YouSaid · the spoken record

Boukadoum

lines on the record: 233
first: 2014-04-28
most recent: 2019-02-27
sittings or episodes: 32
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

“At this point we should not forget the hardships that still linger in our minds and that resulted in the challenges inflicted by the solutions imposed on African countries from outside with catastrophic consequences. What is needed and long overdue is external support for African solutions, not just so that Africa's unrelenting woes can be overcome but for the sake of the whole world. By extending a hand to Africa when it is needed, for example by supporting the African Union Master Roadmap of Practical Steps for Silencing the Guns in Africa by 2020 from the very beginning, such efforts will serve as building blocks for the future. The international community, with the Security Council at its core, must extend this helping hand for the preservation of peace and security everywhere.”
2019-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8473 (2019) · source
“Through its vow to silence the guns, Africa took a bold initiative to open a new pathway to solutions based on ownership and dedication to the issues that beset peace and security on the continent. Africa has therefore undertaken the responsibilities of promoting peace and preventing conflict, something that will surely benefit not just its own purposes but those of others, too. Africa needs outside support in achieving the solution it has arrived at for itself, and that undoubtedly concerns us all. I should point out that the pledges that remain unfulfilled with regard to the mode of financing for African-led peacekeeping operations already approved by the Security Council can be viewed as a test that we must pass.”
2019-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8473 (2019) · source
“Fourthly, we must look at the areas of the global context that are having a direct effect on Africa. Climate change is one example, and I should remind the Council, by the way, that Africa has the least responsibility for the human-induced effects on the climate and yet is most affected by them. The undue exploitation of its natural resources and the forced migrations within or out of the continent, coupled with transnational crime, terrorism, arms smuggling and money-laundering mean that the causes and consequences overlap one another and continue to fuel both old and new conflicts. I therefore want to conclude by stressing the truth that must be spoken as long as being candid is not considered a fault.”
2019-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8473 (2019) · source
“Thirdly, silencing the guns is definitely not meant to eliminate arms, whether they are small or not so small, but to make sure that all ordnance becomes redundant as soon as possible. But that will obviously not suffice and clearly highlights the necessity of tackling root causes. Africa is not thriving, and the Sisyphean task ahead of reaching a stage where the guns are silenced means that we must look at social conditions, governance and the welfare of our peoples. That does not depend solely on Africans. Silencing the guns goes beyond this and calls for the commitment of the international community, for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the African Union Agenda 2063 and their corollaries. We need financing for development, disaster risk management and prevention through the Addis Ababa Action Agenda.”
2019-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8473 (2019) · source
“I want to remind the Council that the starting blocks are the African Peace and Security Architecture, through which Africa has unleashed new ideas and new modes of action that are fit for purpose in every case of conflict in the continent. Secondly, Africa is regrouping its forces with the aim of thinking and acting jointly at the regional and subregional levels in order to confront and deal with its dire realities. Here I would like to highlight the example of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), whose mandate, nature and significance are to be commended. By comparison with the many unfulfilled endeavours of the past, AMISOM. is moving forward in the face of extraordinary adversities.”
2019-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8473 (2019) · source
“When they declared 2020 the year for silencing the guns, the leaders of the African Union leaders, while having no doubts as to the realities and possibilities, were well aware of the powerful symbolic nature of such a target. The message is clear and strong. Africa wants to take its peace and security challenges seriously and autonomously, with the uplifting goal of ensuring that all the ills currently plaguing the continent will not be bequeathed to the next generation. Silencing the guns has several meanings and requirements. First, Africa is doing its long-sought homework by reshuff ling its overall thinking, resources and mechanisms.”
2019-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8473 (2019) · source
“We should never forget the simple baseline proposition that our job, our raison de vivre, in the Security Council and beyond is to preserve and promote peace and ensure it is durable and sustainable, but also, now that awareness is sufficiently high, to prevent conflicts from occurring. Peace is not an abstract notion, and its meaning is as simple and as difficult as it appears - no more deaths, no more suffering or trials for the people. It demands that we work intensively and stubbornly together with the tools, methods and mechanisms that the Charter of the United Nations and regional organizations such as the African Union have defined.”
