YouSaid · the spoken record

Drobnjak

lines on the record: 486
first: 1993-04-19
most recent: 2019-07-23
sittings or episodes: 54
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

“It is beyond their understanding that, 22 years after the establishment of the ICTY and 20 since the end of the wars in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, some of those with the greatest responsibility for the heinous crimes committed during those wars, including the genocide in Srebrenica, have yet to receive their long- overdue sentences. The trials have frequently been prolonged due to the ill health of the accused. Such has been the case with Goran Hadzic', charged with war crimes against Croats and other non-Serbs in Croatia and whose trial has been suspended since October 2014 owing to his ill health. A few days ago he was again granted a provisional release on account of his health. In that particular context, the case of Slobodan Milosevic comes to mind.”
2015-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7455 (2015) · source
“I would like to welcome the Presidents of the International Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), Judges Meron and Joensen, as well as Prosecutors Brammertz and Jallow. We commend their work and continued efforts to ensure accountability and promote international criminal justice, and we thank them for today's briefings and their comprehensive reports. Those reports, though they register progress, also testify to the fact that international justice can be a frustratingly slow and incomprehensible process. It is certainly so for many of the victims and their families, who are still waiting for justice to be done.”
2015-06-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7455 (2015) · source
“We also need to call on all relevant actors to comply with existing standards on the protection of journalists; we need to be more systematic and vigorous in condemning attacks againstjournalists and violations of their rights; and we need to fight impunity and hold the perpetrators accountable. To conclude, let me say that as a former journalist who reported from this very building 25 years ago, I can testify to the fact that while the world of media has changed profoundly through new technologies and means ofreporting, some things have remained the same since the dawn of this profession. Goodjournalism can change the world for the better. Journalism must never be silent; by the same token, we must never cease our efforts to provide it with the best protection possible.”
2015-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7450Resumption1 (2015) · source
“We also wish to underscore the specific risks faced by women journalists, including sexual and gender-based violence, and call for a gender-sensitive approach when considering measures to address the safety ofjournalists. The Security Council, the General Assembly and the Human Rights Council have called upon all States to act on their legal obligations to promote a safe and enabling environment for journalists, so that they can perform their work independently and without undue interference. In our joint efforts to end the heinous practices that threaten the safety of journalists worldwide, we need to ensure better cooperation and coordination among various international, regional and local actors, including in establishing effective early-warning mechanisms.”
2015-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7450Resumption1 (2015) · source
“We need to ensure full cooperation between existing protection mechanisms, in particular with Special Rapporteurs and Representatives: those on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression; extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary execution; violence against women; torture; and forced disappearances and arbitrary detentions, all of whom play a crucial role in monitoring different aspects of the issue of the safety ofjournalists. Croatia supports the 2012 United Nations Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity. With these calls to action in mind, and in the light of the distinctive threats faced by journalists, we have to continue to recognize the particular vulnerability of journalists in United Nations resolutions on crisis situations.”
2015-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7450Resumption1 (2015) · source
“These are horrifying numbers. It is equally troubling that those responsible for attacking and killing journalists very rarely face justice. Against this disturbing background, we highly value and fully support the continuing efforts of the Human Rights Council and the Security Council to provide journalists with more effective protection and develop a single, strategic and harmonized approach to the issue of the safety of journalists and the impunity of perpetrators of crimes against them. The General Assembly and Human Rights Council annual consensual resolutions on the safety of journalists are valuable tools in encouraging concrete initiatives aimed at combating impunity for attacks against journalists and media workers.”
2015-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7450Resumption1 (2015) · source
“Croatia is deeply worried about the continuing attacks on independent journalism in certain countries, as well as by the escalating trend of intimidation, harassment, arrests, torture and prosecution of journalists worldwide. We strongly condemn all actions that suppress freedom of the press, including the brutal murders of journalists by terrorist groups in Iraq and Syria, the murderous attacks against media outlets such as the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo, and the kidnappings of journalists and media workers by militant groups in eastern Ukraine, to cite just a few examples from a long and inglorious list. In this century alone, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists, 795 journalists and media workers have been killed. The number ofjournalists in prison, kidnapped or taken hostage in the same period exceeds 2,200.”
