YouSaid · the spoken record

Fisher

lines on the record: 32
first: 2012-10-09
most recent: 2013-03-20
sittings or episodes: 2
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

“I look forward to reporting back to the Security Council on the progress achieved in the future on the consolidation plan, which is really, essentially, our road map for accompanying Haiti on its journey to full national ownership and full national management of its own affairs.”
2013-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6936 (2013) · source
“Many representatives have also commented on the mandate and the consolidation plan, and one reminded us all that the mandate should drive the budget. I just want to inform the Council that MINUSTAH will be undertaking a consultative review on the ground to test out the assumptions and projections of the consolidation plan. This will happen, of course, with the Government, with which we have agreed to set up an ongoing working group, as well as with Member States and others who are contributing to MINUSTAH and have a role and interest in our future. Several representatives said that this is an ambitious plan, but as I said it has been agreed with the Government, and it will be reviewed on a regular basis with the Government and of course brought back to the Council.”
2013-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6936 (2013) · source
“But I would like to affirm that, with the new training that we will begin in April, we foresee that 150 cadets will be ready for training. We are thus seeing the recruitment process begin to pick up. We still face challenges in ensuring the rapid vetting of police cadets and the medical review process, but that is moving forward. We are looking to our own internal structure to ensure that we have the right mix of professionals able to focus on training and accompaniment of the police, and that includes not only initial training, but follow-up training as they move out of Port-au-Prince. Most police officers - some 70 to 75 per cent - are present in Port-au-Prince. We do need to see an increased distribution and presence around the country.”
2013-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6936 (2013) · source
“I think that the emphasis that many speakers placed on development and humanitarian considerations is also a very good reminder that whatever happens at the political and institutional levels, security and rule-of- law issues are there to create the necessary conditions not only for investment but also for ordinary Haitians to see changes in their lives, improved security, respect for their human rights and the ability to earn a living. I therefore thank many speakers for emphasizing the continuing humanitarian challenges facing Haiti, as well as the difficulty in particular of exclusion based on gender and issues of gender-based violence. Beyond the political fragility, on the issue of the police, there is no doubt that we are seeing increasing professionalism. Indeed, recruitment was slow last year: it fell below the 2011 levels.”
2013-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6936 (2013) · source
“Many speakers raised the current political fragility in Haiti and many looked at the importance of moving ahead across the board on redoubling efforts to promote constructive dialogue in a spirit of compromise. Many representatives talked about inclusive political dialogue, which is the way forward to enabling Haiti's leaders to focus increasingly on other necessary institutional reforms, especially in the area of the rule of law, and to facing the significant challenges of expanding not only the numbers of police but also their professionalism and presence across the country.”
2013-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6936 (2013) · source
“Mr. Fisher: I will be brief. I would like to thank members and the other speakers for their comments and questions and for their support, especially with regard to the consolidated plan. I will first take a few highlights on elections. As many representatives stated and I myself said, they have become a symbol or a touchstone for moving forward on a number of fronts on Haiti. We need the electoral council. We look forward to its early formation. But that, of course, is the first step in the development of a plan for the elections, which many said should be free, fair and credible and held this year. I will certainly take that message back to my counterparts.”
2013-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6936 (2013) · source
“MINUSTAH - the consolidation plan of which was approved by the Haitian Government - is prepared to support Haiti in assuming increasing responsibility for its national security and the security of its citizens, and to assist in creating consensus on an inclusive, democratic process and institutional reforms and a conducive environment for economic development and the well-being of the majority of Haitians.”
2013-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6936 (2013) · source
“It is essential to our reputation that the conduct of our personnel be in conformity with the highest standards and that prompt and decisive action be taken to prevent abuse, to investigate allegations and to impose disciplinary measures where warranted. (spoke in French) The stabilization process in Haiti has encountered a number of difficulties during the time period under consideration. However, I remain convinced that Haiti can and will make great progress in overcoming political divisions by undertaking necessary and important reforms in the institutional arena, as well as in the area of the rule of law, and to meet the urgent economic and social needs of its citizens. Moving beyond the current political impasse is crucial to consolidating democracy in Haiti.”
2013-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6936 (2013) · source
“I also mentioned the recently launched national cholera elimination plan, supported by the Secretary-General's initiative announced in December. We in the United Nations family are committed to continued support for the national plan and, with partners, to redouble efforts to mobilize the significant additional resources needed to fight cholera, to improve water and sanitation and to strengthen the national health-care network. Haitians expect no less. MINUSTAH's leadership is also committed to ensuring that the United Nations policy of zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse by our personnel is respected and enforced.”