2019-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8473 (2019) · source
“I want to start by thanking you, Mr. President, for all the initiatives that Equatorial Guinea has taken during its presidency of the Security Council. I do not want to miss this opportunity to emphasize the role that your country has played since its tenure as a member of the Council began. It should make all Africans very proud. I would also like to thank you for the work that you have been doing that, proof of which we saw this morning with the unanimous adoption of resolution 2457 (2019). Needless to say, I am also grateful to Mr. Ramtane Lamamra, High Representative of the African Union for Silencing the Guns, for his informative briefing and shrewd insights. My thanks also go to Mr. Vasu Gounden for his valuable input and work.”
2019-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8473 (2019) · source
“I strongly suggest that in the Security Council's meeting with the African Union Peace and Security Council, an agenda item on the effects ofclimate-related disasters on peace and security be discussed. Secondly, with respect to prevention, mechanisms like the African Union, but also such subregional entities as the Economic Community of West African States and peacekeeping operations, are perfectly fit for the purpose of at least informing the Security Council of what they believe to be the effects of climate change. Thirdly, we have to rely on the work, including the analytical work, of the United Nations Development Programme, the United Nations Environment Programme, and the Resident Coordinators of the new United Nations Development System. I would finish by calling for a clear stocktaking defining ways to move ahead with the issue.”
2019-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8451 (2019) · source
“I would cite as a blatant example the case of my continent, Africa. It has been rightfully mentioned this morning that there is a link between the depletion of Lake Chad and terrorist-related activities. It is obvious that terrorist and criminal groups have found fertile terrain. The scarcity of resources leaves no other way to the populations than forced migration or falling into the hands of the rogue groups. At this juncture, the legitimate question is: What we can do and what specific role does the Security Council have to play? First, we must rely on and cooperate and act jointly with regional organizations, and in our specific case the African Union. The mechanisms are now in place.”
2019-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8451 (2019) · source
“It is still our view that the Paris Agreement under the UNFCCC is the best framework to address the issue through commitments that must be respected. Seventh, my country continues to advocate for the prevention and solution of conflicts by tackling their root causes, be they political, economic, social and - yes, today it has to be said as clearly as possible 4 environmental roots. The question at stake is multifaceted. It is true that we are still at odds when it comes to defining the notion of "impacts of climate-related disasters on international peace and security", which has to clearly be clarified in some way. In the meantime, work at this juncture - and, I should say, our homework - must start through prevention and cooperation and always bear in mind that no one is immune from the effects of inaction or indifference.”
2019-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8451 (2019) · source
“In fact, the Security Council embarked on this journey in 2011 with its first presidential statement on this issue (S/PRST/2011/15), and I remind Council members that it rightfully pointed then to the responsibilities and mandates of the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council. I cannot but recall that we have committed ourselves, as the international community, to tackle the issue through the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. It is important to recall that the 2011 presidential statement mentioned that the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) had a role and responsibility as "the key instrument for addressing climate change" (S/PRST/2011/15, third para).”
2019-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8451 (2019) · source
“It is clear also that this dangerous situation will continue to push the various peoples affected to leave their dwellings and embark on a forcible migration, generally north-bound, where they believe resources are richer and the land more secure, giving rise to all the tragedies that we are all witnessing today, such as that in the Mediterranean. Fifth, the situation is a complex one and involves a large number of stakeholders. For the Security Council, the question is simple: do climate-change-induced natural disasters provoke conflicts, or do conflicts prevent us from tackling environmental issues and development in the areas concerned? Sixth, it is our view that it is not illegitimate to think that the Security Council has a role, a mission and a responsibility that are yet to be defined.”
2019-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8451 (2019) · source
“Ignoring that the situation has had repercussions on those already poverty-prone populations would be a tragic mistake. Humankind fought for food and shelter in ancient times, and humankind will continue to fight for water, food and shelter when these are rare and when access to requirements to meet basic needs is for any reason denied. Fourth, it is obvious to us that this situation of poverty and scarcity of resources is an open door to all maleficent groups, including terrorist and criminal groups, to thrive as they are doing in the Sahel.”
