YouSaid · the spoken record

Boura

lines on the record: 35
first: 2015-03-27
most recent: 2017-03-15
sittings or episodes: 6
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

“Greece, a first entry point for hundreds of thousands of migrants and refugees arriving in Europe, has established the Office of the National Rapporteur on Trafficking in Human Beings, within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as a national identification and referral mechanism for victims of trafficking. Of course, sustaining peace and implementing the Sustainable Development Goals will eventually address a number of root causes that lead to trafficking, forced labour and modern slavery. We are confident that this debate and the momentum created in the Security Council will contribute to our common efforts. Greece is ready to support and participate actively in all relevant initiatives to strengthen our response to this global challenge.”
2017-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7898 (2017) · source
“We need to work closely together to promote multilateral cooperation, enhance early identification procedures and establish robust referral mechanisms so that victims can access protection services. Through close cooperation with leading international organizations and United Nations institutions, especially the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, specialized training for law enforcement and front-line professionals is now more necessary than ever. Echoing the European Union statement, we reiterate the importance of strengthening multilateral partnerships and of engaging, in line with resolutions 1325 (2000) and 2250 (2015), more women and young people in actions against human trafficking.”
2017-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7898 (2017) · source
“Taking into account the unprecedented levels of human displacement and the increased vulnerability of potential victims in refugee and migratory flows, the prevention of human trafficking must now be a priority. We are firmly convinced that the international community should, at the same time, focus on comprehensive awareness-raising campaigns, establishing a proactive and inclusive identification regime for victims and strengthening law enforcement. In our efforts to combat human trafficking, we must crack down on the enormous profits generated by traffickers, follow financial trails and use all available investigative tools to prosecute the perpetrators. The implementation of the legal framework to combat human trafficking would be more meaningful if accompanied by efforts to identify, protect, assist and rehabilitate victims.”
2017-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7898 (2017) · source
“Armed groups systematically engage in the sexual enslavement and trading ofwomen and girls, and treat civilian populations as a resource to be exploited and commodities to be trafficked and traded as part of the economy of war. The Secretary-General's 2016 report (S/2016/949) identifies the complex nexus between trafficking in persons, organized crime, corruption, armed conflict and terrorism. In spite of the important legislative framework adopted by the international community in order to combat this global problem in recent decades, human trafficking and exploitation in many forms, including forced labour and recruitment to armed groups, remain an issue of grave concern and a law enforcement challenge.”
2017-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7898 (2017) · source
“I too would like to commend and to congratulate the United Kingdom on its initiative in organizing this open debate. Greece aligns itself with the statement delivered by the observer of the European Union and wishes to add the following. Human trafficking and modern slavery are indeed global crimes that violate human rights, affect and devastate communities and present a threat to international peace and security. In conflict situations, they may amount to war crimes, or crimes against humanity. In situations of armed conflict and instability, criminal networks and traffickers target the most vulnerable populations, particularly women, children, displaced persons and refugees.”
2017-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7898 (2017) · source
“To that end, we must identify the partnerships to be employed, aiming at protecting vulnerable groups at risk of being exploited or traded. At the same time, we must combat the culture of impunity regarding the high levels of "demand" for "services" related to trafficking. Let us not forget that the task before us is not merely about implementing laws and penal codes. We aim first and foremost to uphold human dignity amid a world of conflict, poverty and desperation, with vulnerable groups of women and children at high risk of being manipulated, exploited and savagely abused for profit. Traffickers and warlords are relying on our failure to protect vulnerable people.”
2016-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7847 (2016) · source
“Increased emphasis placed on extending identification procedures in the context of mixed migration and refugee flows. Human trafficking, this modern form of slavery, has no place in the twenty-first century. We hope that today's debate will mark a flagship event that will urge all competent stakeholders to deploy the imperative human, legal and financial resources to effectively eradicate this heinous form of human rights violation and organized crime. We need to work closely together to promote multilateral cooperation, enhance early- identification procedures and establish robust referral mechanisms, so that victims can address the protection services they so need and deserve. A consistent human rights and cross-sectoral approach can lead to positive results in counter- trafficking.”
