YouSaid · the spoken record

Hardeep Singh Puri

lines on the record: 886
first: 2009-11-25
most recent: 2013-02-12
sittings or episodes: 121
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 shall now make a statement in my national capacity. At the outset, I would like to thank the Secretary- General, His Excellency Mr. Ban Ki-moon, for his participation and statement in today's open debate. I also want to join the Secretary-General and other colleagues members of the Security Council in condemning in the strongest terms the bombing of the 11-4815] United Nations building in Abuja, Nigeria, this morning. It caused numerous deaths and injuries, and I join others in expressing our deep sympathy and condolences to the victims of this heinous crime and to their families and to the people and Government of Nigeria. I also join the Secretary-General in conveying to the larger United Nations family our deepest sympathies on this tragic terrorist action.”
2011-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6603 (2011) · source
“loannis Vrailas, Deputy Head of Delegation and Charge d'Affaires ad interim of the Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations, to participate in this meeting. Under rule 39 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure, I invite His Excellency Mr. Tete Antonio, Permanent Observer of the African Union to the United Nations, to participate in this meeting. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. I wish to draw the attention of Council members to document S/2011/496, which contains a letter dated 5 August 2011 from the Permanent Representative of India addressed to the Secretary-General, transmitting a concept paper on the item under consideration. I welcome the presence of the Secretary-General, His Excellency Mr. Ban Ki-moon, and invite him to take the floor.”
2011-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6603 (2011) · source
“United Nations peacekeeping operations Peacekeeping: taking stock and preparing for the future Letter dated 5 August 2011 from the Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General (S/2011/496) The President: Under rule 37 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representatives of Argentina, Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, Croatia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Guatemala, Hungary, Indonesia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Morocco, Nepal, Norway, Pakistan, Peru, the Philippines, Senegal, Serbia, Slovenia, Sri Lanka, Tunisia, Uganda, Ukraine, Uruguay and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to participate in this meeting. Under rule 39 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure, I invite Mr.”
2011-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6603 (2011) · source
“I request the members of the Security Council to observe a minute of silence in commemoration of the tragic bombing of the United Nations compound in Abuja, Nigeria. The members of the Security Council observed a minute of Silence. Adoption of the agenda The agenda was adopted.”
2011-08-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6603 (2011) · source
“I thank Mr. Pascoe for his briefing. I now invite Council members to informal consultations to continue our discussion on the subject. The meeting rose at 10.30 am.”
2011-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6602 (2011) · source
“Under rule 39 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure, I invite Mr. Lynn Pascoe, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, to participate in this meeting. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. I now give the floor to Mr. Pascoe.”
2011-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6602 (2011) · source
“I thank Mr. Moussa very much for his briefing. There are no further speakers inscribed on my list. I now invite Council members to informal consultations to continue our discussion on the subject. The meeting rose at 10.25 am. 11-45727”
2011-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6601 (2011) · source
“Under rule 39 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure, I invite Mr. Abou Moussa, Special Representative of the Secretary- General and Head of the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa, to participate in this meeting. I welcome Mr. Moussa, who is joining today's meeting via video teleconference from Libreville. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. I now give the floor to Mr. Abou Moussa.”
2011-08-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6601 (2011) · source
“I thank Ms. Bragg for her briefing. 11-44894 There are no further speakers inscribed on my list. I now invite Council members to informal consultations to continue our discussion on the subject. The meeting rose at 10.40 am.”
2011-08-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6599 (2011) · source
“Under rule 37 of the Security Council's provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representative of Somalia to participate in this meeting. Under rule 39 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure, I invite Mr. Augustine Mahiga, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia, to participate in this meeting. I welcome Special Representative Mahiga, who is joining this meeting via video-teleconference from Mogadishu. Under rule 39 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure, I invite Ms. Catherine Bragg, Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator, to participate in this meeting. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. I now give the floor to Mr. Augustine Mahiga.”
2011-08-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6599 (2011) · source
“The Security Council has thus concluded the present stage of its consideration of the item on its agenda. The meeting rose at 3.15p.m.”
