YouSaid · the spoken record

Hasmy

lines on the record: 1,114
first: 1996-08-15
most recent: 2002-10-17
sittings or episodes: 116
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

“We feel that the Council should have been able to adopt a draft resolution on the humanitarian issue, after weeks of paralysis in the Council, even as the international community watched in anguish the plight of the refugees and internally displaced persons. We are, of course, equally concerned over the ongoing conflict in Kosovo. We share the views already expressed by other members of the international community on the need for an early political settlement. Nothing would have pleased my delegation more than the Council's adopting a resolution which addressed the Kosovo issue in a comprehensive fashion. Efforts are being made by many international actors, including the Secretary-General of the United Nations, in that direction.”
1999-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4003 (1999) · source
“We are meeting this evening to take action on the draft resolution on the humanitarian situation in and around Kosovo. My delegation is pleased to have played a role, together with Bahrain, in helping move the process forward, culminating in this formal meeting of the Council. We are grateful for the solid support shown by members of the Council, especially those who have contributed important input and sponsored the draft resolution. We are equally grateful to those countries outside of the Council that have joined in sponsoring this draft resolution. My delegation is strongly of the view that, in the wake of the humanitarian tragedy unfolding in and around Kosovo, it is timely for the Council to pronounce itself on the subject.”
1999-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4003 (1999) · source
“We are seriously concerned about the current situation on the ground when, with the withdrawal of international observers and the onset of military actions by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the Yugoslav authorities are likely to unleash their preponderant military might upon the poorly armed Albanians in retaliation. If this happens, the humanitarian impact on the Kosovar civilian population will be enormous and tragic indeed. This aspect of the problem must be immediately addressed by the international community and this Council. My delegation joins others in calling for international readiness to provide humanitarian assistance to the Kosovar Albanians.”
1999-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3988 (1999) · source
“It is regrettable that, given the divisions in the Council on this subject, during the past 13 months it has not been able to address the issue in any meaningful way. It is regrettable that in the absence of a consensus in the Council - thanks, or rather, no thanks, to the irreconcilable differences among permanent members - the Council has been denied the opportunity to firmly and decisively pronounce on this issue, as expected of it by the international community. We regret that in the absence of Council action on this issue it has been necessary for action to be taken outside of the Council.”
1999-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3988 (1999) · source
“If the use of force is at all necessary, it should be a recourse of last resort, to be sanctioned by the Security Council, which has been vested with primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. The ongoing conflict in Kosovo could indeed - and will - have international repercussions, given the still volatile situation in some of the neighbouring countries. In any case, the international community cannot afford to stand idly by, given the dimension of the violence on the ground and the worsening humanitarian conditions in Kosovo in the wake of the repressive military actions carried out by the Serbian and Yugoslav authorities. My delegation would have wished that the crisis in Kosovo could be dealt with directly by the Council.”
1999-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3988 (1999) · source
“Clearly, the Kosovar Albanian side has demonstrated this good faith and political will but, regrettably, the Yugoslav authorities have not. We had hoped that the intensive diplomatic efforts, culminating in the Rambouillet talks in February, which resumed in Paris last week, including all the efforts made right up to the eleventh hour, to secure an agreement from Belgrade, would succeed in finding a peaceful settlement and thereby avert the catastrophic humanitarian situation now unfolding in Kosovo. Regrettably, the hopes and expectations of the international community were dashed by the continued intransigence of the Yugoslav leadership. As a matter of principle, my delegation is not in favour of the use or threat of use of force to resolve any conflict situation, regardless of where it occurs.”
1999-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3988 (1999) · source
“Yugoslavia continues to reject the Rambouillet accords and has rebuffed all efforts to change its mind, while the Kosovar Albanian side has put its signature on them, despite serious reservations on its part. My delegation welcomes the decision by the Kosovar Albanian delegation to sign the Rambouillet accords. By that act, the Kosovar Albanians have chosen the path of peace, instead of continued conflict. That was, indeed, a courageous decision which ought to be commended by the international community and this Council. My delegation believed that the crisis in Kosovo could have been resolved through dialogue and negotiations predicated on good faith and the necessary political will on the part of the parties concerned.”
