YouSaid · the spoken record

Deputy Secretary-General

lines on the record: 595
first: 1998-06-29
most recent: 2020-11-03
sittings or episodes: 58
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

“In 2012, the Secretary-General convened a high-level meeting to strengthen legal frameworks against nuclear terrorism. After the accident in Fukushima, Japan, he chaired a high-level event to emphasise the connection between nuclear safety and security. In 2013, he launched the investigation into the use of chemical weapons in the Syrian Arab Republic. Yet in our rapidly evolving global security environment, gaps will continue to open. We have seen the rise of vicious non-State groups with no regard for human life. They actively seek weapons of mass destruction, I am sure, and those weapons are increasingly accessible. We have seen that in the use of chemical weapons by Da'esh in Syria and Iraq. There are legitimate concerns about the security of large stockpiles of weapons-usable fissile material outside international regulation.”
2016-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7837 (2016) · source
“Again, I thank everyone so much, and I will follow events very closely, not least in the Security Council. To hear those words in this Chamber is a great honour for me. I also want to thank the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004) and its Group of Experts, under the leadership of Ambassador Roman Oyarzun Marchesi, for their work on the important subject under consideration today. Preventing non-State actors from acquiring and using weapons of mass destruction is among the most important responsibilities of the international community. The Nuclear Security Summits, the International Convention on the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism and the close engagement of the Council on allegations of chemical weapons use have all played an important role in keeping us safe. The Secretariat has also played its part.”
2016-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7837 (2016) · source
“I have been very grateful for and highly treasure the dialogue that we enjoy with practically every representative here today, on both the personal and the professional levels. I think that this element of personal trust and relationships is highly important in this organ. Sometimes when tensions are very high in the world outside, we need to keep our cool here and try to do our best under difficult circumstances. I am a great friend of Chapter VI, but I also say that sometimes we need Chapter VII to remind us of what could happen if we do not do the right thing under Chapter VI. In order to prove that, I have to pull out the Charter from my briefcase. It is there, and it will remain there even when I leave for my home country, Sweden, next week.”
2016-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7837 (2016) · source
“The Deputy Secretary-General: I thank the Security Council and the Spanish presidency for arranging today's debate, and I congratulate them on adopting resolution 2325 (2016) by consensus. I am indeed honoured to be here today in what is my final appearance before the Security Council. I cannot thank you enough, Mr. President, for your extremely generous and warm words directed to me. From my side, I can only thank all the members of the Council for their friendship and cooperation over the almost five years that I have exercised my functions as Deputy Secretary-General, although I have occupied other functions in earlier parts of my United Nations career since 1980, when I started mediating between Iran and Iraq, together with Prime Minister Olof Palme.”
2016-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7837 (2016) · source
“We must remain committed to pursuing peaceful, diplomatic and political paths forward towards dealing with this complex and dangerous situation. The United Nations will continue to work towards ensuring a genuine and lasting improvement of the human rights and humanitarian situation in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. We stand ready to help in all possible ways. That could include human rights dialogues, visits to the country with sufficient access to assess conditions on the ground, cooperation initiatives and people-to-people contacts. To conclude, let us use all the tools at our disposal - the Human Rights Council, the General Assembly, the Security Council and United Nations and other international entities - to take action to build a better future for the people of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.”
2016-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7830 (2016) · source
“The Third Committee has agreed on a draft resolution (A/C.3/71/L.23) that will be adopted by the General Assembly next month. In response, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea has maintained its strong objections to country- specific resolutions and mandates. While expressing hope for dialogue and cooperation on human rights, the representative of the Permanent Mission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea has said it will "take all appropriate measures vis-a-vis the hostile acts against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea that become increasingly aggressive under the pretext of human rights". During his 10 years in office, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has made extensive efforts to promote peace and reconciliation, as well as development and respect of human rights in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.”
2016-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7830 (2016) · source
“We call on its Government to abide by them. But the international community also has collective responsibilities - first to protect the country's population from the most serious violations of international humanitarian law and human rights; secondly to live up to the principle and norm of the responsibility to protect; and thirdly to consider the wider implications of the human rights situation for regional stability. The United Nations has taken a number of steps recently to address the human rights situation in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. The new Special Rapporteur presented his report (A/71/367) to the General Assembly in October, and during the same month, the Secretary-General also issued his report (A/7l/439) to that body.”