2011-08-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6598 (2011) · source
“"The Security Council calls on the Syrian authorities to alleviate the humanitarian situation in crisis areas by ceasing the use of force against affected towns, to allow expeditious and unhindered access for international humanitarian agencies and workers, and to cooperate fully with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. "The Security Council requests the Secretary-General to update the Security Council on the situation in Syria within seven days." This statement will be issued as a document of the Security Council under the symbol S/PRST/20l 1/ 16. I now give the floor to those representatives who wish to make a statement.”
2011-08-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6598 (2011) · source
“"The Security Council notes the announced commitments by the Syrian authorities to reform, and regrets the lack of progress in implementation, and calls upon the Syrian Government to implement its commitments. "The Security Council reaffirms its strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Syria. It stresses that the only solution to the current crisis in Syria is through an inclusive and Syrian-led political process, with the aim of effectively addressing the legitimate aspirations and concerns of the population which will allow the full exercise of fundamental freedoms for its entire population, including that of expression and peaceful assembly.”
2011-08-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6598 (2011) · source
“After consultations among Council members, I have been authorized to make the following statement on their behalf: "The Security Council expresses its grave concern at the deteriorating situation in Syria, and expresses profound regret at the death of many hundreds of people. "The Security Council condemns the widespread violations of human rights and the use of force against civilians by the Syrian authorities. "The Security Council calls for an immediate end to all violence and urges all sides to act with utmost restraint, and to refrain from reprisals, including attacks against State institutions. "The Security Council calls on the Syrian authorities to fully respect human rights and to comply with their obligations under applicable international law. Those responsible for the violence should be held accountable.”
2011-08-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6598 (2011) · source
“As this is the first meeting of the Council for the month of August 2011, I should like to take this opportunity to pay tribute, on behalf of the Council, to His Excellency Mr. Peter Wittig, Permanent Representative of Germany, for his services as President of the Security Council for the month of July 2011. I am sure I speak for all members of the Council in expressing deep appreciation to Ambassador Wittig and his delegation for the great diplomatic skill with which they conducted the Council's business last month. Adoption of the agenda The agenda was adopted. The situation in the Middle East The President: The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda.”
2011-08-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6598 (2011) · source
“We owe it to ourselves and to future generations of Israelis and Palestinians to ensure that they do not remain mired in conflict, but live in peace and security.”
2011-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6590 (2011) · source
“India has been assisting in the capacity- and institution-building of the Palestinian people with material and technical assistance programmes. Through the India, Brazil and South Africa forum, India has extended assistance. India is also contributing $1 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, continuing our solidarity with the Palestinian people in their pursuit of legitimate goals and quest for development based on dignity and self-reliance. In addition, we have provided untied budgetary support of $10 million to the Palestinian Authority for each of the past two years. In conclusion, let me reiterate our expectation that the parties will restart talks without further delay. These talks should lead to a final and comprehensive resolution of the Middle East conflict.”
2011-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6590 (2011) · source
“We are therefore afraid that if the peace talks do not recommence quickly, unilateral steps by the parties will ensue, which would increase the distance between them and make it more difficult to find a comprehensive settlement. We therefore call on the members of the Quartet to intensify their collective and individual efforts to break the stalemate. India has a long-standing tradition of solidarity with the Palestinian people. India has supported the Palestinian people's struggle for a sovereign, independent, viable and united State of Palestine, with East Jerusalem as its capital and living within secure and recognized borders, side by side and at peace with Israel, as endorsed in the Arab Peace initiative, the Quartet Road Map and relevant Security Council resolutions.”
2011-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6590 (2011) · source
“Unless this essential step is taken and peace talks resume, the growing desperation may lead the parties to actions that could spiral out of control. As the month of September approaches, it is important to realize that there is limited time for Palestinians and Israeli to seize the opportunity. Other issues relating to Arab lands that remain under Israeli occupation are equally important. Progress on the Lebanese and Syrian tracks constitutes the essential core to achieving a comprehensive and durable peace in the region. In a region witnessing protests movements all around, the continuing impasse in peace talks could have destabilizing effect on a much larger area. In this context, the events of 15 May and 5 June show how fragile the situation is and how easily violence can be incited on a larger scale, destabilizing the whole region.”
