YouSaid · the spoken record

Gonzalez De Linares Palou

lines on the record: 370
first: 2012-11-26
most recent: 2017-06-21
sittings or episodes: 58
sources: un-security-council

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“Spain is confident that the dialogue between the United States and the Russian Federation can contribute to renewing the cessation of hostilities - and even to opening the door to a new round of talks in Geneva, as has happened in the past. Nevertheless, the Security Council has a responsibility to support the work being done by the United Nations in Syria, in particular in the humanitarian area. That is why, in close contact with all of the members of the Council - especially Egypt and New Zealand - we will continue to follow developments in the situation very closely. I take this opportunity to congratulate New Zealand for the priority attention it intends to accord the issue in the programme of work for September. Lastly, we are confident that the JIM.”
2016-08-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7766 (2016) · source
“On the second issue -Syria - the assessment necessarily has to be a negative one, both from the perspective of the evolution of the conflict as well as from the vantage point of the Security Council's response. We began the month of August with a threat that the distribution of assistance to Aleppo could be blocked because of the fighting and the closure of the Castello Road. Several Council meetings were held at which we had an opportunity to discuss the issue in depth - from the Arria Formula meeting on 8 August to the open briefing on 22 August (see S/PV.7757). However, we end the month in nearly the same situation, with the United Nations calling for a 48-hour humanitarian pause in order to enter the city, so far without success. All of us are aware of the dialogue between the co-Chairs of the International Syria Support Group.”
2016-08-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7766 (2016) · source
“During that debate, we noted, on the one hand, that there existed shared concern about new threats - in particular given the link between terrorism and weapons of mass destruction and the risks that have arisen due to technological and scientific advances. On the other hand, however, there was also a desire to strengthen preventive mechanisms and instruments, such as resolution 1540 (2004), so as to adapt them to the new context. The recent report of the Joint Implementation Mechanism (JIM) shows that the risks that resolution 1540 (2004) tries to prevent are not illusory or amorphous. On the contrary, they are very real risks, such as have already materialized in the case of Syria. The terrible facts in the JIM. report should to serve as a stimulus for us to bolster the non-proliferation regime within the scope of the United Nations.”
2016-08-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7766 (2016) · source
“On Friday, 26 August, we unanimously condemned the launching of missiles by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, while also reiterating our determination to adopt new, meaningful measures pursuant to resolution 2270 (2016). Under the heading ofgood news, Spain is grateful to the Malaysian presidency for convening the open debate (see S/PV.7758) on non-proliferation, which took place on 23 August. The presence of the Secretary-General and of the High Representative for Disarmament Affairs and the participation of 61 delegations and international organizations all served to highlight the great interest that exists in the issue.”
2016-08-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7766 (2016) · source
“On the subject of the bad news, we must once again lament the fact that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea continued to ignore Security Council resolutions. The developing momentum in the situation in the Korean peninsula is particularly concerning, given that ballistic missile launches are taking place more often and with greater success in reaching nearby coastal areas of neighbouring States. This month, for the first time, we have seen the successful launch of a ballistic missile from a submarine, and the first one to fall within the exclusive economic zone of another State. Despite that disturbing situation, we also have to welcome the fact that the Security Council has regained its unity when it comes to the matter.”
2016-08-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7766 (2016) · source
“Mr. Gonzalez de Linares Palou (Spain) (spoke in Spanish): I would like to thank you, Mr. President - Ramlan - and your entire team for your work this month, as well as to congratulate you on your presidency, which concludes today with success. I also appreciate the concept note that you have circulated in order to guide the discussion in this formal wrap-up session. Spain is in favour of a sharper focus in the debate on the issues in the wrap-up sessions, and we underscore our desire for transparency and for participation by all Member States. I will focus on two areas that I think were the most important in work of the Security Council this month. The first has to do with non-proliferation issues, and the second with the situation in Syria. On the issue of non-proliferation, the month of August has brought us both bad and good news.”
2016-08-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7766 (2016) · source
“Presentations in our regularly scheduled debates should always take place in a constructive spirit, with a view to achieving definitive reconciliation, as we all desire, and not just the implementation of resolution 1244 (1999). Hence the importance of those discussions and of organizing them on a regular basis.”
