YouSaid · the spoken record

Kayinamura

lines on the record: 109
first: 1996-11-15
most recent: 2023-10-17
sittings or episodes: 15
sources: un-security-council

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

“It is hurting the authority and credibility of the principal organ dealing with peace and security, which is the Council, and it is hindering the tools it creates to mitigate some of the most complex crises in the world. In that regard, all partners need to be on the same page on issues affecting peacekeeping operations. As most speakers have mentioned, sustained, meaningful consultations with troop-contributing countries at all levels and stages of planning and decision-making processes are critical to the success of any United Nations peacekeeping operation. This means that the Security Council cannot work on these issues in isolation from the implementers of its resolutions and mandates.”
2019-07-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8570 (2019) · source
“First of all, allow me to recall that the Security Council adopted resolution 1353 (2001), which set out a statement of principles underlining that consultations between the Council, the Secretariat and troop-contributing countries should enhance the ability of the Security Council to take appropriate, effective and timely decisions in fulfilling mandates and responsibilities. This means that peacekeeping is a partnership. All partners must make efforts towards better coherence and efficiency. Without that cooperation among those three pillars of peacekeeping, we are all bound to fail. From what we see, there are those who establish a mandate and those who implement it. This kind of approach to peacekeeping operations is damaging their effectiveness.”
2019-07-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8570 (2019) · source
“At the outset, we wish to join other speakers in congratulating you, Mr. President, on your assumption of the Security Council presidency this month. We also thank you for convening this important debate. We agree with most speakers that triangular cooperation remains key to the success ofpeacekeeping operations. Anything short of that will bring failure, as we will have failed to cooperate on an important task. We also wish to thank the Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, the Force Commander of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali and Ms. Alexandra Novosseloff for their very useful briefings.”
2019-07-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8570 (2019) · source
“We know what is at stake when we fall short of our expectations and responsibilities and what it will take to make peacekeeping effective now and in the future.”
2019-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8534 (2019) · source
“The evidence shows that having women in meaningful roles increases the effectiveness of peacekeeping and improves missions' ability to protect civilians. Rwanda is proud to be a top contributor of female police to peacekeeping missions. Recruiting women in peacekeeping helps to reduce the chances of conflict and of confrontations in communities. It provides a greater sense of security to local populations, including women and children. In that regard, we are giving practical support to the ambition of the United Nations to increase the percentage of deployed female peacekeepers. In conclusion, we believe that we now fully appreciate the central role and value of peacekeeping missions with protection-of-civilians mandates.”
2019-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8534 (2019) · source
“Peacekeeping's ability to deliver the protection of civilians effectively calls for clear mandates. The protection of civilians in all peacekeeping missions is also greatly influenced by the quality of missions' command and leadership as well as oftheir training and appropriate equipment. Between 2013 and 2018, more peacekeepers were killed in acts of armed violence than in any other period in the past 70 years of the United Nations. That fact vividly reflects the threats that peacekeepers are facing today. It also suggests the importance of well-designed training, equipment and sophisticated situational-awareness mechanisms that are tailored to specific mission challenges and threats. We cannot overemphasize the importance of women at all levels of peacekeeping.”
2019-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8534 (2019) · source
“The Principles are practical and specific guidelines for all peacekeeping stakeholders on the effective and efficient delivery of the protection of civilians. They specifically address the performance, accountability and capabilities required for the effective protection of civilians. Having said that, we acknowledge that the primary responsibility for protecting civilians lies with host nations. However, we cannot close our eyes to the limited capabilities of nations hosting United Nations peacekeeping missions. The role of United Nations peacekeeping in the protection of civilians should therefore aim to bridge the capability gap in the effective protection of civilians, while building the capacity of host countries and facilitating solutions to conflicts.”
