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

“I am aware that the goal has not yet been reached, but it remains a priority concern in peacebuilding. My second point concerns institution-building for fostering peace, development and social cohesion. Inclusive institution-building in the areas of justice, education and health care can help States gain broad popular confidence and ensure that disputes and political competition are handled without resort to violence. Effective and impartial security and judicial institutions are particularly important for building respect for human rights and the rule of law. We see the centrality of institution-building in Liberia, where United Nations support for the establishment of five regional security and justice hubs has helped to restore faith in the country's security services.”
2014-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7143 (2014) · source
“Said Djinnit, facilitated a political dialogue, with support from the Peacebuilding Commission and the Peacebuilding Fund. It promoted trust among political parties and strengthened the role of women, including as electoral monitors. Those were critical elements for the largely peaceful elections held in September 2013. In Yemen over the past two years, the Secretary-General's Special Adviser worked to bring the voices of women and youth into the country's national dialogue. Both examples highlight the importance of gender-responsive peacebuilding and the inclusion of women in peace processes. Let me underscore the Secretary-General's engagement in that area, through the commitment to allocate 15 per cent of United Nations-managed peacebuilding funds to projects promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women.”
2014-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7143 (2014) · source
“In 2012, the Secretary-General identified inclusivity, institution-building and the need for sustained international support and mutual accountability as three priority areas for peacebuilding. Let me say a few words about each. First, with respect to inclusivity, national ownership, national leadership and national political commitment are indispensable elements for durable peace. But peace agreements that involve only a limited number of protagonists or key actors often fail to meet peoples' needs and expectations, and therefore turn out to be fragile. While peace settlements admittedly need to include so-called people with guns, peacebuilding primarily requires political processes with broad participation and public accountability. In Guinea last year, the Secretary-General's Special Representative for West Africa, Mr.”
2014-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7143 (2014) · source
“The transition to the country team is under way, in close collaboration with the Government of Sierra Leone and with the continued political engagement of the Peacebuilding Commission. The example of Sierra Leone, and of Timor Leste before it, provides evidence of how post-conflict peacebuilding can prevent a relapse into violence and underpin a country's development after conflict. On the other hand, the recent upsurges ofviolence in the Central African Republic and in South Sudan demonstrate the unpredictable environment for peacebuilding and the great risks involved. That is why we must always be prepared to adapt and seek new approaches based on experience and evidence.”
2014-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7143 (2014) · source
“The Deputy Secretary-General: Thank you for organizing this timely debate, Madam President. I know how committed and experienced you and several of your colleagues on the Council are to the work of the Peacebuilding Commission. Peacebuilding encompasses a variety of political and development actions by United Nations peacekeeping operations, special political missions, country teams and other actors. It lies at the heart of United Nations aspirations in countries emerging from conflict. Just two weeks ago, the Secretary-General visited Sierra Leone to mark the closure of the United Nations peacebuilding operation, the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Sierra Leone.”
2014-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7143 (2014) · source
“"He calls for an immediate restoration of calm and direct dialogue between all concerned to solve the current crisis. "The Secretary-General will be speaking with President Vladimir Putin of Russia shortly about the situation in Ukraine." Let me say in closing that at this crucial moment it is important to recall the mission ofthe Organization. It always seeks the peaceful settlement of disputes. That is the essence of the Charter of the United Nations and should serve as our primary guide in this situation. Now is the time for cool heads to prevail.”
2014-03-01 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7124 (2014) · source
“Robert Serry will travel to Geneva today, where he will brief the Secretary-General on his mission to Ukraine and discuss further possible steps. The Secretary-General is gravely concerned that the situation has further deteriorated since yesterday's meeting of the Council. In that regard, let me reiterate the Secretary-General's important messages, conveyed in his statement of today: "The Secretary-General continues to closely follow the seriously and rapidly unfolding events in Ukraine, including developments in Crimea, and is gravely concerned about the deterioration of the situation. "The Secretary-General reiterates his call for the full respect for and preservation of the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.”
