YouSaid · the spoken record

Guehenno

lines on the record: 1,147
first: 2000-11-14
most recent: 2011-05-12
sittings or episodes: 58
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“I would now like briefly to summarize the recommendations that resulted from that analysis and discuss the logic behind them. The provision of assistance to the public administration has been one of the most challenging tasks undertaken by the United Nations in Timor-Leste. The speed of progress is limited both by the complexity of the skills that are being imparted and by the close linkage between a country's institutional development and a process of political evolution that cannot be artificially accelerated. When UNMISET began, Timor-Leste's administration included about 8,700 Timorese civil servants out of a total of approximately 13,190. Today, that number has increased to 11,000, and significant headway has been made in strengthening institutions of State.”
2004-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4913 (2004) · source
“The recommendations were derived through a two-step process. The first step was to determine tasks in the most concrete terms, reflecting crucial gaps in Timorese capacity that could threaten the country's stability and security and where no viable alternative form of support exists. Secondly, in those cases where we concluded that United Nations assistance was crucial, we sought to identify the best means through which UNMISET could contribute. In most cases, those recommendations have emphasized an advisory rather than operational approach since that is more compatible with Timor-Leste's progress towards self- sufficiency. Where an operational role was under consideration, we gave particular attention to assuming responsibilities that we were confident we could discharge effectively.”
2004-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4913 (2004) · source
“Remarkable progress has occurred since then, based on close partnership between the international community and the Timorese leadership and people. But as the conclusion of UNMISET'S original two-year mandate approaches, it is clear that the line of true self- sufficiency has not yet been crossed. As reflected in the Secretary-General's report, the Secretariat has concluded that the continued presence of a small peacekeeping operation for an additional one-year consolidation phase is essential to reinforce and strengthen what has been achieved to date. The Secretariat's recommendations were based upon an extensive analysis, including by UNMISET, of needs on the ground, and drew upon valuable input from Member States. They also seek to take full account of the vision of the Timorese leadership for their country's progress.”
2004-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4913 (2004) · source
“It is, indeed, easy to forget that Timor-Leste has taken shape in less than five years. But the reality is that there is a limit to how much can be achieved in so short a period of time, and Timor-Leste, the poorest country in South-East Asia, continues to face significant challenges, for which it will continue to require international assistance. When the Security Council established UNMISET on 20 May 2002, it acknowledged that the Mission's assistance would be crucial even after the country crossed the symbolic threshold of independence. The mission was mandated to support the continued development of an independent Timor- Leste and to build upon what had been achieved until then. That decision testified to the Council's determination that, as noted by the Deputy Secretary- General, there should be no exit without strategy.”
2004-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4913 (2004) · source
“On 29 January, a group of villagers from West Timor entered Timor-Leste and, possibly in a continuation of a local feud, burned some structures in a village in the area and may have stolen some livestock. Timorese officials, supported by UNMISET, continue to investigate the incident and discuss it with Indonesian counterparts. This incident was also reviewed at the inter-command meeting, held in Bali earlier this week, which was attended not only by Indonesian and UNMISET military commanders, but also by the Commander of the Timor-Leste armed forces, Brigadier General Taur Matan Ruak. I would now like to turn to the report before the members of the Security Council. An appeal for additional support for Timor-Leste after 20 May 2004 faces a paradoxical challenge because of the remarkable progress that has already occurred.”
2004-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4913 (2004) · source
“This is an important advance in terms of reinforcing the role of electoral processes in Timor- Leste and in fostering local engagement in governance. It is expected that further steps will be taken to clarify the roles and responsibilities of village chiefs and village councils. These will be the first elections in independent Timor-Leste, and will be the basis on which broader electoral laws can be developed for national elections. Secondly, I wish to inform members of the Security Council of a recent incident that suggests the continuing fragility of the situation on the ground, particularly in the area near the border. While this incident took place before the issuance of the present report, it could not be included in the text because of the incomplete level of information at that time.”
2004-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4913 (2004) · source
“Mr. Guehenno: I am pleased and honoured to introduce the special report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Mission of Support in East Timor (UNMISET) (S/2004/ll7), in the presence of His Excellency Mr. Jose Ramos-Horta, Foreign Minister of Timor-Leste. The report presents, as promised, proposals for continued support to Timor-Leste after the conclusion of the current mandate on 20 May 2004. We welcome this opportunity to share with Council members the thinking behind our proposals, and hope that this may support a fruitful debate. Before discussing the report itself, I would like to bring to the attention of the Security Council two recent developments in Timor-Leste that are not reflected in the text. First, I would like to note that, some days ago, President Gusmao approved the law on village elections.”
