YouSaid · the spoken record

Duarte Lopes

lines on the record: 104
first: 2017-11-21
most recent: 2022-03-08
sittings or episodes: 22
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

“Ensuring the right of women and girls to education without discrimination is a fundamental precondition for their economic empowerment. Also, women who are economically empowered are more likely to be able to contribute to building peace. Finally, on this International Women’s Day, we should all heed the Secretary-General’s call and the relentless work of the entire United Nations system to put an end to violence against women in all its forms.”
2022-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8989Resumption1 (2022) · source
“Our thoughts today are with all women and girls victims of the unprovoked armed aggression in Ukraine, as well as with all women and girl victims of violence and discrimination anywhere in the world — in Yemen, in Afghanistan, in Myanmar and in many other crisis situations. Portugal is implementing its national action plan on resolution 1325 (2000). Gender equality is particularly relevant to the coherence of development policies. Portugal has therefore reinforced gender mainstreaming bilaterally and multilaterally in its partnerships for the full realization of women’s human rights. Women’s economic empowerment is key to realizing women’s rights and gender equality. It gives women more autonomy and more freedom. It boosts productivity and it increases economic diversification and income equality.”
2022-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8989Resumption1 (2022) · source
“We align ourselves with the statements delivered by the observer of the European Union and by the representative of Canada on behalf of the Group of Friends of Women, Peace and Security (see S/PV.8989), as well as with the written advice submitted by the Peacebuilding Commission. Portugal welcomes this timely debate as we celebrate International Women’s Day. On this occasion, we reiterate our full commitment to respect for and the protection and fulfilment of all women and girls’ human rights, as well as women’s full, equal and meaningful participation in peace negotiations, peacebuilding and peacekeeping. Discriminatory laws and practices continue to be imposed on women and girls in many parts of the world. There is a clear need to fight impunity, to avoid reprisals and to promote prevention and accountability.”
2022-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8989Resumption1 (2022) · source
“Ultimately, however, improving respect for international humanitarian law and ensuring that the protection of civilians is a priority in planning and conducting military operations will require military training and doctrine to be adjusted and kept up to date. Member States have an important role to play. In our case in that regard, I am glad to announce that Portugal established the National Committee on International Humanitarian Law this year to provide an important tool to support compliance with obligations under international humanitarian law.”
2022-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8953 (2022) · source
“Sustainable solutions are required to prevent and mitigate the human cost of urban warfare and address the needs of communities affected by war. Networked multilateralism, in particular the promotion of the triple nexus of peace and security, development and humanitarian action, is the way to go as set out in Our Common Agenda (A/75/982). Explosive weapons and improvised explosive devices can prove especially challenging, as can new technologies with integrated autonomy. The political declaration on explosive weapons in populated areas promoted by Ireland is certainly a good example of encouraging best practices in urban settings, based on international humanitarian law.”
2022-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8953 (2022) · source
“Portugal aligns itself with the statement to be delivered by the observer of the European Union and the statement delivered earlier by the representative of Switzerland on behalf of the Group of Friends on the protection of civilians. We thank Nor-way for organizing this open debate and would like to add the following points in our national capacity. The urbanization of warfare is one of the chief humanitarian and legal challenges of contemporary armed conflict, which has a disproportionate impact on persons and objects protected under international humanitarian law. While that is not a new phenomenon, it is resurging and likely to endure since two thirds of the global population are expected to live in cities by 2050.”
2022-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8953 (2022) · source
“Thirdly, the women and peace and security agenda should be properly funded. We need the Security Council, in close collaboration with the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Human Rights Council and UN-Women, to provide the necessary attention and resources to create safe environments where women can engage without the fear of retaliation. Priority should be given to partnerships with host countries and especially to local, community-based women’s networks, while ensuring that the protection of women peacebuilders is explicitly included in the mandates of United Nations missions. We can and must strive for a more comprehensive implementation of the women and peace and security agenda and for an end to violence against women in all its forms.”
