YouSaid · the spoken record

Colakovie

lines on the record: 134
first: 2009-04-21
most recent: 2015-06-03
sittings or episodes: 18
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

“As regional cooperation also plays an important role, we are certain that the protocol on the exchange of evidence and information on war crimes, signed between the Offices of the Prosecutor of Bosnia and Herzegovina and of Serbia and Croatia, will serve as an impetus towards strengthening communication and enhancing coordination of the Offices. My country remains dedicated to further promoting and increasing regional cooperation, since it is in the common interests of the countries in the region as well. In order to preserve documentation pertaining to the ICTY, we have proposed that the information centre be located in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The centre would serve future generations and be a constant reminder that violations of human rights and international humanitarian law should never be repeated.”
2013-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7073 (2013) · source
“However, we underline that the manner in which prison sentences are served should not put into question the meaning of the punishment. Considering that the Tribunal will soon complete its mandate, the further processing of war crimes will have to be transferred to national judicial systems. Our commitment to investigating, prosecuting and appropriately punishing perpetrators of war crimes is unquestionable. We are also making additional efforts to increase the number of completed cases at the levels of State and entity.”
2013-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7073 (2013) · source
“The ICTY and the ICTR have contributed to classifying sexual abuse as a crime against humanity, and as such sexual abuse has become an integral part of the Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC). Women judges and women in senior positions in the Offices of the Prosecutors have made significant contributions to the effective prosecution of cases of sexual violence against women. In general, the Tribunals have sent a strong crime-prevention message to all those who have committed crimes against humanity, regardless of the functions they serve. The punishment should from the outset prevent the emergence of conspiracies to commit genocide, crimes against humanity, crimes against peace and other serious crimes. We support efforts to harmonize the serving of prison sentences with the norms of human rights.”
2013-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7073 (2013) · source
“In that light, the successful completion of the work and missions of the ICTY and the ICTR is necessary to achieving sustainable peace and reconciliation. The ad hoc Tribunals for the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda are milestones in the development of international criminal law. The ICTY and the ICTR established that crimes against humanity could be committed not only in armed conflict, but also in its absence. Thus, those who were not members of armed forces have been brought to justice for their involvement in Violating international norms and laws. Throughout history, women have often been Victims of rape and other forms of sexual abuse in conflict and war. At the present, the documentation of facts related to sexual violence is better than at any time in history.”
2013-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7073 (2013) · source
“First of all, on behalf of my country, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and my personal behalf, I wish to express my deepest condolences to the people of South Africa on the passing away of the great leader, humanist and symbol of the fight forjustice and human rights, Mr. Nelson Mandela. I would like to welcome the Presidents and Prosecutors of the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) and to express our gratitude for their reports and respective briefings at today's meeting. I also want to express our appreciation to the Permanent Mission of Guatemala for its successful chairmanship and leadership of the Informal Working Group on International Tribunals. The Tribunals serve as a constant reminder that there is no impunity for the serious crimes that were committed.”
2013-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7073 (2013) · source
“In that light, it is necessary to develop apositive atmosphere that will foster constructive political dialogue and lead to a resolution of the outstanding issues. I would also like to point out that all the changes in Bosnia and Herzegovina must be based on the rule of law. The full implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement is therefore imperative.”
2013-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7057 (2013) · source
“The Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, by maintaining good-neighbourly relations and exchanging visits at the highest level, making efforts to resolve outstanding bilateral issues and participating in the Brdo process, has confirmed its commitment and dedication to the development of friendly relations, the process of European integration and the resolution of the outstanding issues in the European spirit. We encourage the High Representative to consult ahead of time with the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina in order to acquire precise information on the work of the Presidency and the foreign policy activities of Bosnia and Herzegovina, so as to avoid any harmful and counterproductive interpretations in future. In spite of all of the positive developments, we are aware of the current standoff in the political process.”
2013-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7057 (2013) · source
“Therefore, we believe that paragraph 27 of latest report can create numerous misconceptions among Council members and cause harmful interpretations that, we believe, are unnecessary and counterproductive. In the light of Bosnia and Herzegovina's foreign policy activities, we express our regret that the report does not clearly emphasize the obvious improvement in regional cooperation, as one of the foreign policy priorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the entire region. At the same time, we are happy that the High Representative mentioned this in his oral statement today. Regional cooperation is an important element regarding the implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement. It also points to the capacity of our country's foreign policy.”
