YouSaid · the spoken record

Cancela

lines on the record: 265
first: 2008-07-17
most recent: 2016-06-10
sittings or episodes: 30
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“We are especially grateful for the report's annex concerning restrictions to access to humanitarian assistance. We agree that only safe, timely and unhindered access will make it possible to provide protection and assistance to those in need. Any humanitarian response must be sustainable and take into account the development perspective. In that regard, it is essential to ensure the necessary building of capacities at the national level, in particular in cases in which constraints are due to the physical environment. We regret that, in some cases, constraints are the result of Government policies or the practices of local actors who interfere with humanitarian operations.”
2009-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6151Resumption1 (2009) · source
“We value the joint work of civil society with the entire United Nations system, including the Office of the Special Representative on Children and Armed Conflict, UNICEF child protection advisers and the staff of peacekeeping missions; to create sustainable child protection mechanisms. We reiterate the need to pay greater attention to the reintegration of the victims of grave violations of their rights, in particular in cases of sexual abuse and exploitation. We believe that it is essential to tirelessly combat impunity for those responsible for violations in blatant contravention of international norms, especially against women and children. In that connection, we urge the Security Council to refer such cases to the International Criminal Court.”
2009-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6151Resumption1 (2009) · source
“The attention given to this subject by various United Nations bodies, in particular in the General Assembly and the Security Council, has increased. Despite the considerable efforts made in this regard, a great deal of work remains to be done if we are to ensure the due protection that they are due. It is imperative to ensure the inclusion of a cross- cutting gender perspective in all the work of the Organization, including in peacekeeping operations and in the field of humanitarian assistance. The number of cases of gender-based violence, including sexual violence, in situations of armed conflict is alarming. Uruguay supports the increased priority being given to children affected by armed conflicts on the international agenda, and will continue to contribute to all efforts in this regard.”
2009-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6151Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Uruguay shares the view that, above and beyond humanitarian action, in order effectively to improve the protection of civilians this activity should be addressed through a comprehensive approach that also includes protection through peacekeeping, the promotion of the rule of law, political stability, disarmament, demobilization, reintegration, reconstruction and economic and social development. Given time constraints, my delegation would like to take this opportunity to focus on two extremely sensitive aspects of this issue: the situation of the most vulnerable sectors of the civilian population in armed conflicts, such as women and children; and the protection of civilians through peacekeeping operations. Once again, women and children are identified as vulnerable groups that require special protection.”
2009-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6151Resumption1 (2009) · source
“In addition to being an ethical imperative that reflects the broad evolution of human consciousness towards ways of life whose core values are respect for life, integrity and human dignity, the protection of civilians also represents a legal imperative based on universally accepted rules of international humanitarian law. In the case of the protection carried out by the United Nations in the framework of a peacekeeping operation, these rules must include the consent of the host country and the existence of a Security Council resolution containing such a mandate.”
2009-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6151Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Mr. Cancela (Uruguay) (spoke in Spanish): At the outset, I wish to thank the delegation of Turkey for having convened this very important debate. The delegation of Uruguay welcomes the report of the Secretary-General on the protection of civilians in armed conflict (S/2009/277), presented this morning by the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Mr. John Holmes. The report constitutes an important input for advancing the discussion of this issue. Its issuance 10 years after this question was first considered by the Security Council raises expectations regarding not only the evaluation to be made about the progress made, but also concerning the core challenges that lie ahead.”
2009-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6151Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Our troops have participated in successful programmes in coordination with the child protection advisers, but have also endured the difficulties in implementing mandates that, while sound on paper, do not have enough human and material resources in practice. It is thus indispensable that Security Council mandates, when incorporating specific provisions to protect children, include the strategic and logistical measures needed to best fulfil these tasks. Uruguay once again stands ready to contribute to responding to this challenge through its experience on the ground.”
2009-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6114Resumption1 (2009) · source
“We appreciate the work of civil society in conjunction with the entire United Nations system, including the Office of the Special Representative, UNICEF child-protection advisers and the peace mission personnel, in building sustainable mechanisms for child protection. Uruguay, one of the 10 largest troop contributors, has demonstrated on the ground its unwavering commitment to the protection of the civilian population in general and of children in particular. In this sense, we support the recommendation to include specific provisions for the protection of children in all peacekeeping operations. Our country has witnessed the successes and the difficulties of this project.”
