YouSaid · the spoken record

King

lines on the record: 841
first: 2000-04-07
most recent: 2021-12-15
sittings or episodes: 127
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

“While we, of course, welcome the safe release today of 11 OSCE monitors, we share the Secretary-General's concern that international staff in Ukraine continue to be placed in great danger. We agree with him that the detention of international staff is completely unacceptable. The conduct of the presidential elections on 25 May was a central element of the OSCE road map for the stabilization of Ukraine. The country now has the opportunity to secure a stable and peaceful future. We welcome the President-elect's commitment to travelling to the east and to engage closely with the communities there to overcome their differences. Such an inclusive approach will be crucial to ensuring a successful constitutional reform process. We welcome President Putin's statement that Russia will respect the election outcome.”
2014-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7185 (2014) · source
“They should continue to do so in a manner proportionate to the circumstances. Given the current instability, the efforts of journalists and monitors are particularly crucial. We condemn the continuing attacks by separatists on journalists, as the OSCE Representative on Media Freedom, Ms. Mijatovic', stated on 23 May. Journalists are deliberately targeted for doing their job of trying to tell the outside world of the events taking place in Ukraine. We condemn the killing of an Italianjournalist and his assistant near Sloviansk on 24 May. We are also deeply concerned about reports that the four missing OSCE monitors in the Donetsk region are being held by separatists. They must be released immediately.”
2014-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7185 (2014) · source
“That was a clear expression of support on their part for a democratic and unified Ukraine. The restoration of stability in the east presents a very serious challenge for the new Ukrainian Government. Pro-Russian groups continue their efforts to destabilize the region, attacking Ukrainian forces, occupying administrative buildings and targeting major infrastructure, such as Donetsk airport. Reports that militants have attempted to cross the border from Russia into Ukraine in the past few days are deeply concerning. It is essential that Russia control its borders to prevent any such incursions. In such circumstances of continued destabilization and the use of force by separatists, the Ukrainian authorities have the right to protect their own citizens and to re-establish control over their territory.”
2014-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7185 (2014) · source
“We welcome the OSCE's preliminary findings that the elections were held in line with international standards and respect for fundamental freedoms. We congratulate President-elect Petro Poroschenko, who has been given a clear mandate to govern Ukraine. Regrettably, not all Ukrainians were able to vote. In two areas in eastern Ukraine, pro-Russian separatist forces prevented many polling stations from opening, depriving of their right to cast their ballots. We commend the efforts of the Ukrainian authorities to perform their electoral duties in those areas in the face of threats, intimidation and violence. Due to the unlawful annexation of Crimea, the Ukrainian citizens in that region were unable to cast their votes at all. We applaud those who travelled from the Crimean peninsula specifically in order to vote elsewhere in Ukraine.”
2014-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7185 (2014) · source
“I thank Under-Secretary- General Feltman for his briefing. Australia congratulates Ukraine on the successful holding of presidential elections on 25 May. The high turnout, in which millions people cast ballots across the country, reflects the determination of the Ukrainian people to chose their own Government without interference. It is a demonstration of their commitment to a sovereign, democratic and independent Ukraine. We commend the work of the Ukrainian electoral authorities and the willingness ofthe Ukrainian political parties to participate and support the electoral process in difficult circumstances. We also commend the observer mission of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) for its efforts across the country.”
2014-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7185 (2014) · source
“Following the understandable short pause during the general elections in Serbia, and the forthcoming parliamentary elections in Kosovo scheduled for 8 June, it is now important that the newly elected leaderships in Belgrade and Pristina re-engage with renewed purpose and vision in the political dialogue supported by the European Union. This will ensure that positive momentum is maintained and full normalization of relations achieved, to the mutual benefit and prosperity of the people of Serbia and Kosovo.”
