YouSaid · the spoken record

Jiirgenson

lines on the record: 137
first: 2015-10-13
most recent: 2019-11-04
sittings or episodes: 26
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“We as the international community need to do more to bridge the gap between protection of children and conflict prevention. These prevention efforts should be guided by the necessity to ensure full compliance with international humanitarian law and human rights law. In that regard, we first and foremost call on all States who have not yet done so to accede to the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict. In line with the Secretary-General's agenda on prevention, we also acknowledge the need to receive early warning signs from the ground. Here, civil society can play a vital role. For prevention to be truly efficient, however, States and ultimately the international community need to take sufficient and timely action.”
2018-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8305 (2018) · source
“Intensive United Nations engagement with armed groups in the Central African Republic and Nigeria resulted in the signing of action plans to release children and prevent their future recruitment. Sudan made progress in the implementation of the action plan. Mali endorsed the Safe Schools Declaration. Those positive steps, however, are not sufficient. States and the international community bear a responsibility to prevent violations and to protect children and others who are most vulnerable to the detrimental impact of conflict. It is clear that the way we treat children affected by armed conflict has a strong impact on their future well-being, their development as individuals and, ultimately, on communities as a whole.”
2018-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8305 (2018) · source
“I have the honour to speak on behalf Latvia, Lithuania and my own country, Estonia. We fully align ourselves with the statement to be delivered by the observer of the European Union. We would like to thank Sweden for convening this open debate and all the briefers for their presentations. Armed conflicts continue to have a horrific impact on children and, as stated in the Secretary- General's latest report on children and armed conflict (S/2018/465), last year the situation was one of the worst in recent memory. Children are being killed or maimed, recruited as child soldiers and used as human shields. Their schools are being attacked, they are sexually abused, detained, abducted, separated from their families and denied humanitarian access. On the other hand, there are a few optimistic developments.”
2018-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8305 (2018) · source
“We encourage States to cooperate with the ICC, and the Security Council to refer matters to the ICC. In cases already referred to the ICC, further support from the Council is of paramount importance.”
2018-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8264 (2018) · source
“For our part, Estonia has ratified the main instruments of international humanitarian law with regard to the protection of civilians and has introduced the necessary domestic regulations for their enforcement. Every measure has been taken to ensure that our military personnel do not violate international law when carrying out their duties and that they are trained to comply with the obligations to protect civilians as agreed in the Kigali Principles on the Protection of Civilians. Finally, let me emphasize the importance of accountability. Perpetrators must be brought to justice and States must ensure that those responsible do not operate with impunity. In that regard, let me also underline the role of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in cases where investigations or prosecutions at the national level are not possible.”
2018-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8264 (2018) · source
“Estonia fully supports the Secretary-General's reform agenda and the concept of sustaining peace, as well as placing prevention and sustaining peace at the core of the work of the United Nations. Furthermore, in terms of preparing peacekeepers and other United Nations staff to be deployed on missions, education and training in international humanitarian law has an important role in supporting efforts to halt and prevent acts of violence, attacks and threats against the wounded and sick and medical and humanitarian personnel, as well as medical facilities. References to mission-specific legal issues prior to deployment could prove to be valuable and lead to better application of international law, as well as complement the overall troop-training procedure and raise awareness.”
2018-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8264 (2018) · source
“We recognize the progress that has been made, but at the same time emphasize the need to take further steps in fully implementing those and other relevant resolutions. We need full and unimpeded humanitarian access to the people in desperate need of it, and we need to ensure that those helping will be safe as well. The primary responsibility of States is to ensure the protection of their people. In that regard, I would like to emphasize the paramount importance of conflict prevention and peacebuilding. More needs to be done in addressing the root causes of conflict, finding avenues to promote political dialogue and creating truly inclusive societies.”