2019-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8534 (2019) · source
“While we are also marking the seventieth anniversary of the Geneva Conventions, we must reckon with the fact that they have not been able to provide the desired protection to civilians in armed conflict, as armed groups have consistently violated the Conventions and their Protocols Additional. In that context, the role that troops and police have in enhancing the physical protection of civilian populations, while also contributing to a secure environment conducive to the provision of humanitarian assistance and to ensuring political settlements, has become of central importance for all peacekeeping missions. In May 2015, exactly seven years ago, the Kigali Principles on the Protection of Civilians were adopted by a group of Member States, including several TCCs and PCCs.”
2019-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8534 (2019) · source
“Today's open debate comes at a significant time, as we mark the twentieth anniversary of the inclusion of the protection of civilians in armed conflict as an item on the Security Council's agenda. The protection of civilians remains an important element in the Council's mandates and is included in the mandates of eight of 14 peacekeeping missions. This is therefore a fitting moment for us to reflect on and recommit to the protection of civilian children, women and men in every conflict. As the Secretary-General's 2018 report on this subject (S/2018/462) states, in the absence of any possibility of preventing armed conflict, strengthening the protection of civilians becomes an imperative. Saving the lives of innocent civilians should be a primary obligation of the peacekeeping missions that have protection-of-civilian mandates.”
2019-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8534 (2019) · source
“I would first like to congratulate you, Mr. President, on Indonesia's assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for this month, and to thank you for organizing this important debate on the protection of civilians in armed conflict. We also want to thank the Secretary-General and the other briefers for their very informative briefings this morning. As a top troop- and police-contributing country (TCC/PCC), Rwanda considers this topic to be critically important to our collective effort to support the implementation of the Security Council's mandates on the protection of civilians. I assure you, Mr. President, of our delegation's full commitment to this important topic.”
2019-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8534 (2019) · source
“The bodies of women, girls and children from targeted groups have become the new battlefields where wars are fought, with the intention of destroying the social fabric of targeted communities. Secondly, we need to scale up the accountability of leaders of armed groups or politicians promoting or enabling the use of sexual violence in armed conflict. Even if justice cannot undo the atrocious crimes of sexual violence, without justice there cannot be an end to the culture of impunity and the cycle of Violence may continue. Lastly, in the provision of justice and support for victims and survivors, we need survivor-centred support in order to shift the shame and stigma onto the perpetrators of sexual Violence in conflict.”
2019-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8514 (2019) · source
“They have to deal with sexually transmitted diseases, which create extensive health problems that are difficult to address in post-conflict societies. We need a more holistic and effective support system for survivors that will enable them to move from being victims to being resilient survivors and empowered members of our communities. The pain and trauma are also inherited by the children who are conceived and born out of rape. As they grow through adulthood, they try to come to terms with an identity that no parent would wish for their child. Those children also require extensive psychosocial services to help guide them through their unique experiences. Inclosing, allowusto makethe following suggestions. First, we need to improve our understanding of the ideology behind sexual violence in conflicts.”
2019-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8514 (2019) · source
“Thirdly, we should invest in survivor-centred approaches that prioritize the rights and special needs ofvictims of sexual and gender-based violence. That entails the provision of appropriate medical, social and economic reintegration support in order to reinstate the social fabric of the societies in which we live. Fourthly, it is equally important to involve women in conflict resolution, peace agreement negotiations, peacekeeping operations, peacebuilding and reconciliation at all levels. My third point is on the survivor-centred approach, which has already been mentioned. Survivors of sexual violence face an uphill task in recovering and rebuilding their lives. Their experience of sexual violence leaves lasting marks of psychological and social trauma.”
2019-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8514 (2019) · source
“My second point concerns prevention, and I would like to make the following recommendations. First, the prevention of sexual violence begins with strong institutions and comprehensive legal frameworks during times of peace. National judicial institutions and legal instruments should be robust enough to address cases of sexual violence on an equal footing with other criminal offences. Secondly, the Security Council should consider expanding the designation criteria for individuals who perpetrate sexual violence in the context of conflicts. Relevant sanctions committees should work closely with the Office of the Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict in order to regularly appraise cases of sexual violence.”