2014-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7183 (2014) · source
“The return of the significant numbers of people displaced during the Kosovo conflict is an essential component of the long-term reconciliation process in Kosovo, but this cannot happen without a holistic approach to returns policy, addressing housing, security, freedom of movement, access to public services and employment opportunities. Australia welcomes Kosovo's new strategy for communities and returns for the period 2014-2018, and encourages all relevant Kosovar authorities to implement it fully. To conclude, the opening by Serbia in January of accession talks with the European Union, and the conclusion of negotiations on a future stabilization and association agreement for Kosovo, are historic steps on the respective paths of both countries towards European integration.”
2014-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7183 (2014) · source
“We acknowledge the report of the European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on EULEX activities. EULEX's refocused mandate, voted on by the Kosovo Assembly and supported by President Jahjaga in her April letter, will ensure that EULEX can continue to investigate and prosecute serious organized crime and war crimes, and help build the capacity of Kosovo's multi-ethnic justice and police institutions until 15 June 2016. We condemn the attack on EULEX vehicles on 25 April and call for a swift and thorough investigation. We remain encouraged, however, that the overall security situation remains calm and that Kosovo remains on a positive trajectory. This lends credence, in our view, to the argument that the Security Council could decrease the frequency of its debates on the situation in Kosovo.”
2014-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7183 (2014) · source
“In establishing a credible judicial process that we hope can finally resolve the grave allegations of organ trafficking during the 1990s conflict, Kosovo has reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law, and we commend this decision. The proposal to reform Kosovo's security forces has also proved to be a sensitive issue, both domestically and regionally. Australia recognizes Kosovo's right as an independent nation to develop its security forces, particularly in the framework of its continued cooperation with NATO. We recommend that every effort be made to ensure that Kosovo's armed forces are developed in full transparency and dialogue with key regional neighbours. We would like to acknowledge the importance of the continued deployment of the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX).”
2014-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7183 (2014) · source
“As the Secretary-General observes in his report, some challenges remain, including with regard to the establishment of the association of Serbian municipalities in Kosovo. Yet that, too, remains important. We encourage both sides to work towards finding an appropriate role for the association. Australia commends the Kosovo Assembly's decision on 23 April to establish a special court within the Kosovo court system with seats within and outside Kosovo, designed to adjudicate allegations arising from the work of the Special Investigative Task Force. We acknowledge that this was a difficult and sensitive decision.”
2014-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7183 (2014) · source
“Serbia and Kosovo have achieved remarkable progress over the past two years in their high-level political dialogue to normalize their relations and in the implementation of the 19 April 2013 agreement. As the Secretary-General says in his report (S/2014/305), the parties have been steadily narrowing their differences. We welcome the efforts of political leaders in both Belgrade and Pristina, and commend them for the progress they have made. The progress on the police integration chapter of the First Agreement of Principles Governing the Normalization of Relations of 19 April 2013has been particularly important. The 284 former Serbian police officers now serving with the Kosovo police force enhance the trust that Kosovo Serbs have in Kosovar institutions and therefore represent an important confidence-building measure for the community.”
2014-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7183 (2014) · source
“I would like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General Zarif for his briefing to the Council on the activities of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) during the reporting period. I would also like to welcome to the Council the President of Serbia, Mr. Tomislav Nikolic', and the President of Kosovo, Mrs. Atifete Jahjaga, and to thank them very much for their statements. I would also like to convey Australia's condolence to President Nikolie and to the communities in Serbia which have suffered the loss of family members in the unprecedented flooding. These losses are being deeply felt within affected communities in Australia.”
2014-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7183 (2014) · source
“With the support of the international community, including NATO and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the disposal of that material contributes directly to security and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Bosnia and Herzegovina can continue on a path towards integration with Europe, as its neighbours have done, or it can fall further behind. While the international community has an important role to play, it is up to the leaders ofBosnia and Herzegovina to enact the reforms necessary to achieve a stable, peaceful and prosperous future for its citizens.”
2014-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7176 (2014) · source
“That type of civic engagement has the potential to be a powerful tool to focus the political debate on the necessary governance and socioeconomic reforms. Australia also welcomes the fact that the situation in the country remains generally calm, and we renew our appreciation for the role played by the European Union military mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina in supporting a safe and secure environment. We would also like to note the continuing importance of the work done by the Ministry of Defence and the armed forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina to control and manage the country's ammunition and weapons, including aging and surplus material.”
