YouSaid · the spoken record

Duque Estrada Meyer

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85

first

2017-11-21

most recent

2020-01-22

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13

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un-security-council

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1. “In 1919, the Brazilian biologist, lawyer, feminist, politician and one of the four women delegates to the San Francisco Conference Bertha Lutz wrote that the greatest victory of our age would be the emancipation of the woman: she awoke during the period of calm, and when the time for conflict came, she was no longer a pale shadow but had placed herself resolutely beside man in order to fight and to win alongside him. This year, Brazil celebrates the hundredth anniversary of the admission of the first female diplomat to our Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In 1918, Maria Jose de Castro Rebello Mendes was not only the first Brazilian female diplomat but also the first woman to join the civil service in Brazilian history through a public examination process.”

   2018-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8382 (2018) · source

2. “Let me begin by thanking the Bolivian presidency for organizing this debate and for producing an excellent concept note (S/2018/904, annex). We also thank the Secretary- General, Under-Secretary-General Phumzile Mlambo- Ngcuka and General Director Randa Siniora Atallah for their presentations. As neighbours in a region where we have long lived peacefully, Brazil and Bolivia share the urgency in promoting the women and peace and security agenda in South America as a means to empower women and girls, thereby ensuring that our region continues to enjoy lasting peace. Moreover, Braziljoins with Bolivia in commending the inspiring example of the significant and successful inclusion of women in the peace process in Colombia.”

   2018-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8382 (2018) · source

3. “Rather, that ultimately requires the primacy of politics and a people-centred approach, including through engagement with local actors and those affected by conflict. More robust and flexible mandates can often prove counterproductive to achieving a mission's objectives and compromise the United Nations credibility in the eyes of local society. In our effort to improve peacekeeping, we must not fail to recognize the important results achieved through such a tool. The recent downsizing and closing of missions, such as in the cases ofHaiti, Cote d'Ivoire and Liberia, where missions created conditions conducive to peace and security, show the positive effect that United Nations operations continue to have, while bringing hope for a better future to millions of people.”

   2018-09-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8349 (2018) · source

4. “It also included sharing lessons learned and the constant development of mission doctrine. But improvements to any mission's effectiveness cannot be pursued through military and operational approaches alone. For any peacekeeping mission to succeed, it is essential to build and maintain the trust of local communities. In addition, it must be borne in mind that, in most conflict situations, political dialogue and economic developmentareanecessaryconditionforpeacebuilding. The experience of MINUSTAH once again comes to mind. The implementation of quick-impact projects proved to be an essential tool for the stabilization process and acted as a bridge for medium- and long-term development efforts. Protecting civilians in conflict situations does not equate with blanket mandates with regard to the use of force.”

   2018-09-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8349 (2018) · source

5. “Currently, Brazil leads the Maritime Task Force of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, while the military component of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is led by a Brazilian Lieutenant General. The Brazilian perception of improving the effectiveness of peacekeeping operations is informed in particular by our experience as the main troop contributor to the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), the work of which was crucial to the stabilization of Haiti and the establishment of a safer and more secure environment. That successful experience was made possible in particular by a focus on mission effectiveness at all stages, from troop selection and training to providing adequate equipment and materiel, as well as effective logistical support.”

   2018-09-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8349 (2018) · source

6. “The United Nations zero- tolerance-policy must combine preventive and punitive measures, and be provided with the appropriate funding and tailor-made training to suit the realities faced by troop-contributing countries and every mission. At the same time, it is essential to underline that the issue of casualties cannot be considered in isolation. It relates to the specific political conditions of every individual mission and to the political decisions embodied in individual mandates crafted by the Security Council. Brazil has a long and distinguished history of contributing to United Nations peacekeeping operations, having taken part in more than 40 missions since 1947.”

   2018-09-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8349 (2018) · source

7. “We also take note of the recommendations of the report prepared by Lieutenant General Carlos Alberto dos Santos Cruz, entitled Improving Security of United Nations Peacekeepers", and of its conclusion that a sense of shared responsibility is required in the field. Civilian leadership and personnel also need to play a more active role in taking the necessary preventive measures to avoid casualties. The safety and security ofpeacekeepers must be placed at the top of the list ofUnited Nations priorities. Peacekeepers must be provided with adequate resources, equipment and training. Moreover, providing United Nations peacekeeping personnel with intensive and extensive predeployment and in-mission training is instrumental to addressing sexual abuse and exploitation, and enhancing performance.”