2018-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8264 (2018) · source
“I thank you, Sir, for convening today's ministerial-level open debate on a very timely and critically important topic. Estonia aligns itself with the statement delivered by the observer of the European Union. As described extensively in the Secretary- General's annual report on the protection of civilians in armed conflict (S/2018/462), we continue to witness the grim reality of growing numbers of civilians killed in conflicts, as well as ongoing violations ofinternational humanitarian law and human rights law. Over the years, a number of landmark resolutions have been adopted, such as 1894 (2009), which prioritizes the protection of civilians in the context of the United Nations peacekeeping operations, as well as 2286 (2016), which is dedicated to the protection of medical care in conflict situations.”
2018-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8264 (2018) · source
“Estonia has annually supported the work of UNRWA and will continue to do so. Estonia has also bilaterally supported the capacity-building of the Palestine administration by developing e-governance services.”
2018-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8167 (2018) · source
“In order to restore trust, the Palestinian side should act decisively to cease incitement to violence and strengthen ongoing efforts to combat and condemn terrorism. Israel should cease the policy of illegal settlement construction and expansion, designating land for exclusive Israeli use and denying Palestinian development. Both sides should take all the necessary steps to prevent violence and protect the lives and property of all civilians. Estonia is deeply concerned about the funding cuts to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), which has been an essential lifeline for many Palestinians for decades, providing basic services, including food and support to children's education and health care. Humanitarian aid should not be politicized.”
2018-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8167 (2018) · source
“At the same time, actions by either side that call into question their stated commitment must be avoided. We reaffirm our position that the status of Jerusalem has to be resolved through negotiations, in line with the relevant United Nations resolutions. The international community should actively support the parties in the restoration of confidence and creation of an environment of trust, which is necessary to engage in meaningful negotiations, as soon as possible. Today, it is crucial to stabilize the situation and reverse negative trends on the ground. We recall the 2016 Quartet report (S/2016/595, annex) recommendations, which called upon both sides to de-escalate tensions by exercising restraint and refraining from provocative actions, as well as rhetoric.”
2018-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8167 (2018) · source
“Estonia aligns itself fully with the statement made by the observer of the European Union. We share the view that, despite all difficulties, we have to strive towards a just and comprehensive resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, based on the two-State solution, with both States living side-by- side in peace, security and mutual recognition. There is no alternative to a negotiated two-State solution. The regional context, including the ongoing radicalization and spread of terrorism, makes it even more urgent to end the conflict. The status quo is not an option, as the viability of the two-State solution is constantly being eroded by emerging new facts on the ground. We urge both parties to demonstrate their stated commitment to the two-State solution through concrete actions.”
2018-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8167 (2018) · source
“It is therefore important to ensure education for children in times of crisis. During emergencies, children in schools can be cared for, accounted for andprotected from abduction, recruitment, and sexual and economic exploitation. Education also helps to avoid recruitment or re-recruitment and paves the way to better reintegration into society.”
2017-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8082 (2017) · source
“At the same time, we must keep in mind that children drawn into war should be primarily seen as Victims and not as criminals. Every effort should be made to bring about their reintegration into normal life, especially former girl soldiers and repeated rape victims, who are often shunned and rejected by their families and communities. Furthermore, strengthening child protection systems is one ofthe most cost-effective measures for building resilience and promoting sustainable development. Strong child-protection systems can mitigate the impacts of conflicts and crises on boys and girls. Allowing children to be children can become the strongest and most cost-effective measure for rehabilitating and reintegrating children with traumatic experiences. Finally, we all know that education is one of the key elements in prevention.”
2017-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8082 (2017) · source
“Moreover, it is important to redouble the pressure on non-State armed groups that recruit and use children in their ever-expanding activities across borders. In that regard, we clearly see impunity as one of the main enablers of the recurrence of such grave Violations against children. It is only by consistent prosecution that we can deter the commission of such crimes. We therefore believe that the Security Council should influence State and non-State actors in conflict zones and get them to comply with international law, including by better use of sanctions instruments, as well as by referring matters to the International Criminal Court in situations where States are unable or unwilling to bring perpetrators to justice domestically.”
