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

“In our View, despite their shortcomings, United Nations peacekeeping operations remain vastly superior 4 in terms of effectiveness and efficiency 4 to other alternatives. Diversified and multidimensional mandates are key, as they enhance the effectiveness of United Nations peacekeeping missions. We hope that this debate will also focus on the importance of providing adequate resources to peacekeeping missions to carry out their mandates. We stress that resource gaps and issues related to reimbursement for peacekeepers should be resolved in a way that does not unduly burden troop-contributing countries, some of which are in fact subsidizing the United Nations. From the planning stage until actual deployment, it is imperative to have close consultations on and careful evaluation of the resource gaps.”
2013-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6903 (2013) · source
“The consent of the parties, impartiality and sensitivity to local circumstances are central in that regard. Any peacekeeping mission must reflect respect for the principles of sovereign equality, territorial integrity and non-intervention in matters that are essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of States. The development of peacekeeping policies and strategies should take place through intergovernmental processes. Cooperation between the Security Council, the Secretariat and the troop contributors is integral to the successful completion of peacekeeping mandates. We affirm the role of the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations as the central body responsible for policy development.”
2013-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6903 (2013) · source
“Exit strategies must be developed carefully, inter alia by keeping in mind the safety of peacekeepers. A successful transition can be guaranteed only through developing clear, credible and achievable mandates. Well-trained and experienced military and police can play a vital role in peacebuilding. It is important that the criteria for the selection ofpeacekeeping troops remain at the level of their proven and recognized professionalism and integrity. The equipment necessary for missions must be provided from all available sources. We are surprised that equipment is still an issue. We pay tribute to the many peacekeepers and associated staff who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty over the years. Sri Lanka firmly believes that United Nations peacekeeping operations should be conducted by respecting fundamental principles.”
2013-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6903 (2013) · source
“If the goals of peacekeeping are to be realized, those aspects also need to be addressed. In their role as early peacebuilders, United Nations peacekeepers have to be aware of peacebuilding challenges from the inception ofa mission. Peacekeepers should be deployed only after careful assessment of a conflict situation. The ultimate goal of peacekeeping should be to build peace and the national capacities and institutional capabilities of the affected countries to enable them to manage their own affairs without outside interference. Once the basic framework for peace has been created and a framework established for addressing the root causes, an exit strategy must exist for the withdrawal of peacekeepers. There should be no hasty withdrawal of peacekeepers, as has happened in some instances.”
2013-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6903 (2013) · source
“As early peacebuilders, peacekeepers can play a crucial role in the transition phase to prevent arelapse into conflict by bolstering basic safety and security elements, providing essential services, institution-building and economic revitalization. Peacekeeping should not be treated as a substitute for addressing the root causes of conflict, as violent armed conflict may originate due to a range of different reasons. It should be considered only as an effective tool to create an environment conducive to addressing the causal issues in a coherent, well-planned, coordinated and comprehensive manner, by implementing appropriate political solutions and development strategies. Many conflicts are rooted in economic deprivation, marginalization and a lack of opportunity.”
2013-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6903 (2013) · source
“Over the years, we have seen an evolution in United Nations peacekeeping, from a traditional role to a multidimensional one that includes aspects of peacebuilding and even of peace enforcement. We strongly believe that the performance and direction of United Nations peacekeeping operations should be reviewed at regular intervals to maintain focus on priorities, the fundamental principles of the United Nations, the goals of Member States and realities on the ground. We should not permit peacekeeping missions to get bogged down under outdated frameworks. We hope that this open debate will help us to focus on the evolving relationship between peacekeeping and peacebuilding.”
2013-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6903 (2013) · source
“At the outset, my delegation wishes to thank the delegation of Pakistan for having organized today's debate on United Nations peacekeeping, and to welcome the participation of Mr. Jalil Abbas Jilani, the Foreign Secretary of Pakistan. The delegation of Sri Lanka associates itself with the statement delivered by the Egyptian delegation on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement. United Nations peacekeeping missions embody one of the best examples of nations coming together for peace and security, in keeping with the objectives mandated by the Charter of the United Nations. Today, United Nations peacekeepers are one of the most widely recognized elements of the United Nations.”