2013-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7057 (2013) · source
“Therefore, it does not in any way discredit any foreign policy decision of the Presidency, the work of Bosnia and Herzegovina's representatives in international organizations and institutions or the participation of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the United Nations framework. Taking all that into consideration, we need to remember that, according to the Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Presidency, among others, is responsible for conducting the foreign policy of the country. Moreover, the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina decides by consensus on all key foreign policy issues. That mechanism proved effective during two-year non-permanent membership of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Security Council.”
2013-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7057 (2013) · source
“As for the platform for the participation of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the General Assembly, as mentioned in paragraph 27 of the report ofthe High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina (S/2013/646, annex), we are surprised by the lack of understanding by the High Representative with regard to that issue. We need to point out that the platform for the participation of Bosnia and Herzegovina's delegation in the General Assembly does not represent a legally binding document, but rather serves as a kind of a plan that is guiding the position of Bosnia and Herzegovina at the General Assembly. To be more specific, a platform for the participation of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Genereal Assembly is not required by any constitutional or legal provision.”
2013-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7057 (2013) · source
“Bosnia and Herzegovina had the honour to serve a two-year term as an elected member of the Security Council from 2010 to 2011. Our experience is proof that a growing number of countries are willing and capable of contributing to dealing with issues regarding the maintenance of the international peace and security. We are fully determined to promote the peaceful resolution of conflicts in accordance with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. Moreover, Bosnia and Herzegovina has moved from being a host country to peacekeeping operations to a country that is now participating in United Nations peacekeeping operations, as well as in NATO and its member countries' International Security Assistance Force operation in Afghanistan.”
2013-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7057 (2013) · source
“We continue to maintain good cooperation between partner countries in the framework of the Sarajevo process on refugees and internally displaced persons and believe that the comprehensive and coordinated return of refugees and internally displaced persons throughout the region is crucial to lasting peace. We are making additional efforts to solve the remaining border and property issues with neighbouring countries. Regional cooperation and good-neighbourly relations form an essential part of Bosnia and Herzegovina's process of moving towards the European Union. We continue our active involvement in regional initiatives and are further developing our bilateral relations with other enlargement countries and neighbouring European Union member States.”
2013-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7057 (2013) · source
“Additional efforts have been made in order to enhance cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia, as well as the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals. We remain dedicated to further promoting regional cooperation, which is in the common interests of the countries in the region as well. We are certain that the protocol on the exchange of evidence and information on war crimes, signed between the Prosecutor's Offices of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Croatia, is serving as an impetus in strengthening communication and further enhancing coordination. Moreover, the implementation of the existing human rights instruments and the sustainable return and local integration of refugees and internally displaced persons remain the priority of Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
2013-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7057 (2013) · source
“Our authorities are fully capable of dealing with threats that could impair a safe and secure environment in the country. Let me remind the members of the Council of the fact that, during the end of 1990s, around 60,000 international forces were deployed and present in my country. Today, that number is only 600. We would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the Member States that participated in the multinational stabilization force established in accordance with the relevant Security Council resolutions. We are aware that national reconciliation and trust are basic prerequisites for building a functional State and society. We still insist on our common goal of investigating crimes that were committed and adequately prosecuting the perpetrators of those crimes, regardless of their ethnicity.”
2013-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7057 (2013) · source
“However, the Interim Stabilization and Association Agreement, the trade-related part of the Stabilization and Association Agreement, came into force upon its signing and has been successfully implemented ever since 2008 in all its domains. Nonetheless, political dialogue aimed at finding solutions for all open questions has continued so that the Stabilization and Association Agreement could come into force, which in effect would enable our country to submit a credible application for membership to the European Union. Also, we continue to make additional efforts necessary for completing the "5+2" agenda, which is necessary for closure of the Office of the High Representative and the resolution of all other outstanding issues. We can state with confidence that the security situation in the country remains calm and stable.”
2013-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7057 (2013) · source
“In its transition towards becoming a functional, reform- oriented and modern European country, Bosnia and Herzegovina has made significant progress towards European integration, despite all the complexities present within its society. A genuine commitment to the European path still remains the highest priority for Bosnia and Herzegovina. In that regard, we welcome the European Union's increased engagement and reinforced role in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the enhanced combined presence of the European Union Special Representative and the European Union delegation. Bosnia and Herzegovina remains a potential candidate for European Union membership. The Stabilization and Association Agreement between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the European Union was ratified in 2011, but has not yet entered into force.”
