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

“Let me join the previous speakers in thanking France for convening this open debate under its presidency. I note the presentations made by the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, the Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations and the Assistant Secretary- General for Human Rights. We followed carefully the issues highlighted at the most recent Security Council debate on this subject, held in November 2010 (see S/PV.6427). As a country that faced a brutal terrorist threat for over two and a half decades and whose civilians were a constant target of this threat until the very end, we see an overarching need to achieve more tangible change, especially in enhancing protection on the ground for the communities most affected by conflicts.”
2011-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6531 (2011) · source
“But Sri Lanka has clearly recognized that economic development is a key to ensuring security, restoring stability and rekindling hope for the future among the conflict-affected people. My delegation is of the view that better education, social advancement and economic development are key to addressing the root causes of violence. Our focus on those areas needs to be maintained. The multilateral system, led by the United Nations, must enhance coordination, cooperation and effective action with the goal of supporting development as a key element of ensuring security.”
2011-02-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6479Resumption1 (2011) · source
“The Government will continue to provide assistance to those people so that they may resume normal economic activities. There have been no instances of diseases. Malnutrition is no higher among the people who returned to their villages from the IDP camps than in certain other areas of the country, and it is currently the subject of a broad study. The Government recognizes that problems still remain. While many irrigation canals have been repaired, hundreds of miles of roads have been reconstructed and electricity supplies have been restored or connected, much more needs to be done to restore the lives and livelihoods of the displaced to a reasonable level, including by clearing mines from villages. The unprecedented floods that have inundated the lands of the same unfortunate people have put the clock back on our targets.”
2011-02-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6479Resumption1 (2011) · source
“In 2007 and 2008, over 60,000 Tamil civilians fled the LTTE-dominated areas to live in the south of the country. The same economic focus has been maintained by the Government since the end of the conflict in May 2009. Since then, despite dire predictions of the long- term concentration of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in camps and of hunger, malnutrition and disease, the Government, convinced of the need to restore economic activity in the formerly conflict- affected areas, has successfully returned 95 per cent of the IDPs to their own villages and towns within a very short period. The Government recognized early that keeping the IDPs in camps was a costly proposition, both in dollars and public relations, and that it would be much better to make them economically active in their own villages as early as possible.”
2011-02-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6479Resumption1 (2011) · source
“The economic policies of the Government have borne fruit. Despite the fact that the 27 years of conflict cost the country $200 billion in lost opportunities, the per capita income doubled between 2005 and 2010 as Sri Lanka became a middle income country. Ninety-seven per cent of our children attend primary schools. Maternal mortality and child mortality have dropped to an all-time low level. Inflation and unemployment are at a record low, and absolute poverty has decreased to 8.7 per cent. Those indicators are clear evidence of Government policies that recognize economic development as a vital precondition to achieving security and normalcy. In fact, stability and economic development were used as incentives to encourage the Tamil civilians to leave the grip of the LTTE during the conflict.”
2011-02-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6479Resumption1 (2011) · source
“Similarly, conscious of the need to maintain health standards throughout the country, the Government continued to pump significant resources into areas dominated by the LTTE to maintain hospitals, clinics and medical staff. Once the conflict ended, the Government became even more conscious of the need to expedite development and paid special attention to rehabilitation and reconstruction. Hundreds of miles of paved roads linking villages to towns were constructed. The national electricity grid was extended to many remote areas of the country, and bridges were built. Foreign direct investors were encouraged to locate their businesses away from the capital. Special attention is being paid to reviving agriculture, fisheries and tourism in the formerly conflict-affected areas. These efforts are bearing significant results.”
2011-02-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6479Resumption1 (2011) · source
“In fact, successive Governments acknowledged that development was a key element in countering the security threat posed to my country by the terrorist group, the LTTE. Accordingly, over the years significant attention was given to a complex range of economic development initiatives. Recognizing the importance of education in this approach, successive Governments, while maintaining funding for education elsewhere in the country, never reduced the funding and support provided to schools in areas then dominated by the LTTE, despite the consistent threat of children being recruited as child combatants by the terrorist group. As we know, UNICEF records indicate that over 5,700 children were recruited as child combatants by the LTTE. The number may have been much higher.”