2022-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8949Resumption1 (2022) · source
“We strongly condemn the harassment, threats and attacks that women face worldwide, both online and offline, often targeting women human rights defenders, gender equality advocates and civil-society organizations. Particularly troubling are the reprisals faced by women who engage with the United Nations and the Security Council in the context of peace and security processes. Since 2009 Portugal has had a national action plan to implement the women and peace and security agenda that is currently in its third edition, and we are fully committed to its implementation. First, we believe that Member States must plan for action and monitor results, both at the national and regional levels. Secondly, the role of the United Nations in coordinating Member States’ efforts in implementing that agenda is instrumental.”
2022-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8949Resumption1 (2022) · source
“Portugal thanks the Norwegian presidency of the Security Council for holding this important open debate. We align ourselves with the statements made this morning by the representatives of the European Union, in its capacity as observer, and Canada, on behalf of the Group of Friends of Women, Peace and Security. More than 20 years after the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000), we are still witnessing critical situations where women’s voices continue to go unheard. The current situation in Afghanistan is just one example, along with those in the Sahel and Myanmar, as highlighted this morning by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.”
2022-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8949Resumption1 (2022) · source
“We should pursue efforts to reduce the environmental footprint of peacemaking operations, and we also encourage the inclusion of the climate-security nexus in the horizontal agendas of the Council, with a particular focus on the women and peace and security and the youth, peace and security agendas. In conclusion, tackling the adverse impacts of climate change and preventing and combating terrorism to safeguard international security will demand a broad and innovative perspective, both by individual countries and by the United Nations system as a whole. Given its historical role and concrete responsibilities, the Security Council should take a decisive lead in this effort.”
2021-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8923Resumption1 (2021) · source
“Portugal is in favour of more systematic involvement by the Security Council with regard to the climate-security nexus. We therefore strongly support the adoption of a cross-cutting draft resolution on climate and security, as put forward by Ireland and the Niger. In that context, peacebuilding efforts should include in their design the strengthening of countries’ capacities to adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change. The mandates of United Nations peacekeeping operations and special political missions should continue to assess climate-related security risks and devise appropriate responses, including conflict prevention tools, and take into account climate risks across United Nations early-warning and planning processes.”
2021-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8923Resumption1 (2021) · source
“As such, those phenomena are at the root of growing inequality and migration movements, hindering food and water and security and tensions among communities. All those factors are risk multipliers. When poverty and unemployment are exacerbated by competition for acquiring scarce resources, those conditions can be exploited by terrorist organizations for recruitment and radicalization. Climate change therefore contributes to the perpetuation a vicious circle and can be fully addressed only with the contribution of every country and by ensuring cooperation at the multilateral level. The Secretary-General’s report Our Common Agenda (A/75/982) rightly calls for an increased focus on the effects of climate change on peace and security.”
2021-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8923Resumption1 (2021) · source
“At the outset, allow me to thank you, Mr. President, for convening us in such a timely manner. Like Italy, we also align ourselves with the statements delivered by the representative of Germany, on behalf of the Group of Friends on Climate and Security, and by observer of the European Union. The climate-security nexus has been gaining prominence in the global agenda. Higher sea levels, more severe floods, longer periods of drought and the increasing scarcity of resources are already taking their heavy toll in many countries. That is most evident in small island developing States and in Africa, including in the regions of the Sahel, the Lake Chad basin and the Horn of Africa. When climate hazards hit, vulnerable groups suffer disproportionate losses.”
2021-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8923Resumption1 (2021) · source
“In conclusion, through incremental but firm steps, the United Nations and its States Members can help women help their communities and, in doing so, reinforce global peace and security.”
2021-10-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8886Resumption1 (2021) · source
“Precedence should be given to investments in community-based local women’s networks and the promotion of women’s leadership in conflict prevention, resolution and mediation. Especially important are grass-roots women’s groups, in particular those mobilizing for peace and the promotion of human rights, such as the Spotlight initiative, of which Portugal has been a supporter since 2019. As the concept note (S/2021/875, annex) rightly points out, the proportion of women in military and police components has significantly increased in recent years. Portugal is among the Member States that have contributed to that positive outcome. In addition, my country has translated the women and peace and security agenda into three successive national action plans for the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000).”