2013-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7057 (2013) · source
“The goals for the future have already been identified. We must now find the will and persistence to achieve them. I assure the Council of Bosnia and Herzegovina's full cooperation in this endeavour. In conclusion, I wish to underscore that we support the Council's adoption today of resolution 2122 (2013), which we were pleased to sponsor.”
2013-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7044 (2013) · source
“Furthermore, the gender equality agency started a project on the implementation of the resolution 1325 (2000) action plan at the local level in cooperation with the non-governmental organization Women BH and with the financial support of UN Women. This project represents an innovation not only in Bosnia and Herzegovina but also at the regional level. While much has indeed been accomplished, a great deal remains to be done to obtain real results for women on the ground. To that end, it is of vital importance for all United Nations stakeholders, and especially the Security Council, to continue to use appropriate tools at their disposal for the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000). At the same time, Member States need to take decisive action accompanied by clear goals, baselines and indicators to monitor and assess its implementation.”
2013-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7044 (2013) · source
“In addition, we are undertaking efforts to increase the number of women in military and police forces and to ensure their inclusion in executive positions within such forces. Increasing the number of women in peacekeeping missions and introducing gender perspectives into the training of participants in peace missions are further priorities for us. We are also making additional efforts to strengthen capacities in fighting trafficking, decreasing the danger of mined areas, improving support networks for women and girls who were victimized during the war, and increasing the knowledge and capacities of civil society.”
2013-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7044 (2013) · source
“We also emphasize that Bosnia and Herzegovina fully supports the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000), the provisions of which have been incorporated into the Bosnia and Herzegovina gender action plan and the action plan for the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000). Besides defining goals and activities, the action plan includes an introduction, an analysis of the de facto situations, and eight goals with strictly defined activities, deadlines, the definition ofresponsibility and partners. In this regard, through the action plan, we have shown our dedication to increasing the representation of women in decision-making positions at all levels of power in Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
2013-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7044 (2013) · source
“We therefore underscore the importance of the full and effective involvement of women at all stages of peace processes and of giving them an equal role in the prevention and resolution of conflicts, as well as in early peacebuilding. We affirm our commitment to the rule of law as an imperative for political dialogue and cooperation. In that regard, with the aim of improving the overall situation of women victims of rape, we are making efforts to finalize the drafting of a programme for victims of rape, sexual abuse and torture in Bosnia and Herzegovina for the period 2013-2016. At the State level, a draft transitional justice strategy has been developed to create an acceptable platform for efficient and realistic mechanisms and activities to correct the injustices and heal the traumas resulting from the armed conflict in the 19905.”
2013-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7044 (2013) · source
“Conflicts create situations in which women and children are the ones most affected by the deterioration of living conditions and fundamental rights. Violence and the deprivation of rights often go hand in hand with conflict. Efforts to fight impunity, provide assistance to Victims and hold perpetrators accountable must be intensified and better coordinated. Regrettably, sexual and gender-based violence often continue after peace deals are reached, due to insufficient investment in protection and prevention strategies, or weak security and justice institutions. We are aware of the fact that peace cannot be sustained unless women play a critical role in the process.”
2013-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7044 (2013) · source
“With regard to the most recent report of the Secretary- General (S/2013/525), we note with satisfaction that the attention from the international community to the issue of sexual violence in conflict has increased. We therefore call upon all stakeholders to continue their efforts to reduce and eliminate the high incidence of threats faced by women and girls in contemporary armed conflicts. However, we realize that despite the urgency with which practices in implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) have improved, there remains a deficit in opportunities for women on both the national and international levels. To exercise leadership, there remains an ongoing underrepresentation of women in conflict prevention, conflict resolution, protection and peacebuilding processes and efforts.”
2013-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7044 (2013) · source
“The development of additional indicators to track the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) is a significant step in broadening the women and peace and security agenda. We also recognize the positive contribution of the Security Council to the rule of law, which is one of the key aspects of conflict prevention, peacekeeping, conflict resolution and peacebuilding. We fully agree with the prevailing position that justice, including transitional justice, is a fundamental building block of sustainable peace in countries in conflict or post- conflict situations. Delivering justice and security in respect ofthe rule oflaw mitigates conflict, helps reduce the risk of relapse into further conflict and creates conditions conducive to sustainable development.”
2013-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7044 (2013) · source
“Bosnia and Herzegovina appreciates the convening of the Security Council's semi-annual debate on the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000). We would like to thank the Secretary-General and the Executive Director of UN Women for their comprehensive briefings. And we extend a warm welcome and our gratitude to the representatives of civil society for their presentations today. We believe that the Security Council, UN Women and the Special Representative of the Secretary- General on Sexual Violence in Conflict will ensure that the United Nations works in a concerted and coordinated manner that will strengthen the capacity of the United Nations system to match its commitment to gender equality with the leadership, resources and expertise needed to advance achievements on the ground.”
