YouSaid · the spoken record

Blum

lines on the record: 212
first: 2006-10-26
most recent: 2010-10-26
sittings or episodes: 26
sources: un-security-council

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“Such coordination is all the more productive when the Council operates within the limits of its competence. In that respect, we must support efforts to improve the operational and legal framework of the United Nations in the protection of civilians, and the role of the General Assembly as the organ competent to adopt policy guidelines in the humanitarian field. The protection of civilians is a noble objective consonant with the human values of our Organization. Action in that field must consequently transcend individual interests and be legitimized as strictly humanitarian work. Only thus can assistance to the civil population be effective and fully accomplished.”
2008-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5898Resumption1 (2008) · source
“During the debate that took place in November 2007, my delegation expressed some opinions on the recommendations contained in the report of the Secretary-General, among them that to create a Security Council working group on the issue. We are of the opinion that the existing institutional structures are sufficient to allow the United Nations to address issues concerning the protection of civilians in an adequate and effective manner. Rather than create new entities, the work must be aimed at supporting efforts to protect civilians in specific situations and take the specific conditions of each case into account. It is equally necessary to maintain an adequate level of cooperation between the Security Council and other relevant organs of the United Nations.”
2008-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5898Resumption1 (2008) · source
“The programme supporting those affected by displacement applies a comprehensive support strategy to families by promoting income-generating activities and socio-economic stabilization. The Government of Colombia is guided by the core premise that the primary responsibility for protecting civilians rests with the State. In turn, every State may appeal for international support when it is deemed necessary. In that context, the United Nations and the international community in general have a role to play in support of national protection efforts. If humanitarian assistance is to be trustworthy and predictable, it must be undertaken in conformity with the United Nations Charter and the principles it enshrines.”
2008-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5898Resumption1 (2008) · source
“More than 46,000 people have been demobilized from illegal armed groups, individually or collectively. Through the special programme for the protection of union members, human rights activists and other threatened persons, some 9,500 persons have received protection. As of January 2008, none of the union members under protection, who represent some 20.7 per cent of the total number of persons in the programme, had been a Victim of violence. In 2007, the number of new cases of persons displaced by violence remained below 60 per cent compared to the figures of 2002. Some 82 per cent of all households included in the registry of displaced persons have received humanitarian emergency assistance, and more than 38,000 families have received State support in the process of return or resettlement.”
2008-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5898Resumption1 (2008) · source
“The Government of Colombia, guided by that principle and by its democratic security policy, is persevering in its efforts to protect all its citizens and guarantee the enjoyment of their rights. The results achieved in the five years of implementation of the democratic security policy in Colombia have generated a virtuous circle in which security contributes to a rising level of confidence in the country and fosters private and social investment, which in turn helps to improve the living conditions and security of the population. Compared to the situation in 2002, in 2007 there was a substantial decrease in the rates of homicide, which were reduced by more than 40 per cent; the killing of union members, which dropped by 92 per cent; and extortive kidnapping, which fell by more than 86 per cent.”
2008-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5898Resumption1 (2008) · source
“The actions of illegal armed groups, drug trafficking and terrorism are the core negative factors jeopardizing the rights, personal freedom and property of those citizens. As was pointed out by Under- Secretary-General Holmes, those groups continue to perpetrate serious infractions, including mass displacements, against civilians. For the Government of Colombia, the protection of civilians and strict compliance with international humanitarian law and other relevant international norms are absolute priority objectives. My Government rejects any action against civilians that violates those norms. Freedom and human rights can be fully realized when order, security and the rule of law are guaranteed.”
2008-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5898Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Ms. Blum (Colombia) (spoke in Spanish): Allow me at the outset to congratulate you, Sir, on your work as President of the Security Council during the month of May. I should also like to thank Under-Secretary- General Holmes for his briefing and for his intensive work since he assumed his post. The topic of today's debate is particularly relevant not only for the Security Council, but also for all States Members of the United Nations, and we therefore appreciate the convening of this debate. The decrease in violence indices in Colombia continues to be the subject of wide recognition. At the same time, and especially in some regions of the country, threats persist that affect certain sectors of the population and prevent them from enjoying their rights.”