2016-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7760 (2016) · source
“They must serve as an example of living together in peace. In that respect we must take note ofthe positive elements indicated by the Special Representative and highlighted in the report (S/2016/666) of the Secretary- General that relate to certain improvements in the political environment in Pristina. However, that path still lies far ahead. We urge all political actors to definitively reject all incendiary rhetoric and support for violent or illegal actions and to fight such actions with the weapon of the law, thereby setting a responsible example in the exercise of public functions. It is also our responsibility to do what is right here at the Security Council.”
2016-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7760 (2016) · source
“I would like to again express Spain's full support for the United Nations Interim Administration Mission and Kosovo and for the Special Representative of the Secretary-General. My country is fully aware of the important continuing role that the Mission is called upon to play in Kosovo today. We highly commend Special Representative Tanin's prioritized attention to reconciliation, among other issues, and to communities living peacefully among one another, with full respect for human rights. All of those issues are essential if we truly wish to definitively overcome the situation that gave rise to the conflict in Kosovo in the first place. The role of political leaders and representatives is in all self-defined democratic societies. Their responsibilities lie beyond mere management of public affairs.”
2016-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7760 (2016) · source
“That is logical, for the process is still a work in progress. But the progress made since the process began, in April 2013, is undeniable. There has been progress at the political level and citizens have enjoyed specific benefits. That should be enough to justify the renewal of the parties' decisive and genuine commitment to the process. In the same manner and for the same reason, there must also be courage and political will to implement the commitments undertaken to date. In that respect, Spain remains convinced that the establishment of Serb- majority communities and municipalities is essential and must be prioritized. That is both important for both parties and an unavoidable step in achieving genuine reconciliation among the various communities in Kosovo. While it is a key issue, unfortunately it remains unresolved.”
2016-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7760 (2016) · source
“We believe that the dialogue should continue to play a key role and remain a priority. It is very important for the dialogue to continue not only at a technical level, but above all at the political level. It is crucial that the agreements achieved thus far be implemented and that work continues in the joint quest to find solutions to specific problems encountered by the citizens of Kosovo. We are aware of the fact that circumstances such as respective cycles of elections explain the absence in recent months of high-level meetings in the framework of that dialogue. However, now that those events are behind us, it is time for the parties to decisively return to the dialogue with renewed political courage. We are also aware that none of the parties is 100 per cent satisfied by the dialogue.”
2016-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7760 (2016) · source
“Mr. Gonzalez de Linares Palou (Spain) (spoke in Spanish): Like the speakers who took the floor before me, I would like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Mission in Kosovo, Mr. Zahir Tanin, and to welcome the presence of the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, Mr. Ivica Dacie, as well as Ms. Vlora Citaku. As the Security Council is well aware, without prejudice to its position of principle, Spain has always been prepared to constructively support measures and processes that are compatible with our position and that can as a benefit the people of the territory of Kosovo as a whole. In that context, Spain has from the outset supported the high-level talks between Pristina and Belgrade facilitated by the European Union.”
2016-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7760 (2016) · source
“Secondly, we should develop a more focused approach, for example, by attending more carefully to the biological and chemical sectors. Thirdly, a more proactive approach to avoid major crises should be promoted. Fourthly, assistance to States should be improved. And, finally, we must achieve greater transparency in the fight against proliferation, while actively involving civil society.”
2016-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7758 (2016) · source
“We believe we should consider greater interaction between the preventive role of resolution 1540 (2004), on the one hand, and investigation and accountability as a both a preventive and deterrent mechanism, on the other. Finally, the process of the comprehensive review of resolution 1540 (2004) should facilitate an update of the framework set up by the resolution, with the ultimate aim of preventing non-State actors from using weapons of mass destruction, as it is apparent that threats have not decreased. Ultimately, this process should allow us, at the very least, to take five positive steps. First is to reinforce the capacity of the United Nations to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, while achieving greater coordination among the components of the non-proliferation system.”
