YouSaid · the spoken record

Carrera Castro

lines on the record: 38
first: 2013-03-20
most recent: 2015-05-13
sittings or episodes: 4
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

“To prevent illicit trafficking in small arms and light weapons, we must strengthen our efforts and create synergies among the various instruments in order have coordinated mechanisms that reinforce our efforts.”
2015-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7442 (2015) · source
“Concerning the role of the arms industry, we wish to reiterate that, while it may prove useful to consider new technologies to improve stockpile management and reduce the diversion of arms to illicit markets, it would not be remiss to encourage producer States to promote responsibility and the full implementation of the relevant laws and norms. Our common goal should be to put a halt to the over- production of all weapons. Firearms claim the lives of hundreds of thousands of people each year, not to mention the related and indirect damage. Given the high toll, we all must support and improve the existing regulatory framework to ensure maximum effectiveness of the Council's response to threats to international peace and security caused by the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.”
2015-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7442 (2015) · source
“While responsibility for establishing effective norms and controls over firearms redounds to those sovereign States, it is important to bear in mind that the challenges facing States emerging from conflict generally reveal serious institutional defects that make them particularly vulnerable to arms trafficking, which is often linked, in the case of Latin America and other countries in Africa and Asia, to drug trafficking and transnational organized crime. In that regard, we welcome the Secretary-General's recommendation on the importance of ensuring that measures to collect weapons and related activities should go hand in hand with development programmes aimed at preventing and reducing armed violence.”
2015-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7442 (2015) · source
“As the Secretary-General's report recognizes, given that the searchability of consumer products has evolved in other areas, whether or not munitions are included in weapons regulations appears to be more a matter of political will than to reflect a technical or logistical problem that would prevent it. Munitions are the essence of what makes firearms lethal; their exclusion leaves our attention to illicit traffic incomplete. Moreover, the Secretary-General's report also refers to the fact that, in post-conflict periods, criminal violence often replaces political violence, which has long-term implications for those States.”
2015-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7442 (2015) · source
“In that regard, we welcome the specific focus on the flow of illegal munitions in the Secretary-General's report. We agree with his recommendation to explore new ways to combat the flow of illicit munitions, especially within the context of arms embargoes. That could have an immediate effect on armed violence; indeed, the report recognizes that the true value of small arms "depends on the uninterrupted supply of munitions". While it is true that the Arms Trade Treaty addresses munitions and their parts and components, the latter are not subject to the same degree of control as weapons and are excluded from the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects, as well as its follow-up mechanisms.”
2015-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7442 (2015) · source
“Moreover, within the United Nations, even though the theme of small arms and light weapons is amply addressed by the General Assembly, whose leadership on the issue deserves recognition, the Security Council too, inasmuch as this is a transectoral phenomenon that impacts international peace and security, should play an active and complementary role in its areas of specific competence. For that reason, we support the draft resolution on the matter, which is based on resolution 2117 (2013) and which we hope will be adopted soon. We would especially like to stress the responsibility of States to protect their civilian populations, and to emphasize that preventing the proliferation of small arms should be part of that commitment. It is not enough to control the flow of arms.”
2015-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7442 (2015) · source
“Despite the peacekeeping efforts of the United Nations and existing mechanisms to help States comply with arms embargoes, the unregulated circulation of small arms continues its alarming proliferation. That situation is able to persist due to the lucrative illegal market, inadequate regulation and the lack of controls, including poor or minimal supervision of stockpiles. Addressing that complex phenomenon requires a focus supported by integrated policies that highlight the role of international, regional and subregional organizations.”
2015-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7442 (2015) · source
“The Security Council, more than any other international forum, has witnessed the high cost in human life caused by the absence of a legally binding instrument in that regard, which strengthens the case for ensuring the Treaty's full implementation and universality. The scourge of the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons has grave consequences that impact international peace and security, in particular with respect to the protection of civilians in armed conflicts. The illicit arms trade fuels armed violence and insecurity and exacerbates criminality and gender-based violence. The civilian population, especially women and children, most often suffers the consequences.”
