YouSaid · the spoken record

Bonser

lines on the record: 64
first: 2014-01-29
most recent: 2018-06-26
sittings or episodes: 13
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

“We support the Afghan Government's call to the Taliban to agree to another ceasefire and to join peace talks. Canada supports Afghan-led efforts towards peace and regional stability. We commend Afghanistan and its partners for their work to increase gender equality, ensure fair and peaceful elections, and promote peace and reconciliation initiatives.”
2018-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8294 (2018) · source
“We ask that all parties to this conflict respect the right of everyday citizens to participate in the election process. Canada supports the efforts of the Afghan Government and looks forward to democratic, transparent and peaceful elections in the coming months. Finally, it is important to address the need for peace and reconciliation, and the inclusion of women in this process. I would particularly like to recognize Uzbekistan's efforts to promote peace through the Tashkent conference. Afghan-owned and Afghan-led efforts towards peace that are bolstered by regional support will benefit the stability and prosperity of us all. Canada also applauds President Ghani's courageous announcement on 16 June that the Afghan Government intends to extend its ceasefire.”
2018-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8294 (2018) · source
“In Afghanistan, it is crucial that women and girls be included as equal participants in all decision-making processes. This brings me to my second point: the need for fair and peaceful elections. Canada supports the meaningful inclusion of women as both candidates and voters in October's elections. However, we are deeply concerned by the security situation and the effect it has on the ability of citizens to exercise their democratic rights. In many cases, election-related security incidents are occurring at schools and mosques used for voter registration. This is simply unacceptable. The credibility ofthe elections process is dependent on the ability of voters and candidates, regardless of gender, to participate without being subjected to violence and harassment.”
2018-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8294 (2018) · source
“I echo Minister Monsef in stating that Afghanistan has made considerable progress on gender equality. Canada welcomes the work of the Afghan Government to ensure the full implementation of the 2009 Elimination of Violence against Women Law. Still, there is much work to be done to enable the full participation of women and girls in social and political affairs. Canada directly supports education, health- care and human rights programmes in Afghanistan. In all of these programmes we place primacy on ensuring that women's and girls' rights are advanced through them. For example, we have established more than 9,200 community-based schools in rural and remote areas of Afghanistan so as to increase girls' access to basic education. More than 80 per cent of the 273,000 students in those schools are girls.”
2018-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8294 (2018) · source
“Mr. Bonser (Canada) (spoke in French): Canada thanks the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan for its ongoing work in the country. We also thank Special Representative Yamamoto, Executive Director Fedotov and Under-Secretary- General Voronkov for their very enlightening briefings. Today I will address three main points: the empowerment and rights of women and girls in Afghanistan, the upcoming elections, and Canada's commitment to the peace and reconciliation process. (spoke in English) First and foremost, Canada is committed to advancing gender equality and empowering women and girls in Afghanistan. In May, Canada's Minister of Status of Women, Maryam Monsef, spoke via video at the fifth Afghan Women Symposium about our approach.”
2018-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8294 (2018) · source
“The Council can count on Canada as a committed partner to help Afghans create a more equitable, just and sustainable future for all. We will continue to stand-by Afghanistan in its efforts towards peace and regional stability.”
2018-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8199 (2018) · source
“Canada remains committed to advancing the rights of all Afghans by helping to improve governance systems, increasing the capacity of Afghan institutions and meeting the basic needs of the Afghan people, especially women and girls. That includes supporting the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces; improving access to safe, quality education and health services; and fostering greater economic opportunities. Canada, moreover, remains a significant contributor to the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission, a leading defender of human rights in the country. We were pleased to see that the Council has renewed the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan for a further 12 months.”
2018-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8199 (2018) · source
“As women currently hold less than a third of parliamentary seats in Afghanistan, it is especially important that we ensure women are meaningfully included as both candidates and informed voters in the upcoming elections. The last theme I will address today is human rights. Promoting and protecting human rights, with a focus on women and girls, is at the core of Canada's engagement in Afghanistan. Although there has been notable progress made in that area, women continue to be at a disadvantage as compared to men. Ongoing violence, moreover, continues to deliberately and disproportionately target marginalized ethnic and religious groups, journalists, human rights activists and civil society organizations. That is deplorable, and has not gone un-noticed.”
