YouSaid · the spoken record

Hill

lines on the record: 179
first: 2006-05-05
most recent: 2015-03-30
sittings or episodes: 29
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

“This is an important issue which requires the full attention of the international community. We urge the United Nations system and Member States to lead by example and to redouble their efforts to respond to the crime of sexual violence in armed conflict. As a first step, Australia calls on Member States to undertake more extensive predeployment training for all personnel, including those bound for United Nations missions. We cannot stand by and allow these violations to continue.”
2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916 (2008) · source
“The absence of an effective system to prosecute United Nations personnel who, while a member of a peacekeeping mission, perpetrate sexual crimes should not lead to impunity. Where this is the case, the State of nationality should take action to hold its own nationals to account. Community education, including by non-governmental organizations, is also important, especially for those who come into contact with victims of sexual violence. Removing the stigma all too often attached to survivors of sexual violence and condemning this violence are also important elements of such education. It is also essential that victims of sexual violence have effective and equal access to justice, and that national systems, including appropriate national legislation, be in place to ensure effective judicial outcomes.”
2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916 (2008) · source
“Australia provides its police with training and guidance on sexual violence and also provides predeployment training to police forces from regional countries for missions such as the Regional Assistance Mission in the Solomon Islands. We also recognize the important role of women in peacekeeping missions, whether they be military, police or civilian personnel. Almost 20 per cent of Australian police and military personnel currently involved in peacekeeping missions are women. Not only are women deployed by Australia; they often hold senior roles within these missions. Australia reiterates calls by the international community for effective training and strong command structures within military and police contingents, be they Blue Berets or not, to prevent such crimes and, in situations where they have occurred, to prosecute them.”
2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916 (2008) · source
“As we are all too aware, crimes of sexual violence are also, in some circumstances, perpetrated by United Nations personnel. Any act of sexual violence or exploitation by United Nations personnel undermines the credibility of the United Nations in times of crisis. More than that, it is a gross breach of trust. The role of United Nations peacekeepers in the protection of civilians from all violence, including sexual violence, is an important one. There is a strong need to develop clear guidelines to ensure effective implementation of that task. The role of police in peacekeeping operations is also of fundamental importance.”
2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916 (2008) · source
“Australia would like to thank you, Mr. President, for including this issue on the Council's agenda. Crimes of sexual violence are among the most widespread and egregious of all violent acts committed during armed conflict. We note with regret and disgust that sexual violence is often perpetrated by parties to a conflict. Put simply, the deliberate and widespread use of sexual violence is a crime against humanity and, if used as a method of warfare, a war crime. Australia condemns this egregious behaviour and demands that the impunity of perpetrators of these despicable acts stop. The international community must hold rapists to account. We have the tools, including the International Criminal Court, at our disposal, and we must mobilize them urgently.”
2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916 (2008) · source
“The importance of diplomatic efforts alongside security and development engagement must also be recognized. We should ensure that diplomacy is used to stronger effect, particularly in situations where skilled diplomatic negotiations may prevent a relapse into conflict. The United Nations clearly has an important role in promoting post-conflict and post-crisis stabilization. We would welcome further advice from the Secretary- General on how the Organization's contribution in this area could be strengthened.”
2008-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5895Resumption1 (2008) · source
“It is important to build up not just our own capacities, but also those of others. It is obvious to say this, but it would always be preferable to have built up capacities before a crisis than to act as a substitute afterwards. To that end, our Federal Police is the first police force to conduct United Nations-recognized predeployment training that meets the requirements for United Nations peace operations. No matter how good international assistance may be, if it does not serve the national needs of the country concerned, there is little point in providing it. Our help must build up national institutions and leaders. And the sooner we can back local authorities in reassuming full responsibility, the better chance there will be of a sustainable solution.”
