YouSaid · the spoken record

Flores

lines on the record: 86
first: 1999-12-15
most recent: 2023-03-07
sittings or episodes: 13
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

“Let us hope that in future open debates we can celebrate that the Taliban regime’s discriminatory policies against Afghan women and girls have finally been reversed, that the victims of sexual violence in Haiti or in any other country in conflict will be consigned to an infamous past, and that, in general, women will feel safe in times of war or of peace. I conclude my statement by emphasizing that Ecuador believes that achieving peace and preventing conflicts are fundamental objectives, and that, in order to achieve them, the Security Council must, in view of the imminent twenty-fifth anniversary of resolution 1325 (2000), continue to activate the relevant mechanisms.”
2023-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9276 (2023) · source
“Women survivors of violence in that country have contributed substantively to the processes of mediation, negotiation and the establishment of sustainable peace. We salute and pay tribute to women mediators and peacebuilders, and we hope that these bold examples multiply for the good of societies in general. We also express our admiration for women humanitarian aid workers. Their leadership is fundamental for international aid to reach women who are heads of household, sick, disabled, refugees or displaced. We call for the cessation of all gender-based violence, which has been recurrent against female personnel.”
2023-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9276 (2023) · source
“We will continue to work to fight sexual and gender-based violence, which is a constant present in almost all conflicts: Afghanistan, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Yemen, Syria, Mali, Myanmar, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, among others. We believe that political violence, hate speeches and sexual violence are tactics of war; they only serve to dehumanize the actors, exacerbate differences, deepen gaps and delay the possibilities of negotiation. A few hours before commemorating International Women’s Day, it is more pertinent than ever to refer to the transformative role of women in processes of political transition and peacebuilding. One success story is that of Colombia, which is known as a milestone in the integration of gender considerations in conflict resolution.”
2023-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9276 (2023) · source
“Accordingly, I can affirm with satisfaction that the active involvement and participation of indigenous, Afro-Ecuadorian, Montubio and rural women as well as women from all sectors, in the round table discussions and decision-making processes, together with the will of the national Government, have resulted in the creation of the first Ministry for Women and Human Rights, from which we will ensure the implementation and mainstreaming of the principles of resolution 1325 (2000). As an elected member of the Security Council, Ecuador has upheld the women and peace and security agenda as a priority in the Council’s processes and products. It should be noted that Ecuador is a signatory of the Statement of Shared Commitments on Women, Peace and Security.”
2023-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9276 (2023) · source
“We are working on the national action plan for the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000), with the support of UN-Women and the substantive contribution of civil society organizations. We believe that this will allow us to increase the participation of women in all areas and at all levels, and to empower their leadership. We are a plurinational country and we recognize the richness of diversity.”
2023-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9276 (2023) · source
“Its content articulates the most important elements of previous resolutions, particularly resolutions 1261 (1999), 1265 (1999) and 1296 (2000), and constitutes a turning point in its recognition from an intersectoral perspective that conflicts have a disproportionate impact on the lives and integrity of women and girls. My country, Ecuador, is committed to the inclusion of women in strategic spaces for the maintenance of peace. At the local level we therefore underscore the importance of increasing the numbers of women in our armed forces and national police. Those women are trained to be agents of peace and to mainstream a spirit based on respect and the protection of human rights.”
2023-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9276 (2023) · source
“Ms. Flores (Ecuador) (spoke in Spanish): I thank you, Madam President, for convening this open debate on the women and peace and security agenda. We have taken note of the valuable information presented by Ms. Sima Bahous, Executive Director of UN- Women; Ms. Mirjana Spoljaric Egger, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross; Ms. Bineta Diop, Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission; and Ms. Leymah Gbowee, activist and representative of civil society. I would like to begin by acknowledging the significance of resolution 1325 (2000) as one of the most representative decisions ever adopted by the Security Council.”