2013-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6936 (2013) · source
“The plan is of course subject to a number of conditions, including a graduated transfer to Haitian authorities of responsibility for maintaining security, as well as increased independence of the judiciary. On the issue of good governance, I am encouraged by the recent steps taken by the Prime Minister to fight corruption. The early passage of anti-corruption, procurement and tendering procedure laws that is now before parliament would also strengthen due process and encourage investment. Finally, the consolidation plan foresees the further reduction of MINUSTAH's uniformed strength, as part of MINUSTAH's overall consolidation, within a progressively smaller and less costly Mission footprint in Haiti. At the start of my presentation, I mentioned the ongoing cholera epidemic and the recent spike in cases.”
2013-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6936 (2013) · source
“Those are, first, the accelerated development of the Haitian National Police; secondly, the strengthening of a permanent electoral commission once it is created; thirdly, strengthening of the rule of law and respect for human rights, with a priority on reinforcing basic accountability and oversight mechanisms; and, fourthly, supporting key national and local governance reforms, as well as helping key national stakeholders to achieve consensus on inclusive political processes and institutional reforms - all as necessary conditions for socioeconomic development, which will benefit the majority of Haitian citizens. For each of the four areas, the plan sets out a limited number of benchmarks that could realistically be attained by 2016.”
2013-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6936 (2013) · source
“(spoke in English) Progress on elections has become the barometer for measuring progress towards a more inclusive political culture and for addressing institutional and development challenges. But Haiti faces many challenges beyond the electoral process alone. Recognizing the interdependence of security, stability and development, the Government of Haiti and MINUSTAH have agreed upon a conditions-based consolidation plan for MINUSTAH, which is annexed to the Secretary- General's report. The consolidation plan sets out four core-mandated tasks to be achieved with the Government and, of course, in collaboration with other national and international partners.”
2013-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6936 (2013) · source
“Yesterday, through one of his advisers, the President committed to establishing a temporary electoral council before Easter. However, establishment of the electoral council will constitute only a first step towards holding credible and inclusive elections. MINUSTAH, like all of Haiti's partners on the ground, is urging all political actors to unite in a spirit of strengthened collaboration to achieve an agreement on a minimum set of necessary measures to ensure the holding of elections before the end of the year. That would include an agreement on the type and date of the elections, clarification on the deadline for senatorial terms, the adoption of an electoral law and a law on political parties and their financing, as well as an agreement on the modus operandi of the electoral council.”
2013-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6936 (2013) · source
“At the local level, the municipal and local elections were to have been held in November 2011. In the absence of those elections, over the past year we have seen the replacement of some 130 elected municipal Governments with presidential appointees. At the legislative level, the mandate of one third of Haiti's Senators expired in May of last year, considerably impairing the functioning of that body. The issue of whether the mandates of an additional third of the Senators expire in early 2014 or in early 2015 remains acrimonious and unresolved. (spoke in Spanish) The holding of credible elections in 2013 is crucial, making it possible to bolster Haiti's democratic institutions, strengthen the rule of law and respond to the urgent needs of Haitian citizens in crucial areas including social protection and employment.”
2013-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6936 (2013) · source
“Nevertheless, difficult socioeconomic conditions contributed to an increase in public protests. The number ofkidnappings declined, but homicide rates increased, in particular driven by inter-gang violence in parts of Port-au-Prince. As indicated in the report ofthe Secretary-General, the period under review was one of impasse in the political domain, epitomized by the lack of progress in creating the electoral commission that would oversee partial legislative and local elections, which are now 16 months overdue. Despite the 24 December agreement brokered by the religious coalition Religions pour la Paix, and subsequent intense debate, significant differences remain among the executive and legislative levels and the high judicial council. It is worthwhile recalling the reason that elections are now so crucial in Haiti.”
2013-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6936 (2013) · source
“Displacement numbers continue to decline, although conditions for residual camp populations worsen as humanitarian resources shrink and international operational partners end operations. The cholera epidemic continues. Fatality and infection rates are much reduced from peak rates, although a recent spike in outbreaks gives cause for concern. The Government has launched the national eradication plan, supported by the Secretary-General's initiative, but significant additional financing is required. The Government also continued to deploy efforts to attract investors and to stimulate economic growth and job creation. Most recently, a new initiative was launched to significantly reduce the time required to register new businesses. The security situation, in overall terms, remained relatively stable.”
2013-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6936 (2013) · source
“The annual economic growth rate fell well below forecast levels. High unemployment rates were compounded by two severe tropical storms and regional droughts that exacerbated the high levels of food insecurity facing many households. Agricultural production was particularly hard-hit. The Government responded promptly by establishing a state of emergency to accelerate the disbursement of funds to address emergency needs. A modest emergency appeal was launched with the support of the United Nations and other partners, to which the response was encouraging. In addition, the Government announced agricultural production and environmental protection as national priorities for 2013. Progress continues in finding alternative solutions for displaced Haitians remaining in camps.”
