YouSaid · the spoken record

Gertze

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230

first

2017-01-10

most recent

2023-10-24

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30

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un-security-council

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1. “It has been almost three years since the adoption of resolution 2334 (2016), a historic document that gave Palestinians hope and expectations for a solution to be found to this protracted conflict. However, the humanitarian, social and political situation has only worsened since its adoption, and tensions have risen drastically. Actions have been taken that have severely undermined the process of reaching a mutually acceptable, just and lasting solution. The people of Palestine have a fundamental right to self-determination and independence. We must achieve a just, lasting and comprehensive peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians with the establishment of two States coexisting in an atmosphere of peace and security.”

   2019-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8648 (2019) · source

2. “In July, 44 per cent of essential medicines in Gaza were completely depleted, and there was less than a month's supply remaining of 26 per cent of essential medical disposables. Those staggering numbers underline the fundamental necessity of the ongoing presence of UNRWA health centres, which see an average of 100 patients a day. Finding a solution to the ongoing fiscal crisis facing the Palestinian Authority is a matter of urgency. The continuation of the crisis is affecting the already fragile Palestinian economy and threatens to destabilize an already volatile situation. We urge the parties to implement and respect their bilateral agreements.”

   2019-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8648 (2019) · source

3. “We have taken note of the fact that the overall levels of violence in Gaza have decreased and also take this opportunity to condemn all forms of violence committed against civilians. Namibia welcomes the increase in the energy supply to households in Gaza, which has more than doubled, according to the Special Coordinator's report. Israel's easing of the import and export restrictions and extension of the permitted fishing zone to 15 nautical miles from the coast are also welcome developments. But despite those positive steps, the humanitarian situation remains extremely concerning. Namibia is particularly worried about the state of the health system, which remains on the brink of collapse.”

   2019-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8648 (2019) · source

4. “The demolitions and seizures of Palestinian-owned structures by the Israeli authorities also represent an obstacle to peace. Those actions have continued unabated, displacing men, women and children. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) plays a fundamental role in the region. The Agency provides services to the more than 5 million Palestinian refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank and Gaza. Its provision of vital services represents a stabilizing element in a region that continues to be a victim of violence. Namibia remains concerned about the ongoing financial shortfall that UNRWA continues to suffer from. We also want to take this opportunity to reaffirm Namibia's support for the Agency, and we look forward to the renewal of its mandate.”

   2019-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8648 (2019) · source

5. “Furthermore, as the Special Coordinator outlined in his eleventh briefing to the Security Council on the implementation of resolution 2334 (2016), no concrete steps have been taken to implement the resolution, and no steps were taken to immediately and completely cease all settlement activity in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem. On the contrary, Israeli authorities advanced approximately 3,000 housing units in the occupied West Bank, including some 400 in East Jerusalem. I want to take this opportunity to reiterate that settlements are illegal under international law and represent an obstacle to peace and the achievement of a two-State solution. We are also extremely concerned about statements made concerning Israel's annexation of the Jordan Valley. Annexation is strictly prohibited under international law.”

   2019-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8648 (2019) · source

6. “Namibia thanks you, Sir, for organizing this open debate on the important topic of the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question. I would also like to thank the Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process for his briefing on the situation in the region. My delegation aligns itself with the statement to be delivered later by the representative of Azerbaijan on behalf of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries. Since my previous statement to the Security Council (see S/PV.8583) on this most fundamental issue of international peace and security, the situation on the ground has not changed.”

   2019-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8648 (2019) · source

7. “My delegation furthermore recognizes the ongoing peace efforts on the continent, and we commend the efforts of the United Nations and the AU, as well as subregional organizations and regional economic commissions. We firmly believe that taking a more proactive approach by using preventive diplomacy and conflict prevention will bring an end to violence on the African continent. As our founding father in Namibia once said, "A people united, striving to achieve a common good for all members of society, will always emerge victorious". In making that wisdom relevant, I believe that the Council would see much greater success.”

