YouSaid · the spoken record

Jessen-Petersen

lines on the record: 151
first: 1997-05-21
most recent: 2006-06-20
sittings or episodes: 7
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

“It is important that other political leaders and citizens follow his example. The new two-party coalition government has, since taking office on 3 December 2004, undertaken a sustained effort to accelerate standards implementation on the basis of a number of priority standards goals and indicators to measure progress, agreed upon between the government and UNMIK. As members know, priority standards goals are those central to the improvement of the rights and living conditions of minority communities and to the building of a multi- ethnic, democratic and stable Kosovo. The conclusions of the technical assessment before the Council are clear: The Provisional Institutions of Self-Government have made tangible progress, but there is further to go to ensure that the positive processes are translated into action on the ground.”
2005-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5130 (2005) · source
“Kosovo's Serb community is, regrettably, often the victim of misinformation that is disproportionate to the facts on the ground. Fears, whether fuelled by misinformation or by intimidatory acts, and even when not borne out by facts, translate into largely self-imposed limits on freedom of movement, and, thus, limits on access to employment, health care, electricity, justice and education. These perceptions of insecurity also prevent many displaced Kosovo Serbs from returning to their homes. The Prime Minister of Kosovo, Ramush Haradinaj, has set an example to political leaders and officials, and to the people of Kosovo, by continuing to reach out to Kosovo Serbs and other minorities through repeated, inclusive public statements and through visits to municipalities, where he has met with returnees.”
2005-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5130 (2005) · source
“Community policing initiatives and the ongoing successful transition of policing responsibility to the Kosovo Police Service are helping to bring policing closer to all the people of Kosovo. Where additional security measures are required for particularly vulnerable areas, these are taken. Two recent trips, by the Prime Minister and by the President of Serbia, passed off Without incident and confirmed the professionalism of KFOR, the UNMIK police and the KPS, and the good cooperation among them. While we have made progress, the Kosovo security environment does, however, remain fragile. I therefore welcome the recent decision by NATO to maintain KFOR'S operational capabilities during this crucial year. Members of the minority communities continue to feel insecure.”
2005-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5130 (2005) · source
“Mr. Jessen-Petersen: The three months since my last report to the Security Council have been marked by a positive trend in what is a crucial year for Kosovo and for the region. The challenges ahead of us in the coming months are, however, considerable. Let me first say a few words on the progress made. The security situation continues to improve based on strong daily cooperation between the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), the Kosovo Police Service (KPS) and the Kosovo Force (KFOR), to whose Commander and forces I would like to pay tribute. Levels of serious crime are low - indeed, not higher than other comparably populated areas of Europe - and the trend is positive. Crime rates are showing no evidence of ethnic bias in policing or judicial processes.”
2005-02-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5130 (2005) · source
“We need those strong statements of support. We have listened very carefully, and I want to thank you, Mr. President, and the Council for the very helpful and encouraging words of support and the many relevant observations. We have listened, we will act upon them, and I look forward to being back here again, in about three months.”
2004-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5089 (2004) · source
“It also requires their active engagement in the dialogue, as well as a regular, constructive and active dialogue with Belgrade at all levels and on all issues. I must say, I welcome Mr. Covie's commitment to continue cooperating with UNMIK. I am also strongly committed to continuing that dialogue. The Council today, and I am grateful for that, has sent a clear message to the Provisional Institutions and to all the people of Kosovo about what you expect and what they have to do to move determinedly on implementing standards and reach out to the minorities. The Council has also sent a very encouraging message of commitment and support. In Kosovo, I think that this message will also be received as a message of hope that we are on the right track, we are moving forward and we have a clear goal ahead of us.”
2004-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5089 (2004) · source
“That is another way to hold the Government and others accountable for progress in implementing standards. Progress in decentralization is one of the priorities. I welcome the strong statements of support for decentralization. I believe decentralization is one of the most important ways to bring in the minorities and to address their legitimate concerns for security and necessary institutional protection. That is why it is so important that the Kosovo Serbs participate in the working group on decentralization. It is, as much as anything, their concerns and their interests we wish to address, not just in words but in action. Indeed, progress over the next six months requires that we reach out to the Kosovo Serbs, that the majorities reach out to the Kosovo Serbs.”