2015-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7450Resumption1 (2015) · source
“Without free journalism, many injustices might go unnoticed by the international community, and much human suffering would fade into oblivion without a single word of protest. Every day journalists are on the front lines, sometimes on the domestic fields of political and social battles, providing us with important information and inside views, but some of them are on real battlefields, reporting from burning crisis areas and risking their lives for information or a video clip that speaks volumes and will make a difference. In areas where few dare to go, journalists serve as our eyes and ears, and often as our conscience. Their need for protection is, unfortunately, very real, and it is well deserved.”
2015-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7450Resumption1 (2015) · source
“Madam President, allow me at the outset to thank the Lithuanian presidency for holding this open debate, thus giving us an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to promoting freedom of opinion and expression as a fundamental right and an essential precondition for democracy, the rule of law, peace and stability. Croatia aligns itself with the statement delivered by the observer of the European Union and welcomes the adoption of Security Council resolution 2222 (2015) on this topic earlier today, which we were glad to co-sponsor. Free, diverse, objective and independent media are indispensable in any society determined to promote and protect freedom of opinion and expression.”
2015-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7450Resumption1 (2015) · source
“Every day we see the human costs of the widespread availability and misuse of small arms and light weapons. We therefore hope that today's debate will provide further impetus to our collective efforts to strengthen the fight against the illicit transfer, misuse and accumulation of small arms and light weapons.”
2015-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7442 (2015) · source
“Our experts, who have extensive national and regional experience in post- conflict arms control efforts, will actively participate in European Union outreach activities. Croatia also attaches great importance to applying a gender perspective to the matter of small arms. The illicit transfer, misuse and accumulation of SALW can have a disproportionate effect on women and girls. We stress the role that women can and should play in peace processes. The political empowerment of women and their full, equal and effective participation in all stages of peace processes are crucial for building sustainable peace and security, ensuring gender equality and protecting human rights. Finally, Croatia would also like to recognize and welcome the role of civil society in dealing with that issue.”
2015-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7442 (2015) · source
“Regional cooperation was crucial in achieving significant progress in reducing the number of unwanted and surplus light weapons and ammunition in the countries of South-East Europe. We believe that this success in our region can set a good example for other regions of the world. At the global level, Croatia is a State party to all relevant existing mechanisms, including the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). We recognize the ATT as a major milestone in controlling the use of conventional arms and small arms and light weapons, which cause the death of hundreds of thousands of people every year. Croatia was among the first countries to ratify the Arms Trade Treaty, thereby demonstrating our firm commitment to arms control in a wider context. We attach the highest priority to the Treaty's full implementation, both regionally and globally.”
2015-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7442 (2015) · source
“However, some problems cannot be dealt with by countries alone and need to be addressed at the regional and global levels. Croatia attaches great importance to regional cooperation in this field and strongly supports and participates in regional efforts. We have played an active, pioneering role in the Stability Pact for Southeast Europe. As a result of those efforts, our region has developed and implemented innovative solutions for tackling that issue through information-sharing, knowledge transfers and the harmonization of approaches. A telling example of such regional cooperation is the Regional Arms Control Verification, Implementation and Assistance Centre for Security Cooperation, which is located in Zagreb and fully operational.”
2015-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7442 (2015) · source
“Over the years, Croatia has led the Less Arms, Less Tragedies campaign to raise awareness and collect arms, which is conducted jointly by the United Nations Development Programme Office in Croatia and our Ministry of Interior. The campaign is aimed at raising public awareness about the dangers of weapons, especially those illegally owned by citizens. It also seeks to inform people about ways to return weapons anonymously and without legal consequences, and thereby to encourage citizens to voluntarily surrender their weapons. The United Nations has rated this campaign as one of the most successful of its kind globally, based on the criteria of citizen participation and the final number of small arms and light weapons collected. We believe that national efforts are of the utmost importance in tackling the issue of SALW.”
