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

“The Syrian people are today the victims of suffering, devastation and divisiveness; while all the while they aspire only to live in peace and to enjoy the rights and freedoms enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations.”
2012-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6826 (2012) · source
“Finally, we note recent calls to establish humanitarian corridors or buffer zones inside Syria where civilians could, it is argued, find relief from the violence. Such proposals raise serious questions and require careful and critical consideration. (spoke in French) The Syrian people need humanitarian assistance. Ultimately, however, the current crisis will not be resolved in the absence of a credible political process. Such a process should be supported by an unified international community, allowing for an end to the violence and making possible a political transition carried out by Syrians themselves. It is time for all the parties in Syria and abroad the put the interests, dignity and human rights ofthe people of Syria first.”
2012-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6826 (2012) · source
“As the conflict continues, Syria risks undermining its State institutions and losing its cultural and historical heritage. The cohesion of its diverse society is in danger. That will have profound implications for the Syrian people, for the countries of the region and for the world. The massive destruction, the human tragedies and the abuses we are witnessing are the direct consequence of the increased and irresponsible militarization of the conflict. Syrians need fewer weapons, not more. Those who supply the Government or the armed opposition with weapons, equipment or money are creating a vicious circle of violence and are paving the way for more suffering and chaos. Member States with influence on the Syrian Government or the opposition forces have an obligation to end the killing and promote a peaceful resolution of the conflict.”
2012-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6826 (2012) · source
“And United Nations agencies will need to expand their presence. At the same time, security has to be improved. Our response is shackled by obstacles, both conflict-related ones and others linked to the increase in criminality, kidnapping and attacks on vehicles. I urge Member States to emphasize to the Government and opposition groups the urgency of guaranteeing the security of aid agencies operating in areas under their control to allow for safe access to civilians and for evacuation. The second issue is funding. As of yesterday, the $180 million humanitarian response plan was only half-funded. Some critical sectors have received almost no funding at all. Donors should urgently rise to this humanitarian imperative. Hundreds of thousands of lives are at stake.”
2012-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6826 (2012) · source
“That is the difficult environment in which the Joint Special Representative of the United Nations and the League of Arab States, Mr. Lakhdar Brahimi, begins his work. We welcome his presence here today and are grateful that he has accepted this important and heavy responsibility. It is essential that the international community, and the Security Council in particular, unite behind him and his efforts. Separate diplomatic tracks will only prolong the violence, the human rights abuses and the humanitarian crisis. To meet the increasing humanitarian pressure, we need to urgently address two main issues. The first is humanitarian access. The Syrian Arab Red Crescent has done remarkable work, but it is clearly overstretched. We need the Government to authorize more international non-governmental organizations to operate in the country.”
2012-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6826 (2012) · source
“The affected Governments, which have generously opened their borders and accepted their responsibility to shelter those who have sought refuge, need urgent support. There are now more than 220,000 Syrian refugees in Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey. That weighs heavily on local authorities and communities and risks having serious destabilizing effects. The spillover of conflict and violence into neighbouring countries must be prevented. We urge all parties in Syria and neighbouring countries to refrain from cross-border actions that will escalate tensions. In that context, on behalf of the Secretary-General, I call for the release of all who have been kidnapped or are being held hostage, in Syria and elsewhere.”
2012-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6826 (2012) · source
“Those responsible in the Government and the military forces, as well as armed opposition groups, must be held accountable for gross human rights violations, war crimes and crimes against humanity. The withdrawal of the United Nations Supervision Mission in Syria and its observers is now almost complete. Throughout its deployment, the Mission provided clear and verified information and was in contact with all parties, under difficult circumstances. I commend those who served under complex and dangerous conditions. As conditions deteriorate, we see dangerous repercussions for Syria's neighbours. We view with great concern, indeed alarm, the political, social and economic consequences of the movement of large numbers of refugees from Syria to its neighbours. Those consequences must be identified and addressed.”