2011-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6590 (2011) · source
“The blockade of Gaza is not only adversely affecting the population, but also driving militant elements to vent their frustration through violence, thereby further complicating the situation on the ground and increasing Israel's vulnerability and security concerns. The stalemate in peace talks and the grim humanitarian situation can further complicate an already fragile situation. We share the sense of the international community that the freezing of settlement activity in the Palestinian territories could enable the peace talks to resume. We therefore call upon Israel to implement Prime Minister Netanyahu's address to the Knesset in May this year, wherein he said that Israel could consider territorial compromise in return for security and recognition. Putting a stop to settlement activities should be the first step in this process.”
2011-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6590 (2011) · source
“This hope was yet again belied when the Quartet meeting Washington, DC, on 11 July ended without any statement. Over the past few years, the Palestinian authority has made significant progress in building State institutions, improving the economy of the West Bank and rapprochement with various factions, including Hamas. This progress has invited commendation from the international community at large. The State- building efforts of the Palestinian Authority have, however, reached their geographical and institutional limits. Any further progress would require the resumption of talks on final status issues. The humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, meanwhile, remains a cause for serious concern.”
2011-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6590 (2011) · source
“The unity between the Palestinian parties should not only end the division between the West Bank and Gaza, but also create State institutions in Gaza. To this end, we hope that the Palestinian parties will succeed in the speedy implementation of the reconciliation agreement. We also hope that Hamas will not only accept the State of Israel as a reality, but also cooperate with the Palestinian Authority to deal with Israel's security concerns. Stalemate in the peace talks, however, appears to be giving rise to a sense of desperation in the Palestinian territories. For more than four months now, the monthly debates on the Palestinian issue in this Council have hinged on the hope that the Quartet would put forward a set of practical steps that could enable Palestinians and Israelis to resume talks.”
2011-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6590 (2011) · source
“At the outset, I would like to welcome you, Mr. President, to New York and thank you for chairing this open debate. I would also like to thank Special Coordinator Robert Serry for his comprehensive briefing and the Permanent Representative of Israel and the Permanent Observer of Palestine for their statements, which we have carefully noted. Since our last open debate on this item in this Council (see S/PV.6520), the Palestinian factions have signed an agreement. The main elements of the agreement include reform of the Palestine Liberation Organization, the holding of elections by May 2012, and the establishment of unified agencies, national reconciliation and a joint committee to implement the agreement.”
2011-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6590 (2011) · source
“When confronted with the question of an existential threat to the small island States, I am reminded of the words of Mahatma Gandhi that "all compromise is based on give and take, but there can be no give and take on fundamentals". Let us do our best for the small island States and for humankind.”
2011-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6587 (2011) · source
“However, our recent experience of food scarcity, as arose in 2008, and high inflation this year point to the preponderance of factors far removed from climate change that are holding global food security to ransom. Agricultural protectionism, excessive speculation in food commodity trading and the diversion of crops to non-food purposes are leading us to an unsustainable global food situation. This calls for urgent global attention. Our efforts to deliberate the possible security implications of climate change will bear fruit only if we realize where the centre of gravity on this issue lies. We must not confuse political motion with action. Climate change needs the collective understanding and support of all Member States. Action must therefore lie in the UNFCCC.”
2011-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6587 (2011) · source
“This would also lighten the burden of preventive diplomacy, which has been so passionately argued for by some delegations. In our view, what constitutes a bigger concern for international peace and security today is the threat that developing countries face from possible conflicts arising out of inadequate resources for development and poverty eradication. Sustained economic growth and development must therefore be pursued in order to allow developing countries to alleviate poverty and meet basic standards of living for all. This in itself will make them more resilient to climate change vulnerabilities. The concept paper also highlights the vulnerability of food security while postulating its veritable nexus with climate change impact. That may well be the case.”
2011-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6587 (2011) · source
“Preserving the structure of the Kyoto Protocol and its second commitment period, the early disbursement of the Fast Start Finance agreed at Cancun and the operationalization of the Green Climate Fund, the Technology Mechanism and the Adaptation Committee are vital to imparting a renewed momentum to the UNFCCC process. Those who are historically responsible for climate change must come forward with firm greenhouse gas commitments and ensure that there is adequate resource and technology flow to developing countries, in particular the small island States, to allow them to adapt to climate change. If we are successful in undertaking the necessary mitigation and adaptation measures, our preoccupations about the security implications of climate change, which in any case are yet to be fully established, would to a large extent be put to rest.”
