YouSaid · the spoken record

Kavanagh

lines on the record: 53
first: 2002-07-30
most recent: 2009-04-29
sittings or episodes: 6
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

“In conclusion, my country is committed to working closely with the United Nations system, as well as with all other relevant organizations, to ensure that steps are taken and progress is achieved towards improving the deplorable situation faced by children in armed conflicts around the world.”
2009-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6114Resumption1 (2009) · source
“By the same token, we support the recommendation to include, henceforth, express reference to those parties that commit rape and other grave sexual violence against children, as well as intentional killing and maiming of children. Ireland continues to support the valuable efforts of Ms. Radhika Coomaraswamy, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, and her Office. She has done great work by raising awareness, engaging with parties to conflict through field visits and ensuring that this issue is kept high on the international agenda. Ireland further commends ongoing efforts on this crucial topic made by UNICEF, other United Nations agencies, funds and programmes, along with non-governmental organizations, regional organizations and national authorities.”
2009-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6114Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Ireland welcomes the attention given in the Secretary- General's report to rape and other grave sexual violence against children in armed conflict. The report reaffirms that rape and other forms of sexual violence are grave crimes and, under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, constitute a war crime or a crime against humanity if committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack against a civilian population. In particular, Ireland supports the Secretary-General's recommendation, set out in the report, that the Council expand the criteria for violations that would trigger the listing of a party in the annexes attached to such reports.”
2009-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6114Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Resolution 1820 (2008) attacks the targeting of girls through the use of sexual violence and demands that all parties to armed conflict take appropriate measures to protect women and girls from sexual violence. The Secretary-General's report expressly acknowledges that Security Council resolutions 1612 (2005) and 1820 (2008) are "mutually reinforcing" and that steps should be taken to streamline documentation and sharing of information on rape and sexual violence. In that regard, the initiation of consultations between the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Children and Armed Conflict and relevant United Nations agencies and departments, in order to devise a strategy to strengthen data collection and reporting, is, we believe, a positive development.”
2009-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6114Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Ireland is the current Chair of the Human Security Network and notes that the harmful and widespread impact of armed conflict on children has been one of the priority issues for the Network since its establishment. As part of our chairmanship, Ireland has chosen to focus on the theme of gender-based violence. The prevalence of gender-based violence during times of conflict, in areas where the rule of law is frequently absent and impunity is widespread, remains a grave concern. Successive resolutions of the Security Council have also recognized those egregious abuses. Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) highlights the human rights of girls and their right to protection from gender- based violence, particularly rape and other forms of sexual abuse.”
2009-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6114Resumption1 (2009) · source
“We support the implementation of the monitoring and reporting mechanisms on children and armed conflict established under Security Council resolutions 1539 (2004) and 1612 (2005) - as well as the significant work being carried out by the Security Council Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict. Ireland warmly welcomes the current report of the Secretary-General (S/2009/15 8) and the recommendations therein. In particular, we commend the significant progress made in mainstreaming the issue of children in armed conflict in United Nations peacekeeping and political missions. The deployment of child protection advisers in a number of peacekeeping operations is a positive step and helps to enhance the monitoring of the situation, improve dialogue with parties to conflict and ensure systematic training on child rights and protection.”
2009-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6114Resumption1 (2009) · source
“I would like to thank you, Sir, and the members of the Council for this opportunity to address the Council on the important issue of children and armed conflict. Ireland also aligns itself with the statement made earlier by the Permanent Representative of the Czech Republic on behalf of the European Union. Ireland welcomes Mexico's initiative in organizing today's open debate of the Council. We strongly support all endeavours made at the United Nations and at the regional and national levels which seek to address in an effective manner the situation of children in armed conflict. Ireland commends ongoing efforts to ensure that this important issue remains firmly on the agenda of the Security Council.”
2009-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6114Resumption1 (2009) · source
“The outcome of this process will also feed into the development of Ireland's own national action plan on resolution 1325 (2000). In drawing to a conclusion, I should like to state that Ireland is encouraged by the progress made by Timor-Leste towards overcoming the obstacles and issues that that country has faced in recent years. We are committed to continuing our engagement in Timor- Leste - with the Government, with civil society, with the United Nations and with the European Union - in support of the positive efforts being made by the Timorese people to build this young State in a way that will enable it to realize its full and manifest potential. In this context, I join others in commending the Security Council's continuing attention to this urgent and vital issue.”
