YouSaid · the spoken record

DiCarlo

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2008-08-08
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2023-12-18
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un-security-council

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  1. I wish to thank Special Representative Zarif for his briefing. I would like to welcome Prime Minister Daeic' and Prime Minister Thaci back to the Council and to thank them for their comments. I commend the Prime Ministers for their continued dedication to the dialogue process over these past few months. The United States congratulates Kosovo on the successful second-round elections held on 1 December as well as the repeat votes in Partes/Partesh, Zvecan/ Zveean and northern Mitrovica municipalities. Their organization and relatively high voter turnout reflect Kosovo's commitment to free and fair democratic elections and desire among the people to make their voices heard.

    2014-02-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7108 (2014) · source

  2. My Government hopes that we will Choose to seize the moment now so that in 2014 we may continue working in partnership - lasting partnership - on behalf of a safer, more prosperous and more united Afghanistan.

    2013-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7085 (2013) · source

  3. We must also ensure that UNAMA has adequate resources to carry out its many important priorities, which include the coordination of humanitarian and other assistance, support for regional diplomacy, the political process, human rights monitoring, institution-building and capacity development. In conclusion, I would like to cite the words of a leader whose legacy has been much on our minds. "In the history of nations", observed Nelson Mandela, "generations have made their mark through their acumen to appreciate critical turning points and, with determination and creativity, to seize the moment". Today, the leaders of Afghanistan and their people and the international community all have choices to make.

    2013-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7085 (2013) · source

  4. Already this year, there have been more than 230 incidents of violence directed at such personnel, imperilling both Afghans and the international staff and volunteers who work in partnership with them. Just three weeks ago, separate attacks Uruzgan and Faryab provinces claimed the lives of nine aid workers. My Government extends its sincere condolences to the families of the victims of all such attacks. We call on all parties in Afghanistan to respect the neutrality and basic human rights of humanitarian and development workers. Finally, with an eye to continuity, my Government hopes that the Council will approve, in March 2014, a one-year renewal of UNAMA's mandate. The Mission continues to play a vital role in Afghanistan and we see no need to alter the time frame or scope of its core mandate at this time.

    2013-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7085 (2013) · source

  5. We appreciate the efforts of the World Bank and the Islamic Development Bank to advance CASA-IOOO, and hope that other donors will join us in supporting this promising initiative. More generally, we are convinced that expanding connections to its Central Asian neighbours will greatly enhance Afghanistan's ability to diversify its economy, increase trade and create more and better opportunities for its people. Accordingly, we fully endorse Afghanistan's goal of acceding to the World Trade Organization in 2014. The progress Afghanistan has made has been built in part on the contributions of development professionals and humanitarian personnel, helping the local population on projects of every description. Their effort can entail severe risks.

    2013-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7085 (2013) · source

  6. Economically, the United States and our international partners have in the past decade made a substantial contribution to Afghanistan's progress. For example, we have built or rehabilitated more than 3,000 kilometres of road, laid fibre-optic cables that connect Afghans to one another and other countries, and made it easier for Afghans to obtain access to basic health and educational services. Looking ahead, we strongly support a vision for regional cooperation called the New Silk Road. Secretary Kerry announced our backing just last week for the CASA-IOOO transmission line project, which will allow existing hydroelectric generation capacity in Central Asia to be used in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

    2013-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7085 (2013) · source

  7. Like the United Nations and other countries that have been supporting Afghanistan's development, the United States strongly supports that democratic process, but I emphasize that we neither endorse nor favour any individual party or candidate. The choice of president and provincial officials rests, as it should, entirely with the Afghan people. The United States will continue to assist the Afghan Government, especially its electoral authorities, as well as the Parliament and civil society, in their efforts to strengthen the electoral system and prevent fraud. It is our profound hope that the April presidential balloting will prove to be a truly unifying moment for the Afghan people - an event that will both consolidate recent gains and provide a sturdy platform in future for improved governance.