2016-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7830 (2016) · source
“History teaches us that serious human rights violations are warning signs of instability and conflict. The abduction of foreign nationals, enforced disappearances and people fleeing desperate situations all demonstrate the links between human rights, humanitarian crises and internationalpeace and security. Any attempt to achieve lasting peace and stability demands justice and redress for victims inside and outside the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. It is very difficult to obtain up-to-date and comprehensive information about human rights developments in that country. The information we have, however, reveals a continuing pattern of serious human rights violations, and we see very few, if any, signs of improvement. The Democratic People's Republic of Korea has obligations under international law.”
2016-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7830 (2016) · source
“Resolution 2321 (2016) underlines that the measures imposed were not intended to have adverse humanitarian consequences for the civilian population. I urge members of the Council to ensure that the already critical humanitarian situation does not deteriorate further owing to such measures. Funding for relief activities in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea is essential, in particular to ensure that vulnerabilities do not increase in the face of stricter sanctions. Assistance has steadily declined regretfully over the past decade, preventing humanitarian agencies from responding effectively to the needs of the most affected. Approximately $145 million are required to address the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's critical humanitarian needs. I count on Member States to support those life-saving activities.”
2016-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7830 (2016) · source
“Approximately 70 per cent of the population of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea - 18 million people - are considered food insecure. A quarter of the population has inadequate access to health services. A fifth of the population lacks access to clean water and proper sanitation. The impact on children, whose developing bodies are vulnerable to lasting damage, is simply ruinous. Stunted growth is a rampant phenomenon. Those persistent humanitarian needs are exacerbated by recurring natural disasters, such as the floods that devastated the northern part of the country in September and affected 600,000 people. In line with the no-one-left-behind principle of the Sustainable Development Goals, it is imperative to decouple geopolitical considerations from United Nations humanitarian and development support to people in need.”
2016-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7830 (2016) · source
“People inside the Democratic People's Republic of Korea are unable to make their voices heard because of the restrictions and the risks that they face if they exercise their rights. The most vulnerable continue to suffer from a cruel network of political prison camps, an exploitative economic system and widespread discrimination based on social status. Two days ago, the Office ofthe High Commissioner for Human Rights issued a report that assessed the different ways in which families have been separated since the 1950-1953 Korean War. The report found that involuntary separation is not just the consequence of the war but also the result of structural forms of exclusion, impunity and disempowerment. Furthermore, the country is experiencing a humanitarian emergency.”
2016-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7830 (2016) · source
“The Security Council carried this process further last week by adopting resolution 2321 (2016). That was the first time that the Council specifically requested the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to respect and ensure the "welfare and inherent dignity" of people in its territory, in paragraph 45 of that resolution. The General Assembly, in its resolutions on this issue have repeatedly encouraged the Security Council to ensure accountability, including by considering to refer the situation in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to the International Criminal Court. The patterns of grave violations of human rights in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea have repeatedly been established. The authorities have given no effective commitment to remedy the situation.”
2016-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7830 (2016) · source
“The Deputy Secretary-General: I welcome this Security Council meeting on the human rights situation in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. This is a matter of great concern that demands our attention. As members may recall, the magnitude and scale of abuses suffered by the people of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea were documented by the commission of inquiry in 2014. The Commission noted that the violations, "reveal a State that does not have any parallel in the contemporary world" (A/HRC/25/63, para. 80). The Commission's recommendations were instrumental in reframing the United Nations efforts to improve the country's human rights situation. The commission of inquiry concluded that crimes against humanity have been committed and rightly called for accountability.”
2016-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7830 (2016) · source
“The 2030 Agenda recognizes that all our challenges and all our opportunities are interdependent and mutually reinforcing. Another important tool in our hands, on which I would like to congratulate Member States, are the identical resolutions of the General Assembly and the Security Council on peacebuilding and sustaining peace (resolution 2282 (2016) and General Assembly resolution 70/262). This innovative concept opens up several avenues towards a comprehensive response to many ofthe threats we face in today's world. If- and it is a big "if" - we implement the 2030 Agenda and use the full potential of the sustaining peace resolutions the Council and Assembly have adopted, discussions like the one we are having today will hopefully be much less urgent and much less necessary than they are today.”