2009-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6114Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Such efforts should enjoy adequate human and financial resources and be community- based in order to facilitate the sustainable and successful reintegration of these children. The social reintegration of children also requires the careful consideration of cases of minors accused of crimes committed during their association with armed forces or groups. We agree that, in such cases, children must be seen, first and foremost, as victims and dealt with in accordance with international legislation within the framework of a legal system for children that leads to their social rehabilitation.”
2009-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6114Resumption1 (2009) · source
“We understand that it is critical to fight tirelessly against the impunity of those responsible for grave violations of children's rights, in clear contravention of relevant international norms. In that regard, we encourage the Security Council to refer such cases to the International Criminal Court. My delegation believes that greater attention should be given to the reintegration into society of children who are linked to armed groups or victims of other grave violations of their rights, in particular sexual abuse or exploitation. We agree with the Special Representative on the critical importance of effective disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programmes to the well-being of all children affected by armed conflict.”
2009-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6114Resumption1 (2009) · source
“In that regard, we reiterate our support for the recommendation that the mechanism's scope be extended, as we do not believe that certain violations are more serious than others. All must be accorded the same priority. We understand that extending the trigger would call for the careful discussion of each category within existing legal frameworks. We feel that a focus on step-by-step, progressive inclusion would be more practical and operative. In that respect, we recognize the contribution of the International Criminal Court, which designates as war crimes sexual violence and the recruitment or enlisting of children under the age of 15 or their active use in armed conflict. We also appreciate the contributions of other international courts that have included the protection of children in their respective jurisdictions.”
2009-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6114Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Nevertheless, Uruguay recognizes the role that the Security Council has played, particularly through the adoption of numerous resolutions, the most recent of which - resolution 1612 (2005) - established a monitoring and reporting mechanism in order to receive reliable information and take specific action to put a halt to the illegal recruitment and use of children in conflict zones. With respect to resolution 1612 (2005), we believe that it is necessary to assess not only the implementation, but also the format of the mechanism. We remain concerned by the fact that, even when reports continue to highlight six types of grave violations against children, the mechanism is triggered only by the illegal recruitment and use of child soldiers.”
2009-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6114Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Despite the achievements of recent years, the figures contained in the Secretary-General's latest report (S/2009/ 15 8) on the impact of armed conflict on children are of particular concern. The issue is inscribed on the agenda of the General Assembly, where my country has played an extremely active role year after year in strengthening and expanding the involvement and responsibility of that organ of universal membership with respect to an issue that falls within its mandate and is of concern to all.”
2009-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6114Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Mr. Cancela (Uruguay) (spoke in Spanish): I thank the delegation of Mexico for convening this timely debate on civilians in armed conflict. Uruguay is pleased that the issue of children affected by armed conflict has been enjoying increasing priority on the international agenda, and will continue to support all efforts in that regard. We welcome the presence of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict. Uruguay fully supports her work and mandate. Her substantive briefings, developed in a framework of broad consultations, allow us to assess progress to date and reaffirm our conviction that much work remains to be done.”
2009-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6114Resumption1 (2009) · source
“5 Finally, we must consider the financing of this important activity of the Organization, supporting the Secretary-General's proposals for a list of mediators that will allow us to take timely advantage of the experience accumulated in various regions and to maintain a competent and effective Mediation Support Unit in the Secretariat. The Security Council, for its part, should attach the greatest importance to preventive activity, clearly supporting the Secretary-General's proposals and continuing to study, as a priority, the peaceful settlement of disputes as the best alternative for the maintenance of international peace and security.”
2009-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6108Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Mediation, facilitation and dialogue, as fundamental components of the social fabric at the national or local level, make it possible to create an environment favourable to reconstruction and peacemaking in the event ofpossible conflict. Among the other aspects that need to be strengthened, according to the Secretary-General, is gender policy (5/2009/189, para. 62 (f)). The report indicates that only seven women have been appointed mediators in the history of the Organization. When women are listed in the various mediator posts, there is also clearly a deficit in terms of equitable geographical distribution - a principle often violated in the bureaucratic history of the United Nations. We demand not only gender equity, but also geographic equity with regard to the appointment of mediators.”
2009-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6108Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Current instances of regional mediation have enabled us to settle potential conflicts in the region in a timely manner, while enabling the United Nations to devote its efforts to mediation in other regions. However, that does not mean that cooperation is not necessary in our region; rather, it should preserve the inter-American system in order to maintain the early-warning system in the region. The efforts of the OAS and other subregional arrangements will require increasingly sophisticated levels of cooperation with the United Nations. Another aspect related to the concepts of peacekeeping and peacebuilding through preventive diplomacy is the need to promote national and local capacities in conflict prevention and resolution.”