2008-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5895Resumption1 (2008) · source
“But we look forward to hearing more from the United Kingdom as it develops its deployable civilian capability. Demonstrating to a population that security has been restored is the first step. That demonstration is made tangible by a full re-establishment of the rule of law, transitional justice and quick development outcomes. To achieve those, we need to ensure that we are drawing on the full range of our own expertise. In that regard, Australia is establishing the Asia- Pacific Centre for Civil-Military Cooperation as an essential part of our commitment to regional stability and development. The Centre will focus on supporting a coherent national capability to assess, plan for and implement integrated peacebuilding, stabilization, reconstruction and international disaster relief operations.”
2008-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5895Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Following any conflict or crisis, there may be a limited window of opportunity to consolidate peace and commence rebuilding on a sound foundation, in cooperation with national authorities. Similarly, quick military intervention is at times the best way to save lives. The quick deployments by ourselves, Malaysia, New Zealand and Portugal in May 2006 to Timor-Leste at the request of its Government demonstrated that. The same principle applies to police deployments. We need the same flexibility and preparedness for other civilian elements, although in our case we would not look to maintain a large, multidisciplinary team on a just-in-case basis; for us, we take a just-in-time approach using teams drawn on a case-by-case basis from both our national and State levels of Government and subject matter experts from the wider Australian community.”
2008-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5895Resumption1 (2008) · source
“I would like to thank the United Kingdom for holding this important debate. How best to address post-conflict and post-crisis stabilization has been something Australia has been working on for some years now, be it in our role in the International Stabilization Force in Timor-Leste, in the regional assistance mission to the Solomon Islands, or in Bougainville, which was referred to in some detail by my friend the Ambassador of Papua New Guinea. We do not pretend to have all the answers, but we have learnt a number of lessons similar to those that the United Kingdom has drawn together. In many ways those lessons are obvious ones, but even simple truths bear repeating. The speed and strength of an initial response are of the essence.”
2008-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5895Resumption1 (2008) · source
“We have committed $450 million in reconstruction, development and humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan since 2001, and we are examining options for an increased Australian police presence. We will remain committed.”
2008-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5851 (2008) · source
“As the Secretary-General notes in his report, "[t]he guiding principle of UNAMA activities is to reinforce Afghan leadership and strengthen international cohesion in support of that leadership" (S/2008/159, para. 64). In partnership with the Afghan Government, Mr. Eide also has a key role in providing leadership and direction to the efforts of the United Nations, especially to ensure effective coordination of international humanitarian and development activities and their extension to all parts of the country. Australia is making a major contribution to the international community's efforts in Afghanistan through military and non-military contributions. We have some 1,000 troops focused in Uruzgan province, working in partnership with the Dutch forces.”
2008-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5851 (2008) · source
“Strengthening United Nations engagement in Afghanistan is crucial to progress on stabilization and establishing the longer-term conditions for peace and security. We encourage increased United Nations engagement, not only in Kabul but also at the provincial level, including, importantly, through a United Nations presence - UNAMA and United Nations agencies - in the South, including Uruzgan. Special Representative Eide will have the important task of communicating to the people of Afghanistan the strong commitment of the United Nations and its Members to the people and the Government of Afghanistan, and our united efforts to foster stability and development throughout the country.”
2008-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5851 (2008) · source
“The Secretary-General is right to note in his report that there is a clear need for more resources and a more coordinated, integrated approach by the international community to tackling Afghanistan's challenges. That includes coordination of our military and non-military efforts and coordination of our efforts across different provinces and regions, not only by NATO and its International Security Assistance Force partners, but also by the United Nations and other international actors. We must all be prepared to work towards the same objectives to achieve real success, especially when addressing complex issues such as counter- narcotics. It also means more commitments without caveats and greater focus on deploying resources to where the stabilization challenges are most acute, in particular in the South.”
2008-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5851 (2008) · source
“There have been hard-won gains on stabilization over the past seven years - and I was pleased to hear them referred to by the Ambassador of Afghanistan today - but again, as he said, unless we sustain and reinvigorate international efforts, not just for security tasks, but also for reconstruction and development, progress will be undone. It is essential that we continue to build the capacity of the Government of Afghanistan so that it has the tools to address the challenges the people of Afghanistan will face in the short, medium and long terms. Australia has recently increased its commitment to capacity-building, with the addition of an operational mentoring and liaison team to provide training and guidance to the Afghan National Army.”
