YouSaid · the spoken record

Kamara

lines on the record: 303
first: 1999-10-22
most recent: 2019-08-02
sittings or episodes: 33
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

“That means that the democratic process is progressively gaining firm footing as we position ourselves for a smooth and seamless transition from the Agenda for Change to the Agenda for Prosperity, which is tailored to the spirit and purpose of the New Deal for Engagement in Fragile States, agreed in Busan, Republic ofKorea, by the Group of Seven Plus countries. In that connection, I wish to express thanks and appreciation to all of our friends and partners for their timely contributions to the United Nations Development Programme basket fund. I would like to particularly thank the leadership of the Peacebuilding Support Office and staff for their confidence and trust in making a huge investment in our peacebuilding journey. This year marks the eleventh year since the conflict in Sierra Leone was officially declared over.”
2013-03-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6933 (2013) · source
“In that regard, we stand ready to partner with the United Nations, the Peacebuilding Commission and development partners in mapping out and implementing a smooth and seamless transition process from UNIPSIL to the normal United Nations esident Coordinator system as and when necessary. Today, we share the accolades in celebrating another milestone in the consolidation of peace and security in Sierra Leone through the conduct of successful, violence-free, fair, transparent and credible elections, which are considered to be a critical benchmark signalling Sierra Leone's preparedness to move into a more development-focused phase of peacebuilding.”
2013-03-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6933 (2013) · source
“Of course, we share the honour and glory of success, but also the blame and responsibility for decisions that may prove wrong and untimely. We are entirely in the Council's hands and prepared to submit to the collective wisdom of the Council in taking any crucial decision on the matter. In taking forward our development aspirations and addressing residual peacebuilding, security and democratization issues, we look forward to the support of UNIPSIL, even if it has to move into a phase of transition. We therefore urge that any transition process should be carefully thought out to the extent that due consideration is given to the short-term and long-term impact on the gains made thus far.”
2013-03-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6933 (2013) · source
“In other words, the process should be guided by factors on the ground. In that regard, the immediate and future consequences should be weighed, given the present situation in the country and its immediate neighbourhood. Furthermore, there is a need to seriously consider the transition to a strong and well- resourced Resident Coordinator system, in terms of the much-needed technical expertise and funds, within a time frame that avoids any gaps or hiccups along the way. We do not desire to be on the agenda of the Council indefinitely, but the existing circumstances are such that we see the need to prevail upon the Council to be guided in its decisions on this sensitive and complex matter by the prevailing circumstances in Sierra Leone and the subregional dimensions.”
2013-03-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6933 (2013) · source
“In particular, we note with appreciation his interest, together with members of the configuration, in the post-election political outlook of Sierra Leone, including the support required of the configuration, UNIPSIL and the agencies and programmes towards a well-planned and equally well- managed seamless transition to a more development- focused phase ofpeacebuilding, as well as his views on future support to Sierra Leone's political and economic priorities. Sierra Leone stands at the crossroads at this stage of its peacebuilding journey. The decision as to whether to draw down UNIPSIL or not should take into account the challenges already outlined by the Chair of the Sierra Leone configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission, the Government of Sierra Leone, the technical assessment team's report and the report under consideration.”
2013-03-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6933 (2013) · source
“He underscores the progress made in addressing key peacebuilding priorities and the need for enduring support, particularly in the areas of youth unemployment and empowerment; building human capital; improving the justice system, including the security sector; energy, management of natural resources, agriculture and food security; the constitutional review process; and the need for strong, private-sector-led growth that could translate into more tangible peace dividends. We also wish to convey our sincere thanks and appreciation to the members of the Sierra Leone configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission through Ambassador Guillermo Rishchynski, as Chair, for the relentless commitment and strong support they continue to demonstrate in the pursuit of peace and security in Sierra Leone.”