2011-02-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6479Resumption1 (2011) · source
“Let me at the outset thank you, Mr. President, for organizing this timely debate on security and development. We endorse the statement made my Egypt on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement. These deliberations will no doubt further inform our thinking on this crucial area and in our view are key to addressing security issues. Today's discussions will help us to expand our focus beyond the Security 4s Council's primary responsibility of maintaining international peace and security. Sri Lanka's Government recognized very early that security and development went together. As the Secretary-General has said, without development, security will soon become untenable, and security is an essential element of development.”
2011-02-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6479Resumption1 (2011) · source
“Sri Lanka as a State party to seven core human rights treaties and other related international instruments in the area of international humanitarian law, including the four Geneva Conventions, is deeply committed to the principles underpinning those instruments. The multidimensional revitalization programme being implemented in the country is now laying the foundations for fostering justice, security and opportunity for all. The culture of respect for human rights and humanitarian standards will be revitalized in this progression, ensuring the further consolidation of the protection principle in our law and society.”
2010-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6427Resumption1 (2010) · source
“NGOs must have the capacity to deliver programmes and self- generated funding to work with the Government on prioritized policy areas and activities. Post-conflict needs and requirements are even more complex and sensitive than the needs that were felt earlier. Sri Lanka does not fancy being converted into a laboratory for an NGO industry, a testing ground for post-conflict theories or prime learning ground for those seeking internships. Sri Lankan society - which has experienced two violent youth insurgencies and a 27-year terrorist onslaught during the critical part of its development trajectory - is one that is now gradually coming into its own.”
2010-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6427Resumption1 (2010) · source
“Public perceptions matter enormously, particularly where public opinion influences political dynamics and where the public is literate and politically conscious. Public order and political stability are also critical. Therefore, neutrality, impartiality, sensitivity and trust assume a seminal importance in such contexts. Today in Sri Lanka, 78 non-governmental organizations (NGOs), including local NGOs, and 11 United Nations agencies, are working in partnership with the Government on rehabilitation, resettlement and reconstruction programmes. Sri Lanka takes the policy view that NGOs establishing parallel services to those of the Government that are not sustainable cannot have long term benefits for the welfare of the people.”
2010-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6427Resumption1 (2010) · source
“Trust is the first casualty of any subtle politicization or assumption of a judgmental approach by external entities, which invariably upsets the delicate balance between the parties in such situations. It is therefore imperative that humanitarian agencies and their workers carry out their work on the basis of the principles of neutrality and impartiality; that they conform to national laws; that their activities match the identified policy priorities of host Governments; and that they be cognizant of local political, cultural and social sensitivities. No one size fits all, and experience and expertise gained elsewhere may not fit a given situation on the ground. A tendency to grandstand or be paternalistic will invariably have negative consequences.”
2010-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6427Resumption1 (2010) · source
“The Government policy of zero civilian casualties had a deep impact the country's professional armed services, which were trained in humanitarian standards by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The ICRC also assisted in evacuating over 7,000 injured and their care-givers to Government-run hospitals. These policies paid dividends as expected, as thousands of Tamil civilians fled to Government- controlled areas, once the terrorists lost their coercive hold on the civilian population, and all were fed, clothed, sheltered and otherwise cared for in camps prepared in advance to receive them. Pivotal to civilian protection is the partnership based on trust that was established with United Nations agencies and other humanitarian actors on the ground.”
2010-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6427Resumption1 (2010) · source
“The massive toll on civilian lives, public assets, religious and world heritage sites, vital economic assets and the immense suffering of civilians could no longer be tolerated by a responsible and democratically elected Government. As has been repeatedly emphasized, our military engagement with the Liberation Tigers was clearly based on a well defined distinction between the terrorists and the Tamil civilians, and its goal was a humanitarian rescue operation to relieve approximately 300,000 civilians held as human shields and used as a bargaining chip by the terrorists. The terrorists were not averse to locating heavy weapons amidst those innocent civilians.”