2023-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9276 (2023) · source
“Venezuela's internal dynamics are a matter of concern in the context of the maintenance of international peace and security, where there is an urgent responsibility to protect the innocent a civilian population amid an impending conflict. Finally, this house was created to ensure world peace and must work to prevent all actions that call into question the credibility of the United Nations or undermine the critical role of the Organization of American States, which is the most important regional organization of the Americas. Rebuilding a thriving and prosperous Venezuela in the hands of Venezuelans is possible with the timely restoration of a functional democracy and strong, independent and complementary institutions.”
2019-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8472 (2019) · source
“The blocking, burning and depriving Venezuelans of humanitarian aid in the form of food and medicine on 23 February will be accounted for in the list of crimes against humanity upon investigation and review by the International Criminal Court. Honduras supports a peaceful solution whereby elections are called without delay. Nevertheless, we recognize and respect the authority and faculties of the National Assembly and the mechanisms outlined in the Venezuelan Constitution, pursuant to the diligent restoration of democracy. The many acts of aggression committed by Nicolas Maduro and his supporters against the rule of law, including breaking with the principles of equality in the General Assembly and the United Nations, have a great impact beyond our region.”
2019-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8472 (2019) · source
“The Organization of American States Permanent Council, at its special meeting of 10 January, adopted a resolution in which it resolved "to not recognize the legitimacy of Nicolas Maduro's new term as of the 10th of January of 2019" and "[t]o urge all Members States and invite Permanent Observers of the Organization of American States to adopt, in accordance with international law and their national legislation, diplomatic, political, economic and financial measures that they consider appropriate, to contribute to the prompt restoration of the democratic order of Venezuela". The constitutional legacy in Latin America is one that protects citizens from tyrannical rule. Nevertheless, former President Nicolas Maduro Moros continues to usurp the powers of the executive branch, undermining the rule of law and all independent institutions.”
2019-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8472 (2019) · source
“The population of Venezuela has been deprived for far too long of fundamental human rights and has been subjected to barbarous acts under a cruel dictatorship. Many people have lost their lives and many others their voice and freedom, and millions have fled to escape the infernal situation. Yet many brave and heroic individuals have remained, enduring terrible hardships. A country rich in all forms of resources is today devastated and desecrated. The Organization of American States is a regional agency and a key strategic partner of the United Nations, pursuant to the provisions of Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations.”
2019-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8472 (2019) · source
“I thank you, Sir, for convening today's debate. Honduras ascribes to the Lima declaration, adopted in Bogota on 25 February. Our hearts go out to the people of Venezuela in their yearning for liberty, democracy and peace. We express our solidarity with President Juan Guaido, interim caretaker of the Venezuelan Republic by virtue of its Constitution, in the outstanding effort to make available humanitarian relief to all who are suffering and to form a transitional Government, in order to commence the process of calling and organizing free and fair elections. It is not an easy task under the prevailing conditions, but a necessary one if Venezuela is to recover its sovereignty and to fulfil its duties and obligations as a Member of the Organization.”
2019-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8472 (2019) · source
“Notwithstanding Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations, regarding regional arrangements and relating to the maintenance of international peace and security, the Security Council has the responsibility to respond to threats to international peace and security. As all of our region and its peoples are impacted by the protracted crisis in Venezuela and the deterioration with regard to the rule of law, stability, security and elemental guarantees and freedoms, we request the security Council to urgently and diligently attend to this matter. In favour of our youth and of assuring prosperity for generations to come, let us today shift the culture of denial and dismissiveness of critical issues that require the care and the attention of our United Nations, and embrace a new conscientiousness with full respect for human rights.”
2019-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8452 (2019) · source
“As mandated by the Venezuelan Constitution, the President ofthe Assembly, Juan Guaido, has assumed the functions of interim caretaker President of Venezuela, amid a monumental demonstration of support by Venezuelan citizens, garnering the recognition of States in the region, the Lima Group and the international community, accompanying democracy, in trusting that Venezuela can soon commence a process of credible elections. Upon those actions in the face of the restoration of constitutional order, tensions have increased and serious violations of human rights have been duly reported.”
