YouSaid · the spoken record

Hannesson

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133

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2003-10-29

most recent

2008-12-18

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21

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un-security-council

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1. “Accordingly, Council members have a responsibility to do their utmost to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Resolution 1850 (2008), adopted by the Council on 16 December, provides for the continuation of bilateral negotiations. We welcome the Council's resolution. However, the lack of progress in these negotiations, in parallel with a deteriorating humanitarian and human rights situation in the occupied Palestinian territories, demands changes in approach to the negotiations. In this regard, I call attention to the remarks made by the Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Mr. Martti Ahtisaari, during the recent Nobel Prize ceremony in Oslo, where he called for the Quartet and the international community as a whole to accord high priority and a serious commitment to this most challenging peacebuilding project ahead of us.”

   2008-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6049Resumption1 (2008) · source

2. “The main parties in the peace processes would benefit not only from the substantive input that the IWC could give to the process, but also from the effective working methods the members of IWC have developed to reach agreements among themselves on the major issues. The importance that women have given to the role that a just and sustainable two-State solution could play in the process cannot be overstated. The solidarity among women across the lines of conflict can offer inspiration and hope for their societies as a whole. A just and peaceful resolution to the Israeli- Palestinian conflict is essential to peace and security throughout the region and worldwide. The main role of the Security Council is the maintenance of international peace and security.”

   2008-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6049Resumption1 (2008) · source

3. “We urge both Hamas and Israel to maintain the ceasefire and avoid a resumption of hostilities. As a strong supporter of resolution 1325 (2000), Iceland believes in the importance of women's participation in peace processes. I would like to draw the attention of the Council to the International 08-6603] Women's Commission for a Just and Sustainable Palestinian-Israeli Peace (IWC), a tripartite body involving Israelis, Palestinians and prominent international women leaders with experience in diplomacy and political negotiations. The IWC operates under the chairmanship of the United Nations Development Fund for Women.”

   2008-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6049Resumption1 (2008) · source

4. “This includes the lifting of the access restrictions on the Gaza Strip and the closure regime established in the West Bank, which puts severe restrictions on the freedom of movement of the Palestinians and also affects every aspect of their lives, including their property rights and their right to education, health and employment. This also includes the cessation of all settlement expansion and of the creation of other such stumbling blocks on the ground that are contrary to international law and make it more difficult to realize a two-State solution. On the Palestinian side, the clashes between Hamas and Fatah must end. There must also be a total cessation of rocket attacks from the Gaza Strip, which mainly target civilians and create terror among the Israeli population.”

   2008-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6049Resumption1 (2008) · source

5. “First, allow me to congratulate Croatia on assuming the presidency of the Council for the first time and thank you, Sir, for giving me the opportunity to address the Council in this open debate on the situation in the Middle East. It is distressing, in the year of the sixtieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, to witness the dire humanitarian and human rights situation in the occupied Palestinian territories and to see that the self-determination of the Palestinians has not yet been realized and that the occupation has intensified. While we await results from the continuing negotiations, changes must take place on the ground.”

   2008-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6049Resumption1 (2008) · source

6. “I would like to emphasize that, like my colleague from Germany did earlier this afternoon, that Iceland believes that a strong and effective United Nations gender entity is essential and hopes that it will soon be agreed. We are looking forward to the requested detailed modalities paper from the Secretariat so that the membership can take substantive action before the end of the ongoing sixty-third session of the General Assembly. The United Nations as a whole should redouble its efforts to recruit more women at all levels. The same appeal goes to all Member States. It is our responsibility to ensure that the United Nations has a solid basis to recruit from.”

   2008-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6005Resumption1 (2008) · source

7. “Gender equality and women's empowerment have been a driving force in the development of Iceland's society, contributing to the advancement of women in political decision-making, participation in the formal labour market and progressive legislation on parental leave. I am proud to announce that on 19 June 2008, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs signed a memorandum of understanding with the University of Iceland on setting up an International Research Centre for Gender Equality and a training programme, which will be launched in December this year. The objective of the Centre and the programme is to contribute to research, promote information and provide training on gender equality and gender perspectives, in particular in peacebuilding, post-conflict reconstruction and development.”