2015-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7442 (2015) · source
“We hope that the Council will continue to build on the momentum achieved with the adoption of the resolution 2117 (2013) and, in that context, we warmly welcome the new draft resolution proposed by the presidency on this topic. The issue of the control of small arms and light weapons (SALW) is of great importance. Our own conflict and post-conflict experience have made us aware of the grave threat posed by the excessive accumulation of small arms and light weapons in both legal and illegal possession. For Croatia, the issue of SALW control is not merely one of safety; we see it in the wider context of human security, development and human rights.”
2015-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7442 (2015) · source
“I would like to thank the Lithuanian presidency of the Security Council for convening this important debate and for preparing an excellent concept note (S/2015/306, annex). We also thank the Secretary-General for his biennial report on the issue (S/2015/289). Croatia aligns itself with the statement delivered by the Head of the Delegation of the European Union. I would now like to make some additional remarks in my national capacity. In our view, the proliferation and misuse of small arms and light weapons represents a grave threat to global and regional peace and security. We commend the Council's sustained attention on this matter.”
2015-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7442 (2015) · source
“We also expect that Bosnia and Herzegovina will correct its present conduct regarding some customs-control related issues on parts of its border with Croatia. In conclusion, I echo my opening remarks by stressing that Croatia fully supports Bosnia and Herzegovina and extends to it a hand of true friendship and partnership. Bosnia and Herzegovina deserves a secure and prosperous future and Croatia will spare no effort in providing its help along this challenging road.”
2015-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7440 (2015) · source
“We condemn the recent terrorist attack on the police station in Zvornik and express condolences to the family of the police officer who was killed in the attack. We expect the competent authorities and institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina at all levels to cooperate closely in order to prevent such incidents in the future. Bearing this in mind, the EU military mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with an executive mandate, remains of vital importance. We regret that the additional protocol to the EU Stabilization and Association Agreement with Bosnia and Herzegovina has not yet been concluded. It is long overdue. It is therefore crucial that Bosnia and Herzegovina re-engage in constructive discussions with the EU in order to approve the Agreement's technical adaptation as a matter of urgency.”
2015-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7440 (2015) · source
“It was an excellent opportunity to exchange views on the preparation of the initial reform agenda and reaffirm once again the EU perspective on Bosnia and Herzegovina. Croatia welcomes the entry into force of the Stabilization and Association Agreement between the EU and Bosnia and Herzegovina on 1 June. This is its first contractual relationship with the EU, providing a structured blueprint for far-reaching political, economic and social reforms. As far as Bosnia and Herzegovina's advancement to NATO is concerned, we urge the newly elected political leaders to intensify efforts on the implementation ofthe six parties' political agreement on the issue of military property and to work constructively to implement the agreement in order to start the first membership action plan cycle as soon as possible.”
2015-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7440 (2015) · source
“It has put the country back on the EU agenda and provided it with a real opportunity to achieve progress through comprehensive and feasible reforms. We fully support the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina's engagement on this new EU initiative in the hope that it will continue to initiate much-needed political and economic reforms. In order to succeed, these reforms will require, besides improved administrative capacities and lots of hard work, consensus from all political parties. The Croatian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Vesna Pusie, visited Sarajevo last month and afterwards organized a ministerial working breakfast on the margins of the EU Foreign Affairs Council on 20 April in Luxembourg.”
2015-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7440 (2015) · source
“Milorad Dodik's visit to Srebrenica in April could be an encouraging harbinger in the much-needed reconciliation process. The twentieth anniversary of the genocide in Srebrenica this July will be another opportunity for all of us to honour the memory of the worst atrocity in Europe since the end of the Second World War. What happened in Srebrenica constitutes genocide, as established by the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia. Attempts to deny it are simply unacceptable. We strongly believe that the steady and forward- looking European integration process is the most efficient and constructive way to reach the internal consolidation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Croatia firmly supports the new European Union (EU) approach towards Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
2015-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7440 (2015) · source
“Six months after the elections, all authorities have finally been established in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We note with satisfaction that Croats - the numerically smallest of the three constituent peoples in the country - finally have a legitimate member of the Presidency and are represented at all levels of the Government in an equal and legitimate manner. The last thing Bosnia and Herzegovina needs is secessionist and inflammatory rhetoric. For that reason, we condemn recent statements and actions by the Republika Srpska, such as the adoption of the declaration on free and independent Republika Srpska, as well as the controversial interpretation of what happened in Srebrenica 20 years ago. Such acts are completely unacceptable. On the other hand, Mr.”