2016-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7758 (2016) · source
“The Security Council plays a primary role in that process as the main guarantor of international peace and security. I would now like to mention two areas. First, the conclusions reached by the Joint Investigative Mechanism (JIM) should inform our thinking on how to reinforce the non-proliferation system. I believe the work of JIM. has demonstrated the deterrent power of a system of accountability for the use of weapons of mass destruction, the need for States to have reliable inventories and means to protect their chemical and biological stocks, and the need for the Security Council to be proactive in crises where sensitive materials could be improperly used. We believe it is necessary to reflect on how to incorporate the capacities to investigate WMD incidents into current efforts to strengthen the non-proliferation architecture.”
2016-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7758 (2016) · source
“In that regard, I would highlight the Council's swift response, through resolution 2298 (2016), to Libya's request to have its chemical weapons arsenal destroyed, as well as the active role of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004) in assisting Iraqi authorities in the implementation that resolution, which is a key instrument in preventing the proliferation of weapons of that nature. The magnitude of the challenges we face is enormous, but it is not too late. Now is the time to act. Initiatives such as the Nuclear Security Summits and the eighth Review Conference of the States Parties to the Biological Weapons Convention are contributing to bolstering the international non-proliferation regime.”
2016-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7758 (2016) · source
“To that end, my delegation proposes that the Security Council consider the development of such a database. On the other hand, terrorism has intensified. Terrorists are more determined than ever to acquire weapons of mass destruction. Chemical weapons have been used in Syria and Iraq, and there are reports warning about the real risk of attacks employing weapons of mass destruction. Furthermore, internal instability in countries and situations of conflict are breeding grounds for proliferation by terrorist groups, as has been recognized by the Libyan and the Iraqi authorities, among others.”
2016-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7758 (2016) · source
“International conventions and the adoption of standards by the relevant institutions are also important tools. The statements made today have highlighted some of the risks we face. I echo the views expressed and will not repeat them. Moreover, the specialized reports show a sustained increase in nuclear and chemical incidents, whereas biological incidents have been more sporadic. Nonetheless, the variety of agents used and the rapid scientific and technological developments in this field are very worrisome. The biological sector is the area needing more attention, particularly in the absence of a relevant organization. One additional challenge is the lack of a unified incident database. To prevent, we know that we must know what it is that we are trying to prevent.”
2016-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7758 (2016) · source
“The analysis was subsequently backed by facts, such as the existence of a smuggling network of nuclear-weapon technology and evidence of the intentions of terrorist organizations to acquire weapons of mass destruction. Twelve years later, that analysis remains valid, while scientific and technological advances have developed more rapidly than the response capacity of States. The globalization of commercial, logistic and economic transactions makes it harder to control proliferation activities, and makes it easier for terrorists to take advantage of transnational criminal networks to access weapons of mass destruction. We are not exaggerating when we say that the main threat is the link between terrorism and weapons of mass destruction. We must therefore act swiftly, and the Security Council has a key role to play.”
2016-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7758 (2016) · source
“In 2004, the report of the High-level Panel on Threats, Challenges and Change, entitled "A more secure world: our shared responsibility" (see A/59/565), noted that the United Nations was created to prevent war but acknowledged that the greatest threats would result from, among other factors, the proliferation and possible use of nuclear, radiological, chemical and biological weapons and from terrorism. It stated that the threats would come from both State and non-State actors. It also stressed that the technological revolution offered unprecedented opportunities for cooperation, and an unprecedented potential for destruction. That visionary analysis made possible the adoption of resolution 1540 (2004), which marked a turning point in the non-proliferation architecture.”
2016-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7758 (2016) · source
“Mr. Gonzalez de Linares Palou (Spain) (spoke in Spanish): The full text of my statement is in electronic format and is also available at the documentation counter next to the Conference Officer. I will be reading from a summarized version of my statement. I would like first to highlight the relevance of this debate, as the risk of the use of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) challenges global security and human existence itself. Regrettably, the proliferation of such weapons has not abated, as has been shown by the actions of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the use of chemical weapons in Syria and Iraq.”
2016-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7758 (2016) · source
“For our part, we will continue to support the work of the ISSG Chairs with concrete proposals, as we have been doing so far.”
