YouSaid · the spoken record

Kolga

lines on the record: 172
first: 2011-10-28
most recent: 2015-05-27
sittings or episodes: 22
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 conclusion, Estonia, as a member ofthe UNESCO Executive Board, calls upon all relevant actors to support the United Nations Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity and urges the sharing of good practices on the safety ofjournalists.”
2015-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7450Resumption1 (2015) · source
“It is important to promote human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law and to continue to recall that an attack against a journalist is an attack against a civilian and, regardless of whether it occurs in an international or non-international armed conflict, also amounts to a war crime under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. In our View, tackling impunity and sentencing the perpetrators of such horrendous crimes against journalists should be the best possible deterrent for any future offenders. While we agree that the national Governments of countries in conflict should be the first in line to prosecute the perpetrators, we strongly encourage the Council to consider referring such cases to the International Criminal Court.”
2015-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7450Resumption1 (2015) · source
“Besides the threat to their lives, journalists also face other obstructions in theirjob at the conflict areas, such as denial to access, censorship and harassment, arbitrary detention and direct attacks. International organizations, Governments, the media and other actors must work together to strengthen the safety of journalists and hold accountable those responsible for attacks. Given the existing international instruments, which include the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Third Geneva Convention and its Additional Protocol, resolution 1738 (2006) and many others, that necessary judicial framework should be sufficient to protect journalists even when they report from conflict zones. Yet, sadly, in almost all cases the perpetrators of crimes against journalists escape justice.”
2015-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7450Resumption1 (2015) · source
“Unfortunately, journalists, correspondents and media workers, especially those working in conflict zones, have become deliberate targets of brutal attacks - attacks that have exceeded any level of humanity. Journalists are humiliated, imprisoned, tortured, executed and murdered by their own Governments, parties to the conflict or terrorist organisations, whether through beheadings carried out by Daesh or executions organized by Al-Qaida. It can also happen in the peaceful office of a cartoon magazine as in the case of Charlie Heba'o. Despite increased attention by the international community, there has been very little progress in limiting the number ofjournalists killed a 370 in the past 10 years - and in bringing the perpetrators to justice.”
2015-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7450Resumption1 (2015) · source
“It is often through the tireless work of journalists on the frontline of the most dangerous conflicts that light is shed on the issues of most serious concern to the international community. On many occasions, the credible information provided by j ournalists, sometimes working under extreme duress and sacrificing their own well-being, can help save lives. It has been said, at the outbreak of an armed conflict, that the first casualty is often the truth. Since nowadays information moves at the speed of light, it is of utmost importance to convey accurate and impartial media reports from conflict zones and to bring them to public attention as quickly as possible. But that often comes at a cost.”
2015-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7450Resumption1 (2015) · source
“I would like to sincerely thank you, Madam President, for convening this open debate on the protection ofjournalists in conflicts. Unfortunately, we have in the recent years witnessed many barbaric attacks against journalists and that number has not been decreasing. Therefore, we find it extremely important to give regular and more frequent attention to the issue at the Security Council. Estonia welcomes the adoption earlier today of resolution 2222 (2015) on the protection of journalists. We have proudly co-sponsored it and would like to thank the Lithuanian presidency for all their hard work. Estonia aligns itself with the statement delivered earlier by the observer of the European Union. Estonia is a firm believer in the value of the freedom of expression and the freedom of speech.”
2015-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7450Resumption1 (2015) · source
“Last but not least, on the broader spectrum of the United Nations, Member States can make their own contributions to the maintenance of peace and security by strongly adhering to the rule of law, which also encourages sustainable development as progress is best guaranteed by good governance, transparency of decision-making processes and the minimization of corruption. Estonia firmly believes that loyalty to the rule of law is a tool to improve the fundamental human right of access to justice, which is inherently linked to the promotion of a culture of accountability over impunity and to wider security and stability.”