2011-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6587 (2011) · source
“If we are serious about addressing the vulnerabilities arising out of climate change, then our deliberations on climate change must focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and strengthening the adaptive capacities of vulnerable countries. Our agreed global goal for climate stabilization by limiting the increase in global average temperature below 2Â°C above preindustrial levels needs to be backed by mitigation commitments based on the principles of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities and equity.”
2011-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6587 (2011) · source
“In this context, it is worth keeping in mind that while the Security Council can debate the issue and may recognize the vulnerabilities and threats induced by climate change, it does not have the wherewithal to address the situation. The existential threat to island States or the emergence of food insecurity as a result of climate change cannot be resolved or remedied by the Council under Article 39 of the United Nations Charter. Clearly, these issues need a broader approach anchored in development, adaptive capacity, risk assessment and institutional build-up. We therefore have some difficulty in accepting the assertion that the effects of climate change go beyond the mandate of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).”
2011-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6587 (2011) · source
“There are also issues of statelessness and the displacement of people that are deeply worrisome. Faced with these challenges, what must the global community do? The answer quite clearly lies first and foremost in taking remedial action today rather than in focusing on the implications of such climate-induced disasters in the distant future. The concept paper for this debate (S/2011/408, annex) states that the purpose of today's engagement is to allow the Council to deliberate the security implications of climate change, consistent with its mandate, and to advance the dialogue on this issue from the security perspective.”
2011-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6587 (2011) · source
“This is also corroborated by the Secretary-General's report entitled "Climate Change and its possible security implications", which concludes that "[w]hile climate modelling has made considerable advances in forecasting the future behaviour of natural systems over long time spans, the science of climate change and its physical impacts still confronts a number of uncertainties" (A/64/350, para. 8). Sea-level rise, on the other hand, is happening. There is verifiable evidence to suggest sea-level increases of a metre or more by 2100, which could lead to the disappearance of several small island States and the submergence of low-lying coastal areas in many littoral States. We are particularly aware of its gravity, given the vulnerability of our own people living on island chains and in coastal areas.”
2011-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6587 (2011) · source
“Climate change, in an overarching sense, is beginning to impact the security of the global community in the same way as poverty, food security and underdevelopment continue to undermine international well-being. Sweeping generalizations about climate change leading to droughts, floods, changes in weather patterns, water and food scarcity, and violent conflicts are, however, yet to be fully tested against empirical and scientific analyses. The Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and other scientific authorities unequivocally speak of this uncertainty.”
2011-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6587 (2011) · source
“At the outset, I would like to thank the Secretary-General and Executive Director Achim Steiner of the United Nations Environment Programme for their statements. The interest and participation that today's open debate has evoked testifies to the importance that we all attach to the subject of climate change. I would therefore like to particularly acknowledge the presence of His Excellency the President of Nauru and of other dignitaries in our midst today. I look forward to hearing their views on the issue under our consideration. It is a challenge that lies at the forefront of the global development agenda and that is close to the hearts of small island States, for which it poses an existential threat.”
2011-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6587 (2011) · source
“We recognize that the Sudan and South Sudan will face enormous challenges in the years ahead as they chart their independent destinies. For its part, India is ready to assist this process, both on a bilateral basis and on the basis of its rapidly growing interaction with Africa. On behalf of the Government and the people of India, may I once again congratulate the leadership of both the Sudan and South Sudan on their statesmanship and their commitment to peace and to the welfare of their peoples. India stands ready to extend all possible assistance on their path to progress and prosperity.”
2011-07-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6583 (2011) · source
“The Sudan is a major beneficiary under India's technical and economic cooperation programme. To continue our engagement with South Sudan under this programme, 75 additional positions have recently been announced for South Sudan. The Pan-African e-Network Project undertaken by India in Africa has been a huge success. We are considering extending the entire package of Pan- African e-Network, including its tele-medicine and tele-education components, to South Sudan. As already indicated by the Foreign Minister of Brazil, India also intends to work alongside Brazil and South Africa as part of the India, Brazil and South Africa (IBSA) group and drawing on the IBSA Fund, on projects that benefit the peoples of both the Sudan and South Sudan.”