    2013-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7085 (2013) · source

  8. Concluding the bilateral security agreement promptly would be an important signal to Afghans that their interests will be protected and that their concerns about the future will be addressed. The United States is committed, in the spirit of the bilateral security agreement, to remain a strong partner in support of the Afghan people's effort to achieve lasting peace, security and development. Turning to the political transition, my Government is encouraged by the progress Afghans have made in preparing for the April 2014 elections. Two key electoral laws have been enacted. Election and complaints commissioners have been appointed. A list of candidates has been finalized, and each of the presidential tickets represents a broad-based coalition, which is critical to ensuring that all groups have a stake in both the process and its outcome.

    2013-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7085 (2013) · source

  9. Without Iosing sight of the remarkable transformation Afghanistan has made in the past 12 years, today I would like to address the ongoing security, political and economic transition. On the security side, with the help from the United States military and our many allies, the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) have assumed lead responsibility for security country-wide. That milestone also signalled a shift in the International Security Assistance Forces' primary mission from combat to training, advising and assisting the ANSF. In that connection, the outcome of recent deliberations by the loya jirga on the United States-Afghanistan bilateral security agreement shows that the Afghan people overwhelmingly support the partnership that has brought us this far and want very much to sustain it.

    2013-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7085 (2013) · source

  10. Thank you, Mr. President, for your expression of condolences. I would like to welcome Special Representative Kubis back to the Council and thank him for his briefing. On behalf of my Government, I also extend our appreciation to the staff of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and the entire United Nations country team for their efforts, which have been crucial contributions as Afghans have made significant advances for their country. We also welcome Ambassador Tanin and thank him once again for both his valuable comments and valuable engagement. We can see evidence of the transformational changes in Afghanistan in the United Nations 2013 Human Development Index. Since 2000, Afghanistan's score in the Index has improved by nearly 60 per cent, more than any other country.

    2013-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7085 (2013) · source

  11. The Committee should do more to share that information publicly, including best practices for detecting and stopping violations in progress. The United States looks forward to a day when Iran establishes full confidence in the peaceful nature of its nuclear programme. But that day is not today. As our negotiators seek a comprehensive deal, we wish them the best. Yet, until there is a deal, the Council must maintain pressure on Iran.

    2013-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7082 (2013) · source

  12. We therefore call on the Committee to improve its ability to investigate and respond to such incidents. Over the past year we have been disappointed that the Committee has not taken decisive action on reported violations. In particular, the Committee should be doing more to tackle Iran's illicit arms shipments to Syria, Yemen, Lebanon, Gaza and elsewhere. Iran's gun-running threatens to destabilize already fragile regions and fuel long-smouldering conflicts. The Panel of Experts also has a key role to play in supporting States' efforts to implement sanctions. Over the past year, the Panel has sustained an impressive level of activity. That should continue. We particularly welcome the Panel's work in investigating Iran's attempts to circumvent sanctions.

    2013-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7082 (2013) · source

  13. In the meantime, however, the relevant Security Council resolutions remain in force, and all United Nations sanctions remain in force. For now, as in the past, all States must carry out their obligations to implement those sanctions fully and effectively. In a similar vein, the Council's Iran Sanctions Committee and its Panel of Experts must continue their Vital work. In the weeks and months ahead, we look to the Committee to step up efforts to help States understand and implement those sanctions. For example, we call on the Committee to issue more implementation assistance notes and provide other useful guidance. We note that the Committee has not implemented all of the recommendations from the Panel of Experts' report. We hope that that work can be finished soon. Sanctions Violations remain a matter of serious concern.

    2013-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7082 (2013) · source

  14. For the first time in nearly a decade, key parts of the Iranian nuclear programme will be halted or rolled back. The joint plan of action begins to address the issues of the greatest concern, such as the enrichment of uranium up to 20 per cent, the development of advanced centrifuges and the work at the Arak reactor. The arrangement also provides for a six-month window for us to test whether a long-term comprehensive solution can be reached. In exchange, the United Nations would provide limited sanctions relief that is temporary, targeted and reversible. In the coming weeks and months, our diplomats and experts expect to meet with Iran to see if a comprehensive deal is possible. Any such deal must address squarely the Security Council's multiple resolutions on the matter, a principle that the joint plan of action specifically states.