2016-08-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7757 (2016) · source
“We therefore urge the Chairs of the ISSG and all those States that have any influence on the parties to the conflict to make every effort not to miss this opportunity to ensure that the parties respect the ceasefire and thereby allow humanitarian access to the population, in compliance with their obligations under international law. Finally, we hope that the talks between the parties can soon be renewed in order to put an end the conflict under the terms set forth in resolution 2254 (2015). But we should not forget that the obligations of the parties under international humanitarian law are independent of any other consideration. The fact remains that we must continue to work urgently to ensure that resolution 2254 (2015) is fully implemented.”
2016-08-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7757 (2016) · source
“We welcome the fact that, at the meeting of the Humanitarian Task Force in Geneva on 18 August, the two Chairs of the International Syria Support Group (ISSG) agreed to support Special Envoy De Mistura's initiative for a 48- hour humanitarian pause. It is of the utmost importance that such pause be put into practice on the ground and that it should be done on a weekly basis so that there is access for humanitarian workers and medical personnel to the civilian population in order to provide assistance to that population and, if necessary, voluntary evacuation with appropriate security and neutrality guarantees. It is also important that the water and electricity supply systems be repaired, which is urgently required.”
2016-08-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7757 (2016) · source
“In addition, there should be immediate and unrestricted access to medical and surgical equipment for those who need it, as set forth in resolution 2286 (2016). I believe that the recommendations that the Secretary-General is preparing on the protection of personnel and medical facilities will help to put an end to such attacks as soon as possible. The situation on the ground continues to be extremely serious, as the Secretary-General's latest monthly report (S/2016/714) on the implementation of the humanitarian obligations of the parties to the conflict leaves very few words to express the suffering of the Syrian people. In his report, the Secretary- General stresses that it is vital to ensure that there is a 48-hour humanitarian pause in Aleppo as well as safe and lasting humanitarian access to the city.”
2016-08-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7757 (2016) · source
“Mr. Gonzalez de Linares Palou (Spain) (Spoke in Spanish): I want to thank Mr. Stephen O'Brien for his briefing to the Security Council, as well as to align myself with the statement made by the representative of New Zealand on behalf of the three penholders on the humanitarian situation in Syria. We fully agree that we should ensure with the utmost urgency that the civilian population, both in Aleppo and in the rest of the country, receives the protection and assistance they need from impartial actors and in full respect for humanitarian principles and under the leadership of the United Nations. Of course, there should be an immediate cessation of all attacks on medical personnel and on civilian infrastructure - such as schools, camps for internally displaced persons and hospitals.”
2016-08-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7757 (2016) · source
“We cannot err on the side of omission; inaction is simply not an option. Now, the Council, the African Union and IGAD must maintain their unity of intention and action in order to effectively and quickly deploy the regional protection force. We trust that the Transitional Government of National Unity will take note of the unswerving commitment of the international community and the region to the security of the people of South Sudan, set aside its obstructive attitude and fully cooperate with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, the United Nations, IGAD and the African Union. It is the primary responsibility of the Government of South Sudan to protect its own people. With this resolution, the Security Council and the region are offering the help and support that the people of South Sudan so urgently need.”
2016-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7754 (2016) · source
“Perhaps they cannot be mentioned in public or private, but what is certain is that the situation on the ground and peace and security concerns have long necessitated an arms embargo. Even though the resolution is not the one we would have desired, it does meets the minimum needs and, given the urgency of the situation, we have supported it unequivocally. These were not the right circumstances for approving a more ambitious resolution, as any delay in its adoption would have been unacceptable. When a country is plunged in violence and instability, as is South Sudan, our responsibility is to act with a sense of urgency, especially when the regional actors, both the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the African Union, are unambiguously calling on us to do so.”
2016-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7754 (2016) · source
“Mr. Gonzalez de Linares Palou (Spain) (spoke in Spanish): Spain welcomes the adoption of resolution 2304 (2016) and warmly thanks the United States for its efforts towards its adoption. The Security Council has reacted swiftly to the clear and unambiguous call from the region and addressed the serious concern of the international community over the grave situation in South Sudan by renewing its firm commitment to peace, stability and the protection of civilians in that country. We have done what is expected of us. We have fulfilled our responsibility. The resolution is not perfect. Spain believes that we have squandered a good opportunity to establish an immediate and unconditional arms embargo. We truly do not understand the reasons not to do so; in any case, no one has explained these reasons to us.”