2012-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6826 (2012) · source
“Both the Government and the opposition have chosen the path of armed confrontation, with no immediate prospect of an end to the fighting or a resolution of the conflict. Defections from the army and the Government continue as the brutality of the Government's military response alienates ever more sections of the population. Arms flows from outside appear to be reaching both sides. Military operations have intensified, encompassing all major cities. Indiscriminate shelling with heavy weapons, tanks and air assets has increased. Civilians and non-combatants, including women and children, face systematic slaughter. There are almost daily reports of atrocities, most recently in Darayya. Those recent accounts of possible war crimes are deeply troubling, and should give us all further impetus to work to end this nightmare.”
2012-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6826 (2012) · source
“In response, despite ongoing fighting and intensifying violence, United Nations agencies, the Red Cross, the Red Crescent Movement and their non-governmental organization partners have managed to reach more people in more places every month. In July, World Food Programme food distribution through the Syrian Arab Red Crescent and its local partners reached 820,000 people throughout Syria, as compared to 250,000 in April. We are reaching ever more people with non-food items, health kits and water and sanitation services. But - and this is a big "but" - as the conflict intensifies the number of people in need is clearly exceeding our capacity to assist. We are now revising the humanitarian response plan to be able to assist up to 2.5 million people.”
2012-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6826 (2012) · source
“Less than half of primary health-care facilities and hospitals in Syria are now fully functional. The destruction of pharmaceutical plants and storage facilities is making drugs and equipment scarce. At the same time, the number of people in need of medical care is increasing. Access to health facilities has become difficult or impossible in some areas due to violence, checkpoints and fuel shortages. Food prices have tripled in some areas. A great number of Syrians are internally displaced and are being supported by family or friends; more than 1.2 million others have sought refuge in public buildings such as schools and mosques, which lack adequate water and sanitation.”
2012-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6826 (2012) · source
“At the outset, allow me to convey the greetings of the Secretary-General, who is currently attending the Non-Aligned Movement Summit in Tehran. I am speaking today on his behalf. I will essentially speak about the humanitarian and security situation in Syria, as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Mr. Guterres, will address the worsening of the crisis caused by the waves of Syrian refugees to neighbouring countries. (spoke in English) More than 2.5 million people, including refugees from Palestine and Iraq, are now in grave need of assistance and protection inside Syria. This is more than double the number that Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Valerie Amos reported to the Security Council in March. The most pressing needs include water and sanitation, food and shelter, blankets and health care.”
2012-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6826 (2012) · source
“We have improved our ability to detect warning signs of impending crises, and we have at our disposal a growing range of tools and instruments to address them. We must now set our sights on building our capacity for international preventive diplomacy, so that when called upon we can respond reliably and promptly.”
2010-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6360 (2010) · source
“Fourthly, we must do more to support and encourage the role of women in prevention. Time and again, women in Africa and elsewhere have demonstrated a strong commitment to working to achieve sustainable peace. Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) reaffirmed the important role of women in the prevention and resolution of conflicts and in peacebuilding. Yet women are still underrepresented in the formal stages of conflict prevention. We can and must do better. According to recent studies, 15 years' worth of development aid to Africa has been effectively cancelled out by the cost of war on the continent. The case for preventive diplomacy is compelling on moral, political and financial grounds.”
2010-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6360 (2010) · source
“Secondly, we must be prepared to persuade. Effective preventive action depends critically on the will of the parties to the conflict. The better we understand motives, calculations and incentives to use violence, the better we can target our response. We must be willing to use all available leverage to persuade the key actors that it is in their own interest to accept diplomatic assistance to avert conflict. Neighbouring countries and subregional organizations that are closest to events on the ground and may have unique influence can be key allies here. Thirdly, the international community should continue to invest in prevention. The global economic crisis has put new pressures on resources, and there is an overall trend towards doing more with less. Diplomatic approaches and responses, when successful, are highly cost-effective.”