2018-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8199 (2018) · source
“In support of that, Canada commends both the Afghan Government for convening the Kabul Process on 28 February and Afghanistan's neighbours for their efforts to work with the Government of Afghanistan towards a more peaceful and stable region. That brings me to my second point, namely, the inclusion of women in all aspects of society, including peace processes. For a peaceful, stable and prosperous future to be achieved, women must be included, on equal footing as men, in decision-making at all levels of politics, society and the economy. Canada's national action plan on women and peace and security recognizes that peace is more enduring, stable and inclusive when women are actively engaged in such processes. For that reason, women must be given a prominent role in peace negotiations at all levels and in all venues.”
2018-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8199 (2018) · source
“While UNAMA'S recent report of a 9 per cent decrease in civilian casualties in 2017 - as compared to 2016 i is an improvement, any Civilian casualties are unacceptable. There are three themes that I will address today: the peace and reconciliation process, the meaningful participation of women in all aspects of Afghan society and progress on human rights. First, in the wake of the spike in recent violence, it is now more essential than ever that the Afghan Government, the armed insurgency and all parties in the conflict come to the table for sincere peace negotiations. In that regard, we urge the Taliban and other insurgent groups to cease to use violence and to engage in a negotiated peace. Peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan must be Afghan-owned and Afghan- led.”
2018-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8199 (2018) · source
“Mr. Bonser (Canada) (spoke in French): I would like to thank you, Madam President, for this opportunity to address the Security Council on the situation in Afghanistan on the special occasion of International Women's Day. Canada thanks the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) for keeping Member States apprised of progress made in the country. In particular, we thank Mr. Yamamoto, Special Representative of the Secretary-General, for his briefing on, and tireless work in favour of, Afghanistan. (spoke in English) Allow me to join others in conveying our sincere condolences to the people of Afghanistan in the wake of recent violent attacks in Kabul and across the country. We are disheartened by the toll such attacks take on civilians, in particular on women and children.”
2018-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8199 (2018) · source
“It is my hope that the Kabul Process will bear fruit and that the level of violence that we have seen oflate will diminish. Canada looks forward to participating in the next Kabul process meeting in February 2018. To conclude, I would be remiss ifI did not mention Canada's deep concern over the deterioration of security in Afghanistan, particularly the impact of that instability and insecurity on women and children. We look to Afghanistan's neighbours and partners to continue to work with the Government of Afghanistan with a view to increasing gender equality, economic integration and regional stability and to advancing peace negotiations. All of that is vital to the pursuit of peace and security in Afghanistan.”
2017-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8147 (2017) · source
“The Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process and the Regional Economic Cooperation Conference on Afghanistan are two of them. Co-hosted by Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan, which I sincerely thank for their efforts, both events are illustrative of the important role that regional and international actors can play alongside our Afghan counterparts in promoting our common interests, in particular regional stability, economic integration and, ultimately, the creation of conditions for peace and prosperity. My third and final theme is the peace process in Afghanistan. Fighting in Afghanistan intensified in 2017, taking an unacceptable toll on the civilian population. Peace negotiations between the Afghan Government and the armed opposition, especially the Taliban, are necessary. Canada fully supports an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned peace process.”
2017-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8147 (2017) · source
“(spoke in English) As we look forward to 2018 and the forthcoming elections, I am sure that we can all agree on the importance of encouraging and supporting the meaningful participation of women, both as candidates and as informed voters. It is essential that the election process be inclusive, transparent and fair if it is to yield credible results. That goes hand-in-hand with strengthening of the representation of women in governance structures. For political stability, economic progress and development, Canada strongly supports the view that women must join men at the centre of decision-making at all levels ofAfghan politics, society, and economy. That brings me to my second theme: the importance of economic development. There are many mechanisms that seek to support economic progress and regional integration in South and Central Asia.”
