YouSaid · the spoken record

Hernandez-Milian

lines on the record: 52
first: 2009-06-26
most recent: 2010-06-16
sittings or episodes: 5
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

“The agreed conclusions should serve as indicators of progress in successive evaluations of every situation involving children affected by armed conflict. In this regard, we also believe that administrative support for the Working Group is necessary. This could help to systematize information, strengthen historical memory, facilitate assessment, and identify trends and patterns to promote a more strategic vision and find remedies for every situation involving children affected by armed conflict. Last but not least, a more efficient use of the toolkit, in particular the conduct of field visits, would also enhance follow-up by the Working Group.”
2010-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6341Resumption1 (2010) · source
“The complementary role of international justice mechanisms, such as the International Criminal Court and others, can also play a relevant role in supporting national efforts to fight impunity, as appropriate. Targeted and effective means to ensure compliance should be considered, in particular against persistent perpetrators of grave violations. In addition, the Security Council should improve the communication and exchange of information among its subsidiary bodies in order to ensure a more coherent approach. Lastly, the Human Security Network considers it important to give systematic follow-up to the recommendations of the Working Group, including in the reports of the Special Representative.”
2010-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6341Resumption1 (2010) · source
“Assistance measures must focus on preventing their marginalization and stigmatization and on facilitating their social reintegration. Furthermore, a more stable and long-term funding structure to fulfil all elements of the action plans and to implement sustained disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programmes is critical to preventing re-recruitment and the reoccurrence of other violations. All parties to conflicts must in all circumstances refrain from committing and condoning grave violations against children in armed conflict. The real commitment of civilian and military leaders and the principle of command responsibility are fundamental to enforcing the accountability of all perpetrators of grave violations under internationally agreed standards.”
2010-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6341Resumption1 (2010) · source
“As part of the de-listing process, the main elements of these action plans should be tailored to the new requirements set forth in resolution 1882 (2009) in order to respond more effectively to other violations against children, such as killing, maiming and sexual violence. It is important to complement these action plans with a strong programmatic response to support Governments in implementing national strategies that include prevention within a multisectoral approach to assist and protect children who have been associated with armed forces and groups, and in particular to ensure their access to medical care, psychological and psychosocial support, legal assistance, education and sustainable socio-economic reintegration.”
2010-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6341Resumption1 (2010) · source
“The effectiveness of United Nations work on this issue has been limited by the low number of situations where action plans have been effectively implemented after signature; the absence of systematic follow-up to the recommendations of the Working Group; the lack of decisive action against persistent violators, as well as accountability measures to fight impunity; and insufficient funding for sustainable disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programmes, including for the social protection of children who have been associated with armed forces and groups. In order to address these challenges, the Human Security Network believes that action plans are among the most important mechanisms to achieve tangible results and a fundamental tool in halting the recruitment of children.”
2010-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6341Resumption1 (2010) · source
“We also acknowledge the positive trend towards mainstreaming the protection, rights and well-being of children affected by armed conflict within some United Nations missions on the ground. We encourage the relevant departments of the Secretariat responsible for providing support to the field, in particular the Department of Peacekeeping Operations, the Department of Political Affairs and the Peacebuilding Support Office, to work closely together to ensure a more systematic and consistent approach in all field missions. The appointment of more child protection advisers could also contribute to this end. We still face major challenges in responding to the issues that affect children in armed conflicts.”
2010-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6341Resumption1 (2010) · source
“We believe that the information provided on the criteria and procedures used for listing and de-listing parties to armed conflict in the annexes of the reports is an important step for greater clarity, objectivity, transparency and accountability in the Security Council's work for the protection of children affected by armed conflicts. We welcome the efforts and the important progress made in different parts of the world to address the six grave violations committed against children in armed conflicts. The Security Council's strengthening of its protection framework in all its relevant resolutions - in particular its most recent one on this issue, resolution 1882 (2009) - as well as ongoing efforts in the General Assembly and other bodies of the United Nations system, are a clear sign of commitment.”