2021-10-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8886Resumption1 (2021) · source
“However, women have remained mostly absent throughout conflict cycles. The radical shift called for by the Secretary- General is therefore urgently needed. Women in several countries are already actively engaged in the prevention of conflicts, as well as peacekeeping, peacebuilding and mediation efforts. But a more purposeful and ambitious approach should be put in place by the United Nations system as a whole. To that end, the priorities laid out in resolution 2594 (2021) should be swiftly followed through on, including the need to ensure that comprehensive gender analysis and technical gender expertise are embedded in all stages of planning, implementation and the review of operations. Portugal supports the Action for Peacekeeping initiative.”
2021-10-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8886Resumption1 (2021) · source
“It is good to be back in the Chamber in person. I will make some complementary remarks to the intervention made by the observer of the European Union. Portugal commends the Kenyan presidency of the Security Council for convening this open debate. The long-term stabilization of societies emerging from conflict presupposes women’s full, equal and meaningful participation in peace processes. That was recognized by resolution 1325 (2000), which underlined the importance of including women in ceasefire and peace processes, as well as decision-making and policymaking. As the Secretary-General pointed out in his 2020 report (S/2020/946), women’s organizations and networks have proven to be essential leaders in emergencies and indispensable to maintaining social cohesion and preventing conflicts.”
2021-10-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8886Resumption1 (2021) · source
“In that connection, and in line with the women and peace and security agenda, it is essential that women be included in all stages of the peace process, in particular in mechanisms for the prevention, management and resolution of conflicts. In conclusion, it is important that the link between security and development guides the transitional justice process, as it plays a crucial role in the pursuit of Sustainable Development Goal 16.”
2020-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8723Resumption1 (2020) · source
“We must also keep in mind that armed conflicts directly affect the most vulnerable, especially women, children and youth. Portugal is concerned about the issue of children in armed conflict situations, particularly concerning the recruitment and use of child soldiers. In that regard, we wish to reiterate the importance of the 2017 Vancouver Principles on Peacekeeping and the Prevention of the Recruitment and Use of Child Soldiers. In addition, we must give priority to children when planning demobilization, disarmament and reintegration efforts. Transitional justice mechanisms should also take into account the decisive role and full participation of women in conflict prevention and resolution, as well as their status as victims of sexual and psychological violence.”
2020-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8723Resumption1 (2020) · source
“In that regard, it should be stressed that, without prejudice to international law, those processes should always take into account the specificity of different post- conflict contexts. To achieve that, the judicial system of each State must function effectively and independently, thereby enabling the International Criminal Court to assume its complementary role to national jurisdictions. It is therefore of the utmost importance that all relevant actors be involved, as well as civil society, which can play a major role in facilitating efforts to sustain peace. From that point of view, Portugal believes that young people are fundamental actors in reconciliation processes, as well as in the overall maintenance of peace and security. Transitional justice mechanisms must be victim- centred in order to meet the specific needs of victims.”
2020-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8723Resumption1 (2020) · source
“Mr. Duarte Lopes (Portugal) (spoke in French): At the outset, let me commend you, Madam President, for convening this open debate. Portugal attaches particular importance to transitional justice and endorses the statement that will be delivered by the observer of the European Union. In my national capacity, I would like to make a few additional remarks. Transitional justice mechanisms play a crucial role in implementing peace agreements, preventing the recurrence of conflicts and maintaining peace in societies undergoing reconstruction. In that regard, transitional justice enables communities to address the legacy of large-scale violence and human rights violations, ensure accountability, secure justice and achieve reconciliation.”
2020-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8723Resumption1 (2020) · source
“We will be ready to assist in the reconstruction of Syria only when a comprehensive, genuine and inclusive political transition, negotiated by the Syrian parties to the conflict on the basis of resolution 2254 (2015) and the 2012 Geneva communiqué, is firmly under way. The EU has also reiterated that it will not provide stabilization or development assistance in areas where the rights of local populations are ignored or violated.”