2009-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6085 (2009) · source
“We, of course, welcome the Secretary-General's latest report to the Council (S/2009/72) and look forward to early action by the Council in response to it. Ireland has also launched a lesson-sharing process between organizations working on gender issues in Northern Ireland, Ireland as a whole, Liberia and Timor-Leste. The cross-learning process on Security Council resolution 1325 (2000), on women and peace and security, is designed to facilitate the sharing of national experiences with a view to encouraging best practices and is intended to act as a catalyst for discussions on effective implementation. In addition to a meeting of representatives from those areas that was held in Dublin last November, an Irish project team recently carried out missions to Monrovia and Dili.”
2009-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6085 (2009) · source
“The experiences and insights brought to bear by our Special Envoy, drawn from her former role as Northern Ireland's first Police Ombudsman during a critical transition period, are, in our view, a particularly valuable asset with regard to the current issues to be addressed in Timor-Leste's own transition to the full resumption of policing powers by the PNTL and the eventual withdrawal of UNPOL. We fully endorse the view of the Secretary- General that this process of transition must be undertaken with great care and great prudence, carefully assessing the fulfilment of all the critical benchmarks. The role of the security sector reform experts within UNMIT - which enjoys Ireland's direct support - and the input of the security sector reform unit in the Department of Peacekeeping Operations will be vitally important in this process.”
2009-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6085 (2009) · source
“These discussions have demonstrated the shared desire to avoid further upheaval and to build on the progress made. I would also like to note our appreciation for the advice offered by Special Representative Atul Khare and the UNMIT team and for their support for Dame Nuala O'Loan's engagement; they continue to do an outstanding job in Timor-Leste. My Government's Conflict Resolution Initiative has a specific focus on lesson-sharing, which draws from the experiences we garnered from the Northern Ireland peace process.”
2009-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6085 (2009) · source
“Initiatives taken so far include support for structured high-level dialogue among Timor-Leste's leaders, a programme on peace, remembrance and reconciliation, and advice on security sector reform. The need to address security sector reform and the respective roles and responsibilities of the Falintil- Forcas de Defesa de Timor-Leste and the National Police Force of Timor-Leste (PNTL) have rightly been acknowledged, in the current report of the Secretary- General and in earlier ones, as being absolutely crucial to peace and stability. Ireland also plans to launch an early-warning and response system in Timor-Leste, based in civil society there. I am pleased to report that our Special Envoy has had many very constructive discussions with the leaders of Timor-Leste.”
2009-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6085 (2009) · source
“Under Ireland's new conflict resolution initiative, we have added a further dimension to our support with, I am happy to say, the full agreement and encouragement of the Government of Timor-Leste. The purpose of that new engagement on our part is to assist Timor-Leste in its transition from conflict to peace, with particular focus on peacemaking, peacebuilding and lesson-sharing. The initiative is being led by our first roving ambassador for conflict resolution and special envoy to Timor-Leste, Dame Nuala O'Loan. I am delighted to acknowledge her presence among our delegation today for this important discussion. Ireland's conflict resolution engagement in Timor-Leste, in close cooperation with Irish Aid's development programme there, is designed to address key issues directly related to the sources of fragility.”
2009-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6085 (2009) · source
“Following the vote for independence in 1999, the focus of our support was on the deployment of Irish troops, who served as members of three successive missions: the International Force, East Timor, the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor and the United Nations Mission of Support in East Timor. In addition, Ireland participated in United Nations and EU observation missions for the referendum in 1999 and the elections in 2001 and 2002. Our multi-year priority development programme in Timor-Leste, which is managed through our mission in Dili, has focused on efforts to promote post-conflict reconstruction through good governance, the strengthening of democracy and the justice sector, public sector development, the promotion of human rights and gender equality, and support for the development of a strong civil society.”