    2013-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7082 (2013) · source

  15. I would like to thank Ambassador Quinlan for his briefing and for his leadership of the important Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006) on Iran. For the past decade, the international community has had grave concerns about the nature of Iran's nuclear programme. Since 2006, the Council has committed to resolve those concerns through a mix of principled diplomacy and steadily increasing pressure. The Council's four major resolutions on the issue - resolutions 1696 (2006), 1737 (2006), 1747 (2007) and 1803 (2008) - and the tough sanctions that they imposed embody that approach. In recent weeks, the P5+1 have taken important steps on the Iran issue. The joint plan of action adopted in Geneva last month is a milestone.

    2013-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7082 (2013) · source

  16. That milestone demonstrates the progress that Kosovo has made both on internal reforms and towards normalization of relations with Serbia. So does Kosovo's growing number of recognitions, which now represent a majority of States Members of the United Nations. The United States stands ready to support Kosovo's efforts to implement the reforms necessary to achieve its Euro-Atlantic integration goals, including strengthening the rule of law and the fight against crime and corruption, the protection of minority rights and the development of a strong market-based economy.

    2013-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7064 (2013) · source

  17. The Prime Ministers and EU High Representative Ashton deserve our praise and continued support for their efforts. We also thank EULEX and NATO for their support in implementing the dialogue agreements. Finally, the United States views the elections and the progress of the dialogue as positive steps on Kosovo's and Serbia's respective paths towards EU membership. We strongly support Serbia's commitment to joining the European Union and, with the full implementation of the 19 April agreement, look forward to the European Council's vote on starting accession talks with Serbia. We also welcome the 28 October start of negotiations between the European Union and Kosovo on a Stabilization and Association Agreement.

    2013-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7064 (2013) · source

  18. We now look forward to the peaceful conduct of the run-off polls on 1 December. Secondly, the United States supports the normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia, which is crucial for stability and reconciliation in the region. We are pleased by the progress that both countries have made in the EU-facilitated dialogue. The municipal elections in Kosovo are just one albeit highly vital element of the 19 April agreement. We look to the Governments of Kosovo and Serbia to move forward with the full implementation of all aspects of the agreement and all previous agreements, including on integrated border management. We commend both Governments for concluding additional agreements in recent weeks, particularly with regard to telecommunications and energy.

    2013-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7064 (2013) · source

  19. We are heartened to see that voters felt free to report sporadic irregularities to Kosovo's authorities, reflecting both their respect for Kosovo's institutions and a genuine commitment to the democratic process. All people in Kosovo should be able to exercise their right to vote for their representatives without fear and intimidation. We therefore condemn the incidents of violence at several polling stations in northern Kosovo. We must not let the actions of a few dampen the progress Kosovo has made on the path to democracy. In that light, we were encouraged by the turnout in orderly voting in northern Mitrovica on 17 November. Those elections have demonstrated that Kosovo is capable of conducting future elections that are consistent with international standards and its European aspirations.

    2013-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7064 (2013) · source

  20. I would like today to address the recent elections, the continuing implementation of the agreement on normalization of relations, and progress made on European Union (EU) integration. First, the United States congratulates Kosovo, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and all of the individuals and organizations that contributed to the success of the 3 November municipal elections, and applauds Kosovo and Serbia for their efforts to encourage voter participation. The elections were orderly, transparent and credible in most areas, and an important step in facilitating the participation of all communities in Kosovo's political and administrative infrastructure.

    2013-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7064 (2013) · source

  21. I thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Zarif, for his briefing. We also welcome Prime Minister Thaci and Prime Minister Dacie back to the Council, and thank them for their statements. I commend the Prime Ministers for their dedication to the dialogue process and their resolve to address, quickly and constructively, matters of contention as they arise. Their leadership has shown the inherent value of direct communication as a way to reduce tensions and increase cooperation among States. Let me extend the deepest condolences of the United States to the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) and the family of the customs officer who was killed in northern Kosovo on 19 September. EULEX plays an invaluable role in Kosovo, and the officer paid the ultimate price for the prospect of peace.