2014-03-01 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7124 (2014) · source
“We also note that the calls for dialogue among all other interested parties, both inside and outside Ukraine, appear to be resonating. Referring to the Security Council discussions yesterday about Robert Serry's fact-finding mission and his possible visit to Crimea, Mr. Serry was in touch with the authorities of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea. He came to the conclusion that a visit to Crimea today was not possible for logistical reasons. In his statement today, Mr. Serry noted that if he had travelled to Crimea, he would have conveyed, on behalf of the Secretary-General, a message for all to calm the situation down and to refrain from any actions that could further escalate an already tense environment.”
2014-03-01 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7124 (2014) · source
“In the same statement, he announced that he was taking control of security in Crimea "on a temporary basis". He told all security personnel to declare allegiance to him rather than to the authorities of Kiev. Following the reported deployment of additional Russian troops and armoured vehicles to Crimea, the Russian Federation's upper house of Parliament today approved the request of President Putin for Russian forces to be used in Ukraine "pending the normalization of the public and political situation in that country". At the same time, in this fluid situation, however, there are some encouraging signs. One of them is the reported announcement from Kiev just now of the intention to broaden the Government to include representatives from eastern Ukraine.”
2014-03-01 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7124 (2014) · source
“The Deputy Secretary-General: Since the Council was briefed yesterday by Assistant Secretary-General Fernandez-Taranco (see S/PV.7I23), there have been reports of continued serious developments in Ukraine. In Crimea, key sites such as airports, communications and public buildings, including the regional parliament, reportedly continue to be blocked by unidentified armed men. There are further reports of armed personnel taking control of regional administration buildings in several cities in the East and South of Ukraine. The new Crimean Prime Minister, Sergei Aksenov, today released a statement appealing to President Vladimir Putin to provide assistance in "ensuring peace and tranquillity on the territory of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea".”
2014-03-01 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7124 (2014) · source
“Some call this a forgotten crisis. The world is haunted by the horrors of crises spiralling into atrocities as we have watched from a distance. The United Nations, the African Union, ECCAS and the Central African Republic authorities all recognize the urgent need to stop this crisis from escalating beyond control. It is now for the Council to decide how it can best contribute to this goal.”
2013-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7069 (2013) · source
“Reporting to the Council today is part of that commitment to placing rights up front, as fundamentally laid down the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. We believe that a United Nations peacekeeping operations will be needed in the Central African Republic. However, the transformation of MISCA into a United Nations peacekeeping operation would require some lead time for necessary preparations. We therefore urge the international community not only to support MISCA in as comprehensive and predictable a manner as possible, but to also to begin considering the option of a United Nations peacekeeping operation. The people of the Central African Republic have hardly ever had the opportunity to fully experience peace and security. They need our help.”
2013-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7069 (2013) · source
“The virtual meltdown in the Central African Republic requires a coherent, integrated and multidimensional response that would address both the root causes and the present manifestations of the crisis. In the Secretary-General's assessment, the response must be commensurate with the complexity of the crisis and the protection needs of the population. It must be robust and prevent what has a high potential to result in widespread atrocities. The Secretary-General has recently renewed the commitment of the United Nations to upholding our responsibilties whenever there is a threat of large-scale violations of international human rights and humanitarian law. He is committed to bringing such serious violations to the attention of the appropriate United Nations bodies, in particular when national authorities are unable to respond.”
2013-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7069 (2013) · source
“The transformation of MISCA into a United Nations peacekeeping operation with an estimated strength of 6,000 troops and 1,700 police personnel would lay the foundation for transparent, accountable and resilient institutions. A United Nations peacekeeping operation would ensure a multidimensional integrated approach and, we would hope, enhance the international community's ability to apply political leverage. Since the mission was deployed and the Secretary- General's report was issued, the Head of State of the Transition has written to inform the Secretary-General of his request for assistance from France. The Head of State of the Transition has characterized the current situation as a threat to international peace and security.”