   2008-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6005Resumption1 (2008) · source

8. “The work of that group of eminent women from both sides of the community has stood out as a beacon. At this very difficult time in the peace process, that group deserves our continued support. The Icelandic Ministry for Foreign Affairs, in cooperation with the University of Iceland, will host an international conference in Reykjavik in June 2009, with the focus on the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000): how to ensure that women are included in formal and informal peace processes. Iceland introduced a national plan of action for the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) on 8March this year. In relation to the plan, several projects have been funded that directly relate to the goals set out in the action plan, such as research by the Institute for Security Studies on the access of women to peace processes.”

   2008-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6005Resumption1 (2008) · source

9. “Women's inclusion means power-sharing in structures and political contexts where this has often not happened before. At the same time, resolution 1325 (2000) has considerable potential. It already provides a conceptual framework for women around the world to cooperate on bringing about their proper participation. There are also other commitments made by the international community, such as the Beijing Platform for Action, which calls for a 30 per cent minimum representation of women in decision-making bodies. Iceland is of the view that equal participation of women in peace processes is fundamental for achieving, maintaining and promoting sustainable peace and security. In that context, I would like to pay tribute to the work of the International Women's Commission for a just and sustainable Palestinian- Israeli peace.”

   2008-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6005Resumption1 (2008) · source

10. “There is a need to make full use of available expertise, including from human rights mechanisms. Therefore Iceland encourages strengthened partnerships with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. Iceland fully endorses strengthening the human rights monitoring capacity of the Office within peacekeeping operations and country missions. Although some progress has been made in advancing the fight against violence against women in conflict situations as well as in incorporating aspects of resolution 1325 (2000) in peace operations, when it comes to women's access to peace negotiations and political participation in post-conflict situations we have seen less success. Here, the obstacles are harder to overcome.”

    2008-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6005Resumption1 (2008) · source

11. “Security Council resolution 1325 (2000), on women and peace and security, continues to need full and effective implementation. It is well known that women and girls constitute the largest and most vulnerable groups of victims in armed conflicts. Iceland welcomes the adoption of Security Council resolution 1820 (2008), recognizing sexual violence as a security problem requiring a systematic security response by stressing that sexual violence, when used or commissioned as a tactic of war, can significantly exacerbate situations of armed conflict and may impede the restoration of international peace. Impunity continues to be a major problem. A climate of impunity for sexual violence continues to exist. We all have to join forces to end impunity for such crimes.”

    2008-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6005Resumption1 (2008) · source

12. “Those resolutions constitute important steps in the right direction with regard, inter alia, to transparency towards both States and individuals. Further moves towards truly fair and clear procedures should include the introduction of an independent advisory input to the work of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1267 (1999), especially with respect to requests for de-listing. Finally, as the Belgian concept paper points out, efficiency, transparency and interaction are closely intertwined. The Nordic countries will continue to contribute constructively to helping the Security Council function better on all these levels, and Iceland will, if elected to a seat on the Security Council this October, seek to carry forward this important work.”

    2008-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5968 (2008) · source

13. “At the same time, it is important that this approach take place within the United Nations framework and with the Security Council's support. Interaction, transparency and legitimacy in the working methods and procedures of the Security Council's subsidiary bodies, particularly the sanctions committees, are paramount in further strengthening the protection of fundamental rights of individuals and the rule of law. The five Nordic countries would like to recall paragraph 109 of the 2005 World Summit Outcome document regarding the necessity of ensuring "fair and clear procedures for placing individuals and entities on sanctions lists and for removing them, as well as granting humanitarian exemptions" (A/RES/60/1, para. 109). In this regard we welcome the adoption of resolutions 1730 (2006), 1735 (2006) and, most recently, 1822 (2008).”

    2008-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5968 (2008) · source

14. “We are also convinced that additional improvements are needed in the interaction and information flow between, not only the General Assembly and the Security Council, but also the Security Council and the Economic and Social Council and the Peacebuilding Commission, in order to implement the much needed, truly integrated approach to matters related to peace and security. In this regard, we wish to emphasize our continued support for the practice of inviting the chairs of the Peacebuilding Commission to brief the Council on a regular basis. Interaction with regional organizations such as the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the European Union has intensified. We welcome the emphasis on regional organizations' increased responsibility and ownership of efforts to solve regional conflicts.”