2010-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6360 (2010) · source
“All of this holds promise for our preventive diplomacy in Africa. We see a need to focus, in particular, on four fronts. First, we must continue to strengthen our partnerships. Successful peace processes require the contributions of a range of actors, at both the regional and the international levels. Our Dakar-based Office for West Africa has forged innovative working relations with the African Union and ECOWAS to address political crises throughout the subregion, a model that could be usefully replicated elsewhere. Other noteworthy developments include the increasing use of international contact groups and elders structures. Recent engagements in Guinea, Niger, the Comoros and Kenya have shown what we can achieve through partnerships that yield a combination of influence, impartiality, capacity and capability.”
2010-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6360 (2010) · source
“With the support of Member States, we are continuing to professionalize our mediation support capacity, which is seen as an increasingly valuable resource within the United Nations system and by our partners. We have also attempted to develop new tools, including the use of investigative mandates to help defuse tensions in judicial cases with political implications. We are helping national authorities to build their capacity for dispute resolution, in addition to development programmes that can help address some of the structural causes of conflict. Most missions mandated by the Security Council today include an important mediatory role, typically carried out by the head of mission, in recognition of the fact that the need for diplomacy persists throughout the conflict cycle.”
2010-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6360 (2010) · source
“This makes it possible to consider multifaceted preventive strategies of a kind that were previously not an option. Over the past three years, we have sought to strengthen the Department of Political Affairs so that it would be capable of effectively carrying out its lead role in this area. In the past year alone, the United Nations has supported, often in partnership with others, more than 20 peace processes, and responded to many more disputes that did not reach that level. We have improved our response capacity at Headquarters; we have regional diplomacy and peacemaking offices on the ground; we cooperate more effectively within the United Nations system and with regional and subregional organizations.”
2010-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6360 (2010) · source
“Since his time, the good offices of successive Secretaries- General have helped in the peaceful resolution of inter-State wars, civil conflicts, electoral disputes, 5 border disputes, questions of autonomy and independence and a range of other problems. In today's fluid geopolitical landscape, we have new challenges to address. Preventive diplomacy must evolve to deal with increasingly complex civil wars, organized crime and drug trafficking and other transnational threats. In recent years, we have witnessed the very welcome emergence of stronger policy frameworks in favour of conflict prevention, particularly in Africa, with a growing capacity for operational response. Preventive diplomacy today is being conducted by a broader array of actors than ever before, using a wide range of tools.”
2010-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6360 (2010) · source
“The Deputy Secretary-General: Preventive diplomacy is an old art, but it faces new and evolving challenges. There is a pressing need to re-evaluate how we can use our limited resources and capabilities to maximize the impact of preventive action. I therefore thank the Nigerian presidency of the Security Council for its initiative in convening this debate. I would like to welcome in particular His Excellency the Foreign Minister of Nigeria. I thank you, Mr. Minister, for taking time out of your business schedule to be with us this morning for this important debate. I am pleased to speak to the Council today on behalf of Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. The term "preventive diplomacy" was first coined by former Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjold.”
2010-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6360 (2010) · source
“It is well understood that weak regional and national regulatory and enforcement capacities to address illicit arms trafficking are associated with the structural causes of armed Violence and conflict. Therefore, the decisions and actions of the Standing Advisory Committee are of great significance in tackling the tools of violence, designing ways to improve subregional security, and creating the conditions necessary to sustainable development. The Secretary-General urges the Security Council and all Member States to offer whatever assistance is needed to support States in Central Africa in achieving these goals. I once again commend the Government of Gabon for its leadership in bringing this issue to the Council. 3”
2010-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6288 (2010) · source
“The Secretary-General and I welcome the ministerial decision of the United Nations Standing Advisory Committee on Security Questions in Central Africa to mandate the Centre to assist in drafting the subregion's first legally binding instrument on the control of small arms and light weapons, ammunition, explosives and equipment supporting their manufacture. Other urgent priorities include stockpile management, the security of weapons and ammunition, and measures to control the import, export, transit and retransfer of weapons. More must also be done to build national capacities to mark weapons, keep adequate records and trace illicit ones, in line with international and regional standards.”