2016-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7847 (2016) · source
“Greece is a transit country for thousands ofmigrants and refugees who attempt to cross the Mediterranean and flee war, violence and persecution. As the first entry point for migrants and refugees arriving in Europe, Greece is very well aware of the challenges and of its pivotal role in combating such phenomena. In this context, we have established a national coordination mechanism as well as a national identification and referral mechanism. Both mechanisms are coordinated by the Office of the National Rapporteur at the Minister for Foreign Affairs and operate as a hub for partnership-building among all relevant stakeholders. The comprehensive protection of vulnerable persons, including women, girls and unaccompanied children, figures high in our priorities.”
2016-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7847 (2016) · source
“Irregular undocumented migrants are particularly vulnerable to exploitation and abuse, making the nexus between trafficking and irregular migration more relevant than ever. While some countries increase border controls to curb migration flows, many migrants turn to organized criminal networks to arrange their border crossing. Trafficking in women and girls has become a tactic of terrorism, with terrorist groups such as the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant and Boko Haram openly and systematically promoting the trafficking and sexual enslavement of women and girls. To address the nexus between human trafficking, conflict, sexual violence and violent extremism requires a holistic approach. Trafficking as a financial resource for terrorism must not be underestimated.”
2016-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7847 (2016) · source
“Yet despite the efforts made, the official statistics on human trafficking remain comparable to those of a "rare crime", with just a small percentage of perpetrators convicted and only a few victims saved. We are firmly convinced that the international community should focus on strengthening law enforcement, establishing a proactive and inclusive identification regime for victims and a comprehensive awareness-raising campaign. At the same time, we need to step up efforts to crack down on the enormous profits generated by traffickers by following financial trails, and use all available investigative tools to prosecute the perpetrators. The unprecedented levels of human displacement have also revealed the increased vulnerability of potential trafficking victims in refugee and migratory f lows.”
2016-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7847 (2016) · source
“I would like to join others in expressing condolences to Russia in connection with the assassination of its Ambassador in Ankara, and to Germany in connection with the victims of the terrorist attack in Berlin. I wish to congratulate Spain for having organized this open debate. Greece aligns itselfwith the statement delivered by the observer of the European Union and wishes to add the following from a national point of view. Over the past two decades, the ground-breaking work of the United Nations bodies, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the Council of Europe, the International Organization for Migration and regional initiatives such as the European Union Network of National Rapporteurs has consolidated an important legislative framework for eradicating human trafficking.”
2016-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7847 (2016) · source
“In concluding, I would like to reiterate that Greece remains committed to effectively ensuring respect for and protection of the fundamental rights of children as a crucial guarantee for the future of our societies. In that regard, my country fully subscribes to the call to intensify international and regional efforts to strengthen cooperation in putting an end to grave violations against children in situations of armed conflict around the world.”
2016-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7753 (2016) · source
“We believe that the Safe Schools Declaration provides a concrete way for countries to commit to protecting children's education even during armed conflict. The competent Greek authorities are currently elaborating an action plan on the rights of the child that sets as a priority the protection of children in refugee crises. My country, deeply. affected by unprecedented refugee flows, spares no effort to provide assistance and protect the rights of children fleeing armed conflicts. It is our utmost priority to save thousands of children's lives in search-and-rescue operations at sea and to receive them in a humane way. In 2015 alone, more than 150,000 people, including thousands of children, were rescued by the Hellenic Coast Guard in about 2,500 operations at sea.”