2015-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7442 (2015) · source
“Slightly less than two years ago, the Security Council adopted resolution 2117 (2013), the first of its kind, which sought to address the devastating impact of small arms and light weapons, with a focus on the repercussions of illicit transfers, destabilizing accumulation and the improper use of small arms and light weapons on international peace and security. The resolution was an important step towards harnessing international cooperation in arms control, including through its provisions on improving the use of arms embargoes and its recognition of the importance of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), with the aim of reducing human suffering.”
2015-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7442 (2015) · source
“Mr. Carrera Castro (Guatemala) (spoke in Spanish): At the outset, I would like to congratulate Lithuania on assuming the presidency of the Security Council, for convening this open debate and for the important role that country is playing in the Council through you, Madam Ambassador. I would also like to thank you for the illuminating concept note (S/2015/306, annex) that is guiding today's deliberations. In addition, I wish to express our recognition to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Prince Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein and to Mr. Karamoko Diakite for their informative briefings, including in particular the moving and clear statement Mr. Diakite made this afternoon. Similarly, we thank the Secretary-General for the valuable recommendations he presented in his biennial report (S/2015/289).”
2015-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7442 (2015) · source
“We are aware of the tremendous challenges that the quest for a political solution poses to the parties to the conflict, both nationally and internationally, but this is the only option open to us. It is our political and historical responsibility, as States members of the international community, to support all of the steps that might help us to achieve the goal of peace.”
2015-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7430 (2015) · source
“Here we pay particular tribute to the role of Jordan, Turkey, Lebanon and Egypt in that regard. We condemn all attacks on refugee camps. It is vital that all parties to the conflict protect the civilian population and permit regular and ongoing humanitarian access to affected populations. We are firmly convinced that it is the State that bears the primary responsibility to protect the civilian population and that in no circumstances can it violate the rights of said population, in particular through recourse to violent means. It is necessary to ensure that any serious crimes that have been committed from the very beginning of this conflict do not go unpunished. The Syrian people deserve accountability.”
2015-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7430 (2015) · source
“The international community, in particular the members of the Security Council, must overcome their differences and seek new ways of reducing violence, alleviating the suffering of the population and creating the necessary conditions conducive to the resumption of negotiations. We are particularly concerned about the humanitarian situation in Syria. Essential services such as health care, education and sanitation are at a breaking point, and the current assistance being provided to support these systems is not sufficient. Any humanitarian aid that can be provided is vital for restoring political stability in the region. Against that backdrop, we would like to note the invaluable support lent by the Governments and peoples of those countries that have given refuge to thousands of Syrian refugees, thus shouldering an undue and heavy burden.”
2015-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7430 (2015) · source
“The crisis in Syria, which is entering its fifth year, continues in a spiral of violence and destruction. We categorically condemn the human rights violations committed by all parties. We are aware of the tremendous efforts undertaken by the United Nations, particularly through the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, to respond to the devastating impact of this conflict, but the international community also has a role to play. We reiterate the urgent need to rekindle the political process, and we believe, therefore, that any effort towards a peaceful settlement between the parties is valuable and should enjoy our support. We also commend the efforts undertaken by the Special Envoy, Mr. Staffan de Mistura, to deal with the Syrian conflict.”
2015-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7430 (2015) · source
“The withholding of that income for more than four months has had a deeply destabilizing effect on Palestinian institutions, particularly as concerns their ability to pay salaries in the public sector and provide essential services to the population. Additionally, Guatemala strongly supports the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, and in that context we deem positive the entry into force of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court for Palestine. We are firm advocates for the universality of the Court and believe that this step reflects the full commitment of the State of Palestine to work towards a system of accountability and respect for human rights, elements that can only serve to help pave the path to peace for both parties.”
2015-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7430 (2015) · source
“We believe that it is the parties to conflict themselves that must make real and renewed efforts that would include, inter alia, a complete lifting of the blockade, a halt to the construction of illegal settlements, and abstaining from provocative actions and from the launching of rockets, with the objective of meeting the legitimate security concerns of Israel. It is essential that the parties build mutual trust and commit to dialogue on peace and to the two-State solution, with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security, adopting measures aimed at rebuilding mutual trust and confidence. We welcome the announcement of an agreement under which Israel has agreed to release tax revenues collected on behalf of the Palestinian Authority, as this is an important step towards the rebuilding of trust between both parties.”