2016-11-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7802 (2016) · source
“And we are encouraging Member States to exchange information among themselves, as well as expertise and resources, in order to strengthen international cooperation on countering terrorism. One important tool to provide all-United Nations strategic assistance is the integrated assistance for countering terrorism initiative for the Group of Five for the Sahel, mandated by the Council in 2014. I would like to conclude with a final reflection. The United Nations is an Organization of States, but it is also an Organization of normative values. We work for the peoples of the world. Our mandate is built around inclusion, not exclusion. Over the past few years, Member States came together in an impressive display of unity to develop a blueprint for peace, sustainable development and dignity for all on a healthy planet.”
2016-11-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7802 (2016) · source
“In his Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism, the Secretary-General indicated the need to integrate the prevention of violent extremism in peace operations, both in terms of mandates and the relevant activities of the United Nations country teams. The General Assembly has called on Member States to implement the recommendations of the Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism as they apply to the national context. When requested, the United Nations is ready to support such efforts at the national level. We are providing technical assistance in areas such as criminal justice, border controls, kidnapping for ransom, dealing with foreign terrorist fighters and the financing of terrorism. We are also supporting youth engagement and skills development.”
2016-11-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7802 (2016) · source
“In such environments we should also think beyond a security-focused approach. The entirety of the tools at the disposal ofthe United Nations should be considered, including sanctions regimes, normative instruments, capacity-building, stabilization and development aid. We must build State capacity that is accountable, legitimate and respects human rights and the rule of law, so as to avoid perpetuating drivers of conflict and extremism in the first place. Thirdly, we must fully take into account how and when the United Nations can support national and regional efforts to prevent violent extremism and terrorism.”
2016-11-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7802 (2016) · source
“This means greater situational awareness, analysis and force protection measures. We are already doing that in Mali, but we need to do more. We must, for instance, utilize new technologies and deploy uniformed units with built-in, robust self-protection tools. Secondly, we must adapt how we deliver our mandates. The fact that the United Nations is a potential target should encourage us to think more deeply about how we are to operate in this new, more dangerous and unpredictable environment. Support for the peaceful resolution of conflicts should be grounded in a nuanced understanding of who the different parties are, how they are resourced and who their allies are. That varies from case to case. An overgeneralized approach can be counterproductive and possibly expose the United Nations to more risk.”
2016-11-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7802 (2016) · source
“We will also need to adjust how we conduct our core tasks, including our good offices, our capacity-building, our community engagement and stabilization measures - all the tools that are available to the United Nations. Further, the political objectives of our peacekeeping operations need to be clearly defined and communicated. We must find new and creative ways of achieving political goals in situations where some parties are not speaking partners or willing participants, and we must devise strategies to build coalitions and support around political objectives at the local, national and regional levels. I see three priorities for preparing our operations to face asymmetric threats. First and primarily, we must do all we can to ensure the safety and security of our personnel.”
2016-11-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7802 (2016) · source
“These destructive and dangerous forces make conflicts even more intractable. They thrive on impunity and governance failures. They exploit deep-rooted grievances. These factors in turn are fertile ground for violent extremism and terrorism to grow further. This is the context in which the United Nations often must operate. In response, our action and footprint have to be more nimble and comprehensive, and we need more flexible support arrangements. We will need more sophisticated and more predictable uniformed capabilities to strengthen mobility, responsiveness and a deeper understanding of the operating environment. Developing our intelligence and analysis capacity will be critical in that pursuit.”
2016-11-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7802 (2016) · source
“If United Nations peace operations are to be able to work safely and carry out their mandates in today's complex conflicts, they must develop strategies to face these new conditions. The fundamental question is how they can do so. Today's discussion could be very helpful in answering that question, and we thank you, Sir, for this initiative. We should first recall that the High-level Independent Panel on Peace Operations emphasized that United Nations troops should not undertake military counter-terrorism operations. One conclusion could be that peacekeeping operations should not be mandated to militarily defeat violent extremist and terrorist groups. However, terrorists and Violent extremists are a reality in many contemporary conflicts - a reality that has to be dealt with.”