2010-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6427Resumption1 (2010) · source
“Sri Lanka's commitment is illustrated by the manner in which broad civilian protection issues were addressed during the conflict and the speed and efficacy with which it is now confronting the challenges of resettling internally displaced persons (IDPs), rehabilitating former Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam combatants and child soldiers, post-conflict reconstruction and development, and accountability and reconciliation issues. Even cynics will have to acknowledge the professional commitment with which the Government has approached those issues. Sri Lanka's decision to engage the Liberation Tiger terrorists militarily in 2006 followed their arrogant refusal to return to peace negotiations and their persistent resort to unbridled terrorism.”
2010-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6427Resumption1 (2010) · source
“The legislation gives expression to seven core human rights treaties and other related international instruments, including the four Geneva Conventions, to which Sri Lanka is a party. Sri Lanka respects and firmly identifies with the principles underlined in the thematic resolutions adopted by the Security Council since 1999. It will continue to strengthen its human rights framework as the security situation further improves.”
2010-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6427Resumption1 (2010) · source
“That might pose a political dilemma for legitimate Governments fighting terrorist groups and seeking to protect their sovereignty, territorial integrity and, in many cases, their cherished democratic way of life, and might thereby add a further confusing element to ongoing conflicts. Despite the brutal onslaught unleashed by a terrorist group that laboured for over 27 years to undermine our Government economically and its ability to function effectively as a State, my country, Sri Lanka, has taken determined measures to establish a credible national human rights framework through a range of domestic legislative and administrative measures that are fiercely enforced by the courts.”
2010-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6427Resumption1 (2010) · source
“In that context, we would like to propose that, where satisfactory and successful experience exist with regard to the care and protection of civilians, including in post-conflict situations, best practices from such national cases should be compiled as an annex to the Secretary-General's future report on the topic. While encouraging non-State actors to adhere to the principles of international humanitarian law in order to better ensure the protection of civilians is a laudable objective, this may prove to be a double- edged sword, as it could also confer unintended legitimacy on violent perpetrators of terrorism and terrorist groups.”
2010-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6427Resumption1 (2010) · source
“At the outset, I wish to join previous speakers in thanking you, Sir, for having convened this timely debate on a matter that increasingly demands the focused attention of the international community. I should also like to thank the Secretary-General, the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Director General of the International Committee of the Red Cross for their helpful briefings. We welcome the emphasis put by the Secretary- General on the need to achieve a more tangible improvement in the protection of civilians most affected by conflicts.”
2010-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6427Resumption1 (2010) · source
“It is time to send an unequivocal message of our commitment to eradicate the menace of terrorism by taking the appropriate political decisions now. My country remains committed to cooperating with the Committees established pursuant to resolutions 1540 (2004), 1267 (1999) and 1373 (2001) - as well as with other related intergovernmental bodies working on countering terrorism such as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, INTERPOL, the International Civil Aviation Organization and the International Maritime Organization - both at the international and regional levels, as well as to sharing its experience and expertise in that regard.”
2010-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6424 (2010) · source
“Collective regional efforts could significantly boost efforts in deterring terrorist activity. It was in that spirit of cooperation and understanding that the members of the South Asian region adopted the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Convention on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters and the ministerial declaration on cooperation in combating terrorism, during the fifteenth SARRC meeting, held in Colombo in 2009, for which Sri Lanka provided firm leadership. Sri Lanka earnestly hopes that all the Members of the United Nations will demonstrate the necessary political will by concluding negotiations on the comprehensive convention on international terrorism, which has unfortunately been on the table for almost a decade.”
2010-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6424 (2010) · source
“Cooperation across borders also becomes an absolute necessity if this hydra is to be placed back in its box. Arrangements for mutual legal assistance and the extradition of terrorists - a requirement under a number of conventions concluded under the auspices of the United Nations - and helping countries to develop national capacity in the areas of investigation, prosecution, intelligence gathering, border protection, customs and immigration surveillance and forensic science are vital tools that can add to global efforts in countering terrorism. In this regard, we thank the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate and the Governments of Canada and Australia for facilitating the second workshop in South Asia, which was hosted by Sri Lanka in August 2010, for police and prosecutors on the subject of effectively countering terrorism.”