2013-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6903 (2013) · source
“We note the discussions that have been taking place since the adoption of General Assembly resolution 51/210, of 1996, and hope that these will be brought to a successful conclusion urgently.”
2013-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6900Resumption1 (2013) · source
“Any concerns on the part of the minorities will be a priority as Sri Lanka seeks reconciliation. A political process, through a parliamentary select committee involving the elected representatives of political parties, has also been initiated. It is our hope that the international community will maintain vigilance and not create opportunities, even inadvertently, for terrorists and their sympathizers to achieve through international mechanisms what they were unable to achieve through bullets, suicide bombs and shattered lives. The encouragement of one group, in whatever form, will send a clear message to the others to adjust their tactics. It is important that we soon conclude our negotiations on the comprehensive convention on terrorism.”
2013-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6900Resumption1 (2013) · source
“Sri Lanka embarked upon a domestic process - the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission process - to ensure that there will be no recurrence of internal conflict and to identify any infractions of the law committed during the military operations. The reconciliation process, which is very complex, has been approached from different angles. The Government has adopted an extremely conciliatory attitude towards former combatants. Consistent with our culture, forgiveness was the theme. More than 11,000 former combatants, including over 560 child soldiers, have been rehabilitated and allowed to return to their homes and communities. That was less than three years since the end of the conflict. The Tamil community, scattered around the world, is an important factor in the reconciliation and reconstruction effort.”
2013-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6900Resumption1 (2013) · source
“Countering terrorism should not be viewed primarily in a military context. Sri Lanka's decision to engage the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam terrorists militarily in 2006 followed their persistent refusal to engage in peace negotiations and their ready embrace of unmitigated violence targeting civilians. Since the end of the terrorist conflict in Sri Lanka, the country has prioritized rehabilitation, reconstruction, reintegration and reconciliation to achieve a sustainable peace. Through vast development efforts, Sri Lanka has adopted measures encompassing the political, economic and social spheres to ensure that terrorism will never again find a foothold in our land. Democratic processes have been re-established, and local government elections have been held in former conflict-affected areas after a lapse of three decades.”
2013-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6900Resumption1 (2013) · source
“It is well established that international linkages and international networks help terrorists and their front organizations to profit from human and arms trafficking - a widespread phenomenon at present - money-laundering, credit-card fraud, weapons smuggling and cybercrime. Having been a victim of terrorism for almost three decades, Sri Lanka learned early on the value of confronting all those aspects in order to address our terrorist problem. In that undertaking, we were particularly assisted by our international partners. Sri Lanka works closely with the countries of the region, in particular Australia, in addressing the problem of human smuggling. Sri Lanka wishes to underline that the root causes of terrorism are complex and that terrorism cannot be associated with any ethnicity or religion.”
2013-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6900Resumption1 (2013) · source
“Sri Lanka also continues to improve its own capacity to fight terrorism by providing training for law-enforcement and judicial officers in the areas of intelligence- and information-sharing, investigation skills, the gathering and analysing of financial intelligence, and so on. We collaborated with the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate in the hosting of a regional workshop for police officers, prosecutors and counter-terrorism focal points in South Asia, held in Colombo in 2010. The Galle dialogue, hosted by Sri Lanka, focuses increasingly on the threat of piracy.”
2013-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6900Resumption1 (2013) · source
“The Security Council, the General Assembly, the Secretary-General, other agencies of the United Nations and the Member States themselves, through the adoption of 13 anti-terrorism conventions and other action plans, have made it abundantly clear that terrorism, the terrorizing of civilians for political gain, is totally abhorrent to the international community. Sri Lanka continues to chair the Ad Hoc Committee on terrorism, which seeks to conclude a comprehensive convention on terrorism. We have also taken the view that unless the underlying conditions conducive to terrorism are addressed, the problem will persist. We are glad that the Security Council has emphasized the need to address the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism and to counter the forces that fuel extremism.”
