YouSaid · the spoken record

J Androkovie

lines on the record: 30
first: 2008-05-20
most recent: 2009-11-11
sittings or episodes: 3
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

“Croatia firmly believes that the Council's new resolution offers a valuable opportunity for that improvement to take place, to the benefit of all civilians caught in armed conflict.”
2009-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6216 (2009) · source
“We need to remember that these silent killers kill and maim long after the end of a conflict, and at that point the victims tend to be civilians rather than military personnel. The new resolution 1894 (2009) joins a number of resolutions that the Council has adopted in the past two years on civilian-related issues, for which I would like once again to thank my friend and colleague Michael Spindelegger and the Austrian delegation. While we agree that the Council's involvement in the protection of civilians as a thematic issue has helped create a much-needed normative framework for the issue, this progress has not been as evident in improvements of the actual situation on the ground for civilians in armed conflict.”
2009-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6216 (2009) · source
“Moreover, the concept of the responsibility to protect, as reflected in the 2005 World Summit Outcome Document (General Assembly resolution 60/1), represents an integral part of the protection of civilians agenda. As world leaders have acknowledged, individual States are responsible for protecting their populations from the aforementioned atrocities. At the same time, the international community also has a responsibility to help protect populations and to take collective action through the Security Council if and when national authorities manifestly fail to protect their people from such atrocities. We would also like to stress the need for greater emphasis on the issue of mines and explosive remnants of war. Croatia has much experience in the technical side of mine clearance, as well as in the rehabilitation of mine victims.”
2009-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6216 (2009) · source
“They also allow us to analyse the degree and level of success to which the various international actors have managed these inherent responsibilities. In spite of numerous positive developments in the Council, Croatia remains extremely concerned about the severity and prevalence of constraints on humanitarian access in the field, as well as the frequency and gravity of attacks on humanitarian personnel, bearing in mind the impact they also has on civilians, especially women and children. The Council has a responsibility to respond to situations of armed conflict where humanitarian assistance is being deliberately obstructed, not merely by calling on the parties involved to allow unimpeded passage to relief, but also by imposing targeted measures in grave instances of the wilful impediment of such supplies.”
2009-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6216 (2009) · source
“Over the years, the Security Council has acted in numerous other ways to enhance the protection of civilians agenda. The Council has promoted the use of mediation in order to help prevent the outbreak of armed conflict in crisis situations. It has used its influence on parties to armed conflict to observe standards of protection, including by imposing targeted measures against recalcitrant parties in cases of violations of international humanitarian and human rights law. And it has now even referred specific situations to the International Criminal Court. The sixtieth anniversary of the core treaties of international humanitarian law - the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their subsequent protocols - likewise provide us with an opportunity to look back and examine our own roles in implementing the central tenets of these treaties.”
2009-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6216 (2009) · source
“In advocating for a tribunal, Croatia did not lose sight of the fact that the duty to protect civilians by implementing international humanitarian law lies primarily with the parties to the conflict and, as such, it emphasized the vital principle that judicial processes individualize criminal responsibility. For its part, by establishing the ad hoc Criminal Tribunals for the Former Yugoslavia and Rwanda, the Security Council opened a new chapter in international law, leading to the establishment of the International Criminal Court and a number of other hybrid tribunals. All these have proved to be valuable tools in combating impunity as a corrosive force that can undermine chances for reconciliation and the building of lasting peace.”
2009-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6216 (2009) · source
“Apart from the resulting death and destruction, I would like to stress that Croatia, a nation of 4.5 million people, was nearly overwhelmed with over 850,000 displaced persons and refugees, more than half of whom came from neighbouring Bosnia and Herzegovina. Although this was an immense challenge, we managed to ensure the provision of all necessary facilities for this population, as well as the maintenance of the normal functioning of all institutions. The terrible losses suffered in Croatia as a consequence of the conflict spurred our leaders to explore new avenues for seeking internationally-agreed and legally binding redress for the crimes committed, without prejudice, through the establishment of an ad hoc tribunal. This resulted in the establishment of the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia.”