2019-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8452 (2019) · source
“For that purpose, the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States adopted a resolution to not recognize the legitimacy of Nicolas Maduros' new term as of 10 January and called for a new electoral process that would reflect the will of the Venezuelan people. All member States of the Organization of American States are called upon to adopt, in accordance with international law and national legislation, diplomatic, political, economic and financial measures, as appropriate, to contribute to the prompt restoration of the democratic order in Venezuela and support other measures to allow access to humanitarian aid.”
2019-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8452 (2019) · source
“My delegation congratulates you, Mr. President, for convening this timely debate on the situation concerning Venezuela to attend to the new developments of a political and humanitarian crisis in which more than 3 million refugees and migrants have left the country since 2015. Those who remain are at risk of enduring an escalating conflict, which today members of the security Council are called upon to prevent, while taking all the necessary to protect the Venezuelan population. The Inter-American Democratic Charter, with respect to the principle of non-intervention, established mechanisms for collective action in case of a sudden or irregular interruption of the democratic political institutional process in order to respond rapidly in defence of democracy.”
2019-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8452 (2019) · source
“With that acknowledgment, let us rediscover in and through women the enormous contribution that women can make with respect to all global issues, for they are the true heroines of peace.”
2015-10-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7533 (2015) · source
“A special task force that includes women's vision and leadership is required in framing a targeted action plan that can achieve a cultural shift towards more balanced and harmonious societies. Last and most important, it is only through an awareness and a recognition of the traditional role played by women and their impact on culture and heritage that we will bequeath a culture of peace to the next generation. Women have strong connections to traditions that can be traced back to ancient civilizations. Indigenous women, who are often hampered by sociocultural barriers, are wise and knowledgeable. They share the aches and pains of mother Earth. In their inherited collective wisdom, women possess innate abilities as healers, mediators, intermediators and peacemakers.”
2015-10-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7533 (2015) · source
“Women must be lead actors and participants in the drafting and implementation of those plans, in which the local reality in every household and community must be taken into account. If empowered locally, women will impact globally. Women must be active participants in critical areas, such as the rule oflaw, justice, governance, peace negotiations and agreements, and nation-building and must contribute to the transformation of the security sector. Given the alarming escalation in the number of cases of femicide, sexual and gender-based violence and human trafficking, together with the emerging threats of extremism and gender terrorism, action is urgently needed to counter the devastating effects on all humankind.”
2015-10-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7533 (2015) · source
“In our responsibility as framers and drivers of this ambitious agenda, first and foremost, we must commit to the restructuring of this house, the United Nations, through an inclusive and holistic reform, with women at the forefront. We await a call from within the United Nations and from the leaders of all Member States, particularly the five permanent members of the Security Council, to lead by example, to remain true to the Charter of the United Nations, to elect a female Secretary-General and to work towards an agreement to relinquish the veto power in resolutions on matters in which women must be protected, supported and empowered. Member States must be encouraged to create effective and achievable national action plans to implement resolution 1325 (2000).”
2015-10-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7533 (2015) · source
“Women must take action to secure their livelihoods so that they can take care of their dependants, children and elders, who are the most vulnerable of humankind. In the twenty-first century, that is only possible by bridging the gaps in gender equality through access to education and technology. In that endeavour, UN-Women plays an essential role. Funding for this entity and for all agencies that have a direct impact on women must be significantly increased, with an emphasis on a renewed, effective and measurable commitment. We have witnessed the birth of a transformational agenda. The key to global success in its implementation lies in the synergy and the architecture and framework of the Organization, with the full inclusion and participation of women across the board.”
2015-10-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7533 (2015) · source
“Honduras believes that women are the critical missing link in our global pact to attain sustainable development through a culture of peace. More than half of the world's population cannot be relegated to the sidelines or excluded from decisions and events that affect their lives and those of the next generations entrusted to them. Moral and human rights require that women exercise their freedom, liberty and choice and become equal participants and partners in issues related to conflict prevention, resolution and recovery. The only way to fully empower women is to ensure that women empower themselves through the full exercise of their economic and political rights, which are fundamental to dignity, security and well-being for all.”
