YouSaid · the spoken record

Kohona

lines on the record: 237
first: 2009-10-05
most recent: 2015-01-15
sittings or episodes: 30
sources: un-security-council

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

“We hope that every effort will be made in 2015 to lay the groundwork for the advancement of a peaceful solution to the Middle East peace process. It is our hope that the international community will continue to support initiatives for sustainable peace and that both sides will demonstrate the necessary political will required to achieve that end.”
2015-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7360 (2015) · source
“At present, the United Nations is hard-pressed to keep the vast majority of the people of Gaza supplied with their minimum necessities. We underline strong support for the work of the United Nations agencies in the occupied Palestinian territory, including the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Terrorism originating in the Middle East region has the potential to pose a serious threat to the security and stability of many countries. In today's interconnected world, it is very easy for agents of extremism to spread their ideologies across national borders. One of the key excuses of terrorists is the Palestinian issue. We must not provide any excuses for terrorism.”
2015-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7360 (2015) · source
“Sri Lanka supports a negotiated solution, resulting in a sovereign, independent and viable State of Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital, living within secure, recognized borders, side by side and at peace with Israel, as endorsed in the Arab Peace Initiative, the Quartet road map and the relevant Security Council resolutions. Sri Lanka also supports Palestine's application for admission as a full Member of the United Nations. Sri Lanka also supports a two-State solution on the basis of the 1967 borders. The viability of the two- State solution will depend upon the political unity and economic advancement of the Palestinian people. The lifting of the Gaza blockade within the framework of the resolution 1860 (2009) would contribute significantly to the economic advancement of Gaza and the well-being of the Palestinian people.”
2015-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7360 (2015) · source
“It is our fervent hope that, with the help of the global community, the people of Palestine will rise up to rebuild their lives and livelihoods. We urge the Governments of Israel and Palestine to utilize the international goodwill that exists to facilitate the peace process. The cost of failing to reach a peace accord is too high for the countries concerned, as well as for the region and beyond. The cessation of settlement activities in the occupied territories and ending the Gaza blockade are important measures that must be taken while respecting the security needs of the people of Israel. These are important measures for confidence-building. They would be consistent with the expectations of the world, the norms of international law and accepted practice. The security needs of the people of Israel must be respected.”
2015-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7360 (2015) · source
“It is important that the international community continue to strive for a peaceful solution through continued diplomatic engagement with the parties concerned. Peace negotiations need to be conducted expeditiously, and a solution reached consistent with the principles of international law and the relevant resolutions of the General Assembly and Security Council. One of the key challenges this year is rebuilding following the destruction caused in Gaza. The international community must also assist the Palestinian peopleinmeetingtheirday-to-dayexistentialchallenges. The Cairo conference on Gaza reconstruction held last year saw the pledging of significant resources for the Palestinian people's rebuilding efforts.”
2015-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7360 (2015) · source
“Ijoin other speakers in commending you, Sir, for convening this important open debate. Sri Lanka associates itself with the statement delivered by the representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement. I congratulate the new members of the Security Council on their elections. We had hoped that in the year 2014 the world would have witnessed a much-needed breakthrough resulting in a just and durable solution to the situation in the Middle East. Instead we witnessed a series of setbacks, including the breakdown of peace talks followed by a devastating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. However, in the midst of much hardship, we were encouraged by the unwavering support for the people of Palestine worldwide. The formation of the Palestinian unity Government was indeed a positive development.”
2015-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7360 (2015) · source
“In this year of International Year of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, we must not give up on our hopes for a lasting peace accord that leads to the establishment of a fully sovereign and secure State of Palestine. We are encouraged by the political rapprochement between Gaza and the West Bank with the formation of the unity Government. Sri Lanka supports Palestine's application for admission to full membership in the United Nations. Let me conclude by reiterating Sri Lanka's support for the implementation of General Assembly resolutions regarding the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people to statehood and the attainment of a two-State solution on the basis of the 1967 borders.”