2009-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6216 (2009) · source
“Here the emphasis is placed not only on issues of immediate security or military concern but also on long-term issues, such as the protection of civilians, the strengthening of civil society and security sector reform, as well as on economic revitalization and development. Development is especially important in this context since, without assisting a host country's return to self-sustainability, recourse to violence can and quite often does occur, as has been demonstrated by returning peacekeeping operations to countries in West Africa, Timor Leste and Haiti. The war of independence in Croatia during the early 1990s produced untold consequences on a great many civilians in my country.”
2009-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6216 (2009) · source
“I would like to add that while a peacekeeping mission may be able to help stop violations of international humanitarian law on the ground, for any long term and sustainable improvement of a conflict situation there needs to be solid cooperation between peacekeeping and other international personnel and the authorities and populace of the host country. Such personnel work closely with civilians on the ground, and a deterioration of relations between them may have an indeterminate yet detrimental effect on overall political efforts to establish and sustain peace and prosperity. This has led the United Nations to develop a more integrated or multidimensional approach to peacekeeping, which is well reflected in the Department of Peacekeeping Operations' New Horizon non-paper on the protection of civilians.”
2009-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6216 (2009) · source
“As a response to the atrocities committed during the 19905, The Security Council took an important decision in 1999 to add to the mandate of the peacekeeping operation in Sierra Leone a direct reference to the protection of civilians - including through the use of force - as a mandated task of that peacekeeping operation. The introduction of the protection of civilian provisions became increasingly important in later peacekeeping mandates, where the concept became the central part of the mandate of the peacekeeping operation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and has since been introduced into a plethora of other United Nations-mandated peacekeeping missions.”
2009-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6216 (2009) · source
“Our own experience of the early 1990s showed us that there still existed an immense gap between the theoretical implementation of international humanitarian law and practice on the ground. It is especially important to note that the majority of atrocities committed during the war in Croatia were perpetrated before the arrival of international peacekeeping forces. For that reason, we hope that the resolution just adopted will strengthen the resolve of the international community to react quickly and decisively in order to minimize actual threats to civilians.”
2009-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6216 (2009) · source
“Nowadays, in the conduct of armed conflict, civilians more often than not become the targets of armed attacks and atrocities, including murder, deportation and ethnic cleansing, as well as rape and sexual violence. This is not only as a consequence of war but as a method and means of conducting war. Such atrocities were once considered as exceptions in the conduct of armed conflict, while today they have frequently become the rule. The defining moment that forced the international community to conclude that a more decisive and comprehensive approach and action were required came in the mid-1990s with the genocides committed in Rwanda and Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
2009-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6216 (2009) · source
“At the outset, allow me to thank you, Mr. President, and the Austrian presidency, for taking the initiative to re-engage this body on the vitally important issue of the protection of civilians in armed conflict, which, in our View, often strikes at the core of the Council's primary mandate regarding threats to international peace and stability. I would also like to commend the Austrian presidency on his hard work in preparing the draft resolution on this issue, which we have just adopted. My thanks also go to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, for his frank and poignant remarks. His presence here today shows the clear commitment of the United Nation to placing this issue at the highest possible level. It is evident that the nature of contemporary conflict has changed in the modern era.”
2009-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6216 (2009) · source
“Not only is it an essential element of Palestinian State-building; it is also a legitimate expectation of the Israeli side. Israel must have confidence that the two-State solution will not compromise the safety and security of its citizens. That can be achieved only if there is a viable, responsible and democratic Palestinian State by its side - a State that is willing and able to combat terrorism and anarchy. This is a crucial time for the peace process; we should be careful not to abandon or destroy it. The objective is clear and well established: a two-State solution with a safe and secure Israel and a democratic, viable and peaceful Palestinian State, living side by side within secure and recognized borders.”
2008-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5983 (2008) · source
“We believe that none of the obligations arising from the Road Map can be read in isolation from the others: they are mutual obligations, arising for both sides, and need to be assessed together, in their totality. We understand that both sides are making an effort to improve conditions on the ground and that much more can be done. We are pleased by the signals indicating that the downward slide of the past few years has been halted in the West Bank. We appreciate the reform efforts that the Palestinian Authority is making under the able leadership of Mr. Fayyad, and we hope that that momentum can be continued and augmented through consistent donor support. The ability of the Palestinian Authority to build credible institutions and to manage security and law and order is of key importance for both sides.”