2004-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5089 (2004) · source
“In other words we have to make sure that there is sufficient progress, but also be ready to point out if it is insufficient. Our technical assessments will be realistic and honest, as was our first, which pointed out that progress has been uneven. It is also very clear that it is only in the case of a positive assessment of sufficient progress that we will be able to embark on a process leading towards status talks. To make sure that we do not fail, accountability is very important. It has been referred to and I welcome the many statements here supporting my initiative now to focus on accountability. We have drawn up a policy on the ground in order to make sure that we conduct this policy in a clear, consistent and credible way. But we will hold non-performing authorities accountable, regardless of ethnicity.”
2004-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5089 (2004) · source
“We are saying that only if there is demonstrable, visible, clear improvement in all those areas, will we move towards a positive assessment of progress on standards. We are thus also saying that we can neither maintain Kosovo as a holding operation, nor reward violence, because we need to see action on everything that went wrong in March. That's why I believe that there is today a clear understanding on the part of all political leaders but also the people of all ethnicities in Kosovo, of what needs to be done now. I am also hopeful because we have introduced regular technical assessments on progress. Those technical assessments, of which the first is in front of you, will allow us to do two things: first to try and push the process forward, and, secondly and equally important, to manage expectations.”
2004-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5089 (2004) · source
“But it also brought home to us clearly that we also cannot continue to manage Kosovo as a holding operation. The very uncertainty is unhelpful for stability not only in Kosovo, but in the entire region. That is why we decided to put an emphasis on priorities in the standards. What went wrong in March were all the issues linked to the interests of the minorities, of multi-ethnicity, so we have decided to focus on all the relevant minority issues. They have been mentioned here very often and strongly supported: security, freedom of movement, return of displaced persons, protection of minorities and decentralization. By focusing on those very priorities of direct relevance to the minorities, we are drawing a link between March and the review of mid-2005.”
2004-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5089 (2004) · source
“Mr. Jessen-Petersen: I shall try to be brief so as to wrap up the debate. I want to thank all the members of the Council and the other speakers for their expressions of very strong support for our comprehensive integrated strategy, our proposed way forward and our proposed timetable. I was asked why I am more optimistic at this stage than my predecessors. I am not optimistic that there is a change, I am hopeful. Why? Many of you have referred to the March events. We all agree that they were deplorable, regrettable, and clearly must not be allowed to happen again. March was a setback for Kosovars, the international community, indeed for all of us, but I believe that March was also a turning point since we all understand, the political leaders on the ground, the people on the ground understand we cannot allow this to happen again.”
2004-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5089 (2004) · source
“In return, they will expect - and we will continue to need - strong international support. I am confident that we can count on the Security Council's full backing as we move forward.”
2004-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5089 (2004) · source
“Over the last four months, we have taken significant steps forward in close partnership with the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government, in dialogue with Belgrade and with strong support from the Contact Group and from our partnership with the European Union, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and NATO's International Security Force in Kosovo. We have developed a comprehensive, integrated strategy, a clear and consistent plan of action, and a tight - but not impossible - timetable. After almost five years of managing a holding operation in Kosovo, we may be moving towards the end game, that is, talks on final status. The political leaders and the people of Kosovo know that only action, implementation of priority standards, and hard work will get them to that goal.”
2004-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5089 (2004) · source
“Meanwhile, I am continuing consultations to ensure the establishment of functional institutions capable of implementing standards with the necessary speed and of the necessary quality. We are looking closely at the coalition's programme and its list of proposed ministers. We need to help ensure that the new Government is as capable as possible of tackling the difficult tasks ahead. Kosovo will for the first time also have a strong parliamentary opposition. I trust that the opposition, when playing its legitimate and democratic role, will show mature political judgement in the interest of Kosovo's move towards a review of standards and status talks. I hope it is clear from all I have said that we face a challenging and at times difficult way ahead in Kosovo.”