2017-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8082 (2017) · source
“It is reassuring to read in the Secretary-General's report that there have been positive developments with regard to engagements with parties to conflicts. We salute the successes achieved through Children, Not Soldiers campaign. (spoke in English) Sadly, however, compared to the previous year, in some countries, for example in Syria and Somalia, the recruitment and use of children has more than doubled. Also, the number of casualties has reached an all-time high in Afghanistan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We share the Secretary-General's concern for the impact that the increasing disrespect for international law has had on children. Member States must uphold their obligations under international human rights law and international humanitarian law.”
2017-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8082 (2017) · source
“Mr. Jiirgenson (Estonia) (spoke in French): I have the honour to speak on behalf of Latvia, Lithuania and my country, Estonia. We fully associate ourselves with the statement made on behalf of the European Union. We thank France for convening today's open debate, and the Secretary-General, his Special Representative and the civil society representative for their briefings. The special attention given to non-State armed groups is quite relevant in the light of the latest Secretary-General's report (S/2017/821) given that they have committed nearly three times more violations than Government forces. That presents a new set of challenges to Member States. We thank the Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, Ms. Virginia Gamba, and UNICEF for their undisputed work in the field.”
2017-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8082 (2017) · source
“Estonia stands ready to work with all partners to enhance capacities and work on solutions, including in the digital sphere for conflict prevention and good governance. That is also something we prioritize in our quest to become a non-permanent member of the Security Council in 2020-2021. Since we celebrated Nelson Mandela International The President (spoke in Chinese): There are still Day yesterday, let me finish my intervention with a a number of speakers remaining on my list. Given quote from him: "It is easy [0 break down and destroy. the lateness of the hour, I intend, with the consent of The heroes are those who make peace and build." That the members Of the Security Council, to suspend the is something that we, as the international community, mcemg until 3 pm. The meeting was suspended at 1.20pm.”
2017-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8006 (2017) · source
“We believe that one of the most important guarantees for the world's sustainable development and the expansion of the influence of democracy and rule of law is mainstreaming gender equality to all areas of life. Women can play a key role in conflict prevention and resolution, peace negotiations and peacebuilding, as well in post-conflict reconstruction. Furthermore, the AU theme for 2017 is "Harnessing the demographic dividend through investments in the youth", and 2018-27 was just declared the African Decade for Technical, Professional, Entrepreneurial Training and Youth Employment. Africa is the youngest continent on Earth and creating enabling conditions, jobs, education, and the rule of law for young people at home will play a crucial role in silencing the guns in Africa.”
2017-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8006 (2017) · source
“Furthermore, the AU Master Roadmap of Practical Steps to Silence the Guns in Africa by 2020 is a welcome step forward. It is now crucial to implement all of those important decisions. In order to silence the guns in Africa, it is imperative to address the root causes of conflict. The AU Agenda 2063 identifies democratic deficit and weak governance as the root causes of conflict and impediments to sustainable development in Africa. Forging synergies between governance and peace and security is crucial in order to address conflicts in a holistic manner. We welcome the African efforts on concrete structural conflict prevention initiatives, early warning, mediation, and preventive diplomacy. We encourage further efforts to that end.”
2017-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8006 (2017) · source
“Estonia aligns itself with the statement delivered by the observer of the European Union. First, we would like to thank the Chinese presidency for convening today's open debate. We welcome the efforts of the African Union (AU) to respond effectively to conflicts and crises in Africa. A lot has been achieved but a lot remains to be done. The international community's role and support in that regard are vital. We welcome the signing of the Joint United Nations-African Union Framework for an Enhanced Partnership in Peace and Security, which took place in April. We also commend the African Union Assembly decision from January 2015 to fund 25 per cent of AU peace-support operations, as well as the subsequent AU Assembly decision to operationalize the AU Peace Fund.”