2015-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7440 (2015) · source
“Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovie, chose Bosnia's capital Sarajevo for her first foreign bilateral visit since taking office in February this year tellingly confirms the importance Croatia assigns to its relations with Bosnia and Herzegovina. Croatia strongly supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Its stability and prosperity are of paramount importance to us. We will continue to advocate for sustained attention from the international community to Bosnia and Herzegovina, with a goal of achieving concrete progress in the country's process of European integration. Ensuring genuine equality between its three constituent peoples is an important and necessary element for achieving the stability and functionality of Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
2015-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7440 (2015) · source
“At the outset, Ijoin other speakers in welcoming High Representative Valentin Inzko and expressing our appreciation for his briefing and the report (S/2015/300, annex), as well as for the personal efforts he has tirelessly invested in carrying out his mandate. Croatia aligns itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the European Union, and I will add several remarks in my national capacity. For Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina is not only a neighbouring country with which we share a LOGO-kilometre long border; it is a country with which we nourish friendly partnership relations and which we consider our ally. The fact that the Croatian President, Ms.”
2015-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7440 (2015) · source
“By spreading and nurturing education, knowledge, tolerance, interfaith and intercultural understanding, we can give a significant blow to the misleading narratives and ideologies of Violent extremism and terrorism. In this regard, States also have an obligation to stimulate and strengthen cooperation with civil society and its capacity to tackle the challenges of Violent extremism and any form of radicalization. Finally, let us be mindful of the fact that it is today that we plant the seeds for a better future.”
2015-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7432 (2015) · source
“Only with a holistic, multidisciplinary approach, which includes the implementation of the adequate development policies and legislative frameworks, education and inclusive work with a number of stakeholders such as academia, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, religious authorities and media, can we achieve sustainable results in countering terrorism and in promoting peace. Our policies must therefore be exemplary and all-inclusive, eliminating all inequalities, both social and economic, in our societies. By tackling issues such as political and social discrimination, exclusion and marginalization, we are doing our utmost to prevent the further recruitment of new terrorists.”
2015-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7432 (2015) · source
“We must enable them to be heard and allow them to acquire intercultural competencies with which they can understand and appreciate diversity both within their societies and globally. And we must provide young people with jobs - youth unemployment is a problem that goes way beyond being just an economic category. Unemployment takes away perspective for the future. Lack of perspective is among the worst kinds of poverty; it causes a society of peace and tolerance to erode from within. Today's topic cannot be addressed thoroughly without taking into account the development component.”
2015-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7432 (2015) · source
“It is insight and information that foster common understanding and lead to the development of confident and strong young individuals, unsusceptible to the darkness of hate. By doing this, we are strengthening the social fabric of every society and of the global community. What many present-day crisis areas have in common, besides suffering and misery brought by armed conflicts, is that they encompass some of the youngest societies in the world. The average age in some of these countries is below 18 years. We should not treat this as just another statistical fact. Today, when we are challenged with the escalating threats of terrorism and radicalism, we must focus on providing for the needs of the young generation and strengthen their sense of feeling both safe and included.”
2015-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7432 (2015) · source
“Youth can be at the very core of the solution for Violent extremism. Young people can serve as positive role models and should embrace this role without hesitation. They can influence and inspire their peers, raise public awareness and encourage a broader discussion within a society. However, in order for the young generation to be capable of doing that, we must enable them to develop all their potential in that regard. Violence is often rooted in fear, prejudice and, ultimately, ignorance. That is why education is paramount and should be inextricably coupled with guaranteeing safety and security for our youth. Knowledge and education are among the most powerful tools for fostering tolerance and open-mindedness. They are powerful weapons for fighting against hate speech and ignorance that are so often leading to insecurity and Violence.”