2013-03-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6933 (2013) · source
“We wish to thank the Executive Representative of the Secretary-General and to also express our appreciation for the excellent manner in which UNIPSIL continues to partner and cooperate with the Government and people of Sierra Leone in the delivery of its mandate. The United Nations in Sierra Leone, under his leadership as Resident Coordinator, continues to provide immense technical support while allowing us to take the lead in project selection, approval and monitoring. Equally important is the very instructive briefing we have just heard from the Chair of the Sierra Leone configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission, Ambassador Guillermo Rishchynski of Canada, on his recent visit to Sierra Leone in February.”
2013-03-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6933 (2013) · source
“We thank you for giving our delegation the opportunity to contribute to this briefing on the situation in Sierra Leone. We were privileged to hear a while ago the presentation by Executive Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Jens Anders Toyberg-Frandzen, of the tenth report of the Secretary-General (S/2013/118) on the activities of the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Sierra Leone (UNIPSIL), for the period 1 September 2012 to 28 February 2013, including key findings by the technical assessment mission, which visited Sierra Leone from 14 to 25 January 2013. The report clearly outlines key achievements and remaining challenges.”
2013-03-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6933 (2013) · source
“Let me start by thanking all present for having agreed to reschedule this meeting, at our request. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. I bring you greetings, Mr. President, with profound appreciation, from His Excellency President Ernest Bai Koroma on behalf of the Government and people of Sierra Leone for the continued support and unfailing interest of the Council, the wider membership of the United Nations and our international partners towards consolidating peace and security in Sierra Leone and supporting our socioeconomic development aspirations. I also apologize for the unavoidable absence of my colleague, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice. Please also accept our hearty congratulations to you, Sir, for assuming the presidency of the Security Council for the month of March 2013.”
2013-03-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6933 (2013) · source
“Let me further express the hope that our collective resolve in this open debate would continue to translate into concrete improvements in the implementation of international human rights and humanitarian law to address protection challenges.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“We therefore urge Member States to consider our moral obligation to humankind as our key guiding principle, and to sincerely commit themselves to contributing to the establishment of mechanisms to prevent the diversion of such weapons into the illicit market. In conclusion, the timing of this debate could not be more appropriate, given that Africa is still home to a number of conflicts. In particular, the spate of extremist activities in northern Mali is regrettably leading to the extensive loss of lives and massive destruction of property, including coveted World Heritage sites. Sierra Leone strongly condemns such cowardly acts and will continue to work closely with all partners, particularly within the framework of the wider international community, in seeking a lasting solution to protect civilians.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“Success in reducing the human cost of unregulated arms proliferation will depend largely on creating a sense of responsibility and accountability among those who produce and distribute and those who use arms against innocent civilians. Next month, the final United Nations Conference on the Arms Trade Treaty will be held here in New York in order to finalize the terms of the treaty in an open and transparent manner. It is hoped that the platform will comprehensively tie up all loose strings in order to better serve those for whom we have a responsibility to protect. If we continue to delay in that respect, we shall continue to face the risk of the their use in committing grave violations of national and international law, which have the potential to destabilize peace and security.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“In particular, we hail the Special Court for bringing to justice the perpetrators of crimes against humanity and violations of international humanitarian and human rights law committed in Sierra Leone during the course of conflict. The United Nations is the only organization through which the forces of all major Powers, including rising regional Powers, can jointly participate in providing stability. The participation of major Powers in missions would not only enhance rapid deployment but also signal to potential spoilers that opposition to the mission carries real political costs. It would particularly hamper the activities of those who supply arms in situations where violations of international law can be regarded as a shared responsibility for the use of their weapons to target civilians.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“On that score, Sierra Leone unreservedly calls on all parties to conflict situations, State and non-State actors alike, to respect the laws of armed conflict, international humanitarian law and human rights law, as well as specific domestic criminal laws. Sierra Leone unequivocally condemns the increasing attacks on humanitarian personnel, including health-care providers, women and children, and it urges Member States to ensure respect for protected persons, in compliance with international humanitarian and human rights law. We commend the support of the United Nations and international partners for the work of the Special Court for Sierra Leone. Through its work, the Special Court for Sierra Leone has made a number of critical contributions to the advancement of the rule of law at the national and international levels.