   2019-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8633 (2019) · source

8. “According to the International Peace Institute, when women participate in peace processes, the resulting agreement is 35 per cent more likely to last at least 15 years. That number alone should encourage parties to ensure that women are part of the conversation. We, as the international community, can only benefit from recognizing the fundamental role of women in peace and security. To that end, Namibia will be launching an international women's peace centre, and we welcome commitments by other Member States on concrete deliverables in the coming years, such as Commitment 2025 on women's inclusion in peace processes by Finland and Spain. To conclude, I would like to underscore Namibia's commitment to preventive diplomacy and conflict prevention and resolution.”

   2019-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8633 (2019) · source

9. “SADC fully supports the need to enhance the AU's prevention capabilities and tools, in the context of the AU's aspiration of achieving its Silencing the Guns by 2020 initiative. We cannot overemphasize preventative diplomacy, mediation and negotiations in peacebuilding and reconstruction. I also wish to emphasize the importance of women negotiators and mediators in peacebuilding processes, as espoused in the AU Agenda 2063. It was in 2000, during Namibia's presidency of the Security Council, that the Council unanimously adopted the landmark resolution 1325 (2000), on women and peace and security. That resolution formally drew global attention to the unrecognized, underutilized and undervalued contributions of women in preventing war and in peacebuilding and engaging individuals and societies to live in harmony.”

   2019-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8633 (2019) · source

10. “The upcoming Security Council visit to the African Union headquarters, where consultations will be held with the AU Peace and Security Council, also demonstrates the importance of the United Nations- AU partnership. The need to prioritize preventive diplomacy and mediation in approaching crises and conflict situations was continuously emphasized during Namibia's chairmanship of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) from August 2018 to August 2019. Concrete examples of that policy include the successful and peaceful elections held in both the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Madagascar. SADC has been assisting in finding a political solution in Lesotho, and we are optimistic that through dialogue that sisterly country is moving in the right direction.”

    2019-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8633 (2019) · source

11. “That vital partnership has since then gone from strong to stronger. In that regard, Namibia firmly supports the call by the African Union (AU) and the African members of the Security Council for predictable financing, through United Nations-assessed contributions, for AU-led peace support operations authorized by the Security Council. The strengthening of the United Nations-AU partnership was concretely demonstrated in recent months with the signing ofpeace agreements, notably in the Central African Republic and South Sudan notably. The Sudan is also an excellent example of the power of preventive diplomacy and conflict prevention and resolution.”

    2019-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8633 (2019) · source

12. “Misery, human suffering, starvation, intolerable living conditions and human rights abuses are among the early warning signals for which we must all look out. Success in that requires strong cooperation with regional and subregional organizations, which are more familiar and in tune with the situations in their respective regions. I would also like to add that we must focus on external factors as well, such as climate change and food insecurity. Those are early warning signals of problems to come as far as peace and security are concerned. The signing, in April 2017, of the Joint United Nations-African Union Framework for an Enhanced Partnership in Peace and Security provides guidance for deepening cooperation between the two organizations at all levels in peace and security.”

    2019-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8633 (2019) · source

13. “The Namibian experience is proof that those missions are designed to help countries navigate the difficult path from conflict to peace. Next year we will celebrate 30 years ofthat treasured peace in Namibia, and we thank the United Nations for its role in bringing that peace to my country. The implementation of Council resolutions is also key to solving conflicts. I take this opportunity to recall that unresolved issues require the full support of the Security Council to ensure the full implementation of its resolutions. The nature of conflicts has changed since the Security Council was created. The role of the Council must therefore also adapt. The Council must at all times guard against not simply being reactive. It must be proactive. It must play a stronger role in preventing wars and conflicts from occurring.”

    2019-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8633 (2019) · source

14. “As this is the first time this month that I take the floor, Ijoin colleagues in congratulating you, Mr. President, on assuming the presidency of the Security Council for the month of October. I furthermore wish to express our appreciation to you for convening this very important meeting on the centrality of preventive diplomacy and conflict prevention and resolution in Africa. I would also like to thank the Secretary-General and our briefers for their comprehensive, insightful and detailed briefings on the issue at hand. Upon its establishment, in 1945, the Security Council was charged with ensuring international peace and security. Since then, Council members have authorized numerous peacekeeping missions, including in Timor-Leste, Lebanon, Haiti, Cyprus and my own country, Namibia.”