    2008-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5968 (2008) · source

15. “In this context, the five Nordic countries would urge the Security Council to take steps, when possible, towards making draft resolutions and presidential statements available to non-Council members as soon as they are introduced in informal consultations of the whole. I would like to pay particular tribute to the work of the independent website Security Council Report, which has made a major contribution, since its relatively recent creation, to transparency and predictability with regard to the work of the Security Council. The Secretariat is also to be complimented on the improvements it has made to the official Security Council website. The webcasts are also very useful and should be continued and expanded if possible.”

    2008-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5968 (2008) · source

16. “Unfortunately, this tradition was discontinued a couple of years ago, and the Nordic countries would like to encourage Council members to take up that practice again. Alternatively, regular reports of the Security Council to the General Assembly, with an assessment by each outgoing presidency, could be instituted. The annual report of the Security Council to the General Assembly should be made as substantial and analytical as possible. The Council could hold an interactive discussion on the annual report when the report is considered by the General Assembly. Transparency should make it easier for non-Council members that have a real interest in or knowledge of a matter to make a contribution. Such contributions are in the interests of all Member States.”

    2008-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5968 (2008) · source

17. “But more detailed explanatory briefings should aim to be as inclusive as possible in order to inform all interested countries about developments on issues before the Security Council that might affect them. Iceland, as a small island State, is greatly aware of the challenges faced by the least developed countries and the small island developing States in this regard. Some years back, members of the Council agreed that interactive wrap-up sessions at the end of a presidency would be useful so as to increase transparency and the availability of information emanating from the Council. Such sessions - some of them held in public - were potential arenas for assessing the Council's contribution and for addressing the issue of lessons learned.”

    2008-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5968 (2008) · source

18. “In addition to the welcome briefings from the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, we would also like to hear from the Department of Political Affairs and the Peacebuilding Support Office, in order to be briefed on political and peacebuilding perspectives as a complement to the peacekeeping and humanitarian perspectives already being provided. The regularity and quality of briefings for non-Council members has increased. The ongoing focus on the issue of transparency has made every member of the Security Council aware of the obligation entailed by Security Council membership to keep the wider United Nations membership informed. On the whole, presidential briefings have worked well.”

    2008-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5968 (2008) · source

19. “The Belgian concept paper underlines the need for a clear understanding of the rationale for the Council's adoption of a specific meeting format. The Nordic countries share this concern and suggest that, when appropriate and clear, the President of the Council could, upon opening the meeting, explain the rationale for choosing the given format. It is of the highest importance that the Council be kept continually informed on political aspects of issues on its agenda. In this respect, we would welcome regular opportunities for briefings from all parts of the Secretariat.”

    2008-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5968 (2008) · source

20. “In agreeing to accept and carry out the decisions of the Security Council, Member States of the United Nations have conferred a tremendous and historically unprecedented amount of power and legitimacy upon a decision-making procedure in which they do not participate directly themselves. It is therefore of utmost importance that the Council, when acting on behalf of all the Member States, take all possible steps to ensure maximum transparency and interaction with Members outside the Council. Furthermore, while the absence of a reform of the Council's membership remains a major gap in the efforts to modernize the United Nations, improving the Council's working methods becomes all the more urgent to secure the necessary transparency, efficiency and interaction among Member States.”

    2008-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5968 (2008) · source

21. “I have the honour of delivering the following statement on behalf of all five Nordic countries, namely, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. First of all, allow me to thank the Belgian presidency of the Security Council for organizing this open debate on the working methods of the Security Council. The group of five small countries (S-5), namely, Costa Rica, Jordan, Liechtenstein, Singapore and Switzerland, also deserves praise for its untiring work in maintaining focus on this very important, though less media-friendly, aspect of Security Council reform.”