2010-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6288 (2010) · source
“We also must support the adoption of an arms trade treaty at the global level and the implementation of community-based disarmament and confidence-building projects. Thirdly, the States of Central Africa should make the best possible use of United Nations tools and expertise. The United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs, for example, plays an important role in assisting States in the regulation of conventional armaments and in promoting disarmament and non- proliferation. The United Nations Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Africa provides States, subregional organizations and civil society with technical advice and capacity-building programmes, including training, legal assistance and the elaboration of regional registers and transparency instruments.”
2010-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6288 (2010) · source
“However, the challenge continues to loom large. In this regard, allow me to make three observations. First, peace and security in Central Africa require a strong commitment by States in the subregion, together with State suppliers of weapons, to expand their individual and collective efforts to eradicate weapons trafficking. Secondly, such efforts must include greater commitments by the States of the subregion to implement global instruments and to strengthen their capacity to identify and combat those involved in illicit brokering activities. These instruments include the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms 10-27987 and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects, the United Nations Firearms Protocol, and the International Tracing Instrument.”
2010-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6288 (2010) · source
“Weapons trafficking in Central Africa has complex links, not only to conflict, but also to a number of other criminal activities that undermine our efforts to engender social justice, foster the rule of law and ultimately achieve the Millennium Development Goals. The link between the illicit exploitation and trade of natural resources and the illicit proliferation in trafficking of arms has become increasingly apparent. This, in turn, has become one of the major factors fuelling and exacerbating conflicts in Central Africa. The primary responsibility to eradicate this illicit trade remains with States. Measures taken by national authorities to promote disarmament and arms control programmes are commendable; so, too, are collective efforts through the Economic Community of Central African States.”
2010-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6288 (2010) · source
“The Council has also stressed the need for measures to discourage arms flows in Central Africa. In the subregion, local demand continues to be sizable, especially from many militia and rebel groups. Limited national and regional capacity, porous borders and the spillover effects of conflicts in the region have impeded effective small arms control. As a result, Central Africa is awash with illicit weapons, exacerbating intercommunal violence, increasing cross-border crime and threatening ongoing peace and national reconciliation processes. The illicit traffic in small arms and light weapons is never an isolated phenomenon.”
2010-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6288 (2010) · source
“The Deputy Secretary-General: We have long known that the flow of illicit arms to Africa is largely made possible by the secrecy that surrounds it. We are thus grateful to the Gabonese presidency for convening a debate on this important subject in the Security Council. The Council has often addressed conventional weapons issues, most frequently in the context of specific crises and in the consideration of arms embargos. In 1999, the Council placed the issue of small arms on its agenda and adopted a presidential statement (S/PRST/1999/28) emphasizing the importance of regional cooperation in tackling the 10-27987 issue. Since then, the Council has repeatedly recognized the devastating impact of illicit weapons on international and regional peace and security, social and economic development, and civilians, women and children.”
2010-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6288 (2010) · source
“As the world mobilizes to support a peaceful solution to the crisis and to help Zimbabwe back on the path towards democracy, stability and development, it is the urgent responsibility of the Government of Zimbabwe to protect its citizens and to cease immediately all forms of violence. The victims of the violence experienced in the past weeks deserve justice. Those who perpetrate crimes must be held to account. The United Nations stands ready to play its part in supporting such a process. 3”
2008-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5929 (2008) · source
“While the willingness of the parties to talk is encouraging, the Secretary-General remains gravely concerned that the situation could deteriorate further, with violence spreading across the country and its effects spilling over into the region. Secretary-General Ban also remains very concerned about the humanitarian situation in the country. If it is not attended to, the food shortage could leave 5.1 million people at great risk. The Secretary-General therefore calls on the authorities in Zimbabwe to immediately lift restrictions on humanitarian activities. He also urges them to offer immediate protection to people currently located at the Ruwa transit centre, who were relocated from the South African embassy, where they had taken refuge.”