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“The development of strategies for a well-structured protection approach shows an unswerving determination to assume a more robust protection posture and the adoption ofthe aide-memoire in 2010 (S/PRST/2010/25, annex), together with a comprehensive protection mandate, is a clear testament to the measures aimed at enhancing the implementation of the protection of civilians by peacekeeping and other relevant missions. Addressing impunity should not be considered an afterthought; rather, the Security Council should proactively seek to ensure an appropriate international response, especially in cases where national authorities fail to take responsibility under the protection laws.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“Ultimately, the end-state objective of a peacekeeping mission should include a protection mandate as part of the international response so as to create an enabling environment in which to take the appropriate steps to ensure accountability. In that regard, we owe special gratitude to the peacekeepers who take on the challenge of implementing protection functions in the field, and it is our responsibility to collectively ease the burden of peacekeepers by matching resources to tasks in fulfilment of the protection mandate. Peacekeeping missions should be sufficiently resourced with adequate mobility to provide the desired operational latitude in challenging environments.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“Those instruments set out the minimum protection standards applicable, especially where civilians are most vulnerable, and seek to prevent situations that might exacerbate vulnerabilities, such as displacement and the destruction of civilian property. Despite the systematic engagement of the United Nations in seeking ways to streamline and improve peacekeeping protection standards, there are a number of inherent challenges due to the ambiguity on how the United Nations should intervene when Member States lack either the military force or the political will to halt all forms of carnage against innocent civilians.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“We recognize the significant steps taken by the Security Council to address the challenges confronting the protection of civilians, in particular the adoption of resolution 1894 (2009), which laid the foundation for ensuring compliance with international provisions aimed at safeguarding civilians caught up in perilous situations. Furthermore, the central challenge identified in the Secretary-General's report, contained in document S/2012/376, remains a critical concern and underscores the need for a concerted approach to protecting the safety, dignity, integrity and sanctity of civilians affected in contemporary armed conflict through adherence to obligations under international humanitarian law, refugee law and human rights law.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“At the outset, allow me to congratulate the Republic of Korea on assuming the presidency of the Security Council for the month of February, and to wish you, Sir, full success during your tenure. Please accept also our appreciation for convening today's debate on the protection of civilians in armed conflict. We commend the Secretary-General, the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and the Director for International Law and Cooperation of the International Committee of the Red Cross for their constructive remarks. Undoubtedly, we all share a fundamental responsibility to once again take stock of progress on key protection issues that affect civilians caught up in conflict situations.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“A special word of appreciation is offered to Sweden, which has assumed the current chairmanship of the configuration on a full- time basis. Sweden is also playing a pivotal role on the ground in Monrovia in coordinating donor inputs and ensuring an integrated approach to meeting needs in priority areas, including the requirements for a smooth transition from peacekeeping to peacebuilding.”
2012-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6897 (2012) · source
“My Government's responsibility to ensure the sustainability of the investments made in the agreed priority areas is also a challenge, which is being met through gradual increases in budget allocations to specific sectors. Looking to the future, we can say that the implementation of all planned peacebuilding activities in Liberia will bring transformational change. We look forward to that eventuality. In the meantime, we remain appreciative of all of our partners, including those who are involved with the various United Nations peacebuilding entities or who are part of the United Nations system, for their steadfast support. We urge them to continue to accompany Liberia on the path to sustainable peace. Our thanks go to the members of the Liberia configuration for their support.”
2012-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6897 (2012) · source
“We know that peacebuilding does not come without challenges. That is a normal phenomenon and not peculiar to Liberia. As peacebuilding is a process to be approached from a long-term perspective, it is important to manage expectations for immediate or at least speedy results. Secondly, there is the challenge of predictable and sustained financial resources, as mentioned in the Secretary-General's report, which, when lacking, generate uncertainty and anxiety. While the PBF is a stabilizing force in that regard, there is an expectation of greater fulfilment of the PBC mandate for resource mobilization. Strong partnerships, including with the international financial institutions, are important.”