    2008-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5968 (2008) · source

22. “This should be dealt with systematically both when mandates for ongoing operations come up for renewal and when mandates for new operations are adopted. We further encourage the Council to follow up on the recommendation by the Secretary-General of developing a monitoring mechanism to improve its contribution to preventing and redressing violence against women in armed conflict. Finally, all the Nordic countries have completed or are in the final stages of completing national implementation plans for resolution 1325 (2000) and encourage other Member States to do the same, as a matter of urgency. We also suggest that lessons learned from countries that have such a plan be used in supporting other countries in preparing their own plans.”

    2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916Resumption1 (2008) · source

23. “Such a working group could assist the Council in reacting rapidly to urgent cases and making proposals on appropriate actions, including emergency obstetric and other sexual and reproductive health services and measures to prevent and treat HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, psychosocial support, as well as early measures to enforce the rule of law and crime victims" access to justice. We support the proposal made by the United States in its concept paper that Security Council mandates should be strengthened to prevent sexual Violence in situations of armed conflict and provide greater protection for women and girls from widespread and systematic attacks by parties to armed conflicts.”

    2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916Resumption1 (2008) · source

24. “Regional bodies are becoming increasingly important actors under the mandate of the Security Council in addressing regional issues of peace and security. Such bodies should be closely linked to the discussions and decisions in relation to women, peace and security. The Secretary-General is encouraged to take a leading role in this matter. The Security Council should seriously consider the establishment of a working group to monitor conflict situations where sexual Violence is widely or systematically used as a weapon of war, as is the case in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Sudan.”

    2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916Resumption1 (2008) · source

25. “The Secretary-General's zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse in United Nations peacekeeping missions should continue and be strengthened. There must be no impunity for peacekeepers either. Again, wider participation by women in such missions would help. The highly successful Indian women's police corps in Liberia is encouraging in this regard, as is the high percentage of women in the group of Nigerian police that Nordic and African police have jointly trained for the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur. It is also important to provide appropriate and recurrent training to all personnel involved in peacekeeping operations, including on ethical conduct and the zero- tolerance policy.”

    2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916Resumption1 (2008) · source

26. “Stronger efforts must be made by the United Nations to include women in discussions on the management and resolution of conflicts and in peacebuilding, including in rebuilding societies, security sector reform, transitional justice and post-conflict political and economic processes. The Secretary-General and relevant United Nations bodies should also redouble their efforts to recruit women to high-level positions. The United 08-3908] Nations system as a whole should intensify its efforts to recruit more women at all levels. The same appeal goes out to all States Members of the United Nations. It is our responsibility to ensure that the United Nations has a solid base from which to recruit.”

    2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916Resumption1 (2008) · source

27. “A key element in ensuring the protection of women and girls from sexual violence during conflicts and in post-conflict situations is the participation of women in decision-making processes in all areas and at all levels. Whether it involves practical protection measures, such as the gathering of fuel in safety, or more complex issues, such as the reintegration of combatants into society, the input and experiences of women are essential to success and sustainability. The participation of women is therefore directly relevant to the maintenance of peace and security. In addition to increasing the presence of women on military and police forces, new avenues must be explored on how to deploy more women in peacekeeping missions, including by establishing civilian observer components.”

    2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916Resumption1 (2008) · source

28. “Clear guidance for peacekeeping missions is also needed on how to make operational the mandate to protect civilians, including women and girls, from sexual violence. That approach calls for strong and specific mandates from the Security Council, as well as sufficient means and more comprehensive reporting by the United Nations system. There is a need to make full use of available expertise, including from human rights mechanisms such as the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Violence against Women. All Member States should ensure that training of peacekeepers includes training on resolution 1325 (2000). Furthermore, it is vital that peacebuilding and reconstruction plans include comprehensive victim- protection and support mechanisms, such as shelters for the victims and their families and gender units within the police.”

    2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916Resumption1 (2008) · source

29. “A climate of impunity on sexual violence continues to exist. We must all join forces to end impunity for such crimes. The Security Council should respond urgently to incidents of sexual violence in conflicts and bring measures to bear to ensure that parties to armed conflict understand clearly that they will pay a heavy price for employing or permitting sexual Violence. All Member States must do their part in ensuring that individuals suspected of such crimes are brought to justice in accordance with the necessary legislation at the national level. We also call on States to cooperate fully with the International Criminal Court, whose Statute explicitly states that rape and other forms of sexual violence can be prosecuted as war crimes or crimes against humanity. Amnesties should not extend to crimes of sexual violence.”