2008-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5929 (2008) · source
“Jean Ping, and other African leaders, some of whom expressed their fear that the situation would deteriorate further, I expressed my appreciation for their efforts thus far and my hope that they would remain fully engaged in helping the people of Zimbabwe. The creation of a government of national unity as a way forward enjoys broad support in the region. In its declaration, the African Union called for SADC efforts to be continued and strengthened by the establishment of a mechanism on the ground to support the mediation efforts. The Secretary-General strongly supports that recommendation and calls for the speedy establishment of such a mechanism. I also reiterated the Secretary-General's offer to put all the means at the disposal of the United Nations at the service of SADC and the African Union to strengthen the mediation process.”
2008-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5929 (2008) · source
“It will also need a process of national healing and reconciliation, which should include wide-ranging and participatory national consultations. Recognizing that the country is deeply divided and that the political future of Zimbabwe depends on a transitional arrangement promoting national unity, both ZANU-PF and the MDC have accepted a dialogue 08-41390 towards a negotiated settlement. Talks are ongoing under South African mediation to press for an urgent solution to the current political impasse. President Mbeki has been actively consulting with the concerned parties and is reported to be working towards a direct meeting between President Mugabe and the MDC leader, Mr. Morgan Tsvangirai. In my meetings with the African Union Commission Chairperson, Mr.”
2008-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5929 (2008) · source
“Those observations clearly indicate that the electoral process leading to the declared re-election of President Mugabe was seriously flawed. This profound crisis of legitimacy is further compounded by the paralysis of State institutions. There is currently no functioning parliament. Civil society has been silenced and intimidated. The economy is crippled, with annual inflation reaching 10.5 million per cent by the end of June and unemployment being over 80 per cent, and severe shortages of food and basic services exist. There is an urgent need to restore the rule of law and to start building public institutions. It is clear that Zimbabwe will have to go through a political transition, bringing together its people around a common project.”
2008-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5929 (2008) · source
“The Pan-African Parliament observer mission stated that "these elections were not free and fair", and that "Conditions should be put in place for the holding of free, fair and credible elections as soon as possible, in line with the African Union declaration on the principles governing democratic elections". The SADC mission stated that the process leading up to the presidential run-off elections did not conform to its principles and guidelines governing democratic elections. In addition, it stated that the election did not represent the will of the people of Zimbabwe. Finally, the African Union observer mission also concluded that the election process fell short of the accepted African Union standards, citing the violence in the run-up to the elections and the lack of access to the media.”
2008-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5929 (2008) · source
“On election day, observers reported many irregularities. A serious example is that voters were required to report the serial number of their ballots to Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) officials, rendering the concept of anonymous voting utterly meaningless. Some people 08-41390 spoiled their ballots in protest; spoiled ballots accounted for 5.1 per cent of the total votes. Voting took place on 27 June, and official results stated that President Mugabe had won with 85.5 per cent of the votes. He was inaugurated on 29 June and subsequently travelled to Egypt to participate in the African Union summit. It is of note that the three African observer missions present on the ground issued unequivocal condemnations of the electoral process and its results.”
2008-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5929 (2008) · source
“Anticipating increased tensions in the second round, the regional groups had substantially augmented the number of observers for the second round. SADC more than doubled its contingent, deploying over 400 observers, compared to 163 in the first round. The African Union deployed over 60 observers, compared to just under 20 in the first round, and the Pan-African Parliament deployed 30. The United Nations provided logistic and technical support to SADC efforts to increase observation in the second round. The observers included parliamentarians of both the ruling and opposition parties, members of civil society and civil servants. I would like to say a word of appreciation for the work of those observers, many of whom were themselves intimidated and harassed in the conduct of their duties and showed commendable courage.”
2008-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5929 (2008) · source
“Despite calls for the election to be postponed until proper conditions were in place, including by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, second-round elections were held on Friday, 27 June. Unlike in the first round, this time there were no national observers on the ground, as both the Zimbabwe Election Support Network, which had covered the first round in a very efficient manner, and the non-governmental organization Lawyers for Human Rights withdrew, citing the lack of minimal conditions to operate. The lack of national observation stripped the elections of a critical measure of transparency and credibility. However, missions from the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African Union and the Pan-African Parliament were present on the ground.”