2014-10-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7281 (2014) · source
“As we heard in the summit-level meeting of the Security Council on 24 September (S/PV.7272), the conflicts in the Middle East, especially the lingering question of Palestine, are one of the main motives driving the recruitment of terrorists in the region and worldwide. Terrorism originating from the region has the potential to pose a serious threat to the security and stability of many countries. Given the events of this year that led to the unprecedented humanitarian crisis in Gaza, we hope that every effort will be made to achieve a successful negotiated end to the conflict so that the people of both Israel and Palestine will be able to enjoy peace and prosperity in their own lands.”
2014-10-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7281 (2014) · source
“We hope that all parties will engage constructively and sincerely to end the conflict, enabling the achievement of a lasting peace. The ongoing settlement activity, which is illegal under international law, particularly article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention, the relevant United Nations resolutions and an advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice, must end if a sustainable solution to this problem is to be negotiated. Finding a just and durable solution to the situation in the Middle East has been a priority for the international community since 1948. It is disappointing that after more than five decades, we are still nowhere near a satisfactory solution. The Middle East conflict absorbs a considerable amount of international attention and resources.”
2014-10-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7281 (2014) · source
“We welcome the partial lifting of the restrictions within the framework of resolution 1860 (2009), which should contribute significantly to Gaza's economic advancement and the well-being of its people, and to creating an environment of hope. We join the international community in appealing to all parties to refrain from indiscriminate and disproportionate attacks on civilians, since they are detrimental to the peace and security of both Israel and Palestine and to the stability of the entire region. Indiscriminate attacks on civilians will only worsen feelings of desperation and insecurity and widen the gap between the parties. The security needs of the people of Israel must be respected. A climate conducive to peace will be encouraged by a mutual approach sensitive to the concerns of both sides.”
2014-10-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7281 (2014) · source
“Despite the open-ended ceasefire reached on 26 August, the situation in Gaza remains tense. The challenges ahead of addressing the immediate humanitarian needs and launching reconstruction activities are enormous. The international community must ensure that the injured, the displaced and the homeless are taken care of while addressing the broader question of peace in the region. In that regard, we welcome the successful convening of the conference on reconstructing Gaza held in Cairo on 12 October. It is essential that the unilateral sanctions and blockade of Gaza be lifted if we are to find a more permanent solution to its bleak economic conditions. The restrictions on imports and exports due to the blockade are stifling economic growth as well as aggravating the humanitarian crisis.”
2014-10-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7281 (2014) · source
“Ijoin other speakers in commending you for convening this important debate, Madam President. The Sri Lankan delegation associates itself with the statement made by the representative of Iran on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement. We are very concerned about the humanitarian impact of the recent escalation of violence resulting in large-scale destruction, devastation and displacement in Gaza. Sri Lanka joined the international community in mourning the tragic loss of life, including those of many children, during the violence. The extensive damage to public infrastructure, including schools, hospitals and United Nations buildings, further undermined the already precarious access to basic services that prevailed prior to the current conflict, services that include electricity, water and sanitation, health and education.”
2014-10-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7281 (2014) · source
“The Sri Lankan Government has time and time again unequivocally stressed the need for the world to take action against terrorist acts committed by non-State actors that have little or no respect for human life. Terrorism in all its forms ad manifestations must be condemned. It is evident that ISIL is now taking on a transnational form and poses a threat to the wider region. Sri Lanka would like to reiterate that it is in the best interests of the international community to ensure that no space be allowed for any terrorist groups or their sympathizers to raise funds and logistical support of any form anywhere. We express our solidarity with the people of the countries of the region in such difficult times and stand ready to support timely measures to help victims on the ground.”
2014-09-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7272 (2014) · source
“While our thoughts and sympathies go out to the many thousands who continue to suffer as a result of the ruthless acts of terror, we emphasize the need to take appropriate steps to protect civilians, minorities, civilian facilities and places of worship and of historic significance. As the Council is aware, Sri Lanka suffered for almost three decades at the hands of separatist terrorists, described by the Federal Bureau of Investigation as the world's most ruthless. The people of Sri Lanka have therefore experienced first-hand the devastating impact of terrorism on societies, communities and the very foundations of a nation. Our own institutions, long cherished, including our democracy, were under serious threat.”