2019-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8514 (2019) · source
“It was in 1998, at the trial of a genocide convict, Jean-Paul Akayesu - a former commune mayor in Rwanda - that the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda concluded and ruled, for the first time, that rape was used as a means of perpetrating genocide aimed at exterminating a targeted group and therefore constituted an act of genocide, of which Akayesu was convicted. Therefore, if we are going to address the widespread use of sexual violence in conflict as a weapon of war, terrorism, ethnic cleansing and even for the extermination of targeted groups, then we need to address the central issue of the culture of impunity, which has become the default response to sexual violence in conflict. Fighting impunity contributes to the prevention of future crimes and the healing and reintegration of survivors in their communities.”
2019-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8514 (2019) · source
“Allow us to join other Member States in congratulating you, Mr. President, on assuming the presidency of the Security Council for this month, as well as for convening this important debate. I also thank all the briefers for their useful briefings. From a Rwandan perspective, this open debate comes at an important time in Rwandan history. This month of April marks 25 years since the genocide against the Tutsi, where rape was widely used in carrying out the genocide. I will make my statement today with that context in mind.”
2019-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8514 (2019) · source
“We have demonstrated time and again that our commitments are matched with action, be it through the performance of our peacekeepers or our political support to strengthen the peacekeeping activities of the United Nations and the African Union.”
2018-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8407 (2018) · source
“In this regard, supporting the Peace Fund initiative and the adoption of the Security Council draft resolution on the funding of African peace operations is a great stride that needs the support of the United Nations and the Security Council in particular. The African Union is also committed to enhancing accountability in its partnership with the United Nations and other partners. The ongoing institutional reforms of the AU are also geared towards putting in place a transparent accountability framework for the Union's effective performance. In conclusion, allow me to reiterate Rwanda's firm commitment to global peace and security.”
2018-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8407 (2018) · source
“Rwanda also welcomes the initiative taken by the three African Security Council members in proposing a draft resolution on the stable financing ofAfrican Union peace operations, which we hope will be adopted very soon. It is our understanding that the draft resolution will provide a framework that will enable the Council to further consider the financing of AU-led peace operations from United Nations assessed contributions and that such a decision would be made on a case-by- case basis. If such an agreement were to be reached, we believe that we would be closer to resolving the issue of the sustainable and predictable funding of AU peace operations.”
2018-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8407 (2018) · source
“We reaffirm our support for the Declaration of Shared Commitments on United Nations Peacekeeping Operations, particularly concerning performance and accountability. We need to build effective peacekeeping operations that are based on strong partnerships in building predictable readiness capabilities in terms of the skills and logistics required that are tailored to mission-specific challenges. Regarding funding for peace operations in Africa, Rwanda welcomes the launching of the African Union Peace Fund at the just-concluded AU Extraordinary Summit. This is a critical step towards realizing the African commitment to financing peace and security operations on the continent.”
2018-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8407 (2018) · source
“Moreover, Rwanda recognizes the importance of close coordination and cooperation, based on strategic assessment, planning and reporting that are, in turn, based on respective comparative advantages, as well as burden-sharing on the basis of collective responsibility, to handle conflict in a timely manner. Rwanda acknowledges the progress of the cooperation between both institutions and supports the idea of increased mutual engagement, as spelled out in the Joint United Nations-African Union Framework for Enhanced Partnership in Peace and Security. It is our belief that, over time, with a spirit of trust and support, this would allow for greater mutual understanding and synergy, ultimately leading to more effective peacekeeping operations.”
2018-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8407 (2018) · source
“Our partnership must be based on regional peace frameworks and mobilize further support for regionally led peace processes and initiatives. Such initiatives have yielded positive results, including a number of contemporary cases of which we are all aware. Rwanda would like to reiterate its position in support of the United Nations-AU partnership framework. The need for cooperation among international and regional organizations is crucial in the context of contemporary global challenges. The unprecedented role of regional organizations in achieving security and stability has arisen from a mutual understanding that the most effective method for peace attainment is the joining of efforts and resources.”