    2013-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7064 (2013) · source

  22. The United States also looks forward to continuing our active engagement with the Office of the Prosecutor and the International Criminal Court, consistent with our law and our policy to advance accountability for atrocities.

    2013-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7059 (2013) · source

  23. In the light of that mandate, we appreciate the Prosecutor's briefing and how she intends to focus her Office's work as the Court carries out its responsibility to investigate and prosecute those who bear the greatest responsibility for crimes. The United States stands ready to assist Libya as it works to reform its justice sector, strengthen the rule of law and advance human rights. We strongly believe that those and other areas of Libya's transition need to be fully addressed. We look forward to working with the international community, including the United Nations Support Mission in Libya, and other international partners in a targeted and coordinated way to ensure adequate support to Libya as it undertakes such critical efforts.

    2013-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7059 (2013) · source

  24. Finally, we would like to emphasize that the Libyan Government must work to ensure that those in detention centres are not held without due process and that they are treated humanely, including in accordance with Libya's law criminalizing torture, adopted in April. In the end, much of the responsibility for ensuring accountability for crimes in Libya will fall to the domestic authorities. Even where it has jurisdiction, the International Criminal Court cannot pursue every case, nor is it charged with the general monitoring or oversight of Libya's overall progress in implementing justice and rule of law initiatives.

    2013-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7059 (2013) · source

  25. We note that the Court found that the Libyan authorities are taking concrete and progressive steps in the domestic proceedings against Mr. Al-Senussi and that Libya has demonstrated that it is willing and able to genuinely investigate and prosecute the case. In those proceedings, we see the principle of complementarity applied in the context of a country transitioning out of conflict. The Prosecutor's report notes a number of efforts that Libya has undertaken to develop its justice institutions and mechanisms. Those include Libya's new transitional justice law, the Fact- finding and Reconciliation Commission and a new draft law on rape as a war crime. We welcome those and other initiatives, including those that help build much needed capacity in the justice system so that justice can be delivered more effectively.

    2013-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7059 (2013) · source

  26. In that regard, we welcome Libya's continued commitment to fulfulling its international obligations, including those related to the International Criminal Court under resolution 1970 (2011), We also welcome Libya's continuing cooperation in the ongoing proceedings before the International Criminal Court. We note with interest the recent memorandum of understanding on burden-sharing between the Libyan authorities and the International Criminal Court regarding investigations and prosecutions. Under the Rome Statute, the International Criminal Court is complementary to national jurisdictions, The Pre-Trial Chamber's October decision granting Libya's admissibility challenge in the case against Abdullah Al-Senussi, the first such decision by the International Criminal Court, is a significant development in that regard.

    2013-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7059 (2013) · source

  27. We are pleased to welcome Ms. Fatou Bensouda, Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), and would like to thank her for her briefing on her sixth report pursuant to resolution 1970 (2011). The United States welcomes the commitment and efforts of the Government and people of Libya during their country's transition following 40 years of dictatorship. We recognize that the process of building a democratic and secure nation is a long-term endeavour with many challenges. An important part of that process is in the field of the rule of law, where Libya will need to continue to build on ongoing efforts to bolster accountability mechanisms that help support and develop a more robust, fair and effective system of justice.

    2013-11-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7059 (2013) · source

  28. We look forward to continuing to work closely with our partners on the Peace Implementation Council Steering Board, among others, in order to do so.

    2013-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7057 (2013) · source

  29. In the light of the ongoing challenges in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the United States continues to strongly support High Representative Inzko and his Office, as well as renewal of the mandate of the EU-led military force under Chapter VII, which we sponsored this morning (see S/PV.7055). It remains essential that the international community retain those stabilization instruments, given the work that remains to assure progress on the Euratlantic reform agenda and to see the continued and full implementation of the Dayton Peace Accords. The international community must remain committed to supporting the aspirations ofthe people of Bosnia and Herzegovina for a peaceful and prosperous Euratlantic future, and their efforts to promote reconciliation.