2009-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6085 (2009) · source
“President Ramos-Horta's recovery from the attack of February 2008 and his continued leadership have played no small part in the maintenance of peace and stability in Timor-Leste. On behalf of my Government, I would also like to acknowledge the role of Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao and opposition leader Mari Alkatiri, who have displayed true leadership and patriotism during many challenging times. Ireland has actively supported the people of Timor-Leste during their struggle and throughout the process of transition to independence. We continue to be actively engaged there.”
2009-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6085 (2009) · source
“Ireland welcomes this opportunity to address the Security Council during its open debate on the situation in Timor-Leste. I am delighted to join others in saluting the presence here of President Ramos-Horta and welcoming the statement he delivered earlier. Let me immediately associate Ireland with the statement that has just been delivered by the Ambassador of the Czech Republic on behalf of the European Union (EU). We endorse the Secretary-General's acknowledgment in his comprehensive report (S/2009/72) of the remarkable progress made by the leaders and people of Timor-Leste since 2006. As a country that has also struggled with the challenges that face a small, newly independent nation, Ireland recognizes the magnitude of Timor-Leste's accomplishments. We commend it for its many achievements.”
2009-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6085 (2009) · source
“In conclusion and in that context, on behalf of the Human Security Network and on behalf of Ireland in our national capacity, I wish to commend the Council's continuing attention to that urgent and vital task.”
2008-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6005Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Resolution 1325 (2000) was born of a recognition of the particular impact of war on women and of the fact that this heinous impact required special attention and action on the part of the international community. As is highlighted regularly in frequent reports provided to the Council and also in the media, that need continues. It will take increasingly vigorous and relevant action to mitigate and eliminate the consequences of war on women. To be successful, the process must facilitate the leadership role of women in conflict resolution and peacebuilding without detracting from the shared responsibility for results that rests on all of us, irrespective of gender.”
2008-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6005Resumption1 (2008) · source
“As part of a comprehensive approach to seeking sustainable peace, justice, truth and national reconciliation, we stress the need for the exclusion of sexual violence crimes from amnesty provisions in the context of conflict resolution processes. Women are highly active and effective in informal peace processes. The challenge lies in ensuring their participation in formal processes where peace agreements are negotiated. The members of the Human Security Network are committed to supporting meaningful steps to promote and enhance the role of women in peace processes and to integrate gender equality more effectively in that context. Such measures will strengthen the legitimacy of decision- making processes, which are so vital to the creation of durable foundations for peace and prosperity.”
2008-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6005Resumption1 (2008) · source
“It is a grave violation of all accepted standards of conduct and a challenge to our common humanity. We believe that the international community must act, in accordance with resolutions 1325 (2000) and 1820 (2008), both to eliminate instances of such violations and to ensure that victims have full and meaningful access to justice and that impunity for the perpetrators of such crimes is combated. We recall that the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court specifically defines rape and other forms of sexual violence as war crimes and crimes against humanity. The Human Security Network urges the Security Council to work together with relevant stakeholders to ensure the prosecution of such crimes and to eliminate the impunity with which they are perpetrated.”
2008-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6005Resumption1 (2008) · source
“In a national capacity, Ireland, for its part, is currently developing its own national action plan and we intend the process to be guided by the experiences of women and men in countries emerging from conflict. To that end, we hope to work in partnership with Liberia and with Timor-Leste in a process of cross-learning. While we recognize the need for diverse approaches in different contexts, we hope that the collaboration will result in a concerted effort in all three countries - Liberia, Timor-Leste and Ireland - to effect real, immediate and meaningful change for women who have experienced conflict and who can and should be stakeholders in State-building and peacebuilding. The continued prevalence of gender-based violence in conflict is a cause of great concern to the Human Security Network.”
2008-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6005Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Action is also required to ensure delivery of the United Nations System-wide Action Plan on implementation of resolution 1325 (2000), as previously highlighted by Slovenia on behalf of the Human Security Network in a statement to the Security Council in October 2006. The implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) is not, in Ireland's view, a matter solely for the Security Council or, indeed, for the United Nations system. All Member States must take responsibility for the implementation of the resolution through their own national activities. The development of national action plans is a key means by which Member States commit themselves to fulfilling that responsibility. Only through such a process can countries assess activities already carried out in that area and commit themselves to tackling outstanding issues identified.”