2017-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8147 (2017) · source
“Mr. Bonser (Canada) (spoke in French): I would like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary General for Afghanistan, Mr. Tadamichi Yamamoto, as well as the other briefers, for their engaging briefings. There are three themes that I will address today. First, the full and equal participation of women in all facets of Afghan society is essential. The future of Afghanistan rests on the potential of its people, and durable peace and security cannot be achieved without the active and substantive participation of all members of society. Although there has been progress in women's rights, women continue to be at a disadvantage in Afghanistan.”
2017-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8147 (2017) · source
“(spoke in French) We invite other Member States to join us and look forward to working with all to implement the Vancouver Principles as a means of addressing the terrible problem of child soldiers. Canada welcomes the ongoing attention of the Council to this issue and is supportive of keeping this issue at the top of the international agenda.”
2017-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8111 (2017) · source
“Canada commends the comprehensive approach taken by the former Special Representative of the Secretary General for Sexual Violence in Conflict and the Team of Experts on the Rule of Law and Sexual Violence in Conflict. We must work to ensure that United Nations and Member States' policies and actions in tackling the scourge of human trafficking are fully integrated in the context of conflicts, humanitarian crises and post-conflict situations. In that regard, we note the Vancouver Principles on Peacekeeping and the Prevention of the Recruitment and Use of Child Soldiers, which were launched at the recent 2017 United Nations Peacekeeping Defence Ministerial and swiftly endorsed by Canada and over 50 other Member States.”
2017-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8111 (2017) · source
“By employing the tools developed to combat financial crime, we can deprive human traffickers of funding and access to the international financial system, making it more difficult for them to accomplish their destructive goals. For example, the Canadian Project Protect, established in 2016, is a reporting entity-led initiative, inspired by the story of a survivor of human trafficking and victims advocate. The resulting unique public-private endeavour includes Canada's financial intelligence unit, law enforcement and financial institutions committed to making the tracking of money laundering associated with this activity a priority of their compliance regimes. In addition, sexual and gender-based violence is a serious barrier to the full and prompt recovery of communities after armed conflict.”
2017-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8111 (2017) · source
“Canada's new Feminist International Assistance Policy seeks to reduce poverty, inequality, violence and conflict, all ofwhich increase vulnerability- especially for women, children and youth - to human trafficking, and lead migrants towards smuggling. Canada is committed to ensuring that Da'esh is held to account for its violations of international humanitarian law, as demonstrated by our three-year regional strategy to counter Da'esh and respond to the Iraq and Syria crises. Our humanitarian and stabilization assistance in Iraq also includes concrete support to Yezidis and other vulnerable victims of sexual and gender-based violence and trafficking.”
2017-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8111 (2017) · source
“Mr. Bonser (Canada) (spoke in French): Canada would like to thank the delegation of Italy for its leadership in ensuring that the issue of trafficking in persons in situations of conflict remains a focus of the Security Council. Canada is committed to collaborating with the United Nations and all countries to prevent this crime, bring those who commit it to justice and to help survivors go on to lead healthy and productive lives. (spoke in English) Let me say at the outset that we were pleased to co-sponsor resolution 2388 (2017), passed earlier today under your leadership, Mr. President. The prevention of all forms of violence against all people, especially women and girls, is a particular priority for Canada. We have been working to keep this issue at the top of the global agenda, and to implement resolution 2331 (2016).”
2017-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8111 (2017) · source
“Thirdly, Canada is pleased to chair the high- level fissile material cut-off treaty expert preparatory group to prepare the way for negotiating a treaty to end fissile material production for nuclear weapons. A fissile material cut-off treaty would reduce the risk of non-State actors acquiring these materials, thereby enhancing global nuclear security and reducing the risk of nuclear terrorism. In conclusion, Canada stands ready to partner in relevant and constructive ways with all interested national and regional parties to address the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.”