2013-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7044 (2013) · source
“As for the Tribunals, one of their ultimate contributions will be to demonstrate that administering justice can contribute to reconciliation, in the Balkans and elsewhere. We can only hope that the pioneering role of the two Tribunals will be confirmed and expanded worldwide by the ICC.”
2013-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6977 (2013) · source
“It is our hope that further delays will be avoided by progressively fulfilling the remaining judicial functions. Victims and their families have waited long enough, and some are still waiting for the opportunity for redress and closure. Further delays only undermine the solemn promise that justice will unconditionally be served. Finally, it is our hope that some lessons have been learned. In that regard, I wish to remind the Council of the words of Prosecutor Robert H. Jackson at the Nuremberg trials, warning that: "The wrongs which we seek to condemn and punish have been so calculated, so malignant and so devastating that civilization cannot tolerate their being ignored, because it cannot survive their being repeated". That is a message we need to carry with us in these turbulent times.”
2013-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6977 (2013) · source
“As regional cooperation plays an additional important role in that respect, we are certain that the Protocol on the exchange of evidence and information on war crimes, recently signed between the respective Prosecutor's Offices of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Croatia, will give an impetus for strengthening communication and further enhancing coordination. My country remains dedicated to the further promotion and intensification of regional cooperation, given that that is in the joint interests of the countries in the region. Moving to the issue ofthe completion ofthe work of both Tribunals, we note the exceptional efforts that the Tribunals continue to make to successfully complete their work and make the full transition to the Residual Mechanism, fully mindful of the highest standards of due process.”
2013-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6977 (2013) · source
“However, stronger efforts need to be made to effectively increase the overall pace of the processing of cases at both the State and the entity levels. As the Tribunals are steadily heading towards their closure, the duty to continue the fight against impunity and enhance the reach of justice falls more fully on credible national prosecutions. To that end, let me assure the Council that our common goal remains that of ensuring that all crimes committed are investigated and prosecuted and the perpetrators appropriately punished. Given our unfortunate first-hand experience, Bosnia and Herzegovina remains resolutely faithful to those principles.”
2013-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6977 (2013) · source
“I wish to recall that Bosnia and Herzegovina carries the greatest burden of prosecutions for war crimes. Still, since 2005, when the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina became fully operational, measurable progress has been made in processing war crimes, and over 200 cases have been successfully concluded. However, according to the relevant statistics of domestic and international actors, there are a large number of war crimes to be prosecuted in domestic courts. Nevertheless, the fact remains that the National Strategy for War Crimes requires an improved approach to implementation and to meeting deadlines. The capacity of the Bosnia and Herzegovina system to process war crimes cases fairly and in line with international and national standards is not in question.”
2013-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6977 (2013) · source
“The Tribunal's determined message, namely, that crimes committed in the former Yugoslavia will be punished consistently and without exception, has been heard loud and clear. The same can be said about the ICTR and its contributions to reconciliation and sustainable peace in its region. In accordance with what I have just said, the authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina have consistently and constructively cooperated with the Hague Prosecutor and the Tribunal since the end of the war. That cooperation has been positively assessed in the relevant periodic reports and noted in the latest report of the Prosecutor. However, we take note of all of the other assessments and concerns that the Prosecutor has raised and remain fully aware that a great deal still remains to be done.”
2013-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6977 (2013) · source
“In reality, their significance stands as testimony to and a living embodiment of the spirit and promise of Nuremberg, carried forward into the twenty-first century. The triumph of justice over vengeance was the legacy of that post-Second World War tribunal. It complemented The Hague and Geneva Conventions through the principles and precedents it established, eventually serving as an inspiration and foundation for both the Tribunals and the International Criminal Court (ICC). Bosnia and Herzegovina welcomed the establishment of the ad hoc International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia as a legal framework to ensure accountability and bring to an end a tragic period for all of the peoples living in Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
2013-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6977 (2013) · source
“At the outset, allow me to welcome the Presidents and Prosecutors of both Tribunals and express my gratitude for their reports (S/2013/308, S/2013/309, S/2013/310) and briefings today. I would like to underline the great contribution made by all of the staff of the Tribunals and commend their efforts for the successful completion of the Tribunals' mandates. My thanks also go to the Guatemalan delegation for its work as chair of the Informal Working Group on International Tribunals. Just this past month, we celebrated 20 years of the existence and 19 years of the operation of the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) - anniversaries whose importance goes beyond the two ad hoc Tribunals.”
