YouSaid · the spoken record

Cabactulan

lines on the record: 152
first: 2010-06-16
most recent: 2014-07-28
sittings or episodes: 20
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

“Finally, the Philippines wishes to underscore that any discussion on the work of peacekeeping must involve the participation of key stakeholders. We reiterate NAM's and ASEAN's position that the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations is the sole body responsible for policymaking in peacekeeping. We call the Council's attention to the report of the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations (C-34) on its 2014 substantive session (A/68/l9), containing recommendations and decisions on such issues as enhanced safety and security for peacekeepers, cooperation with regional arrangements, and enhancement of African peacekeeping capacities. My delegation joins others in efforts to ensure that the decisions and recommendations contained in the C-34 report are implemented satisfactorily.”
2014-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7228 (2014) · source
“On the other hand, ASEAN has developed a concept paper on the establishment of the ASEAN Peacekeeping Centres Network whose implementation is currently under way. Seventhly, strengthening the safety and security of peacekeepers should continue to be a priority area of cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations. The experience in missions such as the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force in the Golan Heights should remind the United Nations and regional organizations to urge actors and stakeholders to respect the neutrality and freedom of movement of peacekeeping missions whose mandates are set forth by the Security Council. The key in that regard is to ensure that commands and instructions from the Council reach the front line commanders of United Nations missions in countries in conflict.”
2014-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7228 (2014) · source
“Fifthly, there is value in providing capacity- building support for peacekeeping operations to regional organizations and their members. In that regard, cooperation between stakeholders can help identify ways to further strengthen the capabilities and comparative advantages of regional organizations and their members. Avenues to explore such cooperative opportunities can be greatly enhanced through agreements, including, for example, the Joint Declaration on Comprehensive Partnership between ASEAN and the United Nations. Sixthly, there are key ongoing peacekeeping projects and programmes by regional organizations that deserve support. The potential contribution to peace and security in Africa by the African Standby Force is one such endeavour, and support is crucial for AU efforts to fully operationalize the Force by 2015.”
2014-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7228 (2014) · source
“Fourthly, there is a need for effective communication and coordination between the United Nations and regional organizations and agencies. The strategic relationship between the Security Council and the African Union Peace and Security Council is showing the way towards enhanced interaction and cooperation. Such a relationship is vital to ensuring rapid and appropriate responses to emerging situations and to developing effective strategies for conflict prevention, peacemaking, peacekeeping and peacebuilding on the continent. The establishment of the United Nations Office to the African Union in Addis Ababa is also a concrete step in the strengthening of the relationship between the United Nations Secretariat and the AU Commission.”
2014-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7228 (2014) · source
“First, the Security Council bears the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. Therefore, clear and achievable mandates emanating from the Security Council are crucial to their being successfully implemented. Secondly, in accordance with Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations and where the mandate and the capacity of regional arrangements or agencies allow it, regional arrangements and agencies can and do provide important contributions to peacekeeping. Thirdly, the operational partnership between the United Nations and regional organizations must be based on comparative advantages, complementarity and the optimal use of resources and capacities, inter alia.”
2014-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7228 (2014) · source
“While we affirm our commitment to the peaceful settlement of disputes, conflicts regrettably continue to arise. Conflicts now involve not only States but also non-State actors and result in the more complex and complicated milieux that United Nations peacekeeping efforts need to address and operate in. Operational demands and realities including the finite resources of the United Nations and the troop- and police-contributing countries require the maximizing, multiplying and coordinating efforts. In that regard, the partnership between the United Nations and regional organizations provides distinct lessons and practices that we can learn from and build upon. The Philippines wishes to highlight the following points and observations.”
2014-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7228 (2014) · source
“While there has been progress, challenges remain that need to be addressed to fully harness the partnerships' potentials to keep the peace throughout the world. Any debate on peacekeeping operations must be firmly grounded on the premise that all stakeholders must exert all efforts to peacefully settle disputes, acting in accordance with the purposes and principles of the United Nations. We must do everything that we can to prevent conflict from arising. That is a paramount obligation for all States Members of the United Nations and a principled position that the Philippines will never tire of articulating. Chapter VI of the Charter of the United Nations comprehensively provides the many ways to reach the pacific settlement of disputes.”