2013-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7069 (2013) · source
“The report before the Council presents five options for international support to MISCA: first, bilateral and multilateral support arrangements; secondly, United Nations support funded through a trust fund, in addition to a bilateral and multilateral support; thirdly, limited United Nations support, funded through assessed or voluntary contributions combined with bilateral and multilateral support; fourthly, a comprehensive United Nations support package funded through assessed contributions; and fifthly, the transformation of MISCA into a United Nations peacekeeping operation. The majority of those with whom the mission met called for the fifth and last option - a United nations peacekeeping operation. Support for this option has also been requested by a number of civil society organizations.”
2013-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7069 (2013) · source
“MICOPAX troops are also struggling with limited logistical support, with a shortfall in equipment and means of communication, and with mobility constraints. Significant external support would therefore be required to enable MISCA to implement its mandate and stabilize the situation.”
2013-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7069 (2013) · source
“While in the country, the mission listened to a wide range of national and international stakeholders, who were unanimous in their calls for rapid action, including the deployment of an effective and impartial force to protect civilians, deter human right violations, restore security and prevent the occurrence of mass violence. The technical assessment mission observed that, despite its best efforts, the capacity of the ECCAS-led peacekeeping force - the Mission for the Consolidation of Peace in the Central African Republic (MICOPAX) - to protect civilians is seriously limited. While the recent deployment of MICOPAX has had a deterrent effect in some locations, some contingents are perceived as siding with particular communities based on religion.”
2013-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7069 (2013) · source
“We also welcome the presence here today of the Secretary-General of ECCAS, Mr. Ahmad Allam-mi. I also thank the authorities of the Central African Republic for welcoming the mission, and am pleased to see them represented here today. The African Union and ECCAS agree that there is an urgent need for the international community to act, and that a United Nations peacekeeping mandate with a robust mandate will be required. As I mentioned earlier, in recent days the Secretary- General has had productive discussions with the African Union Commission Chairperson, Ms. Dlamini-Zuma, President Deby Itno of Chad and Mr. Ahmad Allam-mi to underline his deep concerns about the situation and his agreement with them that a strong peacekeeping force is needed in the Central African Republic.”
2013-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7069 (2013) · source
“In response to 2121 (2013), the Secretary-General dispatched an interagency technical assessment mission to the Central African Republic from 27 October to 8 November, led by the Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, Mr. Edmond Mulet, who is present here today. The mission was tasked to develop options for international support to the African- led International Support Mission for the Central African Republic (MISCA), including its possible transformation into a United Nations peacekeeping operation, subject to appropriate conditions on the ground and to the decision of the Security Council. We thank the African Union and the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), who were a critical part of the mission, and we are gratified that the African Union is represented here today by Ambassador Ayebare.”
2013-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7069 (2013) · source
“If this situation is left to fester, it may develop into a religious and ethnic conflict with long-standing consequences, or even into a civil war that could spread into neighbouring countries. It is critical for the international community and the Council to act now. The need for decisive action is also essential for ensuring that preparations for the elections can proceed in accordance with the transitional charter. As reiterated by the Council and the International Contact Group, the elections should be held within 18 months of the inauguration of the Head of State of the Transition, that is, by February 2015. We have no time to lose.”
2013-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7069 (2013) · source
“The restoration of security, law and order is a precondition for addressing the political, human rights and humanitarian problems. The capacity of the country's armed forces and security services to prevent and confront such threats is virtually non-existent. According to the Ministry of Defence, nearly 7,000 of the Forces armees centrafricaines have returned to Bangui but are neither deployed nor operational. Former Seleka units have assumed the responsibility of the national defence and security forces. Some 5,000 former Seleka are to be integrated into the security services. However, there is no agreed plan or budget for the reconstitution of the national security forces. The Central African Republic is becoming a breeding ground for extremists and armed groups in a region that is already suffering from conflict and instability.”
2013-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7069 (2013) · source
“I appeal to the Council to respond to this end by considering accountability mechanisms, such as a commission of inquiry and/or targeted sanctions. At the same time, humanitarian needs are escalating. Virtually the entire population of 4.6 million people has been affected by the emergency. One out of three people in the country is in dire need of food, protection, health care, water, sanitation and shelter. Access to populations in need remains difficult, and funding is woefully short. The consolidated appeal of $195 million has received less than half of the funding required. And the needs keep rising. Our humanitarian colleagues have developed a six-point action plan at the global, regional and national levels, and I call for an urgent response to this humanitarian crisis.”