2010-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6341Resumption1 (2010) · source
“Patricia Espinosa Cantellano, Mexico's Secretary of Foreign Affairs, was a particular reflection of its importance. We also would like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict for her introduction of the annual report of the Secretary-General (S/2010/181). Our thanks to also to the representatives of UNICEF and the Department of Peacekeeping Operations, as well as to the Council's special guest, Ms. Manju Gurung, for their valuable contributions to the debate.”
2010-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6341Resumption1 (2010) · source
“Mr. Hernandez-Milian (Costa Rica) (spoke in Spanish): In its national capacity, Costa Rica aligns itself with the statement made by the representative of Canada on behalf of the Group of Friends of children and armed conflict. It is an honour for Costa Rica to speak today in its capacity as Chair of the Human Security Network (HSN) and on behalf of the following members of the Network: Austria, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Greece, Ireland, Jordan, Mali, Norway, Slovenia, Switzerland and Thailand, and South Africa as an observer. We would like to thank Mexico for convening this important open debate on children and armed conflict, which has been one of the priority issues for the HSN since its inception. The presence this morning of Ms.”
2010-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6341Resumption1 (2010) · source
“We are convinced that, through substantive reform of the working methods, we can help to remove the obstacles that occasionally impede the smooth running of the Security Council and its relations with other bodies.”
2010-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6300Resumption1 (2010) · source
“We refer to the submission of special reports to the General Assembly, a tool which could be of use in such situations as the establishment of a new peacekeeping operation or sanctions regime, or the non-action of the Council due to the use of the veto, among others. Our delegation reaffirms its conviction that working methods are a fundamental component of the process of comprehensive Security Council reform. The implementation of the measures already agreed to improve its working methods and the adoption of new measures would lead to greater effectiveness in the work of the Council and thus to greater transparency and accountability. We believe that progress on working methods should not hinge on progress or success in other areas of reform.”
2010-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6300Resumption1 (2010) · source
“Beyond the contents of note S/2006/507, in December last year my country submitted a draft note by the President to the Informal Working Group on Documentation, with the aim of ensuring the inclusive and uniform participation of all members in Security Council missions to the field. Our intention in doing so was to clarify a number of administrative and procedural aspects of Council missions. We hope that this proposal will receive the attention of the Informal Working Group, and my country remains fully available to contribute to this process. I take this opportunity to congratulate the delegation of Japan for its leadership on this issue. Finally, it is important to mention a mandated task on which the Security Council still falls short, although it is established in the very Charter of the United Nations.”
2010-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6300Resumption1 (2010) · source
“This format can be very useful not just in addressing thematic issues, as is currently the case, but also in learning about situations in various countries, whether they are new or familiar to the Council. We are also concerned about the message sent when decisions adopted by the Council in such debates are agreed upon before they take place. This would seem to indicate that the Council is not interested in hearing the points of view of the broader membership before making decisions. We invite the Council to change this practice and to initiate the negotiation of resolutions and presidential statements after having heard from the rest of the members, and not to adopt them on the same day, as has been its custom to date.”
2010-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6300Resumption1 (2010) · source
“As stated in paragraph 11 of note S/2006/507, these reports "should be circulated to Council members and made available in all official languages of the United Nations at least four working days before the Council is scheduled to consider them", including Council meetings with troop-contributing countries. Should there be significant changes in the situation in the field, these can be communicated via an addendum to the reports. The fact that reports need to be updated should not be an excuse for circulating them late. Although my country welcomes the practice of holding monthly open debates, it is important to consider the use the Council makes of such debates.”
2010-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6300Resumption1 (2010) · source
“However, in practice some very sensitive issues are somehow removed from the Council's purview and essentially defined by the permanent members, other States that are not members of the Council and the so-called groups of friends. As recommended in note S/2006/507, Costa Rica is in favour of consultations with interested States. However, these should never be to the detriment of the full participation of the elected members of the Security Council. All issues of international peace and security are of interest to and within the competence of all members. We welcome the Secretariat's ongoing internal review of its reporting mechanisms in response to the reiterated concerns of Member States on the tardy circulation of the reports of the Secretary-General.”