2016-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7754 (2016) · source
“Thirdly and lastly, it is those non-State actors, in particular terrorists, who concern us the most. Episodes such as the beheading of an 11-year-old child, which took place in Aleppo, the abduction of girls by Boko Haram, the massive recruitment of minors by Da'esh, the suicide attacks carried out by minors - all of these acts show that children are increasingly exposed to violent extremism. We are not just talking about child soldiers, but also child terrorists, who are both executioners and victims. We have to use all of the tools that we have at our disposal to ensure that these attacks are investigated, that we identify and hold to account those who are responsible for them. That is the minimum that the victims deserve.”
2016-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7753 (2016) · source
“These are two parallel agendas, but they mutually reinforce each other. We are grateful for the letter that the Secretary-General just sent to the President of the Security Council announcing his intention to present a set of recommendations on the practical application of the resolution. We will naturally follow these recommendations very closely. Secondly, we welcome, as the Secretary-General said, the success ofthe Children, Not Soldiers campaign, which has made it possible to conclude national action plans for putting an end to the recruitment of Children in the armed forces of States Members of the United Nations. Spain, which has contributed to financing this campaign, trusts that it will be a stimulus for addressing the challenge that remains, namely, non-State actors.”
2016-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7753 (2016) · source
“When there are Member States that never appear on that list and where year after year we see their involvement in attacks on children, or when we decide to include or exclude a country for political reasons, we are irreparably eroding the credibility of the list and of the Organization. Therefore, we urge the Secretary-General and all Member States to respect the conclusions of the monitoring and reporting mechanism of the United Nations. I would like to make three comments. First of all, Spain had the honour of belonging to the drafting team of resolution 2286 (2016) adopted in May ofthis year, concerning the attacks against doctors and hospitals referred to by my colleague from Egypt. We take note of the mentions made in the Secretary- General's annual report on children and armed conflict.”
2016-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7753 (2016) · source
“In a globalized world, with the possibilities of having access to means of communication and to social networks where information constantly flows in real time to any part of the world, this United Nations black list is called upon to mobilize trust and to have a record of violations of international humanitarian law and especially to ensure that we combine all of our efforts at every level to protect children in armed conflict. This list could be a very useful instrument, but it will be useful only insofar as it is credible. As a result, we have to very strictly respect the process of compiling data on the part of the United Nations, which must continue to be completely transparent and neutral.”
2016-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7753 (2016) · source
“When the Charter of the United Nations was adopted, the nature of armed conflict was different than it is today. Wars and conflicts have evolved over the last 70 years. It has therefore been necessary for the Council to adopt new instruments to tackle the threats to peace and security. Resolution 1379 (2001) is an excellent example of this process of adaptation. At that time, the Secretariat was given the task of drawing up an annual list of parties responsible for deliberate attacks against children in a dispute.”
2016-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7753 (2016) · source
“Children and armed conflict is a topic that is so much more than an item on the agenda of the Security Council: it is a collective responsibility and an ethical imperative for all of us, as States Members of the United Nations and as human beings. Given the recruitment of minors and the bombing of schools and the kidnapping, rape and killing of children, we have to be intransigent when it comes to the protection of children and demand strict compliance with domestic and international law. That is why I would like to focus my comments on an essential question, namely, the credibility of those responsible for attacks against children in armed conflict. I am going to refer very briefly to three matters - the attacks against doctors and hospitals, the Children, Not Soldiers campaign and the fight against terrorism.”
2016-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7753 (2016) · source
“Mr. Gonzalez de Linares Palou (Spain) (spoke in Spanish): I would like to thank the Secretary-General for having attended our open debate today and I thank him for his statement. I am also grateful to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General Ms. Zerrougui, for presenting the annual report (S/2016/360). I thank the Executive Director of UNICEF for his briefing, which I found to be quite striking. The delegation ofMalaysia is doing an excellentjob steering the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict in a very discreet and effective manner. Malaysia is contributing to promoting the protection of children in armed conflict using all of the tools that the Security Council has at its disposal. I commend Malaysia for that work.”