2004-02-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4913 (2004) · source
“We count on the Council's continued support for consistent implementation of the "standards before status" policy based on resolution 1244 (1999). The support of the Council and key Member States for UNMIK will be essential for the full implementation of resolution 1244 (1999), including within the framework of the initiative for implementing the review process I described in my briefing, in order to structure the way towards launching the political process to determine Kosovo's future status.”
2003-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4886 (2003) · source
“In conclusion, I wish to highlight the fact that the achievement of the eight standards remains a prerequisite for the start of a political process leading to the determination of Kosovo's future status. During the entire process, UNMIK will remain very active and in the lead on the ground in order to continue the necessary momentum, while at the same time safeguarding the authority given to it by the Council under resolution 1244 (1999) and continuing to exercise its reserved responsibilities fully and effectively. UNMIK will also continue to monitor, attentively observe and, when necessary, intervene, to ensure the compliance of the Provisional Institutions and municipalities with resolution 1244 (1999), the Constitutional Framework and the other laws in force in Kosovo.”
2003-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4886 (2003) · source
“The Kosovo Protection Corps has intervened in emergencies ranging from forest fires to floods. Outreach in non-majority communities has continued. The Kosovo Protection Corps has provided assistance to those communities in the area of medical care, the provision of fuel and firewood and construction lumber and the construction of fire stations and water-supply lines. However, lack of funding for equipment and training may hinder further progress in that type of action. Non-majority members of the KPC now represent five per cent of the KPC membership. At the same time, supervision and ongoing intervention by UNMIK, as well as KFOR day-to-day supervision on the ground, remain necessary, particularly regarding serious allegations of misconduct, through ongoing investigation and effective action.”
2003-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4886 (2003) · source
“In the end, the decision was accepted due to the resolute stand by the Special Representative and the KFOR Commander, and to interventions by the Kosovo Prime Minister. In an unrelated incident in October, the head of the KPC was arrested in Slovenia under a year-old warrant against him issued by a parallel court operating in Nis, in southern Serbia. He was released following intervention by the Special Representative, who informed the Slovenian authorities of the invalidity of the arrest warrant handed down by this parallel court. The Kosovo Protection Corps has made progress in meeting standards. The organization has also continued to improve the quality of its work within the mandated function of a civil emergency agency, training more members and fulfilling planned tasks in a professional manner.”
2003-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4886 (2003) · source
“Regarding the Kosovo Protection Corps (KPC), on 3 December the Special Representative ordered the suspension of 12 KPC members for an initial period of six months, as a result of a joint KFOR and UNMIK inquiry regarding allegations of those members' association with organized crime, abuse of their functions and other illegal activities. The investigation was launched after the bombing of a railroad bridge in northern Kosovo on 12 April 2003. A police investigation is being carried out in order to determine whether the grounds exist for dismissal or for criminal prosecution of these KPC members. The KPC leadership, as well as several Kosovo Albanian leaders, initially resisted the decision.”
2003-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4886 (2003) · source
“In part, this has been due to the position of the Kosovo Government, which, for political reasons, has not publicly endorsed the process, even though preparatory work is ongoing within the Government. UNMIK hopes that this approach will change following the launch of the standards document, which includes dialogue with Belgrade as one of the eight standards on which the process will be judged. Another obstacle has been the Serbian parliamentary election campaign, which has recently resulted in the Coordination Centre for Kosovo not being willing to discuss preparations for the dialogue. We welcome with satisfaction the recent encouraging statements by Foreign Minister Svilanovic' regarding Belgrade's intention to proceed with the dialogue.”
2003-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4886 (2003) · source
“Yesterday, a Kosovo Trust Agency (KTA) board meeting was held with a view to move the privatization process forward. The board made the decision to proceed with the privatization of 23 enterprises from the first and second waves of privatization and agreed that a third wave of privatization, involving 19 enterprises, would be carried out in the near future. After weeks of controversy and uncertainty, these decisions will facilitate the easing of political tensions associated with discussions about privatization. I wish to say a few words on the question of dialogue with Belgrade. Unfortunately, UNMIK has informed us that direct dialogue on practical matters of mutual concern between Belgrade and Pristina has not moved forward since the launching of the dialogue in Vienna on 14 October 2003.”