2019-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8451 (2019) · source
“Second, we believe that the link between climate and international peace and security is not remote, and we are witnesses, including in my geographical area, to the fact that climate change has without a doubt had negative and dangerous effects in Africa and the Mediterranean region, considered as hot spots by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Third, I want to point out specifically that while Africa, our continent, is the least responsible for anthropogenic climate change, it is the continent that suffers the most from such perilous hazards as desertification, land degradation, drought, sea-level rise and ocean acidification. Not only regions such as the Sahel but also small island developing States are directly impacted by such adverse consequences.”
2019-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8451 (2019) · source
“Mr. President, I would like at the outset to convey my best wishes on your presidency, which I would say has been extremely prolific and successful so far. I thank you for having initiated this open debate and for letting me share with the Council our views on the issue under consideration. I wish also to thank this morning's briefers. First, it might seem awkward for the Security Council to take into consideration the effects of climate-related disasters and climate change on international peace and security. The Security Council has numerous issues on its agenda, and a great deal is expected of it in terms of action and efficiency in preventing conflicts and resolving existing ones. We might think that it is natural for the Council to focus on them rather than on opening new, undefined territories for consideration.”
2019-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8451 (2019) · source
“When Africa calls on the Security Council to do more regarding the issue of funding, the call should be understood in the context of the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations, which entrusts the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security to the Security Council. Therefore, by providing responses to threats to peace and security, the African Union is doing so on behalf of the United Nations.”
2018-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8407 (2018) · source
“That brings me to the issue of financing, which remains one of the most important challenges facing such a partnership in the area of peace and security. Funding is indeed a central concern when it comes to launching and sustaining African Union peace support operations. The ongoing African Union Mission in Somalia testifies to that reality. That is why the African Union has consistently called for predictable and sustainable financing through United Nations assessed contributions for African Union-led peace operations. Let me draw attention to the decision that was taken only two days ago at a summit with regard to the reinstatement of the Peace Fund of the African Union.”
2018-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8407 (2018) · source
“As the nature of international peace and security threats has evolved, no single organization has the legitimacy and the capabilities required to act alone. Since its establishment in 2002, the African Union has demonstrated a clear comparative advantage in two particular kinds of situations: first, in missions where offensive operations are needed and the United Nations is unable to deploy; and, secondly, where the Security Council is unable to mobilize the requisite political consensus to initiate action. It is therefore important to build a strategic partnership between the United Nations and the African Union based on mutual respect, solidarity and, most important, adherence to the principle of comparative advantage.”
2018-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8407 (2018) · source
“Owing to their ever-growing responsibilities, in certain cases peacekeeping operations have substituted for failed States in providing the population's basic needs, including security. They have increasingly become an alternative that, instead of promoting the rebuilding of national capacities, has had the opposite effect on that process. In dealing with that situation, we should bear in mind that the only way to achieve sustainable peace is by building strong, responsive and accountable State institutions at the local and the national levels that will be responsible for delivering essential services. Fourthly, and lastly, it is necessary to strengthen partnerships for peacekeeping operations.”
2018-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8407 (2018) · source
“3) - we should be mindful of the fact that peacekeeping on its own is only one element in the effort to restore peace and security to countries in conflict. In other words, while peacekeeping should be empowered to create the conditions for lasting stability, it cannot address all the underlying causes of the situations that motivated its deployment. It is therefore crucial for the international community to step up its commitment towards post-conflict situations well beyond the duration of the mandates of peace operations. The need to strengthen the nexus between peacekeeping and peacebuilding in order to achieve sustainable peace cannot be overemphasized. Thirdly, I would like to draw the attention of the Council to a real risk that we have already seen in a number of situations.”