2008-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5983 (2008) · source
“The settlement activities have also been addressed by key international actors, including the Quartet. The Quartet will meet again in a couple of hours' time, followed by an iftar with Arab partners, hosted by the Secretary-General. The Quartet meeting is taking place at a critical moment and offers an opportunity to review and take stock of the process in all its aspects. It should be an opportunity to send a clear and effective message of encouragement and guidance to the negotiating parties. Croatia is mindful of the challenges that the parties and the peace process face, but we should not lose sight of the overall framework of the process or of timing and contextual considerations.”
2008-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5983 (2008) · source
“And even if the process takes longer than foreseen, that will in no way diminish the commitment of the parties, nor will it diminish the hope for peace. We have listened with attention to the speakers this morning. Over the past months, we in the Council have been closely following the process and have repeatedly voiced concerns over the gap persisting between the vigorous political engagement and developments on the ground. We recognize the need to make tangible progress on the ground by implementing mutual Road Map obligations and by refraining from confidence-eroding steps, which could negatively affect the dynamics of the peace talks. The issue of settlements is a sensitive and difficult one, and it is being addressed by the parties within the framework of bilateral talks.”
2008-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5983 (2008) · source
“In considering the situation in the Middle East over the course of this year, my delegation has continued to be guided by one word: "hope". Indeed, 2008 seems to be a year of hope for peace in the Middle East. While there was nothing a year ago, now we have the Annapolis process under way, solid and substantive. The parties are negotiating regularly and at all levels. There have been challenges, and there will be further challenges. But that should not be used to distract or derail the talks. The efforts that the parties are investing in the process should be praised. The international community, including the Council, should do its utmost to support them in making the compromises required to achieve the shared goal of arriving at an agreement in accordance with the agreed terms of reference by the end of this year.”
2008-09-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5983 (2008) · source
“We are looking forward to the Secretary-General's advice on this matter, and are of the opinion that the Council should revisit this issue in a timely manner.”
2008-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5895 (2008) · source
“In that respect, my Government is ready to make its contribution in the form of civilian experts who themselves have gained experience and expertise during the post-conflict stabilization and reconstruction period in Croatia. All the activities that we are talking about today are obviously not possible without sufficient funding. Therefore, we must do our utmost to ensure sustainable and transparent financing. For its part, Croatia is one of the founders of the Peacebuilding Fund, whose work it supports and contributes to. My delegation hopes that today's discussion will result in the establishment of concrete steps towards strengthening both United Nations and international capabilities in the field of post-conflict peacebuilding.”
2008-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5895 (2008) · source
“Several questions in this regard have been posed in the concept paper for today's discussion (S/2008/291, annex). When looking at the different types of civilian experts that are required for a post-conflict peacebuilding mission, especially in the areas of justice, corrections, security sector reform, governance and economic recovery, we believe that the formation of rosters, as was suggested in the Brahimi report on peacekeeping (S/2000/809), is a good way forward. The existence of permanent rosters of civilian experts that are ready to be deployed on short notice would significantly shorten preparation periods and enable the civilian effort in post-conflict stabilization to be deployed immediately after a ceasefire or peace agreement has been reached.”
2008-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5895 (2008) · source
“A good example of utilizing a coordinated and integrated approach is the report of the High-level Panel on United Nations System-wide Coherence, entitled "Delivering as one" (see A/61/583), which we fully support. That report envisages the role of an empowered Resident Coordinator as the leader of integrated United Nations efforts in the areas of development, humanitarian assistance and the environment. Post-conflict peacebuilding efforts and leadership on the ground should follow a similar pattern. We also believe that the plans and organization of the core structure of integrated post-conflict stabilization efforts should be permanently placed on standby so that preparations for a specific operation will take the minimum amount of time and will include only country-specific details.”
2008-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5895 (2008) · source
“We are aware that the chances for substantive peace are enhanced with the speedy and coordinated engagement of the United Nations system following the establishment of a ceasefire on the ground or the signing of a peace agreement. As there are many United Nations agencies that can be involved in post- conflict situations, it is imperative that their efforts be coordinated and integrated so that the capabilities of all these United Nations and other agencies can be utilized to capacity while simultaneously reducing overlap. In doing so, costs can most certainly be reduced and more resources can be allocated to address the core needs of the country involved.”