2020-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8706Resumption1 (2020) · source
“For that reason, we reiterate our support for the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism to Assist in the Investigation and Prosecution of Persons Responsible for the Most Serious Crimes under International Law Committed in the Syrian Arab Republic since March 2011, and welcome that the Mechanism will from 2020 onwards be financed in its entirety under the United Nations regular budget. Our position on returns has not changed. As everywhere in the world, in Syria as well, we support the right of refugees and internally displaced persons to a safe, voluntary and dignified return. However, we consider that the conditions necessary for their return, as defined by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, are still not in place. We also wish to reiterate our well-known position on reconstruction.”
2020-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8706Resumption1 (2020) · source
“In accordance with resolution 2254 (2015), we will continue to promote a genuine political transition to pave the way for free and fair elections; support Syrian civil society, with particular attention to women’s equitable and meaningful engagement in the political process; and identify confidence-building measures among the parties to the conflict, including on the issue of detainees and missing persons. Promoting accountability and justice and combating impunity remain a high priority for the EU, as a fundamental part of any future process of national reconciliation in Syria.”
2020-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8706Resumption1 (2020) · source
“However, the EU regrets the exclusion of the Al-Yarubiyah crossing point, between Iraq and north- east Syria, where unmet needs persist on a large scale, and looks forward to the upcoming report of the Secretary-General on alternative modalities in order to ensure the delivery of critical medicine and medical equipment to north-east Syria. Meeting acute humanitarian needs requires sustained and predictable access, and the Council must continue to act to safeguard meeting the humanitarian needs of the people in need in Syria. The EU will also continue to strongly support the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General’s efforts to unblock the political process.”
2020-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8706Resumption1 (2020) · source
“Europe will continue to maintain the Syrian crisis high on the agenda of the international community by promoting dialogue and mobilizing international humanitarian support for the Syrian people. In that regard, we welcome the decision by the Security Council on 10 January (see S/PV.8700) to extend the authorization for cross-border humanitarian assistance to people in need in Syria. In the light of the huge humanitarian needs in northern Syria, a failure by the Council to agree on an extension would have had catastrophic consequences.”
2020-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8706Resumption1 (2020) · source
“Furthermore, no third round has yet been convened, largely due to preconditions requested by the delegation of the Syrian regime, which are in clear violation of the Constitutional Committee’s rules of procedure. While the Constitutional Committee could serve to open the door to a broader political process, all elements of resolution 2254 (2015) are vital to achieving an inclusive political transition and must be implemented, including the release of detainees, a nationwide ceasefire and the establishment of a safe and neutral environment in order for free and fair elections to be held, under United Nations supervision. As so many years of war have demonstrated, we need to reiterate once again that there can be no military solution to the Syrian crisis.”
2020-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8706Resumption1 (2020) · source
“Throughout last year, we witnessed persistent and grave violations of international law and human rights across Syria, a worsening of the humanitarian crisis and a growing risk of Da’esh resurgence. For those reasons, the EU remains convinced that only a comprehensive, genuine and inclusive political transition, in line with resolution 2254 (2015) and the Geneva communiqué (S/2012/522, annex), can lead to sustainable peace and stability in Syria. In September 2019, the EU welcomed the establishment of the Syrian-led, Syrian-owned Constitutional Committee, under United Nations auspices. Regrettably, the second round of meetings of the drafting committee in November was unable to agree on an agenda for the joint discussions and no progress could be reached.”
2020-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8706Resumption1 (2020) · source
“In north-east Syria, volatility and insecurity persist, following Turkey’s unilateral incursion in October 2019. The EU has firmly condemned that military operation, which has caused renewed civilian suffering and further displacement, and has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the withdrawal of Turkish forces. We welcome the significant reduction in fighting. The incursion has threatened the progress achieved to date by the Global Coalition to Defeat the Islamic State in Iraq and the Sham and risks having a negative impact on the United Nations-facilitated political process in Geneva. The EU has underlined on many occasions that Turkey’s security concerns in north-east Syria should be addressed by political and diplomatic means and in full accordance with international law and international humanitarian law.”