2015-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7389 (2015) · source
“With the occupation and illegal annexation of Crimea that we do not recognize, and the ongoing military intervention in eastern Ukraine, one permanent member of the Security Council has violated international law and the underlying principles of European security, including those enshrined in the Helsinki Final Act and Paris Charter. Despite those violations, however, these principles are still valid and must be fully respected. The independence, sovereignty and territorial inviolability must remain the fundamental right of States and nations.”
2015-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7389 (2015) · source
“This applies in equal measure to all Council members and should be adhered to. Furthermore, while focusing on the Council's role in the maintenance of peace and security in the world, one cannot ignore the seriously deteriorated security situation in Europe. The conflict in Ukraine has shown that one of the basic principles of international law - respect for a country's territorial integrity and sovereignty, and for the inviolability of its borders - can be breached. We, the peoples of the United Nations, should not tolerate it.”
2015-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7389 (2015) · source
“Estonia therefore stands by the French proposal to establish a code of conduct on the voluntary restraint on the use of the veto and firmly believes that taking such a step would help the Security Council to live up to its mandate. The Security Council can and should make its contribution to the protection of fundamental human rights through its power of referring situations to the International Criminal Court. From the perspective of the working methods of the Council, one aspect that needs to be taken into consideration is the obligation deriving from Article 27 of the Charter, which establishes the only limitation to a Council member participating in a vote in the Security Council, to wit: "in decisions under Chapter VI, and under paragraph 3 of Article 52, a party to a dispute shall abstain from voting".”
2015-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7389 (2015) · source
“Considering the large number of crises throughout the world and their disastrous consequences for civilian populations in Syria, Ukraine, the Middle East, Somalia and South Sudan, to name but a few, it is clear that the Security Council has not always lived up to its tasks. Several attempts to adopt resolutions on an effective international response to end crises and ensure accountability for perpetrators of atrocity crimes have been blocked by permanent members of the Security Council. Far too often, history has shown us how the distinct privilege of the veto, or even just the threat of using it, has been abused, leaving the Security Council paralysed and passive on the sidelines in situations where it is most needed. The saddest example of that is the four-year long, ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in Syria.”
2015-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7389 (2015) · source
“With regard to the topic of today's discussion, I should like to reiterate that the protection of human life is the foremost priority that we as the international community - we the peoples - have been given. Carrying out this mandate of the Security Council should be clear and understandable to us all. In the Charter of the United Nations, the permanent members of the Security Council were given great power but also great responsibility to maintain peace and security in the world. The three most important principles that should be adhered to while maintaining peace and security in our view are democracy, the rule of law and the fight against impunity. I hope that all the members of the Council are and will be guided by those principles.”
2015-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7389 (2015) · source
“First I should like to thank you, Mr. President, for convening this open debate on maintaining international peace and security. The seventieth anniversary of the United Nations provides us with a unique opportunity to reflect on and reaffirm the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. By the same token, I should like to offer you our best wishes for the beginning of the Year of the Goat. Estonia aligns itself with the statement delivered earlier by the observer of the European Union and with the statement that will be delivered later by the representative of Maldives on behalf of the Accountability, Coherence and Transparency group. Although there is much good to say and successes to remember about 70 years of United Nations existence, as time is short I will comment on only some pending issues for the future.”
2015-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7389 (2015) · source
“Therefore peaceful societies, good governance and the rule of law should have a central place in the post-2015 development agenda.”
2015-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7361 (2015) · source
“Freedom of expression and association and access to independent media, including social media and the Internet, are integral parts of good governance and the rule of law. There can be no real inclusiveness in societies if restrictions are placed on the realization of those freedoms. Achieving inclusive and sustainable development is essential in order to achieve long-term stability and sustainable peace. We must take care of the future of the planet and work towards a world in which everyone can live a dignified life, free from poverty, violence and exclusion. That cannot be achieved without peace and stability. Development, human rights and peace and security are inextricably intertwined and need to be addressed comprehensively.”