2004-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5089 (2004) · source
“Ramush Haradinaj as Prime Minister, has raised some questions and concerns in view of continuing reports that the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) is pursuing a case related to him. However, the international community has supported my decision not to intervene or block the democratic process. Indeed, what we are seeing right now is democracy at work. If the ICTY proceeds with its case against Mr. Haradinaj, I trust it will be based, in accordance with its mandate and responsibility, on justice. And should this occur, I am confident that Kosovo will show the world and the region an example of compliance with the judiciary process, just as they have shown respect for democracy.”
2004-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5089 (2004) · source
“Another reason for the low turnout was intimidation and antidemocratic pressure not to vote, with the resulting fear of retribution. Following the elections, I urged the parties to proceed with all speed in constituting the Assembly and forming a new Government. I also urged all parties to reach out to improve the living conditions of the Kosovo Serbs as a necessary first act once the new Government was formed. Although it might well have been preferable at this stage to have a broad coalition in place, a narrower grouping of political parties - the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) and the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK) - decided, in full accordance with democratic principles, to form a coalition and prepare for government. The coalition agreement, and the possible appointment of Mr.”
2004-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5089 (2004) · source
“No significant incidents of a political or security nature interrupted polling, which generally took place in a completely safe and secure environment that allowed people to vote freely. While the overall turnout was good, I regret very much the disappointingly low turnout of the Kosovo Serbs. Certainly, many of the Kosovo Serbs are dissatisfied with their living conditions, including inadequate freedom of movement and concerns about security and the economic situation. It is also true that Kosovo Serb politicians registered late, following the much appreciated call to participate by President Tadic of Serbia, and therefore they had very little time to mobilize voters. Belgrade was divided, and there were calls by leading authorities in the Serbian Government and the Serbian Orthodox Church for a boycott.”
2004-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5089 (2004) · source
“Let me turn finally to the recent developments linked to the Assembly elections of 23 October - elections which were determined to be free and fair by the Council of Europe observation mission. The elections were also monitored by over 13,000 local observers from political entities and non-governmental organizations representing all communities in such a way as to ensure transparency and acceptance of the results. The elections were conducted with considerable success and for the first time by a local body, the Central Election Commission, under the oversight of UNMIK's Democratization Pillar, and were managed by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.”
2004-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5089 (2004) · source
“Those areas include, but are not limited to, minority rights, freedom of movement, the return of displaced persons, equal provision of services, responsible media and security. There are a number of tools and measures at my disposal, based on Security Council resolution 1244 (1999), to help ensure compliance. The use of disciplinary measures must, of course, be commensurate with offences and employed only as a last resort. The Government has a primary responsibility here in taking all measures to ensure progress. I hope therefore that I will not need to use sanctions, but I am fully prepared to do so in the interests of progress towards standards and status in Kosovo. Such sanctions would be applied regardless of party affiliation and regardless of ethnicity.”
2004-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5089 (2004) · source
“However, outstanding legal issues remain, and illegal seizure of socially owned enterprise land by municipalities is an ongoing problem. We still have blockages due to unclear ownership issues. We are, however, close to finding a possible solution that would ensure that privatization goes ahead without delay. Let me come back now to a subject I mentioned earlier. I am closely examining how I can help to ensure progress in implementing standards by actively enforcing accountability. UNMIK is prepared to deal with officials - at both the central and municipal levels - who fail to carry out their duties responsibly or who block attempts to make improvements in key areas.”
2004-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5089 (2004) · source
“While we work on longer-term measures to improve the economy, we have undertaken short-term efforts to address joblessness. Last August, UNMIK, the United Nations Development Programme and the Provisional Institutions launched an employment project aimed at creating jobs and encouraging employers to hire more young people in the short term, thus improving social conditions. We hope to build on that initiative by working on other employment-related quick-impact projects at the municipal level. Meanwhile, we must move on privatization now in order to stimulate the economy. As noted in the technical assessment, the privatization process has moved forward in line with the objective of completing the process by mid- to late 2006.”