2017-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7985Reprise1 (2017) · source
“Secondly, we recognize that fast-evolving proliferation risks and advances in science, technology and commerce demand dynamic and flexible responses. Domestically, Canada is strengthening its counter- proliferation capabilities by increasing funding and amendinglegislationtobettercontrolbrokering activitie, and weapon-of-mass destruction-related exports. We continue to monitor advances in science and technology and promote responsible innovation. Through targeted outreach, we are educating stakeholders about the proliferation risks associated with chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear sensitive technologies and dual-use goods. Internationally, under Canada's chairmanship, the Nuclear Security Contact Group is working to identify and address new and emerging challenges to nuclear security.”
2017-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7985Reprise1 (2017) · source
“To support those measures, we are pleased to announce funding to the Stimson Center to implement a 1540 assistance support initiative. This initiative will create a new website with a comprehensive list of assistance providers and help to develop more detailed and strategic requests for assistance. It aims to provide the Office for Disarmament Affairs and committed States Members of the United Nations with an action plan for more effectively transmitting assistance requests through the 1540 Committee. We are also providing new funding for several other projects related to resolution1540 (2004), including continued support for a Caribbean Community regional 1540 coordinator, and further assistance to partner countries in Latin America and the Caribbean for legislative implementation.”
2017-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7985Reprise1 (2017) · source
“Mr. Bonser (Canada) (spoke in French): I would like to thank Bolivia for convening this debate on the grave threat posed to international peace and security by the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction to non-State actors. Canada is pleased to align itself with the statement of the Group of Friends of resolution 1540 (2004), and would like to make the following additional three points. First, Canada fully supports resolution 1540 (2004) and its successor resolutions as essential to the international non-proliferation architecture. Indeed, we all need to step-up our efforts to achieve its full and universal implementation as quickly as possible. (spoke in English) As a co-sponsor of resolution 2325 (2016), Canada particularly welcomed measures aimed at strengthening assistance requests and mechanisms.”
2017-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7985Reprise1 (2017) · source
“As Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said at the 2 February funeral service for three of the Victims, "We will combat all extremism in any form and we will be there for all citizens and protect their fundamental freedoms - the freedoms of religion and of conscience - so that anyone can fulfil their destiny" in complete security.”
2017-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7882 (2017) · source
“(spoke in French) We underscore the need for legal and regulatory frameworks to address this threat and encourage United Nations agencies to incorporate that into their needs assessments aimed at supporting Member States' capacity-building efforts. We appreciate the resolution's language reinforcing the protection of critical infrastructure as part of a holistic national/ global counter-terrorism strategy that balances vital security concerns with rights and freedoms. Canada wholeheartedly endorses cooperation in that area within and among Member States at all levels. We firmly support the resolution. In conclusion, we take this opportunity to underscore Canada's strengthened commitment to inclusion and diversity, following the massacre targeting a mosque in Quebec City that killed six Canadians this past January.”
2017-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7882 (2017) · source
“In our national context, Canada is working to leverage our critical infrastructure networks to share information and strengthen our resilience against terrorist attacks. Canada's national strategy and action plan for critical infrastructure establishes a collaborative federal, provincial and territorial approach to the security of the critical infrastructure sector so as to mitigate the full range ofrisks and threats facing Canada's vital assets and systems. The national strategy aims to build partnerships, implement an all- hazards risk-management approach and to advance the timely sharing and protection of information among partners. Ultimately, protecting our vital assets and systems from threats demands a cooperative approach across a broad range of stakeholders at every level.”
2017-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7882 (2017) · source
“Attacks on physical assets, information-technology systems, networks and services essential to health, safety and security can be devastating in terms of loss of life and the harm they can cause to the collective economic well-being and the erosion of the public's sense of safety. Attacks that succeed in inflicting great harm and damage also bolster the propaganda efforts of terrorist groups. Member States must work together in a coordinated effort to respond to that aspect of the global terrorist threat as an integrated part of our collective efforts. We therefore welcome today's resolution, presented by Ukraine, which encourages Member States to develop or further improve their strategies for reducing risks to critical infrastructure from terrorist attacks.”