    2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916Resumption1 (2008) · source

30. “It is an issue that has a direct bearing on peace and security, and it is therefore very timely and appropriate that the Security Council is addressing the issue once again. Landmark resolution 1325 (2000) continues to require full implementation. It is clear that the use of rape and sexual violence exacerbates conflicts and also perpetuates them long after active hostilities are over. Such crimes inflict indelible scars on individuals, families and societies, which makes reconciliation and peacebuilding much more difficult. The scars of sexual violence on the psyche of the victims, their families, the children it often results in, and even the perpetrators, are the explosive remnants of war of the mind, erupting unpredictably, doing long-term damage and making reconstruction of a sustainable peace very difficult indeed.”

    2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916Resumption1 (2008) · source

31. “I have the honour of delivering the following statement on behalf of all five Nordic countries - Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden - each of which is sponsoring the draft resolution today. First of all, allow me to thank the United States presidency of the Security Council for having organized this open debate. Women are often victims of armed conflict, but they can also play a central role in preventing and resolving violent conflict as actors in conflict resolution and peacebuilding. The ongoing high incidence of horrific sexual violence against women and girls in conflicts demands the attention of the international community as a human rights matter and as a question of ensuring respect for international humanitarian law.”

    2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916Resumption1 (2008) · source

32. “Last year, all the five Nordic countries articulated their views on such a treaty to the Secretariat. From our perspective, an arms trade treaty is feasible, doable and desirable. We are convinced that such as treaty could facilitate the task for the Security Council. We are also of the view that an arms trade treaty should properly capture key dimensions such as human rights, 08-32416 and development and should contribute to a broader humanitarian agenda. Illicit small arms and light weapons represent a threat to human security, peacebuilding efforts and development. We must forge an even stronger global partnership to combat this menace. The United Nations must be in the lead, but regional institutions play a vital role in our broader international efforts.”

    2008-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5881Resumption1 (2008) · source

33. “Thirdly, the upcoming third Biennial Meeting, to be held in New York, should also consider national implementation of the Programme of Action. It is therefore vital that all Member States submit their national reports in a timely manner. Fourthly, we consider civil society, such as non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and academia, to be important partners, both in shaping policy and in implementation. We support enhanced NGO participation in meetings under the Programme of Action, and not least at the upcoming third Biennial Meeting of States. While the Programme of Action is valuable, we need a legally binding treaty to regulate the arms trade. We look forward to the outcome of the Group of Governmental Experts which has been established to clarify the modalities for an arms trade treaty.”

    2008-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5881Resumption1 (2008) · source

34. “Yet, now the challenge is to ensure that all countries adhere to this politically binding Instrument. Secondly, the Nordic countries have for years called for more effective international cooperation in addressing the question of brokering in small arms and light weapons. We have advocated an international instrument against illicit brokering. Yet, we note that the recent United Nations Group of Governmental Experts has drawn other conclusions. Our challenge is now to identify practical measures which will make a difference in our common efforts to fight illicit brokering. The recommendations made by the Group of Governmental Experts should form the basis of this discussion during the third Biennial Meeting.”

    2008-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5881Resumption1 (2008) · source

35. “We cannot allow the third Biennial Meeting of States under the Programme of Action to fail, as was the case with the 2006 Review Conference. We must aim for a successful third Biennial Meeting that brings the Member States together around the priority issues identified by the Chair-designate and that makes recommendations on improved implementation of the Programme of Action. This will be crucial in order to strengthen international efforts on small arms and light 08-32416 weapons. A successful third Biennial Meeting will pave the way for more ambitious and more effective global work to combat the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in the coming years. First, we must take stock of where we stand on the implementation of the 2005 Instrument on marking and tracing. Most of us would have preferred a legally binding instrument.”