2013-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6900Resumption1 (2013) · source
“While our security forces confronted the terrorists militarily, after many efforts to engage them in negotiations, a carefully developed international strategy, which included financial measures that denied access to funds collected overseas; law-enforcement coordination, which included the seizure and destruction of illegally acquired weapons; and robust prosecutions and intelligence-sharing, which assisted in securing the arrest and punishment of fundraisers and arms procurers, contributed to achieving our goal. Our efforts continue as the evil minds of terrorist sympathizers devise new strategies to pursue their goals.”
2013-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6900Resumption1 (2013) · source
“We determined early on that no terrorist group could survive for long without critical support from international linkages and networks. We were assisted substantively through complex, multifaceted and comprehensive coordination with the international community, and we will remain grateful to all our friends who came to our assistance.”
2013-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6900Resumption1 (2013) · source
“Given the ramifications of modern terrorism, the United Nations must remain the most appropriate entity to spearhead the global campaign against terrorism, which targets mostly civilians, with women and children being the main victims. The world has watched helplessly, far too frequently, images of the shredded bodies of innocents scattered around pockmarked buildings. The United Nations must grapple firmly with this hydra-headed evil and develop appropriate multifaceted and lasting strategies. Our goal must be to end or dramatically lessen the misery and human suffering wrought by this scourge. We must not let our efforts be diluted by exhaustion as we seek to create a safer world for all. We wholeheartedly support the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. Sri Lanka ended a terrorist conflict three and a half years ago.”
2013-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6900Resumption1 (2013) · source
“1 thank Pakistan for facilitating this important debate at a time when terrorism is taking a terrible toll on the nations of the world. I am particularly conscious of the terrorist violence in our own region, and join other speakers in condemning the recent violence that caused widespread death and destruction in Pakistan. My delegation aligns itself with the statement delivered by the representative of Iran on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement. We hope that this meeting will have a lasting impact on strengthening United Nations counter-terrorism initiatives and further invigorate the Security Council's commitment to strengthening international cooperation in combating terrorism.”
2013-01-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6900Resumption1 (2013) · source
“Mindful that conflict and post-conflict settings are complex environments,we mustrecognize the challenges of trying to balance national security interests and the maintenance of rights. Countries with strong legal foundations have the resilience to restore democratic institutions to their inherent strengths. Countries must be allowed to create their own local mechanisms to consolidate peace, encourage reconciliation and, most important, to strengthen democratic institutions. There is therefore a need to give them the much needed space to begin that restorative process. In such situations, the United Nations can provide assistance to address the gaps, while factoring in local sensitivities.”
2012-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6849Resumption1 (2012) · source
“Equally important is the maintenance of the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of Member States, especially in situations that do not pose a threat to international peace and security. Specific circumstances may call for international involvement, which should be based on broad consensus within the international community and among concerned States. Unilateral and selective applications of international law rules must be avoided, as it undermines the very principles that we seek to promote. Sri Lanka has always advocated the settlement of internal and international disputes by peaceful means. Negotiations, mediation and other peaceful means must be the first essential resort.”
2012-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6849Resumption1 (2012) · source
“Piracy is a major challenge to the established global order. Confronting that challenge involves close cooperation and capacity- building at both national and regional levels, including in enforcement of the law. However, long-term solutions to transnational organized crime, terrorism and piracy will need to focus on the delivery of basic services by justice and security institutions, without forgetting the complex root causes that have generated those challenges. The principle of sovereign equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, which is intrinsic to international rule of law, must be maintained, as international rules are made and implemented. It is a principle that protects all States, especially the small and the weak.”
2012-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6849Resumption1 (2012) · source
“Today, there is hardly an area of human activity that is not regulated by treaty law. Over 550 multilateral treaties are deposited with the Secretary-General. Domestic compliance with treaty obligations is an area where the United Nations can play a crucial and helpful role, particularly in assisting States with capacity-building. Close cooperation in the application of laws at the national, regional and international levels is vital in addressing the growing problems of transnational organized crime and terrorism, which threaten international peace and good order. Drug trafficking has become associated with high levels of violent crime that contribute to cross-border instability. International organized crime is now a funding source for terrorism that is becoming a destabilizing factor both economically and socially.”