1999-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3988 (1999) · source
“One thing should be clear: combating the so-called acts of terrorism in Kosovo does not in any way justify gross human rights violations or the failure to respect international norms and international humanitarian law. The Security Council supported the peace process initiated by the Contact Group back in January this year, which was designed to settle the crisis in Kosovo through peaceful means. My delegation cannot fail to express its appreciation for the strenuous efforts made by the members of the Contact Group, and in particular those that were determined to bring about the success of the peace negotiations in Rambouillet, which resumed in Paris last week. Unfortunately, the outcome of the negotiations was not as the international community had expected.”
1999-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3988 (1999) · source
“The intensified terror tactics and military assaults by the Yugoslav forces against the ethnic Albanian community in many parts of the province represent the continuation of a systematic repression by the Yugoslav authorities to drive innocent civilians, especially women and children, out of Kosovo, reminiscent of the policy of ethnic cleansing that was carried out during the dark days of the Bosnian crisis. According to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the current security environment in Kosovo is characterized by a disproportionate use of force, including heavy weaponry, by the Yugoslav authorities against the poorly armed Kosovar Albanians.”
1999-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3988 (1999) · source
“The Security Council is meeting today in reaction to the dramatic developments that are now taking place in Kosovo. For the past 13 months the continuing crisis in Kosovo has caused tremendous hardship and suffering to the civilian population in the province. The continued repressive actions on the part of the Yugoslav security forces against the Kosovar Albanian community, which have again intensified during the past few days, have led to tragic humanitarian consequences. Many lives have been lost, while more than half a million Kosovar Albanians have been forced to flee their burning homes and villages and seek refuge elsewhere in Kosovo and in the neighbouring countries. The violence against the civilian population has been on the increase in recent weeks and days.”
1999-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3988 (1999) · source
“For its part, the Security Council must make every effort, in coordination with the Organization of African Unity and subregional initiatives and mechanisms, specifically those of the Southern African Development Community, to secure an immediate and effective ceasefire in the Congo and to continue to explore an appropriate role for the United Nations in determining concrete, sustainable and effective measures in the implementation of any ceasefire agreement and subsequent efforts at post-conflict peace- building in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In this regard, my delegation considers the proposal of France for an international conference on the Great Lakes region at an appropriate stage, which has been supported by others, to be a constructive approach, and we welcome it.”
1999-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3987 (1999) · source
“Unfortunately, the Democratic Republic of the Congo remains for now one of several theatres of conflict in Africa in which the continuation of hostilities has jeopardized efforts at finding solutions to the continent's other critical problems, which demand the urgent attention of its Governments. In this regard, we strongly urge the Congolese people and all the concerned parties to summon the political will to resolve their problems not through military means, which will not bring a durable solution, but through dialogue and negotiation.”
1999-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3987 (1999) · source
“For the international community, helping build a new, democratic and prosperous Congo is both a challenge and an opportunity to redress past failures and to contribute to the building of a stable and peaceful State for the benefit of Central Africa and the continent as a whole. What has transpired in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is part of a long drawn out saga, one for which the nations of the region and the international community must share responsibility. We believe it is critical that appropriate steps be taken to lay the foundation for long- term stability and progress in that troubled country. We encourage President Kabila to begin that process on the basis of open dialogue.”
1999-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3987 (1999) · source
“It must, however, be predicated on the need to mete out justice to the perpetrators of the massacres and other crimes against humanity, and on respect for the principles of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States in their external relations. My delegation also believes that international efforts to promote peace and stability in Africa should not ignore the magnitude of the socio-economic problems confronting the continent as a whole. The Secretary- General himself has emphasized the importance of social and economic equity and the imperatives of socio- economic development in the quest for a durable peace. Also stated in his much-acclaimed report was the need for a holistic approach to the issue of peace and security in Africa, encompassing not only peacekeeping but also peacemaking and post-conflict peace-building.”