2012-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6897 (2012) · source
“For Liberia, reconciliation is paramount for national recovery, because it is only by addressing historical ethnic and social cleavages that the social fabric of Liberian society can be firmly restored. That is why the development of a plan for national reconciliation was prioritized in Liberia's partnership with the PBC. With critical technical support from the United Nations Development Programme, a road map for national reconciliation was crafted. It benefited from consultations with the Liberia configuration. Most importantly, the road map received overwhelming support and validation from the Liberian people through country-wide consultations. I am pleased to say that the road map was formally endorsed at a national conference convened last week, together with a national vision for Liberia up to 2030.”
2012-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6897 (2012) · source
“The hubs will contribute to the achievement of multiple objectives, which include, for justice institutions, decentralization and better delivery of their services; for citizens, greater access to justice mechanisms and a stronger sense of security; and, for the State, the extension of its authority throughout the entire territory of the country, in order to better provide protection to its people and more effectively monitor its borders. The completion of the justice hubs will bring monumental change, especially for Liberians in the hinterland of the country, who have suffered the effects of isolation and marginalization. National reconciliation is ultimately one of the most secure foundations upon which to build durable peace.”
2012-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6897 (2012) · source
“Through various cooperation arrangements, including South-South and triangular cooperation, institutions are being created and rehabilitated. That includes the development of policy and infrastructure as well as capacity enhancement to benefit the national police, the immigration service and the judiciary. Most notable among the programmes are plans for the construction of five justice and security hubs at strategic locations throughout the country, one of which is nearing completion.”
2012-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6897 (2012) · source
“The responsibilities and accountabilities of both the Government and the PBC for achieving agreed objectives are encapsulated in a statement of mutual commitments. The partnership is driving a set of programmes and interventions that have become indispensable to the attainment of sustainable peace in Liberia. The support of the peacebuilding architecture, specifically the Liberia configuration of the PBC, the Peacebuilding Fund and the Peacebuilding Support Office, together with the United Nations Mission in Liberia, has been critical to the progress achieved in implementing strategies for reform of the security sector and the judiciary. They have also played a catalytic role in engendering support from bilateral partners.”
2012-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6897 (2012) · source
“That cooperation can evolve into partnership when both parties agree on peacebuilding arrangements that are country-specific, avoid the one-solution-fits-all approach and ensure burden- sharing in implementing agreed strategies. Two years ago, Liberia was placed on the agenda of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC). That engagement followed earlier efforts by the United Nations to strengthen peace dividends by the infusion of emergency funding for peacebuilding activities. The direct engagement with the PBC, however, has provided an opportunity for Liberia to focus singularly on critical areas requiring urgent resuscitation - the security sector, the rule of law and national reconciliation.”
2012-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6897 (2012) · source
“The emphasis on inclusivity resonates well, because we know that marginalization, alienation and the culture of exclusive politics are root causes of conflict. The report's embrace of the principles of institution-building and statebuilding as core elements of peacebuilding is very encouraging. As a member of the Group of Seven Plus, Liberia subscribes to those principles and believes that they are critical to preventing a relapse into conflict and to building the resilience of States. Current trends, reflecting growing collaboration and cooperation between conflict-affected countries and the wider international community, have given peacebuilding in post-conflict settings a new dimension and dynamism.”
2012-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6897 (2012) · source
“Liberia joins previous speakers in thanking you, Mr. President, for organizing this debate on the all-important issue of post- conflict peacebuilding. It conforms to the tradition of Morocco's active involvement in the peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts of the United Nations. It is also reflective of the Security Council's continued interest in, and commitment to, peacebuilding as part of its larger responsibility for international peace and security, which we commend. We thank the Secretary-General for his insightful report (S/2012/ 746), which records the progress achieved in the United Nations support for peacebuilding activities in conflict-affected countries and charts future directions for the improvement of peacebuilding interventions by the United Nations system and its Member States.”
