional and international support for Afghanistan, women's and girls' rights and the elections. First, on regional engagement, I would like to recognize the success of the recent Geneva Ministerial Conference on Afghanistan, which is a testament to the world's continued support for the people of Afghanistan. Special Representative Yamamoto and Ambassador Mahmoud Saikal, the Permanent Representative of Afghanistan to the United Nations, contributed to the success of the Conference.”
2018-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8426 (2018) · source
“That is why we absolutely need to work even harder together to make them fit for purpose. Let us agree, like my colleague from Hungary just said, that we may have to accept getting out of our comfort zones to do so. Let us find opportunities to work together in good faith and partnership towards a safer, fairer and more secure and sustainable world 4 a world where no one is left behind.”
2018-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8395 (2018) · source
“Multilateralism is not about posturing or preaching. It is not about adopting the same resolutions year after year. It is about listening to each other, learning from each other, finding solutions together and getting things done for our people and our planet. Canada is committed to helping build a better world where a rules- based international order is inclusive and sustainable, with its benefits are shared by all. That is one of the reasons Canada is seeking a non-permanent seat on the Security Council for the period 2021-2022. Together we can renew and revitalize the institutions that we have spent more than seven decades building. They have contributed so much to our global development and security. The foundation is there 4 it is solid, yet let us never take it for granted.”
2018-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8395 (2018) · source
“Looking forward, the challenge to multilateralism is fundamentally whether we choose to live up to our obligations; whether we each do our fair share; whether we fulfil the global compacts we have agreed - on climate change and on migration and refugees 4 and whether we implement the Sustainable Development Goals. Multilateralism is too often associated with inefficient bureaucracy, disconnected from the reality of the people it aims to assist. We cannot sweep these criticisms under the carpet. We need to address the trust deficit, both within the United Nations and in the broader multilateral context by engaging and listening, as well as being inclusive and open to compromise. We need to commit to reforming the United Nations and our own institutions to make them more transparent, inclusive, effective and accountable.”
2018-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8395 (2018) · source
“The difference in the last 25 to 50 years is that the speed of change has accelerated and our multilateral institutions - like many other institutions of the world - are, unsurprisingly, finding it challenging to adapt fast enough. One thing is clear: it is urgent that we build a more inclusive and sustainable world. It is also clear that multilateral institutions are essential to this construction. Let us go back to what is essential for a moment. The Charter of the United Nations obliges us to act in the best interest of all of humankind, reaffirming "faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small". The Charter grounds our actions in a set of obligations that Member States accept when they join and are expected to carry out thereafter.”
2018-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8395 (2018) · source
“We also recall the work of the International Civil Aviation Organization on civil aviation, the work of the International Maritime Organization on maritime routes, by the World Trade Organization on the development of inclusive trade and by the World Health Organization in helping to eradicate smallpox - and hopefully also polio in the near future. While the system is imperfect, most of us believe it to be essential in resolving the challenges of the present and the future. That is why we want not only to maintain it but to improve it as well. (spoke in English) This multilateral architecture will always remain a work in progress. There will be no day when we will say: "This is it. It is all done; it is all perfect." This is the nature of the beast. From its inception, the world has always been changing.”
2018-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8395 (2018) · source
“Mr. Blanchard (Canada) (spoke in French): I would like to thank the Chinese presidency for having chosen to include this issue on the Security Council's agenda. I am struck by the number of Member States that want to contribute to this discussion - clearly, we all want to address it meaningfully. We believe that it is first important to remind ourselves why multilateralism matters and what it means to our planet and its inhabitants. For us in Canada, multilateralism of course leads us to think first of the work of the Blue Helmets, who work to protect civilians. We celebrate the fact that fewer people died in the first decade of this century than in any decade in the twentieth century. We think of the more than 80 million people in over 80 countries helped by the World Food Programme each year.”
2018-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8395 (2018) · source
“If elected to the Security Council for the period 2021-2022, members can rest assured that Canada will continue to champion the women and peace and security agenda. We will seek opportunities to create and support transformative solutions to gender-based issues in conflict situations. We will defend women's voices and human rights. We will challenge narratives that undermine women's ability to contribute, lead and shape solutions. We will continue to work together with civil society, Member States and the United Nations to help reinvigorate the implementation of this important agenda.”