2010-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6300Resumption1 (2010) · source
“We urge troop- contributing countries to make greater and better use of these meetings, to contribute with information and the views of their mission personnel, and to refer to specific issues relating to the implementation of mandates in the field. The Security Council has committed to implementing the measures contained in the note contained in document S/2006/507. My country considers that the progress made in these and other fields should not depend on the will of each individual presidency, but should be affirmed in the daily practice of the Council. Costa Rica also has first-hand experience of some other ways in which this organ still does not comply with agreed measures. The desire for all Council members to participate in the preparation and drafting of resolutions and other Council products is reafflrmed in note S/2006/507.”
2010-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6300Resumption1 (2010) · source
“As we have said on other occasions, the Secretariat has the duty to facilitate the application of this rule, offering open formats for all meetings as the first option in the draft programme of work that it prepares for each presidency. It would be for members of the Council to argue for and convince the Council of the need to use the private format on an exceptional basis, when necessary. The Council has also made greater efforts to interact in greater depth and a timelier manner with troop- and police-contributing countries. The Council should maintain the new practice of holding private meetings with those countries at least one week before it considers an item so that their points of view can be taken into account in decisions.”
2010-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6300Resumption1 (2010) · source
“My delegation, as an active member of that group, is contributing with a sense of responsibility to the consideration of various elements of Security Council reform, and specifically of its working methods. During its recent tenure as an elected member of the Council, Costa Rica contributed to the significant progress made by this organ in the implementation of the note contained in document S/2006/507. Our country welcomed the increase in the number of open meetings compared to previous years. This trend should be extended because we are still far from complying with the provisional rules of procedure establishing the public nature of Council meetings as a general rule.”
2010-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6300Resumption1 (2010) · source
“Mr. Hernandez-Milian (Costa Rica) (spoke in Spanish): At the outset, I would like to thank you, Mr. President, and your delegation for convening this important debate and for your leadership of the Informal Working Group on Documentation and Other Procedural Questions. We hope that this open meeting will establish the practice of reviewing Security Council working methods regularly with other States Members of the Organization, as we have suggested in the past and has been stressed by the representative of Australia, a country which, among others, has supported that measure. Costa Rica associates itself with the statement made this morning by the Permanent Representative of Liechtenstein on behalf of the group of five small countries.”
2010-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6300Resumption1 (2010) · source
“We also look forward to the important discussion on how to improve and scale up the Commission's work. That will be a valuable opportunity for assessing results, considering lessons learned and strengthening the Commission's work and its relationship with other organs and agencies of the United Nations system. We call on the Security Council to make greater use of the Peacebuilding Commission's advice in the Council's deliberations on the relevant situations.”
2010-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6299Resumption1 (2010) · source
“The empowerment and participation of women and young people have been recognized as crucial elements in the success of any peacebuilding strategy, given their potential for restoring the social fabric. 3 Finally, we would like to highlight the work of the Peacebuilding Commission and its efforts to build and expand alliances between the United Nations system, regional and subregional organizations, international financial institutions, donors, the private sector and civil society. Those synergies will contribute to establishing a common vision in support of peacebuilding processes in a coherent, comprehensive and strategic manner. We look forward to the upcoming review of the work of the Peacebuilding Commission, which is being facilitated by the Permanent Representatives of Ireland, Mexico and South Africa.”
2010-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6299Resumption1 (2010) · source
“It is important to ensure an adequate programmatic response that has a human-centred approach, helps fragile Governments that face difficulties in providing access to basic services and avoids the risk of the re-emergence of chronic vulnerabilities. Areas such as health and education are of strategic importance in ensuring that peace dividends are realized as soon as possible. The Human Security Network welcomes the work being done by the Peacebuilding Commission thorough the country-specific configurations to include women and young people in peacebuilding processes. The Network would like to highlight the need to include the gender perspective and to promote equal participation for women in peacebuilding activities while taking into account their specific interests and needs.”