2015-10-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7533 (2015) · source
“My delegation expresses its appreciation to the presidency of the Security Council and to the Government of Spain for organizing this open debate devoted to women and peace and security. We also thank the Secretary-General for his work on the annual reports on landmark resolution 1325 (2000) as the normative framework on which, after 15 years, there is now a glimmer of progress and achievement - which nevertheless still falls short of many objectives to which we aspire. Today, we must agree upon and make effective the recommendations made by United Nations departments, agencies, funds and programmes, as well as by national Governments and civil society organizations, to move forward steadily in outlining the course ahead.”
2015-10-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7533 (2015) · source
“There is no doubt that we can draw closer to the peace we long for if work together for a global society that is increasingly more fair and equitable.”
2014-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7129 (2014) · source
“Beyond family disintegration and economic exclusion, which makes them easy prey for organized crime, is the impossibility of escaping from it once they are identified or recruited. In those circumstances, my delegation believes that the situation of young people and children subjected to social environments of violence, insecurity and extreme vulnerability should be studied in a broader framework including not just child soldiers or those enmeshed in conflicts but by adding another dimension to the worldwide effort to protect children and give them the security and opportunities they deserve. This is nothing more than a respectful call to the Security Council and the international community to take the steps that conscience dictates.”
2014-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7129 (2014) · source
“The roiling violence drags in hundreds of girls and boys, either as victims or as bullies. It does not matter what terminology we use. Quite simply, they are victims. Any expectation for the future of the country is unfortunately being lost. In terms of the number oflives being turned upside down there are less damaging wars, as compared to the violence that is eating away at our societies. The harm of this scourge is not measured necessarily by the drugs distributed in the markets but, rather, by the horror and pain caused by so much death. The unrestricted use of children recruited by gangs to serve as "mules" in criminal activities such as extortion is an abominable practice that, in the worst of cases, turns children into hired killers.”
2014-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7129 (2014) · source
“In the same way that it responded to the problem of child soldiers, it should find the initiatives, mechanisms and recommendations needed to protect the young people in our region who are trapped in equally disquieting conflicts. Each of their stories is a moving one; their repercussions and the ability to contain them goes beyond our domestic capacity, while the terror they entail goes beyond our national borders. Together they threaten international peace and security. My country is making herculean efforts to defend itself against the growing infrastructure of organized crime and criminal groups. We have begun to reverse that pernicious trend - more through our own efforts than as a result of assistance - but the levels of insecurity continue to be unacceptable.”
2014-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7129 (2014) · source
“That is not just a problem of the lack of security but also of seeking the social and economic causes ofthis insecurity aggravated by the vulnerability of a territory that is easily used as a bridge for the trafficking of illegal substances and of people where the arsenal of clandestine weapons conspires against peace. That is a cocktail of precarious circumstances that leads to explosive results. The violence drags in many minors, who are subject to all kinds of abuse. While those situations do not fit into the specific cases of armed conflict and do not figure on the lists of the Secretary-General submitted to the Council, we believe that they are both tragic and pertinent. This phenomenon should be studied in depth as a priority. To that end, we respectfully call with great energy for the Organization to provide the attention needed.”
2014-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7129 (2014) · source
“Indispensable in that regard is the assistance of regional organizations and the support of donors to implement action plans and provide all the information needed for the general public. But that is not enough. Central America has not been removed from the scourge of armed conflicts that affected the region in the 1980s. Since then there has been modest progress to reach peace and security through democracy and social investment for development. Even though these are major achievements, they are not enough to respond to the new challenges we face. It is inevitable that nations with limited resources and so many needs in precarious situations find children to be the first victims of imbalance.”