2003-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4886 (2003) · source
“Kosovo Albanians and Kosovo Serbs continue to use separate health care and education facilities. No Albanian language schools that offer classes in minority languages include Serbian. No Serbian language schools offer classes in Albanian. In addition, the provision of equitable public services to all communities remains problematic. For example, the Kosovo electric company continues to disconnect minorities who have not paid debts accumulated by illegal occupants. (spoke in French) The issue of privatization has been a prominent issue in Kosovo during the past several months. While there is consensus that privatization is necessary to bring economic development to Kosovo, uncertainties as to the legal and operational modalities according to which socially-owned enterprises should be privatized have slowed down the process.”
2003-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4886 (2003) · source
“Security remains a problem in some areas, and there is sometimes resistance at the community or village level. While such resistance is generally dealt with effectively through dialogue efforts, when such steps are not taken, the result can be serious, as illustrated last week in Klina, near Pec, where 11 persons who had attempted to return spontaneously were met by Kosovo Albanian protestors. The Kosovo Force (KFOR) had to evacuate the group of returnees to prevent an escalation of the situation. In response to pressure to ensure fair-share financing, municipalities are spending more on minority needs. Despite gradual improvement, less than one-third of the municipalities have met the minimum levels. The level of integration between communities remains extremely limited.”
2003-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4886 (2003) · source
“The 2004 Strategy for Sustainable Returns was launched last week, providing detailed information on returns-funding needs for 2004, totalling â‚¬3 8.5 million. The 2004 strategy also includes expanded engagement by the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government and displaced persons in the returns process, improved information flow to displaced persons and addressing property-related obstacles to return. The Kosovo Government also concretely engaged in the returns process. Seven million euros were allocated from the 2002 surplus in the Kosovo consolidated budget for returns, with â‚¬5 million being used in municipal returns projects and â‚¬2 million supporting municipalities that contribute positively to returns. Returns projects are ongoing in a number of municipalities, with the active involvement of municipal authorities.”
2003-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4886 (2003) · source
“Controls on movement between the southern and northern parts of Mitrovica have been lifted. Members of the Kosovo Serb community in northern Kosovo have yet to avail themselves of the UNMIK-issued vehicle registration plates, which could improve their freedom of movement. Nonetheless, UNMIK has reported that a moderate number of Serbs from elsewhere in Kosovo and in the remainder of Serbia are visiting Pristina and speaking Serbian on the city's streets without incident. The rate of minority returns has continued to increase, although the overall number of returns remains low. As of 30 November, a total of 3,370 members of non-majority communities returned this year, including over 1,300 Kosovo Serbs, reaching a total of 9,485 overall.”
2003-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4886 (2003) · source
“The recommendations are being implemented within budget constraints. The situation at Dubrava remains tense due to crowded conditions throughout the penal system. However, prison officials have stabilized the situation. Regional police cooperation was enhanced with the signing of a cooperation agreement with Montenegro, adding to the existing protocols with the police authorities in Belgrade, in Albania and in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. That regional approach produced success on 29 November 2003, when a Kosovo-Albanian businessman abducted in Serbia was rescued and four Serbian abductors were arrested in the first joint operation by UNMIK police and Serbian police. Although freedom of movement has improved somewhat, it still remains an obstacle to many people in certain areas of Kosovo.”
2003-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4886 (2003) · source
“UNMIK has established an investigation task force, comprised of representatives of the United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services, the European Union Anti-Fraud Office and the Financial Investigation Unit, which will coordinate investigations of fraud and corruption involving Kosovo's Provisional Institutions, public enterprises and UNMIK. The development of the KPS and the local judiciary continued. Seven police stations are now under KPS command. Six additional judges and one prosecutor from the Kosovo Serb community were appointed, although parallel judicial structures still exist in four Kosovo Serb-majority municipalities, as well as one in Nis. On 4 November, the Dubrava Commission of Inquiry issued its recommendations on the prisoner riot and resulting fire at Dubrava Prison on 4 September.”