2010-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6299Resumption1 (2010) · source
“Promoting social integration is also important for political dialogue, national reconciliation and the peaceful co-existence of communities with profound post-conflict resentments and grievances. Increased funding is required for supporting reintegration programmes for internally displaced persons and to support refugees, as well for disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programmes for former combatants. In addition, the need for assistance to victims should be recognized. Extreme poverty and inequality are threats to the consolidation of peace. Greater investment in short-, medium- and long-term programmes would contribute to reactivating economies and creating employment opportunities, as well as to reducing the social risk of vulnerable groups and helping them to have more confidence in the peace process.”
2010-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6299Resumption1 (2010) · source
“When necessary, electoral assistance should be 10-31773 included as an important component of a comprehensive peacebuilding strategy. The United Nations has built up valuable experience in providing assistance to Member States that have requested help in facilitating a steady democratic transition. In that regard, the role and support of the international community are fundamental to ensuring an adequate peacebuilding process. Peacebuilding processes are an opportunity to rebuild social relations. Socio-economic development models and the design of public policies should promote social stability through the protection of human rights and the participation of every individual and social group.”
2010-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6299Resumption1 (2010) · source
“Supporting the consolidation and ownership of national justice institutions is fundamental to building the capacity of States to peaceably settle disputes. That could be supported by both judicial and non-judicial transitional justice mechanisms, such as prosecutions, truth commissions, reparations for victims, institutional reform and commissions to resolve post-displacement disputes over property and land. That should be done while taking the national context into account. Mechanisms such as those could, in the end, contribute to increasing accountability and facilitating the consolidation of peace and stability. In post-conflict societies, elections are also a central element of national ownership in rebuilding the State.”
2010-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6299Resumption1 (2010) · source
“In acknowledging that there is no exclusive model in place for security sector reform, we are certain that the ongoing goal of United Nations security sector reform will make a valuable contribution to supporting States and societies in developing effective, inclusive and accountable security institutions. The Human Security Network encourages the work carried out by the United Nations inter-agency Security Sector Reform Task Force as the mechanism that ensures a broad and coherent approach as part of the mandates of each of the Organization's entities. Furthermore, we support the role of the United Nations in mobilizing coordinated and comprehensive international support for national security-sector reform programmes.”
2010-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6299Resumption1 (2010) · source
“As such, we also look forward to the recommendations of the United Nations civilian capacity review. In order to promote peacebuilding, more technical, legal and financial assistance for the strengthening of national democratic institutions and governance needs to be provided on the basis of process-oriented and sound strategies. Political stability largely depends upon the legitimacy, credibility, integrity and transparency of those institutions, in particular in areas such as security, justice and elections. Security sector reform is a crucial element in the stabilization and reconstruction process.”
2010-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6299Resumption1 (2010) · source
“28) From a human security perspective, the Network believes that strengthening the capacity of local authorities is key to meeting the basic needs of their populations. In terms of United Nations capacities in peacebuilding, the Network believes that it is important to strengthen the bodies that make up the peacebuilding architecture, namely, the Peacebuilding Commission, the Peacebuilding Support Office and the Peacebuilding Fund. In that regard, we look forward to discussions on the issue of expanding the pool of 10-31773 experts and civilian volunteers for rapid deployment in providing assistance in peacebuilding tasks. Those duties include security sector reform, strengthening institutions and reinforcing judicial systems - activities that depend upon good cooperation between military and civilian actors.”
2010-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6299Resumption1 (2010) · source
“The Human Security Network calls for the inclusion of peacebuilding activities in all operations, beginning with the early stages, that is in the drafting and strategic planning of missions. There should also be regular communication and ongoing coordination between the Department of Peacekeeping Operations, the bodies within the peacebuilding architecture and the relevant national agencies. As stated in the Brahimi report, "When complex peace operations do go into the field, it is the task of the operation's peacekeepers to maintain a secure local environment for peacebuilding, and the peacebuilders' task to support the political, social and economic changes that create a secure environment that is self-sustaining." (S/2000/809, para.”