1999-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3987 (1999) · source
“The worsening humanitarian situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is a stark reminder of the destabilizing effects of war, with badly needed resources, which could have been channelled to education, health and other sectors, being drained to finance a devastating war. Throughout the Great Lakes region, inter- ethnic violence has resulted both in great human tragedy and in new obstacles to political and social progress. There cannot be a real future for the Great Lakes region unless the cycle of violence is broken once and for all. This will happen only if the people of the region can chart a new course of inter-ethnic relations based on genuine reconciliation and peaceful relations rather than on revenge and the settling of old scores.”
1999-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3987 (1999) · source
“My delegation believes that the process of rebuilding the Democratic Republic of the Congo can succeed only in a climate of peace and stability which would allow the Congolese people to enjoy their long-denied rights, including the right to development. African leaders can help by advocating a non-violent solution to the conflict and promoting African models of cooperation, which have worked in a number of conflict situations. The international community can and must play a major and continuing role in supporting these efforts by working with the countries involved to promote reconciliation, broaden political participation, lay the groundwork for economic recovery and help build systems of justice that are fair, credible and effective.”
1999-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3987 (1999) · source
“That could result in an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, thereby paving the way for a negotiated settlement of the conflict and providing for the orderly withdrawal of all foreign troops currently in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. That would have to be followed by efforts at national reconciliation and democratization, including the holding of free and fair elections in the country. In this regard, Malaysia commends the diplomatic efforts that have been made by African leaders - namely, those of South Africa, Mozambique, Namibia and Zambia - aimed at seeking a peaceful solution to the conflict. We believe efforts at regional diplomacy represent the most viable approach in resolving the conflict and deserve the strong and sustained support of the international community and this Council.”
1999-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3987 (1999) · source
“The situation in the Congo is particularly alarming given the fact that the war there interlocks with other conflicts in the region, thereby rendering any effort at mediation an extremely difficult one. Malaysia notes with concern the cross-border character of the conflict in the Congo, which further complicates what is already a very complex internal situation. Clearly, there can be no lasting solution unless both the internal and external factors of the conflict are addressed and resolved. In this regard, we support fully the efforts being made, notably by President Chiluba of Zambia, to bring all those involved in the Congo conflict to the negotiating table.”
1999-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3987 (1999) · source
“Nevertheless, the promise of change and transformation of the system that was left behind by President Mobutu on the basis of democratic institutions and the restructuring of the economy were welcomed and applauded by the international community. However, these hopes were dashed on the rocks of the inter-ethnic conflict and rebellion that threatens the very survival of the newly installed Government, which was compelled to seek the support and assistance of friendly neighbouring countries. The involvement of a wide range of protagonists in the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is indeed regrettable and has raised the prospect of a major war on the African continent, with serious risks to the stability and integrity of not only the Congo itself but also all of its neighbours.”
1999-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3987 (1999) · source
“Clearly, the African renaissance that South Africa's Vice-President Thabo Mbeki eloquently talked about cannot take place unless and until these conflicts are resolved and a new structure of peace and security and legitimate order emerges on the African continent. The disintegration of the regime of the late President Mobutu in May 1997 has been characterized by some as the beginning of a new era in post-colonial Africa, amid high expectations of positive change and renewal. Unfortunately, the new Government in the Congo, headed by President Laurent Kabila, inherited a country that was deeply divided, demoralized and financially bankrupt.”
1999-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3987 (1999) · source
“Indeed, the views and perspectives of the larger membership of the Organization on this subject are pertinent and should be heard, as nowhere is the need greater or the significance for the future of Africa more profound, than in the peaceful resolution of the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. If the third-largest nation in Africa were to be allowed to languish in factional violence, this would have grave implications for the peace, security and stability of the entire region. In this regard, Malaysia notes with dismay and concern the further deterioration of the situation in Africa as a whole, less than a year since Secretary-General Kofi Annan issued his report - on 13 April 1998 - on the causes of conflict and the promotion of durable peace and sustainable development in Africa (S/1998/318).”
1999-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3987 (1999) · source
“My delegation welcomes the decision to hold an open meeting of the Security Council on the question of the peaceful settlement of the dispute in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This formal meeting not only provides an opportunity for the Democratic Republic of the Congo to be heard on an issue of vital importance to it, which is its inherent right enshrined in the Charter, but it also allows members of the Council - as well as the larger membership of the Organization - to express their views on the important issue of peace and security in Africa.”