2013-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7069 (2013) · source
“Babacar Gaye, and the transitional authorities to establish mediation and reconciliation committees and take other steps to find practical solutions and to defuse tension in Bossangoa and elsewhere. As recognized by the Council in resolution 2121 (2013), the human rights capacity of the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in the Central African Republic is sorely inadequate. It is also hampered by a lack of access in the present security situation. We welcome the upcoming deployment of a United Nations human rights monitoring missionand a planned joint mission by the offices of the Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict and the Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict. In his report, the Secretary-General calls for urgent measures to end the pervasive impunity and to ensure accountability.”
2013-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7069 (2013) · source
“The manipulation of religious affiliations for political purposes has fuelled never- before-seen sectarian violence between Muslims and Christians, particularly in the north-west and south- east of the country. Former Seleka elements are deemed responsible for most humanitarianman rights violations against the civilian population. Yet we are also deeply concerned by abuses by "anti-balaka" - well-organized self-defence or vigilante groups. This confrontation may develop into a conflagration. The influence of religious leaders to prevent violence is diminishing as the conflict has brought to light years of the marginalization of and discrimination against the northern, predominantly Muslim population. I welcome the efforts of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr.”
2013-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7069 (2013) · source
“In the past few days, he has also been in contact with African leaders, who have expressed their concern over the situation and the need for a robust international response to it. As the report before the Council (S/20l3/677) shows, the country faces a desperate security situation. There is a breakdown of law and order. The population is enduring suffering beyond imagination. As we see far too often, women and children are at the greatest risk. The use of child soldiers is rising. Sexual violence is growing. There are widespread reports of looting, illegal checkpoints, extortion, arbitrary arrests, torture and summary executions. The Secretary-General is particularly concerned over the alarming increase in intercommunal Violence. Traditional harmony among communities has been replaced by polarization and widespread horror.”
2013-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7069 (2013) · source
“The Deputy Secretary-General: I thank you, Sir, for this opportunity to brief the Council on the rapidly deteriorating situation in the Central AfricanRepublic. We face a profoundly important test of international solidarity and of our responsibility to prevent atrocities. A country in the heart of Africa is descending into complete chaos before our eyes. The situation requires prompt and decisive action to place the protection of the people of the Central African Republic at the centre of our attention. That is why the Secretary-General issued a strong warning to the Council last week, and that is why he has asked me to present a more detailed report today on the findings of the technical assistance team that has recently returned from the Central African Republic, and on our observations on these findings.”
2013-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7069 (2013) · source
“The attack in June on the United Nations in Mogadishu and the terrorist act in Nairobi in September underline Al-Shabaab's intent to force an international retreat from Somalia and to inflict suffering on Somalis in order to erode their confidence in the peace process 4 and, indeed, in the future. That is why we must support AMISOM. and at the same time invest in Somali national forces as well as in protecting our staff. I appeal for the Council's positive consideration of those recommendations.”
2013-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7054 (2013) · source
“The Council has requested Somali authorities to report on the structure of its security forces and on the measures to ensure the safe management and accountability for weapons and military equipment, under the terms of resolution 2093 (2013). I understand that a report on that matter is expected to reach the Council shortly. I urge the Federal Government to expedite its submission. In conclusion, the Government and the people of Somalia, as well as international partners, are on the verge of rebuilding a shattered State and rescuing millions of people from conflict and poverty. The international community's commitment to Somalia is reflected in the $2.4 billion pledged in Brussels in September under the new deal. But without a sufficient level of security, what we have worked so hard for could be lost.”
2013-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7054 (2013) · source
“I commend the work of the Contact Group on Piracy in fostering cooperation, sharing information and mobilizing resources. Looking ahead, the policy and legal issues governing the deployment of contracted armed security personnel on board vessels will require continued close attention. Let us not forget that Somali pirates are presently holding hostage 60 seafarers. That is a matter of serious international concern. We must continue to insist that all hostages be released immediately. In the long term, our shared goal is for Somalia to assume full responsibility for its own security, within the framework of the rule of law.”