2012-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6897 (2012) · source
“We look forward to working with all partners, including the Peacebuilding Commission, in securing the gains already made, as well as in moving into a more development-oriented phase of peacebuilding.”
2012-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6876 (2012) · source
“Allow me to express our thanks and appreciation to you, Sir, for organizing this meeting on the situation in Sierra Leone, and to the Council for its support for our peacebuilding efforts and democratic consolidation. In particular, I commend the Council's timely presidential statement and would like to reaffirm my Government's commitment to the consolidation of peace and democracy, as well as the development of Sierra Leone, which we hope will translate into visible improvement in the lives of the people of Sierra Leone. To that end, the Government has expressed its willingness to work with all Sierra Leoneans, irrespective of their political affiliation. Immediately after being sworn in for his second term, President Koroma immediately called on all Sierra Leoneans to put politics behind them and to come together to build Sierra Leone.”
2012-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6876 (2012) · source
“We are also grateful to our bilateral partners, many of whom some of those around the table represent, for the support. We look forward to continued engagement.”
2012-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6830 (2012) · source
“That is why my Government has endorsed the recommendations of the technical assessment mission, as contained in the April report (S/2012/230). We already see the United Nations country team redesigning its programmes in the United Nations Development Assistance Framework for 2013-2017 and synchronizing activities with UNMIL's drawdown plan. On Monday, we participated in the presentation of the draft country programme for Liberia of the United Nations Development Programme, which covers the same four-year timeframe. All of what I have referred to are indicators of a long-term partnership. Liberia appreciates the Security Council's invaluable contribution to the partnership and to the maintenance of an environment conducive to the implementation of activities aimed at improving the well-being of the Liberian people.”
2012-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6830 (2012) · source
“Notwithstanding the United Nations culture and practice, which may prohibit the sharing of such draft documents a priori, it is prudent that some arrangement be agreed to avoid that type of intervention. In making public its assessments, the United Nations is respectfully encouraged to observe the principle of do no harm so that it does not inadvertently deepen the fault lines in our society, many of which are still triggers of conflict. The United Nations engagement in Liberia, in all of its aspects, continues to be critical to the country's stability and progress. The nature and form of that engagement will inevitably change, but we are receptive to a smooth and orderly transition in line with conditions on the ground.”
2012-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6830 (2012) · source
“For the purposes of the closed consultations, I have taken the liberty to share with members of the Council - I do not know if they have received them - my Government's comments on the report, which were conveyed to Mr. Herve Ladsous, Under-Secretary-General and Head of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations. We believe that the relatively open and constructive relationship that has been nurtured between my Government and UNMIL over the years should allow for a discussion of some of those draft documents, not reserving any right to veto for the Government but enabling a joint effort to vet and verify assertions that would be put in the public domain. The reports help to shape and can influence the views of the international community about Liberia, including its potential investment partners.”
2012-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6830 (2012) · source
“They are ultimately the determinants of allocations in a small budget that aims to address immense needs. Let me affirm that the Government is very anxious to accelerate progress to a level that meets the expectations of our friends in the international community and also responds to the aspirations of the Liberian people. The third point of emphasis relates to the Secretary- General's report on UNMIL of 15 August, which is the basis for our discussion today. We appreciate the effort to present a balanced account of developments, which is usually the hallmark of such reports. However, I have been instructed to express my Government's disappointment that a few assertions do not reach the expected level of accuracy.”
2012-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6830 (2012) · source
“Secondly, I want to reaffirm my Government's intention to honour the commitments that it has made, whether in the Statement of Mutual Commitments with the PBC or in other instruments and plans concluded with UNMIL in the pursuit of indentified priorities. The Government has subscribed to certain principles of governance as a matter of national policy and has aligned itself with countries of a similar persuasion in the Group of Seven Plus. We seek to promote justice, security, popular participation for our people and the effective management and use of our national resources for their benefit. The seemingly slow progress in certain areas, which we acknowledge, does not reflect a wavering of political will, but rather a limitation of means, notably in the capacity and financial resources available.”