2017-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8006 (2017) · source
“We continue to contribute to a number of global and regional non-proliferation initiatives, such as the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism and the Proliferation Security Initiative. We also continue to support resolution 1540 (2004) by sharing our experience and knowledge in the area of the export control of dual-use items. Every step promoting transparency and greater responsibility contributes to the broader capacity-building of interested States.”
2017-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7985 (2017) · source
“We welcome the establishment of the high- level expert preparatory group whose mandate it is to make recommendations on substantive elements for a future treaty. Resolution 1540 (2004) remains the fundamental pillar and a key preventive instrument for a cooperative approach aimed at helping Member States to develop capabilities to face evolving threats in the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. I would like to reaffirm Estonia's readiness to implement, in a proactive manner, resolution 1540 (2004), as urged in resolution 2325 (2016) and the comprehensive review report (see S/2016/1038). We believe that effective implementation entails effective legal enforcement and export controls. We also attach high importance to the existing multilateral export- control regimes.”
2017-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7985 (2017) · source
“We believe that the key to effective counter-proliferation is universal adherence and the full implementation of multilateral disarmament and non-proliferation treaties and agreements. We also must strive to make progress towards strengthening the existing instruments and regimes. We strongly support the multilateral disarmament, non-proliferation and arms-control treaties, such as the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention, the Chemical Weapons Convention, the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and the Comprehensive Nuclear- Test-Ban Treaty. We also stand ready for the immediate commencement and early conclusion of the negotiation of a treaty banning the production of fissile material for nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices.”
2017-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7985 (2017) · source
“Toxic chemicals have repeatedly been used as weapons in Syria, and new credible allegations have been reported by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). The OPCW-United Nations Joint Investigative Mechanism attributed the responsibility for the series of chemical-weapon attacks to both the Syrian armed forces and the terrorists. The threatening and destabilizing actions by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea represent a serious threat to international peace and security and undermine the global non-proliferation and disarmament regime. We therefore need to redouble our efforts at the national, regional and global levels to prevent non-State actors from acquiring sensitive materials and technologies.”
2017-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7985 (2017) · source
“Estonia aligns itself with the statement to be made by the observer of the European Union. First, we would like to thank Bolivia for convening an open debate on this relevant topic, which is more pressing than ever. We fully agree that the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery constitutes a serious threat to international peace and security. Such threats are continuously evolving, owing, inter alia, to rapid developments in science, technology and international commerce. The risk of State or non-State actors, particularly terrorists, seeking to develop or acquiring weapons of mass destruction is especially worrisome and, unfortunately, we have already seen those risks materializing.”
2017-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7985 (2017) · source
“We have therefore incorporated the subject of human trafficking and gender-based violence into all our pre-mission trainings. Regardless of our common efforts and achievements, much work remains to be done in the fight against conflict-related sexual violence. Estonia hopes that the topic will remain high on our agenda and calls for comprehensive cooperation by all Member States to combat crimes against humanity.”
2017-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7938 (2017) · source
“At the global level, we have supported the Special Representative of the Secretary General on Sexual Violence in Conflict and made regular contributions to the ICC Trust Fund for Victims. Likewise, Estonia has supported the fight against conflict-related sexual violence through the Team of Experts on the Rule of Law and Sexual Violence in Conflict. At the national level, Estonia has made important progress with regard to the fight against violence against women and sexual abuse of children. For example, victims of human trafficking, unaccompanied under-age foreigners and sexually abused minors have the right to receive counselling services and psychological help. Furthermore, Estonia considers it important to address sexual Violence in conflict as a part of the broader women and peace and security agenda.”