2008-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5851 (2008) · source
“Also, of course, as has been mentioned, there is the very important upcoming Paris Conference, which will provide an opportunity for a two-year review of the Afghanistan Compact - in other words, of the broader nation-building task. I cannot stress enough that the international community as a whole has real and enduring interests in Afghanistan's stability. Afghanistan remains front line in global efforts to defeat terrorism - a threat affecting all countries that support democracy, secularism and moderation. No member of the international community can afford to see Afghanistan succumb again to the forces of extremism and ideological fundamentalism. International success in Afghanistan is clearly a measure of resolve in global efforts on terrorism and is certainly viewed that way by Al-Qaida and other extremist groups.”
2008-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5851 (2008) · source
“Australia appreciates the Secretary-General's report on Afghanistan. We also take this opportunity to express our appreciation to all who work within the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). We thank Mr. Guehenno and his team, both here and in the field. We welcome very much the Secretary-General's appointment of Kai Eide as Special Representative, and we look forward to working closely with him. This open debate on Afghanistan is timely. It arrives at a time when the international community is refocusing on the issues of Afghanistan. Of course, I note in particular the upcoming Bucharest summit, which will involve discussion of a comprehensive political/military plan by NATO and non-NATO troop- contributing nations. I am pleased to hear today that the Secretary-General will be attending.”
2008-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5851 (2008) · source
“A 12-month extension of UNMIT's mandate will provide valuable continuity, certainty and security for Timor-Leste. Importantly, the next 12 months will provide a valuable opportunity for Timor-Leste to implement its hard decisions on the road to reform while it has the support of UNMIT and the international community. This will be a critical year for the Government of Timor-Leste to move ahead to address the challenges and advance the political, social and economic reforms to which it is committed. Australia is committed to continuing its strong support for Timor-Leste during this difficult but important transition.”
2008-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5843 (2008) · source
“During his Visit to Dili on 15 February, the Australian Prime Minister foreshadowed that Australia was looking to provide additional support to help Timor-Leste tackle high levels of unemployment, particularly among youth. Finally, as a key donor to Timor-Leste and mindful of the broad and complex range of development cooperation taking place, Australia looks forward to continuing to work in partnership with the Government of Timor-Leste and closely with other donors to ensure a carefully coordinated approach. It is especially important that the international community, led by the United Nations, continues to support Timor-Leste at this time. Australia welcomes the Secretary-General's report on UNMIT, which recommends a 12-month mandate extension with a continuation of current police levels.”
2008-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5843 (2008) · source
“Australia recognizes the important contribution made by UNMIT to supporting democratic reform and political consolidation in Timor-Leste. The events of 11 February emphasize how important it is for Timor-Leste to continue to work to strengthen its justice system as a basis for long-term stability. Any perceptions of impunity for those who commit crimes threaten to undermine the Timorese people's confidence in their justice system. Australia welcomes the efforts of the United Nations and other donors to strengthen Timor-Leste's justice system and supports the Secretary-General's recommendation for continued endeavours in that vital area. Tackling the challenges of underdevelopment will be central to stabilizing Timor-Leste's political and security environment.”
2008-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5843 (2008) · source
“As recognized by Ambassador Santos today, the Government and people of Timor-Leste must take the primary responsibility for the development of a stable and more prosperous nation, including through political and economic reform, development of the private sector and provision of health services, education and housing. Australia acknowledges the continuing commitment of Timor-Leste's leaders to addressing those challenges, which Prime Minister Gusmao has been quick to reaffirm in the wake of the events of 11 February. Political reconciliation and support for democratic processes by all political leaders and others in Timor-Leste will be fundamental to a secure and prosperous future. That is a challenge we hope UNMIT can continue to address, although ultimately it is a responsibility for the leaders and people of Timor-Leste.”