2014-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7176 (2014) · source
“In December, the Peace Implementation Council Steering Board noted again the failure of Bosnia and Herzegovina to address the remaining objectives and conditions for the closure of the Office of the High Representative. We call on all political actors in the country to work productively to reach the compromises necessary to advance that process. The emergence of direct-democracy forms of civic engagement, as embodied in recent plenums, was a positive development. We were concerned by the brief outbreak of violence in February, which marred otherwise peaceful demonstrations. However, Australia is supportive of the right of the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina to peacefully express their frustration with the socioeconomic situation, the levels of corruption and the high unemployment rates.”
2014-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7176 (2014) · source
“Over the past six months, Bosnia and Herzegovina has not moved forward on its declared path of Euro-Atlantic integration. Yet, in our view, that will be vital to the country's long- term prosperity and stability. The lack of agreement on a coordinating mechanism with the European Union is obstructing Bosnia and Herzegovina's progress towards European Union integration. The country's political leaders must resolve that impasse. The implementation of the Sejdic-Finci ruling remains essential to ensuring equality for all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina and that they are able to take part in shaping their country's future. The lack of progress on the status of military property blocks the activation of Bosnia and Herzegovina's NATO membership action plan.”
2014-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7176 (2014) · source
“The lead-up to the twentieth anniversary of the Dayton Peace Agreement next year is an opportunity to reflect on how far Bosnia and Herzegovina has come since the end ofthe tragic civil war. Over the past 19 years ofpeace, Bosnia and Herzegovina has transitioned from a post-conflict society to one that is looking towards European Union accession. Its governance institutions are now meeting regularly. Consequently, the Office of the High Representative has been able to take a lesser role in the domestic affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Nevertheless, significant challenges remain. We share Mr. Inzko's assessment that Bosnia and Herzegovina has not progressed as far and as fast as it could have, due to the inability of its leaders to agree on important political and economic reforms.”
2014-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7176 (2014) · source
“I would like to thank the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mr. Valentin Inzko, for his comprehensive briefing. We continue to believe that the Office of the High Representative has an important role to play in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Mr. Inzko's briefing today has reminded us of the utility of the various strands of his important work, and we thank him for his efforts. Australia reaffirms its support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Bosnia and Herzegovina. We remain convinced that that is necessary to ensure peace and stability in the country and the broader Western Balkans region. We renew our calls on all political leaders in Bosnia and Herzegovina, especially in Republika Srpska, not to undermine the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
2014-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7176 (2014) · source
“It is equally essential that the Council continue to offer its support to the ICC and to the Libyan authorities as they take steps to end the impunity that for too long prevailed in the country. The Council must take action in support of the Court when necessary to help Libya achieve justice and lasting stability.”
2014-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7173 (2014) · source
“We hope that continued engagement between the ICC and the Libyan authorities will ensure that their respective efforts can have a multiplying effect and serve as a model for a collaborative partnership between the ICC and States that have the will, but perhaps lack the capacity, to hold all key perpetrators to account. We furthermore hope that Libya's insights into the Rome Statute system will encourage it to accede to the Statute. Noting the Prosecutor's advice that several persons of interest have fled Libya, Australia calls on other Member States, particularly Libya's neighbours, to cooperate with the ICC to ensure that those most responsible for the most serious international crimes committed in Libya are brought to justice.”
2014-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7173 (2014) · source
“It is essential that Libya do nothing to frustrate ongoing ICC processes, pending the decisions of the Appeals Chamber. We underline the importance of Libya meeting its obligations to cooperate with the Court, including by surrendering defendants in accordance with the ICC decisions. Australia welcomes the Prosecutor's advice on steps taken to implement the memorandum of understanding concluded between the Office of the Prosecutor and the Libyan Government on burden-sharing in relation to investigations, prosecutions and an arrest strategy.”