2016-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7753 (2016) · source
“Having ratified the relevant international normative framework for the protection of children, Greece strongly encourages all States to sign, ratify and fully implement the Convention on the Rights of the Child and its first Optional Protocol on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflicts. In Greece, since 2011 the recruitment of children in armed conflicts has constituted a war crime under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and is punishable as such by the national judicial system. Greece was among the first endorsing States of the Oslo Safe Schools Declaration of May 2015, which calls upon parties to armed conflict to avoid using educational buildings for military purposes or making them targets of attack.”
2016-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7753 (2016) · source
“Indeed, in protracted conflicts, humanitarian crises, forced displacement and violent extremism, children are directly affected and, in many instances, have become targeted victims. The latest report submitted by the Secretary-General (S/2016/306) is crucial in laying out these challenges. We attach major importance to the impartiality of the report and fully support the call of the Secretary-General on all parties to work closely with the Special Representative. However, much more needs to be done to further strengthen international efforts aimed at the protection of children in armed conflicts. It is imperative to ensure that children are able to grow up in a safe environment, free from exploitation and any form of abuse and violence.”
2016-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7753 (2016) · source
“I would like to congratulate the Malaysian presidency of the Security Counci on the initiative to convene this open debate on children and armed conflict. I would also like to thank Secretary- General Ban Ki-moon and his Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, Ms. Leila Zerrougui, for their interest and commitment, as well as for their very thorough briefings on the issue. Greece aligns itself with the statement of the European Union. In my national capacity, I would like to add the following. Greece attaches great importance to the monitoring and reporting mechanism on grave violations against children in situations of armed conflict. In recent years, we have witnessed increasing challenges in this field.”
2016-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7753 (2016) · source
“Today, 15 years after Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) and 20 years after the Beijing Declaration, we sincerely hope that we can fulfil the expectations to redouble our efforts for gender equality. Women's role is critical for resolving conflicts, fostering peace and promoting reconciliation. No society can achieve peace if half of its population is left behind.”
2015-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7533Resumption1 (2015) · source
“The national programme of action focuses on specific actions targeting thematic areas, where women and girls are either underrepresented or primarily affected, such as violence, employment and decision-making. In the light of the national programme of action, the Greek General Secretariat for Gender Equality monitors all national policies at the governmental, regional and local levels and assesses their impact on gender by rating their results. The follow-up and evaluation of such policies will be based on statistical data and the development of gender indicators according to United Nations and European Union criteria. A range of eight strategic priorities will guide the structural funds for gender equality, which are especially aimed at the protection of women against the economic crisis, unemployment, poverty and exclusion.”
2015-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7533Resumption1 (2015) · source
“It is our priority to tackle the underrepresentation of women in political decision-making with a View to attaining a more balanced participation of women and men in all institutions, including the military and the police. In that context, we have been in close dialogue with civil society concerning the role of women in conflict and post-conflict situations in order to promote women's leadership in all relevant initiatives. The major priorities have been incorporated into our national programme of action for substantive gender equality, which covers a wide range of public policies at the national and regional levels aimed at empowering women and girls and promoting their participation in all areas of policy on an equal basis.”
2015-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7533Resumption1 (2015) · source
“We should strive to change the traditional conceptual framework in which security tends to be a man's narrative. The recognition of the fact that women's participation in all peace and security efforts offers important advantages is crucial for achieving progress on the issue. Gender-inclusive peacekeeping, peacemaking and peacebuilding can contribute effectively to the maintenance of international peace and security. Women need to be included in the decision-making at all stages of conflict resolution and post-conflict reconciliation processes. Greece is strongly committed to actively promoting, in law and in practice, women's participation in peacebuilding and mediation efforts.”
2015-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7533Resumption1 (2015) · source
“Yet, despite progress at the normative level, 15 years after the establishment of the women and peace and security agenda, women continue to remain largely excluded from peace, security and political processes, and women leaders and human rights defenders are still being targeted. We particularly welcome the adoption of resolution 2242 (2015), which we have proudly co-sponsored. The high-level review of the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) will provide a road map to accelerate the implementation of the women and peace and security agenda and to address new challenges, such as the rise in violent extremism, the humanitarian crises and the growing refugee and migration flows. However, as many others have stated earlier in this meeting, much more needs to be done to translate normative progress into results on the ground.”