2020-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8706Resumption1 (2020) · source
“The ongoing regime offensive has led to over 1,400 civilian deaths and has caused yet another wave of displacement, affecting more than 1 million Syrians. Only days after the announcement of the latest ceasefire, we have seen renewed attacks by the Syrian regime, including aerial strikes on Idlib, leading to numerous civilian casualties. The presence of United Nations-listed terrorist groups in the area is a common threat that has to be addressed. However, fighting those groups, as authorized by the United Nations, does not permit violations of international humanitarian law, such as the targeting of civilians. The EU continues to call upon the Syrian regime and its allies to permanently cease indiscriminate air strikes and shelling of civilians and to respect international humanitarian law.”
2020-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8706Resumption1 (2020) · source
“We reiterate our readiness to work with both parties and our partners in the region and the international community towards the resumption of meaningful negotiations to resolve all final status issues and achieve a just and lasting peace. Please allow me to now turn to the situation in Syria. The conflict is now in its ninth year and has led to the death of half a million Syrians and the displacement of half of the Syrian population. It has also had profound repercussions on the overall stability of the Middle East and has provided fertile ground for the rise of the so- called Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant/Da’esh. The situation in Syria remains highly volatile. The EU remains greatly concerned by the continued escalation of violence in north-west Syria and its devastating impact on civilians.”
2020-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8706Resumption1 (2020) · source
“Until such a solution is reached, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) remains crucial for providing the necessary protection and essential services for Palestinian refugees and we will continue to support UNRWA in all its fields of operations, including in East Jerusalem. It is of the utmost importance that UNRWA can continue to provide Palestinian refugees with the necessary protection and essential services. The work of UNRWA is also important for the stability of the region. Progress towards a solution to that conflict, based on an end to the occupation and a two-State solution, can also have a positive impact on efforts to resolve other crises in the region. In the absence of a renewed effort, the situation is likely to deteriorate further in the period ahead.”
2020-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8706Resumption1 (2020) · source
“We once again call upon all parties to take urgent steps, in line with resolution 2334 (2016), towards a fundamental change in the humanitarian, political, security and economic situation in Gaza, including through an end to the closure policy, full opening of the crossing points and unimpeded access for humanitarian actors, while addressing Israel’s legitimate security concerns. Such steps would also contribute to the implementation of resolution 2334 (2016) and increase the chances for a two-State solution. One of the fundamental parameters for peace in the Middle East is a just, fair, agreed and realistic solution to the Palestinian refugee issue, in accordance with international law.”
2020-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8706Resumption1 (2020) · source
“More broadly, the political and security situation in Gaza remains highly volatile, while the humanitarian situation and the suffering of ordinary people are also of deep concern. Last November’s upsurge in violence reminds us that restoring a political horizon for peace remains as essential as ever. The EU reiterates its condemnation of the firing of rockets from Gaza into Israel and the indiscriminate targeting of civilians. The EU also continues to oppose and condemn all forms of terror and firmly rejects any incitement to violence and hatred, which are fundamentally incompatible with advancing a peaceful two-State solution.”
2020-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8706Resumption1 (2020) · source
“A further area of significant concern is the ongoing threat of violence, terrorist attacks against civilians and incitement to violence and hatred on both sides. We are concerned at reports of an increased number of attacks by settlers. The EU calls on Israel to fulfil its obligations, in line with its responsibilities as an occupying Power, to protect Palestinian civilians and to ensure accountability for any human rights violations. In Gaza, a serious escalation occurred in November 2019, when over 450 rockets were fired indiscriminately at Israel and 34 Palestinians, including 8 children, were reported to have been killed as a result of strikes by the Israeli military.”
2020-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8706Resumption1 (2020) · source
“A strong, accountable, inclusive and functioning Palestinian Government, based on respect for the rule of law and human rights, is also vital for the two-State solution. In that context and taking note of the announcement made by President Abbas last September, the EU reiterates its call for a date to be set for the holding of elections in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and in Gaza. Such elections could represent an important building block for the reunification of the West Bank and Gaza, as well as a positive step in terms of democratic legitimacy and accountability. The EU once again calls upon all Palestinian factions to unequivocally commit to democratic principles prior to such elections.”