2014-09-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7272 (2014) · source
“Sri Lanka commends you, Madam President, for having convened this timely debate. We have been following with deep concern the events that have been unfolding in Iraq and neighbouring countries throughout the past two months and the atrocities being perpetrated by the so-called Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and associated groups with a supply chain of foreign fighters. Sri Lanka deplores in the strongest terms the terrorist acts committed by such groups. including against unarmed civilians. The shocking acts ofviolence unleashed on people and the destruction of monuments, places of religious worship and sites of archaeological and cultural value are deeply disturbing.”
2014-09-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7272 (2014) · source
“The Secretary-General's 2013 report on children and armed conflict (S/2013/245) notes that the evolving character and tactics of armed conflict are creating unprecedented threats to children. We encourage greater engagement between Member States and the United Nations for the better protection of all children who are affected by armed conflict.”
2014-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7129 (2014) · source
“Sexual and gender-based violence help desks are located in hospitals in the districts formerly affected by the conflict. Due to the progress made and the true commitment of the Government with regard to its children and former child soldiers, Sri Lanka was delisted from the Secretary-General's list of shame in June 2012. Sri Lanka successfully completed Security Council- mandated programmes to end the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict. Finally, Sri Lanka continues with its efforts to help and support former child soldiers to rebuild their lives. The Government of Sri Lanka is appreciative of United Nations agencies such as UNICEF, and countries such as Japan, which have made key contributions to the Government's efforts to reintegrate former child soldiers into society.”
2014-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7129 (2014) · source
“An armed group released all combatants under a tripartite action plan with UNICEF and the Government. It has also since transformed itself into a legitimate political party by joining the democratic process. The former adult cadres are very much part of the democratic process. A former child soldier of that armed group was elected as the first chief minister of the Eastern Province. The Government has established women's and children's police desks staffed with female police officers in police stations in the north and the east. Specially trained police officers function at such desks, which provide an enabling and protective environment for children, women and girls and their parents to report incidents of abuse and exploitation. The network is also linked to the national child-protection authority.”
2014-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7129 (2014) · source
“In recognition of those dedicated efforts, UNICEF, in The State of the World's Children 2008, documented and commended Sri Lanka as the best achiever in our subregion despite a long-standing conflict. UNICEF also commended Sri Lanka in its publication entitled Progressfor Children: Achieving the MDGs with Equity. Following the end of the conflict, special initiatives were undertaken to provide access to health services for children through a collaborative mechanism between the national child-protection authority and the department of paediatrics of Colombo University. In the post-conflict phase, significant attention was paid to restoring and rebuilding schools. Today, 1,630 schools in the former conflict-affected areas have been restored.”
2014-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7129 (2014) · source
“In 2006, the consultative committee on humanitarian assistance, an apex consultative body to ensure a coordinated humanitarian response, was established following a request by the co-chairs to the peace process - Japan, the United States, the European Union and Norway. Sri Lanka's experience in ensuring the overall well- being of children in conflict is unique. Even during the height of the conflict, the Government agreed to a cessation of hostilities to ensure that the national qualifying examinations were held in the conflict zones to enable students to sit their examinations every year. We were also able to reach agreement on ceasing hostilities to ensure that the polio vaccination programme could be carried out in the conflict zones.”
2014-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7129 (2014) · source
“In terms resolution 1612 (2005), Sri Lanka voluntarily submitted to the Security Council monitoring process and established the Sri Lanka Task Force on Monitoring and Reporting in July 2006. Sri Lanka fully cooperated with the Special Representative, the Council's Working Group and UNICEF on the rehabilitation and reintegration of former child combatants. During the entire conflict period, basic and essential services such as health care and education were provided unimpeded to all affected communities in the north and the east, with particular attention on safeguarding the rights and needs of children. The lessons learned and reconciliation commission report comprehensively details the supply of essential services to those areas.”