2014-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7129 (2014) · source
“The recommendation recently made to the Office of the Special Representative to promote the approval and application of action plans against such agents is appropriate, as well as is identifying how to hold accountable those who commit crimes against children. It is commendable that, since 1998, the Security Council held debates and adopted resolutions contributing to the current monitoring and detailed reports by countries and promoting diplomatic initiatives and humanitarian initiatives intended to put an end to the barbarous infraction of using children as hostages in armed conflicts. The Council has also aimed at strengthening the agenda in all member countries by strengthening national legal capacity, measures to prevent recruitment and programmes of rehabilitation and reintegration into civil society.”
2014-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7129 (2014) · source
“The recommendations of her report (A/51/306) led to major initiatives such as the creation of the position of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on the rights and protection of children trapped in armed conflicts, who has done major work in recent years and today has undertaken a campaign, together with the UNICEF, to put an end by 2016 to the recruitment and use of children by the security forces of Governments in such situations. Nevertheless, as has been noted, the greatest responsibility for abuse and violations included in the lists of the Secretary-General falls on non-State armed actors.”
2014-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7129 (2014) · source
“It is inconceivable that they should be forced to place or deactivate mines, thereby endangering their precious lives. That makes it imperative that States today take a greater responsibility to support the efforts, processes and mechanisms at the United Nations to prevent the recruitment and participation of girls and boys in armed conflict and to ensure that they are protected from hostilities. We are not unaware of the fact that progress has been made over the past two decades. In 1993 the General Assembly called on the Secretary-General to deal with the issue, commissioning Graca Machel to conduct a study of the impact of armed conflict on children.”
2014-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7129 (2014) · source
“Ms. Flores (Honduras) (spoke in Spanish): We are pleased to address the Security Council as part of the open debate under the Luxembourg's outstanding presidency, with a view to contributing constructively to the consideration and discussion of a topic of such importance that touches such a sensitive chord at the Organization: the situation of children in armed conflicts. While the exploitation of any human being is reprehensible, it is all the more so when children are involved. The use of minors in conflicts by armed organized groups violates ethical standards and international legal principles. Besides being a merciless practice, it is an unforgivable violation of human rights. Innumerable defenceless innocents should not be used as human shields.”
2014-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7129 (2014) · source
“They must lighten the heavy burden of accumulated social problems, simultaneously increase freedoms while narrowing the distance between inequalities, and ensure that the marginalized masses who are caught in the tangled web of poverty have access to the benefits ofparticipation and inclusion in the face of the overwhelming tide of globalization. In our efforts to build the genuine rule of law, democracy must construct creative bridges to development so that we can make our way towards progress so that those who are alienated can turn their disappointment into hope.”
2012-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6849Resumption1 (2012) · source
“While unrest divided us in the past, today we are making efforts to work together, united in peace and harmony, as sister nations should. We bring the power of the whole to face our shared problems and to overcome the challenges of our common destinies. We must not forget, however, that institutional stability and progress in the rule of law depend on national capabilities to generate collective well-being and on the capacity of Governments to respond to the people's needs, especially the huge needs of the most vulnerable sectors.”
2012-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6849Resumption1 (2012) · source
“Similarly, those judicial bodies should work with Member States in providing exhaustive information regarding the reports and ongoing investigations in order to ensure accuracy and objectivity. In specific cases, domestic capacities should be strengthened, but judicial power should be applied with respect for domestic laws and national sovereignty. In that way, we value the role played by the ICC in the fight against impunity and in strengthening the rule of law within individual nations. Our region has also been severely shaken by vicious and painful armed conflicts. Thanks to the mercy of God, we have survived the tempests, and from the tears of loss and bloodshed we began to build towards redemption. Amidst tribulation, the light of national and international law has illuminated our democratic path.”
2012-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6849Resumption1 (2012) · source
“It is from that legal framework that the Council derives its authority to require Member States to abide by its decisions, especially in situations in which international peace and security are threatened. Judicial bodies have played a fundamental role in strengthening the rule of law and in the promotion of stability and reconciliation within societies. Thus, the relationship between the Council and other United Nations derived bodies should always be constructive and transparent. There must be an ongoing dialogue that allows resort to preventive diplomacy and to specific and effective mechanisms that serve as deterrents where hostility and violence prevail.”