2014-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7228 (2014) · source
“I thank the presidency of Rwanda for convening today's open debate on the theme "United Nations peacekeeping operations: the United Nations and regional partnership and its evolution". It is an issue that is most relevant to the work of the Organization and the Security Council. The Philippines aligns itself with the statements made by the representative of Egypt, on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), and the representative of Thailand, on behalf of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The briefings of the Secretary-General, the Permanent Observer of the African Union (AU) and the Deputy Secretary General of the European External Action Service show the value of partnerships between the United Nations and regional organizations in peacekeeping operations.”
2014-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7228 (2014) · source
“We must be united in ensuring that all necessary actions are undertaken so thatjustice is finally served. My delegation is most grateful to Foreign Minister Julie Bishop of Australia for her leadership in preparing a draft resolution which later, with all her contributions and support, commanded a unanimous action by the Council. Resolution 2166 (2014) is an important action-oriented step towards achieving our common goal. The Philippines fully supports the resolution. We have co-sponsored the resolution. Indeed, we will support all efforts to secure justice for all and to honour the memory of the 298 irreplaceable lives in the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17. We really hope that resolution 2166 (2014) will find its fullest implementation. This unspeakable tragedy demands complete closure.”
2014-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7221 (2014) · source
“The investigation should shed more light and definitive information into the circumstances surrounding this regrettable incident so that the perpetrators of this most offensive of acts will be held fully accountable. The Philippines is concerned that the integrity of the crash site has been compromised, and in this regard urgently calls on the parties involved to secure the site of the crash and to grant investigators immediate and unfettered access to the crash site so that the investigation can commence without further delay. The remains of the victims need to be fully recovered, accounted for and given proper burial. We need to bring our loved ones home. We owe it to their memories and to their families. The perpetrators need to be identified and held fully accountable for this most revolting of acts.”
2014-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7221 (2014) · source
“In the ill-fated Malaysia Airlines Flight MH-l7, the Philippines lost a mother and her two children. The Philippines expresses once again its most sincere condolences to the families that lost their loved ones and to the Governments of the victims: Australia, Belgium, Canada, Germany, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States and Viet Nam. My delegation reiterates its condemnation of this incident in the strongest possible terms. The Philippines unequivocally supports calls for a full, thorough and independent international investigation - calls that have already been made by the Council and Secretary- General Ban Ki-moon.”
2014-07-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7221 (2014) · source
“The Philippines joins the call to immediately secure the area of the crash site, to launch an independent, transparent and international investigation into the incident and to provide full and safe access to investigators to the scene of the crash to enable them to swiftly conclude and report on the results of the investigation.”
2014-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7219 (2014) · source
“I thank you, Mr. President, for calling this emergency meeting. It is with great sadness that the Philippines received confirmation that Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 had crashed in eastern Ukraine yesterday, 17 July. The downing of MH-l7 is a most shocking and confounding event. Aboard that flight were 298 irreplaceable lives. Today we are united in grief. The Philippines conveys its most heartfelt condolences to the families and to the Governments and the peoples who lost their lives in the incident. Today we are united in denouncing this regrettable incident. The Philippines condemns in the strongest possible terms the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17. This incident is revolting, in particular in view of troubling and disconcerting reports that the crash was occasioned by a targeted move.”
2014-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7219 (2014) · source
“We now have the results of the survey conducted pursuant to General Assembly resolution 67/261 on the deficit between the current United Nations reimbursement rate to TCCs and PCCs and the high financial costs incurred by those countries. A decision that increases the standard rate of reimbursement to TCCs and PCCs must soon be adopted to ensure the success of peacekeeping missions. Finally, we would also like to express our alignment with the statement on this topic to be delivered by the representative of Egypt on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement.”