2014-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7129 (2014) · source
“Thirty-five former child combatants returned to Hindu College to continue their junior and senior high school education, and 321 former combatants opted to undertake vocational training conducted by the vocational training authority of Sri Lanka. Among the adult beneficiaries who were once recruited as children, a system called the Catch-up Education Programme has been initiated in liaison with the Ministry of Education to enable them to continue their formal education. In 2010, 175 beneficiaries completed the national Grade 10 examination, while 361 beneficiaries completed the national Grade 12 examination - 91 passed their ordinary level examinations and 222 passed the advanced level examinations. Let me briefly outline some actions taken by the Government of Sri Lanka over the years on this vital issue.”
2014-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7129 (2014) · source
“Sri Lanka's approach has had a positive effect on the country's reconciliation process. Former child soldiers were able to put their pasts behind them and rebuild their lives as the Government adopted the overarching principle of restorative justice and not retributive justice, consistent with our cultural heritage and reconciliation efforts. For us, revenge and retribution was not an option. The opportunity was given to 273 child combatants to continue with their formal education at Hindu College in Colombo, in close cooperation with the Ministry of Education, prior to their reintegration into their families. Following reunification, they were also given the freedom to seek admission to a school of their choice.”
2014-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7129 (2014) · source
“Today, almost five years after the end of the conflict, child recruitment is a distant but ever-recurring memory. The story of Rajeewan had a happy ending. With the help of UNICEF, he attended a vocational training programme and obtained qualifications that led to a permanent job as an icecream vendor, selling icecream in villages and towns. Now he says he loves his job and, more than anything, he is able to help his family. Sri Lanka made its zero-tolerance policy on child recruitment a non-negotiable condition. Through sustained political will and proactive efforts, the rehabilitation and reintegration of former child combatants under our campaign entitled "Bring Back the Child" was achieved. Sri Lanka has criminalized the recruitment of children for armed combat.”
2014-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7129 (2014) · source
“He was subsequently placed in the armed ranks of the LTTE and compelled to fight with it until the final stages of the conflict. After the end of the conflict, he surrendered to the Sri Lankan army and was allowed to return home after a year at a rehabilitation centre. The teenager, who left his family at 13, finally returned home as a 19-year- old battle-hardened grownup. Rajeewan lost seven years of his young life to the cruel taskmasters who recruited him. The conflict took away his childhood and disrupted his education, leaving him no option but to look for unskilled work on his release. As he also said, "I was happy to be finally home, but I was worried about my future and what I could do to earn a living and help my ageing parents".”
2014-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7129 (2014) · source
“Therefore, forcible child recruitment was excruciating for the affected families in the former conflict-affected areas, as well as for our society at large. I should like to mention that in Sri Lanka all children are required to attend school. Attendance at the primary school level is now close to 100 per cent, including in the former conflict-affected areas. Let me illustrate the pain and personal loss behind the statistics, with the story of one former child soldier as described by UNICEF. Rajeewan was only 13 years old when he was abducted in 2007 by the LTTE while visiting his sister's family in the Vanni region in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka. His many attempts to escape were unsuccessful. He said, "I longed to see my family. I wanted to go home".”
2014-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7129 (2014) · source
“They were placed in institutional rehabilitation centres and received access to education, vocational training, health care and psycho-social support. Following their rehabilitation process, they have all been reunited with their immediate or extended families. That happened as early as May 2010. The rehabilitation and reintegration of child soldiers was a priority for Sri Lanka. Family reunions are continuing to take place with the assistance of the International Committee of the Red Cross and UNICEF, which has continued to assist with its extensive background of experience and goodwill. We have always placed the welfare and protection of children at the heart of our policy agenda. The traditional extended family structure in Sri Lanka prioritizes the welfare and education of children.”
2014-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7129 (2014) · source
“Each family was forced to surrender even very young children for combat purposes in the final stages of the conflict. The LTTE had no scruples about sacrificing thousands of children in the frontline of combat. Children were given cyanide capsules by their leaders to commit suicide to avoid capture. At the Geneva peace talks in February 2006, the LTTE publicly conceded that it was holding thousands of children as combatants. With the end of the conflict, 594 child combatants - 231 girls and 363 boys between the ages of 12 and 18 years - were taken into custody by the security forces. The Government adopted a caring attitude with those former child combatants, treating them with a sensitivity rarely seen elsewhere, as victims and not as perpetrators of violent crimes.”