2008-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5898Resumption1 (2008) · source
“We consider of the utmost importance that international support in this area be in line with the sovereignty of States and that it be coordinated with national authorities according to the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence. We trust that the decisions that the Security Council will eventually adopt will be guided by that course.”
2007-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5781Resumption1 (2007) · source
“Similarly, the consideration of issues such as the right to housing, land and property falls within the purview of the General Assembly and its specialized agencies. Suggesting that these issues, per se, become part of the agenda of the Security Council will only continue to crowd its programme of work and divert its attention to issues beyond its competence. In this context, my delegation wishes to underscore the importance for the Security Council to adopt measures in a non-selective manner. For the Government of Colombia, the protection of civilians and their enjoyment of their rights is one of its highest priorities.”
2007-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5781Resumption1 (2007) · source
“Therefore, we are somewhat concerned by some of the recommendations made in the Secretary-General's report, because they delve into thematic issues that are outside the area of competence assigned to the Security Council in the Charter of the United Nations. It should be noted that, in the current circumstances, it is already quite difficult to draw a precise dividing line for carrying out the responsibility to protect. While my delegation shares the serious concerns expressed by the Secretary-General in his report concerning serious crimes such as the use of sexual violence in armed conflict, we believe that the existing resolutions and the support provided by the relevant United Nations bodies provide an adequate framework for addressing that problem.”
2007-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5781Resumption1 (2007) · source
“Colombia believes that the concept of democratic security includes the State's obligation to protect groups of great significance for democracy. We have strengthened the special programme that today provides direct State protection to more than 6,000 people. The dissemination of objective information regarding the situations of countries contributes to accurate analysis of their situations and to effective support on the part of the international community. Consulting with countries before reports are published by the United Nations system can contribute positively to that end. In the past, my delegation has emphasized that it is important that the humanitarian system, in following the principles of transparency and objectivity - which must govern humanitarian affairs - maintain a clear distance from considerations of a political nature.”
2007-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5781Resumption1 (2007) · source
“Colombia has developed a benchmark system to measure the programme's impact on displaced households in terms of fundamental rights. Likewise, reparation for displaced persons is a priority in the activities of the national reparation and reconciliation commission, which was established within the framework of the process of demobilizing illegal armed groups. In the same way, we have been able to enhance the capacity for State action and a State presence through the national police and civil authorities in all municipalities throughout the country. Five years ago, that situation was not guaranteed in 157 localities. Approximately 46,000 former members of illegal armed groups have been demobilized, out of an estimated total of 60,000.”
2007-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5781Resumption1 (2007) · source
“Approximately 82 per cent of the total number of households in the national registry of displaced persons have received emergency humanitarian assistance. In the area of social services, 232,000 displaced children and young people entered the educational system in 2006 with State support. The national vocational education service provided technical training to 234,000 displaced persons and offered occupational guidance to 201,000. Last June, 670,000 displaced persons were enrolled in the social security health system. Through the new network aimed at overcoming extreme poverty, 443,000 displaced families will gain access to State social services. By August 2007, 375,000 displaced families had been able to return to their places of origin with that programme's support.”
2007-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5781Resumption1 (2007) · source
“Although this issue was addressed in the Secretary-General's report, I should like to put it in context by referring to the progress made in preventing displacement, assisting and protecting victims and developing sustainable solutions for their social and economic stabilization. Colombia has progressive legislation and an assistance programme for displaced persons that is implemented in a decentralized manner. The programme's budget, which is coordinated by a presidential agency, has increased from $40 million to nearly $500 million a year. That amount will be maintained for the period 2008-2010, as provided by the national development plan. Thanks to the democratic security policy and the mass demobilization of illegal armed groups, the number of new displacement cases per year has fallen by 44 per cent compared with the data for 2002.”