2010-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6424 (2010) · source
“Collective action has become all the more vital due to the ease with which terrorists establish cross- border linkages and exploit advances in technology and communications that can lead to formidable and destructive innovations. In parallel, it is also necessary to address underlying social, economic and political factors that may contribute to breeding terrorism. Against that background, it becomes incumbent on all countries to re-examine their policies on granting asylum and refugee status, especially to prevent the abuse of well-intentioned, generous and humane policies by terrorists, front organizations or facilitators of terror. It would also be imperative to streamline and enhance domestic law enforcement and security mechanisms to close any loopholes.”
2010-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6424 (2010) · source
“The value of intelligence- sharing was lucidly illustrated in recent days when multiple tragedies were avoided due to the vigilance of intelligence agencies and their willingness to share information. Similarly, such cooperation is vital to prevent the acquisition of arms and other destructive material by groups bent on sowing death and destruction. Cross- border cooperation in thwarting the ever present link between international terrorism and transnational organized crime becomes critical. Terrorism's tentacles have spread to such areas as the illicit trade in arms, the multibillion-dollar narcotics trade, money- laundering and trafficking in persons - a phenomenon that my own country is now confronting.”
2010-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6424 (2010) · source
“In that context, we emphasize the need to prevent the use of their territories as safe havens by terrorist groups and front organizations, including for raising funds, acquiring financial assets and economic resources and other related activities that fuel and sustain terrorism and pose threats to peace and security elsewhere. The continuing danger posed by seemingly innocent front organizations exploiting the democratic freedoms of our societies to perpetuate this evil must be stopped. Enhanced cooperation among intelligence and defence establishments across borders, active intelligence-sharing and constant vigilance are vital in our efforts to counter terrorism. Sri Lanka is grateful to our network of friends with whom we have effectively developed intelligence links.”
2010-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6424 (2010) · source
“Hence, our response to terrorism cannot and should not be viewed or judged by looking through different prisms. The United Nations, and this Council in particular, should act with a common purpose to assist every sovereign State and to respect its right to free its territory from the abomination of terrorism and protect its people's right to life, peace, security and democracy. The presentations we have just heard from the three Committee Chairs were comprehensive. We recognize the efforts of the Committees to assist with capacity-building and knowledge-sharing and to bridge gaps in implementing counter-terrorism measures. We see enormous benefits in all Member States closing ranks in order to implement the Security Council resolutions on countering terrorism.”
2010-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6424 (2010) · source
“Constant fear 4 induced by terrorism, insecurity, anxiety and the never-ending tragic losses both human and material - and economic stagnation were a common experience of life in Sri Lanka for nearly three decades. Fortunately, that vile menace was completely eradicated from our soil last year, after repeated efforts to talk to the perpetrators and get them back into the democratic fold had been rebuffed. For our part, we will take every measure to ensure that our lives will never again be allowed to be tortured by warped minds wantonly sowing death and destruction. The agony imposed by terrorism does not respect boundaries. It is a menace that has affected countries across the globe - their attitudes, their economies and their daily lives.”
2010-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6424 (2010) · source
“At the outset, may I offer my congratulations to you, Sir, on your assumption of the presidency of the Council and for initiating this timely discussion. I thank the Permanent Representatives of Austria, Mexico and Turkey for their briefings on the implementation of the three crucial Council resolutions on terrorism, so central to maintaining international peace and security. Much had been said within the United Nations, in particular in the Council, on countering terrorism. Yet the world continues to be rocked regularly by senseless acts of terror or attempts to unleash death and destruction in our midst. The scourge of terrorism poses a suffocating threat to our common values of decency and humanity and to our democratic way of life.”
2010-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6424 (2010) · source
“It is important that the national and democratic institutions of the Palestinian Authority be protected and maintained, as they will form the bedrock of a future Palestinian State, independent and self-sustaining. It is therefore the earnest desire and hope of the Government of Sri Lanka that both Palestine and Israel, together with the major stakeholders of the Middle East peace process, will overcome the current impasse in their negotiations, and do so without delay.”