2012-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6849Resumption1 (2012) · source
“We should also not forget the need for a rule-based approach to environmental protection. Grievances based on violations of economic and social rights, defined by law, have the capacity to spark violent conflict that could even spill over borders. The rule oflaw is therefore best understood in such a holistic manner. The flash points of future conflicts may very well lie in access to critical resources such as water and energy. In maintaining a balance between economic progress, development, environmental sustainability and the utilization of natural resources, the rule of law can be broadened both at the national and international levels. The codification of international law and legal obligations is an important aspect of the rule of law at the international level. The Office of Legal Affairs plays a central role in that regard.”
2012-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6849Resumption1 (2012) · source
“One of the speakers emphasized that justice should not always be reduced to retribution - an all too easy solution. Besides, that approach is derived from a certain specific cultural background. Other approaches to dispute resolution and addressing wrongs should be explored as we give greater meaning to the concept of rule of law. There are other mechanisms used by different societies. The rule of law at the international level helps to maintain peace, good order and respect for the law. It also sustains economic progress, including achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. While it has long been used in the context of individual rights, the rule of law must also be understood in the context of ensuring economic progress of individuals and societies, particularly with regard to the right to development.”
2012-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6849Resumption1 (2012) · source
“Since 2003, the Security Council's thematic debates on the rule of law have focused on egregious violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law and have helped to reinforce the global community's disapprobation of such violations. I would like to recall a landmark meeting (see A/66/PV.128) that was convened by the President of the General Assembly at its sixty-sixth session, on 13 September. The event marked the adoption of resolution 66/291, entitled "Strengthening the role of mediation in the peaceful settlement of disputes, conflict prevention and resolution", and was followed by the screening of the documentary Beyond Right and Wrong. The presentations on that day offered creative ways to make mediation more effective.”
2012-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6849Resumption1 (2012) · source
“Let mejoin other speakers in thanking you, Mr. President, for convening this open debate. In one sense, the rule of law at the national and international levels provides an essential framework to protect and consolidate the rights and freedoms of individuals in societies, including developing and maintaining peace, stability and good order and dispensing justice. The concept of right and just goes back to very early organized societies. The concept ofthe rule of law evolved over the centuries. It is ingrained in the culture of all nations and is the topic we are discussing today. What initially evolved within domestic society, at some point began to influence international society as well.”
2012-10-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6849Resumption1 (2012) · source
“It is also necessary for the Palestinians to contribute to the peace process by ceasing attacks on Israel. We welcome the progress made by the Palestinian Authority in institution-building, despite the severe political and economic constraints imposed. We also hope that the Members of the United Nations will continue to support the aspirations of the Palestinian people to seek membership in this Organization. We would also wish to underline our strong support for the work for the United Nations agencies in 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. Sri Lanka remains committed to the attainment of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people to statehood and to a two-State solution.”
2012-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6847Resumption1 (2012) · source
“The United Nations is required to keep most of the people in Gaza supplied with the minimum necessities. Even a modest improvement of the situation in Gaza would require the lifting of the blockade and the full implementation of resolution 1860 (2009). With a view to ultimately establishing an independent Palestinian State, existing in peace side by side with Israel, both parties must actively pursue every possibility for peace, taking into consideration the relevant Security Council resolutions, the road map, the agreements previously reached by the parties, and the Arab Peace Initiative. A climate conducive to peace will be encouraged by ending the settlement activities, releasing more Palestinian detainees, and strengthening the Palestinian Government mechanisms.”
