YouSaid · the spoken record

Hannesson

lines on the record: 133
first: 2003-10-29
most recent: 2008-12-18
sittings or episodes: 21
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

“Resolution 1325 (2000) was a groundbreaking step forward in reaffirming the importance of the equal participation and the direct involvement of women in conflict prevention, peacekeeping and peacebuilding, as many have said before me. By its adoption, it was finally recognized that women have an important role to play in peace processes and in achieving sustainable peace in conflict regions. That landmark resolution is a challenge to us all, for it requires a fundamental change in procedure, delivery, attitudes and habits. Since the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000), considerable attention has been paid to its implementation within the United Nations. That has been appropriate as we focus on ensuring the mainstreaming of a gender perspective throughout the work of the Organization.”
2005-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5294Resumption1 (2005) · source
“Allow me, first, to express the satisfaction of my delegation, as a non- member of the Council, at being able to discuss the issue of women and peace and security in an open meeting on the fifth anniversary of the adoption of Security Council resolution 1325 (2000). We thank you, Mr. President, for convening this meeting. We wish, in particular, to thank the special panellists who spoke to the Council earlier and added valuable points of view to our deliberations. At the outset, my Government would like to express its gratitude to the Secretary-General for his report on women and peace and security, contained in document S/2005/636.”
2005-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5294Resumption1 (2005) · source
“I am certain that the discussion here today will cast valuable light on how the United Nations can continue to improve its approach to peacebuilding. I would like to conclude by reaffirming what we have already said in the General Assembly: Iceland fully supports the proposal of the Secretary-General to establish a Peacebuilding Commission.”
2005-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5187Resumption1 (2005) · source
“Thirdly, the prospects of sustainability must be emphasized at all stages, and civilian experts must demonstrate a strong will, motivation and the ability to transfer their technical expertise and practical know-how to their counterparts. Fourthly, partners must coordinate and cooperate at all levels to avoid the inherent failures of approaches that are insufficiently coordinated. Finally, a long-term perspective is important, because efforts should always be made to outline an exit strategy from the very beginning of a peacebuilding operation. The termination of a conflict does not guarantee sustainable peace. A comprehensive and long-term peacebuilding operation is a necessary continuation of a successful peacekeeping process.”
2005-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5187Resumption1 (2005) · source
“We are also aware that the Department of Peacekeeping Operations has been exploring that approach, and we strongly encourage the United Nations to continue that work actively. Experience in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Afghanistan, Kosovo and Sri Lanka has taught the Icelandic authorities the importance of finding a niche where we have a comparative advantage. As a smaller Member State, we seek out projects where we can bring special expertise to bear. In addition, allow me to mention five basic principles that we have drawn from our experience in the field. First, a mission must be well defined, with a clear strategy and clear objectives. Secondly, the involvement of the local population in both the planning and the implementation phases is highly desirable and in most cases is a prerequisite for a successful outcome.”
2005-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5187Resumption1 (2005) · source
“For a number of years, the Government of Iceland has operated a programme for the rapid deployment of civilian personnel to peacekeeping and peacebuilding missions. The programme, called the Icelandic Crisis Response Unit, maintains a roster of civilian experts who can join international missions on short notice. Our experience shows that there are many well- qualified civilian experts who are willing to be deployed on short notice to areas in which conditions are extremely challenging and for which, in the past, the international community has deemed military missions to be the only feasible option. We therefore believe that there is significant potential for further developing that approach, and we are pleased to see the idea of developing such a mechanism for the United Nations raised in the discussion paper.”
2005-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5187Resumption1 (2005) · source
“By addressing the root causes of conflict through reconciliation, institution-building and both political and economic transformation, durable peace can be established and the recurrence of conflict prevented. Local ownership, coordination of international efforts and harmonization of procedures are all essential for results. Additionally, regional organizations can play an instrumental role in bringing about long-term peace. The discussion paper provides an excellent overview of the key elements of peacebuilding efforts. I would like to focus my comments on one issue: the importance of the rapid and targeted deployment of civilian experts for a successful transition from peacekeeping to peacebuilding and subsequently building the foundations for long-term development.”
2005-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5187Resumption1 (2005) · source
“Let me begin by thanking the Foreign Minister of Denmark for taking part in and presiding over the open debate this morning on post-conflict peacebuilding. I would also like to thank the Danish presidency for the useful discussion paper on this important subject. A year ago, when James Wolfensohn, President of the World Bank, addressed the Security Council, he reminded us that the first question of conflict prevention is to have a growing economy in which people share. He also referred to the remarkable World Bank study, Voices of the Poor, which made it clear that people in poor and conflict-ridden countries want to live in peace. They want opportunity and empowerment, not charity. The complex links between conflict, peace, development and security call for a multidimensional and multisectoral approach to peacebuilding.”