2010-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6404Resumption1 (2010) · source
“Once more, Sri Lanka renews its call on both Israel and Palestine to exploit all avenues in their quest for a lasting solution in which both sides could live side by side as neighbours within secure and recognized borders and bring Israel greater acceptance, both within the region and beyond. We reiterate our support for the Government of President Abbas and commend the decision of the League of Arab States to keep the doors open for peace talks, despite the present deadlock. The Arab League has demonstrated moral leadership and political maturity with this decision. We believe that Palestinian unity should be restored through peaceful means for the sake of a strong and stable Palestine State.”
2010-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6404Resumption1 (2010) · source
“Forty-three years of immeasurable hardship and disruption of normal civilian life would be a disturbing situation in any circumstance. We earnestly hope that the resolutions adopted by this body and the General Assembly will be respected and implemented without delay. Hatred and violence only beget hatred and violence. Therefore, the consistent call by many concerned on all parties to the conflict to stop violence and exercise restraint needs to be heeded. It is the only way forward to ensure an environment conducive to lasting peace in the region. It is the most pragmatic way to build confidence and ease the suffering of the Palestinian people.”
2010-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6404Resumption1 (2010) · source
“The resumption of direct talks between the two leaders of Israel and Palestine on 2 September in Washington, D.C., with the facilitation of President Obama, indeed brought new hope to many who sincerely await a comprehensive resolution of the question of Palestine in order to achieve sustainable peace in the Middle East. However, unfortunately, the stalemate continues despite the relentless efforts of many, including regional leaders, thus prolonging the plight of millions of innocent Palestinian civilians who have waited far too long for justice and their inalienable rights. Peace in the Middle East would be a major contribution to world peace. We strongly believe that the ending of the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory and settlement activities remains central to finding a viable and just solution to the question of Palestine.”
2010-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6404Resumption1 (2010) · source
“My delegation is pleased to have this opportunity to address this Council on this important issue at a crucial time for the Middle East peace process. I also wish to extend our sincere congratulations to Uganda on its assumption of the presidency of the Council and for the work done by the Ugandan delegation. We express our appreciation to you, Sir, for convening this debate. I thank the Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Mr. Fernandez-Taranco, for his informative briefing on the situation in the Middle East. We associate ourselves with the statement delivered by the representative of Egypt on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement.”
2010-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6404Resumption1 (2010) · source
“Addressing piracy around Somali waters in a sustainable manner will require a combination of domestic and international security strategies. We hope that the United Nations will take a practical and leading role in this endeavour.”
2010-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6374 (2010) · source
“For this, we consider that United Nations involvement is important, particularly since the pirate threat in Somali waters has now spread to many adjacent areas. We consider that it is important for the United Nations to take a lead role in this respect. I wish to put on record that the dense shipping lane south of Dondra Head in Sri Lanka has been free of any piracy or other criminal activity in spite of high intensity maritime terrorist activity using very sophisticated vessels in the seas around Sri Lanka over a period of 28 years. Sri Lanka's success in keeping this vital sea-lane safe for international shipping over the years is a significant achievement. It must not be allowed to be threatened by pirates or similar criminals at any point due to complacency. Sri Lanka stands ready to share its expertise and personnel in that regard.”
2010-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6374 (2010) · source
“As the threat scenario and the counter measures at sea have evolved, it is time for us to revisit all international legal instruments pertinent to this challenge. Limitations in, or the absence of, definitions may have posed difficulties when executing search warrants, making arrests and conducting prosecutions. Having successfully countered a flotilla of small craft employed by a terrorist group and effectively protected large vessels transporting cargo and personnel by sea, we believe that the immediate answer to piracy at the tactical level would be to place security teams consisting of well-trained naval personnel on board merchant vessels, as they would be a visible deterrent. If required, they would react with much more immediate effectiveness.”
2010-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6374 (2010) · source
“In addition to deploying naval deterrence, anti-piracy laws need to be strengthened and strenuously implemented. Improving domestic laws and regulations, increasing the efficiency of law enforcement, ratifying international agreements and implementing them and practical international cooperation will be essential. We call for the full implementation of resolutions 1846 (2008) and 1851 (2008), on counter-piracy military operations. Regional cooperation between navies and coast guards, including technical assistance, must necessarily feature prominently. It is encouraging to note that many international organizations and regional navies have been active in hosting seminars and discussions and sharing experiences. Just this month, Sri Lanka hosted the Galle dialogue.”