2018-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8382 (2018) · source
“When she visited Canada in October 2016, she challenged Canadian legislators, Government officials and civil society to do more to advance the women and peace and security agenda. It is one of the reasons that her photo is on the cover of our national action plan on women and peace and security. In order to do their important work, local women peacebuilders need resources. Last year, Canada doubled its support to the Women's Peace and Humanitarian Fund. We encourage other countries to support that fund, which seeks to strengthen women's meaningful participation in peace and security efforts. Canada supports efforts in the Council to mainstream the women and peace and security agenda in all of the Council's work.”
2018-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8382 (2018) · source
“The Minister also announced that Canada will be co-hosting the Women, Peace and Security Focal Points Network with Uruguay in 2020 - the twentieth anniversary of resolution 1325 (2000). (spoke in French) We salute women around the world who bravely share their personal experiences of conflict and who take action at the local, regional and international levels. They remind us that the women and peace and security agenda is not just a normative issue to be discussed in New York, it has a genuine impact on a global scale. I would like to recognize the important work being carried out by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Nadia Murad in raising awareness about sexual violence in conflict.”
2018-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8382 (2018) · source
“Recognizing that progress to date has been too slow, Canada launched the Elsie Initiative for Women in Peace Operations to increase the meaningful participation of uniformed women in United Nations peace operations. To that end, Canada is establishing partnerships with the Ghana armed forces and the Zambia police service. Canada believes that we have a lot to learn from others and from one another. Just last month, Canada, together with the European Union, hosted a meeting of women Foreign Ministers in Montreal for a discussion on current challenges to global peace and security. At that meeting, Canada's Foreign Minister announced that our Government will be appointing a women and peace and security ambassador to strengthen the implementation of our action plan.”
2018-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8382 (2018) · source
“Following the launch of our second national action plan last year, we increased our efforts to advance the women and peace and security agenda in all forums - including those where women and peace and security has not traditionally been at the forefront. Throughout our Group of Seven (G-7) presidency, Canada has promoted gender equality. We launched the G-7 Women, Peace and Security Partnerships Initiative, which aims to increase women and peace and security implementation in partnership countries. We are so pleased to be partnering with Cote d'Ivoire on that important initiative. As a long-standing promoter and defender of the multilateral system, Canada stands ready to improve it.”
2018-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8382 (2018) · source
“We are examining how our national action plan on women and peace and security can better address the violence and discrimination faced by indigenous women and girls in Canada. Internationally, Canada's feminist foreign policy demands that our approach to diplomacy, trade, security and development fully take into account the needs of women and girls in all their diversity. We are doing so because we know the impact is greater, the results more sustained and the benefits more widespread. It is a conscious decision to be more effective. We also recognize that being more effective means working together with others in the pursuit of peace.”
2018-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8382 (2018) · source
“Since then, important progress has been made in implementing the women and peace and security agenda, including through the adoption and renewal of an increasing number of national action plans. However, too many gaps remain. It is up to the Security Council and individual Member States to take concrete actions. There is no quick fix. It will not be enough to add a woman mediator here or a gender adviser there. Structural, political, economic and social gender- discrimination exists in all of our countries. Conflict only exacerbates those inequalities. Long-term measures and sustained investments of our time and resources are required to achieve transformative results. Canada is taking such measures.”
2018-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8382 (2018) · source
“Finally, as we approach the twentieth anniversary of resolution 1325 (2000) in 2020, the Group calls on all stakeholders to expand their efforts to realize all four pillars of the women and peace and security agenda, including prevention, participation, protection and post-conflict recovery. While much has been achieved since the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000), we are far from realizing the transformational potential of women's equality and meaningful economic and political participation for peace and development. I would like to make a few additional remarks in a national capacity. Resolution 1325 (2000) was adopted when Canada was last on the Security Council.”
2018-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8382 (2018) · source
“That includes the establishment of the Informal Experts Group, the encouragement to all briefers to mainstream gender analysis in their interventions, the integration and strengthening of women and peace and security provisions in resolutions, presidential statements and press statements, meeting with women's groups during Council field visits and increasing the number ofwomen civil-society briefers outside the debate on women and peace and security. We encourage Council members to continue to build upon such best practices. At the same time, more needs to be done to fully implement the existing resolutions, reinforce the follow-up and monitor the progress made.”
2018-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8382 (2018) · source
“The Group also welcomes the continued exchange of best practices through the Women, Peace, and Security Focal Points Network and the creation of women mediator networks to enhance women's influence in peace processes. While the Security Council itself has yet to achieve gender balance, the Group welcomes efforts undertaken by members of the Council to more systematically include women in its work.”