2014-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7196 (2014) · source
“However, while it is welcome and extremely useful that such new ideas exist to bring us closer to what we truly want to achieve in peacekeeping operations, there are currently issues facing us that must be addressed and for which durable and timely solutions must be found. Otherwise, there is the danger that those new ideas will come to nothing. First, pandemics and diseases constitute emerging threats. Additional studies to enhance the ability of peacekeeping missions to address them would be most welcome. Secondly, care must be taken to ensure that missions, through effective standard operating procedures, do not leave behind a footprint that negatively affects the environment and the local population. Thirdly, commitments and agreements must lead to concrete provision.”
2014-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7196 (2014) · source
“While its effectiveness has been demonstrated in several cases, missions must be provided with the wherewithal to address very serious security challenges. In the same manner, it must also be stressed that the practice of temporarily transferring personnel and equipment within a mission in the event of gaps must be minimized. Philippine peacekeepers have had to deal with that scenario in the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force for an extended period. Our third point is that it must also be stressed that partnership and coordination among troop-contributing countries (TCCs), police-contributing countries (PCCs), the Council and the Secretariat, as well as the relevant stakeholders, are vital to ensuring the successful implementation of peacekeeping mandates.”
2014-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7196 (2014) · source
“Secondly, the Philippines maintains that the use of modern technology must uphold the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, namely, respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Member States, and must comply with the fundamental principles of peacekeeping. The use of modern technology for the situational awareness of peacekeeping missions is recognized. However, it must be stressed that the control and confidentiality of the information collected are issues that must be addressed. On the need for peacekeeping missions to have the necessary resources, the model of the temporary transfer of personnel and equipment between missions in case of gaps is duly noted.”
2014-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7196 (2014) · source
“The Philippines belongs to the top three nations with international civilian staff in United Nations peacekeeping and political missions. The Philippines expresses its concern over the observation that there may be a possible increase in the casualty rate of troops as a result of their direct participation in hostilities in situations where threats arise from non-governmental armed groups. That underscores the need to build the self-defence capability of peacekeepers, consistent with the recommendations contained in the report of the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations (A/68/19). The Philippines looks forward to the report of the Secretary-General on the implementation of that report.”
2014-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7196 (2014) · source
“That said, we must be forward-looking and strategically oriented to ensure that peacekeeping missions remain steady and able to anticipate and to respond to new and emerging challenges and identifiable trends. The concept note (S/2014/384, annex) raises interesting points for the Philippines, and we would like to provide the following comments. Our first remark is that the Philippines notes the observation made that mandates for robust peacekeeping operations point to the need to assess their effectiveness and impact on the image of the Organization. Likewise, it is important to seriously consider the impact of such kinds ofmandates on United Nations personnel, including the humanitarian and civilian staff working on the ground in peacekeeping operations.”
2014-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7196 (2014) · source
“It is certainly incumbent on us all to act with responsibility and to do our part to ensure the success of peacekeeping missions. While the challenges confronting those missions may change, several elements must remain constant and must be enhanced - for instance, the setting of clear and achievable mandates; the provision of human resources and logistical support; a commitment to the safety and security of peacekeepers; the demonstration by stakeholders of the political will necessary for respect for the mandates, commitments and deals of peacekeeping missions and of all others relating to peacekeepers' freedom of movement; and responsive and timely policy recommendations from the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations.”
2014-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7196 (2014) · source
“Given these and many other challenges, our United Nations peacekeeping operations continue to face increasing constraints, particularly with regard to resources. These realities should not deter us from the great task and duty of this Organization, which is to maintain international peace and security. The Philippines has ably demonstrated its commitment to contributing to that task. What we have done so far is very modest, but our determination is certainly much bigger. With real and present danger to the safety and security of Filipino peacekeepers, my Government has continued to honour its international peacekeeping commitment in a testament to the unwavering resolve of my nation and people to hold the line of peace where it matters.”