2015-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7533Resumption1 (2015) · source
“I would like to thank the Spanish presidency of the Council for taking the initiative to organize this important debate on the occasion of the fifteenth anniversary of resolution 1325 (2000) and the high-level review of its implementation. Greece aligns itself with the statement delivered earlier by the observer of the European Union and wishes to add the following from a national point of view. Over the past 15 years, there have been seven Security Council resolutions demonstrating the international commitment to the principles of the protection, prevention, participation of women and gender mainstreaming.”
2015-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7533Resumption1 (2015) · source
“We must redouble our efforts to enhance the safety ofjournalists and to put an end to impunity. It is often said that truth is the first casualty ofwar. United Nations Member States must remain strongly committed to ensuring better protection for the courageous journalists who strive to keep truth alive.”
2015-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7450Resumption1 (2015) · source
“Their goal should be to train journalists to face combat risks and battlefield hazards, as well as to provide them with emergency first-aid skills. In that regard, States could lend their expertise through specialized agencies, military personnel and infrastructure. Greece is prepared to engage in that direction by offering its existing infrastructure to provide relevant training. The Hellenic Multinational Peace Support Operations Training Centre, located in the region of Macedonia, in northern Greece, is already scheduling the launch of relevant training courses. Having developed expertise in providing essential practical knowledge to military personnel, police and civilians, the Hellenic Multinational Peace Support Operations Training Centre is ready to offer training for conflict situations to journalists and media workers.”
2015-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7450Resumption1 (2015) · source
“Only through a comprehensive approach involving United Nations agencies, peacekeeping missions, civil society and States will we be able to begin to reverse the vicious circle ofimpunity and to protect journalists working in war-torn regions. Training is vital to achieving results in promoting the safety of journalists in conflict areas. Journalists and other media workers reporting from war zones should be physically fit, emotionally prepared, appropriately equipped and adequately insured. Such prerequisites are rarely fulfilled, especially in the case of freelance journalists or independent media workers. Media agencies should be encouraged to provide their employees with adequate training before sending them into conflict regions.”
2015-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7450Resumption1 (2015) · source
“The safety of journalists who work in conflict areas is by no means assured and their working conditions are increasingly deteriorating. The heinous crimes committed since August 2014 by the so-called Islamic State in Iraq and the Sham (ISIS) constitute a blatant example. Only a month ago, seven journalists and media workers were found brutally assassinated near Derna, the Libyan city controlled by ISIS. Such barbaric crimes should strengthen the resolve of the international community to take all necessary measures to bring the perpetrators to justice. As the Secretary- General stressed in his report, impunity remains the biggest obstacle to effectively ensuring the safety of journalists. To achieve those goals, it will be necessary to engage all stakeholders.”
2015-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7450Resumption1 (2015) · source
“The United Nations Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity, launched by UNESCO, is a comprehensive approach for an inter-agency mechanism to create a free and safe environment for journalists and media professionals in both conflict and non-conflict situations. In 2013, Greece, togetherwith across-regional group of States, introduced resolution 68/163 on the safety of journalists and the issue of impunity, proclaiming 2 November as the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists. That resolution, whose text was adopted for a second consecutive year in 2014 as resolution 69/185, condemns all attacks and violence against journalists and media workers. However, improved awareness and normative progress are not enough to guarantee the safety of journalists.”
2015-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7450Resumption1 (2015) · source
“The numbers taken hostage, tortured or subjected to forced disappearance draw an even more dismal and alarming picture. Local journalists are the majority of victims, while women journalists are regularly targeted. Resolution 2222 (2015), adopted today, which Greece co-sponsored, highlights the importance of the issue and of the new challenges that should be addressed. It is a positive development that we strongly welcome. Over the past few years, the United Nations has actively engaged the international community in creating a safe and enabling environment for journalists and media workers.”