2015-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7430 (2015) · source
“We acknowledge the value of the principle of shared responsibility, and for that reason we believe that the active participation of both the diplomatic Quartet on the Middle East and the Security Council in the peace process could generate new momentum, so that the parties can take responsible steps towards a comprehensive, just and lasting peace. In this regard, we encourage a dialogue on the Arab Peace Initiative, with its vision of a comprehensive solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict, and on the vital role that could be played by the countries of the region and the Security Council. The parties must shy away from adopting measures that would further hinder prospects for the relaunching of meaningful talks.”
2015-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7430 (2015) · source
“Since the suspension of the latest rounds of peace talks in April 2014, we have seen a rapid deterioration in the situation between Israel and Palestine, which means that the desired two-State solution seems increasingly difficult to achieve. For that reason, it is important that we put together a political timeline that responds to the legitimate needs of both peoples and that will lead to a definitive and just settlement. It is for this reason that the international community must play an active role in supporting and promoting the peace process.”
2015-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7430 (2015) · source
“The fallout of the violence in the region has been disastrous for the civilian population, and, as my delegation noted in this very Chamber last month, we are particularly concerned by the plight of the many ethnic and religious communities that are under serious threat. The international community has borne witness to how violence, fundamentalism, intolerance, exclusion and the tearing apart of the very fabric of society have come to exemplify the characteristics of a political and social model that is no longer viable. For that reason, we must redouble our efforts to encourage leaders in the region to respect human rights and forge a better future for their peoples.”
2015-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7430 (2015) · source
“Mr. Carrera Castro (Guatemala) (spoke in Spanish): At the outset, the delegation of Guatemala would like to welcome the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Jordan, Mr. Nasser Judeh, and to thank him warmly for being so actively involved at the beginning of this debate. We also wish to congratulate the delegation of Jordan for its exemplary leadership and the work that it has undertaken throughout the month of April in exercise of the office of the presidency of the Security Council. The Ambassador of Jordan is a great personal friend, and we hope to be able to meet up with her again on Thursday and Friday. We also have taken due note of the statement made by the Secretary-General on recent developments in the Middle East, a region in which various countries find themselves racked by instability and conflict.”
2015-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7430 (2015) · source
“Finally, Guatemala remains firmly committed to MINUSTAH and to Haiti. We believe that with the constant efforts of the leaders of Haiti, the unshakeable determination of the exceptional Haitian people and the continued support of the international community will ensure that Haiti can achieve lasting security and a stable democracy rooted in socioeconomic improvement for all. Haiti must choose its own path, and we all must contribute to helping the Haitian people to achieve it.”
2015-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7408 (2015) · source
“MINUSTAH and the United Nations country team must work together in a timely manner to achieve a transition plan that aims to support the Government's priorities for the strengthening of stability and development with a view to an eventual handover by MINUSTAH. Fifthly, MINUSTAH is a success story, but that is not the whole story. Security and lasting political stability will be achieved only through the effective presence of military and police, not simply through a political process. Sustainable socioeconomic progress is also needed. Much of Haiti's progress remains fragile, especially after the terrible difficulties of the past five years. The case of Haiti reminds us once again that we should not consider security and development as separate spheres. They are inextricably linked.”
2015-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7408 (2015) · source
“We need to have an inclusive approach, especially on the part of the troop- and police-contributing countries, in order to ensure that those countries' views, including Guatemala, are fully taken into account. Similarly, it is necessary to ensure that the various stages of the gradual withdrawal of MINUSTAH occur on the basis of consultations with the Government of Haiti. We note paragraph 55 of the Secretary-General's report: any transition plan requires comprehensive, broad-based discussions on how to change the mandate, structure and nature of MINUSTAH in order to ensure that its gradual withdrawal is linked with the country's having developed much stronger institutions and achieved significant progress towards lasting stability and development.”
2015-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7408 (2015) · source
“And we are aware that the National Police is not yet in a position to respond effectively, without assistance, to incidents involving instability and demonstrations. That is why the firm support of MINUSTAH continues to be essential. There are important functions that MINUSTAH should continue to ensure, such as the management of Haitian prisons. MINUSTAH must fulfil an increasingly important role in terms of security sector reform, as well as in terms of border control and security. Fourthly, serious efforts atpeacebuilding mustbegin while MINUSTAH is still present and can perform the appropriate tasks and adopt measures to ensure that the future transition of the Mission does not create vacuums in security nor result in a decrease in the international community's level of commitment and support.”