2016-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7753 (2016) · source
“Secondly, with resolution 2303 (2016), we are trying to convey our wish that there be increased coordination of and coherence in all the various efforts that are currently being undertaken. Thirdly, and finally, with the resolution, we are making a clear call to the leaders of the region to get involved more substantially and effectively in order to resolve the crisis. In the 1990s, as we mentioned, we were not able to avoid catastrophe, but I hope that history has given us a second chance to try to avoid one now.”
2016-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7752 (2016) · source
“Mr. Gonzalez de Linares Palou (Spain) (spoke in Spanish): As we said at yesterday's open debate at the ministerial level (see S/PV.7750), in our opinion we have failed to help the Burundians build a lasting peace and have been unable to show a united front in conveying to the Government of Burundi the urgent need to find a way out of this crisis. We did not achieve consensus, but the Council was nevertheless able to adopt a decision - resolution 2303 (2016) - which in and of itself is already tremendously important. What do we see in this resolution? We see three things. First, we are sending a message to the country that the rounds of dialogue should continue, in order to ensure the protection of civilians and the general population so that violations of human rights cease.”
2016-07-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7752 (2016) · source
“The Security Council is being informed in a timely manner about the situation the region, and on recent occassions it has expressed itself on the matter - the most recent being on the eve of the security summit held in Abuja in May. Nevertheless, ifwe want to Change the course of events, there will have to be greater political will the part of everyone. Early warning will serve little purpose ifit is no accompanied by an early response.”
2016-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7748 (2016) · source
“One of the consequences of the terrorism perpetuated by Boko Haram is the tragedy resulting from the massive displacement of populations, with the parallel emergence of camps with enormous needs for basic services. Many of the displaced opt to migrate, often becoming victims of human trafficking networks. As proof of that challenge we need only look to the thousands of deaths in the Mediterranean Sea and the desert, including as well the exisitng links between terrorism and trafficking in migrants. I would like to conclude by saying that today's meeting is a good example of how early-warning mechanisms are functioning correctly.”
2016-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7748 (2016) · source
“Lake Chad is disappearing, thereby exacerbating the already very difficult conditions being experienced by the people of the region. That is causing forced internal displacement and migration and compounding threats such as terrorism, organized crime and violent extremism. In that regard, I would like to draw attention to the interesting proposal made by the Executive Director of the Counter-Terrorism Committee to analyse whether the effects of climate change worsen the fragility of certain populations and whether they are making them even more vulnerable to violent extremism and recruitment by terrorist groups. That seems quite timely to us when it comes to the area we are discussing, namely, the Lake Chad Basin. Migration is the third issue I want to discuss.”
2016-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7748 (2016) · source
“There also needs to be a relevant component in the fight against violent extremism, which fuels the terrorism threat. Boko Haram substantiates its acts with rhetoric that squarely opposes education and fundamental rights and freedoms, particularly of women and girls. Winning the communication and awareness-raising battle - especially with regard to youths - in order to counter terrorist groups is a pending task. The second issue to which I would like to refer is climate change. During our meeting on the challenges in the Sahel region (see S/PV.7699), convened barely two months ago under the Egyptian presidency, Special Representative of the Secretary-General Ibn Chambas identified climate change as being one of the main challenges confronting the region.”
2016-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7748 (2016) · source
“First, with regard to violent extremism, many delegations have already referred to the fight against Boko Haram through the Multinational Joint Task Force. Spain also joins in recognizing the efforts being made by Chad, Cameroon, theNiger and Nigeria in that regard. We also echo the call for closer regional cooperation to combat this terrorist group. I would also like to point out the importance of ensuring that those operations take into account the specific protection needs of women and girls. It is crucial to provide medical and psychosocial services for survivors. It is also important to dismantle the trafficking networks, as women and girls often end up as victims. Guaranteeing security in and around the camps for internally displaced persons is also important. As has already been stated, military actions are not enough.”