2017-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7938 (2017) · source
“Those examples show that, with a strong will and the support of the United Nations and the international community, good results can be achieved in a timely manner. However, in order to bring perpetrators to justice, it is crucial that the victims of conflict-related sexual violence report such cases and not be held back by fear, shame or stigma. That once more serves to emphasize the importance of awareness-raising and changing social norms and mindsets. Victims of sexual violence must be assisted with legal, medical and other relevant services to avoid their expulsion from communities and to prevent double victimization. Every country can make a difference in the fight against sexual and gender-based violence. Estonia has taken steps at both the national and international levels.”
2017-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7938 (2017) · source
“A lack of accountability for these crimes undermines international peace and security and hampers post-conflict peacebuilding. We therefore welcome the recommendation of the Secretary-General in his latest report (S/2017/249) that the Security Council should influence State and non-State actors in conflict zones to comply with international law, including by referring matters to the International Criminal Court (ICC). Furthermore, it is important to take full advantage of the existing tools and mechanisms and to continue to include sexual violence as a part of the designation criteria for sanctions. In addition, we urge the countries experiencing conflict-related sexual violence to reach out and learn from the cases where the issue has been tackled successfully, such as in Cote d'Ivoire.”
2017-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7938 (2017) · source
“I thank you, Mr. President, for convening today's meeting on a very important subject that impacts the lives of too many people, in particular women and children, in conflicts that are already horrendous in so many ways. Estonia aligns itself with the statements delivered on behalf of the European Union and the Group of Friends of Women and Peace and Security. This is not just another debate or another issue on our agenda. The urgency of tackling conflict-related sexual violence cannot be emphasized enough. It is the responsibility of all States to combat impunity and enforce accountability by prosecuting those responsible for such dreadful crimes against civilians. There must be no room for impunity for sexual or gender-based crimes. However, today only a limited number of the perpetrators of sexual violence have been brought to justice.”
2017-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7938 (2017) · source
“Furthermore, victims must have access to adequate assistance, support and effective remedies. It is important for the international community to continue its efforts aimed at tackling and preventing the activities of armed groups, terrorist groups and transnational organized crime groups that are involved in human trafficking, forced labour and modern slavery. Estonia believes that trafficking in persons in conflict situations must and can be eradicated. But to reach this goal, the fight needs to be stepped up. We remain ready to actively participate in future discussions to shape the international community's response to this global threat.”
2017-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7898 (2017) · source
“Thirdly, there must be no room for impunity, and all perpetrators must be held accountable. While the problem of trafficking is international in nature and therefore requires an international response, we must not forget that the primary responsibility for bringing those responsible tojustice lies with the States. National policy and action programmes, including efforts to train immigration authorities, police forces, prosecutors and judges, are crucial to eradicating human trafficking. While most countries have adopted legislation criminalizing human trafficking, attention still needs to be directed to enforcement. Accordingly, the States themselves and the international community must take action to prevent the culture of impunity from spreading.”
2017-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7898 (2017) · source
“To achieve this, Estonia calls for better coordination among stakeholders and institutions. The Security Council could lead this process and foster greater normative, operational and strategic coherence across the United Nations system on the topic by engaging directly with relevant United Nations mandate holders, including the Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and children, and the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery, including its causes and its consequences, the Special Representatives of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict and for Children and Armed Conflict, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and other relevant agencies.”
2017-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7898 (2017) · source
“First, preventing violent conflict from occurring in the first place is the best guarantee to avert human trafficking from happening. That is one of the many reasons why Estonia fully supports the Secretary- General's emphasis on shifting from reaction to prevention. We commend his efforts to improve the United Nations capacity to take early action to prevent violent conflict and link the reform of the United Nations peace and security architecture with the reform of the United Nations development system. The United Nations needs to fulfil its core functions more effectively and in a more coherent manner. Secondly, the international community needs to scale up protection efforts to ensure that those affected by conflict situations, especially women and girls, do not become vulnerable to traffickers.”