2015-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7432 (2015) · source
“Croatian students, paying respect to their perished colleagues, sent the message from which I will borrow several important sentences: "Without proper communication, differences lead to misunderstanding, misunderstanding leads to conflict, and conflict to tragedy What made those 147 students different? Being Christians? We believe that race, religion, ethnicity and orientation are irrelevant when talking about human rights. They are universal, but unfortunately vulnerable The Kenyan tragedy reminds us that the safety that we take for granted is a luxury to others." Many important and wise words have been shared with us here today. We are proud to add to today's debate these several lines, the voice of our youth. We are encouraged by their yearning for committed actions against Violence, intolerance and all forms of discrimination.”
2015-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7432 (2015) · source
“I would like to pay tribute to Jordan for convening this important and timely debate. Croatia aligns itself with the statement delivered earlier by the Head of the Delegation of the European Union. I will now make some remarks in my national capacity. Allow me to share with the Security Council words of wisdom from young people we had the pleasure to hear from last week in our capital, Zagreb. These words were accompanied by a memorable performance when, at 14:07, hours on 16 April, 147 students lay on the ground in front of the Croatian National Theatre in the centre of Zagreb and remained motionless for exactly 147 seconds. With this act, Croatian students wanted to draw public attention to the tragedy that happened in Kenya on 2 April, when 147 students were heinously murdered on their university campus.”
2015-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7432 (2015) · source
“We see it as a gender-based peace agenda, which involves addressing the disproportionate effect of conflict on women and combating violence against women in conflict situations. It is also about women's empowerment, securing the full, equal and effective participation of women at all stages of the peace process, and giving them an equal role in the prevention and resolution of conflicts, as well as in peacebuilding. Our continued engagement rests on our firm belief that the full realization of women's rights is an indispensable basis for safeguarding basic human rights and achieving human security and lasting peace.”
2015-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7428 (2015) · source
“Still, the punishment of perpetrators remains a priority for Croatia, and we firmly believe that impunity for conflict-related sexual crimes must be addressed without any hesitation. The extensive war and post-conflict management experience that Croatia unfortunately gained on its own territory, including our experience in drafting our reparations law, can make an important contribution to broader global efforts in preventing and combating sexual violence in war and conflict. As a member of the group of global champions in the Preventing Sexual Violence Initiative, Croatia will spare no efforts to take on a more prominent role in preventing and combating sexual Violence in war and conflicts, and to continue to give its firm support to all areas of the women, peace and security agenda.”
2015-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7428 (2015) · source
“Our own experiences teach us of the importance of adequately addressing conflict-related abuses of women's rights, including sexual violence, and of providing necessary assistance, health-care, psychological counselling and financial support to women. By introducing the Law on the Rights of Victims of Sexual Violence in the Homeland War, which is expected to take effect over the coming months, special status will be assigned to survivors, who will be entitled to additional psychosocial assistance, and to financial reparations for the abuse they have suffered. This Croatian law, developed in close cooperation and consultation with civil society organizations and Victims, aims to ensure access to reparations regardless of the results of the criminal prosecution of perpetrators.”
2015-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7428 (2015) · source
“Although women are widely recognized as effective agents of peace and security, and their empowerment can significantly contribute to economic growth, the number of women participating in decision-making processes in this sphere worldwide remains unacceptably low. Women are not present enough in post-conflict building processes either. In this regard, we give our full support to the deployment of women protection advisers alongside gender advisers in United Nations missions. During the Croatian homeland war in the 19905, women in Croatia suffered grave Violations of their human rights, including maltreatment and rape, which was used as a tactic of war and an instrument of ethnic cleansing. We have seen the impact of such violations on their lives and their physical and mental health.”
2015-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7428 (2015) · source
“The present report also brings to light a new dimension of the issue, such as the use of sexual Violence as a tactic of terror by extremist groups in Iraq, Syria, and Nigeria, as well as in a number of other environments. The alarming trends we are witnessing underscore the need to promote gender equality and women's empowerment in order to address the root causes of conflict-related sexual Violence, transform harmful social norms and counter the rise of extremism. It is well known that conflict-related sexual violence is not incidental, but inherently linked with ideology and strategic objectives, and widely used as a tactic of war, terror and intimidation.”