    2019-10-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8633 (2019) · source

15. “The continued violation of Security Council and General Assembly resolutions by the occupying Power, ongoing settlement expansions, unilateral actions to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, the annexation of the Golan and the withdrawal of funding for UNRWA are causes for great concern as they gravely undermine the process of reaching a mutually acceptable, just and lasting solution. We must stand on the side of respect and upholding of international law.”

    2019-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8583 (2019) · source

16. “The solution to this protracted conflict remains political. No amount of humanitarian or economic support will provide a solution to the conflict. We urge parties not to abandon the political process that would secure the foundation for economic development. Due to a similar experience, Namibia knows that, for as long as the people are denied their inalienable right to self-determination and independence, tension, frustration, anger and even hatred will continue to mount. The oppressed people who are denied their right to self-determination and freedom will never be silenced. A boiling point will be reached sooner rather than later, which would certainly have far-reaching consequences for Israelis and Palestinians alike, as well as devastating effects on prospects for peace in that region.”

    2019-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8583 (2019) · source

17. “I also take this opportunity to reaffirm Namibia's support to UNRWA and its mandate in providing essential services to Palestinian refugees across the West Bank, Gaza, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria. The financial crisis that the Palestinian Authority is currently facing as a result of Israel's decision to withhold part of the clearance revenues of the Palestinian Authority is severely impacting the Palestinian economy. The continuation of this crisis threatens to destabilize an already volatile situation. We urge parties to implement and respect their bilateral agreements. The Peace to Prosperity workshop held in Bahrain on 25 June made it clear that the international community remains steadfast in its belief that economic development cannot be achieved without negotiations leading to a two-State solution.”

    2019-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8583 (2019) · source

18. “The State of Qatar's continued provision of financial assistance for the humanitarian situation in Gaza has proven essential and has had a positive impact on efforts to de-escalate the situation in Gaza. Furthermore, the work of the Office of the Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process to create more sustainable solutions in the energy sector - an area that has been plagued by problems for many years - should be recognized and highlighted. I take this opportunity to commend the successful holding of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) pledging conference, which took place on 25 June here in New York. I thank those countries that helped raise $110 million, ensuring that the life-saving services of UNRWA are not interrupted for the time being.”

    2019-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8583 (2019) · source

19. “The security situation in Gaza remains particularly tense and, as the past has shown, the situation could flare up at any moment. The humanitarian situation is also extremely worrying. According to UNICEF's quarterly humanitarian situation report on the State of Palestine for the period from January to March 2019, over 50 per cent ofPalestinian families in Gaza are living below the poverty line. Namibia also remains deeply concerned by the serious movement and access constraints being placed on national staff from United Nations agencies and international and non-governmental organizations in Gaza. These individuals provide lifesaving services to Palestinians in Gaza and their access should not be restricted. Despite these negative trends, there are a few positive developments that should be highlighted.”

    2019-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8583 (2019) · source

20. “Mladenov once again underscored that no concrete steps had been taken to implement that historic resolution. Notably, settlement activity has continued in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, with Israeli authorities advancing, approving or tendering nearly 6,000 housing units - the largest settlement advancement in two years. I take this opportunity to reiterate that settlements are illegal under international law and represent an obstacle to peace. Furthermore, the demolition and seizure of Palestinian-owned structures by Israeli authorities also continue throughout the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem. We firmly condemn the demolition of dozens of Palestinians homes in the Palestinian village of Sur Baher yesterday.”

    2019-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8583 (2019) · source

21. “Allow me, at the outset, to join others in expressing our deepest sympathies on the passing of the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency and, in particular, to his bereaved loved ones. I also wish to congratulate you, Mr. President, on your successful presidency of the Council for the month of July. I would like to thank the Under-Secretary- General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs for her comprehensive and detailed briefing. My delegation aligns itself with the statement to be delivered by the Permanent Representative of Venezuela on behalf of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries. Last month, in his presentation on behalf of the Secretary-General of the tenth report on the implementation of resolution 2334 (2016) to the Security Council (see S/PV.8557), Mr.”