2003-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4886 (2003) · source
“UNMIK condemned that attack, in which one member of the World Bank delegation was slightly injured and four vehicles, including two police vehicles and a United Nations bus, were burned. UNMIK police have made progress in the arrest of suspected perpetrators of serious crimes. For example, the police arrested one suspect in the case of the bombing of the railway bridge in northern Kosovo earlier this year, as well as suspects on charges relating to war crimes committed against Kosovo Albanians in 1999, trafficking and suspected terrorist activities. Since the beginning of September, the anti-trafficking unit has made 25 arrests, closed down 128 establishments and rescued 70 victims of prostitution. Police have also seized 36 kilograms of heroin and 6 kilograms of other narcotics.”
2003-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4886 (2003) · source
“Two KPS officers were murdered near the town of Decani, in the region of Pec, on 24 November. Encouraging successes in investigations against organized crime may be a cause for some of those attacks. Crimes directed against Kosovo Serbs decreased, as did ethnically motivated crimes. A number of public demonstrations took place across Kosovo. Two significant public-order incidents occurred in Mitrovica. On 28 November, a crowd demonstrated against the decision to take down an Albanian flag that had been illegally raised over the Mitrovica municipality; and, on 6 December, a violent mob attacked a World Bank delegation and the Kosovo Prime Minister during a visit to northern Mitrovica.”
2003-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4886 (2003) · source
“Generally, non-majority communities also have little impact on the decision- making process, particularly in the municipalities. The use of official languages in assembly sessions in municipalities tends to be satisfactory; however, the translation of official documents in many municipalities remains reliant on UNMIK initiatives and resources. While the timely provision and quality of official documents in all official languages varies by ministry, the translation of official documents at the central level is gradually improving and, contrary to the municipal level, is not dependent on UNMIK or international resources. The past two months have been characterized by an increase in serious crimes, including attacks against Kosovo Police Service (KPS) officers.”
2003-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4886 (2003) · source
“UNMIK municipal representatives have intervened in order to suspend decisions relating to the misuse of public funds and attempted misappropriation of lands under the administration of the Kosovo Trust Agency. As a result of the civil administration's welcome action and intervention, there has been an increase in the constructive engagement between UNMIK and local officials in the municipalities. The representation of Kosovo Serbs and non-Serb minorities remains poor in the structures of the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government: none have reached the target percentages and the disparity in the proportional representation persists in senior-level positions. Progress remains slow in that regard within the 30 municipalities as well.”
2003-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4886 (2003) · source
“On 11 December, following a motion by the Kosovo Government, and acting on a recommendation of the Assembly's committee for judicial, legislative and constitutional framework matters, the Assembly adopted a decision to abrogate all laws, decisions and acts relating to Kosovo enacted in Yugoslavia and Serbia after 22 March 1989. The Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Holkeri, immediately issued a determination that that decision of the Assembly was beyond its competence and was without validity and effect. As a result of enforcement of the rule of law through timely interventions at the local level, UNMIK civil administration has reported signs of improvement in the municipalities acting within the scope of their responsibilities in accordance with UNMIK Regulation No. 2000/45, on local self-government.”
2003-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4886 (2003) · source
“For the first time, the Assembly initiated a draft law on gender equality - sponsored by the Assembly's Gender Equality Commission. The Assembly has held a number of public hearings on draft laws - on anti-discrimination, gender equality and health - and the Assembly's budget and finance and economy committees have been holding twice- weekly meetings with municipalities and offices within the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government and UNMIK to discuss budget proposals for 2004. Recent plenary sessions of the Assembly, however, have been marked by severe procedural violations and inconsistency in the counting of votes. A significant number of Assembly members have raised objections, but the practice has not yet been corrected.”
2003-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4886 (2003) · source
“Their increased involvement will not affect the powers and responsibilities of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in those areas, and those reserved responsibilities will not be transferred. As part of the process, UNMIK is reviewing the Kosovo Government's proposal to create additional structures within the Government, or as liaison between UNMIK and the Government, in order to build capacity and increase transparency. One such measure, which has already been implemented, is the appointment of a Kosovo Government liaison in the Office of the Special Representative. No laws have been promulgated in the past two months. However, the Government approved seven draft laws, and has forwarded them to the Kosovo Assembly, including a draft anti-discrimination law, which was initiated by the Office of the Prime Minister.”