2008-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5843 (2008) · source
“I also want in particular to express our appreciation to New Zealand for its continuing contribution to the international security forces. As was stated earlier, at the request of the Timor- Leste Government, Australia is providing additional Australian military and police assistance to support Timor-Leste in response to the events of 11 February. Australia is also discussing with Timor-Leste a long- term bilateral approach to strengthening Timor-Leste's own security institutions, and we look forward to liaising closely with the United Nations and other donors in that regard.”
2008-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5843 (2008) · source
“As the Prime Minister of Australia, the Honourable Kevin Rudd MP, has made clear, Australia is a steadfast friend and neighbour of Timor-Leste and will continue to be at the forefront of international efforts to assist it to become a stable and more prosperous nation. During a visit to Dili on 15 February, the Prime Minister made clear Australia's commitment to continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with Timor-Leste and to contribute enhanced assistance to help provide security and much-needed longer-term development. We are supporting Timor-Leste's security directly through our leadership of the international security forces, as well as our contribution of police to the United Nations police. In meeting that security responsibility, I want to acknowledge the cooperation we received from UNMIT and other international partners.”
2008-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5843 (2008) · source
“The actions of the perpetrators represent a terrible attack on the democratically elected leadership of one of Australia's nearest neighbours and underscore the continued fragility of the security situation in Timor-Leste. Our thoughts and hopes are with President Ramos-Horta for his ongoing recovery and return to good health. At the same time, Australia congratulates the Government of Timor-Leste for its careful and measured approach to the events of 11 February, which helped to ensure that the situation remained calm in the immediate aftermath. We call upon the people of Timor-Leste to continue to embrace peace in these difficult times.”
2008-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5843 (2008) · source
“Australia welcomes the opportunity to participate once again in the Security Council's deliberations on Timor-Leste. We thank the Council for its ongoing support for that country. Today I wish to particularly mention the lead role being played by South Africa, by Ambassador Kumalo especially. On behalf of my country, I want to again thank the staff of and contributors to the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) in the field and Special Representative Khare and Under- Secretary-General Guehenno and his team here at the head office for the leadership they provide. I also want to express my appreciation for the statement today by my friend Ambassador Nelson Santos, on behalf of Timor-Leste. Australia deplores the shocking attacks on President Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Gusmao on 11 February.”
2008-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5843 (2008) · source
“If we, as an international community, are to create an environment in which children not only survive, but thrive - a goal of a world fit for children, which was reaffirmed at the Commemorative High- Level Plenary Meeting of the General Assembly in December 2007 - then we must reaffirm our commitment to protecting all children, particularly those affected by armed conflict, from harm and exploitation and to ensure that those who would abuse them are brought to account. Australia remains firmly dedicated to that end.”
2008-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5834Resumption1 (2008) · source
“In addition to ensuring that measures are taken at the international, regional and national levels to combat such crimes, Governments must also ensure that the perpetrators of those crimes are brought to justice. We echo the Secretary-General in highlighting the important role of the International Criminal Court in investigating and prosecuting violations against children in armed conflict that fall within its jurisdiction. 3 We encourage those Member States that have not done so to ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court without delay.”
2008-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5834Resumption1 (2008) · source
“We encourage the Council to continue to call on parties listed in the annexes of the reports of the Secretary-General to prepare time-bound action plans to stop the recruitment of children into armed forces and other violations against children. Many of those who commit violations against children in situations of armed conflict do so persistently, and have been cited repeatedly in the reports of the Secretary-General. We therefore encourage the Council to continue to consider targeted measures that may be taken against those persistent violators of children's rights. The efforts of all key stakeholders remain essential in combating violations against children in times of conflict and ensuring adherence to relevant international law.”