2013-06-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6977 (2013) · source
“Effective cooperation among neighbouring countries is especially important on the issues of cross-border cooperation, combating organized crime, illegal trafficking and smuggling, and so on. I believe that all our efforts will be reflected in the further enhancement of relations and the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the entire region. It is high time for all of us to turn to our joint future of European integration, political and economic prosperity, stability, mutual respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our countries, and close, friendly cooperation among all our peoples.”
2013-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6966 (2013) · source
“This process is not only a major political objective, but the best way to create a legislative and institutional environment that will meet the standards for a better life for our citizens, establish favourable conditions for the development of our companies, and attract foreign direct investment. Another foreign policy objective of high importance for Bosnia and Herzegovina is to work closely and develop intensive and good bilateral relations with all countries of the region, especially the neighbouring countries of Croatia, Serbia and Montenegro. This commitment has been evident in the recent intensive political dialogue, conducted through bilateral meetings, with Croatia, Serbia and Montenegro at the most senior levels. A good example of such dialogue is today's meeting in Ankara.”
2013-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6966 (2013) · source
“As a result of the apparent progress, NATO and the European Union have both reduced the number of their troops on the ground. Having been the host country for peacekeeping operations in the past, Bosnia and Herzegovina has now become a troop contributor to United Nations peacekeeping and the NATO International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan. 1 can confirm Bosnia and Herzegovina is genuinely committed to the European path, which remains an issue of the highest priority in our foreign policy. Our political leaders are pursuing dialogue with the aim of finding solutions to all open questions so that the Stabilization and Association Agreement can come into force, which would in effect enable Bosnia and Herzegovina to submit a credible application for membership of the European Union.”
2013-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6966 (2013) · source
“Moreover, we are well aware of the fact that the basic prerequisites for building a functional State and society include national reconciliation, the building of trust and putting an end to impunity for all crimes committed. That cannot be achieved without prosecuting all war criminals, regardless of their ethnicity. Even though the initial arrests of indicted war criminals were made by the international military forces, most of the others have been arrested and extradited to the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY), in The Hague, by local authorities. In addition to positive cooperation with the ICTY, increasing numbers of war crimes trials are now under way in the national courts. We have to underline that the overall security situation in the country has been calm and stable for years.”
2013-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6966 (2013) · source
“That is something that everyone in Bosnia and Herzegovina expects from their political leaders and elected officials. Bosnia and Herzegovina represents a positive example of the peacebuilding efforts of both the international community and national institutions. A stable peace has been established; the country has been functioning on a constitutional basis; and most refugees and displaced persons have recuperated their property, and many have returned to their homes. Seven general parliamentary elections have been held, the last several of which were completely organized by local authorities. The defence sector and armed forces reforms have been successfully implemented.”
2013-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6966 (2013) · source
“Today we are witnessing a complex political and economic situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. I would like to express my sincere hope that this Security Council debate will facilitate a better understanding of the current state of affairs. Allow me to briefly present my View on the current situation along with possible future developments. There are diverging opinions and analyses among the political actors, citizens and civil society regarding current developments in the country. Although we are witnessing a certain stalemate in the political process, we believe that additional efforts will be made to urgently find a way out of the current impasse. That is a much needed step that would certainly be beneficial to all of our citizens.”