2003-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4886 (2003) · source
“UNMIK has continued the transfer of non- reserved responsibilities to the Provisional Institutions and will finalize the transfer of the non-reserved competences in chapter 5 of the Constitutional Framework by the end of 2003. A small number of specific responsibilities will not become operational until the relevant legislation is passed - for example, legislation on the creation of an independent media commissioner. In addition, UNMIK has continued to seek to increase the involvement of the Provisional Institutions in an advisory and consultative capacity in the administrative and operational functions in the specific reserved areas identified in chapter 8 of the Constitutional Framework.”
2003-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4886 (2003) · source
“A steering group, co-chaired by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and the Kosovo Prime Minister, has been formed to lead the process and in its first meeting on 10 December set up five joint UNMIK/Provisional Institutions of Self-Government working groups, which will elaborate an implementation workplan. At present, Provisional Institutions of Self-Government representatives are actively participating in the drafting of the workplan. As was the case with the standards document, UNMIK intends to keep Belgrade fully abreast of the process of elaboration of the work plan. We will keep the Council regularly informed on developments and, once the plan is complete, it will be presented to this Council.”
2003-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4886 (2003) · source
“The Special Representative of the Secretary-General is discussing the wording of the introduction with the Prime Minister. The standards document will be followed by a joint implementation workplan for the Provisional Institutions to provide transparency and clarity to all involved. The workplan will set out in detail the specific, concrete and measurable steps that these institutions will need to take towards achieving the benchmarks and will differentiate between the respective responsibilities of UNMIK and the Provisional Institutions.”
2003-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4886 (2003) · source
“There was also disagreement between United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) and the Provisional Institutions on the introduction originally contained in the statement, which included inter alia a sentence on full compliance with resolution 1244 (1999), the Constitutional Framework and other applicable law and the original standards and benchmarks statement. This introduction has had to be omitted for the time being owing to opposition by the Kosovo Albanian leaders of the Provisional Institutions to the term "applicable law." Mr. Holkeri has stated that he will continue his efforts aimed at ensuring that an introduction would be incorporated in the document at a later stage that will be in accordance with these fundamental principles, drawing on language from the Presidential Statement of 12 December.”
2003-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4886 (2003) · source
“Kosovo's President and the Prime Minister, the leader of the Kosovo Democratic Party (PDK), as well as several leaders of non-Serb minority communities who participated in the launch of the document, have stated their commitment to the process. Assembly President Daci and Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK) leader Haradinaj did not attend the launch, despite lengthy consultations on the document and their stated agreement with the standards. Kosovo Serb leaders have also distanced themselves from the document, following a statement issued by the Government of the Republic of Serbia that the document in its current form was unacceptable.”
2003-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4886 (2003) · source
“Holkeri, welcomed in the Council's Presidential Statement of 12 December. The standards document elaborates on the original standards and benchmarks paper and contains detailed benchmarks within each of the eight standards that Kosovo's Provisional Institutions will be required to meet as part of the review process. This document, together with the upcoming joint implementation workplan, will provide the basis for the periodic reviews of the progress achieved by Kosovo's Provisional Institutions in reaching the eight standards. The standards document has been supported by the leaders of Kosovo's Provisional Institutions.”
2003-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4886 (2003) · source
“If the Provisional Institutions have not fulfilled the standards by that time, it is proposed that they should be given a further period in which to work on meeting them, during which the periodic reviews would continue, leading up to the next general review. It is clear that there is no deadline and that the future status process will not start automatically on the review date. A prerequisite for any discussion on Kosovo's future status remains the achievement of the eight standards. At the same time, achieving the standards would lead to a qualitative change in Kosovo, which is a goal in itself and an essential precondition to advance democracy and a multi-ethnic society in Kosovo. An important step in the process was the launch of the "Standards for Kosovo" document on 10 December by Mr.”
2003-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4886 (2003) · source
“Special Representative of the Secretary- General Holkeri, who will be in charge of the review mechanism on the ground, will closely consult and coordinate with key Member States, particularly those in the Contact Group. Depending on progress made towards reaching the standards, as assessed during the periodic reviews, a general review of the Provisional Institutions' progress will be undertaken. A first opportunity for such a general review should occur around mid-2005. During the general review in 2005, progress by the Provisional Institutions towards meeting the eight standards will be assessed. Further advancement towards the process leading to a determination of Kosovo's future status will depend on the positive outcome of the comprehensive review.”