2011-07-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6583 (2011) · source
“In keeping with this spirit of seeing a peaceful and prosperous region, we also support all ongoing efforts towards achieving peace in the Sudan, including the Darfur issue. We would like this issue to be resolved soon. Our appreciation is due to the State of Qatar and the African Union High-Level Implementation Panel on the Sudan, led by Mr. Thabo Mbeki, who has played a very significant role in that regard. India has been one of the largest troop- contributors to the United Nations Mission in the Sudan (UNMIS), in addition to the notable contribution of Indian police officers to both UNMIS and the Government of South Sudan. We recently pledged $5 million for development assistance to South Sudan as well as other capacity- building projects under our aid to Africa and India- Africa Forum Summit programmes.”
2011-07-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6583 (2011) · source
“We have watched the progress made in its implementation with keen interest and are happy to see an important CPA landmark achieved with South Sudan's independence. We are sure that outstanding CPA issues, like the status of Abyei, among others, will also be dealt with by both sides in the same spirit of cooperation and mutual accommodation. In that regard, we deeply appreciate the work done by Special Representative of the Secretary-General Menkerios in overseeing the implementation of the CPA and maintaining peace in the region. We are happy to note the agreement between both sides to demilitarize Abyei, which demonstrates the will of the two sides to jointly move ahead towards a negotiated settlement.”
2011-07-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6583 (2011) · source
“It will soon be upgraded to an embassy. We look forward to the continued growth and diversification of these relations as the two Sudans chart their independent destinies. There have recently been exchanges of high-level visits from both sides. These interactions have facilitated substantial exchanges of views for charting the course of action and future road map for intensifying our relations with both Khartoum and Juba. For India, the two entities of Sudan taken together remain a major force and partner in Africa. The recent India-Africa Forum Summit held in Addis Ababa testifies to our commitment to working together with our African friends for the collective development of Africa. India was witness to the Naivasha Agreement of January 2005, which established the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.”
2011-07-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6583 (2011) · source
“As a member of the Security Council, it has been our great pleasure to be associated with the adoption today of resolution 1999 (2011), which will lead to the General Assembly accepting the Council's recommendation on South Sudan's application for United Nations membership. We look forward to South Sudan joining the United Nations as a full-fledged Member as of tomorrow. India and the Sudan have deep-rooted ties. For over 100 years, people of Indian origin have made the Sudan their home. Nearly 10,000 persons of Indian origin live in Khartoum, Omdurman, Wad Madani and Port Sudan. The economic interaction between our two countries is substantial and our two-way trade amounts to approximately $1 billion per year - the largest among the countries of Africa. India was one of the first Asian countries to open a consulate in Juba.”
2011-07-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6583 (2011) · source
“The Government of India commends the leaders of both the Sudan and South Sudan, who have shown exemplary patience and maturity in order to see the fulfilment of this important Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) landmark, which India supported from its very beginning in 2005. We therefore convey our congratulations to both parties for successfully marching to this day. India and the Sudan share the most cordial of relations. We are deeply committed to the development, peace and prosperity of the Sudan. It is in that context that India welcomes the developments over the past year in the Sudan that have brought peace closer to this troubled land. In particular, we welcome the emergence of South Sudan as a new State, the newest member of the international community and soon the one-hundred and ninety-third State Member of the United Nations.”
2011-07-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6583 (2011) · source
“A moment comes, which comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends, and when the soul of a nation, long suppressed, finds utterance". Today is one such moment of a tryst being kept with destiny when, after a long struggle, the voice of the people of South Sudan has found expression. Let me at the outset convey the Government of India's warm welcome to the new State of South Sudan, born on 9 July after a peaceful and transparent referendum where the people of South Sudan voted to form a new State. Our Vice-President, His Excellency Mr. Hameed Ansari, participated in the joyous celebrations in Juba on 9 July.”
2011-07-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6583 (2011) · source
“It gives me great pleasure to welcome Vice-President Riek Machar Teny-Dhurgon and the other members of his delegation to the Council on this historic occasion. I also wish to welcome to the Security Council the Ministers from Brazil, Bosnia-Herzegovina, South Africa, Germany, France, Portugal, the Russian Federation and the United Kingdom. Their presence in our midst today underlines the importance we all attach to this occasion. I would like to thank Under-Secretary- General Le Roy and my colleague, the Permanent Representative of the Sudan, His Excellency Mr. Ali Osman, for their comprehensive statements. Sixty-four years ago, India's first Prime Minister Pandit J awaharlal Nehru, declared, "at the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom.”