2015-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7408 (2015) · source
“We take note of the concerns expressed by the Government of Haiti, and we think there should be a favourable response to the requests set out in the letter of President Martelly to the Secretary- General, which the representative of Haiti reiterated here today. We would like to echo the comments made by the representatives of Spain, Venezuela, Chile and New Zealand in calling openness in that regard. The Secretary-General's report gives an overview of the generally stable security situation in the country. At the same time, it mentions an increase in violence, civil disturbances and criminal activity. We note the progress being made in increasing the capacity of the Haitian National Police.”
2015-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7408 (2015) · source
“We would like to emphasize the importance of national strategies that bring about reconciliation and that avoid winner-takes-all situations. Such situations close the door to true consensus and serious commitments. In that regard, we welcome the initiatives, good offices and activities being carried out by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General. Thirdly, the report of the Secretary-General warns specifically of the fact that the upcoming elections run the risk of further exacerbating the political tensions in the country. It is very important, in that regard, that MINUSTAH continue its consolidation process. As the Council we11 knows, a sound security environment is essential for the satisfactory carrying out of the much- awaited electoral process.”
2015-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7408 (2015) · source
“We are concerned that the delay in the holding of the elections is seriously affecting the system of checks and balances that allows for the effective functioning of democracy in Haiti. Secondly, we have noted that the settlement of political differences through dialogue has been key for the progress being made in various areas in Haiti. On the one hand, we cannot hope for simple solutions to extremely complex problems. On the other hand, we know that the resolution of Haiti's problems lies fundamentally in the hands of the Haitian people. Nevertheless, the message that we would like to send today is that it is that the Haitian leaders in the executive and legislative branches, civil society and the private sector must be up to the challenge and collaborate and work together constructively for the country's development.”
2015-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7408 (2015) · source
“First of all, we continue to profoundly regret the fact that it has not been possible to hold the elections that have been pending for so long in Haiti. And we regret the fact that that has resulted in the dissolution of the Haitian Parliament, which occurred in January. We welcome the recent approval of the legal framework and the electoral calendar, and we believe that that is a step in the right direction. Given the fact that the elections have been pending for so long, we hope that efforts will be redoubled and that additional measures will be taken to ensure that the elections are held this year. As we have reiterated several times over the past four years, elections are decisive. The proper functioning of democratic institutions depends upon the smooth conduct of elections.”
2015-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7408 (2015) · source
“Mr. Carrera Castro (Guatemala) (spoke in Spanish): Iwould like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ambassador Sandra Honore, for her very informative presentation, as well as for her presentation of the Secretary-General's report (S/2015/ 157). We reiterate our full support for the Special Representative and for the work being carried out on the ground in Haiti. We would also like to thank the Permanent Representative of Haiti for his valuable observations. (spoke in French) I should like to have a voice such as that of the Permanent Representative of Haiti. We may well call him the Pavarotti of diplomacy. (spoke in Spanish) I would like to highlight a few points with regard to the Secretary-General's report.”
2015-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7408 (2015) · source
“Finally, we believe that progress in Haiti will depend on the convergence of several factors: adequate resources; the effective leadership of MINUSTAH; and the political will of Haiti, the country hosting, and benefiting from the support of, the Mission. We deem the latter - the political will and the political efforts of the Haitian Government - the most important. If the necessary basis for such convergence is lacking, then any involvement of the United Nations will face major obstacles, both in terms of achieving success and of maintaining a secure environment. Guatemala is proud to have been part of MINUSTAH since its inception, and we will continue our commitment to the people and the Government of Haiti as long as necessary.”
2013-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6936 (2013) · source
“We make this point because we deem it very important that MINUSTAH be provided with adequate resources to fulfil its mandate. Likewise, we think that there is a sequence that must be corrected with regard to the mandate of MINUSTAH, since the budget is approved in May and the mandate is renewed in October. A more logical approach would be for the mandate to determine the budget, and not the other way around. With the consolidation plan still under development and as we cannot be certain of electoral logistical requirements, we trust that there will not be any further reductions in the number of uniformed personnel.”