2014-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7129 (2014) · source
“Mercifully, our war on terrorism ended in May 2009 and the sad era of forcible child recruitment for combat by the terror group Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) was brought to a close - but not before thousands of children paid a heavy price with their lives. According to UNICEF in a report published in 2011, more than 60 per cent of the LTTE's fighting cadre from 1983 to 2002 consisted of boys and girls less than 18 years of age. UNICEF recorded more than 5,700 cases of child recruitment by the LTTE from 2003 to 2009. Human Rights Watch has suggested a figure of more than 21,000. Following the tsunami, orphaned children were harvested for combat purposes. Child soldiers were also used as suicide bombers, especially girls.”
2014-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7129 (2014) · source
“I wish to join previous speakers in thanking you, Mr. President, for convening this important debate under the presidency of Luxembourg. We welcome the presence today of His Excellency Mr. Jean Asselborn, Minister for Foreign and European Affairs of Luxembourg. We also thank the speakers who briefed the Council today. Children in armed conflict is a profoundly disturbing subject for us in Sri Lanka. We went through a dark and brutal conflict during which, according to UNICEF records, thousands of children were recruited as child soldiers and were deprived of their precious childhood.”
2014-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7129 (2014) · source
“He was particularly encouraged to observe that the people of Palestine are persevering with determination, in the midst of much hardship, to realize their goal of statehood. Agreements were signed between Sri Lanka and Palestine to establish a Sri Lanka-Palestine Joint Commission and a vocational training centre. Sri Lanka supports the implementation of General Assembly resolutions regarding the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people to statehood and the attainment of a two-State solution on the basis of the 1967 borders. Sri Lanka is hopeful that both Israel and Palestine will utilize the opportunities presented during this year to achieve a historic peace agreement in the interest of their future generations.”
2014-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7096Resumption1 (2014) · source
“Indiscriminate attacks against civilians will only enhance feelings of suspicion and insecurity and widen the gap between the parties. We encourage both parties to exercise the utmost restraint for the sake of the safety of civilians and for the greater goal of peace. We welcome the recent release of long-term Palestinian prisoners by Israel, which will contribute positively to the ongoing negotiation process. We also hope that the issue of the detention of children, which is linked to broader, long-standing concerns regarding the detention of Palestinians, will be urgently addressed. The President of Sri Lanka, His Excellency Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa, during his recent visit to Israel, Palestine and Jordan, reiterated his strong hope for a peaceful and sustainable solution to the Palestinian question and an independent Palestinian State.”
2014-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7096Resumption1 (2014) · source
“The recent floods, which displaced approximately 10,000 people, inflicted extra misery on a population already under strain. Gaza is also suffering from serious fuel and power shortages. Although partially relaxed, there is an urgent humanitarian need to lift more comprehensively the restrictions on imports of essential supplies of food and medicines and construction material. We reiterate the call for the full implementation of the resolution 1860 (2009), and underline our strong support for the work of United Nations agencies in the occupied Palestinian territory, including the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. The security needs of the Palestinian and Israeli peoples must also be respected.”
2014-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7096Resumption1 (2014) · source
“Peace negotiations need to be conducted expeditiously and be consistent with the principles of international law and the relevant General Assembly and Security Council resolutions. As has been stated during this debate, we also believe that the cost of failing to reach a peace accord could very well bring another round of serious violence, with tragic consequences. We hope that the parties concerned will not let go of this opportunity to achieve a sustainable peace when there is much international goodwill supporting the process. The ongoing settlement activities, which are illegal under international law, need to end at the earliest possible date for a sustainable solution in that region. The situation of the blockade of the Gaza strip is an obstacle to the peace process.”