    2013-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7057 (2013) · source

  30. While some Republika Srpska politicians continue to make divisive, anti-Dayton statements, it is important to underscore that State institutions such as the State Court and Prosecutor's Office are crucial to strengthening the rule of law and meeting European integration standards. In addition, a focus on developing and implementing sustainable economic policies will assure continued progress for the Republika Srpska. Finally, we continue to stand by Bosnia and Herzegovina as it overcomes the past. The continuing discovery of mass grave sites and the ongoing politicization of war-crimes cases are further reminders of the importance of maintaining progress on reconciliation.

    2013-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7057 (2013) · source

  31. We strongly support the EU's efforts to facilitate an agreement among Bosnians that will lead to implementation of the 2009 judgement of the European Court of Human Rights in the Sejdie-Finzi case, a prerequisite for Bosnia and Herzegovina to apply for EU candidacy. Four years after the Court's ruling, this case should not hold the country's EU future hostage. We also look forward to progress on registration of defence properties in order to meet NATO's condition for activating its membership action plan. With last summer's Constitutional Court ruling confirming State ownership of all former Yugoslav State property, including defence properties, a path was cleared to register those properties necessary to meeting the map condition with the State of Bosnia and Herzegovina as soon as possible.

    2013-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7057 (2013) · source

  32. We were proud to be a sponsor of the Federation Reform Conference in May, and we hope that the Federation Parliament will soon consider the amendments and other legislative changes proposed by the Federation reform experts group, with a view to implementation of the reforms by next year's elections. The United States strongly supports Bosnia and Herzegovina's aspirations for its integration into the European Union (EU) and NATO. In spite of recent blockages, we continue to view the Euratlantic integration process as the surest and most expeditious path to the long-term stability and prosperity of the country and the region. We hope the interests of all citizens will be placed above narrow personal or ethnic agendas.

    2013-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7057 (2013) · source

  33. I would like to welcome High Representative Inzko to the Council once again and to thank him for his comprehensive report on developments over the past six months in Bosnia and Herzegovina (S/2013/646, annex). We greatly appreciate his commitment to implementing his mandate under the General Framework Agreement for Peace. The United States congratulates Bosnia and Herzegovina on completing its first census since 1991. Reliably quantifying the demographic changes that have occurred over the past 22 years is essential for formulating effective social and economic policy. We hope the census results will be used constructively to inform policy decisions as the results are released in coming months. We also welcome the initiative under way in the Federation to improve the efficiency and responsiveness of governance in that entity.

    2013-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7057 (2013) · source

  34. The United States welcomes the perspective of the OIC as a distinctive and leading voice in the Muslim world, and looks forward to continuing to work together, and with the Security Council as appropriate, to address challenges to international peace and security.

    2013-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7050 (2013) · source

  35. It is significant that the OIC, with its 57 members, has endorsed the Arab Peace Initiative as the basis of Middle East negotiations. The support of the Islamic world for a comprehensive and negotiated peace can be a Vital contributor to the successful outcome of talks between the parties. We interpret that support as recognition that everyone in the region and beyond has a stake in seeing that the negotiations go forward in a positive and productive manner. In conclusion, I note that the relationship between the United Nations and the OIC is unique, not only because ofthe OIC's size and reach but because the OIC is an organization centred around one of the world's largest religious faiths.

    2013-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7050 (2013) · source

  36. We also appreciate the Secretary General's strong and timely condemnation of the chemical weapons attack in Syria on 21 August. More recent statements have endorsed the international plan to dismantle Syria's chemical weapons programme and have called for accountability for those responsible for the use of such arms. I would also like to highlight the OIC's continuing campaign to increase international contributions aimed at meeting the immense humanitarian needs resulting from the Syrian civil war. Those needs are growing at an exponential rate, and my Government encourages all to increase support for United Nations humanitarian appeals. Turning to Middle East peace efforts, I note that in Cairo in February the OIC reiterated its support for a just, peaceful and comprehensive settlement of the Arab-Israeli conflict.