2008-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5834Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Children in situations of armed conflict, including those displaced by conflict, are vulnerable not only to recruitment as child soldiers, but also to other grave violations, including killing and maiming, rape and other grave sexual violence, abductions, attacks on schools and hospitals and the denial of humanitarian access. All those violations are egregious, and no hierarchy can be ascribed to the abuses suffered by children in times of conflict. We would, however, encourage the triggering of the monitoring and reporting mechanism when any of those violations occur, especially for situations of rape and other acts of sexual violence.”
2008-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5834Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Paulo Sergio Pinheiro, independent expert for the Secretary- General's study on violence against children, for his work on that crucial child protection issue. We are particularly pleased that significant progress has been made to operationalize the monitoring and reporting mechanism mandated in 08-23756 resolution 1612 (2005) on children and armed conflict and that the Security Council Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict has continued its consideration of country reports in this regard. We commend the real progress made in Cote d'Ivoire in halting the recruitment of child soldiers and in making progress on the Ouagadougou Agreement. However, we need to maintain attention and seek further progress in all situations of children affected by armed conflicts, including those in Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Somalia.”
2008-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5834Resumption1 (2008) · source
“I thank you, Mr. President, for the opportunity to participate in this debate. Australia places the highest priority on protecting children, and we remain extremely concerned about the plight of those affected by armed conflicts. We welcome the significant steps that have been taken to address this issue and commend the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict for her leadership and her dedication to the issue at hand. The United Nations system must continue to draw upon its full range of expertise and coordinate its efforts to address the issue of children and armed conflict. We recognize the important role of UNICEF in child protection. We also commend Mr.”
2008-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5834Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Finally, I would like to reiterate Australia's strong commitment to supporting Timor-Leste and emphasize that we look forward to continuing to work closely with the United Nations to this end.”
2007-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5801 (2007) · source
“In particular, it will be important for the United Nations to continue to play the primary security role in Timor-Leste, until local security forces are able to manage independently, especially through a strong and effective police presence. Security sector reform will be crucial if the people of Timor-Leste are to take full responsibility for their own future. With the support of the Timor-Leste Government, Australia intends to continue to provide military support to the United Nations Police for as long as the security situation warrants. In passing, I want to record our appreciation also for the ongoing New Zealand military support to the ISF. Australia is also looking to provide enhanced bilateral assistance in support of police and defense force development.”
2007-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5801 (2007) · source
“These issues must be addressed as the basis for Timor-Leste's long-term stability and prosperity. The Government and the people of Timor-Leste recognize the challenges ahead and are working hard to begin to address them. But they face significant capacity constraints and will need international support for some time to come. Last year's unrest underscores the importance of sustained international engagement in Timor-Leste to lay a solid foundation for peace and prosperity. The United Nations has invested much in Timor-Leste and must remain at the forefront of international efforts to support the new nation. This involvement should be reflected in an extension of a strong mandate for the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste focused strategically on areas of key concern.”
2007-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5801 (2007) · source
“Atul Khare, has made a particularly important contribution in promoting the constructive and peaceful engagement of Timor-Leste's political leadership, which has principal responsibility for achieving good governance and consolidating democracy. But, while Timor-Leste has come a long way since the unrest in April and May 2006, the security situation remains fragile pending the resolution of long-term social, political, security and governance challenges. Timor-Leste's security institutions remain weak. The presence of significant numbers of internally displaced persons in camps around Dili and the districts remains a concern. Unemployment, including among Timor-Leste's young population, is also unacceptably high, creating hardship for Timor-Leste's citizens and fuelling political instability.”
2007-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5801 (2007) · source
“We have a vital interest in ensuring Timor-Leste's future success and have demonstrated our continued commitment through our substantial development and security support. We are a leading donor to Timor- Leste and make a significant contribution to the country's security, including through our leadership of the International Stabilisation Force. Australia welcomes recent positive developments in Timor-Leste such as the successful holding of elections this year. United Nations efforts in Timor- Leste have been integral in creating an environment conducive to the return of stability. Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr.”