2003-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4886 (2003) · source
“The initiative is designed to give new momentum to the "standards before status" policy and to structure and refocus the work of the Kosovo Provisional Institutions on meeting the benchmarks contained in the eight standards: functioning democratic institutions; rule of law; freedom of movement; returns and reintegration; economy; property rights; dialogue with Belgrade; and the Kosovo Protection Corps. As stated in the recent Presidential Statement, the review mechanism, under the authority of the Council, envisages regular and structured reviews of the Provisional Institutions' progress in meeting the standards, based on the assessments contained in the Secretary-General's quarterly reports to the Security Council.”
2003-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4886 (2003) · source
“Mr. Guehenno: Thank you, Mr. President, for this opportunity to brief the Security Council on recent developments in Kosovo since Mr. Holkeri's last briefing on 30 October. The past two months have been eventful in Kosovo, particularly with regard to political developments that chart a way forward in Kosovo in accordance with resolution 1244 (1999) and the agreed policy of "standards before status". On 5 November, an initiative to establish a mechanism to review the Kosovo Provisional Institutions of Self-Government's progress towards meeting the benchmarks in the "standards before status" policy, endorsed by this Council, was launched under the auspices of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Holkeri.”
2003-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4886 (2003) · source
“We will not be successful against this devastating pandemic if we do not join our efforts and closely coordinate. Working in isolation will not succeed, but if we work as a team, I think we have a chance to succeed.”
2003-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4859 (2003) · source
“Obviously they probably cannot have the same impact that a full time HIV policy adviser can have. Ambassador Cunningham also raised the issue of the question of what would happen to the Headquarters HIV/AIDS policy adviser who is presently funded thanks to a contribution from Denmark, raised by UNAIDS. The existing funding will cover the post until December 2004. I think this gives us time to discuss with UNAIDS how to pursue what we consider a very important and useful function in the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO). Let me conclude by saying that I think this discussion shows how important it is for us to have a very close and practical interaction with the Security Council and with the troop-contributing countries on the question of HIV/AIDS.”
2003-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4859 (2003) · source
“We believe that this will help us evaluate, with greater accuracy, the levels of awareness and risk practices in the field and also the levels of efficiency and effectiveness of our own programmes. That will also allow us to answer one of the questions raised by Ambassador Cunningham, namely, comparing the respective impacts of focal points versus HIV policy advisers. HIV policy advisers have so far been deployed in missions that were bigger than the missions where the focal points have been deployed. As we gather more statistics we will be in a good position to assess what are the most effective programmes that we conduct and also the most effective structures that we deploy in the field. Focal points usually are medical personnel whose work covers a range of medical issues, and HIV/AIDS is one of those issues.”
2003-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4859 (2003) · source
“Those programmes provide the background and foundation for an effective effort once troops are deployed in a peacekeeping context. The issue of data has been raised by several delegations. I think we have to recognize that, unfortunately, there is still a general lack of reliable information on HIV rates in conflict and post-conflict countries. As one would expect, statistics are particularly weak in countries that have been afflicted by severe conflict. That makes it very difficult to judge the exact impact of a peacekeeping operation on national HIV prevalence. We believe this is an area where we have to make progress. That is why we are developing survey tools, with UNAIDS, such as the knowledge, attitude and practice questionnaire that I mentioned in my briefing.”
2003-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4859 (2003) · source
“Mr. Guehenno: Let me at the outset thank all the members of the Security Council for the strong support they have expressed for our efforts and the joint efforts we conduct with the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). Let me also thank the members of the Council for their own national efforts. Several Council members have described the programmes they have developed for their national military. These programmes are very important for us. Peacekeeping often occupies just a moment in a military career; therefore it is essential that the partnership that I was describing become part of the programmes that are developed at the national levels, apart from what happens within the context of peacekeeping.”
2003-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4859 (2003) · source
“Conducting a similar survey within DPKO will help us to further develop our learning strategy for staff. We need to ensure that we have dynamic and responsive HIV/AIDS programmes for the entire duration of a peacekeeping mandate. Our efforts to date are only the initial steps in what we envisage as an expanding and constantly evolving programme. That will mean fully staffing and supporting the HIV/AIDS offices; it will also mean strengthening existing partnerships and building new ones within the United Nations, with host nations and with Member States. If we are ever to turn the tide on this devastating pandemic, statements of good intentions must be translated into concrete and sustained action on the ground.”