2016-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7748 (2016) · source
“The first is that the humanitarian crises in the Lake Chad Basin happen so often not that they are becoming a chronic phenomenon. If those humanitarian crises are no longer timely, the response of international cooperation must also not be timely. That is why emergency humanitarian aid should be combined with development activities that promote the resilience of the region. The second comment is that the humanitarian crisis in the Lake Chad Basin requires a comprehensive response, as it is the result of a combination of factors: fragile State authority with limited control of the territory, poverty, migration, climate change, terrorism and violent extremism, among other factors. I would like to focus on those issues.”
2016-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7748 (2016) · source
“Mr. Gonzalez de Linares Palou (Spain) (spoke in Spanish): I thank Japan and the United Kingdom for having convened this informative briefing. I also thank Mr. Stephen O'Brien for having shared with us his assessment of the situation in the region in the wake of his May visit, and in particular for sharing his recommendations as to how we avoid a humanitarian catastrophe in that region. I also thank Under-Secretary- General Jeffrey Feltman for his briefing in the area of security, and specifically on the progress made and the challenges that still lie ahead in the fight against Boko Haram. I am not going to repeat the chilling information that we have already heard. I think that we are all very aware of the extreme gravity of the situation. For my part, however, I would initially like to make two comments.”
2016-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7748 (2016) · source
“We have done so because we are convinced that a better understanding of all that Afghanistan and UNAMA have done in that field will be very useful to the increasingly important work of the Security Council in that area. Secondly, while I recognize the progress made and political resolve demonstrated by the Afghan authorities in a significant number of human rights- related areas, I add the voice of Spain to those who have appealed to the Government of Afghanistan to establish a moratorium on the application of the death penalty and to advance towards the necessary legal reforms necessary to commute such sentences.”
2016-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7722 (2016) · source
“Afghanistan therefore must continue to coordinate and cooperate constructively with its neighbours. Before concluding, I would like to refer to two particular issues that are of key priority for Spain. First, I welcome the recently adopted measures pertaining to Afghanistan's national action plan for the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) . I am pleased to inform the Council that Spain, together with the United Kingdom, which is the penholder for that resolution, has proposed the inclusion of Afghanistan and UNAMA in the work of the informal experts group on women, peace and security created by resolution 2242 (2015).”
2016-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7722 (2016) · source
“Today perhaps more than ever in the past, it is therefore particularly important to maintain the unanimous support of the international community for the current and future efforts of the Afghan Government to promote political stability, economic growth, and the well-being and rights of all Afghan men and women, as well as their fight against terrorism and insurgency and in favour of national reconciliation. The NATO Summit that will take place in Warsaw a few days from now and the ministerial conference scheduled for October in Brussels, to which I referred earlier, will be particularly important opportunities to demonstrate our support for Afghanistan. In the context of the international community's support and help for Afghanistan, a particularly important role must be played by regional stakeholders.”
2016-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7722 (2016) · source
“We are also concerned about the lack of progress towards a process of peace and reconciliation, despite the undeniable efforts over the past few months of the members of the Quadrilateral Coordination Group, whom I thank once again. The lack of progress in electoral reform, despite the steps taken towards that goal, hampers compliance with the electoral timetable and could have an adverse impact on the stability and functions of the State, which at this time is the principle goal of all the institutions and political actors of Afghanistan. We are also concerned about the ongoing rise in the number of internally displaced persons and the conditions in which they find themselves. To summarize, it is essential to ensure that the progress that has been achieved over the past 15 years is not lost.”
2016-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7722 (2016) · source
“We are alarmed by the deterioration of security, the increase of armed conflicts and the violence of insurgent and terrorist groups in the recently launched spring campaign, and the persistently high number of civilian casualties from this conflict. Yesterday's events were yet another manifestation of this reality. We are also concerned over the deterioration of Afghan economic prospects, which may continue to decline if national security collapses further. The perceived lack ofprospects among civilians is evidenced in the massive outflow of Afghan civilians towards other countries in search of opportunities which is a worrying consequence of these factors.”
2016-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7722 (2016) · source