2013-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6966 (2013) · source
“To that end, additional efforts should be made to prevent conflicts and their recurrence and promote early-warning systems and adequate responses to situations that specifically threaten civilian populations.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“Ensuring the effective protection of the civilian population is essential for the promotion of inclusive dialogue, national reconciliation and the restoration of peace and stability in a country. National judicial systems are the cornerstone of the process for addressing accountability and impunity. However, the relevant United Nations bodies need to develop comprehensive and innovative approaches to support their work. Finally, the challenges facing the Council with regard to the protection of civilians call for greater international cooperation and better coordination among the Council and other United Nations bodies and agencies as well as regional and subregional organizations.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“A more consistent and comprehensive approach to addressing humanitarian access and ensuring accountability for denial of access is crucial and should be urgently dealt with. Existing mechanisms for the protection of civilians are important elements of the protection of civilian agenda in peacekeeping. Host Governments need to be consulted, involved and properly informed about their functioning. The data collected during their work needs to be available to national judicial systems. Strengthening security institutions and their capacity by providing the necessary training for police and military forces is critical for the protection of civilians and the rule of law in a country.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“Therefore, we urge all parties to conflict to keep schools and hospitals as protected areas and zones of peace. Specific provisions for the protection of children need to be included in all relevant mandates of United Nations peacekeeping operations as well as political and peacebuilding missions, while the existing child- protection capacity should be strengthened. We are further alarmed by the reports of the deteriorating humanitarian situation in countries affected by conflict and the constant increase in the number of refugees and internally displaced persons. In that regard, we support the efforts of the international community to increase its efforts and provide much- needed humanitarian assistance.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“Supporting the relevant national institutions and strengthening their role and capacity to deal with those issues is of vital importance. The struggle against impunity is an integral element in the protection of civilians, which cannot be addressed seriously without prosecuting those responsible for serious crimes. Gradual and targeted measures play an important role in overall efforts as well as in initiatives to improve compliance with the law by non-State armed groups. At the same time, Council-mandated action to protect civilians should ensure that the international response is proportional to the threat, while the use of force should be a last resort. We are deeply concerned at continuing reports of attacks on schools and hospitals, which are part of the daily life of children and civilians in conflict settings.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“We strongly condemn such violence and find it both appalling and intolerable. That is why the issue of the protection of civilians in armed conflict remains one of the main priorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Therefore, we urge all parties to armed conflicts to fully comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law concerning the protection of civilians in armed conflict. The Organization, and in particular the Security Council, should take every opportunity to send the message that crimes committed against civilians are unacceptable and that all perpetrators of grave violations of human rights and international humanitarian law will be brought to justice. Additional efforts are necessary to make Governments aware of their responsibility to protect civilians.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“At the outset, I would like to thank His Excellency Mr. Kim Sung-hwan and the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Korea for having convened this debate, especially given the alarming events of recent days. I thank Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Ms. Navi Pillay and Mr. Philip Spoerri ofthe International Committee ofthe Red Cross for their remarks and overall assessments. Serious and continuing violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law, including systematic violence against civilian populations, are occurring daily. It is an unfortunate and unacceptable reality of our times that civilians continue to be the main target of armed attacks and account for a high number of casualties in conflicts.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“With the Mechanism ready to continue carrying out the functions of both Tribunals, we have ensured that the comprehensive corpus of precedents in international criminal law created by the Tribunals, their ground-breaking contribution to international jurisprudence and the international justice system, will be permanently preserved. It is our pledge to future generations, and our obligation to the victims and their immense pain and suffering, to ensure that for every crime committed and every victim, on every side, a perpetrator brought to justice.”
2012-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6880 (2012) · source
“It is necessary to bear in mind, however, that Bosnia and Herzegovina bears the greatest burden of prosecutions for war crimes, and that since 2005 over 100 cases have been prosecuted successfully and all cases transferred pursuant to Rule 11 bis have been completed. The fact remains that my country is still faced with a difficult task, as some 1,300 cases remain to be processed. Furthermore, we fully agree that cooperation between the countries of the region is highly important, and that every effort should be devoted to its improvement through numerous bilateral agreements to address possible deficiencies. Finally, I wish to reiterate that Bosnia and Herzegovina affirms its commitment to fulfilling its obligations and ensuring accountability for all crimes committed.”
2012-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6880 (2012) · source
“In that regard, the reassignment ofjudges, both permanent and ad litem, according to the current requirements of trial and appeal proceedings in the ICTY, was a positive and necessary step in order to increase their ability to effectively address simultaneous cases. For those reasons, strengthening international criminal justice, ensuring accountability and not leaving room for impunity for registered crimes committed on the territory of the former Yugoslavia are some of the priorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and our commitment and dedication to them are strong and unwavering. In that regard, we note that the crimes committed, which were undoubtedly confirmed by the Tribunal in The Hague, should not remain unpunished. We note the assessments and concerns of the Prosecutors, and we are fully aware that there is a lot more to be done.”
2012-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6880 (2012) · source
“It is evident that they continue to face all the same challenges, which unavoidably have a substantial impact on the completion of their work and the fulfilment of the requirements necessary for transition to the Residual Mechanism. We are hopeful that, in their final stages, the Tribunals will be able to swiftly overcome temporary delays in confirming their firm, final promises and that justice will be served on the perpetrators of atrocities. The victims and their families have waited long enough for the opportunity for redress and closure, and further delays only undermine such solemn promises.”
2012-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6880 (2012) · source