2015-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7361 (2015) · source
“Several reviews are under way, including the global study of the resolution on women and peace and security and reviews of the peacekeeping operations and peacebuilding architecture of the United Nations. We must ensure that all those reviews support and complement each other's aims and that the recommendations emerging from them are in line with each other, leading us to tangible results in terms of gender equality, women's empowerment and human rights in general. Sustainable peace and development can only be ensured if economic development and social benefits are closely interlinked with good governance, strong and accountable institutions and the realization of human rights.”
2015-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7361 (2015) · source
“A broad approach to development focusing on justice, human rights, inequalities, jobs and inclusive politics will reduce violence and contribute to peacebuilding. Therefore, the Security Council should address peacebuilding as early as possible in conflicts or crises. As to the concept of inclusive societies, I would like to stress, among other things, the importance of involving both halves of humankind, namely by including women and girls in the decision-making processes. It is a fact that peace is more sustainable if women are included at all stages and all times as equal members of society, be it in time of peace or conflict or a period of transition. This year we will mark the fifteenth anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000) and the twentieth anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.”
2015-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7361 (2015) · source
“Effective and accountable institutions are powerful enablers of inclusive and sustainable development. The rule of law accords predictability and legitimacy to the actions of States, forming a fundamental framework for the conduct of relations between them, which, on its own, helps to prevent conflicts among States. The rule of law is also a tool to improve the fundamental human right of access to justice, which is inherently linked to the promotion of a culture of accountability over impunity. In that context, peacebuilding efforts are extremely important, as peacebuilding is about reducing the risk of relapsing into violence. That risk needs to be reduced by addressing the root causes of violence and building resilient institutions and peaceful societies.”
2015-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7361 (2015) · source
“As stated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, "It is essential, ifman is not to be compelled to have recourse, as a last resort, to rebellion against tyranny and oppression, that human rights should be protected by the rule of law" (General Assembly resolution 217 (111) A, preamble). That leads me to the second point - the need to actively shape inclusive societies as guarantees for peace and security, namely through the rule of law, if necessary, by designing particular policies and programmes that advance the inclusiveness of all. Strong adherence to the rule of law encourages sustainable development, as progress is best guaranteed by good governance, transparency in decision-making processes and the minimization of corruption.”
2015-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7361 (2015) · source
“However, it is easier and less costly in every sense to prevent violent conflicts from escalating. Good governance, respect for human rights and economic development are the best prevention for violent conflicts. As outlined in the concept note (S/2015/6, annex) by the Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission, inclusion, be it national, territorial, social, gender, tribal or cultural - and thereby also inclusive development - are the most relevant factors for preserving peace and security and preventing conflicts. Inclusion means that no-one should be discriminated against on any basis.”
2015-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7361 (2015) · source
“There can be no development without peace and security, and clearly there can be no lasting peace and security without respect for human rights. Furthermore, development is not true development without the realization of human rights. It is true that there are fewer conflicts, less violence and greater peace in democratic countries and regions where the rule of law is a firm basis of society and all people fully enjoy human rights. Also, average poverty rates are significantly lower in those countries. It is also true that violent conflict has been the largest obstacle to achieving the Millennium Development Goals. I would like to stress the importance of conflict prevention. As today's world illustrates, it is very hard to end ongoing crises, which often even turn into armed conflicts.”
2015-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7361 (2015) · source
“First of all, I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for convening this meeting on this important topic. By the same token, I would like to thank the Secretary-General, Ambassador Patriota and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Leymah Gbowee for the statements they made today. Let me also welcome the adoption of presidential statement S/PRST/2015/3 earlier today. I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of Estonia and Latvia. Our two countries align themselves with the statement delivered earlier by the observer of the European Union. We welcome the topic of today's debate, which very accurately links together the three pillars of the United Nations system: peace and security, development and human rights.”
2015-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7361 (2015) · source
“It is only through such feedback that we, the international community, can better assess how best to contribute to the legitimacy and effectiveness of the Council.”