2020-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8706Resumption1 (2020) · source
“Moreover, there have been recent calls made for annexation, which would constitute a serious violation of international law. The EU is also closely following the continuing demolition and seizure of Palestinian-owned structures across the occupied West Bank. Recent months have seen a significant increase in such demolitions, notably in East Jerusalem and a significant number of those demolitions include humanitarian projects funded by the EU and its member States. For its part, the EU remains strongly opposed to such demolitions, confiscations and forced transfers and evictions, as well as other actions taken in the context of Israel’s settlement policy. Building strong, inclusive, accountable and functioning democratic Palestinian institutions, based on respect for the rule of law and human rights, is vital for the two-State solution.”
2020-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8706Resumption1 (2020) · source
“The EU position on settlement policy is clear — Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, are illegal under international law, an obstacle to peace and a development that threatens to make a two-State solution impossible. The EU has also made clear that it will not recognize any changes to the pre-1967 borders, including with regard to Jerusalem, other than those agreed by the parties. We expect both parties, including any future Israeli or Palestinian Government, to act in accordance with international law. The Israeli authorities should fully meet their obligations as an occupying Power under international humanitarian law and cease the policy of settlement construction and expansion.”
2020-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8706Resumption1 (2020) · source
“The Middle East peace process remains at a stalemate amid continuing political uncertainty in both Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory. At the same time, the situation on the ground continues to deteriorate, threatening the very viability of the two- State solution and prospects for a sustainable peace. One area of concern is that of continuous Israeli settlement planning and construction. At the beginning of January, the Israeli authorities approved the advancement of almost 2,000 additional units, including the retroactive approval of already existing constructions, some of which were built on private Palestinian land. That decision follows other settlement- related developments in recent months, including, in particular, sensitive places such as East Jerusalem and Hebron.”
2020-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8706Resumption1 (2020) · source
“In particular, our goal is to fulfil the legitimate aspirations of both parties, including Israeli and Palestinian security needs and Palestinian aspirations to statehood and sovereignty, end the occupation that began in 1967 and resolve all final status issues on the basis of international law, the internationally agreed parameters and the relevant Security Council resolutions. Ultimately, we want to see the State of Israel and a sovereign, independent, democratic, contiguous and viable Palestinian State living side by side in peace and security. Such an outcome is also in the interests of the parties themselves and would provide the basis for a democratic and prosperous future for Palestine and Israel alike.”
2020-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8706Resumption1 (2020) · source
“I have the honour to speak on behalf of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Spain, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, the United Kingdom and my own country, Portugal. Those 27 countries are all members of the European Union (EU). Peace and stability in the Middle East remain imperative for the peoples of the region and are in the fundamental and strategic interests of the European Union. The European Union’s position remains unchanged and centred on our firm commitment to a just and comprehensive resolution of the Israeli- Palestinian conflict through a negotiated two-State solution.”
2020-01-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8706Resumption1 (2020) · source
“We owe it to the present, to those still mired in conflict and poverty. We also owe it to the future, as caretakers of this irreplaceable and essential Organization.”
2020-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8699Resumption1 (2020) · source
“Furthermore, we need to focus on the peace continuum and the paramount role of peacebuilding, namely in transition scenarios. In that vein, we support stronger and more regular coordination between the Security Council and the Peacebuilding Commission, as well as additional focus on climate challenges and other potential sources of conflict. The critical importance of reinforced participation by women and youth has been proved in recent and ongoing missions. Let me conclude by expressing our firm belief that this year’s commemoration of the United Nations seventy-fifth anniversary will be an opportunity to reaffirm our collective commitment to multilateralism, grounded on the primacy of international law and on the principles and values of the United Nations Charter. We owe it to the past to prevent the same tragic mistakes.”