2010-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6299Resumption1 (2010) · source
“The institutional expression of that conviction was the establishment of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) in 2005. Reinforcing the effectiveness of our collective peacebuilding efforts remains one of the greatest challenges to keeping the 2005 promises. The Secretary-General's report on peacebuilding in the immediate aftermath of conflict (S/2009/304) makes a useful contribution to our discussions on this issue. We must continue to promote a synchronized and integrated approach to peacekeeping and peacebuilding. Peacebuilding should no longer be considered the last stage or an exit strategy for peacekeeping operations. On the contrary, peacebuilding is now mandated in some peacekeeping operations.”
2010-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6299Resumption1 (2010) · source
“We also welcome the presence of the various ministers here today and the statements by the Secretary-General, the Chairman of the Peacebuilding Commission and the Managing Director of the World Bank. The Human Security Network would like to take this opportunity to reflect on the achievements, existing gaps and priorities in our peacebuilding endeavours from a human security standpoint. In recent years, we have witnessed how decisions within the United Nations system have increasingly taken the peacebuilding perspective into account. The United Nations has recognized that preventing the 2 recurrence of conflict goes beyond the mere implementation of any peace agreement, and that an early peacebuilding strategy is indispensable to fostering development and creating conditions conducive to sustainable peace.”
2010-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6299Resumption1 (2010) · source
“Mr. Hernandez-Milian (Costa Rica) (spoke in Spanish): It is an honour for Costa Rica to speak today, in its capacity as Chair of the Human Security Network, on behalf of Network members Austria, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Greece, Ireland, Jordan, Mali, Norway, Switzerland, Thailand and Slovenia, and of South Africa as an observer. We would like to thank you, Mr. President, and your delegation for having organized this timely debate on the occasion of the fifth anniversary of the establishment of the United Nations peacebuilding architecture, which reminds us of the importance of taking a comprehensive and integrated approach to the whole concept of peacebuilding in order to achieve greater clarity and coherence.”
2010-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6299Resumption1 (2010) · source
“The common emphasis of those three interlinked areas poses a challenge to the country's institutions. The future of Afghanistan as well as its stability could depend on this achievement, so we urge UNAMA to continue its efforts in the area of coordination to help to carry out this agenda in order to achieve the peacebuilding and development that is sought by the Afghan people.”
2009-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6154 (2009) · source
“Last March, when the Security Council extended the mandate of UNAMA for one year, the Mission was encouraged to redouble its efforts to meet certain benchmarks in its mandate, such as ensuring progress towards peace and development. Despite the practical obstacles on the road to compliance, we urge the Special Representative of the Secretary-General to step up his work to achieve these tasks. Finally, my country is closely studying the three major shifts to which the Chapter X, "Observations", of the report of the Secretary-General (S/2009/323) refers: the increased emphasis on civilian efforts alongside military ones; a new focus on what is viewed as proper and necessary democratic governance; and the alignment of international cooperation behind key sectors for the political and economic development of Afghanistan.”
2009-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6154 (2009) · source
“International humanitarian law must prevail and must be respected by all parties. Costa Rica is clear about the importance of the electoral process that has begun in Afghanistan. We hope that the elections will be free, fair and competitive. We hope that the opportunity to elect leaders will strengthen internal democracy and the diversity of political expression within the system. We call for suitable international monitoring, which would make it possible to certify the outcome of the process. The international community must ensure that electoral stability is preserved in Afghanistan, for the elections could become a choice target for those seeking to destabilize Afghanistan and instigate violence against its people. In the context of these elections, the safety and freedom of the civilian population must be guaranteed.”
2009-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6154 (2009) · source
“We cannot fail to condemn all violence, which runs counter to the quest for lasting peace in Afghanistan. My country continues to be concerned about collateral damage that has taken place, with direct effects on the civilian population. We warn and are concerned about the number of civilian victims and the attacks against United Nations facilities, humanitarian personnel and educational institutions. The right - in particular of girls - to education must be respected. The fact that women and children are victims of the escalation of violence deserves special mention, and we urge Council members to endorse the conclusions of the report of the Secretary-General on children and armed conflict in Afghanistan (S/2008/695). It is crucial to implement the resolutions that have been adopted on the protection of civilians.”