2018-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8407 (2018) · source
“Rwanda has made a long-standing contribution to sustainable peace across the continent. As a troop- and police-contributing country, we believe that, if regional peace arrangements are adequately supported, then we can make more progress. I will make my statement from the vantage point of a country that is fully committed to global peace and security. In that regard, my remarks will focus on two key issues: first, enhancing cooperation between the United Nations and the African Union in the realm of peace and security in Africa; and secondly, funding for peace operations in Africa. I think that we can all agree that the partnership between the United Nations and the AU is indispensable with regard to sustainable peace and security on the continent.”
2018-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8407 (2018) · source
“It is of central importance to note in this debate that those reforms are aimed at ensuring the effectiveness of delivery in the area of peace and security, among other priorities. It should be encouraging to us all, including the Security Council, that the African Union is taking greater strides towards better efficiency and delivery of services. Africa currently hosts the largest number of United Nations peacekeeping operations, which, combined, account for 75 per cent of all peacekeeping personnel, the majority of whom are African troops. In addition, over 60 per cent of all Security Council resolutions concern Africa. Africa is clearly a central part of the business of the Council. That should be a wake-up call for a more substantive involvement of the African Union in matters of peace and security concerning our continent.”
2018-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8407 (2018) · source
“I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for convening this debate. I thank the Secretary-General, Mr. Antonio Guterres, and the African Union (AU) Commissioner for Peace and Security, Mr. Sma'il Chergui, for their statements. Rwanda aligns itself with the African Union position on this subject matter. Let me also convey our condolences to the people and the Governments of the Republic of Malawi and the United Republic of Tanzania for the recent tragic loss of their gallant peacekeepers, who lost their lives in the pursuit of peace. This debate could not have come at a more opportune time. In Addis Ababa, the African Union has just concluded an extraordinary session of the African Union Assembly, which focused entirely on the institutional reform of the African Union.”
2018-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8407 (2018) · source
“We believe that, with the reforms that are being pursued here at the United Nations, we can breathe new life into the Organization and make it fit for purpose.”
2018-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8395 (2018) · source
“For example, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development conflict-resolution mechanism, which led the peace process in South Sudan, and the United Nations-AU partnership aimed at ending the crisis in the Sahel region and the Lake Chad basin are good examples of initiatives that are successfully embracing and putting into practice the principles of multilateralism. In conclusion, we have all that it takes to resolve our contemporary challenges. Nothing is new or alien to us. There is no unbridled force that we are dealing with. As States Members of the United Nations, we all have the prerogative to do what we can to create a better world for future generations. I reaffirm Rwanda's commitment to multilateralism and the equality of States.”
2018-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8395 (2018) · source
“The Security Council is one of the United Nations organs that contribute much to global peace and security. It needs to expand its scope of representation and extend the power of the veto to other Member States. Security challenges are multiplying in number and complexity; they need an inclusive decision-making process. Thirdly, it is vital that the United Nations continues its support to the regional peace and security arrangements and mechanisms that have demonstrated gains in conflict mediation and peace restoration.”
2018-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8395 (2018) · source
“In that regard, Rwanda calls for continued cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations. For instance, the recently signed Joint United Nations-African Union Framework for an Enhanced Partnership in Peace and Security is a good example of effective cooperation. The African Union (AU) is rooted in our belief that regional organizations can demonstrate how multilateralism continues to be relevant and beneficial for people all over the world. Secondly, let us move ahead with reforming the Organization, which belongs to us all. The Secretary- General needs our continued support. Africa has made its position clear on key issues, such as reforming the Council. Given the amount of time that the same arguments have been made, surely it is reasonable that we address these issues conclusively.”