2009-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6108Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Another point of particular interest would be considering the report's implications and the subsequent debate on the implementation of mediation-related measures under Chapter VIII of the Charter and regional agreements, pursuant to Article 52 of the Charter. We understand the importance of the reference to regional bodies and to the participation of other non-State actors in certain mediation processes. In that connection, we believe that similar attention should be accorded to all regions. For example, we can cite the specific case of the Organization of American States (OAS), which has the broadest experience in this area. The inter-American system was already developing concrete practices in the area of peaceful dispute settlement towards the end of the nineteenth century.”
2009-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6108Resumption1 (2009) · source
“We understand that, in the specific case of the Secretary-General's structural and administrative recommendations, they could be implemented by the General Assembly through the Fifth Committee. While the report was submitted to the Security Council, it would have been useful for the Council, after having considered the document's implications and deciding what course this discussion would take, to pass on its content to the General Assembly, highlighting those aspects on which the Assembly could collaborate with the Council, in accordance with the provisions of Article 11 of the Charter.”
2009-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6108Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Among these, we highlight the strengthening and professionalization of United Nations mediators; the importance of intervening as soon as possible; reflections and proposals on integrating mediation into field operations; gender policy, in particular within the framework of the Mediation Support Unit; and partnerships with regional and subregional organizations and other civil society actors in this endeavour. In that connection, and with regard to the Secretary-General's proposals, Uruguay has the following understanding. In principle, we recognize the important work done by the Secretary-General and the Department of Political Affairs, which was strengthened by last year's reform and the progress made following the establishment and structuring of the Mediation Support Unit.”
2009-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6108Resumption1 (2009) · source
“In that connection, mediation and peaceful dispute settlement procedures involve not only the principal United Nations organs, in particular the Security Council, but also the full weight and mandated role of the General Assembly and the International Court of Justice, as defined in the Charter. The history of mediation in the United Nations should be studied on the basis of actual practice. The aspects discussed by the Secretary-General in his report enable us to focus on the current scope of practice and to consider the proposals and recommendations that he intends to implement in 2009.”
2009-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6108Resumption1 (2009) · source
“The peaceful settlement of disputes involves a range of instruments to achieve a rational and negotiated solution to situations that may threaten international peace and security. Using those means is vitally important owing to the preventive nature of these processes. If we recall the well-known observation that the prevention of conflicts is less burdensome that imposing and keeping the peace, we can clearly understand the appropriateness of adopting those methods as widely as possible. Mediation is a strongly developed mechanism in the area of preventive diplomacy. Preventive diplomacy itself requires great flexibility with regard to the various processes that can be involved in dispute settlement in the pre-conflict phase.”
2009-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6108Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Mr. Cancela (Uruguay) (spoke in Spanish): First of all, I would like to welcome the initiative of the Mexican presidency in bringing to the Security Council and to this open debate the issue of mediation and the procedures for the peaceful settlement of disputes. We recall that in September 2008, the Security Council, at the initiative of Burkina Faso and of representatives of the members of the Economic Community of West African States, also held a debate on the issue (see S/PV.5979), and in the presidential statement that summed up that debate (S/PRST/2008/36) requested the Secretary-General to submit a report on mediation and ways to enhance it. We take this opportunity to note with interest the report submitted by the Secretary-General in document S/2009/ 189. The subject in question is very important.”
2009-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6108Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Therefore, it is urgent that the Haitian authorities collaborate closely with the international community to facilitate the distribution of humanitarian aid and recovery work and to lay a foundation for renewed private-sector activity in the interests of the country's long-term reconstruction and development. 09-293 1 8 The Group of Friends of Haiti reaffirms the great importance of the donor conference on 14 April. It will be an opportunity for donors and partners to improve coordination and to make available the additional assistance required by the Government of Haiti to meet the country's immediate needs and to lay the foundations for sustainable economic and social development.”
2009-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6101Resumption1 (2009) · source
“The Group of Friends of Haiti stresses the need for free and fair elections and calls on all political actors to ensure that the upcoming elections for the renewal of one third of the Senate are held in a peaceful atmosphere. Haiti continues to grapple with food insecurity, significant poverty and a fragile humanitarian situation. In those areas, unfortunately, there has been a marked deterioration in the daily living conditions of the vast majority of the Haitian people. The Group of Friends of Haiti shares the View of the Secretary- General that stabilization, security and development are linked, since the current levels of poverty, deprivation and suffering in the country are clearly incompatible with long-term stability.”