    2019-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8583 (2019) · source

22. “Strong political will and desire are urgently required from all parties. The Security Council must also play its vital role and the international community at large must redouble its collective efforts to work more diligently and with greater determination to bring the conflict to an end and to achieve a just, lasting and comprehensive peace between Israelis and Palestinians, with the establishment of two States, ensuring the right to the self-determination, freedom and independence of Palestinians in their sovereign and independent State of Palestine, with East Jerusalem as its capital.”

    2019-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8517 (2019) · source

23. “The Council meets on a monthly basis to discuss and receive updates from the Special Coordinator regarding the situation on the ground. Non-Council members are able to take the floor on this matter on a quarterly basis. I have been in my position as Permanent Representative of the Republic of Namibia for a little over two years now. In my time here, as many other Ambassadors have done, I repeat the same words before the Council - that settlement expansion is illegal under international law and represents a threat to the two-State solution; that the two-State solution remains the only viable and realistic solution to this conflict; and that there is an urgent need for the parties to return to the negotiating table. I reiterate all these words before the Council again today. But words are simply not enough.”

    2019-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8517 (2019) · source

24. “The demolition and seizure of Palestinian-owned structures also continue unabated. On 7 April, Prime Minister Netanyahu vowed to annex settlements in the occupied West Bank. If undertaken, this would represent not only the greatest but the gravest threat to the two- State solution. Following President Trump's decision in December 2017 to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, a month ago he signed an order recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the occupied Syrian Golan. Namibia wishes to recall that this measure goes against resolutions 242 (1967) and 497 (1981), which declared that the Israeli Golan Heights Law is null and void and without international legal effect, and further called on Israel to rescind its action. We urge the Security Council to condemn this decision.”

    2019-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8517 (2019) · source

25. “Settler-related violence also increased during the reporting period. As a result of the decision taken by the Israeli Government not to renew the mandate of the Temporary International Presence in Hebron (TIPH), thereby removing an essential element of protection for the local population, a greater number of violent incidents transpired in the H2 area of Hebron. We echo the words of the Secretary-General in our hope that an agreement can be found by all parties to preserve the long-standing and valuable contribution of TIPH to conflict prevention and the protection of Palestinians in Hebron. As outlined in the Secretary-General's latest report (S/20l9/251) on the implementation of resolution 2334 (2016), Israel continues to expand its settlement activity in the West Bank, including in East Jerusalem.”

    2019-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8517 (2019) · source

26. “While demonstrations along the perimeter fence in Gaza have continued, on 28 February the independent international commission of inquiry on the protests in the occupied Palestinian territory released its report and presented its findings to the Human Rights Council (A/HRC/40/74). The commission investigated all 189 fatalities and tracked more than 300 injuries caused by the Israeli security forces along the border fence between 30 March 2018 and 31 December 2018, and found reasonable grounds to believe that in all but two cases, "the use of live ammunition by Israeli security forces against demonstrators was unlawful" (A/HRC/40/74, para. 94). We call on all parties to implement the recommendations made by the commission, especially with regard to the need for Israel to refrain from using lethal force against civilians.”

    2019-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8517 (2019) · source

27. “Namibia welcomes the formation of a new Palestinian Government, with Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh at its head. We hope that the formation of that Government will encourage the advancement of intra-Palestinian reconciliation. We further welcome the positive developments in the assistance and delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. The creation of 4,200 jobs, with another 15,000 expected soon, through the implementation of the cash- for-work programme, is encouraging for Gaza and its economic development, which remains restricted due to the imposed Israeli blockade. Those most recent developments unfortunately represent the only few beneficial steps taken in the past three months.”

    2019-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8517 (2019) · source

28. “As your presidency of the Council comes to a close, Sir, I would like to commend you for the manner in which you have led the Council this month. We further thank you for having organized this important debate and for the moment of silence at the beginning of this debate devoted to the victims of terrorism and the recent terror attacks. I would also like to thank the briefers for their comprehensive and detailed briefings. Since the previous open debate on the Middle East (see S/PV.8449), the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been dealt new and more devastating announcements. The two-State solution is drifting further and further away as it faces new hurdles. For that reason, I believe that it is important to first highlight the positive developments that have occurred since I last spoke before the Council.”