2018-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8395 (2018) · source
“New challenges have emerged over the years and require us to adapt to them. I am reminded of the words of the legendary Nigerian author Chinua Achebe: "Eneke the bird says that since men have learned to shoot without missing, he has learned to fly without perching." We too, as the nations of the world, must learn to adapt and address evolving challenges. In no way are we saying that multilateralism is perfect. The question is, how do we make multilateralism work for us in our context? In that regard, I will make three brief points. First, while we are all pursuing our national interests, at the core of it all we need to build on the fact that the people we serve have common aspirations. They want to live in a peaceful, sustainable and dignified world. Let us build on those shared aspirations rather than focus on myopic goals.”
2018-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8395 (2018) · source
“The authors of the Charter of the United Nations were not mistaken when they set out in that great document by recalling the horrors and pains of the scourge of war, which we unfortunately so easily forget. They did not envisage how much the international system would evolve, and they did not have to. Their bitter experience convinced them that multilateralism was the only way to save humankind from destruction. And they were right. That is the true spirit of the Organization. The purposes and principles ofthe Charter enhance that vision and the practice of multilateralism by encouraging States to pursue cooperation over isolation, the peaceful settlement of disputes over war and a common vision whereby Member States relate as equals. However, the world is a dynamic place, and history is always on the move.”
2018-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8395 (2018) · source
“We also thank the Secretary- General for his statement and his commitment to ensuring that the United Nations continues to play its central role in facilitating multilateralism. We also thank the other briefers for their contributions to today's debate. Global governance is characterized by political and security interdependence. Most contemporary challenges 4 whether terrorism, climate change, migration or transnational organized crime, among many others, - cannot be effectively addressed without multilateral cooperation. The formation and evolution of the United Nations over the years have shown us that multilateralism is an essential ingredient for a peaceful world.”
2018-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8395 (2018) · source
“Allow us to join other delegations in congratulating China on assuming the presidency of the Security Council for this month. We also thank you, Sir, for convening this open debate, which is very important to most delegations. We recall the statement made by the State Councillor and Minister for Foreign Affairs of China during the general debate during the high-level week in September (see A/73/ PV.12) when he emphasized the importance and the necessity of multilateralism. Therefore, it comes as no surprise, Sir, that you chose to hold this debate during the earliest days of your presidency, and my delegation joins others to voice their concerns in defence of multilateralism. The Security Council is the right place for us to do just that.”
2018-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8395 (2018) · source
“We also welcome the cooperation between UNMIK and other international organizations, as manifested in the work achieved. We encourage the international community to maintain its commitment and increase its support to enable those organizations to achieve their mandates. I also remain convinced that the task of building a stable and prosperous region will need both leaders to come together and negotiate a lasting solution. To conclude, my delegation believes that achieving peace in the region lies within the hands of the two countries; it is therefore crucial that both parties demonstrate political will and a sincere desire to continue through dialogue to bring about a lasting peace.”
2013-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6939 (2013) · source
“With reference to the report that is before the Council (S/2013/72), it notes the positive developments in Kosovo, and we acknowledge that the situation has been relatively calm. However, the ongoing tensions in northern Kosovo are worrisome and could spark intercommunal violence, which would cause lasting harm to peace and security and even the agreements that have been reached. I acknowledge that improvement has been seen in the Kosovo police, which has taken ownership in the provision of law and order and addressed the concerns of its citizens through increased participation of the municipal community safety councils. In addition, we welcome the collaboration between UNMIK and the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo in helping the Ministry of Justice to implement reform of the justice sector.”
2013-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6939 (2013) · source
“However, in Rwanda we believe that it is in the common interest of both parties to turn the page on that part of their history and continue with serious negotiations to bring peace and lasting security in the region. In the same spirit, it is our hope that both leaders will make further progress on the outstanding issues, mainly those concerning northern Kosovo, and reach an agreement in view of the upcoming meeting on 2 April. Both leaders have made important strides. In that respect, we hope that the international community, in particular the Council, will be well prepared to mobilize resources and political backing to encourage both leaders to reach a sustainable agreement leading to lasting peace.”