2011-07-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6583 (2011) · source
“In concluding, I would like to quote an English author who said that "children begin by loving their parents; after a time, they judge them; rarely, if ever, do they forgive them". We must not be found lacking in our efforts if we expect any chance of forgiveness from the children of our future.”
2011-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6581 (2011) · source
“However, we cannot lose sight of the economic and social marginalization of the poorest nations that is driving hundreds of millions of children towards childhoods that could well make them part of tomorrow's problems rather than tomorrow's solutions. We need to address this broader picture of the destitution and desperation that claim even more lives than armed conflict and often pave the way for a fresh cycle of violence. This dynamic, unfortunately, neither attracts international media attention nor appears on the Security Council's agenda. Nevertheless, in our discussions here the Council must ensure its clear focus in order not to lose sight of the emergency before it, which constitutes a global challenge.”
2011-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6581 (2011) · source
“My country would encourage the Special Representative to work with national authorities in developing capacities to deal with children in armed conflict. We believe that support for efforts by national authorities to end impunity and ensure accountability should be a key focus area. The monitoring and reporting mechanism requires the involvement of Member States and close supervision by them in order to ensure veracity and credibility. We expect that the processes of data collection and analysis and of listing and de-listing will be carried out in a transparent and judicious manner under the close supervision of Member States. Vast numbers of children are affected and traumatized by armed conflict.”
2011-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6581 (2011) · source
“We consider civil society to be a valued partner in our national and international efforts on children's issues. India has been at the forefront of converting the Council's word into deed through its peacekeeping mandates. More than 100,000 Indian troops and police officers have participated in peacekeeping operations over the past five decades. Based on our experience on the ground, we would like to emphasize that the central challenge to the implementation of the Council's mandates is the question of resources. I am sure that Special Representative Coomaraswamy, whose zeal is remarkable, will agree with me when I say that peacekeeping missions require more child protection advisers with more resources.”
2011-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6581 (2011) · source
“The Government of India accords the highest priority to ensuring that the rights of children in India are protected. Nineteen per cent of the world's children are Indian, and we have created a legal and institutional framework to protect and promote their rights and their well-being. A national charter for children has been adopted. Free and compulsory education up to the age of 14 years has been declared a fundamental right that is enforceable. A National Commission for the Protection of Children has also been set up and a national plan of action for children has been adopted. The Government of India is committed to creating, through these and other initiatives, a protective environment for children. In this connection, I would also like to point out that Indian civil society is an integral part of that framework.”
2011-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6581 (2011) · source
“My delegation believes that the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations must be followed consistently and scrupulously. Member States should not outsource the exercise of their basic prerogatives and responsibilities to international civil servants. The actions of the international community that have legal and judicial characteristics must be in accordance with the doctrine of natural justice and separation of powers. The principle of audi alteram partem - or "hear the other side" - must be adhered to. Mandate creep must be checked and countered. India deplores grave violations and crimes committed against children during war. We have ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child and its Optional Protocols, and are committed to the norms and practices associated with this international regime.”
2011-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6581 (2011) · source
“We have engaged constructively in the ongoing efforts to make the work of the United Nations more relevant and effective in this area. We strongly support the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict. We have participated actively in its deliberations and will continue to contribute to the strengthening of a regime that protects children in situations of armed conflict. The work being done by the international community in this area is in some ways on the cutting edge of international politics and international law. We need to move forward with deliberation, taking into account the concerns and experiences of Member States. India has a number of concerns about the manner in which Security Council resolutions in this area are being interpreted. Several representatives who have spoken before me have raised the same concerns.”
2011-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6581 (2011) · source
“They do so as other, more fortunate children embark upon lives of unprecedented prosperity and promise. President Nelson Mandela has said that "we owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear". This is, in some ways, the primary responsibility of every Government - the most important element of the social contract between Governments and citizens. The work of the United Nations on children in general, and on children and armed conflict in particular, is therefore among its most important activities. India believes that the international community has the responsibility and, indeed, the obligation to do its utmost to provide succour to children affected by armed conflict.”
2011-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6581 (2011) · source