2014-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7196 (2014) · source
“1 would like to thank you, Mr. President, for convening this timely and relevant meeting. I should also like to thank the Secretary-General for his comprehensive and detailed briefing, which provides a context for this important discussion of new trends in United Nations peacekeeping operations. This open debate comes at a crucial juncture for our Organization. Since 1948, when the United Nations pioneered its peacekeeping operations, the world has witnessed transformative events and massive changes in the global geopolitical landscape. Traditional threats continue, but of course there are now new and developing ones, including non-State actors with real capabilities for asymmetrical offences. The operational area has likewise evolved considerably, presenting a political milieu that is increasingly complex and complicated.”
2014-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7196 (2014) · source
“I wish to briefly recall that this is one of grand designs that ensured the success of 2010. It worries me in the wake of the third session of the Preparatory Committee for the 2015 Review Conference, which may put us on shaky ground as we move into the coming years. In many ways, that sums up the circumstances in which we find ourselves. We have been most active in expressing our views on our commitment to non-proliferation initiatives. Our responsibility, and indeed challenge now is to match those words with clear and concrete actions, fulfilling our commitments. Pacta sant servana'a. Only then will we be able to positively answer the hard questions we ask ourselves and secure for ourselves and our posterity the safe future we deserve.”
2014-05-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7169 (2014) · source
“One was related to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the Six-Party Talks; the second was related to the implementation of the 1995 resolution on convening a conference on the establishment of a Middle East zone free of a nuclear weapons and all other weapons of mass destruction. There was some optimism after the Conference. It was a watershed moment. Given the obstacles and differing positions of Member States, there was certainly difficulty in achieving consensus. Yet we managed to arrive at that point. The challenge now, however, is in the implementation. My country is disappointed that, four years after the 2010 NPT Review Conference, we have not yet convened the conference on the establishment of a Middle East zone free of nuclear weapons and all other weapons of mass destruction.”
2014-05-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7169 (2014) · source
“Why, for instance, in the preamble of resolution 1540 (2004), are all Member States enouraged to implement fully the disarmament treaties and agreements to which they are party? We must do our very best to secure all fissile radioactive material. We must attempt to do our very best to fully implement resolution 1540 (2004) for as long as we nuclear arms exist. Thus, one day we may not be so worried about this, and all that remains could be only those materials intended for peaceful uses of nuclear energy. Following the success ofthe 2010 Review Conference of the Parties to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, of which I had the honour of being Chair, there was much optimism owing to the adoption by consensus of the 64-point action plan - 62 action points plus two major issues of concern.”
2014-05-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7169 (2014) · source
“These highlights the fact that even those outside the NPT must in fact adhere to safeguard measures under the IAEA that approximate those obligations. Thirdly, it is very important to encourage more countries to ratify and accede to all the conventions that secure the transport and storage of fissile radioactive materials. Of course, there is a disquieting effect in the disregard for the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, which has a direct bearing on the issue of non-proliferation. Following the success of 2010, I note that the clarion call on the international community to move forward quickly and to work together even more closely concerns the overriding issue of nuclear disarmament.”
2014-05-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7169 (2014) · source
“Moreover, the Philippines has also prepared a strategic trade management act, the purpose of which is to prevent the proliferation of WMDs and their means of delivery through the establishment of a national strategic goods control list and providing a regulatory framework for dual-use goods. The bill has already been filed with both houses of Congress. But we all have to do a lot more. We need to do much more. First, for instance, when we talk about the nuclear security initiative of a group of sizeable countries, there is a great need to make multilateral what has been been agreed there in order to secure real and multilateral traction for its implementation. Secondly, we need more countries. Not all members of the NPT accept the additional protocol, mindful that those are additional obligations for themselves.”
2014-05-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7169 (2014) · source
“Secondly, we have developed the code for the Philippine National Research Institute, part 27, "Security Requirements in the Transport of Radioactive Material", aimed at ensuring the security of radioactive materials during transport and preventing illegal diversion, trafficking, theft and/or sabotage of such materials during transport. The Philippines has, of course, ratified the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Additional Protocol. To further strengthen the national legal framework for non-proliferation, the Philippines is finalizing the Chemical Weapons Prohibition Act of 2013, known as an act prohibiting the development, production, stockpiling, use of chemical weapons and on their destruction, and providing penalties therefor. The draft legislation is now pending review.”