1999-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3987 (1999) · source
“In recognition of the important role played by ECOWAS and ECOMOG in the context of regional diplomacy, it is imperative for the international community to extend all assistance and support to the peacekeeping efforts in Sierra Leone. At this critical juncture in the conflict in Sierra Leone, there is a need to ensure a continued and sustained presence of ECOMOG in that country, rather than its disengagement from the conflict on the grounds of financial constraints - which would indeed be a pity. Every effort should therefore be made to ensure the continued active involvement of ECOWAS and ECOMOG in the maintenance of peace and security and the continuing search for a political settlement of the conflict in Sierra Leone, with undiminished support from the international community.”
1999-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3986 (1999) · source
“The courage and determination demonstrated by ECOMOG forces are highly commendable. ECOMOG clearly deserves the continued and enhanced support of the international community, which should continue to assist ECOWAS with the necessary financial and logistical support to pay the high costs of keeping their troops in Sierra Leone. We would also urge Member States of the United Nations with the resources to do so to consider providing prompt bilateral assistance to the Government of Sierra Leone in various fields, including the establishment and training of a new national army. ECOWAS, through its peacekeeping force, ECOMOG, has amply demonstrated its commitment to the maintenance of peace and security in West Africa and is undertaking in Sierra Leone an indispensable peacekeeping role on behalf of the international community.”
1999-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3986 (1999) · source
“We would urge strict compliance with the provisions of existing arms embargoes imposed by the relevant Security Council resolutions. The road towards finding a political settlement and healing the wounds of this horrific war in Sierra Leone may be a long and painful one. In this regard, the dual- track approach being pursued so far - combining support for the military action of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) to maintain law and order with diplomatic efforts towards a peaceful settlement of the conflict - is the right approach, and it should be sustained and strongly supported by the international community. My delegation wishes to pay tribute to the ECOMOG forces for their role and contributions in helping restore peace, security and stability in Sierra Leone.”
1999-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3986 (1999) · source
“They must be condemned in the strongest terms, as in the draft resolution. The continuation of these acts cannot conduce to a process of genuine national reconciliation, which is so essential to the ultimate solution of the conflict. We are concerned at the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in the country and urge that the safety of persons engaged in humanitarian work in Sierra Leone be ensured, as well as their access to all parts of the country. My delegation is also concerned over reports of support being given to the rebel forces in Sierra Leone, including the supply of arms and the dispatch of mercenaries, which would only contribute to further aggravating and complicating the situation there.”
1999-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3986 (1999) · source
“As an immediate measure, the rebels must agree to a cessation of the hostilities and a recognition of the legitimacy of the democratically elected Government of President Kabbah, which is a central provision of the Abidjan Peace Agreement. It is vital to ensure that this window of opportunity for a political solution to the conflict in Sierra Leone will not be lost. My delegation shares the sense of outrage felt by the international community in the wake of the atrocities that have been committed against the civilian population in Sierra Leone, for which the rebel forces bear the main responsibility. These heinous acts - which include arbitrary killings, mutilations and other appalling human rights abuses, some of which are perpetrated on children - must not be allowed to go on with impunity.”
1999-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3986 (1999) · source
“Given the current critical situation in Sierra Leone, and the important role of UNOMSIL, my delegation supports the proposed extension as well as the proposed increase in the number of military observers and human rights personnel attached to UNOMSIL. Malaysia welcomes the Secretary- General's intention to re-establish UNOMSIL in Freetown. My delegation is deeply concerned at the extremely volatile and fragile situation in Sierra Leone. In this regard, we welcome President Kabbah's stated willingness to engage the rebel leaders in a proposed dialogue to be held under the framework of the 1996 Abidjan Peace Agreement. The road towards peace ultimately depends on the successful outcome of the proposed talks.”