2005-05-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5187Resumption1 (2005) · source
“The ramifications of such sexual misconduct, both for the victims and the international community at large, will be extensive and long-term, and will require disproportionate efforts to counteract. In conclusion, we hope that this debate and the report of the Secretary-General will culminate in an action-oriented resolution by the Security Council that could serve as an effective mechanism in an "era of application" of the internationally agreed norms and standards for the protection of children in armed conflict.”
2005-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5129Resumption1 (2005) · source
“As regards the role of regional and subregional organizations, Iceland has actively contributed to the activities of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in its effort to combat trafficking in human beings. As we know, women and children constitute the majority of such victims. The high - and increasing - number of allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse of local women and children by United Nations peacekeeping personnel around the world, most recently, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, demonstrate an urgent need to review current methods in addressing this problem across all peacekeeping operations. United Nations peacekeeping forces contribute courageously in their thousands around the world. It is, however, vital that they not become part of the problem.”
2005-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5129Resumption1 (2005) · source
“The Secretary-General's proposed action plan provides a basis for concerted action by the Security Council, the International Criminal Court, the Commission on Human Rights and regional organizations, triggered by monitoring reports. The Security Council should be a leader in that process. Iceland supports the recommendation by the Secretary-General to the Security Council to take measures, such as imposing travel restrictions on certain leaders, the imposition of arms embargoes, a ban on military assistance and restrictions on the flow of financial resources to the parties. We fully agree with the recommendations contained in the Secretary-General's report concerning the role of the International Criminal Court. Concrete steps should be taken to ensure prosecution of persons responsible for war crimes against children.”
2005-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5129Resumption1 (2005) · source
“The report records "widespread and unacceptable patterns of Violations" (5/2005/72, para. 57) against children. Armed groups that recruit and use children in armed conflicts are named. During last year's open debate in the Security Council on this issue, there was unanimous support for establishing a monitoring and reporting system. Indeed, the Security Council requested the Secretary- General to devise an action plan to that effect. But, as the Special Representative pointed out in that debate, the monitoring and reporting system "is of little value unless the information compiled can serve as triggers for action" (S/PV.4898, p. 3).”
2005-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5129Resumption1 (2005) · source
“Some tangible results have been made in the course of recent years, as outlined in the report of the Secretary-General (S/2005/72), dated 9 February 2005. There is increased awareness, norms have been put in place and protection of war-affected children has been placed on the international peace and security agenda. In this context, we acknowledge the valuable work of the Special Representative of the Secretary- General for Children and Armed Conflict, Mr. Otunnu. Various organizations and entities of the United Nations, such as UNICEF and the Department of Peacekeeping Operations, have also been pivotal in advancing the protection of children associated with armed conflict. Many non-governmental organizations have also played a vital role. Despite the advances made, the report of the Secretary-General also clearly outlines our failures.”
2005-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5129Resumption1 (2005) · source
“The report concluded, for example, that, first, the nature of intra- State conflict has drawn civilians, including children, to the forefront of battles, and that children thus constitute a high proportion of the victims of war; secondly, children are being deliberately recruited as combatants; thirdly, armed conflict leads to a breakdown in the family support systems so essential to a child's survival and development; fourthly, Government and community support systems collapse; fifthly, children remain disproportionately exposed to the dangers of landmines; and sixthly, during armed conflicts there is a heightened risk of rape, sexual abuse and violence, prostitution and other forms of gender-based violence. The authors of the report presented us with disturbing and often shocking reading, and called for action.”
2005-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5129Resumption1 (2005) · source
“Iceland welcomes the Security Council's decision to deliberate on the important issue of children and armed conflict. We are especially pleased to see you here at this meeting, Mr. Foreign Minister. We would also like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict for his briefing and the representatives of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for their statements. The impact of armed conflict on children has, fortunately, been given greater attention by the international community in recent years. The ground- breaking study done in 1996 laid the foundation for United Nations consideration of this matter.”
2005-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5129Resumption1 (2005) · source
“Since 2000 the Icelandic Government has had a gender expert working at the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) office in Kosovo, and this summer it extended her term until February 2005. UNIFEM. in Kosovo has been playing an important role in advancing gender equality by assisting local women in developing an action plan for gender equality in Kosovo and by providing various courses for municipalities and professionals to enhance gender equality. Furthermore, the Icelandic Government supported UNIFEM's National Committee in Iceland in the organization of a conference on women, war and security, with Elisabeth Rehn, former Minister for Defence of Finland, as keynote speaker, and by financing a report on gender mainstreaming in the Iceland Crisis Response Unit - the Icelandic Peacekeeping Unit.”