2007-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5801 (2007) · source
“Australia welcomes the opportunity to again address the Security Council and to contribute to the Council's deliberations on Timor-Leste. We appreciate the Visit by the Security Council that took place and thank those who contributed to it. We also thank them for their report. We appreciate the fact that, while in Timor-Leste, they did liaise with the International Stabilisation Force (ISF). I note that the Secretary-General and both Australia's Prime Minister, the Honourable Kevin Rudd, and Foreign Minister, the Honourable Stephen Smith, will be visiting Timor-Leste tomorrow for further discussions on these issues. Australia has been at the forefront of international efforts to assist Timor-Leste in laying the foundations for a stable and prosperous nation.”
2007-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5801 (2007) · source
“Collectively, we must ensure that populations at risk have access at all times to the greatest protection possible, that perpetrators of abuse are held accountable for their actions and that advocacy, monitoring and capacity- building deliver real results and make a positive difference in people's lives. The Council, and indeed the international community as a whole, will be judged on our ability to protect the most vulnerable. It is a challenge that we simply must meet.”
2007-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5781Resumption1 (2007) · source
“Australia joined the Protocol earlier this year, and we urge all States to join and implement this important instrument as soon as possible. Australia also recognizes the pressing need to negotiate an international ban on those cluster munitions that cause unacceptable harm to civilians. In this regard, we are active and constructive participants in the Oslo process and the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons. We believe that these processes can be complementary, with the same aim of negotiating a strong, viable instrument that includes the major producers and users of cluster munitions and that will make a real difference in protecting civilians in post-conflict situations. We must build on the Secretary-General's recent report and maintain the momentum to keep these issues at the front and centre of our work.”
2007-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5781Resumption1 (2007) · source
“In particular, we urge the Government of the Sudan to take all steps necessary to arrest Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs Ahmad Harun and militia leader Ali Kushayb, and to transfer them to the Court for trial. As the Secretary-General pointed out in his report, a further key challenge is the need to eliminate the unacceptable humanitarian impact of certain types of cluster munitions. Explosive remnants of war, including unexploded cluster munitions, pose a serious humanitarian danger to civilians who must live among them long after the end of armed conflict. Australia welcomes the entry into force of Protocol V - which deals with explosive remnants of war - of the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons.”
2007-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5781Resumption1 (2007) · source
“In that regard, Australia urges those States which have not ratified or acceded to the Rome Statute to do so. The ICC plays a crucial role in ending impunity for serious crimes. In January this year, the Court confirmed charges of war crimes against Thomas Lubanga Dyilo, a former Congolese militia leader. We await his trial, the first ever before the Court, which is due to start in March 2008. Australia welcomes and commends the recent action by the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to surrender Germain Katanga to the ICC. That provides a good example of the results that can be achieved with the cooperation of the situation country. Australia joins the international community in calling upon the Government of the Sudan to cooperate with the Court.”
2007-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5781Resumption1 (2007) · source
“To that end, Australia will become a founding donor of the new Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect. The Centre will build a worldwide research network, develop strategy and help to coordinate advocacy to identify, prevent or respond to circumstances where populations are threatened. We also welcome the Secretary-General's intention to appoint Mr. Edward Luck as his special adviser for the responsibility to protect. Australia would like to reaffirm the Secretary- General's call for Member States to cooperate fully with the International Criminal Court (ICC). If we are to ensure that the perpetrators of the world's most egregious crimes are denied safe haven, we must step up our collective efforts to promote the universality of the Rome Statute.”
2007-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5781Resumption1 (2007) · source
“In that regard, we welcome the strong mandates provided by the Council to both the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur and the United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic and Chad to ensure the freedom of movement of humanitarian personnel and to protect civilian populations. We must also do more to implement the principle of the responsibility to protect, as endorsed at the 2005 World Summit. That was an important affirmation of the responsibility of the international community to take action to prevent large-scale gross human rights abuses and genocide, and a clear and suitably constrained statement on the limits of sovereignty. Now we must develop a practical approach to implement the responsibility to protect.”