2003-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4859 (2003) · source
“In Ethiopia and Eritrea, such a task force has proved instrumental in maintaining the energy of the Mission's response. How do we measure the impact of our efforts? How do we know that behaviour is changing? Reliable data on HIV prevalence rates rarely exist in conflict- affected countries, and we are not in a position to carry out epidemiological surveillance of peacekeeping troops. But DPKO is carrying out more systematic mission assessments. We are working with UNAIDS to set up monitoring and evaluation systems, using such tools as a knowledge, attitude and practice survey specifically designed for the environment of peacekeeping operations. UNAIDS and the United Nations Children's Fund conducted a survey on the implementation of the United Nations workplace policy on HIV/AIDS in order to identify and respond to shortcomings.”
2003-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4859 (2003) · source
“DPKO is also working to assist host nations at the strategic level. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, for example, the HIV/AIDS policy adviser is providing guidance to the national armed forces on how to mainstream awareness programming. All policy advisers are members of the respective host-country United Nations Theme Groups on HIV/AIDS. Those Theme Groups assist in the development and implementation of national strategies to respond to the epidemic. Equally important, our strategy has been to reinforce support for the issue within DPKO. During a joint conference in New York, Force Commanders and Chief Administration Officers were briefed on DPKO HIV/AIDS-related policy and initiatives. Missions are also setting up HIV/AIDS task forces to develop and oversee implementation of programmes at the field level.”
2003-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4859 (2003) · source
“The United Nations Mission of Support in East Timor is collaborating with Family Health International to ensure that that technical support continues. DPKO also includes HIV/AIDS awareness seminars in its training curriculums for local police forces. I should especially like to acknowledge the very personal role played by the many United Nations Volunteers working in our missions, in reaching out to local populations affected by HIV and AIDS. For instance, in UNMEE, United Nations Volunteers have trained former commercial sex workers in tie-dye techniques to provide them with an alternative source of income. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, United Nations Volunteers held a fund-raising event with MONUC's Afro-Caribbean group. They raised money to cover school fees for children orphaned by AIDS.”
2003-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4859 (2003) · source
“In the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE), awareness programmes involve both contingents and the larger community. They target commercial sex workers, hotels, schools, youth and women's groups and local institutions. The Mission's work with the Eritrean and Ethiopian armed forces is the subject of the first in a series of UNAIDS case studies on engaging uniformed services in the fight against AIDS. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the HIV/AIDS policy adviser has worked with street children and local police. And in Timor-Leste, a six-week schedule of living testimony by an HIV- positive trainer included a special HIV peer education programme for the Timorese police force and local non-governmental organizations.”
2003-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4859 (2003) · source
“Our efforts focus not only on how to reduce the risks of HIV transmission, but also on how to capitalize on the positive potential of peacekeepers as agents of change. When we train troops in gender awareness, human rights and child protection, we hope to influence not only their own behaviour, but also their ability to recognize and respond to sexual violence and exploitation. That is part of creating a more secure environment; it is central to our mandate. Peacekeepers can also share their knowledge about HIV with the local population. In Sierra Leone, for example, troops have organized sensitization workshops, cultural programmes, sporting activities and dramatic presentations to increase the level of HIV awareness in local communities. HIV/AIDS policy advisers frequently include local groups in their training sessions.”
2003-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4859 (2003) · source
“DPKO also just conducted an assessment in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to assist in planning for voluntary counselling and testing facilities in the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC). The effort will continue into 2004, when other missions will be assessed. DPKO has also concluded a memorandum of understanding with the United Nations Population Fund for the provision of reproductive health items. Condoms are now available to both staff and uniformed personnel in all missions. Post-exposure prophylaxis kits are held at our medical facilities for cases of occupational exposure to HIV and of rape. Screened blood supplies for transfusions have long been part of our mission medical support.”
2003-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4859 (2003) · source
“A number of Member States opposed that approach, and therefore it has not been formally pursued. It is the intention of DPKO to bring this matter before the 2004 meeting of the post- Phase V Working Group, and I very much hope that the necessary consensus can be reached at that time. DPKO is introducing voluntary confidential counselling and testing capabilities into missions. Such counselling and testing have been available in Timor- Leste since February of this year. A voluntary confidential counselling and testing centre has now been established in our Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea. The Mission recently held a two-week training course for HIV/AIDS counsellors; the 21 participants included military and civilian staff as well as United Nations Volunteers. The Mission in Sierra Leone is planning a similar training session.”
2003-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4859 (2003) · source