    2013-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7050 (2013) · source

  37. We particularly commend Secretary General Ihsanoglu for speaking out firmly against attacks on religious minorities and denouncing acts ofterrorism. I note that the OIC recently co-hosted, with the Council's Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001) concerning Counter-Terrorism, a meeting on implementing resolution 1624 (2005), which is designed to curb actions that fuel hate and incite terror. No issue has been of greater concern to the Council in the last few years than the ongoing crisis in Syria. My Government welcomes the joint Arab League-OIC statement expressing support for a "Geneva II" conference and a peaceful solution to the crisis based on the Geneva communique of 30 June 2012 (S/2012/523, annex). It is in keeping with the Council's own position, as reflected in resolution 2118 (2013).

    2013-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7050 (2013) · source

  38. In the work of the Security Council, we have noted our appreciation for the OIC's effort to foster a deeper sense of trust and cooperation between Afghanistan and its neighbours, regional partners and international organizations. We have also urged the authorities in Mali to work closely with the OIC, as well as with the Economic Community of West African States and the African Union, in order to enhance that country's capacity for effective mediation. And on Somalia, we have commended the OIC for its keen interest and steadfast backing for reconciliation and recovery. The United States also recognizes that the OIC has become a strong and respected voice in the international community's collective effort to counter violent extremism, which has caused suffering and strife on every continent.

    2013-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7050 (2013) · source

  39. Last year, in recognition of the central role played by the OIC as a representative forum for more than 1.5 billion people, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) signed an agreement with the OIC designed to increase cooperation on such humanitarian issues as famine in the Horn of Africa. In responding to emergency situations, coordination is essential, and so is a broad network of support. We hope to continue building on the OIC-USAID partnership in years to come. We also recognize the OIC's creation of an independent human rights commission, and its attention to child marriage, gender-related issues and other pressing human-rights concerns within OIC member States.

    2013-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7050 (2013) · source

  40. The United States values the many contributions the OIC is making on matters of global importance, and appreciates the chance to discuss the prospects for even deeper cooperation. I note at the outset that OIC members are among the top troop-contributing countries to United Nations peacekeeping missions, and that they are playing a critical part in promoting international peace and security in many areas of conflict. The OIC also provides humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan, Somalia and the Sahel region, as well as other areas in urgent need. In doing so, it reinforces the work of many United Nations agencies and helps to address concerns that are priorities on the Council's agenda.

    2013-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7050 (2013) · source

  41. I thank you, Mr. President, for your presence here today and for bringing us together on such a timely topic. I would also like to thank the Secretary-General for his thoughtful remarks. It is a particular pleasure to have Secretary- General Ihsanoglu join us. I commend his pioneering leadership, including the 10-year programme of action that has modernized the activities of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), bringing them from primarily political and economic issues to those concerning human rights, science and innovation. I am also pleased to greet Secretary-General-elect Madani and congratulate him on his election. It is entirely fitting that the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the world's two largest intergovernmental organizations, should consult often and work together whenever possible.

    2013-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7050 (2013) · source

  42. As we have seen from Syria and the Sudan to the Sahel and the Great Lakes, the failure to protect civilians threatens regional stability, as conflicts escalate and populations stream across borders. Protecting civilians is the primary responsibility of States, but it is clear that the international community must keep its attention focused sharply on the practical steps we can take to improve the protection of civilians in armed conflict. We must redouble our efforts to ensure that the Council is not sitting on the sidelines when civilian populations are in grave danger.

    2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source

  43. We have also strongly supported international justice mechanisms and endorsed efforts to expose and document human-rights abuses, including through international tribunals and commissions. In Syria, the United States is helping Syrians prepare for accountability by supporting the documentation of violations committed by all sides in the conflict and bolstering the capacity of civil society organizations to build the foundations for lasting peace. In addition, we cooperate with the International Criminal Court (ICC) on its current cases, consistent with United States law and policy, including through the recent expansion of our rewards-for-justice programme to include foreign nationals indicted by international criminal tribunals, including the ICC.