2013-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7054 (2013) · source
“As the Secretary-General notes in his report, the security, development and governance factors have not changed sufficiently to deter criminals from attacking ships and holding seafarers hostage. We must remain vigilant. The international naval presence remains vital for conducting counter-piracy operations pursuant to resolution 2077 (2013), as does Member States' commitment to prosecute suspected pirates. I also call on Member States to expand efforts to develop Somalia's maritime resource and security strategy. That is the anchor for improving the governance of Somalia's maritime resources and expanding economic opportunities for its citizens. The report underscores the importance of coordinated international action and of the self- protection measures developed by the shipping industry.”
2013-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7054 (2013) · source
“Should the Council so decide, the deployment of a United Nations peacekeeping operation could then mark an exit strategy for the current operations, and a milestone in our work for peace in Somalia. Let me now turn briefly to the report of the Secretary-General on piracy and armed robbery off the coast of Somalia (S/2013/623). The report is a timely reminder of how effective security instruments can be in fighting destabilizing forces. The number of piracy incidents has decreased considerably. At the same time, the report highlights the need for a comprehensive strategy to sustain security gains. More work is required to address the underlying causes of piracy in Somalia.”
2013-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7054 (2013) · source
“That is reflected in the benchmarks that the Secretary-General has set for the deployment of a United Nations peacekeeping operation. They cover advances in the campaign against Al-Shabaab, the development of capacity for the Somali national army and national police and progress on reconciliation, as well as work on the constitution and preparations for elections in 2016. Those are the key steps for progress for the Somalis and for the international community's investment in Somalia between now and 2016. The United Nations will continue to work closely with the Government and international partners to help create those conditions. That requires an integrated strategy that combines political engagement and support for peacebuilding, the rule of law and development.”
2013-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7054 (2013) · source
“I therefore ask the Council to authorize the deployment of a United Nations guard unit to protect United Nations locations until national forces can assume their responsibility. At the same time, we need to invest in measures that can increase the Somali Federal Government's capacity to protect international operations for the long term. That is why we recommend supporting Somali police units to provide mobile security for the United Nations as part of security-sector development under the new deal framework. I urge the Council to support those recommendations. It is essential that security efforts proceed hand in hand with the political, peacebuilding and developmental efforts. Security, reconciliation and development must proceed in parallel in order to take root and mutually reinforce each other.”
2013-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7054 (2013) · source
“I visited the site of the attack in Mogadishu in order to pay my respects to the victims and to personally thank the courageous United Nations staff who protected our colleagues that day. It was a sombre moment, and it made me and my colleagues feel all the more determined not to let extremists set the agenda and, by instilling fear, stop our efforts to help the Somali people. The security of the United Nations in Mogadishu and Somalia requires urgent attention. We owe our staff secure accommodation and the protected mobility required to do their work. With AMISOM's present assets and with competing priorities, it is not realistic to substantially step up the protection of United Nations installations and operations, as those are to expand.”
2013-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7054 (2013) · source
“I would now like to draw the Council's attention to the Secretary-General's advice with regard to the safety of United Nations staff in Somalia. In Mogadishu I met with United Nations colleagues working with great dedication in conditions of high risk. The surge in attacks and threats in recent months places them under great pressure. At the same time, that surge is a serious obstacle to the implementation of resolutions 2093 (2013) and 2102 (2013), which mandated the Secretary- General to establish an enhanced United Nations presence in Somalia. It also risks setting back our vital work for recovery and development on the ground in the country. Following the attack on 19 June, United Nations agencies, funds and programmes have a severely restricted capacity to plan and deliver programmes.”
2013-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7054 (2013) · source
“It is hard to ask for additional resources in our present difficult financial environment, but it is my duty to advise the Council that, without increased support, our present and, indeed, past investment in peace and that of millions of Somalis may be lost. Success in Somalia has been achieved through a unique brand of multilateralism. The United Nations, the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development and the European Union have combined together in a creative, responsible and effective way. If we do not reinforce the progress with additional resources and presence on the ground, we risk a setback for a great example of multilateralism, as well as exposing the Somali people to aggravated Violence and poverty.”