2014-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7285Resumption1 (2014) · source
“Today we know that inaction is the biggest challenge to maintaining and restoring peace and that it can ensure that the Council's legitimacy and credibility quickly fade. We therefore gladly welcome the French proposal on establishing a code of conduct for voluntary restraint in the use of the veto, and firmly believe that such a step would help the Security Council live up to its mandate. Horizon-scanning briefings and Arria- formula meetings would also increase the preventive impact of the Council's work. In conclusion, I would like to reiterate that in our view efforts to achieve transparency should be made more consistent, and more attention should be paid to providing feedback from the Council both to non-Council Member States and the ICC, whether in the form of holding open meetings or by answering letters addressed to the Council.”
2014-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7285Resumption1 (2014) · source
“It should also be recalled that, given the Court's limited jurisdiction in the absence of ratification, referrals by the Council are necessary. Several attempts to adopt resolutions on an effective international response aimed at ensuring accountability for perpetrators of atrocity crimes have been blocked by permanent members of the Council. Far too often, history has shown us how the privilege of the veto, or even the mere threat of using it, has been abused, leaving the Security Council paralysed and passive on the sidelines, in situations where it is most needed. Under the Charter of the United Nations, the Council's permanent members are given great power, but also great responsibility to use it in a responsible manner.”
2014-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7285Resumption1 (2014) · source
“It should, however, do so in a way that fully empowers the Court to fulfil its mandate, as well as supporting the Court in its investigations and prosecutions so as to ensure accountability. The Council should take measures to ensure that there can be no room for doubt as to the support that it and the United Nations give the Court in delivering on its mandate. The reports from the Office of the Prosecutor on the basis of resolutions 1593 (2005) and 1970 (2011) should result in the Council's reaffirmation of its responsibility to support the Court and its recognition of the Court's work. Follow-up measures should be implemented with resolve and determination to ensure that the Court's decisions, including the arrest warrants it issues, are executed.”
2014-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7285Resumption1 (2014) · source
“Furthermore, the wider membership's involvement should be a continuous process from the very beginning of the discussion of a decision until its implementation, giving the stakeholders greater input into decision-making. Concerning one of the sub-topics of the concept note, the Security Council's follow-up to its referrals to the International Criminal Court (ICC), I would like to say that the Council and the ICC are first and foremost linked by their common concern of crimes that threaten the peace, security and well-being of the world. The Court is available to its States parties and to the Council, which has the power to refer cases to the Court that otherwise would not fall under its jurisdiction. Whenever there is evidence that atrocity crimes are being committed with impunity, the Council should refer the situation to the Court.”
2014-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7285Resumption1 (2014) · source
“Estonia firmly believes that enhancing transparency in the actions of the Security Council, as well as in the Council's interaction with non-Council members and bodies, is crucial to building greater trust in the institution that has the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. Protecting human life is the greatest responsibility and priority that we, as the international community, have been entrusted with, and the Security Council's execution of that mandate should be clear and understandable to us all. To meet that goal, we urge that the Council should ordinarily meet in public and that detailed records be published even for private meetings.”
2014-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7285Resumption1 (2014) · source
“At the outset, I would like to thank you, Madam President, for your initiative in convening this timely open debate on the Security Council's working methods and for the comprehensive concept note (S/2014/725, annex). I would also like to thank Ms. Prost and Ms. Bensouda for their statements today. The very fact that this discussion is being conducted as an open debate reflects credit on the Argentinian presidency for enhancing transparency and including the wider United Nations membership in the Council's discussion of issues, and I recommend that every presidency follow suit. Estonia, as a member of the Accountability, Coherence and Transparency group, aligns itself with the statement delivered by the representative of Switzerland earlier today.”
2014-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7285Resumption1 (2014) · source
“We are also sending a doctor to one of the ravaged areas to assist in the important work in the health sector. I can assure the affected countries that we will actively work within the European Union and its member States to find possible options to reduce the growing isolation of the areas in the region. If the situation continues, the consequences could be disastrous not only in terms of lost lives but also in terms of severe poverty, food insecurity, displacements and a high risk of the virus spreading to other countries. The situation is now on the verge of becoming a humanitarian catastrophe. We can stop the spread of Ebola, but it will take a coordinated international response to do that. The international community must act now if we want to avoid a humanitarian catastrophe. We cannot afford not to act.”