    2008-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5881Resumption1 (2008) · source

36. “In this respect, we must fully recognize the gender implications of this threat. Likewise, we believe that the Peacebuilding Commission must take fully into account the complexities in carrying out its task. We cannot achieve progress unless we engage regional institutions. We must further strengthen the partnership with civil society. The five Nordic countries intend to continue contributing in this joint undertaking. We are ready to provide financial resources, as we have done in recent years. Within the framework of the Nordic-African ministerial meeting, we have met with African colleagues both in Geneva and in New York to discuss specific issues relating to the illicit trade and the proliferation of small arms and light weapons and their negative impact on development in Africa.”

    2008-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5881Resumption1 (2008) · source

37. “Let me reiterate that the five Nordic countries fully support the efforts to deal with the challenges posed by man-portable air defence systems. The United Nations Programme of Action of 2001 remains the global framework for cooperative efforts to combat illicit arms. The five Nordic countries firmly support the full implementation of the commitments set out in the Programme of Action. In doing so, we call for enhanced partnerships with all relevant stakeholders. We call for enhanced cooperation among Governments. All relevant parts of the United Nations family must contribute. In this respect, let me reiterate the importance of the Security Council. It is vital for the Council to address the challenges posed by small arms and light weapons in relation to human security.”

    2008-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5881Resumption1 (2008) · source

38. “I have the honour today to speak on behalf of the five Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden and Iceland. It is a well-known fact that small arms and light weapons maim and kill hundreds of thousands of people every year, create fear and insecurity, divert resources needed elsewhere and hinder post-conflict recovery. Security is a precondition for development, and the interlinkages among security issues, humanitarian problems and development are increasingly recognized. Combating and eradicating the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in all its aspects is therefore fundamental to improving global, regional and national security and necessary social and economic development.”

    2008-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5881Resumption1 (2008) · source

39. “Measures to that end will be discussed at the NATO/International Security Assistance Force summit in Bucharest next month. The role of UNAMA is key in creating a more coherent and unified approach by the international community and vis-a-vis the Afghan Government. Finally, a strengthened role for the United Nations in Afghanistan needs to make use of the capacities and efforts of the entire United Nations system. The activities of the United Nations Country Team should effectively support the implementation of the mandate and overall objectives of UNAMA. We believe the report of the Secretary-General and the comments provided will contribute positively to improved results for the Afghan people through our continued engagement in Afghanistan. We reaffirm our long-term commitment to contribute to that effect.”

    2008-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5851Resumption1 (2008) · source

40. “An integrated approach should not only focus on the immediate security challenges, but combine the political, development and security efforts, so that they better mutually support each other. An integrated approach should also be based on a gender perspective and acknowledge the need for efforts to fight discrimination and strengthen the participation of Afghan women in all those areas and in society at large. Efforts to establish security, including through training the Afghan National Security Forces, are essential. In recognition of the link between security and development, the efforts of the United Nations, the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) should be as coherent and coordinated as possible.”

    2008-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5851Resumption1 (2008) · source

41. “The human rights situation in Afghanistan is precarious at best and human rights abuses are widespread. We encourage the Afghan Government to clearly demonstrate its commitment towards improving and protecting the human rights of all Afghans and to show leadership in championing core human rights issues such as freedom of speech and the rule of law. An independent human rights commission and a strong, pluralistic civil society are important achievements and imperative for introducing internationally recognized human rights standards into Afghanistan. We support the observation of the Secretary- General on the need for a common approach that integrates security, governance, rule of law, human rights and social and economic development.”

    2008-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5851Resumption1 (2008) · source

42. “We welcome the focus of the Secretary-General on sub-national governance, call for a further increase in the United Nations presence at the provincial level and would welcome an update on the efforts made to fill vacant posts in UNAMA to strengthen geographical coverage. Increased coverage would enable the United Nations to better focus on capacity-building for Afghan authorities at all levels and we note the efforts of the national Government in strengthening governance throughout Afghanistan, in particular through the creation of the Independent Directorate for Local Governance. Humanitarian challenges remain extensive, and we are concerned that large areas of the country remain inaccessible to assistance due to insecurity. We look forward to the adoption of the Security Council resolution renewing the mandate of UNAMA.”