    2019-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8517 (2019) · source

29. “Next year's twentieth anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000) should spur us to redouble our efforts to strengthen the prevention of and response to conflict-related sexual violence, to promote a survivor- centred concept of justice and accountability, and to address the root causes of those violations. Survivors of conflict-related sexual violence are very often young women and men. They represent the future of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Central African Republic, Mali and many other countries. We must ensure and protect their future to enable them to successfully contribute to the rebuilding of their respective countries.”

    2019-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8514 (2019) · source

30. “The SADC Gender Protocol Barometer is updated annually by the Southern Africa Gender Protocol Alliance and measures the success of those six commitments at the member- State level. In Namibia, laws on gender-based violence have been strengthened over the years, and a new clinical handbook for survivors subjected to intimate partner violence and/or sexual violence was recently approved by the Ministry of Health and will be issued for distribution shortly. The publication will be used by medical professionals, social workers, counsellors, law enforcement agencies and others to help and improve services to victims and survivors.”

    2019-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8514 (2019) · source

31. “There are no doubt many more cases that have gone unreported. The SADC-deployed Intervention Brigade, under MONUSCO, and the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo are working together to combat and eradicate sexual violence in conflict, notably with the training of commanders and security officers on the prevention of conflict-related sexual violence. In 2008, SADC adopted a Protocol on Gender and Development. The Protocol sets out six specific targets, notably the on need to enact and enforce legislation prohibiting all forms of gender-based violence and the need to ensure that the laws on gender-based violence provide for the comprehensive testing, treatment and care of survivors of sexual assault.”

    2019-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8514 (2019) · source

32. “The Women, Gender and Development Directorate and the Office of the AU Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security led the operationalization of those various instruments. On a larger scale, the AU-United Nations partnership, especially in the area of women and peace and security, has contributed to strengthening that partnership and the work in that field. Within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo continue to be faced with conflict-related sexual violence. The report of the Secretary-General clearly outlines the severity and number of those crimes. In 2018, the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) documented 1,049 cases of conflict-related sexual violence.”

    2019-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8514 (2019) · source

33. “The African Union has taken a strong stance on sexual violence in conflict and underscored its full commitment to eradicating sexual and gender-based violence on the African continent. In 2018, the AU and its member States endorsed the African Union Policy on Prevention and Response to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse for Peace Support Operations. The Policy notably aims to strengthen leadership and management engagement, roles and responses to sexual exploitation and abuse. Member States of the AU have also adhered to a number of instruments developed by the body. That includes the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa, adopted in 2003, and the Solemn Declaration on Gender Equality in Africa, adopted in 2004.”

    2019-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8514 (2019) · source

34. “Actionable change, first and foremost, must come from Member States. International and regional organizations must also play a role. Furthermore, civil society organizations can play a guiding role, given their presence on the ground and contact with survivors and perpetrators. A survivor-centred approach must be at the heart of our programmes, interventions and investments. As outlined in the Secretary-General's report, sexual violence results in multiple consequences for survivors and their families. They often require immediate, life-saving health care. Greater efforts also need to be made to ensure their rehabilitation and reintegration into their communities.”

    2019-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8514 (2019) · source

35. “Aswemarkthetenthanniversaryoftheestablishment of the mandate of the Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, the Secretary-General's most recent report on conflict-related sexual violence (S/2019/280) reminds us that, while there has been a paradigm shift in how the Organization and Governments address those crimes, there is much work to be done on the ground. Accountability for those crimes must be guaranteed. As the report of the Secretary-General notes, "accountability remains elusive" (S/2019/280, para. 22). The report further notes that "[A]cross most countries, victims express reluctance to report their experiences owing to stigma, the fear of reprisal, rejection by their families and communities, and their lack of confidence in judicial and non-judicial responses"(ibid.). That must change.”