2016-11-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7802 (2016) · source
“The Deputy Secretary-General: I thank the Government of Senegal for organizing this timely and important meeting. Today, our peace operations increasingly face asymmetric threats from violent extremists and terrorist groups. The casualty figures in Mali are a stark and tragic reflection of that. It is a sad fact that our peacekeepers are now being specifically targeted by Violent extremists and terrorists. Yesterday again, our peacekeepers in Mali came under attack. One of them died, seven others were wounded, and two Malian civilians were also killed by the unknown assailants. The Secretary-General condemns this Vicious acts, underlining that such attacks targeting United Nations peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law.”
2016-11-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7802 (2016) · source
“There is growing recognition at the global level of the importance of political leadership in preventing and mitigating crisis - we discuss that all the time. But in the Democratic Republic of the Congo it is time to move from discussions and intentions to action. The international community and Member States must now proactively engage with all parties to diffuse tensions and point towards a path to the dialogue, which is so vital and urgent. The leadership of the Council is critical, and the Secretary-General and I, and all of our colleagues, are there to do everything that we can to prevent things from turning worse.”
2016-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7732 (2016) · source
“Dialogue, respect for the rule of law and human rights and democratic participation and practices are the best way to prevent continuing violence and suffering. I count on the Security Council to give its full and steadfast support to dialogue and for the strengthening of democratic practices in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. At stake here, basically, is the long- term stability of the Democratic Republic of the Congo - and Council members are aware of the size and importance of that nation - and also of the entire Great Lakes region. The international community and the United Nations have invested heavily in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We must preserve and build on the progress made.”
2016-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7732 (2016) · source
“The resumption of active military cooperation between the FARDC and MONUSCO in operations against the ADF and the Forces democratiques de liberation du Rwanda in North Kivu is encouraging. It is helping to address the threat that armed groups pose to the civilian population in the eastern part of the country. Ultimately, the threat posed by armed groups, which is exacerbated by underlying social, economic and political problems, can be addressed only through a combination of military pressure and political measures. Significant progress has been achieved in stabilizing the Democratic Republic of the Congo. To preserve those gains, political leaders must listen to the aspirations of their people, who have suffered for far too long from continued political crisis and violent conflict.”
2016-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7732 (2016) · source
“The protection of civilians will, and must, remain a key priority of the Mission, including in the context of the electoral process. I should note, however, that in the case of a major security crisis, it would be unrealistic to expect MONUSCO to substitute for the State. In the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in particular in a number of territories in Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu provinces, the security situation remains extremely serious. There is reason to be particularly concerned about the situation in Beni, where the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) have carried out deadly attacks against defenceless civilians, the Forces armees de la Republique democratique du Congo (FARDC) and MONUSCO. We are also concerned about inter-communal tensions and violence in the Lubero and Walikale territories in North Kivu.”
2016-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7732 (2016) · source
“Kodjo could make an important contribution to build confidence in the process. I welcome the Group's inaugural meeting, held in Addis Ababa on 4 July. The Support Group reaffirmed the crucial importance of holding a successful national dialogue with all Congolese stakeholders, preferably by the end of July, and agreed to undertake consultations aimed at encouraging all stakeholders to participate in it. Secondly, a reliable voter register could help defuse tensions and pave the way for transparent and credible elections. MONUSCO is providing technical assistance and logistical support for the revision of the register. Thirdly, as called for by the Council, MONUSCO has updated its plans to address security risks and to monitor human rights violations and abuses in the context of the elections.”
2016-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7732 (2016) · source
“This tragic and still preventable outcome would not only reverse the political, security and development gains of the past few years, it would also require a response that would go beyond the capacity of United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO). I therefore need to convey the Secretary-General's serious call for all Congolese political stakeholders to give dialogue a chance, engage in good faith and place the interests of their nation first. I would like to draw attention to three elements that could support an inclusive dialogue. First, as proposed by the African Union, the European Union, the International Organization of la Francophonie and the United Nations in their joint communique of 6 June, the International Support Group for the facilitation efforts to Mr.”