2015-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7450Resumption1 (2015) · source
“1 would like to thank the Lithuanian presidency for taking the initiative to organize this timely and important debate on the protection of journalists in conflict situations. I welcome the remarks made by the Deputy Secretary- General and the Director-General of Reporters Without Borders. Greece aligns itself with the statement made by the observer of the European Union. I would like to add a few words on this issue of major significance in my national capacity. As the Secretary-General confirmed in his report on the safety of journalists and the issue of impunity (A/69/268), there has been an upward trend in the number ofjournalists killed in recent years and increased targeting of journalists and media workers. More than half of the 61 journalists killed in 2014 were covering war regions; 17 of them were killed in Syria.”
2015-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7450Resumption1 (2015) · source
“On the occasion of the seventieth anniversary of the United Nations, and as we celebrate the fundamental values and principles of the Organization, we should make it our duty to prevent the loss of diversity and of the invaluable cultural heritage of the Middle East, part of which dates back in time to the very origins of our civilization.”
2015-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7419 (2015) · source
“The situation of religious and ethnic groups can serve as an indicator for measuring the overall political environment in the Middle East. Efforts to achieve peace in the region and prevent violence from spilling over into neighbouring countries will require a regional consensus on supporting the historical presence of these communities in their homeland. In that spirit, the efforts of religious institutions, including the ancient Churches, and of civil society, to promote reconciliation and moderation in the region and preserve peaceful coexistence for all religious and ethnic communities, merit our attention and support. In that context, Greece has undertaken an initiative to convene an international conference with the aim of contributing to addressing the issue in a comprehensive way.”
2015-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7419 (2015) · source
“Greece supports the efforts of the Secretary- General and those of the United Nations through its resolutions, as well as the relevant European Union statements and action, and we condemn the human rights violations and acts of barbarism perpetrated against religious and ethnic groups and the denial of their right to remain in their homeland. We condemn the deliberate destruction and looting of cultural heritage assets such as monuments, museums, churches and religious shrines and sites. Along with our firm stance in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism, we believe we should consider arrangements for closely monitoring the situation of religious and ethnic communities, as a first step to preventing their persecution and oppression in the region.”
2015-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7419 (2015) · source
“Today we have heard dramatic messages and testimonies about the torture and suffering of Yazidis, Chaldeans and members of other Christian communities who have been forced to flee their homes. It is noteworthy that half of Iraq's 1.4 million Christians have already left their ancestral land, while 400,000 Yezidis have been violently persecuted and displaced. In Syria, ISIL and other terrorist groups have perpetrated all sorts of abuses and inhuman acts against Christians, while at the same time Muslim communities and citizens have also been the Victims of vicious and barbaric abuse.”
2015-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7419 (2015) · source
“As those groups display, in the most brutal way, their determination to erode every trace of civilization in the region, we are witnessing heinous persecutions, violence, mass killings and the deliberate destruction of the historical and cultural heritage of ethnic and religious communities. Christian, Yazidi, Kurdish, Shabak and other Muslim communities that have coexisted for centuries are now being displaced or forced to flee, while many others have been kidnapped and executed. Women and children in ethnic communities have been targeted by violent extremists through abductions, hostage-taking, rape, human trafficking and slavery, despite numerous calls internationally for an immediate end to all sexual and gender-based violence.”
2015-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7419 (2015) · source
“I would like to thank the French presidency of the Security Council for taking the initiative to convene this timely and important debate. I also wish to thank the Secretary-General for his statement and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights for his comprehensive presentation. Greece aligns itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the European Union. We would also like to speak from our national point of View to emphasize our concern about the unprecedented humanitarian crisis, the impact on minorities and ethnic and religious communities of the protracted conflicts in Syria and Iraq, and the horrendous crimes committed by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and other terrorist groups.”
2015-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7419 (2015) · source