2012-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6830 (2012) · source
“That was mentioned by the Special Representative. In a visit to the Economic Community of West African States Commission in Abuja last Friday, the President of Liberia, Her Excellency Mrs. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, underscored the gravity of the situation and warned of the possibility that it could overwhelm Liberia's nascent security services, with implications for both sides of the border. In commending actions that UNMIL and the United Nations Operation in Cote d'Ivoire are taking in support of the national forces to manage the situation, we stress the imperative of continued cooperation and collaboration between national and international forces on both sides of the border.”
2012-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6830 (2012) · source
“Needless to say, the PBC is helping to build capacity, to promote decentralization and to provide support for national reconciliation. Bringing the two arms together in such a briefing can only be immensely beneficial to the Council's work. Much has already been said. I do not intend to repeat, but simply to emphasize a few points. The first point is that security along the Liberia-cote d'Ivoire border is a major preoccupation of my Government. That worrying situation requires close attention and a high level of vigilance, since it poses potential risks to national and regional security. The deployment of civilian and military forces to border areas for protracted periods is stretching already scarce Government resources. The capacity to meet our obligations to the refugees in the camps is strained.”
2012-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6830 (2012) · source
“Landgren for her very informative and insightful overview of the situation in Liberia, which highlights the areas of progress and the challenges that remain, with all of which we can fully associate. We are confident that her vast professional experience will enable her to fulfil her duties very well indeed. I wish also to recognize the good stewardship of Mr. Moustapha Soumare, who steered the UNMIL ship for the past six months and is deserving of our commendation. In his presentation, the Chair of the Liberia configuration, Mr. Tillander, also demonstrated the value added of Liberia's engagement with the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC). Both presentations demonstrate the complementarity and mutually reinforcing effect of those two arms of the United Nations peacebuilding architecture.”
2012-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6830 (2012) · source
“In that regard, I would like to express my Government's deep appreciation of the steadfast support that the Council has provided to Liberia and for the decision that it will hopefully take on the continuation of our partnership with the United Nations through UNMIL. I would like to echo the sentiments of welcome to the new Special Representative of the Secretary- General, Ms. Karin Landgren, which she has already received from my President and other officials of the Liberian Government in Monrovia. My colleagues at the Permanent Mission of Liberia and I look forward to working with her in her challenging, but hopefully enriching, assignment. I thank Ms.”
2012-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6830 (2012) · source
“I am grateful for the opportunity afforded me to participate in this briefing as the Council prepares to consider the twenty-fourth progress report of the Secretary-General (S/2012/64l) on the activities of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL). As routine as such reports may seem, each one presents an occasion for reflection and a renewal of commitment, especially as they are usually linked to decisions on the extension of mandates. I hope that on this occasion consensus will be facilitated by the Council's earlier endorsement, in April 2012, ofthe plan for a phased transition, leading to the reconfiguration of UNMIL's presence by June 2015.”
2012-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6830 (2012) · source
“The presence of UN-Women in Liberia provides the needed support to national efforts to implement resolution 1325 (2000) and reduce gender inequities. We therefore look forward to continued partnership with UN-Women towards the enhancement of women's empowerment, peacebuilding and sustainable development. It is our hope that, in the not too distant future, the capacities of women will be so fully integrated into the global peace architecture that the focus of debates on conflict prevention and mediation will not be on women's role and participation but simply on the subject matter.”