   2018-09-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8349 (2018) · source

8. “We therefore welcome the Action for Peacekeeping initiative, launched by the Secretary- General, to renew the commitment of Member States to peacekeeping operations. We look forward to working in the year to come to transform the commitments of the declaration into reality. I am pleased to announce on this occasion that Brazil endorses the Action for Peacekeeping initiative. We particularly welcome the inclusiveness of the initiative, which recognizes that peacekeeping is a collective endeavour that depends upon the partnership among the Security Council, the General Assembly, the Secretariat, troop and police contributors and host Governments. Brazil welcomes the Secretary-General's efforts to address the increasing number of fatalities in peacekeeping operations.”

   2018-09-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8349 (2018) · source

9. “I thank the United States delegation for convening this debate. The role of peacekeeping operations has evolved dramatically over the years. High expectations, coupled with greater resource constraints, have accentuated the difficulties that missions face and have sometimes created frustration regarding the ability of peacekeeping operations to achieve their objectives. Brazil continues to believe in the capacity of United Nations peacekeeping operations to contribute significantly to the successful resolution of conflicts. However, changes are required in several aspects of peacekeeping operations, including the manner in which we deal with the performance of the mission as a whole.”

   2018-09-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8349 (2018) · source

10. “Whenever the Council deliberates, international law should be central, not a distant part of the landscape. Above all, we must remind ourselves of a notion that should be self-evident, namely, that full respect for international law is the only way to achieve peace and sustain it.”

    2018-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8262 (2018) · source

11. “We should be careful not to open the door for unilateralism, thereby jeopardizing the collective security system. Security Council resolutions are adopted on behalf of the international community. It is a basic notion that those authorized to take action on behalf of others are accountable to those that authorize them. States that engage in military operations to implement measures envisaged in Article 42 should have to report periodically to the Council, so that their adherence to the mandate can be multilaterally monitored. Those troops might not be wearing blue helmets, but they act on the authority and legitimacy of a blue text. In conclusion, as the primary guardian of international peace and security, the Council should act as a defender of the integrity of the norms that form our collective security system.”

    2018-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8262 (2018) · source

12. “While Brazil is a strong advocate of prevention, we do not deny that force might be envisaged in exceptional circumstances. Yet our resolve to stop human rights violations and defeat terrorism cannot make us turn a blind eye to international law. Narratives developed to justify actions in one part of the world have systemic repercussions. Such narratives for self-defence are based on conceptual uncertainties. Not only do we lack a definition of terrorism, but also the preferred notion seems to be non-State actors, a category that can involve scenarios outside the purview of the Council. In addition, States cannot disregard the resort to multilateral solutions to fight hostile non-State actors, including the authorization of the use of force by the Security Council.”

    2018-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8262 (2018) · source

13. “Sponsors of that view tend to read Article 2, paragraph 4, as prohibiting the use of force only when it goes against the territorial integrity or political independence of another State, or when it is inconsistent with the purposes of the United Nations. Brazil does not share that view, as it considers that Article 2, paragraph 4, aims to reinforce prohibition of the use of force. Moreover, military action 4 even when warranted on grounds of morality and legitimacy - inevitably results in human and material costs. Those who suffer the most are the civilians on whose protection the resort to force is often based. If subjective unilateral criteria inform decisions on the use of force, peace will be a far-distant objective.”

    2018-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8262 (2018) · source

14. “The conditions for any reinterpretation of Article 51 are strict. Those norms cannot be changed by the practice of a few States 4 all countries have a stake in the issue of the legality of the use of force. Similar reasoning applies to efforts to justify the use of force beyond the two exceptions enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations. Article 2, paragraph 4, does not envisage the use of force as a self-help mechanism, or as a response to violations of general international law. In the past 30 years, we have witnessed a tendency to unilaterally resort to force for protecting human rights or forestalling international crimes.”