2017-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7882 (2017) · source
“Canada is proud to have co-sponsored resolution 2341 (2017) today. Terrorist groups are evolving, and we need to continue to work to understand their strategies in order to protect our populations. For example, as Da'esh faces losses in Iraq and Syria, it is transforming from a territory-based entity into a global virtual network. Foreign terrorist fighters still loyal to D'aesh and with training and battlefield experience pose a renewed threat as they move to new locations. The threat of lone actors inspired by violent extremist ideologies persists. As terrorists seek to impose maximum damage in new areas of operation, critical infrastructure is a vulnerable target.”
2017-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7882 (2017) · source
“Canada is always ready to share relevant lessons learned in dealing with asymmetrical threats in Afghanistan, and would welcome the opportunity to gain from the experience of its various partners present today.”
2016-11-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7802 (2016) · source
“In order to ensure both the sustainability of deployed personnel and the successful delivery of robust mandates, in particular with regard to the protection of civilians, the United Nations must enhance missions' preparation, performance and responsiveness through an integrated and tailored approach. That approach means developing adequate conceptual frameworks and providing specialized training as well as the equipment, intelligence and enabling capabilities needed to effectively meet asymmetrical threats. The United Nations must also strengthen its analytical capacity in that area. (spoke in French) We must also ensure that our approach to asymmetrical threats is not confined to the security front. It is vital that the full range of factors that can lead to violent extremism be addressed through a comprehensive approach.”
2016-11-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7802 (2016) · source
“We have heard many speakers today, and I promise I will be brief. Peacekeepers operate in increasingly complex and volatile environments, often putting themselves in harm's way to protect vulnerable civilian populations. As many have said today, asymmetrical threats will continue to be a critical risk to peace operations for the foreseeable future. Both the United Nations and personnel-contributing countries must therefore urgently adapt to such threats. The objective is clearly not to make peace operations a substitute for counter- terrorism initiatives but to ensure that deployed personnel can carry out their missions as efficiently and safely as possible.”
2016-11-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7802 (2016) · source
“(spoke in French) Finally, I note that the Government of Canada has launched a review of its international assistance to determine the best way to help the poorest and most vulnerable, to support fragile States and align our priorities in international assistance with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (General Assembly resolution 70/1). We want to know how the empowerment women and girls and the protection and promotion of their rights through action in favour of gender equality can be integrated into Canada's international aid activities. Recognizing the importance of the participation of all concerned, we invite the differentactors-Canadianandinternational-interest in international assistance to participate in the review. They have until the end of July to submit comments.”
2016-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7704 (2016) · source
“As one of the first countries to ratify the United Nations Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children, Canada takes very seriously its obligations under Protocol to prevent human trafficking and prosecute the perpetrators, and calls on all Member States to do the same. Sexual violence committed by peacekeepers also causes serious harm to vulnerable populations and threatens the effectiveness and credibility of United Nations peace operations. Every effort must be made to support the implementation of the United Nations zero- tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse.”
2016-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7704 (2016) · source
“The study determined strategies for integrating the prevention of and response to child, early and forced marriages in conflict and emergency situations. Canada also believes that human trafficking, an affront to human rights and dignity, should be confronted with the full weight of domestic and international law. Traffickers view their victims not as human beings, but as commodities to be exploited for their own financial gain. Women and children are particularly vulnerable to human traffickers, and even more so in times of conflict. Refugees and migrants also face great risks.”
2016-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7704 (2016) · source
“We are pleased to be supporting the work of her Office with a contribution of $3 million over three years. We also note the important work done by experts deployed through the partnership between UN-Women and Justice Rapid Response in investigating and documenting sexual violence. Canada is also pleased to support this work. As a leading advocate in raising international awareness of the costs of child, early and forced marriage, Canada is especially concerned by reports of increased rates of such marriages in situations of conflict and displacement. To better understand the reasons for this increase, Canada funded research by the Women's Refugee Commission on how traditional practices associated with these types of marriages change during conflict and displacement.”