2009-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6101Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Similarly, we recognize the strong commitment of a group of Latin American countries that are pooling their resources to help train the Haitian National Police. We also underscore the efforts made by the Meeting of Deputy Ministers for Foreign Affairs and Deputy Ministers for Defence of the Consultative Group 2 x 9 on Haiti. As regards political dialogue and the elections, our Group believes that establishing the Government of Prime Minister Pierre-Louis represents an important step forward and the expression of improved cooperation among the executive branch, Parliament and civil society in response to the devastating series of tropical storms that struck the country. It is important to consolidate that cooperation in order to meet the country's needs.”
2009-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6101Resumption1 (2009) · source
“As the coordinator of the Group of Friends of Haiti, I would like to express our strong support for MINUSTAH - and for the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in their efforts to improve the 2 stability and governance in Haiti. The latest report of the Secretary-General, dated 6 March 2009, underlines the progress made in implementing the mandate of MINUSTAH, as set out in resolution 1840 (2008) and previous resolutions. The Group of Friends of Haiti welcomes the progress achieved in four of the five areas considered critical for consolidating Haiti's stability: political dialogue and elections; extension of State authority, including border management; strengthening of security; and the rule of law and human rights.”
2009-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6101Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Mr. Cancela (Uruguay) (spoke in Spanish): My delegation, on behalf of the Group of Friends of Haiti, would like to congratulate you, Sir, and the delegation of Mexico for having taken the initiative to organize this debate on Haiti and in this way to address the latest report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) (S/2009/l29) and the Security Council's recent visit to Haiti in March 2009, led by Costa Rica. Before noting the two main topics to be addressed by the Council, I would like to reaffirm once again the Group of Friends of Haiti's full commitment to and support for the Haitian Government and people in rebuilding their country, consolidating peace and stability, and promoting recovery and sustainable development.”
2009-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6101Resumption1 (2009) · source
“On a related subject, let me conclude by recalling that delegations are invited to participate in the workshop organized by the Missions of Australia and Uruguay on the implementation of civilian protection mandates in the context of peacekeeping operations, which will take place on Tuesday, 27 January, at the Millennium Hotel.”
2009-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6075 (2009) · source
“That is why we attach central importance to an enhanced level of exchange of information, coordination and consultation with troop-contributing countries during the stages I have mentioned. As we have said during consideration of the reform of the Security Council's working methods, as a troop- contributing country we aspire to having a real opportunity to express our opinion before the specifics of an operation are defined. In that regard, we propose the creation of a mechanism that would make such interaction possible. We particularly wish it to be a depoliticized and effective mechanism that will help minimize risks and maximize the efficiency of peacekeeping operations.”
2009-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6075 (2009) · source
“But their level of participation in the management of the operations is very low, and they have few opportunities to provide inputs which could be valuable, in particular in the preparation and planning stage, when crucial elements must be carefully considered in order to have a successful mission, such as the provision of adequate human, financial and logistic resources; exit strategies; and capacities that can provide flexibility on the ground in case of unexpected events. Moreover, when mandates are reviewed, first- hand information and the perspective of a country that has troops in the field can be of great value in the process carried out by the Council to understand the situation and consider the opportunities and threats on the ground.”
2009-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6075 (2009) · source
“Finally, I should like to address the issue of the effective strategic oversight of peacekeeping operations, which undoubtedly a key area for the system's sustainability. This is an area in which the management of truthful and accurate information as well as consultation and coordination among the parties concerned are key elements for the decisions that the Council must take, which have a direct effect on the ground - and thus on the troops that have been deployed. In that regard, we endorse the ideas set out in the non-paper prepared by the United Kingdom and France with the aim of promoting broader participation by troop-contributing countries. Those States, most of which are developing countries, provide the largest part of the personnel deployed in peacekeeping operations.”
2009-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6075 (2009) · source
“Another very sensitive subject that everyone agrees must be addressed is the mandates agreed upon by the Security Council, particularly for operations taking place in complex situations, which involve, inter alia, the protection of civilians, the defence of human rights and reconstruction. We share the concern of those who advocate greater clarity in these mandates, but we would also note that emphasis must be placed on making these mandates realistic. It is our concern that forces on the ground should have the human and material resources needed to fulfil those mandates, so that, as the Panel on United Nations Peace Operations of 2000 put it, United Nations forces can "pose a credible deterrent threat" (S/2000/809, para. 51).”