2015-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7428 (2015) · source
“Sexual violence has regrettably been used in all recent wars and conflicts, including in the former Yugoslavia, to achieve political and military aims, to terrify and humiliate opponents, to uproot communities and ethnic groups and thus to contribute to the collapse of entire societies for generations to come. Despite specific provisions prohibiting sexual violence in treaty and customary international law, as well as the political momentum and visibility gained in recent years, sexual violence in armed conflicts and other violent situations continues to spread around the world, with grave and devastating consequences for victims and their communities, as documented in this year's report of the Secretary General (S/2015/203).”
2015-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7428 (2015) · source
“I thank the Jordanian presidency for convening this important debate on an issue to which Croatia attaches great importance. Croatia aligns itself with the statement delivered by the observer of the European Union, and I shall make some brief, additional remarks in my national capacity. In our view, taking action to prevent and redress conflict-related sexual violence is not only of fundamental importance to international peace and security, but also a moral duty and responsibility of Governments and citizens of the civilized world. However, the universal eradication of sexual violence in war and conflict is still far from being a reality. That is why we particularly welcome this debate as a contribution to keeping this issue high on the global agenda in our joint efforts to translate commitments into concrete and measurable actions.”
2015-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7428 (2015) · source
“Aziz Hasanovic, mufti of the Islamic community in Croatia, has said recently that the terrorists who use Islam as an excuse are harming and abusing their religion. They betray the faith, the essence of which is love, dialogue, coexistence and offering assistance to people in need. Hatred and exclusivity of any kind have no place in Islam. Therefore we should all, regardless of our faith and beliefs, unite our efforts to fight against those who distort and abuse any religion as justification for their terrorist acts. We all have to work together for the sake of peace and respect for the dignity and rights of every single person, and the values of diversity and peaceful coexistence. Let me conclude by reiterating our strong support and solidarity with the persecuted religious and ethnic minorities of the Middle East.”
2015-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7419 (2015) · source
“We cannot ignore the fact that Christians in the Middle East are increasingly being targeted by Islamist fundamentalists, and that the Christian population of the Middle East has decreased dramatically and continues to do so. Croatia supported the Joint Declaration Supporting the Human Rights ofChristians and Other Communities, particularly in the Middle East, issued at the twenty- eighth session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva on 13 March. It was the first time that the plight of Christians was specifically addressed by the Human Rights Council. It has to be stated clearly that Islam cannot be used as an ideological excuse for Violence against Christian and other minorities, or any other religion for that matter.”
2015-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7419 (2015) · source
“It is of vital importance to protect and preserve lives and the tradition of intercultural, interethnic and interreligious coexistence in the region. Those centuries-old traditions are treasures of mankind; various religious minorities in the region are part of our common human heritage. Judaism, Christianity and Islam were all born in the Middle East, are inextricably linked to one another, and have a long celebrated tradition of coexistence. The situation in the Middle East is very complex, but it is important to keep the focus of the international community not only on security issues, but also on the suffering of religious and other minority groups.”
2015-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7419 (2015) · source
“We highly commend the efforts of the United Nations and other international organizations and non-governmental organizations, in raising awareness of, documenting and reporting violence and crimes against minority communities in the region. We believe that more concerted efforts are needed to combat all forms of religious fundamentalism and manipulation of religious beliefs for terrorist purposes. In that context, we fully support the initiative to prepare a comprehensive action plan on preventing violent extremism and to create a panel of experts, as announced today by the Secretary-General. We believe that the action plan should encompass security aspects, humanitarian actions, sociopolitical inclusivity, the fight against impunity, the fight against discrimination, and the preservation of ethnic and religious diversity.”