2014-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7268 (2014) · source
“We welcome the establishment of a system-wide coordination initiative, established by the Secretary- General to assist the affected countries in their efforts to halt the spread of the virus. We highly appreciate the work that has already been done and encourage the continued focus on effective strategies and humanitarian partnerships. We also welcome the plans to set up an Ebola crisis centre to coordinate the response to the deadly virus and to strive to halt the spread in West African countries. It has already been said here today that any country, however small, has a role to play. Estonia has already contributed â‚¬60,000 to the World Health Organization and has decided to contribute an additional â‚¬40,000, which is a total of â‚¬100,000.”
2014-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7268 (2014) · source
“Allow me to sincerely thank the health-care workers in the front line for their tireless and courageous efforts to bring the crisis to an end. Their work is carried out under extremely difficult conditions. More than 120 health-care workers have lost their lives and over 240 have now been infected. The high number of infected health-care workers is also affecting the health systems in the ravaged areas. The need to strengthen the health sector is growing every day, as the number of people affected is progressing faster than the ability to manage them. The severe shortages of trained medical staff, health-care facilities, medical supplies and community education on Ebola must be our main priorities. The World Health Organization has called for more human resources in the affected areas.”
2014-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7268 (2014) · source
“I would like to start by thanking the Security Council and the presidency for having convened an open debate on this urgent matter today. I also welcome today's adoption of resolution 2177 (2014), and I am proud that Estonia was able to sponsor it. Estonia fully aligns itself with the statement made earlier by the observer of the European Union. The Ebola outbreak has already claimed more than 2,400 lives and affected millions of people. The peak has not even been reached. Half of the cases occurred in the past three weeks. It is not only a public health emergency but also a humanitarian crisis and a global security issue. International action is needed now. I am happy to note that that is taking clear form here today.”
2014-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7268 (2014) · source
“However, a lot still remains to be done, and it is important to find more ways to reach out and to cooperate with non-State armed groups. In conclusion, let me stress that Estonia highly values the work of the Security Council, its Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict, and its open debates on this issue. We appreciate the work of the Secretary-General's Special Representative, UNICEF and all other United Nations structures involved, as well as the utmost important contribution of civil society organizations. There is never too much we can do for children. In short, by protecting children we protect our future.”
2014-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7259 (2014) · source
“To achieve this, we reiterate the important role of the International Criminal Court (ICC) where States are unable or unwilling to bring perpetrators to justice domestically, and emphasize the necessity for all States, the Council and international and regional organizations to cooperate with the ICC. Furthermore, we also believe that the international community should assist in strengthening national judicial capacities to ensure accountability, including through the development of legislation that criminalizes violations against children. My delegation welcomes the positive progress made with the Children, Not Soldiers campaign, and the ongoing cooperation with the States mentioned in the annexes of the report.”
2014-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7259 (2014) · source
“We believe that the predeployment training should be a rule rather than an exception and, in that respect, welcome the child- protection training launched in April. Let me also reiterate the crucial role of child protection advisers, who have to be deployed in peacekeeping operations, peacebuilding missions and special political missions. Third is accountability. With regard to the Secretary-General's report, Estonia would have liked to see more focus on the accountability dimension, since we clearly see impunity as one of the main reasons for the recurrence of these grave violations against children. It is only by consistent prosecution, either domestically or internationally, that we can deter the commission of these crimes by sending out a strong signal that people who commit such atrocities will be held accountable for their action.”
2014-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7259 (2014) · source
“We are deeply concerned about the fact that thousands of children remain without basic education. Therefore, let me stress that schools should be for children and should never and under no condition be used for military purposes. In that regard, we welcome the draft Lucens Guidelines for Protecting Schools and Universities from Military Use during Armed Conflict. In that connection, I would like to mention that Estonia highly appreciates UNICEF's work to provide quality education to children in humanitarian crises, and has recently supported UNICEF's work in South Sudan, the Central African Republic, Gaza, Syria and Somalia. Secondly, educating and training the peacekeepers is another important aspect.”