2017-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7898 (2017) · source
“I would like to thank the United Kingdom for convening today's open debate and for its leadership and commitment with respect to this important issue. Estonia aligns itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the European Union. In recent years, the problem ofhuman trafficking in conflict situations has become more exacerbated, both in scope and nature. We are witnessing an increasing number of conflicts, and, unfortunately, human trafficking has become a regular feature and by-product of armed conflicts. Trafficking in persons in conflict situations has therefore reached an unprecedented scale. In order to address the problem of human trafficking in conflict situations, the international community needs to focus simultaneously on prevention, protection and prosecution.”
2017-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7898 (2017) · source
“When a Government fails to live up to its commitments or when it violates the fundamental norms of international law, the international community must act. The Security Council must act. That is why Estonia has expressed before and continues to highlight its position, namely, that the permanent members of the Security Council should voluntarily and collectively commit not to use their veto to block Council action aimed at preventing or ending situations involving mass atrocity crimes.”
2017-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7886 (2017) · source
“We all know that the Security Council has as its primary responsibility, under the Charter of the United Nations, the maintenance of international peace and security. As such, the Council bears the important responsibility for preventing conflicts and for having the capacity and readiness to adequately respond to them. Unfortunately, we have had to witness, on numerous occasions, how some members of the Council have used or threatened to use the veto, and by doing so, have left the Council paralysed and unable to act in situations where action is urgently needed. That has led to the significant loss of life and the displacement of millions of people, and to unprecedented human suffering. In 2005, the States Members of the United Nations committed to the principle of the responsibility to protect.”
2017-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7886 (2017) · source
“Foreign forces should be withdrawn from those regions. Russia should abide by its commitments under international law and the 12 August 2008 ceasefire agreement, and engage constructively in the Geneva International Discussions. We support the efforts of the ongoing conflict-resolution processes, namely, the Minsk Group seeking to find a peaceful resolution to the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, and the 5+2 talks on the Transnistrian settlement process. Sometimes the lack of progress in those formats has been frustrating. That is why genuine political will and good faith is needed from all sides. Not all of the conflicts in Europe could have been prevented, yet the effect of many of those conflicts could have been mitigated, had we acted sooner.”
2017-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7886 (2017) · source
“The existing system works, provided that all participating States adhere to the principles and commitments that it rests on, and provided that all States do so not only in principle but also in practice. We need to find a solution to the conflict in Ukraine. It is quite clear what needs to be done. The Minsk agreements must be carried out, and a sustainable settlement must be found within the framework of the existing negotiation formats. For the first time since the Second World War, borders in Europe have been changed through the use of force. Russia must withdraw its forces from Ukraine, allow Ukraine to restore control over its border and territory, and end the illegal annexation of Crimea. We also remain concerned about the de facto annexation of the Tskhinvali and Abkhazia regions of Georgia.”
2017-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7886 (2017) · source
“As we have unfortunately seen time and again, such conflicts can easily flare up. However, it is not the conflicts, but the conflict-settlement processes that tend to be frozen. We all know that the prohibition on the use of force and the respect for the sovereignty and the territorial integrity of Member States lies at the heart of the Charter of the United Nations. Those principles have our firmest support. Other regional organizations, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in particular, also have a crucial role to play in supporting the rule-based international order in Europe. The security order in Europe has been dented but not dismantled.”
2017-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7886 (2017) · source
“First of all, allow me to extend my deepest condolences to the delegation of the Russian Federation with regard to the passing of Ambassador Vitaly Churkin. I would like to start by thanking the Ukrainian presidency for organizing this timely discussion today on a very important topic. It is the harsh reality that in too many parts of the world we find emerging, raging or frozen conflicts. We also have to face that reality in Europe. The ongoing and protracted conflicts in Europe pose a risk to stability and security at the regional and global levels. They obstruct the socioeconomic development of our countries and regions, and impede the full enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms. Sometimes those conflicts are referred to as "frozen", which is clearly a misnomer.”