2018-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8382 (2018) · source
“We must work together to recognize and actively address obstacles to meaningful women's participation, whether they be cultural, structural or institutional in nature. We must also strengthen the capacity of women to participate in peace and security efforts, including through political, logistical and financial support. Finally, we must confront the systems of violence and intimidation that prevent women of all ages from attaining full equality in their societies. The Group welcomes recent efforts undertaken by the Secretary-General to enhance women's participation at the United Nations. That includes the implementation of a system-wide gender-parity strategy and, notably, the realization of gender parity, both in the Senior Management Group and among resident coordinators.”
2018-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8382 (2018) · source
“The consequences of the continued absence of women are compounded over time, as gender-blind peace agreements can exacerbate gender inequalities in post-conflict societies. Women's meaningful economic and political participation demands the early involvement of women in key decision-making roles at all levels, the addressing of the full scope of women's and girls' human rights and gender equality and the inclusion of gender expertise and analysis in all stages of the conflict cycle. As the Independent Progress Study on Youth, Peace and Security emphasized, we must also invest in young women's capacities, agency and leadership and address the structural barriers limiting youth participation - and particularly the participation of young women - in peace efforts.”
2018-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8382 (2018) · source
“The Group strongly believes that efforts to achieve gender equality are not a detraction from peace and security efforts; they are a foundation of peace. In the light of such facts, the persistent absence of women's meaningful participation in peace and security efforts should remain a matter of heightened concern for the Security Council. As was thoroughly documented in the Secretary-General's report (S/2018/900), despite women playing instrumental roles in efforts to prevent and resolve conflict, they remain consistently underrepresented in efforts to negotiate peaceful political resolutions and peace agreements. In the past quarter century, women constituted only 2 per cent of mediators, 8 per cent of negotiators and 5 per cent of witnesses and signatories in all major peace processes.”
2018-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8382 (2018) · source
“The linkage between women's empowerment and peace and security is at the core of the women and peace and security agenda. When societies achieve higher levels of gender equality, they are less susceptible to armed conflict. When women are included in peace processes, peace agreements are more likely to be reached and are more likely to endure. Women play an indispensable role in peacekeeping. Their full and meaningful participation at all levels is key to the operational effectiveness of missions. Women's economic empowerment is an integral and often overlooked conflict-prevention and conflict-recovery strategy. Gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls are central to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and to sustaining peace.”
2018-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8382 (2018) · source
“The Group warmly congratulates Nadia Murad and Denis Mukwege on being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their efforts to end the use sexual violence as a tactic of war and armed conflict. Let that be an inspiration to the United Nations and all Member States that prompts them to redouble their efforts to end sexual and gender-based violence in armed conflict by ending impunity, strengthening compliance with international humanitarian law, bringing perpetrators to justice, reinforcing preventive measures, including through Security Council sanctions, and providing comprehensive assistance to survivors. We must ensure that the stigma of sexual violence falls upon the perpetrators of such acts and not on the survivors. The Group applauds the focus on women's political and economic empowerment at this year's open debate.”
2018-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8382 (2018) · source
“First, I would like to say how happy, delightful and inspiring it was for us to learn of the appointment of the new President of Ethiopia this morning. We want to congratulate our friends from Ethiopia on the appointment of President Sahle-Work Zewde by the Parliament. It is not only an exceptional appointment, but also an inspiration for the entire world. We continue to salute what is being done in Ethiopia and throughout the world, and specifically in Africa, for the leadership and empowerment of women. As I said, it is an inspiration for the entire world. I am pleased to speak today on behalf of the Group of Friends of Women, Peace and Security, an informal network of 54 interested Member States, chaired by Canada, representing all five regional groups at the United Nations.”
2018-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8382 (2018) · source
“Increasing the meaningful participation of women and tackling sexual exploitation and abuse are essential components of this effort. As I said earlier, part of this effort starts at home. We each need to work with our own national institutions and we need to help and learn from each other. Council members may rest assured that Canada will be looking to the Council, as well as to other Member States, civil society and experts, for advice on what works. We all need to encourage, push and support the United Nations to reach its own goals. We all benefit from a safer world; we need to work together to make this a reality.”
2018-09-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8349 (2018) · source
“At the end of the day, victims should feel safe in coming forward. It is up to all of us to make it happen; the system needs to be geared towards making it happen. (spoke in French) At the Vancouver Peacekeeping Defence Ministerial conference last year, Canada hosted 80 Member States and five international organizations to consider how we can better undertake peace operations. It is imperative that troop- and police-contributing countries work together to ensure the reliable and predictable availability of capabilities to meet the critical needs of United Nations operations. It is equally important that we work together to develop new ways to meet those needs that make best use of scarce resources. (spoke in English) In conclusion, I would like to reiterate that improving peacekeeping performance is a complex task.”