2014-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7173 (2014) · source
“We acknowledge that the challenges facing Libya are considerable. Its judicial system was all but destroyed under the Al-Qadhafi regime. But it is vital that Libya ensure that the rights of all those defendants being tried for serious crimes are upheld in full. Turning more specifically to the activities of the International Criminal Court, we welcome the fact that Libya has pursued its challenge to the ICC jurisdiction in the SaifAl-IslamAl-Qadhafi andAbdullahAl-Senussi cases in a manner that is consistent with the Rome Statute. We are conscious that Libya remains under a pending obligation to surrender Mr. Al-Qadhafi to the ICC, notwithstanding its appeal of the Pre-Trial Chamber's decision rejecting its admissibility challenge. We also note that the admissibility decision in the Al-Senussi case is under appeal.”
2014-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7173 (2014) · source
“We urge Libya to respect the principles of the equality before the law and to ensure that those believed to be most responsible for the commission of serious international crimes are held to account, regardless of what side they fought on. The Prosecutor has again drawn our attention to the thousands of conflict-related detainees who continue to be held without due process, some of whom have reportedly been subject to torture and other ill treatment. We recognize the progress made, but we recall resolution 2144 (2014) and again urge Libya to ensure that the detainees in question are transferred to effective State control as swiftly as possible, that the basis of their detention is judicially reviewed and that those responsible for arbitrary detention or mistreatment are held to account.”
2014-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7173 (2014) · source
“We urge the Libyan authorities to continue to support the ongoing constitutional drafting process and rule-of-law reforms, and to continue their close cooperation with the United Nations Support Mission in Libya. Security sector reform is a crucial part of that and must be a priority. As long as militias rather than the State retain physical custody of detainees, as long as witnesses are too scared to testify and as long as judges are threatened, it will be difficult for justice to be delivered in a manner consistent with international standards. We are concerned about the adoption of amnesty laws that provide revolutionaries with immunity from prosecution.”
2014-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7173 (2014) · source
“I would like to thank the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) for her informative and valuable briefing to the Council on the work of the Office of the Prosecutor in relation to the situation in Libya. Australia remains concerned about the volatile political and security situation in Libya. We recognize that delivering effective justice in Libya is dependent on building stability and security in the country, and the recent attacks on Libya's parliament and on political leaders and security personnel are disturbing reminders of the challenges the country faces. National leadership, of course, is critical to addressing the security situation and keeping the political transition on track.”
2014-05-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7173 (2014) · source
“The development of a road map for counter-terrorism and the non-proliferation of small and light weapons in Central Africa, and the pledge by regional leaders to honour the 10-year moratorium on the sale of ivory stockpiles to protect elephants, are all important initiatives. Those types of initiatives will help to restrict and reduce the illicit means by which the LRA and other groups are able to arm themselves, and are fundamental to long- term peace and stability in the region. Let me conclude by thanking Special Representative Moussa again for his commitment and leadership since UNOCA's inception. We look forward to working with his successor, Mr. Bathily.”
2014-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7171 (2014) · source
“Indeed, that has been the case following security gains made around the Garamba National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which has been followed by a rise in attacks further west - hence the logical conclusion is that UNOCA has an important overarching role, in particular to enhance the implementation of the United Nations regional strategy. Finally, we must support UNOCA and regional-led efforts to address other, often related challenges to Central Africa's peace and security, including the proliferation of small arms and light weapons and the poaching and trafficking of wildlife.”
2014-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7171 (2014) · source
“The various sanctions committees and groups of experts active in the region are an important component of that effort and can provide further information and options to address the LRA's financing, weapons and operations. By leveraging the resources deployed in the region and increasing coordination among them, we can better protect civilians in LRA-affected areas and keep ahead of the LRA. Otherwise, gains made in increasing stability in one area risk being offset by the re-emergence of the LRA elsewhere.”
2014-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7171 (2014) · source
“Since the collapse of State authority in the Central African Republic, LRA attacks in the country's east have risen sharply, and the group has targeted prefectures outside the AU Regional Task Force's principal area of operations. That brings me to my second point. It is imperative that the United Nations and African Union missions in the region - the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, the African-led International Support Mission in the Central African Republic, MINUSCA and the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur - continue to deepen their information-sharing, coordination and cooperation in efforts to combat the LRA.”