2013-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6936 (2013) · source
“While that assumption is a step in the right direction, we believe that the criteria to be taken into account for an exit strategy include the objective conditions that will enable the United Nations to withdraw responsibly from the country. Those conditions for the strategy need to be flexible and adapted to the realities on the ground in Haiti. In that respect, we would refer to paragraph 17 ofthe annex to the report of the Secretary-General. We have some doubts about the usefulness of projecting figures involving uniformed personnel, and their budgetary implications, on the basis of hypothetical scenarios. Therefore, we would appreciate more information about the criteria used to propose a 30 per cent drawdown, since the implementation of such a proposal could be premature in relation to the realities on the ground.”
2013-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6936 (2013) · source
“In addition, I wish to express our full support for the Secretary-General's initiative of 11 December 2012 for the elimination of cholera in Haiti. In that regard, we deem particularly suitable the appointment of Dr. Paul Farmer, as the Secretary-General's Special Adviser for Community-based Medicine and Lessons from Haiti. Let me also express our satisfaction at the recent signing of the new integrated strategic framework for the period 2013-2016. In that context, we are concerned that last year's Haiti's flash appeal is still far from meeting its goals. Turning now to the consolidation plan, we welcome the concise version that we have received, which is still being examined by our national authorities. We note the natural assumption that the Mission marks 2016 as its horizon.”
2013-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6936 (2013) · source
“Thirdly, we agree with the Secretary-General that in order to reverse the rising trend of major crime in Haiti, especially those mentioned earlier by the Republic of Korea, including sexual violence against women and children, it is important that the Government continue to strengthen rule-of-law institutions and step up its efforts to combat impunity. The establishment of sound rule-of-law institutions, including the police and the judiciary, requires that they be allowed to operate as independently as possible. Fourthly, we continue to be concerned about the situation of the more than 300,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) living in camps. We encourage the Government, with the support of the international community, to improve conditions in the remaining IDP camps and to continue advancing with reconstruction efforts.”
2013-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6936 (2013) · source
“We note with appreciation the recent designation by the legislative branch of its representatives to the transitional college of the permanent electoral council. We hope that this process will be completed as soon as possible and that, once established, it will show the necessary independence. Secondly, we support the development of a political agreement, and we are concerned that key decision-making on the issue is being undermined by the lack of consensus at the national level. In Guatemala, our Government has been able to work in an inclusive manner through the identification of shared priorities and by obtaining commitments from major stakeholders for the approval of an agreement for justice and security in Guatemala. My country is prepared to share its experience in that regard with the sisterly Republic of Haiti.”
2013-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6936 (2013) · source
“We note also that there is a lack of political consensus for a national unity dialogue and that, as the report stresses, rule-of-law initiatives have yet to produce significant and sustainable change. For instance, the Haitian National Police is not yet in a position to assume full responsibility for the provision of security throughout the country, and food insecurity poses a serious threat to social stability. More specifically, we note, first, that the key short-term priority is the holding of local, municipal and legislative elections. Postponing them yet again could jeopardize the Haitian rule of law. That is why we welcomed the Security Council's press statement of 28 January 2013 (SC/10901), and we call once again for the urgent holding of credible, inclusive and transparent elections, in accordance with the Constitution.”
2013-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6936 (2013) · source
“We thank the Russian Federation for having convened this debate, and we commend the Acting Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Nigel Fisher, and all the staff of MINUSTAH for the important work they are doing in Haiti in the face of major challenges. We also thank the Secretary-General for his report (S/2013/139), which informs our debate today. We have mixed reactions to the content of the report. On the one hand, it reports gradual progress in certain areas and presents us, in the annex, with an encouraging plan for the period 2013-2016. On the other hand, we note with concern the persistent uncertainty surrounding the pending elections, which are 16 months overdue.”
2013-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6936 (2013) · source
“Mr. Carrera Castro (Guatemala) (spoke in Spanish): I am pleased to join the Council for today's debate. This provides me the first opportunity, since I took office several weeks ago as Minister for Foreign Affairs of my country, to take part in a debate of the Council and thereby renew the political support of my Government for this body. Moreover, the issue that we have gathered here today to address - the future of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) - holds a special place in our own foreign policy agenda. MINUSTAH is the only peacekeeping operation in our region - Latin America and the Caribbean - and, as a troop-contributing country, we feel a deep sense of connection with the people and the Government of Haiti.”
2013-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6936 (2013) · source