2018-09-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8349 (2018) · source
“The goal is clear - a comprehensive response consistently implemented across the United Nations system to prevent and respond to sexual exploitation and abuse and to assist victims. Similarly, more needs to be done to clarify the role of the Victims' Rights Advocate and, more broadly, how a victim-centred approach should be articulated in policy and in practice. The Secretary-General's strategy relies upon the successful functioning of key mechanisms, including the Office of the Special Coordinator, the Office of the Victims' Rights Advocate and the Trust Fund in Support of Victims of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse. These Offices should be sufficiently resourced to tackle a task of this scale, yet much more needs to be done to ensure accountability and fundamentally reconfigure our collective approach to make responses victim- centred.”
2018-09-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8349 (2018) · source
“We must work together to end sexual exploitation and abuse. Canada is a strong advocate of the full implementation of the United Nations zero-tolerance policy. Our efforts to make this policy real must span the entirety of the United Nations system, as well as the national frameworks of troop- and police-contributing countries. Victims must be able to access a single, integrated, responsive and compassionate system that treats them with dignity, investigates claims and offers a path to justice and restitution. While the Secretary-General has been unequivocal in his message that sexual exploitation and abuse are unacceptable, this message has not yet translated into concrete efforts across all United Nations operations. Only solid leadership can overcome this.”
2018-09-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8349 (2018) · source
“Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs looks forward to updating Member States on the progress of the initiative at an event on the margins of the high-level week of the General Assembly later this month. Member States can also be sure that we will remain an active proponent of tangible progress on these issues should we be elected to serve on the Security Council for the 2021-22 term. Let me now address the issue of sexual exploitation and abuse. I am glad that it has been included in this debate on peacekeeping. It is clearly not only a conduct and discipline issue, but also one of performance, effectiveness and legitimacy. Instances of sexual exploitation and abuse undermine the credibility of United Nations operations by breaking down the trust between the mission and the communities they serve.”
2018-09-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8349 (2018) · source
“Since 2014, Canadian police have been at the forefront of a United Nations initiative to provide pre-selection training to female United Nations police peacekeeping candidates and we have partnered with the United Nations to deliver the Female Senior Police Command Development Course, preparing more than 130 female police commanders for leadership roles in United Nations police components. In November, Canada launched the Elsie Initiative for Women in Peace Operations because we believe that a thoughtful combination of technical assistance, training, financial incentives and research can help catalyse transformational change and accelerate progress to meet United Nations targets.”
2018-09-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8349 (2018) · source
“But deployment itself is not sufficient; mission leadership must also leverage the contributions and performance of uniformed women deployed in their missions. Making this a reality will require honest reflection at Headquarters, in missions and contributing countries on the barriers and biases that persist. Deploying more women to peacekeeping operations - and mainstreaming gender considerations - will make a tangible improvement to peacekeeping performance. (spoke in English) Canada is contributing to these efforts as a matter of national priority.”
2018-09-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8349 (2018) · source
“We need to demonstrate political commitment at the highest level from a broad range of countries, including troop- contributing countries and host Governments. Canada has work to do at home as well. Far too many women in Canada continue to face discrimination and gender-based violence. It is apriority for my Government to meaningfully address these challenges. In the context of peacekeeping, we are doing so by actively working to recruit more women to the Canadian Armed Forces, increase the number of Canadian women deployed to multinational operations and better mainstream gender considerations into how our Government works. (spoke in French) Through effective collaboration and the bold leadership of troop-contributing countries, we can recruit, train and deploy many more women to United Nations operations.”
2018-09-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8349 (2018) · source
“A growing body of evidence shows that increasing the meaningful participation of women at all levels in peace operations can enhance effectiveness by bringing valuable perspectives, helping build trust with local communities and increasing situational awareness by accessing a greater diversity of information about conflict dynamics. Women bring irreplaceable assets to United Nation peace operations and their contributions support the safety and security ofpeacekeepers, as well as the operational effectiveness of missions. Since the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000) 18 years ago, the United Nations has repeatedly set targets for the increased deployment of women to uniformed roles in peace operations. Unfortunately, we are not on track to meet these targets. What will it take?”
2018-09-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8349 (2018) · source