2012-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6849Resumption1 (2012) · source
“Since their inception, in addition to the regional instances for conflict resolution, Honduras has accepted the jurisdictions of the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court. We urge other nations that have yet not done so to adhere to these bodies without reservation. Those responsible for the most serious violations must be held accountable so as to achieve peace and reconciliation in societies that have suffered internal conflicts. We appreciate the difficult task of the Security Council in promoting and implementing the rule of law in domestic jurisdictions in the context of the powers and limitations of the Charter of the United Nations and of the Organization itself.”
2012-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6849Resumption1 (2012) · source
“We recall the commitment we made as States through the Declaration of the High-Level Meeting of the General Assembly on the Rule of Law at the National and International Levels (resolution 67/1), by adopting a series of measures that will allow us to complement our agendas with a view to ensuring the prevalence of the law, justice, full respect for human rights, and the fight against impunity. To the extent that all nations within the system, big or small, can secure our ability to guarantee our citizens their individual and collective rights and freedoms in an inclusive context of tolerance and participation, in conformity with international law, we will undoubtedly help sustain the delicate responsibility of the Security Council in seeking to provide global peace and security.”
2012-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6849Resumption1 (2012) · source
“Ms. Flores (Honduras) (spoke in Spanish): We are honoured as CentralAmericans toparticipate inthis open debate under Guatemala's presidency of the Security Council on the promotion and strengthening of the rule of law in the maintenance of international peace and security. We value the full content of the report of the Secretary-General (A/66/749), which provides updates and makes important recommendations on the matter, and in particular proposes mechanisms to strengthen the rule of law at the national and international levels through actions aimed at building a fair, secure and peaceful world.”
2012-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6849Resumption1 (2012) · source
“International peace and security require the institutional reliability and strength that over the years since the Second World War we have instituted and built up at the United Nations. The Charter expresses no small wish when it assigns the United Nations the duty to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war. For that reason - with so much apocalyptic talk, with a lack of civility in dealing with differences and of brotherhood in living together, and with the abuse of the planet's precious resources - we must, today more than ever, pledge to renew that lofty commitment, so that it rises to the scope of the challenge we originally took on. It must be the right fit - neither so big that it falls off nor so small that it chafes. 11-58661”
2011-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6650Resumption1 (2011) · source
“The Security Council recently held an open debate on the protection of children in armed conflict (see S/PV.6581) and adopted resolution 1998 (2011). A step forward would be to expand the listing criteria to include parties to a conflict who attack schools and hospitals. Although the Council has decided to broaden the provisions of sanctions regimes in connection with violations of international law in the context of the protection of children, it is worth mentioning that there is still room to broaden such protection mechanisms. We commend the presidential statement adopted at the conclusion of the Council debate of 28 October on women and peace and security (S/PRST/20ll/20), which condemns all violations of applicable international law against women and girls in situations of armed conflict.”
2011-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6650Resumption1 (2011) · source
“Having said that, we do not mean to take any credit away from the Council for the fair and courageous decisions it has taken aimed at saving lives, just as we highlight the efforts launched at previous meetings. We take note of the fact that the Under- Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations has informed us that the Secretariat has finished drafting a conceptual framework for the responsibility to protect as part of a comprehensive strategy that includes setting up protection training modules. It is encouraging to learn that consultations are being held with troop-contributing countries on requirements for the protection of civilians. Normally, human rights violations are among the main drivers of conflicts.”
2011-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6650Resumption1 (2011) · source
“Because we believe that it is imperative to preserve the Organization's institutional integrity, we cannot evade the need to make decision-making processes more transparent and democratic. They must be updated at every procedural stage in order to bring them into line with new experiences and the developments that the world has undergone to date. We must overcome the distrust that has paralyzed us so many times, so as to find solutions to pressing conflicts. The urgent duty to preserve lives and to rescue vulnerable populations fighting for survival, in appalling helplessness, demands robust actions, decisions and procedures - and ones that do not come so late that nothing is left but to place wreaths on the 11-5866] graves of hundreds of thousands of innocents who died for lack of the urgent help they cried out for.”