2013-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6939 (2013) · source
“Allow me to express my appreciation to Mr. Farid Zarif, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Kosovo, for his leadership and commitment to the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) and his efforts to implement its mandate in Kosovo. I also thank Mr. Ivica Dacie and Mr. Hashim Thaci for their statements. Their presence today in the Council demonstrates their political will and courage to embark on the difficult yet indispensable process of working together in order to normalize the relationship between the two capitals. When we look at the history of the issue at hand, the trail we see is one of a bitter past and bitter memories.”
2013-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6939 (2013) · source
“We would also appreciate an evaluation of the humanitarian operations in Rwanda and in other places in order to learn important lessons for the future. Before concluding, I would like to pay special tribute to Governments and humanitarian organizations and their staff for their positive involvement in humanitarian assistance.”
1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778Resumption1 (1997) · source
“International appeals have been made since 1994 for assistance in the repatriation exercise. By September 1996, and before the massive return from October to December 1996, 1.3 million refugees from Zaire, Tanzania and Burundi, as well as another 800,000 old-case refugees who had fled between 1959 and 1973, had already returned to the country and were being resettled. Given this massive return of 2.3 million refugees to Rwanda, it is important to redirect humanitarian resources from relief to the resettlement, rehabilitation and reconstruction of Rwanda. Finally, let me thank you again, Mr. President, for bringing this matter forward for debate. Member States would be most grateful if similar open debates were held in the future before launching humanitarian operations.”
1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778Resumption1 (1997) · source
“It was not until 1990, after 34 years, that the refugees reorganized themselves and mobilized internal political forces in Rwanda in order to fight their way back to Rwanda. Some called it an invasion when it was in fact the only alternative left to end their 30 years of statelessness and humiliation in exile. What lessons can we draw from this experience? As for us, we believe and continue to hold the View that it was not necessary for the refugees to wait more than 30 years to return to their country. Even more recently, it would have been helpful if the international community had acted more decisively in favour of the quick and timely repatriation of Rwandan refugees from eastern Zaire. Since the Government of National Unity of Rwanda came to power in July 1994, it has consistently called on all Rwandan refugees to return.”
1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778Resumption1 (1997) · source
“The longer the operation, the more difficult it becomes to resolve. It is always easy to shovel snow before it hardens. The Rwanda case is a clear illustration. The history of Rwandan refugees is one of the oldest in Africa. The first Rwandan refugees fled in 1959 following an externally manipulated process accompanied by the connivance of political opportunists. At the time, thousands were killed and millions condemned to exile for 35 years, between 1959 and 1994. During all this period, the then Rwanda Government sustained a campaign to keep its refugees outside. The international community did not pay attention to the plight of close to 900,000 refugees who languished in refugee camps and in many rural areas in the neighbouring countries.”
1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778Resumption1 (1997) · source
“The staff of humanitarian and non-governmental organization communities must be and should be seen to be impartial, for a failure to be so would jeopardize their own security. Another question: How can the international community ensure that the drive for funding humanitarian assistance matches its actual delivery? The need to ensure the neutrality of external involvement in the provision of humanitarian assistance and/or military interventions is a critical matter which the Security Council must always address, as failure to do so could have devastating effects. At times, it could even contribute to the compounding of the humanitarian crisis instead of resolving it. Another aspect which must be addressed before or during the delivery of a humanitarian operation relates to its duration.”
1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778Resumption1 (1997) · source
“It is not possible to evolve standard responses to each humanitarian crisis, as their root causes and nature vary from situation to situation. However, there are certain basic questions to be asked in each case before launching a humanitarian operation. Some such aspects as the refugee crisis in relation to the peace and stability of neighbouring countries and the impact it has on international peace and stability must be addressed. How does the refugee crisis impact on the socio- economic and political situation of the receiving countries, especially the poorer ones? How does a refugee crisis relate to the internal political dynamics of their countries of origin or the geopolitical interests of third countries? How do you ensure the neutrality of humanitarian intervention?”