2007-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5781Resumption1 (2007) · source
“Although the first figure agrees with our official records, the second figure cited is significantly higher than the total number of persons who have registered in the country over the past 10 years, according to the only registration system that has existed in Colombia since 1997. That figure is between 7 and 10 times higher than the number of all people who received assistance, which is contained in the Global Report 2006 of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the proposed budget for 2007. The figure seems to be a general estimate for a longer period of time that does not take into account the number of families who have resumed their lives or the number of verified returns.”
2007-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5781Resumption1 (2007) · source
“That work must be carried out in accordance with the priorities established by the national Government. I should like to reiterate the observation, made by my delegation in other forums and on previous occasions, that it is important that the information prepared by the United Nations organs objectively reflect the reality of our situation and, particularly with respect to humanitarian issues, that the efforts and progress made by the Government in taking measures to protect civilians be adequately reflected. In that connection, I should like to refer to the sixth report of the Secretary-General on the protection of civilians in armed conflict (S/2007/643), which states in its paragraph 6, "Overall, there are 2.1 million registered internally displaced persons in Colombia, though some estimate the total at 3 million".”
2007-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5781Resumption1 (2007) · source
“The current Government, through the democratic security policy, has achieved impressive results in the fight against scourges that threaten civilians and prevent them from enjoying their rights, such as the activities of illegal armed groups, drug trafficking and terrorism. We stress that, given those scourges, the primary responsibility for protecting civilians rests with the State. The citizens of my country are supported by one of the continent's oldest democracies, which over the past five years has been strengthened and deepened in all its aspects. In that context, and with the understanding that international humanitarian assistance must abide by the principles of humanity, neutrality and independence, Colombia values the work being done by the relevant United Nations organs to support national authorities.”
2007-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5781Resumption1 (2007) · source
“Ms. Blum (Colombia) (spoke in Spanish): Permit me at the outset to congratulate you, Sir, on your work as President of the Security Council for the month of November and to thank you for convening this open debate on the protection of civilians in armed conflict. I also wish to thank Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for his statement and to thank Mr. John Holmes, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, and Mr. Angelo Gnaedinger, Director-General of the International Committee of the Red Cross, for their informative briefings. Colombia has an irrevocable commitment to international humanitarian law.”
2007-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5781Resumption1 (2007) · source
“For our country, it is a matter of great importance to continue to have the support of the United Nations Systems on these issues, in the context of elaborating a positive agenda. It is in that spirit that my delegation will continue to actively participate in the consideration of this important issue.”
2007-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5766Resumption1 (2007) · source
“We agree to the additional work that should be done towards the protection of the rights of women, as long as they remain under the purview of the existing United Nations forums in the area of human rights. The approach that results from a mechanism such as the one that has been suggested does not seem to be the most appropriate for achieving sustainable solutions. We would always rather have cooperation, constructive dialogue and real support to countries when they are dealing with issues that concern human rights. Seven years after the adoption of Security Council resolution 1325 (2000), Colombia has achieved important progress in strengthening the role and capacity of women and in the fulfilment of their rights.”
2007-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5766Resumption1 (2007) · source
“At the same time, we note with reservations the suggestions that have been made concerning the recommendation of the Secretary-General that Member States strengthen monitoring and accountability for the national implementation of resolution 1325 (2000), in particular through the establishment of a Security Council mechanism to monitor national implementation. My country considers that this recommendation is not appropriate, because it would eventually result in the creation of a mechanism whereby the Security Council would single out countries on the basis of thematic issues that should, according to the United Nations Charter, be discussed and dealt with in the General Assembly.”
2007-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5766Resumption1 (2007) · source
“We also believe that broad and inclusive intergovernmental consultations concerning analysis of the gender architecture and the advancement of women, and consensus among States, are essential preconditions for ensuring that the models and practices adopted are properly legitimate and effective. In that regard, and particularly concerning the possibility that accountability mechanisms may be established in the context of the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000), we underscore the contribution of the General Assembly to strengthening the cooperation with States in those complex tasks.”