2008-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6005Resumption1 (2008) · source
“The Security Council reiterated its deep concern that acts of sexual violence in situations of armed conflict "continue to occur, and in some situations have become systematic and widespread, reaching appalling levels of brutality" (resolution 1820 (2008), ninth preambular paragraph). Recognizing the ongoing and urgent need for full and effective implementation of resolution 1325 (2000), I would like to thank the Secretary-General for his useful report on that topic (S/2008/622). The report is encouraging in that it records significant progress towards implementation of resolution 1325 (2000). Nevertheless, it also highlights the extent of the work yet to be done in that area. It emphasizes the need for the international community to redouble its efforts to promote full and meaningful implementation of the resolution.”
2008-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6005Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Eight years after the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000), we warmly welcomed the adoption by the Council earlier this year of resolution 1820 (2008), which a number of Human Security Network members were pleased to co-sponsor. The horror of gender-based violence, particularly rape and other forms of sexual abuse has repeatedly been brought to the attention of the Security Council. It demands an urgent and effective response from the international community. In recognition of that, Ireland has chosen to focus on gender-based violence as the main theme of our term as Chair of the Human Security Network, a position we will hold through May 2009. Resolution 1820 (2008) builds on the foundations laid by resolution 1325 (2000) in emphasizing our collective responsibility to work to combat sexual violence in situations of armed conflict.”
2008-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6005Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Ireland welcomes this opportunity to address the Security Council on the issue of women and peace and security. I would like to express my appreciation to you, Sir, and to the People's Republic of China for convening this open debate and facilitating discussion of the international community's response to Security Council resolution 1325 (2000). The concept paper (S/2008/655) provided by your presidency of the Council has lent valuable assistance to States in preparing for today's debate. I have the honour to speak today on behalf of the Human Security Network, a cross-regional group of countries comprised of Austria, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Greece, Ireland, Jordan, Mali, Norway, Slovenia, Switzerland and Thailand, with South Africa as an observer.”
2008-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6005Resumption1 (2008) · source
“In closing, let me reaffirm that Ireland is committed to working closely with the United Nations system, as well as with other relevant international and regional organizations, to relieve the suffering of children in armed conflict and to bring an end to serious violations and abuses of children's rights.”
2008-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5936Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Resolution 1325 (2000) recognizes the human rights of girls and their right to protection, including protection from gender-based violence, particularly rape and other forms of sexual abuse. Resolution 1325 (2000) also recognizes the special needs of girls in post-conflict situations and the necessity of taking girls' rights and needs into account in designing peace programmes, peace agreements, camps for refugees and internally displaced persons, and disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programmes. Most recently, Security Council resolution 1820 (2008) highlights the targeting of girls through the use of sexual violence and demands that all parties to armed conflict take appropriate measures to protect women and girls from sexual violence.”
2008-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5936Resumption1 (2008) · source
“During an armed conflict, girls in particular are subject to widespread - and at times systematic - gender-based human rights violations that have far-reaching repercussions. As Chair of the Human Security Network, we have chosen to focus on the theme of gender-based violence. In that regard, we note in particular that the Secretary-General's report issued in December 2007 (S/2007/757) recommends, in its paragraph 160, "that the Security Council give equal weight to all categories of grave violations, including not only the recruitment and use of children, but also the killing and maiming of children, rape and other grave sexual violence, abductions, attacks against schools or hospitals and denial of humanitarian access to children". Successive resolutions of the Security Council have also recognized such grave abuses.”
2008-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5936Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Ireland draws attention to the establishment of the European Union's Guidelines on Children and Armed Conflict, which could be drawn upon by other actors, and to the integration of that issue into the Union's development and humanitarian policies. In the context of the European Security and Defence Policy, the issue is also integrated into external crisis management operations of the Union, such as the European Union-led peacekeeping force, which is currently in place in Chad and the Central African Republic under a mandate conferred by the Security Council. Children affected by armed conflict are among the most frequent victims of serious human rights violations and abuses.”