2014-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7096Resumption1 (2014) · source
“Ijoin other speakers, Mr. President, in commending you for convening this important debate. I wish to express my personal pleasure at seeing you presiding over this body. Sri Lanka associates itself with the statement to be made by the representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran on behalf of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries. The year 2014 will be a critical one for the Middle East. We made a good start by launching the International Year of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, on 16 January, and the second Geneva Conference on Syria, to open in Montreux. We hope that the launch of the International Year will generate further support for the realization of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people and, with it, statehood for the Palestinians. We are encouraged by the diplomatic engagement by the international community.”
2014-01-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7096Resumption1 (2014) · source
“It is for that reason that my delegation has sought to share some key areas of our post-conflict experience, and we encourage all to invest greater efforts in understanding the causes of conflict and in preventing conflicts and their recurrence, and to respond practically and with sensitivity to situations affecting civilian populations. We also continue to emphasize the fact that the nature of contemporary conflicts poses new challenges to the established legal principles for the protection of civilians in conflict situations.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“All child combatants, who are treated as victims, not villains, have been sent back to their communities after a period of rehabilitation, in less than three years. UNICEF played a key facilitating role in this matter. My delegation hopes that the Council's discussion on the protection of civilians will facilitate a wider appreciation of the inherent challenges and practical outcomes based on ground realities. We must also avoid the convenient and selective application of noble principles. Reality is to be found not in newspaper headlines but at the unexciting ground level.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“Sri Lanka has consistently supported the principles highlighted in the Council's thematic resolutions since 1999. Sri Lanka's commitment is demonstrated in the way in which our approach to civilian protection evolved during the conflict with the terrorist Tigers of Tamil Eelam, especially at its end and in its aftermath. With adherence to a policy goal of zero civilian casualties despite the provocations offered, the conflict ended, but its legacy remains. I wish also to point out the speedy and efficacious manner in which Sri Lanka addressed the post-conflict resettlement of internally displaced persons, the robust nature of its ongoing post-conflict reconstruction and development, and the pursuit of accountability and reconciliation through domestic mechanisms to address infractions of the law.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“The resort to modern technology and propaganda methods by rebel groups, in particular terrorist groups and their networks of sympathizers and the agitated media, is a reality. That is another factor that needs to be kept in mind when addressing the question of violence against civilians. The protection of civilians poses a difficult challenge in situations where civilians are used as human shields and bargaining chips by rebel groups. That has made the application of the standard principles a nightmare. Once again, there must be a serious consideration of practical realities based on the experiences of States, instead of the theoretical application of a one-size-fits- all humanitarian framework. The Security Council could make a seminal contribution to the development of the relevant principles by making a study of those issues.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“It would seem that the status of civilians in conflict situations in 2012 has not qualitatively changed, despite the concerted efforts made by the United Nations and the Security Council in particular. The slow pace of change underlines the reality that the task of protection cannot be addressed only in theoretical terms or by relying solely on established standards. It requires an understanding of a multiplicity of different elements, ranging from political factors, socioeconomic realities, psychological shadows, the proliferation of small arms and the influence of the media. Studies should be multifaceted, and remedial action must be designed flexibly. But one must remember that reports of civilian trauma may sometimes be the result of deliberately distorted propaganda.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“Civilization's superficial veneer is often shattered by the base violence that is unleashed on the most vulnerable in conflict situations. Conflict often dislocates families, shatters livelihoods and also leads to sole-breadwinner situations, with the resulting negative consequences. Mothers are often made single as the result of conflict, and, in some cases, this increases vulnerability to sexual harassment, exploitation and violence. We also should not forget the sad reality of child soldiers - children who have been brutally deprived of their childhood and who have been used to commit the most appalling acts of violence against family and community. To an increasing extent, the violence is unleashed by returned service personnel on those who are closest to them.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“Similarly, gender-based violence, including sexual violence, deliberate and collateral attacks on children, schools, health-care facilities and the denial of humanitarian access to trapped populations, inter alia, are a disturbing backdrop to conflict situations, as has been the case for centuries. That is nothing new. The history of conflict, invasions and revolution contains a litany of violence against women, children and the vulnerable. Today, the safety and security of humanitarian personnel has also become an increasing concern. Our discussion must take all these angles into account. If not, its value will diminish. Just as the abuse of women and children in conflict situations has been widespread, in post-conflict environments also the challenges faced by women and children remain formidable.