2014-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7171 (2014) · source
“We are concerned, however, that the crises in the Central African Republic and in South Sudan risk undermining the progress achieved to date by diverting attention, resources and regional security forces away from anti-LRA efforts. We are also concerned by reports that senior LRA leaders may be based in north- eastern Central African Republic and that some ex- Seleka combatants are suspected to be colluding with the LRA. The Secretary-General's report (S/2014/3l9) also cites credible sources suggesting that LRA leader Joseph Kony and senior LRA commanders have recently returned to seek safe haven in the Kafia Kingi enclave between the Sudan, South Sudan and the Central African Republic. We know that the LRA will exploit any security vacuum and seize the opportunity to regroup. That is its modus operandi.”
2014-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7171 (2014) · source
“We have made significant progress towards achieving the goal of putting an end once and for all to the LRA. The recent trends are promising. Overall LRA attacks and resulting deaths are down, despite a seasonal spike; the number of displaced in LRA- affected areas has been halved; and defections are on the rise. Australia commends the African Union (AU) Regional Task Force for its significant impact in the fight against the LRA and the critical support being provided by the United States and European Union. We welcome the recent capture of LRA commander Charles Okello in an operation that also rescued three women and seven children. My first central message is this - we must maintain the momentum and support for current efforts to put an end to the LRA.”
2014-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7171 (2014) · source
“We have all condemned Boko Haram's recent attacks against civilians and its abduction of more than 200 schoolgirls in Nigeria, an act that has shocked the global conscience. Like others, Australia has offered its support to the Government of Nigeria. The abhorrent targeting of schoolchildren brings to mind the tactics of another group that has wreaked havoc on the region - the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA). That group's killing, raping, pillaging and maiming has terrorized civilians for more than 20 years. The International Criminal Court arrest warrants for the LRA's leaders - the first arrest warrants issued by the Court - have now been outstanding for close to nine years. It is essential that Joseph Kony and the other surviving senior LRA leaders be held to account for war crimes and crimes against humanity.”
2014-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7171 (2014) · source
“Communities in the Central African Republic that have previously coexisted in peace have been decimated by cycles of violence and revenge. The country is being torn apart, with severe consequences for the region. We pay tribute to the African and French forces that deployed quickly to the Central African Republic and took military action that has literally saved many lives. The adoption of resolution 2149 (2014), authorizing the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) should mark a turning point in the international response to the crisis. We have also seen the growing threat of terrorism in Central Africa, including the expansion of Boko Haram into the region.”
2014-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7171 (2014) · source
“I would like to thank Special Representative Abou Moussa for his briefing and for his dedication to pursuing the importance mandate of the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA). As Mr. Moussa has said, Central Africa faces critical challenges to its peace and security and requires ongoing support from the United Nations. Today's meeting provides an important opportunity for the Council to look holistically at the issues and the role that UNOCA and the broader United Nations presence in the subregion can play in addressing them. Most prominent among these challenges, perhaps, is the situation in the Central African Republic, one of the most dire human rights and humanitarian crises confronting the Council and the world.”
2014-05-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7171 (2014) · source
“But UNIPSIL, and the United Nations more broadly, has been its absolutely steadfast partner, and the results of that partnership are now clear for all to see. We wish the people of Sierra Leone every success for their future.”
2014-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7148 (2014) · source
“Australia sees great potential in a reinvigorated Mano River Union, which is strengthening subregional security, including through the establishment of cross-border security units along the common borders of its members. Similarly, the efforts of the Economic Community of West African States to address maritime piracy, which threatens regional prosperity, would be important for all the countries of the region. It will also be important for the United Nations Office for West Africa to continue to provide good offices and a preventive diplomacy role following UNIPSIL's departure. In conclusion, I echo Mr. Toyberg-Frandzen's comment that Sierra Leone's remarkable progress is due first and foremost to the determination of its people to forge a clear path to peace.”