2008-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5936Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Coomaraswamy and her Office for their committed efforts in raising awareness, engaging with parties to conflict through her field visits and keeping this issue high on the international agenda. Ireland also recognizes the need to promote a broad-based approach to the problem and, in that regard, fully supports - in addition to the work of the Office of the Special Representative - the endeavours of UNICEF and other United Nations agencies, funds and programmes, along with non-governmental organizations, regional organizations and national authorities. We would also like to underline the importance of the role that the International Criminal Court can play in the fight against the impunity of perpetrators of war crimes and crimes against humanity carried out against children, including perpetrators who enlist and conscript child soldiers.”
2008-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5936Resumption1 (2008) · source
“We also call for the Security Council and the Secretary-General to look into the need to give the Working Group the means required to enable it effectively and transparently to continue its work for the benefit of children. Ireland is the current Chair of the Human Security Network, a position that we will hold until May 2009. The harmful and widespread impact of armed conflict on children has been one of the priority issues for the Network since its establishment almost 10 years ago. We continue to be a strong supporter of the valuable work of Ms. Radhika Coomaraswamy, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict. We would like to take this opportunity to commend Ms.”
2008-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5936Resumption1 (2008) · source
“The creation of the Working Group gives firm evidence of the international community's commitment to addressing that issue at the highest level. Ireland welcomes the adoption by the Working Group, under the chairmanship of the Permanent Representative of France, of concrete conclusions, which contain increasingly specific requirements and recommendations. These remind States of their obligations and encourage them to take measures to strengthen child protection. We note that, in many cases, the conclusions have already had a positive impact, including with regard to drops in child recruitment and enhanced dialogue between parties to conflicts and the United Nations. Ireland calls upon all parties to implement the conclusions of the Working Group.”
2008-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5936Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Ireland welcomes this opportunity to address the Security Council on the subject of children and armed conflict. We fully associate ourselves with the statement made by the representative of France on behalf of the European Union. At the outset let me thank you, Mr. President, and the Government of Viet Nam for organizing this open debate on so important a topic. Since the issue of children and armed conflict was formally placed on the agenda of the Security Council in 1998, the progressive engagement of the Council has yielded significant gains for children. Ireland supports the implementation of the monitoring and reporting mechanisms on children and armed conflict established by resolution 1612 (2005). In that regard, we welcome the annual reporting of the Working Group of the Security Council on Children and Armed Conflict.”
2008-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5936Resumption1 (2008) · source
“It must be effectively implemented to ensure that countless women and girls in conflict situations receive more adequate and effective protection from sexual violence. Adoption of today's draft resolution will recognize that the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war is a threat to sustainable international peace and security. And, under the law, principal responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security rests here, in this Chamber. Ireland hopes, therefore, that the Security Council will act on its own analysis and promote with all necessary vigour wider respect for, and implementation of, its resolutions so as to halt and eliminate sexual violence against women and girls in situations of conflict.”
2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916Resumption1 (2008) · source
“All too often, military commanders and other superiors fail to take necessary and reasonable steps within their control either to prevent sexual violence against civilians or to punish the perpetrators of such crimes. Military commanders and other superiors should be held accountable for such serious acts of omission on their part. Impunity can be reduced by ensuring that women are involved to the greatest extent possible in peace negotiations and in any associated amnesty provisions. In conclusion, Ireland welcomes the intended adoption later today of a draft resolution, which we are pleased to co-sponsor, on this important issue. We believe that it should help to empower women to fully participate in the prevention, management and resolution of conflict.”
2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Rape, sexual slavery, enforced prostitution, forced pregnancy, enforced sterilization and other forms of sexual violence are now included within the definitions of war crimes and crimes against humanity found within the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. The Council can, of course, refer a situation for investigation by the Prosecutor of the Court - an institution which Ireland fully supports. There should be wider application of best practices for effective prevention and prosecution of sexual crimes committed in situations of armed conflict. Council mandates for conflict situations should provide that local commanders and their superiors in the military chain of command of armed parties to conflict can be held accountable.”