2004-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5089 (2004) · source
“More than 270 persons have been arrested for criminal acts related to the riots, and both international and local prosecutors are handling the cases. A number of indictments are being or will be filed, and some verdicts have been rendered. The judicial process will be pursued rigorously to make sure that no crime goes unpunished. The very bad economic situation, which is the Mission's fifth and overarching priority, is possibly the biggest threat to stability and reconciliation. At the same time, the bad economic situation is the most obvious consequence of the lack of certainty on the issue of status. Work has been under way for some time to elaborate a national economic development plan. This work must and will be accelerated. I expect the European Union to play an increasingly active role in that effort.”
2004-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5089 (2004) · source
“The momentum we saw in August and September slowed in the period leading up to elections and afterwards. The new Government must immediately focus on completing the unfinished work. The Government's obligation to reconstruct extends also to religious sites. Assessments have been carried out in cooperation with the Council of Europe. The Provisional Institutions have allocated â‚¬3.7 million from the Kosovo Consolidated Budget, and I have allocated â‚¬500,000 for immediate reconstruction on all 35 religious sites. More money could be made available. However, a disagreement with the Orthodox Church over the tendering process and its withdrawal from the implementation commission have temporarily halted reconstruction of church property. Prosecution of crimes related to the March riots has also proceeded.”
2004-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5089 (2004) · source
“The progress made in recent weeks demonstrates that returns can move forward, even in relatively difficult areas where local authorities have moved from obstruction to support of returns. Although the March violence marked a huge setback, work intended to begin last spring is now moving forward in a number of areas in Kosovo. Let me say few words on reconstruction following the March riots. The Provisional Institutions immediately recognized their responsibility to reconstruct damaged or destroyed property and set up a commission that has made substantial progress. Work on the majority of the more than 900 affected homes has been completed. However, more than 2,000 people who were displaced in March have not yet returned to their reconstructed homes.”
2004-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5089 (2004) · source
“Improved security and freedom of movement are the pivotal factors for accelerating the return of displaced persons to Kosovo. UNMIK and KFOR are now better positioned to provide protection, but only Kosovo Albanian leaders and Kosovo society can and must effectively dispel the need for such protection and create true security. We have revisited our returns strategy, and we are looking at a combination of more specific initiatives on security and freedom of movement; incentives or disincentives for cooperative or obstructive officials, respectively; and more targeted use of sanctions. If action is taken, this spring could see a significant increase in returns. The Provisional Institutions of Self-Government are aware that, without such progress, one of the key priority standards will remain unmet.”
2004-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5089 (2004) · source
“I recently suggested to Prime Minister Kostunica that we restart the dialogue on missing persons under the auspices of the International Committee of the Red Cross, and I very much hope for a positive reply. Not moving forward on that issue or linking it to other issues would mean adding further pain to the agonies of the families of missing persons, who have a right to know as soon as possible what has happened to their loved ones. Too much time has already passed by with respect to that unbearable uncertainty. While I am speaking about dialogue, let me underline the importance of maintaining a regular dialogue with the region. I have already visited Tirana, Skopje and Podgorica, and I will continue that regional dialogue. Let me now address returns of displaced persons.”
2004-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5089 (2004) · source
“The working group met just last Tuesday to work on the criteria for pilot projects. We are moving forward, and I very much hope that the Kosovo Serbs will join. It is in their direct interest to participate, and it is in our interest that they do so. Dialogue at various levels is key. I hope that, in addition to the principal Pristina-based dialogue between Kosovo's majority and minority communities, we can resume and reinforce the direct dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade. I have visited Belgrade twice since assuming office, and I have had good, constructive talks. We now need to move forward on direct dialogue. The four working groups established by my predecessor one year ago are dormant, and we are looking into ways in which to resuscitate them. Most important, we must make progress on the issue of missing persons.”
2004-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5089 (2004) · source
“Let me be clear: territorial division is neither desirable in principle nor workable in a relatively small territory where only one third of the Kosovo Serb population is concentrated north of the Ibar River and the remaining two thirds is scattered across the rest of Kosovo, mostly in rural areas. However, it is exactly because of their isolated and exposed locations that their security, as well as their economic and social rights, must be ensured through the plan on meaningful self-government developed by the working group in Kosovo. We have also, in agreement with the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government, invited Belgrade to provide advisory support for the meetings of the working group as well as elements from a plan developed in Belgrade that could enrich the Provisional Institutions decentralization plan.”