2011-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6642Resumption1 (2011) · source
“We are humbled when we consider the vastness of the challenges that still lie ahead; the gender inequities that still exist; and the high walls that we still have to scale before female mediators and peace negotiators become normal features of the international peace architecture. We believe that the systematic use of quotas at the national and international levels could help to accelerate progress towards this objective. Affirmative action programmes are also required to give the necessary impetus to our effort to place women centrally in conflict prevention, mediation and peace processes. Liberia pledges to make more concerted efforts to comply with reporting requirements so as to contribute meaningfully to future reports of the Secretary-General on women and peace and security.”
2011-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6642Resumption1 (2011) · source
“Of course, all recognitions have been crowned by the joint award of the Nobel Peace Prize to three women, two of them Liberians - President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf and Leymah Gbowee - each for her contribution to securing peace in Liberia, strengthening the position and enhancing the influence of women in Liberia. As Liberians, this recognition fills us with pride, even if we realize that it is intended to have impact far beyond Liberia. The message to the global community, in the words of the Nobel Committee, is to "realize the great potential for democracy and peace that women can represent". We are proud and inspired by these accolades, but we realize that there is still a long way to go. The incidence of rape of girls and women is still unacceptable high, and women constitute only 14 per cent of the Liberian legislature.”
2011-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6642Resumption1 (2011) · source
“We are encouraged by the recognition that has been accorded internationally to the modest achievements made by Liberia in its efforts to meaningfully involve women in national governance and to build and utilize their productive capacities, including for the consolidation of peace. Mindful that food security has a conflict preventive dimension, I cannot fail to mention that the Hunger Project's prestigious 2011 Africa Prize for Leadership was awarded a few days ago to the Liberian Minister of Agriculture, Ms. Florence Chenoweth, for her dedication to improving the livelihoods and food security of women farmers in Liberia.”
2011-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6642Resumption1 (2011) · source
“There has been a gradual increase in women's presence in leadership and decision-making positions at the central and local Government levels. Gender-responsive policies, strategies and programmes, some of which are mentioned in the Secretary-General's report, are being integrated into all sectors of national action. In 2009, Liberia became one of the first countries to have completed its national action plans for the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000). This progress has been made possible through the consistent and much-appreciated support of development partners. All the same, inadequate resources remain a challenge and hindrance to robust implementation.”
2011-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6642Resumption1 (2011) · source
“Women also monitor the early warning signs of conflict and lead peaceful demonstrations on issues that affect their well-being. Since the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000), discussions have revealed many examples of women's effective contribution to conflict prevention, peace processes and peacebuilding in the various regions of the world. Women bear the consequences of conflict and are thus well placed to contribute to solutions. Having reached this realization, our common challenge is to find creative means to institutionalize this role at the national and international levels. Women must be capacitated and strategically positioned to play their rightful role. Liberia is moving deliberately and purposefully towards the fulfilment of its commitments to women's advancement.”
2011-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6642Resumption1 (2011) · source
“Their resolve and determination were expressed in a simple song with a persistent refrain: "We want peace, no more war". A small group of mobilized and determined women morphed into a national movement that in turn translated into a groundswell of support for a female presidential candidate and culminated in the election of Mrs. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf as President, in 2005. Today, women's community peace huts in counties around the country are venues for conflict mediation and resolution. They also serve as safe havens for women escaping domestic violence and as counselling centres for survivors of sexual and gender- based violence. In the peace huts, women address child support issues and work with local police to identify suspects who have committed crimes against women, so as to ensure their arrest and interrogation.”
2011-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6642Resumption1 (2011) · source
“In recent history, during a lull in the protracted conflict, Liberia had a female interim President, in the person of Mrs. Ruth Perry, who steered the work of a transitional Government from 1996 to 1997. Then there were the unsung heroes - the countless number of women who bravely shouldered the responsibility of caring for their families, even as they participated in discussions on peace and security, while living in the internally displaced persons and refugee camps across West Africa and further afield. The year 2003 marked another milestone, when a group of Liberian women, led by Leymah Gbowee, appeared, uninvited, at the door of a negotiation room in Accra and vowed not to move or be moved until a peace accord was signed.”
2011-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6642Resumption1 (2011) · source