2017-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7886 (2017) · source
“As a member of the European Union (EU), Estonia fully supports the EU's new global strategy, which emphasizes the importance of acting promptly on prevention and the commitment of the EU to working through the multilateral system, with the United Nations at its core.”
2017-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7857 (2017) · source
“The Council should continue to address peacebuilding through horizon-scanning briefings, ensuring that longer-term peacebuilding is considered in mission mandates and strengthening the advisory role of the Peacebuilding Commission. We encourage the Security Council to address peacebuilding as early as possible. Let me also highlight the fact that Estonia has supported the Peacebuilding Fund since 2013, as we believe that the Fund is an effective peacebuilding instrument for providing catalytic, fast and flexible assistance. This year Estonia is a member of the Peacebuilding Commission.”
2017-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7857 (2017) · source
“Thirdly, while the primary responsibility for conflict prevention falls on Member States, international institutions have to do their part. The United Nations system needs to work in a more integrated fashion and develop synergies between the Security Council, the Secretariat and other United Nations entities, at both Headquarters and the country level, to implement the "sustaining peace" agenda. We welcome the increasing cooperation of the United Nations with regional organizations aimed at helping them solve regional problems and to include in solutions the States concerned. At the same time, regional organizations should continue contributing to United Nations peace and security efforts. Lastly, the Security Council has increased its focus on peacebuilding to reduce the risk of relapses into violence.”
2017-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7857 (2017) · source
“In order to achieve them in conflict-affected countries, we need to devote more attention and resources that target the drivers of conflict. The comprehensive approach of addressing the interdependence between peace, security and development should clearly take into account the protection of human rights, with particular attention given to women's rights, including through their participation in peace processes. We must watch for the first warning signs of conflicts, and human rights violations are such warnings. Therefore, we urge all fellow United Nations Members present here today to be active in supporting and strengthening human rights initiatives, in particular with a view to ensuring United Nations-wide efforts to prevent grave human rights violations and thus future conflicts.”
2017-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7857 (2017) · source
“In that context, we call upon the members of the Security Council not to vote against draft resolutions on timely and decisive action to prevent or end mass atrocities. Secondly, in order to ensure more effective prevention, it is essential to integrate the peace and security and the human rights and development approaches. None of the United Nations three mandates can be achieved without the other. The promotion of peaceful and inclusive societies, the provision of access to justice for all and the building of effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels are essential for achieving sustainable peace and stability. In that context, I would like to emphasize the importance of the Sustainable Development Goals.”
2017-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7857 (2017) · source
“The recent three reviews of United Nations peace-related activities concluded with the same message - there is an urgent need to put prevention at the core of the United Nations work. There is a strong convergence on the need for a collective recommitment to prevention. Our normative developments need to lead to a real shift in how the United Nations addresses peace and security challenges. I would like to point out several areas of importance for ensuring more effective prevention. First, we must develop a political culture of acting sooner in response to the risk of violent conflict. We must invest in prevention rather than continue to spend money on reacting to conflicts.”
2017-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7857 (2017) · source
“Estonia aligns itself with the statement made on behalf of the European Union. Let me start by thanking Sweden for convening this important and timely debate, and the new Secretary- General Antonio Guterres for outlining his vision for a renewed focus on conflict prevention. Allow me also to congratulate Mr. Guterres on his appointment as the ninth Secretary-General of the United Nations. We cannot agree more with the Secretary- General that it is time to put peace first. The ongoing deep-rooted conflicts, displacements and massive movements of refugees and migrants around the world serve as a clear sign that the Security Council and the broader international community have been ineffective in giving priority to prevention.”
2017-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7857 (2017) · source
“We will also continue supporting the resolution by sharing our experience and knowledge in the area of export control of dual-use items. In conclusion, I would like to reaffirm Estonia's readiness to proactively implement the outcome of the 2016 comprehensive review of resolution 1540 (2004).”
2016-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7837 (2016) · source