2007-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5781Resumption1 (2007) · source
“Boys and girls recruited as child soldiers, civilians as unwitting targets of suicide bombers, families displaced from their homes, and sexual violence as a deliberate weapon of war are all an offence to humanity. The international community must condemn those atrocities and recommit to defeating them in all circumstances. Australia is committed to making every effort to ensure that civilian life is protected and that international humanitarian law and human rights law are upheld. Beyond our efforts to avoid those atrocities, the international community must demand that parties to conflict allow and facilitate the rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief for civilians in need.”
2007-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5781Resumption1 (2007) · source
“Australia thanks Secretary- General Ban Ki-moon and Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs John Holmes for their presentations this morning on this very important topic. We also welcome the Secretary-General's recent report on the protection of civilians in armed conflict (S/2007/643), which is an important and valuable tool in our collective consideration of this issue. The protection of civilians must remain an essential objective for the Security Council in the context of contemporary armed conflicts. The death and displacement of innocent men, women and children is an appalling aspect of all conflicts. However, the deliberate targeting of civilians is a particularly heinous aspect of so many contemporary conflicts, including in Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Iraq, Somalia and the Sudan.”
2007-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5781Resumption1 (2007) · source
“In conclusion, allow me to say that countering terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction requires a comprehensive and multifaceted response that is targeted at the national, regional and global levels. Australia will continue to work at all those levels and in close cooperation with other States to overcome the grave threat to our security posed by terrorism. Appropriate and effective action within the United Nations system will underpin those efforts and help to ensure that our initiatives are focused on priority areas where they can make the most difference.”
2007-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5679 (2007) · source
“An important initiative was the Sub-Regional Ministerial Conference on Counter-Terrorism, hosted together with Indonesia in March this year. The meeting advanced cooperation among the six States most immediately affected by the threat from regional terrorist groups: Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. Outcomes of the meeting are already being implemented to counter extremism and radicalism, to strengthen law enforcement and intelligence cooperation, to counter the illegal movement of small arms and light weapons, to improve regional legal frameworks and to prepare for mass casualty attacks. Australia is also an active member of the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism, which was established in July 2006 to enhance cooperation among its members to address this threat.”
2007-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5679 (2007) · source
“The PSI provides another layer in our defences against the illicit trade in WMD-related items and their delivery systems, in conformity with national and international law. Over 80 States have now endorsed the PSI. We would encourage all other States to do likewise, to give the PSI global coverage. Australia is deeply engaged in efforts to counter the terrorist threat to our region and has adopted a comprehensive range of measures to build counter- terrorism capacity in South-East Asia and the Pacific. We have allocated over 400 million Australian dollars to new initiatives in the past three years, working with regional partners in key counter-terrorism areas, including law enforcement, defence, border and transport security, financial monitoring, intelligence and legal affairs.”
2007-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5679 (2007) · source
“We have worked with our Asia-Pacific neighbours, including through the Pacific Islands Forum, to deliver targeted training and technical assistance. We look to the 1540 Committee to supplement such regional efforts. We are active internationally in support of resolution 1540 (2004). As Chair of the Australia Group, we are working with 39 other individual States and the European Union to incorporate brokering controls into the Australia Group guidelines. This will be discussed at the Australia Group plenary session in June, following an international seminar on brokering controls which we co-hosted with the Republic of Korea in March. Australia also supports the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI), which reinforces resolution 1540 (2004) through practical counter-proliferation efforts.”
2007-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5679 (2007) · source
“States should contribute to efforts to maintain the list's currency. Australia also strongly supports Security Council efforts to prevent the spread of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), primarily through implementation of resolution 1540 (2004). Regrettably, we still do not have a complete picture of the progress made since that resolution was adopted. It is only when all States comply with their 1540 reporting requirements that we can determine what gaps still exist in their domestic export controls and where they may need assistance to respond better to the changing security environment. Australia stands ready to assist States, particularly in our region, to put in place the legal and regulatory infrastructure and develop the capability and experience to fulfil their obligations under resolution 1540 (2004).”
2007-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5679 (2007) · source