2010-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6374 (2010) · source
“Today, countering piracy is central to nations dependent on seaborne commerce, in particular those dependent on the sea for their energy needs. Efforts to counter piracy at the regional level and through coalitions do not appear to have succeeded in overcoming this menace. Despite the existence of a 24-nation naval task force, Somali pirates continue to harass ships, although the number of incidents appears to have decreased. A collective and more dedicated international effort must be made to deal with this problem and ensure that the global community is rid of it. We believe that there is much that can be done at the national and international levels to achieve success. Piracy originates on land, and anti-piracy measures must begin on land as well.”
2010-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6374 (2010) · source
“Somali pirates have now become extremely sophisticated and are operating deep into the Indian Ocean, utilizing mother ships for launching their attacks. If this threat is not effectively contained now, it will encourage other criminals to engage in piracy to achieve their own ends. It also becomes a distinct possibility that terrorists with naval capabilities could resort to piracy. Due to gaps in the countermeasures undertaken at present and to piracy's lucrative financial advantages, piracy could soon spread its vicious tentacles to other regions, endangering sea lanes and global communications. International commerce will be forced to bear an additional and costly burden, including through the adoption of additional protective measures, increased insurance coverage and the diversion of ships to other, longer routes.”
2010-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6374 (2010) · source
“Piracy has become a major challenge in the contemporary world, and its implications, especially to sea-borne trade, are immense. We believe that it is important in the battle against this scourge to share the modalities and options for prosecuting and imprisoning pirates, including for imprisonment in third countries and for essential capacity-building in the States concerned. As a matter of importance, we also believe that the experience and the capacity to deter and counter piracy can be effectively shared. Piracy has had a dire effect on the political, social, economic and humanitarian fabric of Somalia. In addition to the Somali coast, piracy has made its presence felt further afield, with the potential to spread even further.”
2010-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6374 (2010) · source
“At the outset, I wish to join other speakers in condemning the attack on high Government officials in Mogadishu and expressing our sympathies to their families. I take this opportunity to thank the presidency of the Security Council for organizing this important discussion. We would also wish to express our appreciation to the Secretary-General for his report on possible options for countering piracy through prosecuting and imprisoning persons responsible for acts of piracy and armed robbery at sea, including, in particular, options for creating special domestic chambers possibly with international components, a regional tribunal or an international tribunal and corresponding imprisonment arrangements (S/2010/394). We also welcome his proposal for a special adviser.”
2010-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6374 (2010) · source
“The challenges facing us are primarily of a practical nature, requiring more international cooperation and greater coordination between the United Nations and Member States. In conclusion, we would like to acknowledge the valuable contribution of the United Nations agencies, particularly the Office of the Emergency Relief Coordinator and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), and other national and international partners in providing support and assistance to Government efforts for relief rehabilitation and the resettlement of the affected civilians. My delegation wishes to convey a special word of appreciation to Under-Secretary-General Sir John Holmes for the very constructive and supportive role he has played and for his excellent leadership of OCHA. We wish him well in all his future endeavours.”
2010-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6354Resumption1 (2010) · source
“In this context, our Government established a commission of inquiry in May this year. Quite often and quite naturally, the focus on civilian casualties is centred on the loss of life and property damage caused in military operations, whilst insufficient consideration is given to the thousands of lives lost in suicide attacks on civilian targets by non-State actors. We have to devise means to also hold non-State actors accountable and to recognize the asymmetrical nature of conflicts where democratic States are confronted by ruthless terrorist groups that pay scant attention to the rules of war and challenge conventional armies on how best to protect vulnerable civilian populations. My delegation hopes that the Council's discussion on the protection of civilians will facilitate practical decisions based on ground realities.”
2010-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6354Resumption1 (2010) · source
“Unfortunately, ground realities are not understood or considered by those who look at civilian protection in isolation and apply generalizations regardless of the specific circumstances. The resettlement issue is also politicized. In my country, we have resettled nearly 90 per cent of internally displaced persons within one year of concluding a 27-year conflict. Resettlement necessitated clearance of uncharted mine fields laid by the terrorist group in civilian residential areas, farmlands and roads. Whilst assistance for de-mining and resettlement is miniscule, there are those who hypocritically preach to us about the need for early resettlement. The cost of armed conflict on civilians and the need for accountability is a matter of concern to all democratic and elected Governments, including our own.”