2014-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7259 (2014) · source
“We call on all States that have not yet done so to sign the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict, and to join the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. Let me stress some key topics from our perspective. First, education is one of the key elements for prevention. It is also crucial in preventing situations where progress is reversed and the rerecruitment of child militants may occur. We share the Secretary-General's concern over the use of schools for military purposes, as seen - among many other places - in Syria, Gaza and Boko Haram's attacks in Nigeria, among many other countries. Moreover, military conflicts create cross-border situations where neighbours need to find ways to guarantee education to children in refugee camps as well.”
2014-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7259 (2014) · source
“At the outset, I would like to thank the United States presidency for organizing this open debate on this important subject. I also thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Zerrougui, Under-Secretary-General Ladsous, Deputy Executive Director Brandt and Special Envoy Whitaker for their interesting and thought-provoking statements. Special thanks goes to Ms. Sandra Uwiringiyimana for her emotional and heartbreaking story. Estonia fully aligns itself with the statement delivered by observer of the European Union. Estonia welcomes the Secretary-General's report (S/2014/339) and shares the deep concern on the grave violations outlined in it. We must take all measures to prevent violations against children, as well as to make violators accountable.”
2014-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7259 (2014) · source
“Step by step, we are trying to enhance the scope of our involvement and become a part of wider peacebuilding initiatives and missions. In order to share in United Nations efforts, this year, for the first time, the Estonian Government has decided to make a contribution to the Peacebuilding Fund.”
2014-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7161Resumption1 (2014) · source
“SSR became a genuine part of that process. Estonia was lucky to have had many friends and advisers, but real results started to emerge when we understood that the reforms were for our own good, not for the good of someone else. We can assure the Council that the notion of ownership was of the utmost importance, and that is the message that we want to reinforce today. For the past 10 years, we have been sharing that experience with others in supporting capacity-building. Estonia has shared its expertise at the regional level in the Balkans, in the Caucasus, in the Republic of Moldova and in Ukraine. Our police and corrections experts and trainers have been a part of the respective European Union missions in Afghanistan and Iraq.”
2014-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7161Resumption1 (2014) · source
“Experience gained in those processes is worth collecting and sharing with those in need. We believe that the United Nations should coordinate such efforts, and we commend the comprehensive approach already taken by the Secretary-General in that regard. That further enhances the expertise of the United Nations and contributes to improving the Organization's capacity to deliver. Estonia's own record in reforming its security sector could be taken as an example of success. After the end of the Soviet occupation, our nation faced the huge task of building up a society based on principles and values different from those of the totalitarian system - a society based on democracy. That meant vigorous institution-building, adherence to good governance, strengthening the rule of law and placing the human being at the centre of development.”
2014-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7161Resumption1 (2014) · source
“Thirdly, see that SSR has been genuinely linked to the rule of law. We are also happy to see that linkage mentioned in the draft resolution to be adopted today. But we do not believe that the rule of law should be considered as an end or goal in itself. SSR should be implemented in an environment where the principles of the rule of law are already applicable, in order to avoid a great risk of compromising any peacebuilding or reconstruction process. Finally, there is a lot of SSR-related knowledge available. Many Member States have taken the path of State-building and reformed their security sector as part of that process. A number of Member States have already shared such experience and knowledge with others. That applies also to regional organizations.”
2014-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7161Resumption1 (2014) · source
“Secondly, very often countries in transition or exiting a conflict need advice and encouragement. The international community has an important role to play in that regard in terms of capacity-building. I would therefore like to commend the United Nations for the steady enhancement of its peacebuilding toolbox and its special attention to SSR as a part of that. The fact that the number of references to SSR in the Council's resolutions has increased considerably and that the majority of mandates for both peacekeeping and special political missions include SSR is very welcome. We also note positively that the membership of the inter-agency Security Sector Reform Task Force has doubled in recent years. SSR has become an integral part of the United Nations peacekeeping and peacebuilding agenda, achieving greater prominence each year.”