2020-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8699Resumption1 (2020) · source
“The Security Council plays a central role in promoting the peaceful settlement of disputes. Negotiation, inquiry, mediation, conciliation, arbitration and resort to regional mechanisms are some of its best tools. Moreover, we think that the working methods of the Security Council should be adapted to enhance transparency and efficiency. Peacekeeping operations are a privileged instrument of the Security Council in maintaining peace and security. Supporting those operations has been and will remain a priority for my country. That commitment is translated in our presence in eight of the United Nations current missions. The Action for Peacekeeping initiative and the joint Declaration of Shared Commitments on United Nations Peacekeeping Operations are further evidence of positive steps.”
2020-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8699Resumption1 (2020) · source
“I thank you, Mr. President, for organizing this debate. Let me congratulate you on assuming the presidency. I would also like to welcome all the other new members of the Security Council as they start their mandates. Portugal is strongly committed to a reinforced multilateral system with the United Nations at its centre. We view peace as a broad concept, promoting both human rights and sustainable development. We therefore support the comprehensive ongoing reform of the United Nations system to fully uphold our collective vision of international peace and security, including through conflict prevention, as enshrined in Article 1 of the Charter of the United Nations. Only political solutions and preventive diplomacy allow the international community to act with responsibility in order to avoid escalation and spillover risks.”
2020-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8699Resumption1 (2020) · source
“The strategic objectives of the action plan include, among others, promoting equality between women and men in matters of security and development, protecting women's and girls' human rights and combating all forms of violence and sexual violence, increasing the number of women participating in international missions and supporting the work of civil society organizations in women, peace and security matters. In conclusion, sustainable development cannot be achieved without safeguarding women's and girls' human rights. We cannot leave one half of humankind behind.”
2019-11-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8649Resumption2 (2019) · source
“In countries affected by conflict, the situation is extremely hard for all children, but girls are often left even further behind. For the majority of them, that means the end of school. Empowering women and girls through education is the best way to guarantee equal rights and full participation in society. Portugal reiterates the importance ofthe Safe Schools Declaration as a fundamental tool to prevent sexual violence and encourages more Member States to adhere to it. In the beginning of this year, we adopted our third national action plan to implement resolution 1325 (2000).”
2019-11-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8649Resumption2 (2019) · source
“Having co-sponsored resolution 2493 (2019), Portugal welcomes its adoption. We are pleased with the achievements identified in the Secretary-General's report (S/2019/800). But, as the report also underlines, the women and peace and security agenda is still held up by many challenges, including the growth of violent misogyny and the persistence of sexual and gender-based violence as a weapon of war and terror. In that respect, Portugal will continue to fight the threats against women's and girls' human rights worldwide and to support efforts to strengthen them, especially in conflict and post- conflict areas. We will continue to push back against the pushback on women's rights. We cannot forget that conflict also adversely affects the education of millions of children.”
2019-11-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8649Resumption2 (2019) · source
“It should be recalled that sexual violence in conflict situations is linked to the broader issue of gender equality, as noted in resolution 1325 (2000). Portugal has just adopted its third national plan for the implementation of that resolution, with clear objectives and a concrete timetable. In conclusion, I stress the importance that Portugal attaches to the work of UNICEF and other specialized agencies, as well as of civil society, to improve the lives of all those girls and boys who suffer from varying levels of extreme violence. This scourge can be combated effectively only through cooperation among all actors.”
2019-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8591 (2019) · source
“Education is both a mechanism for preventing recruitment and a means of addressing the root causes of conflict. We also wish to emphasize the importance of the Kigali Principles and the Vancouver Principles on Peacekeeping and the Prevention of the Recruitment and Use of Child Soldiers, which complement the Paris Principles. As a whole, those principles should constitute a frame of reference for our future actions. We must remain vigilant regarding situations of sexual violence against children in wartime. In that regard, Portugal welcomes the measures taken by the Council with the adoption of resolution 2467 (2019), which has made it possible to identify an approach centred on victims and survivors of sexual violence. In addition, we must do everything possible to put an end to impunity with regard to exploitation and sexual violence.”
2019-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8591 (2019) · source