2018-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8407 (2018) · source
“On that note, allow me to underline the following key points, which we believe to be important. First, peacekeeping cannot succeed without a viable political process. It is therefore important and urgent to redouble efforts to accelerate the pursuit of political solutions. Undertaking offensive military operations, although necessary in some cases, should not translate into a preference for military solutions. Even in counter- terrorism contexts, beyond reducing the violence, our objective should remain to encourage as many stakeholders as possible to join the political process. Secondly, while the mandates of peacekeeping operations continue to expand - and I would like to quote the Secretary-General, who has said that current mandates "look like Christmas trees" (S/PV8218, p.”
2018-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8407 (2018) · source
“In other words, while the peacekeeping context in Africa has changed dramatically over the past decade, the same cannot be said of the concept and practice of United Nations peacekeeping, which, despite some notable exceptions, continues to be underpinned by the formal principles of impartiality, neutrality and the limited use of force. Therefore, while acknowledging the steps taken so far to adjust peacekeeping to that new environment, including the recent adoption of the Declaration of Shared Commitments on United Nations Peacekeeping Operations, which my country has of course fully endorsed, that should not be the end of the process. Collectively, we should continue to analyse recent trends and explore ways and means to make sure that peacekeeping is fit for purpose given the new realities on the ground.”
2018-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8407 (2018) · source
“The focus on Africa in today's debate is also very pertinent for two reasons. First, Africa remains the main theatre of United Nations peacekeeping efforts, with 7 out of the 14 peacekeeping operations, and no doubt the most complicated and robust ones, currently operating in Africa. Secondly, it is on African soil that United Nations peacekeepers face the most serious and complex challenges, ranging from the fact that they are deployed in dangerous environments where there is no peace to keep to the increasing threat of terrorism and violent extremism, which poses fundamental questions about the doctrine and practice of United Nations peacekeeping.”
2018-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8407 (2018) · source
“I thank China, Mr. President, for organizing this open debate. I would first like to offer our condolences to Malawi and Tanzania. It is a cruel reminder of what it costs to have peacekeepers all around the world. Although not explicitly provided for in the Charter of the United Nations, peacekeeping has evolved over the past seven decades to become the most visible part of the United Nations actions and activities. Let us remind ourselves that peacekeeping has been brought about from the thirtieth floor by bold diplomats, not as part of the Charter. It was an innovation. Yet that situation can be likened to a double-edged sword in that any failure to deliver properly in that area could have a detrimental impact on the credibility of the United Nations. There are many examples to testify to that reality.”
2018-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8407 (2018) · source
“All their values, principles, goals and mechanisms created an inspiring momentum that, unfortunately, narrow visions later impeded. To us, multilateralism and patriotism are not contradictory and should not be opposed to one another. Our world, this global village, cannot sustain being disenfranchised or excluded. If we are to be forced to accept that, then we will end up with beleaguered citadels where the besieged and besiegers live not in tranquillity but in dubious confrontation. Hurricanes know no borders; neither does sunlight. There is one way to alleviate hurricane damage, rebuild what is destroyed and have sunlight shine on everyone - that is precisely through multilateralism. Let me conclude by appealing to you, Mr. President, to achieve an outcome of this open debate that is in the best interests of our records and history.”
2018-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8395 (2018) · source
“The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and what it encompasses - namely, our common responsibility and solidarity and the very idea of no one being left behind and the eradication of poverty - are also tests of and for multilateralism. No one can secure their own well-being if they ignore the well-being of others. No one can be safe if all are not safe. The questions of climate change, migration and terrorism are global and require global and coordinated action. This is therefore a strident call for multilateral action and solutions, in which big and small and the powerful and not so powerful must think together, work together and act together with mutual respect and shared responsibilities. I wish that we could draw some optimism from those who inspired the United Nations Charter while the Second World War was not yet finished.”
2018-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8395 (2018) · source
“For every tremendous success of the United Nations, as in Namibia and Timor-Leste, how many failures are unjustifiably placed on the United Nations shoulders. Clearly some issues, such as the question of Palestine, have haunted the agenda of the United Nations since its founding, but that failure cannot be seen but as a failure of multilateralism. Regional conflicts old and new are constant litmus tests that hover over the United Nations and multilateralism. But are we not all equally responsible for those failures? If we stick to the letter and spirit of the Charter, some Members, especially here in the Council, have specific duties that they cannot ignore. Multilateralism also means protecting the lives of every human being on Earth and the necessity to promote their well-being.”