    2008-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5851Resumption1 (2008) · source

43. “The provisions of the Afghanistan Compact and national strategies such as the upcoming Afghan National Development Strategy should be the foundations of our engagement. In order to enable UNAMA and the new Special Representative to meet expectations in leading the coordination of international efforts in Afghanistan, the Security Council and United Nations Member States must give them the political backing and authority needed. It is also essential that expectations are matched by resources and the United Nations be given full support to exert its leading role and more fully accomplish all aspects of the UNAMA mandate.”

    2008-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5851Resumption1 (2008) · source

44. “Kai Eide of Norway as his new Special Representative and hope that the discussions in 3 the Security Council will serve to give him and the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) the support and mandate that they need in order to take on the challenging tasks ahead. UNAMA's role in coordination and in providing support to the Afghan authorities must be strengthened with a view to reinforcing Afghan leadership and enhancing international cohesion. That includes coordination with the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), which plays a key role, under a Security Council mandate, in establishing a secure environment for reconstruction and development.”

    2008-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5851Resumption1 (2008) · source

45. “In support of the statement made on behalf of the European Union, I have the honour to address the Security Council on behalf of the five Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden and my own country, Iceland. The five Nordic countries engage in extensive cooperation in Afghanistan and are, by virtue of their coordinated efforts, among the major contributors to the stabilization and reconstruction of the country. We support the emerging consensus that the United Nations must take on a stronger role in the coordination of international efforts and that it must give a much-needed boost to the stabilization and development of Afghanistan, and we welcome this opportunity to reaffirm the central role of the United Nations. We also welcome the Secretary-General's appointment of Mr.”

    2008-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5851Resumption1 (2008) · source

46. “Further progress depends on the willingness to build on this and other successes. The Nordic countries encourage the Security Council to ensure that it pays equal attention to children affected by armed conflict whether the specific situations are on its agenda or not.”

    2008-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5834 (2008) · source

47. “We welcome last week's decision by the Government of Colombia to take part in the mechanism. Furthermore, the Security Council should not shy away from considering effective targeted measures against those who commit grave violations against children. We call on the Working Group to explore the full range of measures to bring persistent perpetrators to book if, for example, they fall dramatically short of 08-2361] their own action plan objectives or choose to ignore the mechanism altogether. The close interest paid to this Security Council open debate bears witness to a widely shared confidence in resolution 1612 (2005) and in the mechanisms set up in its wake. The removal of parties to the conflict in Cote d'Ivoire from the Secretary- General's watch list is one example of the efficacy of resolution 1612 (2005).”

    2008-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5834 (2008) · source

48. “Furthermore, we encourage the Special Representative of the Secretary-General to continue her reporting on that crucial issue. The monitoring and reporting mechanism has greatly enhanced the Security Council's ability to receive reliable and timely information. Its collaborative nature, embodied in the country-level task forces, also highlights the importance of dialogue among the parties to a conflict, the international community and civil society in furthering the interests of children affected by armed conflict. To enhance the relevance of that approach, the Nordic countries encourage the Security Council to continue to call upon parties in all relevant situations of armed conflict to submit concrete time-bound action plans detailing their efforts to end grave violations against children.”

    2008-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5834 (2008) · source

49. “It is in the interest of Governments to cooperate closely with the United Nations monitoring and reporting mechanism to bring to justice the perpetrators of such crimes, for the sake of reconciliation, sustainable peace and development. The five Nordic countries, echoing the recommendation of the Secretary-General, encourage the Security Council to refer violations against children in armed conflicts to the International Criminal Court for investigation and prosecution when national Governments persistently fail to prosecute such crimes. We endorse the Secretary-General's comprehensive recommendation that encourages Member States to conclude a binding instrument prohibiting the use, production, stockpiling and transfer of cluster munitions, which cause unacceptable harm to civilians.”

    2008-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5834 (2008) · source

50. “In line with the recommendations of the report of the Secretary-General and the Working Group on children and armed conflict, we support the inclusion of gender-based violence among the violations listed in the annexes of the Secretary- General's report. Only rarely are those violating the rights of children successfully prosecuted. We welcome the progress made by the International Criminal Court and the Special Court for Sierra Leone in bringing charges against individuals suspected of grave violations of the rights of the child. Nevertheless, increased efforts by national courts are necessary in order to end impunity for those who commit crimes against children.”

    2008-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5834 (2008) · source