2014-05-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7169 (2014) · source
“The Philippines takes its responsibility seriously and has accordingly demonstrated its will to pursue positive action, including, among others, the following: the regular provision to the Chair ofthe 1540 Committee of a comprehensive list of measures undertaken by the Philippine Government to ensure implementation of the resolution. Those include the development of counter- terrorism capacities and the upgrading of facilities, such as the establishment of a transport control communications centre at the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute, to monitor, control and coordinate the movements of category 1 and 2 sources within the country. There is also the Megaports Initiative project, which includes the establishment of a central alarm station monitoring unit and the National Single Window project.”
2014-05-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7169 (2014) · source
“That is quite an achievement in relation to securing fissile or radiological material. Secondly, more countries have now adopted the Additional Protocol to the NPT. It is well known that it is an additional burden and an additional commitment of countries, over and above their obligation in terms of comprehensive safeguards once they have become a member of the NPT. Thirdly, more countries have truly acceded to a number of agreements or conventions inspired by the International Atomic Energy Agency on securing such material. Fourthly, of course, there is the inspiring continuing work of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004).”
2014-05-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7169 (2014) · source
“Resolution 1540 (2004) reflected a vision and clearly set forth actions for States to follow up on, in order to achieve the objectives, including refraining from supporting non-State actors in developing, acquiring, manufacturing, possessing, transporting, transferring or using nuclear, chemical and biological weapons, adopting and enforcing effective laws, establishing domestic controls, and affirming support for multilateral treaties that aim to eliminate or prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), A decade since the adoption of the resolution, a lot has been achieved. First, a group of sizeable, important countries has participated in the Nuclear Security Summits. It is noteworthy to recognize that the specific initiatives, measures and actions that must be undertaken have been clearly identified.”
2014-05-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7169 (2014) · source
“Madam President, the convening by your presidency of this open debate on an issue of great importance is very timely. I do not wish to use the phrase "in the wake of", but maybe I should say "while the third meeting of the Preparatory Committee for the 2015 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) is taking place".”
2014-05-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7169 (2014) · source
“The operational activities of the United Nations could provide concrete instruments for the promotion of the interests of the children. It would in fact be an indication of failure on the part of the Security Council, even on an issue that is very important but of tangentional concern to the Council, if no final action were taken with respect to those countries on the list that are clearly not in situations of armed conflict. The appropriate agencies or United Nations operational activities can do more, instead, to secure the improvement of the situation of children in those countries and free up the Security Council to engage in the larger and more pressing issues of international peace and security.”
2014-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7129 (2014) · source
“It is the last the 12 annexes of the comprehensive framework agreement that was signed more than two years ago. Throughout that period, there has been tranquility in the area other than isolated cases of violence. By the end of this month, the comprehensive agreement will be signed. Allow me to reiterate the position of the Philippine Government. We value the sanctity of every human life, particularly the lives of our children and youth. Our position is unchanged - the situation in the Philippines does not warrant any inclusion on the list. The concrete developments and the concerns we have descrived, including on data and reporting, should be taken into full account. The Philippines offers more positive lessons learned and points of advancement rather than setbacks, which warrant our exclusion from the list.”
2014-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7129 (2014) · source
“Given the very real challenges that confront my nation's reconstruction and rebuilding efforts in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan, such speculative statements are quite insensitive and outright irresponsible, Thet are a disservice to the thousands of children in the typhoon-affected areas who need all the help they can get at this very crucial time. I take this opportunity to thank the Secretary- General for visiting the calamity-stricken areas and the international community - including the countries of my region and those represented here - for the very kind support they have extended to my Government, their relief efforts, and their assistance the recovery, reconstruction and development of the affected areas. My Government wishes to inform the Council that the fourth and final annex on the Bangsamoro was recently signed.”