2014-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7161Resumption1 (2014) · source
“First, one of the key factors for success is an inclusive reconstruction and stabilization process. SSR is not a purely technical exercise in reforming defence forces or law enforcement agencies; rather, it is part of a wider political process in which the lead role of national authorities is crucial. The best guarantee for durable stability and successful reform and change is the involvement of all factions of society - religious, ethnic and social - including the political groups of the country and women and youth. If that can be achieved, a society's ownership of its future i which is another important factor of success - will be much stronger. As inclusiveness and ownership are fundamental in peacebuilding, they must be considered in peace negotiations.”
2014-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7161Resumption1 (2014) · source
“As it is the first time that Estonia takes the floor on this important issue, we would like to commend Slovakia's leadership in adding it to the Council's agenda. The importance of security sector reform (SSR) in the global peace and security agenda cannot be underestimated. "Security is the bedrock upon which States are built" is stated in the concept note, and we cannot agree more. Weak security institutions cannot prevent the outbreak of conflict, and in a post- conflict situation they often cannot avoid a country's relapse into chaos. Therefore, support to such reform is one of the most important tasks of the international community - not only in order to maintain peace and security in a country, but also to restore the rule of law and protect human rights. Let me make some observations in that respect.”
2014-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7161Resumption1 (2014) · source
“At the outset, let me thank Nigeria for convening the Council's open debate on security sector reform and for the very comprehensive concept note (S/2014/238, annex). This is the second open debate, out of three in total, during this presidency and Estonia, as a supporter of the enhanced openness and transparency of the Council, would like to congratulate the Nigerian presidency for this effort. It is important that all of the States that are not members of the Council are given an opportunity to contribute to the discussions on issues related to the world's peace and security. I would also like to thank the Secretary-General for his briefing, and the Council for the draft resolution on security sector reform that is to be adopted later on. Estonia also aligns itself with the statement made by the observer of the European Union (EU).”
2014-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7161Resumption1 (2014) · source
“We would also like to commend the work of the Team of Experts on the Rule of Law and Sexual Violence in Conflict for assisting Governments in building national capacity and expertise in addressing impunity for those crimes. Estonia supported the Team of Experts financially in 2013 and plans to do so again this year. In conclusion, let me stress once more an evident fact that, regrettably, does not yet seem to be very evident to everyone in the world - the use of sexual violence as a method of war must stop. It is an inhuman practice that, as Ms. Bangura has rightly pointed out, should belong to the history books and not to everyday reality.”
2014-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7160 (2014) · source
“We call on everyone to respect what we have agreed concerning the full enjoyment of human rights by all women and girls. In addition, I would especially like to stress the importance of quality sexual and reproductive health services for survivors. It is of utmost importance that peacekeepers continue to be trained to enhance their capacity to prevent and respond to conflict-related sexual violence, that women protection advisers be deployed within peacekeeping and special political missions, and that ceasefire or peace agreements explicitly reflect sexual violence considerations Latvia and Estonia commend United Nations Action against Sexual Violence in Conflict and the efforts of the United Nations system to establish the monitoring and reporting arrangements on conflict-related sexual violence, as mandated by resolution 1960 (2010).”
2014-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7160 (2014) · source
“By serving as a model for the international community, the ICC's accomplishments can therefore be seen as part of a broad-based effort to adequately address sexual violence at both the international and domestic levels. Given its pivotal role, the Court should enjoy the support and cooperation of all States, the Council and international and regional organizations. In order to enhance accountability, the Council could adopt targeted measures against those responsible for conflict-related sexual violence and include individuals sought by the ICC on the sanctions lists. The Secretary-General's report describes the increased incidents of forced marriage, campaigns of forced pregnancy and the fact that lives are being put at risk through unsafe abortions.”
2014-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7160 (2014) · source