2012-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6847Resumption1 (2012) · source
“It remains politically separated from the West Bank. We will continue to encourage political rapprochement between Gaza and the West Bank. In Gaza, the blockade, which is now entering its sixth year, has created an aid- dependent economy and thereby reinforces a sense of helplessness and extremism. The principle result of Israel's blockade has been to make almost 80 per cent of Palestinians in Gaza dependent on international humanitarian aid. Despite some easing of restrictions, businesses in Gaza have been particularly affected by the blockade, with imports remaining at a low level compared to the pre-blockade situation. Israel's restrictions on exports, with limited exceptions, has stifled economic activity and made job opportunities scarce. Between 30 per cent to 40 per cent of Gazans remain unemployed.”
2012-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6847Resumption1 (2012) · source
“It should be emphasized that Israel must not undertake actions that are contrary to the established truths of international law. The humanitarian situation of the Palestinians in the occupied Palestinian territory is of grave concern. The large-scale detention and imprisonment of Palestinian civilians, including children, often under flimsy excuses, is disturbing. In the briefing this July, in my capacity as Chairman of the United Nations Special Committee on Israeli Practices in the Occupied Territories, I detailed some of those unacceptable practices. The detaining and mistreatment of children, particularly in administrative detention, can only add to the tensions. The frustration and resentment that this generates detracts from the peace process. The most pressing humanitarian situation is in Gaza, where conditions are unsustainable.”
2012-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6847Resumption1 (2012) · source
“Unfortunately, the peace process, which was so enthusiastically embraced, is at an impasse and tensions continue to escalate. It is an essential condition that all parties cease tension-provoking activities. Israel's continuing settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territories are a critical sticking point. The resumption of talks has become tied to that issue. The Security Council, the General Assembly, the Human Rights Council, the Economic and Social Council and the International Court of Justice have called for an end to settlement activity and highlighted its illegality. Israel's practice of demolishing Palestinian homes is a matter of concern and fuels resentment. The continuation of that practice cannot contribute to confidence-building or the peace process.”
2012-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6847Resumption1 (2012) · source
“My delegation thanks you, Mr. President, for arranging today's discussion on this critical issue. Sri Lanka also associates itself with the statement made by the representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran, who spoke on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is undoubtedly at the heart of the tensions in the Middle East and must be resolved urgently in order to achieve a meaningful peace, including in the wider region. Peace between Israel and Palestine will be the answer to a long-standing prayer of the international community. As things stand, the conflict saps resources, makes life a continuing and hopeless nightmare for many Palestinians, fuels desperate responses, and keeps the world on nervous toes.”
2012-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6847Resumption1 (2012) · source
“We hope that the State of Palestine will soon be able to take its rightful place among the Members of the United Nations and that peace, dignity and security will be restored to all parties.”
2012-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6816Resumption1 (2012) · source
“Against this background, there is an urgent need for mutual confidence-building measures in support of efforts to resume dialogue and substantive negotiations, as the Middle East Quartet has continued to stress. The political unity and economic advancement of the Palestinian people will contribute to the viability of the two-State solution. Palestinian internal reconciliation efforts must continue, and regional support is Vital. Therefore, we urge leaders on all sides, as well as regional leaders, to infuse renewed vigour into the peace process. Sri Lanka also supports the implementation of the General Assembly's 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.”
2012-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6816Resumption1 (2012) · source
“The marginalization and oppression of Palestinians in their own land creates a charged environment. The mass imprisonment of Palestinians, including children, and the routine demolition of houses, which continues unabated, are unacceptable. Such actions are eroding the prospects for a two-State solution and sap away necessary confidence. Israel is obliged by international humanitarian law to protect the Palestinian civilian population in the occupied territories. Violence between Israeli settlers and Palestinians has become more commonplace. We also note that the firing of rockets from Gaza into Israel and indiscriminate attacks against Israeli civilians will only further widen the gap between the parties.”
2012-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6816Resumption1 (2012) · source
“Israel's illegal settlement activity is contrary to international law, in particular the Fourth Geneva Convention, relevant United Nations resolutions and the International Court of Justice advisory opinion, as well as being contrary to Israel's commitments under the Road Map. World opinion has called for a cessation of settlement activity. That call must be heeded. At the meeting of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People held on 16 May, we heard of the unfortunate developments that continue to take place in the Jordan Valley, displacing many Palestinian families and destroying their livelihoods. The Bedouin are particularly affected. We reiterate that the international legal framework is the final guarantor of our rights. It protects all of us.”