2018-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8395 (2018) · source
“In that regard, reform of the United Nations would be an integral part of strengthening multilateralism. Many important issues have lingered for too long. The revitalization of the General Assembly, reform of the Security Council, an increase ofthe Council's membership and a review of its methods of work would all lead to better efficiency, relevance and credibility and, at the end of the day, to multilateralism. One of the major tracks to be reinforced is closer work with regional organizations. In that vein, we salute the cooperation and coordination that exist between the United Nations and the African Union, and we strongly urge its strengthening. Addressing the issues still at stake also lies in perceiving the United Nations through a lens of efficiency in resolving regional conflicts.”
2018-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8395 (2018) · source
“As indicated in the Preamble of the Charter of the United Nations, it cost humankind two world wars to bring about an instrument aimed at preventing another cataclysm that would annihilate it. There is no better success and faith in multilateralism than the very name of our Organization, the United Nations, which means just that - nations that are clearly united beyond mere membership, acting together for the sake of the whole world. The United Nations Charter is aprecious instrument, but do we really implement its full power? Do we respect the full meaning of its principles and goals? It is clear that after more than 70 years of existence, the United Nations needs to adjust its structures and become more relevant, more efficient and more respected. There are steps that ought to be taken.”
2018-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8395 (2018) · source
“Let me thank China for the initiative to hold an open debate on multilateralism. The time is always ripe to take stock of an issue that deserves the fullest attention. Indeed, we should ask ourselves how we can uphold multilateralism when it seems to be challenged. Do we believe in multilateralism? More precisely, do we have a common understanding of what multilateralism is? The answers to those questions are not easy to define, but there is common ground that cannot be contested. We, the Member States and beyond, have to take a closer look at the frameworks that we have at hand, of which the United Nations is a strong pillar, a beacon and a cradle for multilateral action.”
2018-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8395 (2018) · source
“Indeed, for example, the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali, signed in Algiers in 2015, contains specific provisions related to the protection of children from armed conflict and the engagement of communities to support the return and maintenance of children, especially girls, in school. Such provisions should inspire all ongoing peace pI'OCGSSCS. Let me conclude by saying that the increased number and scope of conflict hasten the importance of cooperation and coordination between the United Nations and regional organizations, especially the African Union, in all areas and precisely on prevention.”
2018-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8305 (2018) · source
“Long-standing peace will never be achieved unless we give children the means, skills and education to rebuild a society and institutions torn apart by armed conflict. Peacekeeping missions have an important role to play in the protection of children in situations of armed conflict. It is therefore essential that peacekeeping missions receive the necessary training and resources to effectively perform that critical task. In the context of peacekeeping processes, we strongly believe that specific provisions on the protection of children and armed conflict should be included in all peace negotiations and agreements and in peacebuilding.”
2018-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8305 (2018) · source
“This cannot continue. We would like to see the consolidation of the results of the global Children, Not Soldiers campaign through renewed efforts by Governments and agencies, but we must recognize that those efforts have not reversed the negative trend. Barbaric attacks are still being committed by terrorist groups, such as Boko Haram, Da'esh and the Movement for Unity and Jihad in Western Africa, in particular the kidnapping and selling of girls to terrorist fighters. That is another challenge to us all that calls for greater coordinated efforts, and we should continue to give specific attention to the protection of girls, as they are at greater risk of sexual violence and sexual exploitation and abuse.”
2018-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8305 (2018) · source
“We also believe that the United Nations list of terrorist groups in the annexes of the report should be differentiated from other non-State actors or parties to peace processes or peace agreements. It is rather shocking that, 13 years after the adoption ofresolution 1612 (2005), which established the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict, there is still a constant increase in violations against children, as is underlined by the most recent report of the Secretary- General (S/2018/465). The case of the Central African Republic is one terrible example, as the use of children in armed conflict has quadrupled in that country. That is appalling. In all cases, 21,000 violations of children's rights, as documented by the report of the Secretary- General, represent 21,000 challenges to all of us and to the Security Council.”