    2018-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8262 (2018) · source

15. “Fourthly, on treaty law, the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties allows subsequent agreement between the parties regarding the interpretation of a treaty or subsequent practice to be taken into consideration. However, the threshold for a tacit agreement between the 193 parties to the Charter is far from being met. The State practice being invoked by those seeking a reinterpretation is erratic and ambiguous. An impressive number of States have been cautioning against expansive interpretations of self-defence. The Movement of Non-Aligned Countries affirmed that Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations is restrictive and should not be rewritten or reinterpreted. The Community of Latin American and Caribbean States called for an open and transparent debate on the issue.”

    2018-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8262 (2018) · source

16. “The United States ofAmerica, the Court made it clear that the territorial State would have to be "sending" or have "substantial involvement" in the acts of the non-State actor for the conditions of self- defence to arise. In the advisory opinion on the Legal Consequences of the Construction of a Wall in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, it is stated that "Article 51 of the Charter recognizes the existence of an inherent right of self-defence in the case of an armed attack by one State against another State". Thirdly, on the travaux preparatoires, the framework established in 1945 was a response to the Second World War, and it is implausible to impute to the drafters the intention to make self-defence applicable outside inter-State conflicts.”

    2018-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8262 (2018) · source

17. “Some have been arguing that self-defence could be applied as a response to non-State actors, sometimes adding as a condition the criterion of unwillingness or inability on the part of the territorial State. Brazil does not agree with such interpretations. Let me present four assumptions that inform our position. I would first like to mention the general principle of law, according to which exception to rules must be interpreted restrictively. Article 51 is an exception to Article 2, paragraph 4. Since the latter does mention States, and the former must be interpreted in that light, self-defence is a response to an armed attack undertaken by, or somehow attributable to, a State. Secondly, with regard to the case law of the International Court of Justice, in the case ofRepublic of Nicaragua v.”

    2018-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8262 (2018) · source

18. “The year 2018 marks the ninetieth anniversary of the Briand-Kellogg Pact. That is an idea whose value simply cannot be overstated, that is, the outlawing of war. The prohibition of the use of force is a peremptory norm; it is the rule. Self-defence and authorization under Chapter VII are the exceptions to it. The use of armed force in any manner inconsistent with the Charter of the United Nations constitutes aggression, as defined in General Assembly resolution 3314 (XXIX). Given the spread of terrorism, there have been attempts to depart from the collective security system towards actions that reflect pre-Charter understandings. They have included reinterpretations of the law on self- defence as well as problematic readings on the letter of Article 2, paragraph 4, of the Charter.”

    2018-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8262 (2018) · source

19. “We also reiterate the need to respect resolution 2216 (2015) on the arms embargo on Yemen, and we urge all Member States to observe its provisions. In conclusion, Brazil reiterates its adamant support for the efforts of the Government and the people of Lebanon towards stability and development. In that context, we underline the vital role played by the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon and its Maritime Task Force in stabilizing a highly volatile environment. Brazil is proud to lead the Maritime Task force, at its helm since 2011.”

    2018-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8244 (2018) · source

20. “We deeply regret the recent escalation of hostilities and all violations of international law and international humanitarian law arising from conflict. We reiterate that the only way to end the Yemeni conflict and address the humanitarian crisis is a negotiated political solution through an inclusive dialogue. In that regard, we reaffirm our full support for the work of Special Envoy Martin Griffiths. We welcomed his early contacts with the parties to the conflict with attention and optimism, and we wish to offer our strongest support for his proposal to resume the negotiations, based on parameters that will be defined in the coming months. We call on all parties to work with the Special Envoy and to return to the negotiating table without preconditions.”

    2018-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8244 (2018) · source

21. “In that context, Brazil reiterates its belief that the conflict can be brought to an end only through political means through negotiations, under the auspices of the United Nations, based on the relevant Security Council resolutions, especially resolution 2254 (2015). We reiterate our full support for the efforts of Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura and the political negotiations in Geneva. The international community must send an unequivocal message in support of an inclusive political solution to the crisis in Syria. We are also deeply concerned about the situation in northern Syria and the violence in Idlib and Afrin. We call on all relevant parties to respect international law. In Yemen, we are currently witnessing one of the most serious humanitarian disasters in the world.”