1999-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3986 (1999) · source
“I wish at the outset to take this opportunity to express Malaysia's most profound condolences to the Government and the people of Bahrain and to its Permanent Mission to the United Nations on the passing of His Highness Shaikh Isa Bin Salman Al-Khalifa, the late Amir of the State of Bahrain. The late Amir and his wise counsel will be sadly missed by many world leaders, particularly those of the Organization of the Islamic Conference. May the blessings of Allah be upon him. In considering the situation in Sierra Leone we have before us the fifth report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Observer Mission in Sierra Leone, document S/ 1999/237, of 4 March 1999, which recommends that the mandate of the United Nations Observer Mission in Sierra Leone (UNOMSIL) be extended for a further period of three months, up to 13 June 1999.”
1999-03-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3986 (1999) · source
“Beyond that, there should be serious and concrete follow-up actions by all concerned, including this Council, to give substance to the many creative and commendable ideas that have been presented to us.”
1999-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3977 (1999) · source
“I know for a fact that the matter is also of concern to him as he carries out his mandate. This very difficult question before us cannot be effectively addressed without the requisite political will of all concerned. The Council can only act in accordance with its appropriate responsibilities under the Charter. Other organs and organizations and other relevant actors must play their parts. At the same time, those directly involved in the various armed conflicts must be made to understand the full consequences of their actions aimed against civilians. Ultimately, they will have to account for their actions and understand that they cannot get away with impunity. That message, and the will of the international community to back it up, should ring out loud and clear from this forum.”
1999-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3977 (1999) · source
“We also believe that there has to be a more concerted international effort and collaboration to combat illegal arms flows. This is imperative if we are to stop fuelling further armed conflict in our contemporary world. My delegation fully associates itself with the remarks made by Mr. Sommaruga and Ms. Bellamy on the impact of sanctions on the civil population, particularly children. We ourselves had made that very same point during the Council's consideration of the humanitarian aspects of the promotion of peace and security last month. We are gratified that our speakers deemed it pertinent to draw the attention of the Council to this issue. I believe that it was only for the sake of brevity and the fact that he spoke extemporaneously that Mr. Otunnu himself did not refer to this issue.”
1999-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3977 (1999) · source
“The pernicious impact of the proliferation of arms, in particular small arms, on the security and safety of civilian populations is amply illustrated by the numerous armed conflicts that are still raging around the world. Mr. Olara Otunnu has noted, inter alia, that the development and proliferation of lightweight automatic weapons has made it possible for very young children to use arms. The consequences of this proliferation are indeed devastating. It means more combatants, more intensified conflicts, more victims and casualties, more refugees and displaced persons. In the name of humanity, my delegation appeals to all States and non-State actors involved in the manufacturing and marketing of such weapons to restrict arms transfers which could provoke or prolong armed conflicts.”
1999-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3977 (1999) · source
“The appointment of a Special Representative of the Secretary- General to deal with this issue was indeed a laudable move to give greater focus and urgency in addressing the problem. In highlighting the problem, selected measures have already been identified by Mr. Otunnu to alleviate the suffering of children caught in armed conflict. These measures deserve the strong support of the international community. Clearly, those who are guilty of acts of violence against children during armed conflict should be punished accordingly. My delegation is particularly glad that, among such punitive measures, the targeting of schools and hospitals has now been made a war crime under the new Statute of the International Criminal Court.”
1999-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3977 (1999) · source
“What is most distressing is that landmines can still kill and maim innocent civilians years after the combatants have left the scene of conflict. We therefore welcome the global efforts to ban landmines and commend Canada and other countries for their activities and leadership role in this regard. In discussing the issue of civilians in armed conflict, we cannot ignore the issue of children who become victims of these conflicts, either as instruments of war or when they are caught up in the traumas and upheavals of the conflict. The issue of children in armed conflict - which has been eloquently highlighted by our speakers, in particular by Mr. Otunnu - deserves the serious attention of the international community in its own right, as was reflected by the Council's consideration of it in June last year.”