2013-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7054 (2013) · source
“Council Members will recall that we have previously provided assistance along similar lines to national forces in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, under the guidance of a human rights due diligence policy. In fact, the Council took a decision recently on the Central African Republic, I understand. The Government of Somalia conceded that, without support to the Somali National Security Forces, no significant progress should be expected. Against that background, I urge the Security Council to find ways to adequately provide for that support. It would also facilitate the crucially important recovery and development efforts of the United Nations and other actors on the ground.”
2013-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7054 (2013) · source
“The recommended enhancements for AMISOM, including helicopters and other enablers, will allow the force to regain the initiative against the insurgency and to recover strategic locations that are exploited by Al-Shabaab to generate revenue and to recruit and train combatants. The recommendations for non-lethal and logistic support to the Somali National Security Forces are equally critical. It includes medical support, transport, tents, food and fuel, and would enable the Somalis to operate effectively alongside AMISOM, improving their capacity to hold cleared areas until the Somali national police can take over, with AMISOM police support. It is of significant long-term importance.”
2013-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7054 (2013) · source
“Although weakened, the insurgency is still able to conduct terror operations, not only in its areas of control but in Mogadishu, Kismaayo and elsewhere, as we saw in last month's horrific attack on the Westgate Mall in Nairobi. It is the joint recommendation of the Secretary-General and the African Union that AMISOM. and Somali forces need a significant temporary boost to maintain the basic security required for peacebuilding, as well as to respond to the evolving threat from Al-Shabaab. The letter of the Secretary-General of 14 October provides the details of those proposals.”
2013-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7054 (2013) · source
“High expectations are directed at the United Nations, the African Union and AMISOM. The findings of the African Union-United Nations mission on security are clear. After 18 months of successful operations that uprooted Al-Shabaab from major cities, the campaign by AMISOM. and Somali forces has in recent months ground to a halt. The AMISOM. Force Commander told me that neither AMISOM. nor the Somali army has the capacity to push beyond areas already recovered. Their hold on the existing territory would be tenuous if the current status quo were to continue, he claimed. While these forces remain largely static, Al-Shabaab is mobile. Al-Shabaab is training and recruiting substantial numbers of frustrated, unemployed young men. There has been a surge in deadly attacks.”
2013-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7054 (2013) · source
“Let me also express my great respect for the many representatives of the international community and civil society now working in Mogadishu and for our United Nations staff, of whom over 100 internationals are now working in Mogadishu under the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia, Nicholas Kay, as we prepare to establish an integrated mission in January. I came away heartened by the commitment of Somalia's Government and people and their international partners to peace and unity, as well as to development and human rights. But I also found reasons for concern. As the Secretary-General has informed the Council in the letter before the Council today (S/2013/606), and as I have heard from many of my colleagues on the ground, this moment of hope in Somalia is fragile.”
2013-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7054 (2013) · source
“Together with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, I visited the new United Nations offices nearing completion in Villa Somalia in Mogadishu, where United Nations and Somali Government staff will, appropriately, work side by side. The African Union Mission in Somalia has done much to enable Somalia to reach the current moment of opportunity. Let me express my deep appreciation for the work that AMISOM. forces have done, of the sacrifices they have made, and of the unique partnership between the African Union and the United Nations in Somalia. I would also like to recognize the substantial support provided by the European Union to AMISOM.”
2013-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7054 (2013) · source
“I urged the President to continue his efforts at political outreach and to take forward inclusive dialogue on the future form of federalism in the country. The United Nations plans to establish a greater presence in the regions and to reinforce the links between the regions and the federal Government. I stressed the importance of building institutions, the rule of law and respect for human rights. We agreed that a United Nations team would travel to Somalia next month to advise on the support required to prepare for national elections in 2016. We also spoke about the need for peacebuilding and State-building. I congratulated the Government on the conclusion of the "new deal" for Somalia framework, which sets out Somalia's priorities. The United Nations will align its efforts fully to support those goals.”