2010-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6354Resumption1 (2010) · source
“These are particularly pertinent given that we are dealing increasingly with internal conflicts. An inevitable consequence of armed conflict is internal displacement. Internal displacement poses several challenges; key among them is that armed groups use displacement to exploit civilian populations, sometimes by masquerading among them. In this context, civilians have a right to be protected and the State has the primary responsibility not only to provide for the welfare of displaced civilians in terms of food, clothing, medical care and shelter, but also to ensure their safety in keeping with the provisions of the Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement.”
2010-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6354Resumption1 (2010) · source
“It must never be overlooked that, as in our own experience, the military, often at a huge cost to its personnel, has to brave the dangers of terrorism to bring civilians out of harm's way. Therefore, military and humanitarian personnel must seek to work in partnership, and their responsibilities towards civilians must be addressed through regular dialogue and consultation in places where civilian protection is at stake. Therefore, we should look at capacity-building measures for military personnel and peacekeeping forces to deal with civilian protection activities. The assumption that civilians can best be protected and cared for only by civilian humanitarian workers belies the training provided to our armed forces to respect humanitarian law at all times and to handle peacekeeping responsibilities.”
2010-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6354Resumption1 (2010) · source
“The role of Governments in civilian protection should be respected, as it is their primary responsibility to protect their own citizens, especially in times of armed conflict. United Nations and other humanitarian agencies must support and assist Governments and, in doing so, be sensitive to the realities on the ground, including by respecting the sovereignty of States. The principle of unimpeded access for humanitarian personnel must be respected, but it cannot disregard the State's responsibility to ensure the safety and security of humanitarian personnel, as terrorists do not distinguish between military and humanitarian personnel in their attacks. Calls for unimpeded access in some situations are once again a clear case of applying theory without factoring in the realities on the ground.”
2010-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6354Resumption1 (2010) · source
“This is because there is no dedicated international regime to conduct surveillance, let alone interdiction, of such illicit arms trafficking. On the other hand, external actors such as diaspora communities openly fund arms purchases aimed at destabilizing States whilst receiving support and protection in their host countries, and their criminal agents cross international boundaries at will, unchecked. There is also a need to recognize the legitimate role of the military in civilian protection, whilst we can agree that it is not an exclusive role. It is noteworthy that protective responsibilities are part of the mandate of United Nations peacekeeping forces, and their valuable contribution in this regard has been noted. More than 3,000 Sri Lankan peacekeepers are on the ground protecting civilians in challenging operational environments.”
2010-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6354Resumption1 (2010) · source
“Many of the rules of war are based on the presumption that the parties to the conflict are the conventional armies of responsible States, but terrorists totally disregard these laws and principles. We also need to address the causes of the escalation of armed conflict. The proliferation of illicit arms has contributed to the spread of violence and terrorism everywhere. Unless we are able to stop its proliferation, civilian safety will remain at stake, and our best efforts to deal with the humanitarian consequences of conflicts will soon exceed existing capacities and available resources. Whilst measures can be imposed, albeit selectively, on States legitimately engaged in protecting their civilian population from terrorists, non-State actors such as terrorist groups, on the other hand, have relatively easy access to illicit weapons.”
2010-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6354Resumption1 (2010) · source
“The politicization and selectivity that characterize the debate have affected credibility. This has called into question our sincerity about concerns for the plight of civilians affected by armed conflict. The normative framework on civilian protection cannot be applied in a theoretical manner, regardless of the circumstances. Our own past experience in dealing with a terrorist group that used the civilian population forcibly as a human shield to launch attacks on the armed forces should remind all of us of the challenges. While shielding themselves behind innocent civilians, they also succeeded in marshalling the support of their sympathizers abroad to stage massive demonstrations. Unfortunately, too many well-meaning persons were taken in by these cynical efforts to garner sympathy.”
2010-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6354Resumption1 (2010) · source