2004-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5089 (2004) · source
“One key way of reaching out to the communities is through decentralization or reform of local government to form a basis for the successful integration of Kosovo's minority communities into the fabric of society. With the assistance of UNMIK, a Provisional Institutions working group, with the participation of Kosovo Serbs and with the support of the Council of Europe, formulated a decentralization plan during the summer. It is a practical programme aimed at building links between local authorities and citizens, giving all citizens equal access to all rights.”
2004-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5089 (2004) · source
“In a recent meeting, the Provisional Institutions and donors agreed to work together on a comprehensive strategy and implementation plan to ensure that we not only identify, but also address, gaps in capacity at the central and municipal levels. The transfer of competencies must also be accompanied by greater accountability on the part of the Provisional Institutions. To that end, I have been looking closely at my powers to intervene and, as necessary, to impose sanctions. Allow me to come back to that subject in a few minutes. A vital aspect of our work revolves around protecting the rights of minority communities, which is now the main focus of the standards. The authorities must ensure that all communities feel safe and secure and that they are able to live normal lives, free of fear and intimidation.”
2004-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5089 (2004) · source
“I recently agreed to establish three new ministries: one on returns and communities, one on energy and mining, and one on local self- government. That is in line with our strategy that all competencies not directly involving sovereignty should be transferred as soon as possible. I intend to go ahead with further transfers, notably in the area of the economy and also, in due course, in areas linked to justice and security. The transfer of competencies must be accompanied by more effective capacity-building. To that end, we are re-energizing donor efforts to help the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government to build capacity.”
2004-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5089 (2004) · source
“Therefore, in agreement with the Secretary- General and with the support of the Contact Group, I am placing particular emphasis on key priorities in the areas of the rule of law, freedom of movement, returns of displaced persons, functioning local institutions and security. We are addressing issues on which Kosovo failed in March, and we are insisting that significant progress be made on them by mid-2005 at the latest. Clear criteria, measurable indicators and joint UNMIK- Provisional Institutions working groups are now in place. Progress is achievable, and I believe that a determined new Government could achieve it in the time available. We have also moved forward on the further transfer of competencies to the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government.”
2004-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5089 (2004) · source
“Our first assessment - covering the period through September of this year - shows that, although progress has been made in some areas, it has been uneven, and that there is still much work ahead for the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government. Achieving progress on all eight standards remains our basic policy. At the same time, against the planned timeline of a review in mid-2005, one cannot expect the more than 400 detailed indicators laid out in the Standards Implementation Plan to be fulfilled. But one can expect - and one must demand - real progress in the implementation of those standards that together contribute most to the establishment of a multi-ethnic Kosovo.”
2004-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5089 (2004) · source
“We are entering a crucial phase in Kosovo, and it is more than ever essential that we closely synchronize our political strategy with the right level of military preparedness and ability to respond. I now turn to standards. Standards remain the central plank of the international community's policy in Kosovo. At the same time, it is - and must be - the overriding priority of the new Government to implement standards prior to the planned formal assessment of progress in the middle of next year. As members are aware, UNMIK is now assessing Kosovo's progress in quarterly technical reviews annexed to the political reports of the Secretary- General.”
2004-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5089 (2004) · source
“We are also addressing security through various consultative mechanisms. The Kosovo Security Advisory Group, established last July, brings together representatives of all communities to build confidence; we very much hope that the Kosovo Serbs will soon rejoin the Group. We have also established local crime prevention councils in all municipalities, bringing together all ethnic communities and international representatives in order to tackle security issues at the grass-roots level. Finally, concerning the presence of the Kosovo Force (KFOR), I would like to add that I appealed to NATO ambassadors in an address on 10 November to stay the course and maintain the current force size.”