2009-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6075 (2009) · source
“In this respect, while activities to maintain security are key, they are insufficient to guarantee sustainable stability without efforts to promote the economic and social development of the conflict zone. Moreover, it is far less costly to prevent the emergence or resumption of a conflict. Uruguay is committed to these efforts, and it is for that reason that we have so vigorously sought membership of the Peacebuilding Commission. We believe that the Commission is a crucial forum and a crucial tool, through which we hope to contribute in the best way possible on the basis of our experience on the ground in the sphere of public security, as well as on the basis of our experience of achieving growth with social equity based on respect for the rule of law, democratic values, legal empowerment and equal opportunities for all.”
2009-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6075 (2009) · source
“Although the number of conflicts in the world has diminished in the past few years, the cases in which a United Nations presence has been required have increased considerably. On the one hand, this can be given a positive reading: that the system possesses both legitimacy and an significant foundation of credibility. On the other hand, it is clear that even with the best efforts in the areas of recruitment, financial contributions and operations management, the United Nations system will not be able to have a peacekeeping operation in every conflict. That reality makes prevention and reconstruction efforts even more crucial, as the latter is ultimately a form of prevention as well.”
2009-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6075 (2009) · source
“This approach takes into account the various activities that can contribute to attaining peace processes that encompass conflict prevention, peacekeeping and peacebuilding. As we seek to improve the situation regarding peacekeeping operations, we cannot forget those other two components. The Organization has been taking concrete steps with the goal of achieving a comprehensive approach in order to provide stability and peace in conflict zones. Uruguay firmly supports the intensification of these efforts and the specific initiatives that have been developed by the Secretariat. These include the integrated mission planning process, which we fully support; prevention of conflict activities, including a strengthened role for the Department of Political Affairs; and post-conflict reconstruction.”
2009-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6075 (2009) · source
“This calls for in-depth consideration of the entire issue, but it also calls for decisions, to try both to improve the situation in the short term and to create sustainable conditions for the medium and long term. Even if interim answers can be found, there are no magic formulas to instantly resolve these problems. Suffice it to recall that a few years ago the Organization engaged in a wide and profound examination of this issue, from which important recommendations arose. In many cases, these were translated into concrete reforms, whose results we are beginning to see. It is important that the Organization continue the reform process that was initiated, in particular by pursuing the initiatives towards strengthening the strategic approach of a United Nations presence in conflict zones.”
2009-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6075 (2009) · source
“This is a sensitive period for peacekeeping operations, with an unprecedented increase in field operations, increasingly complex and difficult mandates to implement, greater risks to United Nations personnel and humanitarian workers, a deterioration in respect for human rights, and costs that are rising in a context of budgetary constraints and an international financial and economic crisis. As an example, I must mention the significant and growing gap between the number of military and police personnel approved under Security Council mandates and the number of troops actually deployed in the field. This is a clear illustration of the serious difficulties facing the system.”
2009-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6075 (2009) · source
“Mr. Cancela (Uruguay) (spoke in Spanish): At the outset, allow me to thank you, Sir, for your invitation and to welcome your very timely initiative to convene a debate on the current situation of United Nations peacekeeping operations. We also thank in particular the Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, the Under-Secretary-General for Field Support and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti for their valuable briefings.”
2009-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6075 (2009) · source
“It will be an opportune moment to better define the concept of the protection of civilians as it contrasts with the concept of the responsibility to protect. It will also be an opportunity to analyze the challenges that must be kept in mind from a practical point of view in implementing the mandates of peacekeeping operations that include protection of civilian components, as well as to become aware of the experiences of the main troop contributors and of the Secretariat.”
2009-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6066Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Fortunately, the development of the international community has provided us with an excellent concept by which to make the world a more humane place. In accordance with the provisions of international humanitarian law, the protection of civilians is a legal imperative. However, it is also an ethical imperative that reflects the long evolution of humankind towards civilizing norms that place respect for life and human integrity and dignity at the core of its values. Lastly, I would like to highlight that, on 27 January, the delegations of Uruguay and Australia will organize an open workshop to address the issue of implementing the protection of civilians in the mandates of peacekeeping operations.”
2009-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6066Resumption1 (2009) · source
“In connection with those challenges, Uruguay would like to reiterate its position, which we have previously stated in other forums, that the activities of the United Nations in providing humanitarian assistance must be carried out in accordance with the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, independence, respect for international humanitarian law and security for personnel on the ground - all the while bearing in mind that the primary responsibility for the protection of civilians lies with States. The twentieth century witnessed atrocities and abhorrent acts of aggression against innocent civilians that had an impact on entire peoples. Sadly, the final years of that century and the early years of the twenty- first century have also produced events that have shaken and disturbed the conscience of the international community.”