    2019-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8514 (2019) · source

36. “I would like to start by thanking you, Mr. President, for organizing this open debate on the topic of sexual violence in conflict. I would also like to thank Germany for its strong commitment in support of the women and peace and security agenda. I thank all the briefers for their riveting, detailed and comprehensive briefings. My delegation aligns itself with the statement to be delivered by Ms. Fatima Mohammed, Permanent Observer of the Africa Union (AU) to the United Nations, as well as that of the Deputy Permanent Representative of Canada, who spoke on behalf of the Group of Friends of Women, Peace and Security.”

    2019-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8514 (2019) · source

37. “Those anniversaries should be an opportunity for all of us to redouble our efforts to ensure that women are adequately represented in peacekeeping, decision-making and negotiation positions at both the national and international levels, as was our desire in 2000 when resolution 1325 (2000) was adopted.”

    2019-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8508 (2019) · source

38. “In that regard, we call upon the international community and our development partners to support the establishment of the centre. To conclude, I would like to remind members that the international community will celebrate a number of landmarks next year, including the twenty-fifth anniversary of the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000). In the lead up to those anniversaries, I encourage Member States to take stock of the limited progress that has been achieved and look to the future.”

    2019-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8508 (2019) · source

39. “We encourage all troop- and police-contributing Member States to strive to achieve that minimum target. Namibia is currently hosting the third meeting of the Women, Peace and Security Focal Point Network, which concluded just an hour ago. A communique on that meeting will be circulated to all missions at the conclusion of the meeting in the next day or so. I am happy to announce that Namibia intends to establish a women's peace centre, which will focus on national, regional and international conflict resolution and management activities, as well as aspects of mediation and negotiations. The centre will further focus on capacity-building by providing workshops and predeployment training for peacekeepers, while contributing to the maintenance of peace in general.”

    2019-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8508 (2019) · source

40. “Despite that, the representation of women among military troops and police officers remains unacceptably low, at 4 and 10 per cent, respectively. The report also issues a stark warning that those numbers are at risk of further decreasing in the coming years through the imminent downsizing of several peacekeeping missions. Namibia is playing its part in ensuring that women play a greater role in peacekeeping operations. Namibian police officers, correctional officers and military officers are currently deployed in three peacekeeping missions - in Darfur, South Sudan and Abyei - with a number of qualified female officers included. In December 2018, we achieved the Department of Peace Operations' target of 15 per cent ofwomen participating in peacekeeping missions.”

    2019-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8508 (2019) · source

41. “The effective implementation of and accountability for national action plans requires a monitoring and evaluation plan and a robust coordination mechanism. The Namibian Government will ensure that a monitoring and evaluation plan and regular reporting are undertaken and documented to realize the objectives of the plan. In the aftermath of the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000), we saw a shift towards a growing awareness and a move towards mainstreaming the involvement of women in areas related to peace and security. The 2018 report of the Secretary-General on women and peace and security (S/2018/900) noted the increase in the number of women deployed as contingent commanders, as well as the fact that several missions have female police and military peacekeeper networks and military and police gender advisers.”

    2019-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8508 (2019) · source

42. “They are a tool for States to implement their commitments to the women and peace and security agenda and detail their actions and obligations under the Security Council women and peace and security resolutions. As of November 2018, 79 Member States had national action plans. While we recognize that many Member States are implementing resolution 1325 (2000) without national actions plans, we encourage them to set up national action plans, which would help ensure the structured implementation, follow-up and evaluation of resolution 1325 (2000). Namibia's national action plan is forward- looking and incorporates emerging issues, trends and threats to peace and security, such as climate change, cybersecurity and trafficking in persons, while also looking at how those issues impact the overall women and peace and security agenda.”

    2019-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8508 (2019) · source

43. “At the time, Namibia realized that the international community needed to properly take into account the role of women as serious stakeholders in peacekeeping, peacebuilding, decision-making and mediation. The Windhoek Declaration formed the basis of the drafting of resolution 1325 (2000). In October 2000, Namibia was President of the Security Council and successfully oversaw the unanimous adoption of the historic resolution 1325 (2000) (see S/PV.4213). Our desire at the time was, in essence, to see more women in peacekeeping, decision-making and negotiating positions at both the national and international levels. National action plans are the embodiment of resolution 1325 (2000). Those plans are vital.”