2012-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6816Resumption1 (2012) · source
“The blockade of Gaza, although marginally alleviated recently, is having a devastating effect on ordinary people, particularly the young. Approximately 80 per cent of families in Gaza are dependent on humanitarian aid from the United Nations for their survival. Prospects for long-term economic growth are meagre, given the stifling restrictions on imports and exports. Having to rely on illegal smuggling through 100 tunnels, essentially due to the blockade, is among the indignities experienced by the Gaza Palestinians. That is worrying, as the economic sustainability of the Gaza Palestinians would be an essential component of any peace plan, and the blockade is denying them any possibility of developing their economy. We urge Israel to lift its restrictions within the framework of resolution 1860 (2009).”
2012-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6816Resumption1 (2012) · source
“The United Nations Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories recently concluded its fact-finding mission to Jordan, Egypt and Gaza. As the Chair of the Special Committee, I will present the mission report to the General Assembly in November, with its observations and recommendations on improving the human rights situation in the occupied territories. There are essential steps that need to be taken to improve the situation on the ground, as well as for confidence-building. In the meantime, let me state that, in the light of the testimony received by the Committee, the situation on the ground, especially in Gaza, is unsustainable.”
2012-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6816Resumption1 (2012) · source
“I thank you, Mr. President, for convening today's important debate at this critical time. The Sri Lankan delegation associates itself with the statement made by the representative of Egypt on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement. The year 2012 has so far turned out to be a year of political stagnation for the Palestinian-Israeli peace process, unfortunately overshadowed by momentous international and regional developments. Even though the objective of a comprehensive peace in the region continues to be elusive, we must not give up on the peace process. We are here in this Chamber not to pay lip service but to ensure that the world does not forget the plight of the Palestinians, as well as to urge both parties to the Palestinian issue to commit to a peaceful settlement. Hope endures if intentions and efforts are true.”
2012-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6816Resumption1 (2012) · source
“He said, "a lot of times we find that countries that have a middle-income status tend to drop off the priority list of UNICEF. In fact, Sri Lanka illustrates why UNICEF needs to remain engaged. It is in these countries that lessons can be learned in ways in which they can be transferred to other, less developed countries much more rapidly".”
2012-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6790Resumption1 (2012) · source
“The Consultative Committee on Humanitarian Assistance, whose members include key United Nations agencies and representatives of the donor community, meticulously monitored the flow of essential food and medicine to the rebel-controlled areas. My delegation hopes that the Council's discussion on the protection of civilians will facilitate practical outcomes based on ground realities - realities that differ from situation to situation. We must invest greater efforts in preventing conflicts in the first instance and their recurrence, and respond practically and proportionately to situations affecting civilian populations. Allow me to share the observations of the head of the UNICEF Executive Board delegation, following a visit to Sri Lanka in March 2012.”
2012-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6790Resumption1 (2012) · source
“Throughout the final phase of the armed conflict, from 2006 to 2009, Sri Lanka engaged with the United Nations and its agencies, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and representatives of the international community and civil society, both in Sri Lanka and outside. The difficulties that Sri Lanka faced in protecting its civilians and providing humanitarian assistance were a challenge to the State itself and to its institutions. Sri Lanka highlighted a unique situation where successive Governments had continued to maintain the supply of essential food and services - including educational and health services to terrorist-controlled areas - unimpeded during the entire period of its protracted conflict.”
2012-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6790Resumption1 (2012) · source
“The use of civilians as human shields and bargaining chips by rebel groups and terrorist groups has made the application of the those principles a nightmarish challenge. The protection of civilians is not a static concept and it has relevance in immediate and medium-term post-conflict situations. My country, Sri Lanka, has seriously taken account of the principles underlined in the Council's thematic resolutions since 1999. Its commitment was demonstrated in the manner that Sri Lanka addressed the needs of civilians and their protection during and after the conflict with the terrorist group Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam.”