2018-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8305 (2018) · source
“Let me address the Council, the Secretary-General and his Special Representative as Chair of the Security Council Working Group on Children in Armed Conflict: Be bold in proposing and advancing measures, bearing in mind all the mechanisms, procedures and authority that you hold and make clear the interaction that exists between all areas of intervention that were defined perfectly the concept note before us(S/2018/625, annex). We recognize the extreme importance of and strongly support the mandate of the Office of Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict. We always wait for her report to be published, which marks a crucial moment at the United Nations. We would like something to be added to that report.”
2018-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8305 (2018) · source
“Today's meeting, convened on the initiative of Sweden, should not focus on or end up with a mere renewal of the general commitment to protecting children and armed conflicts. There is no doubt that, at least in principle, this endeavour is shared by all ofus. Therefore, our meeting and resolution 2427 (2018), which we adopted this morning, should focus on the most practical and appropriate measures to make sure that this commitment is fulfilled and that the place of children is in school and not in armed conflicts. Let me say at this juncture that, regardless of the situation, any child who is in an armed conflict is by definition a victim.”
2018-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8305 (2018) · source
“We hope that at the conclusion of this open debate the presidency will issue a summary of the proposed recommendations, with clear steps to be taken that we can build on in our proclaimed and shared endeavour.”
2018-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8264 (2018) · source
“The Peacebuilding Commission also provides an appropriate framework for such coordination in post-conflict situations. Sixth, we urge the Security Council and the Secretariat to strengthen their cooperation, common approach and interaction with regional organizations such as the African Union, which has made tremendous progress in that regard and, I should point out, has transitioned from a policy of non-interference to one of non-indifference. Seventh, the Security Council could consider the systematic inclusion in all peacekeeping mandates of an obligation to report violations of human or humanitarian rights. Lastly, this meeting must be seen as a reaffirmation of our collective commitment to protecting civilians in situations of conflict.”
2018-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8264 (2018) · source
“Third, the protection of civilians must be based on the principles of universality and non-selectivity, particularly where conflicts arising from foreign occupation are concerned. The implementation of international humanitarian law - and specifically the Fourth Geneva Convention - is not an option. It is an obligation that the international community, through the Security Council, must impose when an occupying or administrative Power does not respect it. Fourth, we must address the issue of accountability with regard to impunity for violations of international humanitarian law. Fifth, ensuring more effective coordination among the United Nations mandated bodies - the Security Council, the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council - remains vital.”
2018-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8264 (2018) · source
“I would like to share with the Council our vision of the way forward and in particular how the Security Council and the United Nations and its Member States could act in that regard. First, while we have international legally binding instruments and generally accepted practices, we still lack a comprehensive, coherent and specific approach to the issue of the protection of civilians in armed conflict. Second, we need a broad prevention strategy that clearly should be focused on tackling the root causes of conflicts and must encompass areas such as promoting sustainable development, eradicating poverty and fostering good governance and a culture of peace, tolerance and the rule of law.”
2018-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8264 (2018) · source
“In the most recent report, the Secretary-General describes the situation as one of immeasurable human and societal decimation. Let me be clear: everyone must respect international humanitarian and human rights law, and in situations of conflict, particularly those that are on the Security Council's agenda, protection is an obligation, not an option. There is also still a great deal to be done to improve the protection of society's most vulnerable members - women, children and the elderly. Terror attacks on civilians or the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war cannot and must not tolerated. Attacks on humanitarian personnel or the creation of obstacles to the delivery of humanitarian aid to the civilian population must be rejected and denounced in the strongest terms.”