2016-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7732 (2016) · source
“In the absence of dialogue, there is a real risk that political actors could resort to unilateral decisions, which may compound existing political tensions. An inclusive and credible dialogue among Congolese stakeholders is the only realistic way to defuse political tensions, overcome the electoral impasse and prevent violence. Such a dialogue should result in an inclusive agreement that could lead to credible presidential and legislative elections. Without it, we face the risk of a severe crisis, with a high probability of violence and persistent instability.”
2016-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7732 (2016) · source
“However, there is no agreement on the terms under which the dialogue should be held or who should participate in it. President Kabila Kabange reiterated the need for dialogue during his address to the nation on 30 June, while also urging the Facilitator of the African Union, former Togolese Prime Minister Edem Kodjo, to take steps to launch the dialogue as soon as possible. Important members of the opposition continue to express reservations. They argue that the dialogue proposed by President Kabila Kabange could lead to the extension of his term in office beyond November 2016. The efforts of Facilitator Kodjo, who is supported by Special Representative Maman Sidikou and Special Envoy Said Djinnit, have not yet bridged that gap.”
2016-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7732 (2016) · source
“The Deputy Secretary-General: I thank you, Mr. President, for this opportunity to brief the Security Council on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. I am here today to convey the Secretary- General's, and my own, concerns about the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Political tensions are increasing ahead of the constitutionally envisaged presidential and legislative elections. Polarization and public discontent are being fuelled by delays in the electoral process, a debate around respect for the Constitution and increasing restrictions on democratic space. The political dialogue proposed by President Kabila Kabange is facing uncertainty. The ruling majority and the opposition have expressed their support in principle.”
2016-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7732 (2016) · source
“Marginalizing or demonizing certain groups, whoever they may be, fuel the us- against-them menality, which is one of the gravest threats in our world today. In a deeper sense, the best narrative to counter violent extremism may perhaps not be a narrative. This whole discussion is not about a story; it is about action to build peace, development and human rights. It is about standing together in global solidarity against forces that want to divide and scare us, which want us to forget the beauty of diversity and the tremendous power of fundamental and universal values and principles.”
2016-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7690 (2016) · source
“The protection of free media can be a defence against terrorist narratives. There must be no arbitrary or excessive punishment against people who are simply expressing their opinions. Space for civil society and non-governmental organizations to operate freely is essential. And journalists and human rights defenders deserve safety and support. Terrorists are aiming to create a climate of fear and hysteria where human rights are suppressed. We must answer by adamantly preserving our common values, amplifying moderate voices and enabling individual freedom. The fight against terrorism must not be carried out in such a way that we infringe upon basic freedoms. Violations of human rights in the name of countering violent extremism will give terrorists their best recruitment tools.”
2016-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7690 (2016) · source
“Such messages and actions should address conditions that are conducive to terrorism and violent extremism. We also need to listen carefully to affected communities. We need to engage at the grass-roots level. We need to partner with faith leaders, women and young people. They are the ones on the front lines, facing and standing up to violent extremists, and they know best how to respond at the local and individual levels. The Internet is a powerful tool that violent extremists have used to spread their messages of hate. We should encourage more study and research on how violent extremists are using the Internet and social media. At the same time, it is important to uphold the freedoms of speech, expression and assembly. Efforts should be redoubled to protect pluralism and diversity, including in the media.”
2016-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7690 (2016) · source
“The Secretary-General has called for a comprehensive approach to respond to the complex factors that drive people to violent extremism. It is necessary to counter and refute false and nefarious narratives. Such narratives must be replaced with compelling alternative visions, backed by tangible opportunities for meaningful and constructive engagement, including jobs, as youth unemployment is a scourge around the world. When we are to address terrorist threats, security and military responses remain important - let us state that clearly - but they are not enough. The Secretary- General strongly focuses on a preventive approach in his Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism. We need to spread positive messages and take pre-emptive actions.”
2016-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7690 (2016) · source
“When we give young people avenues and arenas for engagement and action, they will see hope and be ready to build peaceful societies to the benefit of generations to come. The Secretary-General has often stressed that terrorism and violent extremism are not related to any single ethnic group, nationality or religion. Terrorists are united in their nihilistic and anti-humanistic beliefs. We must respond by uniting as one human family that defends our shared values and embraces diversity. The United Nations is a wonderful platform for such mobilization. The incitement and recruitment of terrorists, as well as conditions conducive to terrorism, have been addressed in several Security Council resolutions, the General Assembly's Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy and the Secretary-General's Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism.”