2008-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5929 (2008) · source
“The seriousness of the situation and its possible consequences have the potential to effect regional peace and security in profound ways. Since the last briefing to the Security Council on this question, by Under-Secretary-General Lynn Pascoe 2 (see S/PV.59l9), Zimbabwe held a presidential election with only one contender, incumbent President Robert Mugabe, who sought his sixth term in office. The Council will recall that Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) leader Morgan Tsvangirai had been declared the winner, with 47.9 per cent of the vote. As Council members are aware, that result was not enough to avoid a run-off. Mr. Tsvangirai withdrew from the run-off, arguing that State-sponsored violence, intimidation and the killing of over 80 of his supporters made free and fair elections impossible.”
2008-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5929 (2008) · source
“The Deputy Secretary-General: I would like to thank Council members for this opportunity to brief the Council on the situation in Zimbabwe. I have just returned from the African Union summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, where I conveyed to leaders the Secretary-General's message that the crisis in Zimbabwe represents a moment of truth for democracy on the continent. Today, I would like to convey to the Council that the Zimbabwe issue also poses a challenge to the world. When an election is conducted in an atmosphere of fear and violence, its outcome cannot have a legitimacy that is built on the will of the people. Consequently, the principle of democracy is at stake. Zimbabwe's flawed elections produced illegitimate results.”
2008-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5929 (2008) · source
“The road ahead is long, but today's Council meeting is a crucial step forward. Let us maintain this forward momentum not only to protect women in conflict situations, but to secure lasting peace for all.”
2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916 (2008) · source
“Sexual violence has not only grave physical, psychological and health consequences for its victims but also direct social consequences for communities and entire societies. Impunity for sexual violence committed during conflict perpetuates a tolerance of abuse against women and girls and leaves a damaging legacy by hindering national reconciliation. Tackling this complex problem on all fronts will require the combined effort of all, including Governments, the United Nations System, civil society organizations and non-governmental organizations. In this regard, one of our greatest assets are women themselves. If we promote the full and equal participation of women in the security sector, we can ensure that security services effectively identify and respond to their needs.”
2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916 (2008) · source
“All missions have underlined training as an important strategy to mobilize priority attention to this problem among peacekeeping personnel and national partners. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights is undertaking numerous measures as well, including monitoring, investigating and documenting sexual and gender- based violence as a human rights issue. These critical activities are part of our broader efforts to change attitudes to sexual and gender-based violence. This will require re-evaluating cultural practices and judicial systems to ensure that they are fully inclusive and that they guarantee the protection of women against all forms of abuse.”
2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916 (2008) · source
“And the fact that the Security Council is holding this meeting today sends another clear signal that sexual and gender-based violence in conflict is within the remit of the Council. That fact is critical to improving our operational approach. When the Council renewed the mandate of the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo last December, it adopted strong language, setting a precedent for requiring specific responses to and reporting on sexual violence. Gender units in most peacekeeping operations are working with key stakeholders, including uniformed peacekeeping personnel, national authorities, women's organizations and other sectors of civil society in efforts to combat sexual and gender-based violence.”
2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916 (2008) · source
“A number of former Force Commanders participating in that conference conceded that more needs to be done to protect women and children from widespread and systematic sexual violence in conflict situations. We are taking measures, conscious of the challenge we are facing in addressing the problem. The conference agreed that the credibility of peacekeeping operations ought to be measured by how successful they are in this respect, and it reached broad agreement on the fact that the profound insecurity perpetuated by sexual violence must be addressed at the political and tactical levels. The adoption in 2000 of resolution 1325 (2000) demonstrated that sexual violence in conflict is not just a gender issue; it is a fundamental security concern.”