2018-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8264 (2018) · source
“The recent situation of the people of Gaza, or indeed the Palestinian people as a whole, is a blatant example of that. Needless to say, civilians are now the most likely to be the primary victims, if not the targets, of conflicts, either as direct casualties or enduring the trials of life as refugees who have been displaced and are now suffering the evils of slavery, human trafficking, sexual abuse or food shortages. Since the publication of the first report of the Secretary-General 19 years ago (S/1999/957), some progress, while it is insufficient, has been made in strengthening the mandate of peacekeeping operations and in carrying out disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programmes. But that is far from enough.”
2018-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8264 (2018) · source
“I would like to thank Poland for organizing this open debate on the protection of civilians in armed conflict, a subject of enormous importance that is a matter of high priority and concern for my country, Algeria. I particularly thank you, Madam President, for your concept note (S/2018/444, annex), and we fully share your views on the priority areas that you indicate. I would also like to thank the Secretary-General for his most recent report, of 14 May (S/2018/462), and for the shocking picture he has painted of the suffering of civilians in high-profile armed conflicts. When we look at ongoing conflict situations, we cannot help being taken aback by the numbers ofcivilian casualties and the challenges that civilian populations are facing around the globe.”
2018-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8264 (2018) · source
“While stressing that the working methods of the Security Council are an integral part of the reform process, we reaffirm the African Common Position in that regard. We note that all but one open debate on the working methods was held at the initiative of an elected member, including today. I salute your instrumental role in that regard, Sir.”
2018-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8175 (2018) · source
“The Council should fully take into account the recommendations of the General Assembly on matters relating to international peace and security, consistent with Article 11, paragraph 2, of the Charter. Although tremendous amounts of work and energy go into negotiating agreements on many working methods, some are not properly heeded and some are never implemented. We believe that cooperation between the Council and regional and subregional organizations is crucial. States that have undertaken mediation initiatives should be given ample opportunity to interact with the Council. At the end of the day, that would be of benefit to the international community as a whole, as such endeavours are aimed at ensuring early- warning, conflict prevention, conflict resolution and the promotion of peace.”
2018-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8175 (2018) · source
“The annual reports of the Security Council to the General Assembly should be more explanatory, comprehensive and specifically analytical in assessing the Council's work, including cases where the Council has failed to act and the views expressed by its members during discussion of the agenda item under consideration. Pursuant to Article 15, paragraph 1, and Article 24, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the Council should submit special reports for the consideration of the General Assembly. The Council should ensure that its monthly assessments are comprehensive and analytical and issued in a timely fashion. The General Assembly may consider proposing parameters for the elaboration of such assessments.”
2018-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8175 (2018) · source
“Ironically, the wider membership's participation on certain issues is sought after, but they have no real possibility of being consulted or contributing information when required. Closed meetings and informal consultations are certainly necessary, but they should be the exception. A form of briefing of the wider membership should be a rule after such meetings. The Council's establishment of subsidiary bodies should accord with the letter and the spirit of the Charter of the United Nations, and they should function in a way that enables adequate and timely information on their activities to be provided to the general membership.”
2018-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8175 (2018) · source
“The working methods should ultimately affirm the connections between the members of the Council and the general membership. All nations should really feel that the Council is acting on their behalf and for the benefit of the maintenance of peace and security in the world, and they should not feel disenfranchised by its working methods. I would like to suggest some ideas about how we see things with regard to practical areas where improvement should be possible and sometimes essential. First, considering that it has been 36 years since the last amendment to the rules of procedure was adopted (resolution 528 (l982)), it is high time to seek something less provisional and confirm established practices. The number of public meetings should increase, in accordance with Articles 31 and 32 of the Charter of the United Nations.”
2018-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8175 (2018) · source
“Secondly, it is obvious that changing the Council's working methods will improve the sense of ownership of the general membership, who, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, have conferred on the Security Council primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security and the ability to act on their behalf. Needless to say, the Security Council's growing responsibilities render its working methods even more important, and the scope and consequence of its decisions require that it work towards an even greater degree of transparency, understanding and acceptance. Clearly, the Council's decisions must be accepted and implemented. In that regard, we consider it essential to consider how those decisions are prepared and how they evolve, particularly where sanctions are concerned.”
2018-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8175 (2018) · source