2011-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6650Resumption1 (2011) · source
“The Security Council plays a guardianship role in the fervent quest for international peace. Seeking and maintaining that peace are essential to creating a more stable and secure world that guarantees collective well-being. At this point along the path we have traced since 51 countries founded the United Nations, we would wait in vain for the realities of our day to resemble the circumstances of that time, or for the post-Second World War model to satisfy the expectations of the 193 States that today make up the Organization. If indeed we want our resolutions to carry greater credibility and legitimacy, then it makes no sense, in the twenty-first century, to carry on with "provisional" rules of procedure.”
2011-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6650Resumption1 (2011) · source
“We can state without any doubt that the most recent armed conflicts that have unfortunately broken out in various parts of the world, and which we have seen grow with feelings of sadness and disbelief, have touched the conscience of the entire world. All confrontations that claim lives cast shadows over the universal desire for harmonious coexistence among all peoples and the search for peaceful solutions to differences, especially when there are innocent victims and unprotected civilians who are pulled in by the maelstrom of a brutal confrontation. Such horrendous acts of repression and indiscriminate State violence against innocent civilians, in utter neglect of the responsibility to protect human life - especially unarmed non-combatants - present a painful scenario that cries out for greater involvement by the international community.”
2011-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6650Resumption1 (2011) · source
“Ms. Flores (Honduras) (spoke in Spanish): We would like to express our appreciation to your delegation, Mr. President, as well as to Portugal, for the timely initiative to organize this important open debate on the responsibility to protect and the protection of civilians in armed conflict. We also welcome the presence here this morning of His Excellency President Anibal Antonio Cavaco Silva of Portugal and of the Secretary-General, as well as that of High Commissioner for Human Rights Navanethem Pillay, Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Catherine Bragg, and of Mr. Philip Spoerri, Director for International Law and Cooperation of the International Committee of the Red Cross. Their participation is a forceful affirmation of the urgent need to address the sensitive issue before us today.”
2011-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6650Resumption1 (2011) · source
“Countries cannot on their own deal with climate change and the loss of biodiversity. This is without a doubt a shared responsibility that should be addressed in the context of the natural differences between countries and peoples. It is a responsibility centred on people, with a full understanding of the requirements involved and complemented by broad- based measures aimed at fulfilling their strong wish to overcome their adverse circumstances.”
2011-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6587Resumption1 (2011) · source
“Our society's vulnerabilities are therefore multifaceted and, given our limited economic assets, addressing them would cost more than we can afford. Please forgive me for digressing, but this is our reality - a reality that cannot be viewed only in the light of contingency-driven risks, without accepting the fact that it will always be burdened by the system's intrinsic shortfalls. It is a very different reality from other, more privileged ones - one that requires its own specific diagnosis and understanding so that we will not innocently and mistakenly adopt solutions that may be suitable for others but unsuitable for us. In conclusion, I would like to share the following concept, taken from the most recent annual report of the United Nations Development Programme, entitled People-centred Development: Empowered Lives, Resilient Nations.”
2011-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6587Resumption1 (2011) · source
“It is unfortunate that we are located right in the path of hurricanes that cause destruction in the form of landslides and floods; that we are close to dangerous geological faults that cause earthquakes and cataclysms; that our country is bathed by waters that could rise up as tsunamis; and that we are at the mercy of inclement climatic variations that hinder the sowing of and destroy our crops. Our vulnerabilities are also related to our internal situation, our economic underdevelopment and the limited possibilities faced by a large percentage of the population in terms of finding a decent job and safe housing without being forced to relocate their families to high-risk areas that lack basic services.”
2011-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6587Resumption1 (2011) · source