    2018-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8244 (2018) · source

22. “We reiterate our conviction that civilians should be able to exercise their right to demonstrate peacefully. The recent escalation has caused many deaths and unnecessary injuries, including among young people. We call on the parties to refrain from any act that could put more civilians in danger. Recent developments in Syria continue to demand the urgent attention of the Security Council. The Brazilian Government expresses its great concern over the escalation of the conflict in recent weeks, and once again condemns the use of chemical weapons. We reaffirm that it is imperative to conduct thorough and impartial investigations into all allegations of chemical attacks and that, if confirmed, those responsible must be brought to justice. Emerging from the conflict in Syria, however, will require full respect for international law.”

    2018-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8244 (2018) · source

23. “Once again, Brazil wishes to express its full support for implementing a two-State solution to the Israeli- Palestinian conflict, with Palestine and Israel living side by side in peace and security, within mutually agreed and internationally recognized borders based on the 1967 borders and in accordance with international law, the Charter of the United Nations and the parameters of the peace process. Moreover, the Brazilian Government reaffirms its understanding that the final status of the city of Jerusalem must be defined through negotiations between Israel and Palestine based on the relevant Council resolutions, particularly resolutions 478 (1980) and 2334 (2016). Brazil is following the situation in the Gaza Strip with concern, against the backdrop of the demonstrations of recent weeks.”

    2018-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8244 (2018) · source

24. “At the outset, I would like to express my deep condolences to the delegation of Cote d'Ivoire. Mr. Tanoh-Boutchoue attended the Brazilian Diplomatic Academy, and we were both in the same class. He was a very dear friend and colleague, and we will miss him. (spoke in Spanish) I wish to thank the Peruvian mission for convening this open debate. We believe that the United Nations as a whole and the Security Council in particular have a pivotal role to play in seeking solutions to the complex and prolonged conflicts that affect the Middle East.”

    2018-04-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8244 (2018) · source

25. “With regard to the prevention of sexual violence in conflict, the perspective of women is all the more essential in the general framework of the peace continuum proposed by the Secretary-General. As the representative of Brazil to the United Nations Conference on International Organization in San Francisco in 1945, Bertha Lutz, said: "There will never be unbreakable peace in the world until women help to forge it".”

    2018-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8234 (2018) · source

26. “We express our appreciation for and gratitude to the Secretary-General for his new strategic approach to taking action against sexual exploitation and abuse committed by personnel of United Nations peacekeeping missions and special political missions. Brazil signed the voluntary compact on preventing and addressing sexual exploitation and abuse and strongly supports all efforts for its full implementation. Brazil has also been part of the Women, Peace and Security Focal Points Network since its creation. A year ago, we launched our first national action plan on women, peace and security. We will achieve inclusive and lasting peace only when women, who form half of the world's population, can participate fully in all efforts to that end.”

    2018-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8234 (2018) · source

27. “Conflict resolution processes must take into account the legal, medical and psychosocial needs of victims of sexual violence. The complementary jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court can play a decisive role in that regard. The Security Council must also contribute to such efforts by conferring mandates and adequate means of protection for women and advocating for the punishment of such crimes. Brazil has been supporting cooperation projects to addressed gender-based violence at the bilateral and triangular levels in countries such as Haiti, Guinea-Bissau and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”

    2018-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8234 (2018) · source

28. “Brazil therefore welcomes the measures recently announced by the Office of Military Affairs with a view to reaching the target ofwomen constituting 15 per cent of those deployed in peacekeeping operations. In this regard, Brazil has redoubled its efforts to increase the number of female candidates for civilian and military posts in peacekeeping operations and special political missions. In July, Brazil will host a United Nations course for developing leadership capacity among female police officers aimed at Latin American and Caribbean nations. We recall that the issue of access to justice for all victims and the punishment of perpetrators are of central importance in confronting the threat of sexual violence in conflict and upholding respect for international humanitarian law.”