1999-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3977 (1999) · source
“The disturbing increase in the number and scale of direct and calculated attacks against humanitarian and United Nations personnel in the field should be strongly condemned. Those concerned must ensure the security and safety of these selfless and committed workers who carry out their noble missions in highly dangerous situations, risking their own lives. Proper training about the real situation on the ground could, of course, better equip humanitarian personnel in handling risky situations in their mission areas, but this should not absolve the combatants of their own obligations and responsibilities. Landmines pose as serious a threat to the safety of civilian populations as they do to the combatants themselves. Every year, large numbers of civilians, many of them hapless women and children, are killed or maimed for life by landmines.”
1999-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3977 (1999) · source
“While humanitarian assistance is vital in alleviating the hardship of civilians caught in armed conflicts, its use as a tool to prolong conflicts by the warring parties should be prevented. The argument has been made that relief aid either directly or indirectly subsidizes the cost of fighting wars and that it could offer some sort of reward for the belligerents. Clearly there is a need to ensure that humanitarian aid will not be used to enhance the motivation or capability of belligerents to commit further violence, especially against civilians. The security and safety of the humanitarian mission itself is of paramount importance, especially in highly volatile and extremely dangerous areas.”
1999-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3977 (1999) · source
“The report would be useful not only to the Council but also to the other relevant organs of the United Nations in addressing the same question acting within their areas of competence and responsibility. Another important issue of concern to my delegation has been emphasized by virtually all speakers at this meeting, and that is access by civilian populations to international protection and humanitarian assistance. We fully recognize that humanitarian assistance should be undertaken with the consent and cooperation of the parties concerned. However, there is a clear obligation under international law that those in need should receive protection and assistance.”
1999-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3977 (1999) · source
“It is imperative that United Nations Member States and all parties concerned comply strictly with their obligations under international law to assist and protect civilians affected by armed conflict. There is an urgent need for the international community to take collective action in this regard. The approach should cover the political, security, economic, social, legal and humanitarian dimensions. In supporting a comprehensive approach to address this problem we look forward to the Secretary-General's report, as requested for in the draft Presidential Statement which we will shortly adopt, containing concrete recommendations to the Council.”
1999-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3977 (1999) · source
“The perpetrators must account for their crimes, with the appropriate punishments being meted out against them. This is the only effective way to stop the culture of impunity that has increasingly prevailed in most conflict situations around the world. It is obvious that states have the primary responsibility in prosecuting the perpetrators through the national justice system, or whenever and wherever appropriate, the relevant international criminal tribunals. My delegation reiterates its strong support for the idea of holding combating parties and their leaders financially liable to their victims under international law in cases where civilians are made deliberate targets of armed aggression. An appropriate legal machinery will, of course, have to be established for this purpose.”
1999-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3977 (1999) · source
“We see the most heinous and barbaric acts being committed, including outright genocide and massacres of unarmed civilians. This is indeed a sad commentary on the state of human civilization on the eve of the new millennium. My delegation condemns in the strongest terms these acts of Violence against civilians. The deliberate attacks and acts of violence perpetrated by combatants against innocent civilian populations deserve not only condemnation but also a strong and resolute response by the international community. These heinous acts clearly and blatantly violate the principles of international law, including international humanitarian and human rights laws. Indeed, they are also in direct violation of the 1949 Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, and other international legal instruments.”
1999-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3977 (1999) · source
“Increasingly, more sophisticated weapons are being used with devastating effects on the civilian population. In the First World War civilians accounted for only 5 per cent of casualties. In the Second World War civilian casualties rose to 48 per cent. Today, up to 90 per cent of conflict casualties around the world are civilians. A large and increasing number of these are vulnerable groups such as women, children and the elderly. They have increasingly become direct targets through deliberate and indiscriminate actions by armed combatants. The millions of refugees and internally displaced persons the world over speak for themselves. Every day, thousands of civilians are being raped, physically and psychologically tortured, maimed and incarcerated.”
1999-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3977 (1999) · source
“Wherever there is an armed conflict civilians are being increasingly affected, suffering casualties directly or indirectly. Even the use of highly sophisticated and super- accurate weapons in some conflict situations has caused the loss of innocent civilian lives and damage to civilian property. Even when civilians are not the intended targets they very often become part of the so-called "collateral damage". The major question then is how do we afford adequate protection for civilians in armed conflict? What can the Council, other organs of the United Nations, Governments and others do to ameliorate the situation? We will not get all the answers today. But this briefing should provide the basis for a more serious and comprehensive consideration of this important question. Modern armed conflicts have obviously changed in character.”