2009-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6154 (2009) · source
“We are aware of the vital importance for the stability of Afghanistan of obtaining firm, united support from the international community. In that regard, we highlight the role that UNAMA is playing in coordinating the various international cooperation efforts. We welcome in particular mechanisms aimed at ensuring the appropriate transfer of international funds and other resources. We urge that such processes be carried out with transparency and effectiveness. We also welcome all endeavours that help maintain a climate of regional stability. In that regard we support the talks that have taken place between Afghanistan and neighbouring States. My delegation is concerned at the increase in the number of security incidents in Afghanistan, which poses a threat to the country's stability.”
2009-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6154 (2009) · source
“We support UNAMA's activities, which, as the Special Representative has noted, can be summed up under three interconnected categories: security strategy, development strategy and political strategy. It is crucial to work in harmony with those strategies in order to strengthen the rule of law. Carrying out these tasks should be accompanied by efforts to fight corruption and to prevent impunity from prevailing. In our view, the fight against narcotics and other drugs is also important. We take note of the various international efforts that have taken place since our previous debate on Afghanistan (see S/PV.6094). These duly reflect the outcomes of the Paris Conference of June 2008 and, in particular, the Hague Conference of March this year.”
2009-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6154 (2009) · source
“Mr. Hernandez-Milian (Costa Rica) (spoke in Spanish): On this final day of Turkey's current presidency of the Security Council, I join others in congratulating you, Sir, on your successful diplomatic performance at the United Nations. We wish you every success in the future. My delegation is grateful for the convening of this debate on the situation in Afghanistan. We take note of the briefing provided by Mr. Kai Eide, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Afghanistan. We also welcome the presence among us today of Ambassador Tanin. We wish at the outset to acknowledge the efforts of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) to help strengthen political stability and attain the overall economic, social and development objectives of Afghanistan.”
2009-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6154 (2009) · source
“We agree with the report that pre-emptive action can significantly contribute to that end and that the Council should make use of all the tools at its disposal, including punitive measures, to prevent the escalation of hostilities in situations such as the recent crises in Gaza and Sri Lanka, The Council's credibility depends on its willingness to give equal treatment to the protection of civilians in all situations, even those not formally included in the Council's agenda.”
2009-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6151 (2009) · source
“In this regard, as suggested in the report of the Secretary-General, we support the organization of an Arria formula meeting to discuss the experience of the United Nations and non-governmental organizations, as a first step towards developing a more comprehensive approach towards non-State armed groups. Finally, I want to stress the need to improve the early warning and rapid response capacity of the Security Council with respect to any situation that could represent an imminent danger to the safety, security and well-being of civilian populations.”
2009-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6151 (2009) · source
“However, we believe that the conclusion of special agreements or arrangements such as humanitarian zones, humanitarian corridors or days of tranquillity is crucial to reduce the number of civilian casualties and people affected by the conduct of hostilities. In addition, promoting understanding of the responsibilities of armed groups towards civilians and seeking their adherence to those responsibilities are elements that are important for the success of protection strategies in many conflict situations. The vast experience of humanitarian organizations, such as the International Committee of the Red Cross, in engaging with various armed groups, has demonstrated the potential benefits of such a dialogue for the civilian population.”
2009-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6151 (2009) · source
“I would like to conclude by making also a few remarks in my national capacity on two issues that we consider fundamental for more effective protection of civilians in situations of armed conflict. First, with regard to the challenge of ensuring compliance with international humanitarian law by non-State armed groups, we believe it is necessary that affected States allow a more systematic protection dialogue between humanitarian organizations and such groups. We are aware that such dialogue depends on the military reality on the ground, that it cannot prejudge the legal status of the non-State parties involved in these situations and that it must be in accordance with the core humanitarian principles of impartiality, humanity, neutrality and independence.”