    2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source

  44. Attacks like the one on the United Nations compound in Mogadishu in June prevent humanitarian agencies from undertaking their lifesaving work and should be condemned wherever and whenever they are committed. Finally, without accountability, the cycles of violence continue. The United States strongly rejects impunity and supports the international community's efforts to foster stability and sustainable peace through justice. In that regard, we have worked with national authorities to strengthen domestic judicial systems in conflict and post-conflict situations, including by funding militaryjustice efforts in the eastern part ofthe Democratic Republic of the Congo, where rebel groups and the military have used rape as a weapon of war, among other atrocities.

    2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source

  45. That is why the international community's military training work, including in countries such as Afghanistan, is a critical component in fostering international peace and security while also ensuring the protection of civilians. Humanitarian access is critical to protecting civilians. Timely, full and unimpeded humanitarian access to populations in need of assistance must be a top priority for everyone. That is as true in Syria as it is in the Sudan, where millions of vulnerable civilians lack access to food, water, shelter and medicine. In addition to access, personnel engaged in humanitarian activities should be free from targeting and attack. As we have heard today, attacks on humanitarian personnel have continued unabated around the world.

    2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source

  46. In the context of the Council's work, that means supporting and advancing the tools we have, including action plans for children in armed conflict and the naming and shaming of perpetrators of sexual violence. It also means supporting the work of organizations such as the International Committee of the Red Cross, which helps to promote compliance with international humanitarian law and respect for legal and moral norms. And for each of our Governments it means raising awareness, especially through military training about international humanitarian law and supporting the work of internal accountability mechanisms in our own Governments and in those of other countries to which we offer assistance.

    2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source

  47. It is clear that we must strengthen our commitment in the three key areas that Argentina has rightly highlighted for this debate, that is, enhancing compliance with international humanitarian law, improving humanitarian access to areas in conflict and ensuring effective accountability mechanisms for suspected war crimes. Despite a strong body of international humanitarian law dedicated to protecting civilian populations in armed conflict, the Secretary-General notes that most victims in recent armed conflicts have been civilians. In Syria, more than 100,000 people have tragically lost their lives. Among them are innocent civilians, including women and children, who should have been safe from violence. We must use the tools at hand to improve compliance with international humanitarian law in order to prevent the loss of innocent lives.

    2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source

  48. Those devastating situations are particularly acute when community leaders, journalists, activists, religious figures and scholars are targeted for the critical work they do to sound the alarm, protect the vulnerable and foster peace and reconciliation. Today's discussion is of great importance to the United States. We have made the protection of civilians a priority, and indeed President Obama has made it clear that, for the United States, the deterrence of genocide in atrocities is a core national security interest and core moral responsibility. Too often, warring parties fall short or blatantly disregard their obligations altogether. In truly appalling cases, including the ongoing tragedies in Syria and the Sudan, parties to armed conflict deliberately target civilians.

    2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source

  49. I would also like to thank the Secretary-General, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Pillay, Under-Secretary-General Amos and International Committee of the Red Cross Director Spoerri for focusing our attention today on the many challenges facing civilians caught or targeted in conflicts. We see the horrific consequences when access to those in need is blocked, as in Syria, when the Government's armed forces and armed rebel groups traumatize civilian populations, as in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and when impunity prevails and the perpetrators of atrocities are not held accountable, as in the Central African Republic.

    2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source

  50. Thank you, Madam President, for your presence and for convening this debate on the protections of civilians in armed conflict, an issue at the heart of the Security Council's charge to maintain international peace and security. First, I would like to join the Secretary-General, the briefers and Council colleagues in paying tribute to fallen United Nations personnel and humanitarian workers on World Humanitarian Day and the tenth anniversary of the Canal Hotel bombing in Baghdad. We owe humanitarian workers our deep gratitude for the work they do and the risks they take.

    2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source