2004-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5089 (2004) · source
“First, on security, the violence last March showed just how fragile the security environment in Kosovo can be. Since then, the security situation has improved significantly. The last eight months have seen only one serious ethnic-related incident. The recent election campaign, and election day itself, were peaceful. Cooperation with the Kosovo Force (KFOR) is excellent. There is close coordination between the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) police, the Kosovo Police Service, and KFOR at all levels. Command, control, communications and liaison arrangements have been strengthened, including the establishment of joint operations centres. The Kosovo Police Service now has its own special unit to respond to unrest, in addition to the three United Nations special police units already deployed.”
2004-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5089 (2004) · source
“I outlined the following five mission priorities at the start: security as the basis of all action; prioritizing standards and accelerating their implementation; further transfer of competencies to the Provisional Institutions of Self- Government with increased capacity-building, but also accompanied by greater accountability; protection of minorities, including freedom of movement and returns of displaced persons, as key components of the standards; and, finally, moving aggressively on the economy, an overarching priority. Guided by the recommendations in Ambassador Eide's report and based on meetings the Secretary- General had with the Contact Group last September, we have agreed on a way forward in implementing the five priorities. Let me say a few words about each of them.”
2004-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5089 (2004) · source
“Mr. Jessen-Petersen: Mr. President, thank you for giving me this opportunity. I am very pleased to address the Security Council three and a half months after beginning my mission in Kosovo. When I arrived in Pristina on 15 August, I expressed my belief that there could be no normalization and no stabilization in the Western Balkans without a resolution of the Kosovo issue. I am more than ever convinced of this.”
2004-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5089 (2004) · source
“We in UNHCR look at the Security Council as the centre stage of a system of global governance that preserves the security of people as well as of States, as these two concepts of security are increasingly indivisible. We insist on our humanitarian impartiality, but we also need the Council's guidance and support in order to safeguard the integrity and effectiveness of humanitarian action.”
1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778 (1997) · source
“We hope that today's debate will help to clarify the issues and define areas where political support from the Council would complement and reinforce humanitarian action. In our view, the Council could play an important role in four areas: first, by setting the indispensable political parameters for humanitarian action, in general and in specific operations; secondly, by exerting diplomatic pressure when necessary; thirdly, by being prepared to consider military protection of humanitarian operations in high-risk situations; and fourthly, by providing support to meet the security concerns that I outlined earlier, and, in this connection, by recognizing situations in which humanitarian operations may have to be suspended because of a total disregard for humanitarian space.”
1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778 (1997) · source
“There should be a presumption that those denying access are acting out of motives other than concern for those to whom we are seeking access. Thirdly, like our partners, we are especially concerned about the difficulties in preserving our image of political neutrality. Humanitarian action must be based solely on the human needs of the victims. Yet in today's inter-group conflicts, helping the victims of one group makes humanitarian actors an immediate suspect, if not enemy, to the other. Humanitarian action must be depoliticized. This also means that when humanitarian action complements international political action in the integrated crisis response we advocate, it should not be subordinated to it.”
1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778 (1997) · source
“In this connection, we regret that the Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel fails explicitly to address the safety of civilian humanitarian staff of the Organization and of non-United Nations agencies. There is no reason why they should not be automatically covered. Why should the security of humanitarian personnel deserve less international protection than other categories of international military, police or civilian staff? Today, humanitarian staff are often exposed to greater risks. Secondly, access to victims must be recognized and supported as a right for those in need to receive protection and assistance, and not as a favour or concession granted by those in control. Access must be free and unrestricted - not subject to conditions.”
1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778 (1997) · source
“All three are under threat. First, humanitarian staff are increasingly operating in areas of conflict - alone, exposed and unprotected. As the ears and eyes of the international community, they may represent hope for some but obstacles and a threat for others. In such conflict situations, we urge that humanitarian staff not be left alone without military support and protection for more than a short-term emergency period. Furthermore, we urge that political leverage, possibly including targeted and selected sanctions, be considered against both State and non-State actors endangering the lives of humanitarian staff. There is, moreover, a need to reaffirm existing norms. Aggressors against humanitarian staff must be held accountable through international criminal jurisdictions.”