2013-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6936 (2013) · source
“Mr. Fisher: I am pleased to have this opportunity to provide the Security Council with an update on the most recent developments in Haiti and to join this discussion of the work of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH). The annex to the report of the Secretary- General before the Council (8/2013/139) outlines the MINUSTAH consolidation plan, as agreed with the Government of Haiti. The plan outlines key objectives for the next three years to strengthen security, the rule of law, elections administration and institutional modernization, which, if achieved, will enable MINUSTAH to continue the process of consolidation on which it has already embarked. As outlined by the Secretary-General in his report, the period under review has been a challenging one for Haiti, both at the political level and for the people of Haiti.”
2013-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6936 (2013) · source
“The Residual Special Court will face particular challenges in obtaining voluntary contributions to fund its operations. The support of the Security Council will be essential to ensuring that it can carry out its important responsibilities. On behalf of the Special Court for Sierra Leone, we once again extend our sincere thanks to the Security Council, the States Members of the United Nations and the international community as a whole for their enduring support and assistance. And we congratulate them on that accomplishment.”
2012-10-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6844 (2012) · source
“Ensuring the protection of Witnesses who appeared before the Special Court encourages more people to come forward and to be witnesses in other courts involved in fighting impunity. Failing to ensure their protection will guarantee the opposite result. Preserving the archives ensures that the work of the Special Court remains an accessible, unequivocal record of the war. Failing to preserve them invites revisionist history and denial of the suffering endured by Sierra Leone's people. Supervising the enforcement of sentences ensures that the Special Court continues to lead by example in protecting the human rights and dignity of all people, as demanded by the rule of law. Failure to provide that oversight erodes our reputation as a just institution and undermines the moral authority of all our work.”
2012-10-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6844 (2012) · source
“On front after front, the Special Court has developed not only jurisprudence but also tools, practices and programmes to address the specific needs of a post-conflict society. The Special Court stands ready to share the knowledge and expertise it has gained. We invite Member States to draw on the Court's work and to utilize its programmes as part of their own national strategies. We must keep in mind how fragile our accomplishment will be if we fail to keep faith with the people of the region who put their trust in the Council and the Court. Our responsibility to those people will not cease. It must be taken up and advanced by the Residual Special Court of Sierra Leone. Residual responsibilities are not an afterthought or burden.”
2012-10-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6844 (2012) · source
“Those voices have been reflected in the jurisprudence of the Court, which was the first to recognize forced marriage as a crime against humanity and sexual violence as a form of terrorism. Other jurisprudential firsts have been truly remarkable. The Special Court was the first to develop jurisprudence on the recruitment and use of child soldiers - jurisprudence that was used and acknowledged by the International Criminal Court in its first trial judgment in the case of The Prosecutor vs. Thomas Lubanga Dyilo. The Special Court was the first to rule on the effect of national amne sties in international law, on the issues of immunity involving sitting Heads of State, and on a matter close to the hearts of those in this Chamber - the crime of attacks on peacekeepers.”
2012-10-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6844 (2012) · source
“Traveling over roads that were no more than trails, outreach workers crisscrossed the country again and again with the latest video summaries of the actual trials, in mobile units consisting of video players and a generator they carried with them. When, from the first, the unique concerns and experiences of women and girl survivors of the war were recognized, as were the personal and cultural barriers to participation in the justice process, the Court innovated. Gender-sensitive approaches to witness support and outreach were developed in partnership with local women's organizations and resources. Accommodations were made by judges in the courtroom to encourage women's voices to be heard.”
2012-10-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6844 (2012) · source
“It must be remembered that the Court came about because the Government of Sierra Leone had the courage and innovation to request a partnership with the international community at a time when the situation in Sierra Leone continued to constitute a threat to international peace and security in the region. The conflict had destroyed national legal and judicial institutions, and Sierra Leone alone did not have the human and financial resources to realize its desire for justice. Confronted with challenges, the Special Court innovated. Faced with isolated communities, a multiplicity of languages and limited communications infrastructure, the Special Court's outreach programme innovated. Under the leadership of Registrar Mansaray, a Sierra Leonean who knows her country and its people, it literally took the Court to the people.”