2009-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6066Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Uruguay shares the Secretary-General's view with regard to the four challenges that the international community must address with regard to the protection of civilians, namely, the need to ensure access to civilians so that they can be provided the assistance they need to survive; combating and eradicating the heinous practice of sexual violence in armed conflict; the need to more systematically address the effects of conflict on homes, land and property; and the importance of putting an end to the unacceptable humanitarian consequences of cluster munitions.”
2009-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6066Resumption1 (2009) · source
“As pointed out earlier, in addition to clear and specific mandates, it is essential that United Nations forces 09-20856 have at their disposal the essential means and capabilities to effectively protect civilians. That imperative need is both a great challenge and a responsibility for the Organization and all its Member States.”
2009-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6066Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Uruguay's experience on the ground has also led us to voice a crucial concern. On numerous occasions, Uruguayan contingents have warned of the impossibility of carrying out expanded humanitarian assistance and civilian protection efforts due to the fact that destabilizing forces in a given region were several times greater in number than the personnel of peacekeeping operations. We believe that such situations give rise to the need, at the time that a peacekeeping mission is established or renewed, for Security Council mandates to envisage the necessary strategic and logistical provisions to address the implementation of those tasks as best as possible.”
2009-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6066Resumption1 (2009) · source
“In the various peacekeeping operations to which Uruguay has contributed, including those in which my country is currently participating, Uruguayan contingents have escorted and protected United Nations agencies, the International Committee of the Red Cross and non- governmental organizations providing humanitarian assistance. They have helped refugees and internally displaced persons return to their homes. They have neutralized the harmful potential to civilians of anti- personnel mines. Uruguayan military and civilian personnel have also initiated reconstruction efforts in countries devastated by conflict, including in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Haiti. Uruguayan personnel deployed in the field have also carried out humanitarian campaigns to mitigate the harm suffered by civilians in countries afflicted by natural disasters.”
2009-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6066Resumption1 (2009) · source
“09-20856 Uruguay has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to international humanitarian law, as illustrated by our adherence to and implementation of all the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their Additional Protocols; the Rome Statute, which established the International Criminal Court; The Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict and its Protocols' and the Convention on the Prohibition of Military or Any Other Hostile Use of Environmental Modification Techniques. All those instruments constitute the essence of international humanitarian law. On the ground, Uruguay, one of the largest troop contributors to United Nations peacekeeping operations, has demonstrated its unequivocal commitment to the protection of civilians.”
2009-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6066Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Notwithstanding the progress made, Uruguay notes with particular concern that, despite the reduction in the number of conflicts throughout the world, as pointed out in the latest report of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, civilian populations continue to experience acts of brutality and degradation as a result of being in the wrong place at the wrong time or being deliberately selected as victims of atrocities in an environment of almost complete impunity. Unfortunately, in recent days we have witnessed the unfolding of actions whose result has been aggression against civilian populations and the obstruction of crucial humanitarian assistance to the victims of those actions.”
2009-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6066Resumption1 (2009) · source
“As noted by the Secretary-General in his most recent report on this subject, Within the Council the normative framework for the protection of civilian populations in armed conflict has been fine-tuned, beginning with resolutions 1265 (1999) and 1296 (2000). This has been reflected in the adoption of a number of resolutions that emphasize the protection of women and children in armed conflict and has been bolstered by the adoption of resolutions 1674 (2006) and 1738 (2006). That normative progress has been complemented by the inclusion of activities pertaining to the protection of civilians in the mandates of existing peacekeeping operations. That illustrates how the Council has gradually modified its focus on the protection of civilians in armed conflict.”
2009-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6066Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Mr. Cancela (Uruguay) (spoke in Spanish): Allow me to begin by expressing my thanks to the delegation of France for convening this debate under its presidency. Allow me also to reiterate the importance of such meetings, which facilitate interaction between the Security Council and non-member States. I would also like to welcome the valuable briefing given this morning by the Under- Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs. Ten years ago, this Council held its first open debate on the protection of civilians in armed conflict. At the time, it was hailed as a milestone in the Council's work. Since then, the work of both the Security Council and the United Nations as a whole has witnessed some advances and various difficulties in implementing policies intended to ensure the protection of civilian populations in armed conflicts.”
2009-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6066Resumption1 (2009) · source