1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778 (1997) · source
“Premature repatriation endangers life and may be a threat to fragile peace. From our experience, repatriation on a voluntary basis is the best guarantee against such risks. There are times, however, when UNHCR may have to accept that for refugees, returning to conditions of fragile peace may be a lesser evil, or provide better protection, than remaining in conditions of physical insecurity. Concerted international action and attention by the Council to these five areas of concern would strengthen crisis management. At the same time, three main conditions are indispensable for humanitarian action, forming the humanitarian space needed for our operations. These are staff security, unrestricted access to people in need of humanitarian protection and assistance, and respect for the impartiality and integrity of humanitarian operations.”
1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778 (1997) · source
“There is an urgent need to reaffirm the principle of the civilian and humanitarian nature of refugee camps, and of the primary responsibility of asylum countries to ensure respect for this principle, if necessary with the assistance of the international community. Refugees must also be located away from borders. Refugee flows should not be exploited, neither by exiled leaders nor by host countries. In our view, the time has come to remind the international community that granting asylum is a humanitarian and politically neutral act. Fifthly, with asylum under threat and asylum-seekers becoming easy prey in domestic political debates, there is a worrisome trend to force refugees back in conditions that are neither safe nor viable. To be admitted to safety and not to be forced back into situations of danger is a fundamental human right.”
1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778 (1997) · source
“There are conflict situations in which such safety can be provided only through military involvement - a readiness to use force to ensure human security if necessary. Thirdly, it must be clear that the primary responsibility for ensuring the survival and protection of refugees and other victims lies with whoever is in control, be it a State or non-State actor. Non-State actors aspiring to achieve statehood must be held accountable for their behaviour before, during and after reaching their goals. Fourthly, humanitarian organizations should not be left alone to resolve refugee situations that are clearly politicized or militarized. Humanitarian actors are not capable of separating the wolf from the sheep. Separation is a political action, albeit a humanitarian necessity.”
1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778 (1997) · source
“There are a number of shortfalls in today's international response to humanitarian crises: first, despite the efforts of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and UNHCR's much more limited action, there are still millions of persons forcibly displaced within their own countries who are neither protected nor assisted. Although primarily a State responsibility, it is also an international responsibility to agree on more predictable arrangements to manage and resolve such issues. Secondly, humanitarian action is not just about relief, such as food, water and shelter, although these are important. It is also about ensuring physical protection, which is much more difficult, dangerous and sensitive. The challenge must be to bring safety to people rather than people to safety.”
1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778 (1997) · source
“As the High Commissioner said during her last briefing to the Council, we need an integrated approach to crisis management in which all dimensions - humanitarian, developmental and, above all, political - are addressed in a mutually reinforcing manner. The interface between human security on the one hand, and national and international security on the other, must be recognized. Humanitarian action aimed at solving the predicament of refugees can support peaceful efforts. In turn, humanitarian action needs political and sometimes security action. Leaving refugee problems unaddressed for too long may deepen, spread and even internationalize conflict. We believe that far more could be achieved if, next to the improved humanitarian response capacity of the United Nations, there were also an early political and security response capacity.”
1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778 (1997) · source
“Allowing the defeated group, collectively or individually, to return home might pose a real threat to those who have replaced them in power. At the same time, the flight of such groups has resulted in increasingly politicized and militarized refugee populations, causing serious tensions in inter-State relations - in itself not a new phenomenon. Tensions among rival groups of nationals in asylum countries are exacerbated by such refugee populations and are likely to threaten, or to be threatened by, countries of origin. Although many lives have been saved, the responses to the mega-crises of the 1990s have often been ad hoc and improvised. While agencies such as ours do not have the option of choosing when and when not to intervene, political involvement is often selective.”
1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778 (1997) · source
“Today, UNHCR is responsible for 26 million refugees, returnees and displaced persons. Furthermore, there are estimates of a similar number of unprotected and unassisted internally displaced victims of conflict. Today's refugee movements are often massive and rapid. At times, forcible displacement is the very objective of a conflict, not just a by-product. Many conflicts pit one group against another. Those fleeing are often an explosive mix of the defeated government and army, sometimes still armed, as well as innocent women and children. In such situations, solutions become much more difficult to reach. Insisting on the right of those forcibly displaced to return may be to insist that the very goal of the conflict be reversed.”
1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778 (1997) · source