2012-10-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6844 (2012) · source
“That success is not only an accomplishment for the present, but an important one for the future as well, because it is a proven model for positive complementarity. As the Special Court's success proves, complementarity is a reality, not just an aspiration. My colleagues and I, the four Principals of the Court, are visible evidence of that reality. We are two Sierra Leoneans and two internationals united in our commitment to post-conflict justice. What is special about the Special Court is the synergy of local commitment, knowledge and talent with international financial and human resources. Complementarity works. The Special Court's example should dispel doubts that positive complementarity can succeed in difficult environments.”
2012-10-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6844 (2012) · source
“Because of that vision, the Special Court for Sierra Leone is the first of its kind. It is the first partnership between national authorities and the United Nations to create a credible system of post-conflict justice that meets international standards. It is the first hybrid tribunal created to assist a State that desired post-conflict justice but did not have sufficient capacity to ensure it. It is the first United Nations-sponsored tribunal to carry out its work in the territory Where serious violations of international humanitarian law were committed, thereby ensuring that the survivors of conflict are participants in justice, and not mere bystanders to it. And it has been successful.”
2012-10-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6844 (2012) · source
“The Court that the United Nations established and has supported for the past 10 years has been judged by 91 per cent of the people surveyed to have contributed to bringing peace to Sierra Leone. For that, credit and thanks are owed to the Security Council. The Special Court's successes are truly the Council's. Celebrating the success of the Special Court is celebrating the Council's steadfast commitment to the work of the Court. On behalf of the Special Court, the four Principals would like to thank the Council, the States Members of the United Nations and the international community as a whole for their enduring support and assistance over the past decade. We congratulate them on their vision and dedication, and we encourage them to recognize the immensity of our joint achievement.”
2012-10-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6844 (2012) · source
“Brenda Hollis, and her predecessors. But the people surveyed also indicated that they believed the mandate was to bring justice and the rule of law to their war-torn part of the world. It cannot be forgotten that faith in the outcome of those cases depends on faith in the process - that it be fair, that the rights of the accused be respected and that they be zealously represented. For that, credit and thanks are owed to the Principal Defender, Ms. Claire Carlton-Hanciles, and the dedicated defence teams she oversees. Most heartening and humbling is the fact that the survey found that 91 per cent of people in Sierra Leone and 78 per cent of people in Liberia believe that the Special Court has contributed to bringing peace to their countries.”
2012-10-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6844 (2012) · source
“The document rightly attributes such results to the vision established during the early stages of the Court of it being an institution embedded in and responsive to the expectations and needs of the people of Sierra Leone and Liberia. For that, credit and thanks are owed to the Registrar, Ms. Binta Mansaray, whose vision it was to take the Court to the people and who designed an outreach programme that was both geographically and demographically inclusive and participatory. When questioned on what that mandate entailed, the people surveyed expressed their understanding that it was to prosecute those with the greatest responsibility for the war from all factions, without regard for the side on which they fought or the power of the position they held. For that, credit and thanks are owed to the Prosecutor, Ms.”
2012-10-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6844 (2012) · source
“I could say that the Special Court has delivered on its mandate, that it has contributed to ending impunity and that it has brought justice to the people of Sierra Leone. I could say that but I think that it is more important that members hear it from the people of Sierra Leone and Liberia themselves. At the end of May, with funding from the European Union, an independent nationwide survey was conducted in Sierra Leone and Liberia. It was designed to measure the impact and legacy of the Special Court for Sierra Leone. Some 79.16 per cent, that is, almost 80 per cent, of the people surveyed believe that the Special Court had accomplished its mandate.”
2012-10-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6844 (2012) · source
“We owe a special thanks to UN-Women, Women's Initiatives for Gender Justice and the United Nations Development Programme, first, because of their tireless efforts in advancing the goals of resolution 1325 (2000). On a more personal level, we thank them for financing our journey here, without which we could not appear before the Council today. The Special Court for Sierra Leone will soon complete its final case. We will deliver the final judgement in the appellate proceedings in the case of Mr. Charles Taylor, former President of Liberia. That final judgement will determine Mr. Taylor's guilt or innocence. The Court Will then transition to residual status and close its doors. It will be the first international criminal tribunal to do so.”
2012-10-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6844 (2012) · source
“Mrs. Fisher: On behalf of the Special Court for Sierra Leone, I thank the Council for this opportunity to address members on the achievements of the Special Court and the upcoming completion of our mandate. We are especially privileged to be speaking during the presidency of Guatemala, a nation that shares with us a commitment to fighting impunity and to striving for gender justice. We are also very pleased to address the Council on the twelfth anniversary of resolution 1325 (2000). The Special Court of Sierra Leone is a living example ofthe progress of the resolution. For the first time in the history of international tribunals, all four principals - the President, the Prosecutor, the Registrar and the Principal Defender ~ are women.”
2012-10-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6844 (2012) · source