2016-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7704 (2016) · source
“Sexual violence in all its forms is highly detrimental to the ability of women to make a useful contribution to the life of their communities and their country, yet the contribution of empowered women is an essential precondition for lasting peace and prosperity. (spoke in English) We welcome the recent report of the Secretary- General on conflict-related sexual violence (S/2016/361) in some 19 countries, in which he makes important recommendations to the Security Council and the Member States. We also welcome the testimony of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, and thank her for her tireless work in assessing situations of grave concern around the world, including in the Middle East, and her work as Chair of United Nations Action against Sexual Violence in Conflict.”
2016-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7704 (2016) · source
“Mr. Bonser (Canada) (spoke in French): Canada welcomes this debate on sexual violence in conflict, which focuses in particular on trafficking in human beings, in anticipation of the commemoration of the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, which will take place on 19 June. Unfortunately, we know that sexual violence affects women, men and children in conflict situations throughout the world. Canada unreservedly condemns such practices and seeks to end them, to help victims and to hold those responsible accountable for their actions. We also know that women and girls are the main victims of rape, slavery, forced marriages and trafficking in human beings, including the most flagrant violations committed by such extremist groups such as the Islamic State in Iraq and the Sham and Boko Haram.”
2016-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7704 (2016) · source
“We recognize the inextricable links between peace and security and good governance, we also encourage the AU and the United Nations to further enhance their cooperation in operationalizing the African Governance Architecture, complementing the efforts of the Architecture's road map to move towards a more holistic approach to conflict. Canada remains committed to working closely with African member States at the United Nations and to strengthening the relationship between the Security Council and the African Union Peace and Security Council. This is an important step to realizing our collective vision for sustainable peace in Africa.”
2016-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7694 (2016) · source
“Canada commends the United Nations liaison office at the African Union and the AU Peace and Security Department for developing a Joint United Nations- AU framework for an enhanced partnership in peace and security. We strongly support the objective to deepen United Nations and AU collaboration across the conflict cycle, from conflict prevention, to conflict management and resolution, and ultimately to post- conflict reconstruction. In this regard, Canada welcomes the development of the new African Peace and Security Architecture road map and encourages continued cooperation between the United Nations and the AU in implementing this vision.”
2016-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7694 (2016) · source
“(spoke in French) But there is still much work to be done. Terrorism, organized crime and armed conflict pose threats to global, regional and national peace and security. As a result of the evolving threats to international peace and security, the responsibilities shouldered by the African Union and the regional economic communities have increased tremendously. As partners, we must ensure that our support for these African-led efforts evolve and rise to meet this challenge. (spoke in English) Now, more than ever, it is imperative that the United Nations and the AU continue to foster a stronger and deeper partnership, as recommended in the 2015 United Nations high-level reviews on peace operations, peacebuilding, and women and peace and security.”
2016-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7694 (2016) · source
“Mr. Bonser (Canada) (spoke in French): We thank the Egyptian presidency for the opportunity to speak on the important issues of peace and security cooperation between the United Nations and the African Union (AU). (spoke in English) In the decade since the signing of the 2006 Declaration on Enhancing UN-AU Cooperation, both organizations have made important strides on a variety of peace and security issues. From close cooperation on peace operations, to the establishment of the United Nations liaison office to the African Union, to annual consultations between the Security Council and the African Union Peace and Security Council, the United Nations and the AU have increasingly taken steps to work more closely to promote peace and security in Africa. Canada is encouraged by this progress.”
2016-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7694 (2016) · source
“Through its development assistance, Canada supports inclusive and accountable governance, the empowerment of women and the protection of their rights and sustainable growth. Canada also champions the establishment and safeguarding of responsible mineral supply chains to prevent conflict and ensure that companies, countries and communities can benefit from development of the region's mineral wealth. Only by addressing these challenges can the countries of the region prevent and resolve conflict. Canada remains committed to working with our partners to advance peace and prosperity for the Great Lakes region.”