2014-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7148 (2014) · source
“Then Sierra Leone can ensure that all its people benefit from the boom and the dividends of peace. The withdrawal of UNIPSIL does not mean that Sierra Leone is alone in addressing those challenges. The United Nations country team continues to impress, with its high level of integration and the seamless manner in which its agencies took over responsibility for many of UNIPSIL's residual functions. The PBC will continue to be engaged in supporting the United Nations transition process. We fully support the Sierra Leone configuration's proposed modalities for a lighter and more responsive approach. Other countries in West Africa share many of Sierra Leone's challenges, therefore increased cooperation with them will be essential for Sierra Leone to tackle common threats.”
2014-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7148 (2014) · source
“Continuing to strengthen Sierra Leone's institutions, particularly the security sector and the judiciary, will be important in tackling those challenges. We are particularly encouraged by the development and recent launch of a security sector reform programme, with support from United Nations Development Programme and the Peacebuilding Fund, to assist in strengthening the police and other institutions. While the Sierra Leone police have come a long way over the past 12 years, a number of challenges remain, including accountability, governance, oversight and corruption. As investment in Sierra Leone's extractive industries increases, it will also be important to strengthen transparency and accountability in the natural resources sector and to establish robust dispute-resolution mechanisms.”
2014-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7148 (2014) · source
“Executive Representative Toyberg-Frandzen's strong leadership of the mission during this critical time has contributed to a seamless transition. We would encourage the Secretariat to draw on the lessons that have been gleaned from the transition process to consider how they could and should be applied elsewhere. None of that, however, is to underestimate the challenges that lie ahead. The constitutional review process holds great potential for reducing political polarization in Sierra Leone and fostering a culture of political inclusivity. Corruption and youth unemployment will remain major challenges for the Government, as will addressing trans-national threats such as drug trafficking and maritime piracy.”
2014-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7148 (2014) · source
“UNIPSIL has been central to that success. As the Secretary-General's final report (S/2014/192) makes clear, by integrating its political mandate together with the development and humanitarian mandates of United Nations agencies, UNIPSIL was instrumental to United Nations system efforts in Sierra Leone to deliver as one. It continuously led efforts to promote political dialogue, manage electoral-related disputes and strengthen the vital role of civil society. And it provided crucial support to strengthen the capacity and independence of key institutions, including the National Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone, the Political Parties Registration Commission and the Anti-Corruption Commission. Australia welcomes the withdrawal of UNIPSIL as a good model for the conclusion of a successful United Nations peacebuilding mission.”
2014-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7148 (2014) · source
“Sierra Leone has made extraordinary progress since the end of the civil war in consolidating peace and democracy. As Sierra Leone's focus turns now from consolidating peace to spurring economic development, it is appropriate that we acknowledge achievements and look at challenges ahead. After more than 15 years of successive United Nations peace operations, Sierra Leone now has stronger institutions, an entrenched democratic culture with regular elections and a vigorous civil society. It is actively fighting corruption and strengthening accountability. It is a successful model of how post- conflict countries can address transitional justice in a way that holds perpetrators of past crimes to account, while promoting national reconciliation. Australia commends the people and the Government of Sierra Leone for that remarkable progress.”
2014-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7148 (2014) · source
“I would like to welcome to the Security Council His Excellency Mr. Samura Kamara, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Sierra Leone. I would also like to thank Executive Representative Jens Anders Toyberg-Frandzen for his briefing and his work and for that of the entire team of the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Mission in Sierra Leone (UNIPSIL). I also thank Ambassador Guillermo Rishchynski for his leadership of the Sierra Leone country-specific configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) and for his detailed briefing this morning on the ongoing work of the PBC. The closure of the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Sierra Leone, in five days' time, will mark an important transition for both Sierra Leone and for the United Nations system.”
2014-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7148 (2014) · source
“Haiti remains fragile in many areas, and we must be sure to persevere and sustain the gains that have been made. We look forward to receiving the strategic assessment foreshadowed in the Secretary-General's report (S/2014/162) and recommendations on the most appropriate option for the United Nations' future engagement in Haiti.”