    2019-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8508 (2019) · source

44. “I thank you, Mr. President, for convening this important meeting and for Germany's strong commitment to the women and peace and security agenda. I also thank you for the leadership you have assumed during your membership of the Security Council as a non-permanent member. I would also like to thank the various briefers for their detailed and comprehensive statements. My delegation aligns itself with the statement delivered by the Permanent Representation of Canada, on behalf of the Group of Friends of Women, Peace and Security. In May 2000, the first deliberations of the women and peace and security agenda took place in Namibia, giving birth to the Windhoek Declaration.”

    2019-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8508 (2019) · source

45. “But I am happy that some have reminded us of the wisdom imparted to us by the late Nelson Mandela: that it seems impossible until it is done. Allow me to remind us of a great African proverb that teaches us that: if we want to move mountains tomorrow, we must start by lifting stones today. Let us not be scared away by the fact that silencing the guns may be ambitious. Let us start now to implement it.”

    2019-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8473 (2019) · source

46. “That resolution formally drew global attention to the unrecognized, underutilized and undervalued contributions of women in preventing war and in peacebuilding and engaging individuals and societies to live in harmony. We need to identify innovative ways and means to enhance holistic preventative approaches in efforts aimed at promoting peace and security. My delegation furthermore recognizes the ongoing peace efforts on the continent, and we commend the efforts of the United Nations, the African Union and SADC. We reaffirm our commitment to silencing the guns by 2020. And to put that into perspective for all of us, 2020 is next year. Many speakers today have spoken about the ambitious plan of silencing the guns.”

    2019-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8473 (2019) · source

47. “I also wish to hail achievements reached in other regions of the continent. On 6 February, the Central African Republic Government and 14 armed groups came together in Bangui to sign a historic peace agreement, following negotiations held in Khartoum. That agreement is an important first step taken by all parties in the Central African Republic. The 2018 peace agreement signed between Ethiopia and Eritrea was also a landmark achievement. That peace deal brings hope to the Horn of Africa. I also wish to emphasize the importance of women negotiators and mediators in peacebuilding processes, as espoused in Agenda 2063 of the African Union. It is apt for us that in 2000, during Namibia's presidency of the Security Council, the Council unanimously adopted the landmark resolution 1325 (2000), on women and peace and security.”

    2019-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8473 (2019) · source

48. “As Chair of Southern African Development Community (SADC), I wish to share with the Council that the subregion emphasizes, through its decisions, the need to prioritize preventive diplomacy and mediation in approaching crises and conflict situations. Furthermore, SADC is in full support of the need to enhance the AU's prevention capabilities and tools in the context of the aspiration of the AU to silence the guns by 2020. We are all aware that not all election processes go smoothly. SADC recently averted potential conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo following elections in that country. Equally, Madagascar experienced a peaceful transition of power from one leader to another. We cannot overemphasize preventative diplomacy, mediation and negotiations in peacebuilding and reconstruction.”

    2019-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8473 (2019) · source

49. “We take note that the new facility will be designed to support inclusive, integrated and participatory approaches to small arms control at the country level, and in some situations at the subregional level. My delegation firmly believes that peace and security is a prerequisite for development. Prosperity will therefore remain elusive if we do not seriously take charge of our peace and security architecture. Unfortunately, most of the peace and security issues brought to the Security Council are on Africa. As part of Agenda 2063 of the African Union and its first lO-year implementation plan, the fiftieth anniversary solemn declaration, of 26 May 2013, decided not to bequeath the burden of conflicts to the next generation of Africans, and they decided - we decided - to silence the guns by 2020.”

    2019-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8473 (2019) · source

50. “In thanking the Secretary-General, I also wish to welcome his report Securing our Common Future -An Agenda for Disarmament. It is alarming that in all cases it is civilians who are the most affected as a result of armed conflicts. The widespread availability of small arms and light weapons is of major concern to all of us. I cannot emphasize enough the harm caused to lives all across Africa by illicit arms and small weapons. We welcome the establishment of a multi-partner trust facility through the Peacebuilding Fund in order to provide a more sustainable solution, with a sharp focus on development, for the control of small arms and light weapons.”

    2019-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8473 (2019) · source