2004-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5066Resumption1 (2004) · source
“Even though the international community has set up these mechanisms to react to the horrific repercussions of armed conflict, the responsibility of those States where armed conflict occurs cannot be avoided; they bear primary responsibility for bringing perpetrators to justice. My Government is deeply disturbed by reports of alleged sexual exploitation and sexual abuse committed by United Nations personnel, and we agree with the Secretary-General that such behaviour is absolutely unacceptable. The United Nations and its Member States must do their utmost to root out any signs of such violence. Finally, I would like to make mention of the support the Icelandic Government has given to the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000).”
2004-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5066Resumption1 (2004) · source
“Our only option is to aim to prevent gender-based violence and to make the strongest possible efforts to pursue our goals in that regard. Early-warning mechanisms have a crucial role to play in responding to gender-based violence and to prevent it from reoccurring. Such monitoring efforts must be complemented by practical measures to end impunity and to bring those who are responsible to justice. My Government concurs with the findings of the report of the Secretary-General regarding the important role that the international tribunals for Rwanda and Yugoslavia have played in the jurisprudence on sexual violence under international law. The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court recognizes the specific impact of armed conflict on women by criminalizing gender-based violence.”
2004-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5066Resumption1 (2004) · source
“It is true that armed conflict has a severe impact and widespread repercussions on people and societies in general. Women and girls become especially vulnerable as the infrastructure disintegrates during the period of conflict and the security network within their society breaks down. Under such circumstances, the protection of women and girls against gender-based violence is of the utmost importance. It is regrettable, to say the least, that the international community has thus far not been able to prevent acts of violence against women from occurring during armed conflict, and that we are still today receiving stark and disturbing evidence of gender- based violence in countries such as Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Sudan.”
2004-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5066Resumption1 (2004) · source
“It is now finally acknowledged that women have an important role to play in the establishment and maintenance of peace and security in conflict regions. The implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) requires the same strong efforts as that of any other Security Council resolution. Since the adoption of the resolution, United Nations Member States and other entities have taken important steps to implement it. The report points out that, nonetheless, major gaps and challenges still remain in all areas, including in particular in relation to women's participation in conflict prevention and peace processes. The international community must continue its work, with full resolve and commitment on the part of all stakeholders, and make it a top priority fully to implement the resolution.”
2004-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5066Resumption1 (2004) · source
“Iceland, as a member of the European Economic Area, aligns itself with the statement made earlier by my colleague from the Netherlands on behalf of the European Union, but in addition I would like to make a few remarks. My delegation welcomes this opportunity as a non-Council member to address the Security Council on the subject of women, peace and security, in an open meeting, on the fourth anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000). At the outset, my Government would like to express its gratitude to the Secretary-General for his report on the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000), contained in document S/2004/814. That resolution has proven to be an important milestone for the direct involvement of women in conflict prevention, peacekeeping and peace-building.”
2004-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5066Resumption1 (2004) · source
“The Secretary-General's report makes it clear that there are no easy answers. However, there are brighter aspects, as we have heard this morning from Mr. Jean Arnault. We would like to commend all those who have worked so hard on voter registration. The successful registration of more than 10 million voters, 41 per cent of them women, is truly remarkable.”
2004-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5025 (2004) · source
“Production capacity can be effectively reduced in the long term only through providing farmers with viable alternatives. Part of the equation which has the potential to make drug production less economically attractive is the fluidity of trade routes. Putting the screws on the trade routes would surely help. And of course the demand end of this dirty business needs to be addressed more effectively. Another crucial factor in establishing long-term security is successful disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR). It is my impression that the most difficult of the three related processes, that is reintegration, is also in some ways the most important. Soldiers who hand in guns must be given constructive and meaningful roles in society, or the danger is that they will simply acquire new guns, of which there is a plentiful supply.”
2004-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5025 (2004) · source
“The operating of the airport is key to the successful operation of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), commanded by NATO, and Iceland is strongly committed to that project. I am proud to say that the airport is being run successfully on a 24/7 basis, although I should say that this is despite a far from fully manned team. The long-term human security environment is crucially effected not only by the activities of extremist elements, such as the Taliban and Al Qaeda, but also by the flourishing of criminality, funded principally by the narcotics trade. That illicit trade has three aspects: production capacity, trade routes and users. We must address all aspects if we are to defeat this corrosive threat to the long-term stability of the country.”
2004-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5025 (2004) · source
“In the short term it is essential that the provincial reconstruction teams be reinforced and that a secure environment be established in which peace-building can progress. I would like, on behalf of my Government, to take this opportunity to deplore the increasingly frequent attacks on United Nations and non-governmental organization (NGO) staff in recent weeks, and to express regret - though at the same time understanding - at the withdrawal of Medecins sans frontieres, one of the most courageous of the NGOs, with more than 20 years of experience in the country. Iceland is committed to making its contribution to establishing peace in Afghanistan. Icelandic Foreign Minister Halldor Asgrimsson travelled to Kabul this June to be present at the handover of the management of Kabul airport on 1 June to an Icelandic team.”