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“Let me join the previous speakers in thanking the Republic of Korea for convening this open debate under its presidency. I would also like to thank the Secretary-General, the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and the Director of the International Committee of the Red Cross for their helpful statements. The Sri Lanka delegation associates itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement by the delegation of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The concerns highlighted by the Secretary-General and the five core Challenges identified for the protection of civilians in armed conflict continue to demand our serious attention.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“Both parties to the conflict must actively pursue every possibility for peace with a view to ultimately establishing an independent State of Palestine, existing peacefully side by side with Israel. Sri Lanka remains committed to the attainment of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people to statehood and to a two-State solution.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906Resumption1 (2013) · source
“We are pleased that the Palestinian Authority, despite severe political and economic constraints, has made progress in institution-building. We are particularly dismayed at the severe financial hardships being imposed on the Palestine Authority. While Israel must desist from actions that contravene the established rules of international law and practice, and as we support the two-State solution, we are also conscious of the security needs of Israel. Palestinians and Israelis could enjoy security and peace as neighbours through a mutually agreed political solution, with human rights at its heart. The peace process, which was once so enthusiastically embraced, is at an impasse and tensions continue to escalate. A climate conducive to peace will be encouraged by a mutual approach sensitive to each other's concerns.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906Resumption1 (2013) · source
“Even a modest improvement in the situation in Gaza will require the lifting of the blockade and the full implementation of resolution 1860 (2009). The United Nations is required to keep the vast majority of the people in Gaza supplied with their minimum necessities. We underline our strong support for the work of the United Nations agencies in the occupied Palestinian territory, including the United Nations Reliefand Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Sri Lanka will continue to encourage political rapprochement between Gaza and the West Bank. The political unity and economic advancement of the Palestinian people will contribute to the viability of the two-State solution.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906Resumption1 (2013) · source
“Israel's practice of demolishing Palestinian homes further fuels resentment. The continuation of that practice cannot contribute to confidence-building or the peace process. We encourage the parties to exercise restraint for the sake of the greater goal of peace. The world must not forget the dire humanitarian situation of the Palestinians in the occupied Palestinian territory, especially Gaza, where conditions remain unsustainable. Grievances based on violations of economic, social and individual rights have the capacity to ignite violence and even spill over borders. In Gaza, the blockade, which is now entering its sixth year, has created an aid-dependent economy and reinforced a sense of helplessness and extremism.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906Resumption1 (2013) · source
“The Security Council, the General Assembly, the Human Rights Council and the Economic and Social Council, as well as the International Court of Justice, have all condemned the settlement activity as illegal. The resumption of talks has also been tied to that issue. We are further dismayed by the escalation of illegal settlement activity since the General Assembly's decision to accord Palestine status as non-member observer State of the United Nations. It is an unnecessary provocation in an already difficult situation. Despite the brief moment of celebration in the General Assembly following the adoption of resolution 67/19 according new status to Palestine, the Palestinians have yet to realize their right to self- determination, independence and sovereignty and remain dispossessed from much of their land.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906Resumption1 (2013) · source
“Ijoin other speakers in commending you, Sir, for convening this important debate. Sri Lanka associates itself with the statement made by the representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement. The Middle East increases anxiety for world peace with each passing day. The world needs proactive leadership to address the critical uncertainty in the region. We believe that it is the responsibility of the parties to create the necessary environment to facilitate peace. The continuing settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territories are a crucial factor in the escalation of suspicion and the lack of trust between the parties to the conflict in the Middle East. The settlement activity of the occupying Power is a clear violation of the law and of article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention.”
2013-01-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6906Resumption1 (2013) · source
“All stakeholders in the peacekeeping partnership need to work together to deliver the best results. In conclusion, Sri Lanka is pleased to reiterate its continued commitment to the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and United Nations peacekeeping operations. We are honoured to have been able to serve with other Member States in a number of United Nations peacekeeping operations. We continue training and assessment of peacekeepers in Sri Lanka in an effort to uphold the highest standards of peacekeeping.”
2013-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6903 (2013) · source