2014-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7129 (2014) · source
“Those are not areas of operation of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, with which we have forged a lasting solution and which might be slighted by those reports or comments, or the Abu Sayyaf Group or other armed bands. Previous reports of the Special Representative of the Secretary- General will bear that out. There were a number of nasty reports that came out at the time, including on the trafficking of children, but all had shaky factual bases; such reports came out to advance the specific interests and hidden agendas of certain groups - but not the armed groups. I would refer, for instance, to the report that relief goods and medicines from the United Kingdom were diverted to private distributors or markets outside the calamity- stricken areas for private gain, but there were no such distributors in kind from the United Kingdom.”
2014-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7129 (2014) · source
“The Philippines also wishes to take exception to the statement in the report of the Working Group, recognizing that "children's vulnerability to violations and abuses committed by parties to the armed conflict might have increased in areas in the Philippines affected by Typhoon Haiyan, and urging relevant international governmental and non-governmental agencies working in affected areas to bear this risk in mind" (S/AC.5]/2014/1, para. 6 (d)). My delegation wishes to know the factual basis of that statement. It bears noting that Typhoon Haiyan - the strongest typhoon ever recorded in history to hit landfall - while cutting a huge swathe through the country, significantly affected provinces in the Visayas region, not in Mindanao.”
2014-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7129 (2014) · source
“We acknowledge and are grateful for the due recognition given to the positive developments that have taken place in the Philippines. Those institutional and legal developments need to be appreciated in the larger context of inclusive and sustainable growth and the peace and development agenda of my Government. It is a delicate balance that we in the Philippines are trying to achieve. The work carried out here on children should support the work that is being done at the country level.”
2014-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7129 (2014) · source
“The reports issued by the Secretary-General and his Special Representative and the documents emanating from the Working Group should follow from clear, accurate, verifiable and up- to-date data. It is therefore important that gaps in the reporting process that have been identified be addressed. Old data must be discarded. The Philippines raised that issue with the Working Group. The observation has to be translated into appropriate recommendations. The Security Council must be cognizant and address those gaps. The integrity of the reports and work of the Security Council and everybody else involved rests, in fact, on such basic requirements. Let me also bring to the fore additional points that need to be highlighted and commented on.”
2014-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7129 (2014) · source
“My President went to Malaysia a few days ago to thank the Malaysian Government for hosting many of the negotiations on a very comprehensive agreement for a lasting solution in southern Mindanao. Members should note that Typhoon Haiyan hit the central Philippines in the central region of the Visayas. Our negotiators were even very careful in their choice of words. The Council is very familiar with the nature, sensibilities and complexities of negotiations - anywhere and everywhere. And yet one still hears general sweeping references in statements or terms regarding the Philippines that cause one to wonder if they are at all reflective of a geographical knowledge of my country or helpful to national efforts. The Philippine Government continues to work closely with the United Nations for the promotion of the interest of the children.”
2014-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7129 (2014) · source
“My Government has been working steadfastly to institute meaningful and significant additional measures or specific actions to ensure that the framework for the protection of our children in any circumstances, including challenging situations, remains robust. That includes the signing of Executive Order No. 138, which created a monitoring, reporting and response system for grave child rights violations in all possible venues that a Filipino child may be in, including situations that may be characterized as armed conflict. My Government and our negotiators from both sides are working very hard in forging the agreement that will ensure a durable solution in southern Mindanao.”
2014-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7129 (2014) · source
“I thank you, Madam President, for giving me this opportunity to speak before the Security Council. The Philippines notes the adoption today of resolution 2143 (2014) and the briefing by the Special Representative of the Secretary- General for Children and Armed Conflict, as well as the statement of the Chair of the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict. My Government reaffirms its firm and demonstrated resolve to protect our children and their rights wherever they may be or in whatever circumstances they are in. My Government's actions on the matter speak volumes about our seriousness. Our commitment cannot be questioned.”
2014-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7129 (2014) · source
“We must continue to remind ourselves of the importance of the rule of law and strive for world peace. As responsible members of the international community, we adhere to the rule of law and comply with our international obligations and commitments.”