2016-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7690 (2016) · source
“We must not only work for youth; we must work with youth. Instead of viewing young people as part of the problem, we must harness their immense potential to forge solutions. In today's world, young people have superior communications skills, extensive social media networks and often more influential voices than their elders. We need only check with our children and grandchildren. If we are to counter terrorist narratives, we have to motivate and mobilize this generation of youth i the largest in history - to amplify our messages ofcommon humanity. Young people are thirsty for visionary ideas. Good governance and respect for human rights and the rule of law should therefore be central components of any inspiring vision.”
2016-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7690 (2016) · source
“I am confident that they are eager to make contributions to peaceful and thriving societies for all. The Security Council recognized the value and role of young people and young peacebuilders in its historic resolution 2250 (2015) of December last year. That resolution will, I am sure, turn out to be the equivalent for young people of what resolution 1325 (2000) is for women and security. I dare say that if young people are considered good enough to fight wars, they certainly deserve the chance to make peace. I call on Council members and all Member States to translate the resolution into practice. We must do more than repeat general statements about young people being the leaders of the future, as we often say. We must invest in youth today with material resources and meaningful political empowerment.”
2016-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7690 (2016) · source
“Faith in fundamental human rights and in the dignity and worth of the human person, and the primacy of global solidarity represent the greatest force in our hands to counter terrorist narratives and ideologies. There is around the world a great deal of legitimate concern about young people falling prey to terrorist narratives and ideologies. We know that youths may be vulnerable to the lure of terrorists who offer them a sense of belonging, a salary and a promise of glory - even paradise. We all know that their promises are patently false, but we also know that young people are capable of discerning the truth and recognizing siren songs. I believe, in fact, that the vast majority of young people are naturally inclined towards building a good life for themselves and others.”
2016-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7690 (2016) · source
“We all know that terrorist groups are exploiting religious beliefs in order to incite hatred and Violence and to cause division and polarization in our societies. We see that happening all over the world today. They blatantly challenge the values enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and our shared pursuit of peace, justice and human dignity. We must be aware that terrorist bombs are aimed at devastating more than human lives. They target our common values. They aim to spread fear. We therefore have a responsibility to shield people from harm and fear and to protect universal values from erosion. When we fulfil this responsibility, we gain both a moral and strategic advantage.”
2016-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7690 (2016) · source
“The Deputy Secretary-General: I thank the Egyptian presidency for convening today's open debate. This is an opportunity to discuss how we can best counter terrorist narratives and ideologies, as well as to recall the fundamental interests and values connected to that pursuit. The Council is all too aware of the volatile mix of protracted conflicts, terrorism and violent extremism in today's world. It has mourned fallen soldiers, police and peacekeepers, as well as the tragically high numbers of civilian Victims of atrocities committed by terrorists. It has used sanctions and other measures to stop their activities. It has understood the serious threat posed by terrorist groups, which control territories and population centres and attempt to blur borders between sovereign States.”
2016-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7690 (2016) · source
“Respect for the norms established to safeguard our humanity will be one of the priorities of the Summit. We must redouble our efforts and take ever more concrete action to ensure the protection of civilians and enhance respect for international humanitarian law and human rights law. It is time to restore knowledge, to restore awareness and to restore faith in those instruments and demonstrate in practice that we are serious about placing human beings at the centre of our work at the United Nations.”
2016-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7606 (2016) · source
“We are now working on a robust programme aimed at strengthening prevention, enforcement and remedial action in the area of sexual exploitation and abuse. I welcome the Security Council's presidential statement of November 2015, which recommitted the Council to address the protection of civilians as a core issue (S/PRST/2015/22). When civilians are under violent attack, often from all sides, as we now see far too often, it is particularly important that the protection of civilians be at the centre of the Council's deliberations. In conclusion, let me say that protecting civilians in armed conflict will be one of the central themes of the World Humanitarian Summit, to be held in Istanbul on 23 and 24 May. We must seize the opportunity of the Summit to make progress on the serious challenges that we face today.”