2007-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5766Resumption1 (2007) · source
“On the other hand, we understand that in pursuing these issues, the Security Council contributes substantially to the preservation of peace and security, which supports its central mandate as contained in the United Nations Charter. Colombia welcomes the recommendation contained in the report of the Secretary-General on women and peace and security that the United Nations system accelerate the development of a comprehensive knowledge and information system, accessible to Member States, in order to share good practices and lessons learned in the implementation of the resolution. That type of initiative should be added in a positive manner to the national and regional initiatives aimed at strengthening national capacity-building for the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000).”
2007-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5766Resumption1 (2007) · source
“The recommendations of that project are particularly relevant for our debate today, since they underline how it is possible to build an agenda from the regional perspective that contributes to the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000). In the report of the Secretary-General on women and peace and security, it is stated that Governments have the primary responsibility for implementing the resolution. With that understanding, Colombia appreciates the role that the Security Council has played in guiding and revitalizing, through resolution 1325 (2000) and its plan of action, the process of consultation with concerned entities of the United Nations system and civil society organizations to cooperate with Governments to meet their commitments within the framework of that resolution.”
2007-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5766Resumption1 (2007) · source
“I would like to highlight four structural strategies within the social reactivation policy that promote greater gender equality: human capital development and employment, consolidation of the social security system, a network for comprehensive attention to the population living in extreme poverty and the promotion of microcredit. I would also like to highlight the helpful role that the Organization of American States has played at the regional level, through the Inter-American Commission of Women. Following up on the mandates of the Inter- American Program on the Promotion of Women's Human Rights and Gender Equity and Equality and the Inter-American Democratic Charter, the Commission conducted the Training Course on Gender, Conflict and Peace-Building for the Andean and Central American regions.”
2007-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5766Resumption1 (2007) · source
“The policy prioritizes goals related to employment and enterprise development, education and culture, political participation and the prevention of violence against women. It includes more than 100 protection measures, to be applied by various authorities, to counter domestic violence, marriage breakdown and labour discrimination. The cross-cutting approach to gender involves all State agencies. Its results are reflected in laws, jurisprudence and public policies with a gender perspective, in strengthening institutional mechanisms working on women's issues, and in consolidating disaggregated information systems, among other things.”
2007-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5766Resumption1 (2007) · source
“A group of women from different regions have also received training in conflict prevention and conflict resolution. The constant support of the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) and the help of many non- governmental organizations have enabled the Government to conduct an important number of activities, initiatives and projects designed to promote and implement resolution 1325 (2000) and to mainstream gender issues in national policies. That is reflected in the National Development Plan 2006-2010, and I would like to highlight some of the Plan's activities with respect to affirmative action, a cross-cutting approach to gender and social reactivation. Colombia is implementing an affirmative action policy entitled "Women - Builders of peace and development".”
2007-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5766Resumption1 (2007) · source
“That is particularly true for Colombia, where interaction between civil society and the United Nations system has been an ongoing factor in the drafting and implementation of comprehensive approaches to programmes for the advancement of women and the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000). Through democratic security policies, economic recovery, social equity and human development, Colombia has made notable progress in that field. In Colombia, the Office of the Presidential Adviser for Women's Equity and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs established a series of round tables on women, peace and security, which have conducted assessments and promoted awareness of resolution 1325 (2000) and of the country report on its implementation.”
2007-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5766Resumption1 (2007) · source
“The United Nations system can effectively contribute to the fulfilment of the responsibilities incumbent on States in those areas through specific cooperation initiatives. In that regard, we note with satisfaction the Secretary-General's acknowledgement in his report of 12 September, 2007, of the significant progress that has been achieved in the implementation of the aforementioned resolution. The report states that "One of the major lessons learned from the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) in 2005-2007 is that without concerted efforts with Governments and civil society at the country level, the implementation of the resolution would remain elusive" (A/2007/56 7, para. 36).”