2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916Resumption1 (2008) · source
“We would also encourage the Council to ensure that women at the local level can actively participate in the design, implementation and evaluation of strategies and programmes to meet their security needs, interests and concerns. 08-3908] Ireland believes that there ought to be consequences for perpetrators. Accountability by State and non-State actors should be ensured, including through effective prosecution and punishment. Security sector reform and capacity-building for police and the judicial sector are also called for in this connection. The inclusion of sexual violence offences in the Statutes of the ad hoc international criminal tribunals, and the considered jurisprudence of those tribunals, has, over a short space of time, progressively developed the law in this area in many important respects.”
2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Moreover, Ireland encourages the Council to request the Secretary-General to reflect on ways to improve the level and quality of such reporting, using benchmarks, indicators and monitoring mechanisms. On prevention and protection, Ireland would encourage the Council to request the Secretary-General to report to it on a heightened engagement of the United Nations in stopping gender-based violence in conflict situations. Such a report or study could draw on United Nations action already under way and on activities of non-governmental organizations and women's groups at the local, national and international levels. Ireland supports the call for the appointment of an independent expert to lead such a study.”
2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916Resumption1 (2008) · source
“It correctly identifies three priority areas for consideration: understanding the problem; prevention and protection; and consequences for accused perpetrators. As far as understanding the problem is concerned, Ireland encourages the Security Council to recognize that sexual and other forms of gender-based violence in conflict situations have direct and significant relevance to the maintenance of international peace and security. Accordingly, in our view the Council should ensure systematic monitoring and analysis of such violence, and, where appropriate, take steps, measures and action to address it. We also encourage the Council to request the Secretary-General systematically to include in all reports on conflict situations comprehensive information about acts of gender-based violence, including sexual violence, against women and girls.”
2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Training on gender equality and protection from such Violence is provided to Irish peacekeepers at the United Nations Training School Ireland, in our Defence Forces Training Centre. We support the leading role of the United Nations in ending violence against women, including through the new multi-year programme launched recently by the Secretary-General. We strongly support, in practical ways, the gender equality work of the United Nations Development Programme, including the Eight- Point Agenda for Women's Empowerment and Gender Equality in Crisis Prevention and Recovery. I turn now to the very useful concept paper drawn up by the United States presidency of the Council in preparation for today's debate.”
2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916Resumption1 (2008) · source
“In line with the Beijing Platform for Action, the promotion of gender equality and the elimination of gender-based violence is a prominent feature of Ireland's aid policy and activities overseas, and of our National Women's Strategy at home. In 2004, in response to reports particularly of rape and sexual violence in the conflict in Darfur, Ireland established a national Joint Consortium on Gender-Based Violence. Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland and former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, has lent her valuable support as a patron. This unique body marks the first time in my country that human rights, development and humanitarian agencies have cooperated with Government agencies, including those in uniform, to confront collectively the issue of gender-based Violence.”
2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916Resumption1 (2008) · source
“The recent establishment of a major conflict-resolution dimension within our Foreign Ministry has opened further avenues for Ireland to support implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) in conflict and post-conflict settings. Resolution 1325 (2000) is to be one of the three cross-cutting themes which guide the work of a new designated Conflict Resolution Unit in the Ministry. Women's participation in the Northern Ireland peace process, together with the presence of a strong research and activist base, will permit tangible lessons to be drawn and shared internationally in helping advance and implement the resolution 1325 (2000) agenda. As Chair of the 12-member Human Security Network for the period through May next year, Ireland will focus its work on the theme of gender-based violence.”
2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916Resumption1 (2008) · source
“However, it remains a challenge to ensure that the United Nations, both institutionally and through its individual Member States, fully implements resolution 1325 (2000). Last October the Council regretted that "gender-based violence, particularly rape, and other forms of sexual abuse remain pervasive, and in some situations have become systematic, and have reached appalling levels of atrocity." (S/PRST/2007/40) Such a grave situation requires an urgent and effective response from the international community, in the first place from the Security Council. The Irish Government, for its part, is actively engaged in promoting the role of women in conflict resolution and post-conflict recovery.”