2014-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7147 (2014) · source
“While such breakthroughs are encouraging, it is essential that all political leaders continue to work towards consensus on holding elections in 2014, and for MINUSTAH to continue to provide electoral assistance and logistical support for those elections. We welcome the options presented by the Secretary- General for the United Nations future engagement in Haiti post-2016. The considerable progress made in the stabilization of Haiti since MINUSTAH's initial deployment, in 2004, leads us to consider that it is time for the Council to give MINUSTAH's transition some thoughtful consideration. We remain open to an accelerated transition to a new United Nations configuration in Haiti, while cautioning that it needs to be carefully calibrated to the situation on the ground.”
2014-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7147 (2014) · source
“We commend the efforts of the World Food Programme, which has begun to distribute food to those affected. It remains a matter of great concern that long- overdue local, municipal and partial senatorial elections have not been held. Since the Council last discussed Haiti (see S/PV.7040), some much-needed steps towards holding long-overdue elections have been taken. The enacting of the Electoral Act and Political Parties Act are both very welcome. The recent nationa1 dialogue process demonstrated the commitment and determination of political leaders, and we welcome the signing of the El Rancho agreement, which should pave the way for planning of elections later this year.”
2014-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7147 (2014) · source
“With regard to other human rights issues, we acknowledge the positive and constructive steps that the Government of Haiti has taken recently, including its ratification of some important international human rights instruments. Notably, in December, the Haitian Office of the Ombudsperson was internationally accredited as a national human rights institution and the Inter-Ministerial Commission on Human Rights became operational during the period. Those are important developments. While there has been some improvement in the humanitarian situation, the people of Haiti continue to face numerous challenges. Continued food insecurity and increases in child malnutrition are of great concern, which are exacerbated by the ongoing drought in the north-west of the country.”
2014-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7147 (2014) · source
“The Government of Haiti must remain committed to strengthening the rule of law and promoting the independence of the judiciary. We remain concerned about prison overcrowding and prolonged pre-trial detention periods. The fact that many of those arrested face years of incarceration before their cases are heard is unacceptable. We urge MINUSTAH to redouble its efforts in working with the Government of Haiti to implement effective strategies to address the management of pre-trial detention and prison sentences, to increase investigative expertise and apply legislative reform through the adoption of draft criminal and criminal procedure codes.”
2014-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7147 (2014) · source
“While the Haitian National Police is on track to meet its target of 15,000 officers by 2016, we would encourage greater efforts to recruit female cadets. We look forward to the continued implementation of community-orientated policing strategies and strengthened resourcing and reform to support a professional and autonomous force. We commend the establishment of a sexual and gender-based violence specialized team by the United Nations police, with the assistance of the Governments of Norway and Canada, which is working with the Haitian National Police to support investigations and build capacity to address those very serious crimes. Despite these improvements, progress on the rule of law is lagging behind, which could jeopardize progress in other areas.”
2014-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7147 (2014) · source
“We thank Special Representative Sandra Honore for her briefing. We also welcome the Permanent Representative of Haiti to the Council. We recently had an opportunity to engage directly with personnel of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) on the ground in the country and to see first-hand the work being done by the Mission. We recognize their unwavering commitment to the stability and reconstruction of the country. Of the four stabilization benchmarks of MINUSTAH's consolidation plan, we would like to welcome in particular the progress that is being made in strengthening the capacity of the Haitian National Police, which is increasingly visible and proactive, resulting in a decrease of all major crime indices over the past year.”
2014-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7147 (2014) · source
“To conclude, we look forward to the first-ever annual session of the Peacebuilding Commission and commend that initiative. We reiterate our commitment to the effectiveness of the United Nations peacebuilding architecture and to fine-tuning that architecture and its operationalization. It is absolutely critical to our ultimate substantive goal, which is to genuinely tailor peacebuilding to the very specific needs of the countries concerned, to prevent a relapse into conflict and, instead, to provide a path to security and development.”
2014-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7143 (2014) · source