2016-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7653 (2016) · source
“Organizations such as the African Union, the East African Community and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region are important partners in facilitating agreements, such as the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Region, to resolve conflicts in the region. Socially responsible private sector investment, particularly in the extractive sector, can form the basis for inclusive growth that benefits all citizens and communities and promotes sustainable peace. It is also important to remember that women and girls are often agents of stability and resilience within their communities, as well as voices for moderation and peace. Canada is committed to addressing the intertwined challenges facing the region.”
2016-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7653 (2016) · source
“As we see today in Burundi, States that do not allow for open and inclusive political dialogue, respect for human rights or constitutional rule cannot sustain peace. (spoke in English) Canada also expects countries to ensure that inevitable changes of leadership be timely, democratic and peaceful. In the Democratic Republic ofthe Congo, Canada is concerned about the social, economic and political risks entailed if elections are not held as per the Constitution of that country. Canada encourages all actors to work together to overcome the political impasse through a national consensus that reflects the will of the Congolese people. Regional organizations and the private sector have a critical role to play in addressing the region's challenges.”
2016-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7653 (2016) · source
“Mr. Bonser (Canada) (spoke in French): We thank the Angolan presidency for the opportunity to speak on the important issue ofpreventing and resolving conflict in the Great Lakes region. As Goal 16 ofthe Sustainable Development Goals clearly indicates, peace and security are indissociable from governance and development. As the citizens of the Great Lakes region know, poor governance, poverty, inequality, discrimination against women and the inadequate management of natural resources can all have destabilizing effects. Canada is deeply concerned about the shrinking political space and lack of respect for constitutional term limits in certain countries in the region and elsewhere.”
2016-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7653 (2016) · source
“All Member States need to ensure a safe and enabling environment for journalists to perform their work independently and without fear of violence or arbitrary detention. For journalists, as for all civilians, the harm and suffering deliberately inflicted upon them must end, and perpetrators of such acts must be held to account. The international community must not be silent on this issue. We urge fellow Member States to maintain our attention and resolve on the protection of civilians agenda.”
2015-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7450Resumption1 (2015) · source
“The most serious challenge is not a lack of rules to protectjournalists, but a failure to implement existing rules and to systematically investigate, prosecute and punish violations of international humanitarian law. (spoke in English) The Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant has been connected to some of the more horrifying and high profile killings of journalists, namely the abductions and beheadings of American and Japanese freelancers James Foley, Steven Sotloff and Kenji Goto. Most often, though, local journalists and media workers are the targets of threats and attacks, as we have seen across conflict zones including Syria, Iraq, Ukraine and Somalia. As tensions escalate in Burundi, Canada is concerned by reports that media are being forced out of the country.”
2015-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7450Resumption1 (2015) · source
“Images and news have an impact on how we confront and respond to armed conflicts. Journalists - and increasingly, citizen and social-media-based journalists - who report from conflict zones face many dangers. Most disturbingly, the specific targeting ofjournalists by armed groups is alarmingly frequent. The past three years have in fact been the deadliest for journalists since the Committee for the Protection of Journalists organization began keeping track more than two decades ago. Existing international humanitarian law provides the appropriate protections. Pursuant to the provisions of international humanitarian law, media professionals who work in conflict zones are considered civilians and are therefore to be protected so long as they retain their civilian status.”
2015-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7450Resumption1 (2015) · source
“Before speaking to that point, Canada would like to stress how important it is that the Security Council and all Member States continue to give sustained and comprehensive attention to the harm done to civilian populations writ large. We are very alarmed by the extent of civilian suffering and displacement caused by armed conflicts. This reflects a diminishing respect for international humanitarian law, which is a situation that must absolutely be remedied. We can do more, starting by seizing these opportunities to address serious concern about the protection of civilians, and committing to reducing this growing problem of unnecessary civilian suffering. (spoke in French) Accurate, impartial media reports conveyed from conflict zones serve a fundamental public interest.”
2015-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7450Resumption1 (2015) · source