2013-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7054 (2013) · source
“I held extensive, open and highly interesting meetings with Somalia's President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the Prime Minister, the Speaker of Parliament, the Foreign Minister and practically all other members of the Government. I also met with African Union and African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) representatives, security officials, the diplomatic community, civil society and our dedicated United Nations team. During the meetings, we spoke much about national reconciliation. My interlocutors highlighted the need to establish a culture of dialogue and a new approach to regional engagement. The Government reiterated its commitment to federalism and power-sharing between the centre and the periphery.”
2013-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7054 (2013) · source
“The Deputy Secretary-General: I am honoured to address the Council today on Somalia. This is an important briefing for me. I have a long relationship to Somalia. Twenty-one years ago, I visited the country as the United Nations first Emergency Relief Coordinator. I still have vivid, painful memories of the massive suffering at that time - the worst I have ever seen, I should add. For decades, it was difficult to see how Somalia could lift itselfout ofconflict and misery. Last weekend, I was finally able to visit Mogadishu again. The difference from 1992 was remarkable. I saw hope and I saw determination. I saw shops and cafes, fishermen and traffic police, taxis and building sites. I saw what everyone in the Council has heard about during the past year - the beginning of a new Somalia.”
2013-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7054 (2013) · source
“When j ournalists are killed, information about threats to international peace and security is often buried. When addressing situations on its agenda, the Council may therefore wish to particularly consider the targeting of journalists and other threats to freedom of expression. Let me end by quoting the Secretary-General on this year's World Press Freedom Day in May. He said, "All journalists, across all media, need to be able to do their jobs. When it is safe to speak, the whole world benefits."”
2013-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7003 (2013) · source
“Well-functioning and honest institutions are fundamental to development and prosperity. The first phase of the United Nations Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists includes implementation in selected countries, but let me emphasize that the need is equally great in many other countries. The Plan of Action is based on a multidimensional, multi-actor approach. It relies on participation and support from Governments, particularly through Ministries of Information, as well as from local media, civil society and academia. All United Nations entities are also encouraged in the Plan of Action to submit information that contributes towards greater safety for journalists and media staff. The Security Council, too, can play an important role by reacting to and standing up against suppression of media freedom wherever and whenever it occurs.”
2013-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7003 (2013) · source
“The United Nations Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity was launched to create a free and safe environment for the media in conflict and non-conflict situations. It was approved in April 2012 by the United Nations Chief Executives Board for Coordination, with UNESCO in the lead. The basic rationale is that protecting free media is a prerequisite for freedom of expression and democracy. It is also relevant to the pursuit ofpeace and security, as well as development. It should be noted that ensuring freedom of expression and access to independent media and information was highlighted in the report of the Secretary-General's High-Level Panel of Eminent Persons on the Post-2015 Development Agenda. These values and principles are essential if we are to ensure the rule of law and effective institutions.”
2013-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7003 (2013) · source
“Attacks on journalists also take the forms of abduction, hostage-taking, harassment, intimidation and illegal arrest. Women journalists are increasingly becoming victims of sexual harassment and rape. Let us remember that every time a journalist is killed by extremists, drug cartels or even Government forces, there is one voice less to speak on behalf of the victims of conflict, crime and human rights abuses. Every journalist murdered or intimidated into silence is one less observer of efforts to uphold rights and ensure human dignity. The least we can do when a journalist is murdered is to ensure that the death is investigated swiftly and thatjustice is served. It is shocking indeed, and unacceptable, that more than 90 per cent of the assassinations ofjournalists go unpunished.”
2013-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7003 (2013) · source
“Liban's assassination is not an isolated case. Today's debate is devoted to the protection of civilians with a special focus on the protection ofjournalists in armed conflict. But let us not forget thatjournalists also are at grave risk in many non-conflict situations around the world. In situations of armed conflict, however, these critical representatives of the fourth estate are particularly vulnerable. Last year in Syria, 41 journalists, including those who use social media, were killed. In Iraq and Afghanistan, 108 journalists have been killed since 2006. The majority of the victims are local journalists and media staff. In many cases, murdered journalists are covering corruption and other illegal activities. In most cases, journalists receive threats prior to being assassinated.”
2013-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7003 (2013) · source