2007-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5766Resumption1 (2007) · source
“Ms. Blum (Colombia) (spoke in Spanish): I wish to express my delegation's gratitude to you, Sir, for having convened this open debate on women and peace and security, and for following up on the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000). It is of the utmost importance to share experiences and points of view vis-a-vis the design of a coherent and effective strategy for implementing resolution 1325 (2000). In its capacity as a member of the "friends of 1325", Colombia attaches special importance to that process, in which it has participated since its earliest stages. Our participation is guided by the conviction that the effective promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women in the areas of peace and security is critical.”
2007-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5766Resumption1 (2007) · source
“As we have stated in the Council on previous occasions, specific incidents of violence have been caused by illegal armed groups, financed by illicit activities such as drug trafficking, and have claimed civilian victims. My Government, which was democratically elected, remains firmly committed to the promotion of comprehensive policies aimed at restoring security throughout our national territory. Since 2002 those policies have enabled us to reduce criminality across the board and to bring about stability and trust and create new conditions conducive to the effective protection of the population.”
2007-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5703 (2007) · source
“With respect to Colombia, my delegation would like to make it clear that reference must be made to situations in which crimes were committed by violent groups acting on the margins of the law. In his briefing, the Under- Secretary-General referred to assassinations, disappearances and other violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law committed by armed persons, without making it clear exactly to which actors he was referring. This should not be understood as alluding to the legitimate armed forces of the Colombian State, which are working daily to improve the security and stability of the country and to protect the population from the criminal acts of violent groups.”
2007-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5703 (2007) · source
“That will enable us to guarantee the humanitarian character of any operation of that type. We would like also to underline the importance of prevention-related activities as the most effective way of protecting populations. Efforts to that end should focus on providing such populations with a favourable and secure environment so that they can improve their living conditions. My delegation likewise wishes to make a few comments with regard to the reference to Colombia in the statement made by the Under-Secretary-General, referring to situations in which civilians have been the deliberate targets of acts of violence, resulting in a climate of fear and in destabilization.”
2007-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5703 (2007) · source
“In keeping with the Charter of the United Nations and the provisions of international humanitarian law, Governments bear primary responsibility to protect civilians, while United Nations agencies and other international community actors can provide support for the implementation of existing provisions. That should be done in keeping with State sovereignty and in accordance with guidelines provided by the Government in question. In that respect, it is important to draw a clear distinction between the protection of civilians and the provision of humanitarian assistance. Colombia appreciates the work done by the United Nations agencies in the area of humanitarian assistance, and we stress the importance of such work being carried out on the basis of the principles of impartiality, neutrality, humanity and independence.”
2007-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5703 (2007) · source
“Ms. Blum (Colombia) (spoke in Spanish): I should like at the outset to convey to you, Sir, my delegation's appreciation for the work that you have been carrying out as President of the Security Council for this month. We would like also to thank Mr. John Holmes, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, for his briefing. International humanitarian law, including the Fourth Geneva Convention and its two Additional Protocols, establishes clear provisions with regard to the protection of civilians, the issue the Council is considering today. The Government of Colombia shares the concerns expressed with regard to violations of those norms and reiterates its firm commitment to them. In that connection, we would like also to stress several aspects of the issue.”
2007-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5703 (2007) · source
“The situation of the specific groups that have been the object of displacement or threats by violent groups deserves special priority and action by the State, in the framework of policies to care for the displaced. The Government of Colombia fully shares the objective of guaranteeing the protection of the civilian population and of the enjoyment of their rights. Any action in that area, including international support, should be realized on the basis of cooperation and appropriate coordination with national authorities, under an impartial approach and in strict observance of the principles that guide the activities of the United Nations in the area of humanitarian assistance.”