2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916 (2008) · source
“The Deputy Secretary-General: Let me join the Secretary-General in commending the United States for its initiative to convene this very important meeting. I want to pay special tribute to you, Madam President, for your leadership and commitment in this regard. Under the guidance of the Secretary-General, the United Nations has been vigorously working to prevent sexual violence in situations of armed conflict. Just last month, the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) and the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO), on behalf of the United Nations Action against Sexual Violence in Conflict, to which the Secretary-General has referred, hosted a high-level conference on the role of military peacekeepers and others in responding to this scourge.”
2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916 (2008) · source
“It is imperative that the international community continue to generously support the Special Court, ensuring that it has both the human and financial resources necessary to conclude its mandate. The Court constitutes an important milestone in the fight against impunity. It marks the considerable achievement of those who have worked selflessly to ensure a lasting legacy of justice and of the rule of law, of which the Sierra Leonean people, Africa and the international community at large can be proud.”
2007-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5690 (2007) · source
“The Special Court has joined other international tribunals in offering hope to future generations - a hope that the rule of law may prevail in the affairs of men and women of all nations and that those whose deeds offend the conscience of mankind shall not go unpunished. On the day of the opening of the Charles Taylor trial, the Secretary-General encouraged all Member States to continue their support and contributions to the Special Court. Today, the Special Court has specifically sought the assistance of the international community through financial support. However, the Court also requires the cooperation of Member States in the enforcement of sentences, the relocation of witnesses and the subsequent residual and legacy issues that will naturally arise from its activities. I strongly reiterate those requests.”
2007-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5690 (2007) · source
“In so doing, the Court has contributed to the restoration and maintenance of peace and security in Sierra Leone. It is often said that one of the Special Court's greatest accomplishments is its Outreach Section. It is truly remarkable how the Section has enlisted the support of the general public in Sierra Leone and the neighbouring region. The Section effectively disseminates information about the trials before the Special Court at the grass-roots level, providing accessible information on the application of the basic values of the rule of law in the restoration of peace.”
2007-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5690 (2007) · source
“Uniquely, however, this Court has also prosecuted all its indictees for the enlisting of children under the age of 15 to participate in hostilities. Notably, building on the jurisprudence of the ad hoc tribunals for the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda, the Special Court has confronted the tradition of impunity for gender-based crimes, prosecuting offences such as forced marriage and recognizing the unique nature of the sexual crimes perpetrated primarily against women and girl children during this conflict. For the first time, sexual slavery as a crime against humanity is being expressly prosecuted under international law. Today the Special Court has demonstrated how it has discharged the heavy responsibility it assumed in 2002 to ensure that perpetrators of crimes are brought to justice.”
2007-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5690 (2007) · source
“This new hybrid model of international justice sits on the territory where the crimes were committed and therefore has the unique advantage of benefiting from both international and Sierra Leonean personnel. The Special Court has faced numerous difficulties and challenges since it was established. However, it is clear that tremendous efforts have been made by both dedicated staff members and the people of Sierra Leone to prosecute those who bear the greatest responsibility for serious violations of international humanitarian law committed in Sierra Leone since 30 November 1996. Like the other ad hoc Tribunals currently in existence, the Special Court prosecutes war crimes and crimes against humanity.”
2007-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5690 (2007) · source
“The Deputy Secretary-General: It gives me great pleasure to be here today as a witness to the significant achievements of the Special Court for Sierra Leone. After listening to both the President and the Prosecutor speak about the work and goals of the Special Court, I feel humbled but, at the same time, encouraged. It was only five years ago that an 11-year conflict, characterized by indescribable brutality and the systematic use of mutilation, abduction, sexual violence and the murder of civilians, came to an end in Sierra Leone. The first of its kind, the Special Court was established on the basis of an agreement between the United Nations and a Member State - Sierra Leone - at the request of the Security Council and the Government of Sierra Leone.”
2007-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5690 (2007) · source
“The Secretariat looks forward to the Council's advice and practical support in carrying out initiatives to implement resolution 1325 (2000), in finding better ways to empower women, in sharing good practices and in enhancing women's role in decision-making at all levels. I hope this debate will help move that process forward. In that spirit, I wish members a most successful meeting.”
2005-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5294 (2005) · source