2012-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6790Resumption1 (2012) · source
“It requires us to be conscious of a multiplicity of different underlying factors, ranging from political realities, socio-economic influences, basic individual rights, proliferating small arms and the sophistication of terrorists, particularly in mobilizing the media. The reliance on modern technology and propaganda methods by rebel groups, in particular terrorist groups and their networks of sympathizers, and the agitated media, are becoming an increasing concern. Many a time, reality has been drowned out by clever propaganda. Practical realities that have been based on the experiences of Member States, particularly those that have successfully countered terrorism, must be seriously examined instead of relying on a theoretical application of a one-size-fits-all humanitarian framework.”
2012-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6790Resumption1 (2012) · source
“32) We hope that the clarifications provided in the Secretary-General's report will contribute to the application of those principles in a considered and non-political manner, without the ever too present overlay of emotion and propaganda. We also welcome the recommendations in the report, especially the focus on displacements and increased attacks against health facilities. Ad hoc approaches that we have seen far too frequently will not achieve the noble underlying goals of those principles. Global principles, if they are to be respected, must be applied consistently and non-selectively. Furthermore, the protection task cannot be held hostage to purely theoretical analyses.”
2012-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6790Resumption1 (2012) · source
“The responsibility to protect is limited to violations that constitute war crimes or crimes against humanity or that would be considered acts of genocide or ethnic cleansing." (S/2012/376, para. 21) Further on, the report states: "Sparing civilians from the effects of hostilities requires compliance by parties to conflict with international humanitarian law and, in particular, the principles of distinction and proportionality. It requires parties to take all feasible precautions both in attacking and in defending. The law is also clear that under no circumstances do violations of these rules by one party justify violations by any other party." (ibid., para.”
2012-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6790Resumption1 (2012) · source
“Particularly worrying is that gender-based violence, including sexual violence, attacks against children, schools, health facilities, impeded humanitarian access to affected populations, inter alia, continue unabated. We welcome the clarification in the report of the principles, misconceptions and misinterpretations relating to the protection of civilians and the responsibility to protect. I quote: "[T]he protection of civilians is a legal concept based on international humanitarian, human rights and refugee law, while the responsibility to protect is a political concept, set out in the 2005 World Summit Outcome (see General Assembly resolution 60/1) there are important differences in their scope. The protection of civilians relates to violations of international humanitarian and human rights law in situations of armed conflict.”
2012-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6790Resumption1 (2012) · source
“Let me join previous speakers in thanking the Permanent Mission of China for convening this important debate. I would also like to thank the Secretary-General, the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, the Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights, and the representative of the International Committee of the Red Cross for their presentations. The Secretary-General's ninth report on civilians in armed conflict of 2012 (S/2012/376) states that the five core challenges for the protection of civilians continue to remain urgent. It states that despite some progress, the ground reality has not qualitatively improved.”
2012-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6790Resumption1 (2012) · source
“That will significantly contribute to the economic stability of Gaza. In conclusion, I wish to reiterate Sri Lanka's support for a peaceful and negotiated settlement of the Palestinian issue, and call for the implementation of the General Assembly resolutions on the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people to statehood and the attainment of a two-State solution. Sri Lanka supports Palestine's application for admission to full membership of the United Nations. It is our hope that it will also receive this body's favourable consideration. We also call for the restoration of the Golan to Syria and the occupied Lebanese lands to Lebanon.”
2012-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6757Resumption1 (2012) · source
“We have often stated that the political unity and economic advancement of the Palestinian people will contribute to the viability of the two-State solution. In that regard, it is notable that the President of the Palestinian Authority and the leader of Hamas recently agreed to form a transitional Government of technocrats. We also look forward to the Palestinian legislative and presidential elections. We appreciate the ongoing efforts by international donors, regional organizations and United Nations agencies, such as the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, to alleviate the suffering of Palestinian civilians, especially children. We also strongly urge the occupying authorities to lift the restrictions on access and egress to Gaza for persons and goods.”
2012-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6757Resumption1 (2012) · source