2006-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5577Resumption1 (2006) · source
“The protection of civilians also includes specific measures and actions for indigenous communities. The Defence Ministry has implemented a policy for the protection of ethnic minorities, which has been agreed by indigenous organizations, through instructions to State forces that seek to promote the protection of communities and guarantee the respect for their collective and individual rights in carrying out their operations. Likewise, the Government has prepared, with the participation of indigenous organizations, a comprehensive plan of support for vulnerable communities, aimed at raising long-term social welfare and guaranteeing security conditions for the communities affected by poverty, violence or drug trafficking.”
2006-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5577Resumption1 (2006) · source
“On the other hand, stabilized socio-economic conditions are being promoted through actions including loans for productive projects and technical training, complementary support for the acquisition of homes and subsidized health services for those families and guaranteed education for their children. Several recommendations that have been repeatedly presented in United Nations reports on the issue of displacement have been implemented in my country in recent years. The problems are complex, but the Government has spared no effort to face them decisively. Colombia hopes that this progress is recognized. The challenge in front of us is still great, but only through a realistic vision of our situation, free from prejudice, will it be possible to concentrate our efforts in an effective manner for the benefit of affected groups.”
2006-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5577Resumption1 (2006) · source
“The Presidential Agency for Social Action and International Cooperation coordinates the comprehensive care programme for displaced persons. That programme is carried out using an approach based on the restitution of the rights of displaced households and their social and economic reintegration into their places of origin, or into the places of voluntary relocation. To that effect, national and international cooperation resources are allocated. Likewise, the programme includes emergency care for displaced persons. Furthermore, the promotion of the return of families - keeping in mind the humanitarian principles of voluntary return and security - has fostered the return of 120,000 people in recent years.”
2006-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5577Resumption1 (2006) · source
“The demobilization of violent groups is being carried out and nearly 43,000 former members of guerrilla and self-defence groups have surrendered their weapons. As a result of those realities, in the last four years all crime indicators have been substantially reduced, including homicides, kidnappings and various attacks against the civilian population. The number of new annual displacement cases has also been reduced. In 2002, that number included 425,000 people. In 2005, it was reduced to 169,000, and to 90,000 in the first ten months of 2006. A fundamental part of Government action involves care for vulnerable groups. The State is implementing humanitarian policies to care for civilians who have become victims of Violence.”
2006-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5577Resumption1 (2006) · source
“Our population has responded to violence from those criminal organizations with solid civic support for the Government's democratic security policy and for strengthening that policy during the second term of President Alvaro Uribe Velez, which began recently. As a result of that policy, the security situation in the country has improved noticeably. Today in Colombia, the national police and civilian authorities have established a permanent presence in all of the country's municipalities, a situation that four years ago was not guaranteed in 157 communities. Today, the State has strengthened its capacity to intervene using the armed forces to deal with criminal groups. Coca crops have been reduced by nearly 50 per cent since 2000.”
2006-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5577Resumption1 (2006) · source
“In the case of Colombia, it is necessary that the reality of our situation and the efforts made by the national Government to face the complex problems that affect the civilian population be properly reflected in the reports on humanitarian affairs being distributed in the United Nations. They help to define appropriate and effective support from the international community. Colombia has had to face the actions of violent groups that have attacked the civilian population. Those groups, financed by transnational drug trafficking, have caused internal displacements, kidnappings, the recruiting of children and other forms of violence against civilians. The National Government has been acting decisively to face the violent actions of those groups, restore security and thus create the conditions for the proper protection of Colombians.”
2006-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5577Resumption1 (2006) · source
“06-6406] Following these principles - while appropriately channelling the collective efforts in support of national authorities - acquires a greater significance when cooperation is directed at countries that enjoy democratic institutions and legitimately constituted Governments. On this occasion my delegation also wishes to reiterate the importance of United Nations agencies being fully familiar with the work being carried out by national Governments in the area of protection of civilians when establishing the priorities of their work and informing the Organization on the respective situations. Objective, balanced and impartial information includes the identification of shortcomings and challenges, but also includes the recognition of the progress in each country.”