1999-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3977 (1999) · source
“I should like to congratulate you, Sir, and extend my delegation's most sincere appreciation to you for this timely and important initiative. The question of the protection of civilians in armed conflict is indeed one of which the Council should be seized on a continuing basis. Today's open briefing provides the opportunity for not only members of the Council but also the general membership of the United Nations to get further insights into this question. I thank Mr. Sommaruga, Ms. Bellamy and Mr. Otunnu for their comprehensive, indeed passionate, and most enlightening presentations. The current situation is indeed alarming, as confirmed by the three speakers. Their statements speak volumes on the condemnable acts and practices carried out by parties in armed conflicts who make civilians the victims and casualties.”
1999-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3977 (1999) · source
“In conclusion, I would like to associate my delegation with the remarks made by the representative of China with respect to the need for the Council to also address the humanitarian dimension of sanctions imposed by it. In the view of my delegation, the issue of the humanitarian impact of sanctions is relevant and, indeed, pertinent in any discussion of the subject of the humanitarian dimensions of conflict situations.”
1999-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3968 (1999) · source
“There are many other aspects of the humanitarian dimensions of conflict that are of concern to my delegation and that I would have liked to address, were it not for the interest of brevity and the fact that they have been adequately and eloquently addressed by other Council members, with which my delegation associates itself. Under-Secretary-General Sergio Vieira de Mello made a number of suggestions and proposals in his excellent presentation. We commend them for the serious and early consideration of the Council. In thanking Mr. Vieira de Mello for his thought-provoking suggestions and proposals, my delegation would like to assure him that the Malaysian delegation will take an active and constructive attitude in the Council's deliberations on these ideas, as we are generally in agreement with many of them.”
1999-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3968 (1999) · source
“As regards the mechanisms to ensure compliance with international law, it is important that the prevailing culture of impunity be brought to an end and violators of humanitarian law be brought to justice. Clearly, States have the primary responsibility in prosecuting perpetrators through the national justice system or through relevant international criminal tribunals, when appropriate. My delegation will be prepared to support, for instance, the idea of holding combating parties and their leaders financially liable to their victims under international law, in cases where civilians are made deliberate targets of aggression. Appropriate legal machinery will, of course, have to be established for this purpose.”
1999-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3968 (1999) · source
“As recognition of their outstanding work and selfless dedication in extremely difficult and often dangerous situations, these humanitarian personnel and organizations should be commended by the United Nations and other international organizations and Governments in appropriate ways - as we do, for instance, in respect of our peacekeepers. On the issue of compliance with international law, it is imperative that the Member States of the United Nations reaffirm and comply with the existing norms, principles and provisions of international law to ensure the protection of and assistance to refugees, displaced persons and vulnerable populations in conflict situations, as well as their access to international protection and humanitarian assistance.”
1999-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3968 (1999) · source
“On the question of security of humanitarian operations and personnel, my delegation shares the concern of the Secretariat and other members of the Council over the disturbing increase in the number and scale of direct, calculated attacks or use of force against United Nations personnel, as well as those of other humanitarian organizations. Such actions are reprehensible and must be condemned wherever and whenever they occur, and justice must be meted out to those responsible, without fear or favour. Clearly, the authorities in States in conflict situations must bear final responsibility for ensuring the safety and security of these courageous and dedicated workers as they go about performing their increasingly indispensable work in the name of humanity.”
1999-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3968 (1999) · source
“My delegation welcomes this briefing and future briefings on this important subject, which has a direct bearing on the primary responsibility of the Council in the maintenance of international peace and security as it deals more and more with the issue of the humanitarian dimensions of conflicts around the world, especially given the new and more pernicious forms of conflict in our contemporary world. This briefing and future briefings on this subject serve the purpose of highlighting this issue, as well as sensitizing Council members and the general membership of our Organization to the need for full observance of and compliance with existing international laws.”
1999-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3968 (1999) · source