2008-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5895 (2008) · source
“We value and support the work of the Commission, especially through its integrated peacebuilding strategies. What we need to do now is ensure that those strategies are implemented on the ground in the most efficient manner. Croatia is of the opinion that the peacebuilding concept enacted through the Peacebuilding Commission offers the best way in which we can effectively achieve as well as consolidate the three main pillars of the United Nations: security, development and the protection of human rights. Achieving and consolidating security creates the conditions necessary for development and therefore also strengthens the tools required for protecting and enhancing human rights. Implementing the three main pillars together leads to creating sustainable peace and long-lasting stability and prosperity.”
2008-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5895 (2008) · source
“It is, of course, not my intention to disparage the presence of United Nations and other humanitarian organizations in Croatia during those difficult times. We are most certainly very grateful for the help and assistance we received, and indeed some significant results were produced, including one of the most successful United Nations missions overall - the United Nations Transitional Administration in Eastern SIavonia. My comments are aimed solely at providing examples of how we can always learn from and improve our activities. The establishment of the Peacebuilding Commission is one of the most important results of United Nations reform thus far. Croatia was very active in its founding, and was also elected as a member in its inaugural year of existence, including as a member of the country-specific meeting on Burundi.”
2008-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5895 (2008) · source
“Our own experience during the war imposed on Croatia in the 19905, when United Nations peacekeepers, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the World Health Organization, as well as many other agencies and humanitarian assistance organizations, were present in the area, leads us to conclude that all these agencies may have come with the best of intentions, but that in many cases they were not able to understand the real needs of the population or to cooperate effectively with each other or with the people involved. The ultimate result of this was that much of the overall spending of the United Nations and other agencies in Croatia during that time went into maintaining themselves and their own programmes and goals, and did not end up with the people or institutions that required their assistance.”
2008-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5895 (2008) · source
“Another added value of this approach is being able to develop autonomous capacity that is necessary for the consolidation of those national structures that will eventually need to take over responsibility for governing the country. Also worth mentioning is the positive effect that the international community working together with national structures can have on the overall better acceptance of a peacebuilding mission by the local population.”
2008-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5895 (2008) · source
“The whole of a society that emerges from conflict has to feel the peace dividends of emergence from a conflict, which take the form of stability, security and improvements in daily life. We agree completely with those assessments. Additionally, we believe that it is important to involve domestic resources, wherever possible and without exacerbating existing political tensions. An operation of post-conflict stabilization can most certainly benefit from this kind of engagement. The utilization of domestic resources certainly enhances the effectiveness of an operation and makes use of the available experience and skills of the people in the country emerging from conflict, who more often than not can provide a unique perspective not otherwise available to outsiders.”
2008-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5895 (2008) · source
“Moreover, we are witnesses to many conflict areas in which the situation does not permit national Governments to assume their responsibility to ensure the security and well-being of their people, and therefore unnecessarily prolongs a sometimes seemingly endless international military or other presence. Why is that so? The answer, when found, will almost inevitably be very complex, if not at times almost elusive - not unlike the actual situations in post-conflict areas themselves. Some of the possible reasons for this can be found in the concept paper for today's deliberations (S/2008/291, annex), which, in our View, provides a good starting point for our discussion. To be sure, the rapid implementation of a peace agreement is very important, but we have to ensure that this does not occur in a vacuum.”
2008-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5895 (2008) · source
“At the outset, I wish to express Croatia's deepest condolences to China and Myanmar on their tragic losses. My country has aligned itself with the statement to be delivered by the representative of the Republic of Slovenia on behalf of the European Union. Nevertheless, I would like to make several remarks on today's important topic. First of all, I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for choosing the topic of post-conflict peacebuilding for the thematic debate under the United Kingdom presidency of the Security Council. That topic is timely and, above all, exceedingly relevant in today's world - a world in which we are witnesses to situations where far too many conflicts that end through negotiated settlements restart within five years.”
2008-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5895 (2008) · source