2006-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5577Resumption1 (2006) · source
“Mrs. Blum (Colombia) (spoke in Spanish): My delegation would like to congratulate you, Sir, on your work as President of the Security Council during the month of December. We thank Mr. J an Egeland, Under- Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, for his illustrative presentation. We would also like to express our thanks to him for his support in this important area. The Government of Colombia reaffirms its commitment to international humanitarian law, particularly to the norms related to the protection of civilians. We underline the importance for international assistance in this field to adhere to the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence enshrined in General Assembly resolution 46/182.”
2006-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5577Resumption1 (2006) · source
“In the case of Colombia, this would entail interference in the role of the Government and the State to address the actions of groups outside the law. Action plans must therefore continue to be prepared only for those situations that are on the agenda of the Council, in accordance with resolution 1539 (2004).”
2006-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5573Resumption1 (2006) · source
“Those additional grave violations must all be strongly condemned, but they are not the reason why this issue was brought to the Council. A change in emphasis would weaken the main objective that is being sought: to put an end to the recruitment and use of children as soldiers. The Council must continue giving greater emphasis to the achievement of that objective. Thirdly, the recommendation that Council expand to all situations of concern its call for the parties involved to prepare action plans is equally inappropriate. According to Security Council resolution 1539 (2004), action plans must be based on a process coordinated by a focal point designated by the Secretary-General and charged with ensuring that the parties engage in dialogue.”
2006-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5573Resumption1 (2006) · source
“There are conditions particular to each situation that led the Council to clearly differentiate them in the two annexes. The monitoring and reporting mechanism was established a little over a year ago, and there has been agreement on conclusions on only two situations. Moreover, there must first be ample discussion of the independent review requested by the Security Council on the implementation of that mechanism, instead of proposing changes to the established approach and procedures. For all of those reasons, it is clear that operative paragraph 3 of resolution 1612 (2005) must be preserved in its entirety. Secondly, nor is it appropriate to give other grave violations affecting children the same weight given to the recruitment and use of children.”
2006-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5573Resumption1 (2006) · source
“My country joins in the strong rejection of the recruitment and use of children repeatedly expressed by the international community. We do not hesitate also to point out that dealing with this problem is the primary responsibility of States, and that any action by the international community must first have the full consent of Governments. From that point of View, we have reviewed the recommendations contained in the report of the Secretary-General. In that connection, allow me to respectfully set out some of my country's concerns. First, the recommendation that the Council should give 3 equal attention to children affected by armed conflict in all situations of concern is not appropriate. It could be understood as an attempt to suppress the differences between annex I and annex II of the report of the Secretary-General.”
2006-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5573Resumption1 (2006) · source
“We will also turn to the international community to call for its commitment and political will to effectively tackle the global drug problem. Each gram of cocaine consumed by addicts is a gram that is transformed into financial resources for illegal armed groups that recruit and use children in Colombia. Each gram consumed is a potential cause of death and serious injury. Each gram consumed leads to the planting of anti-personnel mines that leave behind hundreds of victims. The drugs consumed by addicts and the money paid for them are transformed into illicit arms trafficking, forced displacement, violation of the rights of indigenous peoples and the destruction of our forests. Vulnerable groups, and children in particular, suffer directly from those consequences.”
2006-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5573Resumption1 (2006) · source
“Faithfully applying the Ottawa Convention, the armed forces of Colombia have destroyed their stockpiles of anti-personnel landmines. Furthermore, the Government is carrying out arduous and intensive demining action, for which we have received the support of several United Nations agencies such as UNICEF and United Nations Development Programme, as well as that of friendly countries, among them some current members of the Security Council. The commitment of the Colombian State to international law and international humanitarian law is total. We will not relent in our determination to restore peace to the civilian population. We will turn to the international community for support whenever necessary in order to bring affected communities decent conditions for their social and economic recovery.”
2006-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5573Resumption1 (2006) · source