2004-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5025 (2004) · source
“I would like at the outset to join other colleagues who have expressed their condolences to you, your Government and the Russian people over the tragic loss of life in the two aeroplane tragedies yesterday. Iceland, as a member of the European Economic Area, fully aligns itself with the statement made by my colleague Ambassador van den Berg on behalf of the European Union a few minutes ago. Let me, however, emphasize briefly a few points. First of all, we would like to express our appreciation to the Secretary-General for his frank and informative report (S/2004/634) on the situation in Afghanistan and to the Special Representative for his briefing this morning. It is clear from the report that the situation gives cause for considerable concern. A central concern is the security situation, both short- term and long-term.”
2004-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5025 (2004) · source
“We urge the parties concerned to cooperate fully with UNMIK and KFOR and to renounce violence, and thereby to facilitate the political process designed to determine Kosovo's future based on Security Council resolution 1244 (1999).”
2004-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4967 (2004) · source
“Iceland provided both air traffic controllers and firefighting personnel. During that period the management of the airport has been upgraded to full International Civil Aviation Organization standards. In looking to future sustainability, Iceland has emphasized the preparation of local operatives. Some 50 firefighters and 20 air traffic controllers have received training. UNMIK has now taken over control of the airport but will continue to be assisted by the Icelandic Civil Aviation Administration on a contractual basis. We emphasize the need for continuation of the peaceful economic and social reconstruction of Kosovo, including a constructive confidence-building dialogue between the communities.”
2004-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4967 (2004) · source
“Iceland, as a member of the European Economic Area, aligns itself fully with the statement just made by Ambassador Richard Ryan on behalf of the European Union, including its welcome to Mr. Harri Holkeri and its strong support for his work and that of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) and the Kosovo Force (KFOR). I would also like, as others have done, to state our appreciation to the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Serbia and Montenegro for his participation here today. Iceland recognizes, along with its partners, the need for long-term practical commitment to the rebuilding of the western Balkan region. In that spirit, at the request of the Secretary-General of NATO, Iceland took over the running of the Pristina airport in March 2003; the personnel included some 200 persons from 13 countries.”
2004-05-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4967 (2004) · source
“It recognizes, inter alia, the specific impact of armed conflict on women by criminalizing sexual and gender violence and puts an end to impunity through ensuring effective investigation and prosecution of those crimes by the Court. It also addresses another very important subject that is reflected in resolution 1325 (2000): by being the most gender-balanced bench of all international judicial institutions, the ICC provides an excellent example of how to ensure the increased representation of women at all decision-making levels.”
2003-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4852Resumption1 (2003) · source
“We welcome the appointment of an interim Gender Adviser to the Department of Peacekeeping Operations. We hope that the permanent position of Senior Gender Adviser will be filled shortly. Staff working directly on gender issues must be included in all peacekeeping operations and afforded effective authority to ensure compliance at all levels. We also encourage the Secretary-General, as a matter of priority, to appoint more women as special representatives and envoys, as called for in resolution 1325 (2000). Iceland was the tenth State to ratify the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC). The entry-into-force of the Statute and the establishment of the Court represent a major breakthrough for the protection of human rights, including those of women.”
2003-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4852Resumption1 (2003) · source
“The Security Council should put the same effort into ensuring the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) as it puts into all its other resolutions. The effectiveness of the United Nations and its international authority ultimately rest on the extent to which it is seen to implement its own decisions. Iceland has consistently supported gender equality and the advancement of women. Resolution 1325 (2000) is an important element of the United Nations agenda in that field. The Icelandic Government has, for the past three years, been financing the post of a gender expert at the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) office in Kosovo, where UNIFEM. has been playing an important role in advancing gender equality. The Icelandic Government stresses the importance of hiring both men and women for the Icelandic peacekeeping unit.”
2003-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4852Resumption1 (2003) · source
“Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) lays down the ground rules for women to play a central role in conflict prevention, peacekeeping and peace-building. The key issue now is implementation. Like those who preceded us, we welcome the decision by the presidency to hold this open debate to mark the resolution's third anniversary. Such debates remain necessary, considering how far we are from full implementation. By adopting the resolution, the Security Council acknowledged that women have a role to play, whether it concerns conflict prevention, peace negotiations, peacekeeping or reconstruction. The United Nations involvement in such processes and its promotion of gender equality is a key element to establish peace and security in conflict regions.”
2003-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4852Resumption1 (2003) · source