2009-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6151 (2009) · source
“The Human Security Network takes note with interest of the January 2009 establishment of the Security Council Expert Group on the Protection of Civilians and the recommendations made in the Secretary-General's report to hold regular meetings of the Group in advance of the establishment or renewal of peacekeeping mandates. As I said at the outset, this year marks the tenth anniversary of the inclusion of the theme of the protection of civilians on the Security Council agenda. The Human Security Network supports the call made by the Secretary-General in his report to seize the opportunity of the open debate in November to reinvigorate the Council's commitment to the protection of civilians.”
2009-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6151 (2009) · source
“There must be a concerted effort to cooperate with national judicial systems in order to build their capacity and to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice and prosecuted in conformity with international standards. Restoring the rule of law, security sector reform and transitional justice mechanisms are also key areas in which national systems should be strengthened and supported through enhanced international cooperation. The International Criminal Court (ICC) and various "mixed" courts and tribunals play an important complementary role in prosecuting persons suspected of international crimes. It is of the utmost importance that national and international criminal justice institutions receive all necessary support on the ground.”
2009-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6151 (2009) · source
“In addition, it is also fundamental to address other major constraints faced by peacekeeping operations such as resources, equipment and pre-deployment training. We look forward to reviewing and discussing the findings of the upcoming and soon-to-be-published independent study of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and the Department of Peacekeeping Operations on the implementation of protection of civilians mandates in peacekeeping operations. The respect for and implementation of international humanitarian law are inextricably linked with the fight against impunity. Ending impunity for violations of applicable international humanitarian law and human rights law should be viewed as part of a comprehensive approach to the quest for sustainable peace, justice, truth and national reconciliation.”
2009-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6151 (2009) · source
“That also includes creating the conditions conducive to rapid and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian assistance while ensuring the safety of humanitarian personnel. We also recognize the importance of including the protection of civilians as a component of peacekeeping mandates, as well as clear guidelines and rules of engagement for their effective implementation, without prejudice to the primary responsibility of the host Government to protect civilians. More substantial interaction between the Security Council, the Secretariat, the host country and the troop-contributing countries can also contribute to bridging the gap between the decision-making process and actual implementation on the ground.”
2009-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6151 (2009) · source
“All parties to a conflict must respect their obligations under international humanitarian law, in particular the principle of proportionality and the principle of distinction between civilian targets and military objectives. Furthermore, we call upon all parties to armed conflict to exercise maximum restraint in the use of force, including the choice of weapons, in order to minimize the impact of hostilities on civilians. The Security Council is called upon to play an important role in ensuring respect for international humanitarian law and compliance by all parties to an armed conflict. It must respond firmly, systematically, consistently and promptly to prevent violations of international law and to protect civilian populations in all situations without distinction.”
2009-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6151 (2009) · source
“The changing nature of conflict and the complexity of protecting the safety, dignity and integrity of individuals during armed conflict continue to pose new challenges to our collective response. Costa Rica is deeply concerned about the recurrent attacks against camps for refugees and internally displaced persons, as well as against humanitarian workers; the use of sexual violence and forced displacement as tactics of war; the prevalence of child recruitment; the proliferation of illicit trafficking and misuse of small arms and light weapons; as well as the danger posed by anti-personnel mines and the explosive remnants of war. We also deplore the continued targeting of civilians in many parts of the world, the indiscriminate use of force and the use of civilian populations as human shields.”
2009-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6151 (2009) · source
“In addition to that, we have entered into a new era of multidimensional peacekeeping operations with large civilian components including human rights verification, humanitarian relief, capacity-building, restoration of infrastructure and services, security sector reform and others. As the report clearly states, "Protection of civilians is not a military task alone" (S/2009/277, para. 53). We share that view and believe that a comprehensive approach and inclusive protection strategies are the most effective ways to address and to respond to human security threats to civilian populations in armed conflict. However, despite the increased attention by the Council, the prevalence of civilian casualties and the number of people affected by armed conflict are still overwhelming.”
2009-06-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6151 (2009) · source