2016-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7606 (2016) · source
“They should support host Governments' efforts to protect their people by strengthening human rights, the rule of law and inclusive institutions. Dialogue between the Security Council, the Secretariat and troop- and police-contributing countries is critical. Each must ensure that the United Nations never stands idly by in the face of attacks on civilians. States should build on the Kigali Principles on the Protection of Civilians, inter alia through peacekeeping, which were agreed last year. Zero tolerance for cases of sexual exploitation and abuse by United Nations personnel must be strictly adhered to. The recommendations of the panel set up after reported abuses in the Central African Republic are being taken seriously by the Secretary-General.”
2016-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7606 (2016) · source
“The report (see S/2015/446) of the High-level Independent Panel on Peace Operations, entitled "Uniting our strengths for peace: politics, partnership and people", pointed to a significant gap between expectations and reality when it comes to the ability of missions to protect civilians. The Secretary-General's subsequent report (S/2015/682) announced several measures to close that gap. Peacekeeping operations must respond with speed and determination in the face of threats to civilians. The opening of mission gates to desperate people in South Sudan is one example of such determination in practice. Missions must also report directly and frankly on obstacles and failures to act. Missions are to advocate strongly for the protection of civilians.”
2016-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7606 (2016) · source
“It contributes to the erosion of international human rights and humanitarian law and to further loss of civilian lives. Fourthly, Governments must do more to protect people displaced by conflict, particularly those who are vulnerable, primarily women and children. Policies and legal frameworks aimed at protecting refugees and internally displaced people must be strengthened and strictly implemented. The high-level plenary meeting of the General Assembly on addressing large movements of refugees and migrants, to be held on 19 September 2016, will also be an opportunity to focus on those issues.”
2016-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7606 (2016) · source
“Judicial bodies such as the International Criminal Court are to be used when national prosecution options are not available. All States should accede to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. When violence erupts and the threat of conflict is growing, we all have a responsibility to act. The Secretary-General's Human Rights Up Front initiative requests all United Nations staff to react early and with courage in the face of escalating risks of large-scale violations. We are committed to bring situations of concern to the attention of Member States. The failure to give early warning so as to ensure accountability is in itself a threat to peace and security. The resulting impunity emboldens perpetrators to escalate their brutality, as we have seen in several cases.”
2016-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7606 (2016) · source
“That requires consideration and action on the part of the Security Council and careful monitoring of violations of human rights law and international humanitarian law. Generally, the whole United Nations system must continuously seek to resolve tensions and conflicts through mediation and other peaceful methods to settle disputes, as listed in Articles 33 and 34 of Chapter VI of the Charter of the United Nations, which members have before them to check. Thirdly, where violations persist, there must be accountability. Governments should adopt robust criminal legislation and strengthen their judicial systems in order to prosecute perpetrators. They need to establish national fact-finding mechanisms and, where deemed necessary, set up independent commissions of inquiry.”
2016-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7606 (2016) · source
“I urge members to do everything possible to address this threat in a determined, comprehensive and rights-based manner. In the face of such violations and developments, what can the international community do? First, we must consistently remind parties to armed conflict of their obligations to uphold international law and to respect and protect all civilians and civilian objects, including humanitarian workers and facilities. The loss of life is mounting among humanitarian workers, who courageously are striving to gain access to people in need. We must all unequivocally condemn violations and use all the tools at our disposal to bring about compliance with international humanitarian law. For that, we need the Council's leadership. Secondly, we must do much more to prevent conflicts and situations that place civilians at risk.”
2016-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7606 (2016) · source
“A siege that denies people access to the basic necessities of life is one of the gravest violations of international law and an affront to our shared humanity, which the Secretary-General has, in the clearest of terms, condemned during these past days, naming such violations war crimes. Such crimes simply must stop, and they must do so immediately. The barbarity of non-State extremist armed groups, such as Daesh, Boko Haram and others, present new challenges. Those groups brazenly and brutally murder thousands of people, kidnap young girls, systematically deny women their rights, destroy cultural institutions and undermine the peaceful values of religions. Their aim is obviously to instil fear and to divide and destroy the social fabric of our societies.”
2016-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7606 (2016) · source