2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916Resumption1 (2008) · source
“I am grateful to the Council for the opportunity to address it on the subject of women and peace and security. My Government commends the United States presidency of the Security Council, under your able leadership, Mr. President, for the work that it has invested in this important issue. Ireland aligns itself with the statement made earlier today by the Permanent Representative of Slovenia on behalf of the European Union. Eight years on from the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000), it is indeed time to assess progress towards achieving its major goals. The resolution has helped to promote the equal participation and full involvement of women in efforts to advance peace and security. It has also sought to protect women and girls from, and indeed to prevent, gender-based violence.”
2008-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5916Resumption1 (2008) · source
“It is only through progress on the economic front that real and long-lasting stability can be created in Kosovo. This is especially true with regard to the many unemployed young people. Let me say in conclusion that Kosovo's vocation lies in Europe. Peace and stability in south-east Europe are dependent on Kosovo's successful development. In our View, Kosovo's leaders should work to build a truly multi-ethnic, democratic society in order to ensure Kosovo's progress along the road towards European integration. Ireland, together with its partners in the European Union, will continue to support greater integration and regional cooperation through the Stability Pact and the Stabilization and Association Process.”
2002-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4592 (2002) · source
“Progress on the returns issue is intimately linked to the development of dialogue with the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. We are encouraged by the recent progress that has been made through meetings of the High-ranking Working Group. The incremental progress that has been made in this and other formats is laying the foundation for close cooperation between the provisional institutions and the authorities in Belgrade. UNMIK and the provisional institutions of self- government have begun to cooperate closely on measures to encourage economic development in Kosovo. In our View, it is important that progress be made in creating the conditions for real investor confidence in Kosovo, so that there can be a genuine perspective of hope, in particular for the unemployed.”
2002-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4592 (2002) · source
“This has been accompanied by a small but significant increase in minority returns. Significant, too, is the increase in small-scale local cooperation projects. It is, in the end, reconciliation efforts at this level that will determine whether there can be a real step forward in facilitating a significant number of returns over the next two years. We fully support the efforts of UNMIK at all levels to facilitate the process of dialogue and reconciliation. As we have said previously, it is vital now that we seize the opportunity offered by this growing positive momentum, encouraging efforts at both the local and regional levels. The putting into place of a framework of economic measures will, of course, be a key component in encouraging lasting returns to Kosovo.”
2002-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4592 (2002) · source
“We welcome the cooperation of the authorities in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and in Serbia with regard to issues such as pension and social security rights, but it is essential that there be rapid movement on the dismantling of parallel judicial structures, so that the proposed changes have a real impact on the ground. The situation in Mitrovica in particular remains unacceptable, and there must be early progress on the dismantling of parallel security structures. As the Secretary-General's report makes clear, there is now, for the first time, a climate which may be genuinely conducive to the promotion of inter-ethnic dialogue and returns. The Kosovo Assembly, building on very positive signals from Prime Minister Rexhepi, adopted an important resolution earlier this month on the rights of communities and the conditions for returns.”
2002-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4592 (2002) · source
“We fully support the efforts of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) to enforce the rule of law, through, for example, the arrest of former members of the Kosovo Liberation Army last month, among other high-profile arrests. The recent improvement in the security situation of minority groups gives grounds for cautious hope that we are entering a new phase in Kosovo's troubled history. Democracy will only be able to take hold where crime and violence cease to hold sway. While the positive trend in relation to the Kosovo Police Service has continued, it is now accompanied by signs of real change with regard to minority representation in the judiciary.”
2002-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4592 (2002) · source
“We are also encouraged by progress by the provisional institutions in establishing concrete actions designed to meet the benchmarks set out by the Special Representative before the Council in April. As the Secretary-General has said, the ultimate goal must be local ownership of the process, and the full engagement of the Assembly will be critical to this end. Improved cooperation in the work of the provisional institutions must be accompanied by real progress on the creation of a society based on the rule of law. Kosovo's future development can only be assured in such an environment. We are encouraged, therefore, by some improvements in the overall security situation, and particularly with regard to a decrease in violent crime.”
2002-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4592 (2002) · source