1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778Resumption1 (1997) · source
“There are more deserving refugees who are being repatriated to Rwanda to join the millions who returned in 1996 and who require support. The question which has been asked is relevant: How can the international community hold accountable those who violate international humanitarian law when we do not take measures to use international instruments to counter further violations of international humanitarian law? I repeat this question for the sake of emphasis. Perhaps Rwanda's experience would be useful in terms of answering the other important question that this body has been addressing: What could the Security Council do politically to support international humanitarian operations in conflict situations?”
1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778Resumption1 (1997) · source
“What is surprising, however, is that, to date, no alarm has been raised, nor has there been a call for an international commission of inquiry into the recruitment and financing of criminals who are wanted by the International Criminal Tribunal in order to answer for war crimes. The commission of inquiry that we are calling for as to who recruited, financed or otherwise helped in their recruitment and transportation is necessary in order to put to an end the question of impunity that most have referred tO. As Rwandan genocidal soldiers and militia continue to move to the west of the Democratic Republic of Congo and farther afield, inadvertent appeals are being made again for their humanitarian assistance. I hope that such assistance will not come at the expense of helping genuine refugees.”
1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778Resumption1 (1997) · source
“As the war intensified in and around the then eastern Zaire, former Rwandan soldiers and the militia continued to enjoy refugee status, notwithstanding the fact that they are the ones who are responsible for having wiped out over 1 million Rwandans between April and July 1994. These were later joined by yet another group of criminal mercenaries. Serb mercenaries and others were recruited from well-known countries in Western Europe. The atrocities they committed in eastern Zaire have not yet been condemned. They were funded and underwritten. There is no mystery about it.”
1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778Resumption1 (1997) · source
“That Convention states: "Where, in the territory of a Party to the conflict, the latter is satisfied that an individual protected person is definitely suspected of or engaged in activities hostile to the security of the State, such individual person shall not be entitled to claim such rights and privileges under the present Convention as would, if exercised in the favour of such individual person, be prejudicial to the security of such State." The representative of Pakistan referred to other very relevant aspects of this Convention. This goes to underscore the need for adherence to its provisions in humanitarian and other related matters.”
1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778Resumption1 (1997) · source
“The multinational force that was approved last year by the Security Council in its resolution 1080 (1996) would have been relevant if it had been mandated to disarm these criminals. It was encouraging to note that the Council called it off soon after realizing its irrelevance. The question has been asked: How can the international community hold accountable those who violate international humanitarian law when we do not take timely measures to use international instruments to counter the violation of that law? We waited for two and a half years to see whether humanitarian agencies or those who hold the custody of international humanitarian law would invoke the provisions of article 5 of the Geneva Convention Relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War.”
1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778Resumption1 (1997) · source
“On many occasions humanitarian aid staff were threatened and harassed in the camps. The reason that was given for not disarming the perpetrators was that humanitarian agencies could not separate bona fide refugees from soldiers. Meanwhile, reports continued to emerge and to reach Governments and humanitarian agencies. Humanitarian food was being sold and was also subjected to a "war tax" by the perpetrators of genocide, who were preparing a war in order to conclude the extermination of the survivors of genocide in Rwanda. The Commission of Inquiry, which was established by the Security Council, had concluded that they were being rearmed and supported. Timely action to disarm these soldiers would have averted the present humanitarian crisis of Rwandan refugees in the former eastern Zaire.”
1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778Resumption1 (1997) · source
“(resolution 260 A (III), annex, article VI) In the case of Rwanda, after the genocide had been committed, we had a situation whereby the architects of genocide, together with a fifty-thousand-strong army and 40,000 members of militias, were escorted with their military hardware to refugee camps in the now-called Democratic Republic of Congo. Within a short time, their camps were identified by several independent non- governmental organizations, as well as by the International Commission of Inquiry set up by the United Nations Security Council, as breeding grounds for military activities in the camps. For two and a half years the international community and humanitarian agencies continued to spend billions of dollars on bona fide refugees, amongst whom there were well-known killers.”
1997-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3778Resumption1 (1997) · source