    2018-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8234 (2018) · source

29. “In this regard, we support the preventive approach advocated by the Secretary-General in his report on the issue (S/2018/250). The increase in the number of women in United Nations peacekeeping operations and in peacebuilding initiatives is a central element in advancing the prevention of and response to sexual violence in conflict and post-conflict situations, including in cases of sexual abuse and exploitation. It also represents the positive contributions to various aspects of conducting multidimensional operations, in particular by improving interaction with women in local societies and contributing to the effectiveness of monitoring and investigating reports of abuse.”

    2018-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8234 (2018) · source

30. “Mr. Duque Estrada Meyer (Brazil) (spoke in Spanish): I wish to thank you, Mr. President, for convening this debate. I also thank Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohamed and the Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Ms. Pramila Patten, for their briefings, and Ms. Razia Sultana for her statement. We note with concern that, despite the efforts of the United Nations, serious incidents of sexual violence continue to occur on massive scales in armed conflicts. Addressing this problem is rendered all the more difficult as victims of violence are often unable to find ways to report such abuse, given the absence of protection mechanisms and the fear of stigmatization or even punishment for speaking up. We underscore that the most effective way to combat the crime of sexual violence is the prevention of conflict itself.”

    2018-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8234 (2018) · source

31. “The Brazilian experience of granting humanitarian visas to Haitians since 2012 has shown that one of the most effective means of dismantling criminal human trafficking networks is to provide regular and safe ways of entry for those forced to move. It is also worth mentioning that, last year, Brazil adopted a new national law on human trafficking that includes strengthened measures aimed at providing protection and assistance to the victims. It sets forth more severe penalties for the perpetrators of the crime and provides the possibility of issuing residence permit to the victims. Let us all work together to ensure that human trafficking is brought to a definitive end, keeping ever in mind the best interests and dignity of the victims.”

    2017-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8111 (2017) · source

32. “It is not coherent to defend the responsibility to protect and the protection of civilians, while turning our backs on those fleeing conflict and persecution. Brazil is proud to welcome Syrian refugees through the issuance of humanitarian visas. Brazil reiterates that the criminalization of irregular migration is unacceptable, since it ultimately strengthens human trafficking and leads to the disrespect of the fundamental rights of migrants. It is critical not to confuse the criminalization of the trafficking of persons with the criminalization of migration in and of itself. Our actions should aim at protecting the rights of and providing assistance to those people who are forced to leave their homes and fall prey to human traffickers, and not to victimize them yet again.”

    2017-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8111 (2017) · source

33. “While human trafficking may occur in some scenarios plagued by armed conflict, there are no intrinsic or automatic linkages between these phenomena. Human trafficking also takes place in situations that are not related to threats to international peace and security, such as displacements following natural disasters. If the scourge of human trafficking is to be effectively addressed by the United Nations, the Security Council should be mindful of the mandate and technical expertise of the General Assembly, the Human Rights Council and the Peacebuilding Commission, as well as of the role of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in this regard. Individuals crossing borders are especially vulnerable to human traffickers. The international community has a responsibility to resolve the refugee crisis.”

    2017-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8111 (2017) · source

34. “Brazil supports every effort aimed at recovering the dignity of the victims and ensuring that they have access to justice. Closer cooperation among States and international agencies can help rescue victims and put in place measures to bring the perpetrators of this serious crime to justice. Advancing the universality of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court would also contribute to ensuring accountability for those responsible for these crimes in the context of an armed conflict. It should be clear that terrorism and transnational organized crime are different problems, requiring different remedies. An interrelationship between these phenomena might arise in specific circumstances, but should in no way be deemed universal. It is critical to pay attention to the forum in which these issues are primarily discussed.”

    2017-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8111 (2017) · source

35. “We thank the Secretary-General for his report (S/2017/939) and briefing, and extend our appreciation to all the other briefers. Human trafficking is among the most despicable crimes known to humankind, as it affects those most vulnerable. This debate is an opportunity to renew our political commitment to eradicating human trafficking, while recognizing the multifaceted nature of the problem. Brazil reaffirms the importance of prevention and the provision of assistance to victims, alongside enforcement actions. We cannot shy away from acknowledging that long-term solutions will arise only from multilateral approaches to peace and security that tackle the underlying causes of conflicts and firmly set dialogue and mediation as priorities. More often than not, military intervention leads to increased civilian suffering and vulnerability.”

    2017-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8111 (2017) · source