2014-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7113 (2014) · source
“Virtually all delegations agreed, during the sixty-eighth session of the General Assembly, that the draft articles were a key contribution to the development of international law, being broadly used as reference by international and national tribunals and Governments. Yet consensus has not been achieved on the next steps forward. There should be a way forward through meaningful dialogue. Clearly, the road ahead of us remains very long. The advancement and maintenance of international peace and security must continue to be pursued. Let us take this opportunity to renew our pledge to uphold the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations. We must match that pledge with action and vigilance. We must never fear to call out those who flout the rule of law.”
2014-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7113 (2014) · source
“We believe that the biggest takeaway that our collective history - blighted as it is with pernicious violence - has taught us is that the biggest investment we can make is in preventing conflicts from arising. In the context of internal conflicts, there is much to develop and support so that all stakeholders can come to a peaceful resolution. In the context of preventing international conflicts, we can, and should, rely on the rule of law to ensure not only that the rights of States are observed, but, more importantly, that States comply with their obligations. This is a situation where "right is might". In this regard, the continuing discussions held over 40 years on the responsibility of States for internationally wrongful acts deserve our careful consideration.”
2014-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7113 (2014) · source
“In the southern Philippines, we have made significant headway in bringing about ajust and lasting peace under President Benigno S. Aquino. Panels from the Philippine Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front formally signed the fourth and final annex to the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro on 25 January, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. These tangible fruits of years of committed work deserve the support of all those who have pledged to uphold peace and security through the rule of law. There may be lessons to be learned and best practices based on our experience that the Philippines can share. Our world knows all too well and has seen too much of the terrible suffering ofpeoples caught up in conflict and strife.”
2014-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7113 (2014) · source
“We must do everything we can to prevent such incidents. On the other hand, we must also recognize that the success of rule-of-law efforts relies not only on peacekeeping missions. There should be national ownership, political engagement, and coordination and alignment of efforts and resources. In that regard, we should also look into how other relevant actors can contribute to strengthening rule-of-law efforts. The role and inputs of host countries will therefore be vital. The Philippines has had to grapple with its own challenges. Throughout the years, my Government has resolutely pursued the path of peace through negotiations and meaningful dialogue within the framework of the rule of law and the 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines.”
2014-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7113 (2014) · source
“Key to such support is the provision of adequate resources and training, for the safety and security of all our peacekeepers. The Security Council must likewise make the utmost efforts to ensure that the freedom of movement of all peacekeepers is respected. Any act curtailing the freedom of movement of peacekeepers or impacting their safety and security must be condemned in the strongest terms. Last December, peacekeepers deployed to the Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali were wounded and killed in an explosion. We know all too well that pain and suffering. Throughout our five decades" engagement, Filipino peacekeepers have made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of peacekeeping. Our peacekeepers in the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force were kidnapped on two occasions.”
2014-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7113 (2014) · source
“Together with other stakeholders, we work on strengthening the rule of law, including through, among other things, the rebuilding of police and law- enforcement services, ensuring humane and secure prison facilities, strengthening legal frameworks and developing the national civilian capacity. But more needs to be done. The Philippines calls for the establishment of clear, credible and achieveable mandates for peacekeeping missions. We likewise call on stakeholders to provide the necessary policy, logistical and political support for peacekeeping missions. The Special Committee on Peacekeeping should provide timely and substantive policy directions that ensure a robust peacekeeping architecture and strengthen cooperation between troop- and police-contributing countries, the Security Council and the Secretariat.”
2014-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7113 (2014) · source
“It is intriguing to note that those professing the existence of the strongest basis for its claims - legal, historical or otherwise - do not have the proclivity to submit to adjudication. The Philippines acknowledges the importance of the rule of law as a key element of conflict prevention, peacekeeping, conflict resolution and peacebuilding. As such, the Philippines recognizes the inclusion of the strengthening of the rule oflaw in the mandates of 18 of the 28 Security Council missions' mandates. The Philippines, as a police- and troop-contributing country, continues to do its part in strengthening the rule oflaw. The Philippines is present in seven peacekeeping missions.”
2014-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7113 (2014) · source