2015-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7419 (2015) · source
“We have seen horrific acts of violence and unspeakable barbarism committed in the name of religion by Daesh and associated groups against individuals belonging to disfavoured religious and other minorities. We strongly deplore those actions as well as the destruction of precious religious and cultural heritage. The actions of Daesh constitute serious violations of international human rights and humanitarian law, and may constitute a crime against humanity and genocide, for which there must be accountability. In that regard, we believe that the role of the International Criminal Court in the fight against impunity is indispensable.”
2015-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7419 (2015) · source
“I would like to thank France for convening this important meeting, which has provided us with many constructive and valuable proposals. We hope that today's debate will help to further mobilize the international community against the actions of Daesh and other terrorist groups in the Middle East. Croatia aligns itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the European Union. However, I would like to make some additional remarks in my national capacity. Let me start by expressing our grave concern over the situation of Christian, Yazidi and other religious and ethnic communities in the Middle East, especially in Iraq and Syria, whose very existence and survival is seriously threatened.”
2015-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7419 (2015) · source
“I would like to conclude by emphasizing that Croatia welcomes the intention of the French presidency to further build on this debate by outlining key recommendations, and intends to contribute concrete proposals towards fulfilling our joint responsibility to ensure childhoods free from fear and violence for children all across the globe.”
2015-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7414 (2015) · source
“In that context, I would also like to refer to the Paris Commitments and Paris Principles on Children Associated with Armed Forces or Armed Groups, which Croatia has adopted, as a useful tool for responding to the needs of children affected by the armed conflict. Thos instruments recognize that in situations of armed conflict, States and armed groups are the actors with the primary responsibility for the protection of civilians. We believe that it is absolutely crucial to pay continued attention to the specific needs of children during and after armed conflict as part of every effective Government policy.”
2015-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7414 (2015) · source
“Croatia believes that such mistreatment of children has to be addressed decisively, and supports the inclusion of abduction among the listing criteria in our efforts to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable. However, prevention alone is often not enough. We therefore need to invest more efforts into the successful reintegration of children who have been exposed to armed conflict. Developing a United Nations-assisted action plan on this matter for the most affected States would be highly welcome, as well as enhanced regional cooperation in this particular domain. Our involvement also needs to have a special focus throughout on the protection of girls, who are particularly vulnerable in armed conflicts as potential victims of rape, sexual violence, sexual exploitation and early and forced marriage.”
2015-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7414 (2015) · source
“Such efforts also need to be fully extended to the activities of non-State armed groups, since they accounte for 51 out of the 59 listed parties in the last year's report of the Secretary-General (S/2014/339). In doing so, we are hopeful that we will witness more examples of success, such as the recent release of several hundred child soldiers in South Sudan. We are witnessing horrific violence committed by extremist non-State armed groups. The news about abductions and brutal sexual violence committed against children, as well as their active engagement in armed conflicts, are almost becoming commonplace. The abductions of schoolchildren by Boko Haram and other extremist groups represent not only an abhorrent crime, but are used systematically as a tool of war and a strategy for spreading fear.”
2015-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7414 (2015) · source
“For more than 20 years, the Security Council has been making serious efforts aimed at preventing and ending the recruitment and abuse of children by non-State armed groups. Yet it is evident that the gap between the commitments and actual practice is still too wide. In that context, allow me to highlight our strong support to the ongoing campaign "Children, Not Soldiers", jointly launched by UNICEF and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, and aimed at preventing the recruitment and use of children by national security forces. The campaign has substantively contributed to the signing of national action plans with the United Nations and has had a serious impact on improving the situation on the ground in the countries concerned.”
2015-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7414 (2015) · source
“Croatia aligns itself with the statement made earlier by the observer of the European Union, and fully supports the proposals made therein. We wish to especially emphasize our support for the recommendation with regard to further strengthening the role of the International Criminal Court in ensuring accountability for crimes committed by non-State armed groups against children. Furthermore, Croatia supports all sixrecommendations for ending and preventing violations of children's rights by non-State armed groups, put forward by the Watchlist on Children and Armed Conflict to the Security Council and Member States. This year we celebrate the tenth anniversary of the resolution 1612 (2005), through which the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict was established.”
2015-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7414 (2015) · source