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

“We must support the non-governmental organizations working in the field and protection for women's human rights defenders. It should also be noted that the overall goal of achieving women's empowerment and participation in society is inextricably linked to the fight against gender-based violence. I would also like to take this opportunity to commend the Council's work on the issue of women and peace and security, including in the area of sexual violence in conflict, and to confirm my country's strong support for an even more systematic and comprehensive approach to that important issue. Finally, I would like to remind the Council of something Ms. Bangura said recently: "I am sure there will come a time where the only place we can read about sexual violence in conflict is in the textbooks." Estonia will be there to support that aim.”
2013-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6948 (2013) · source
“Allow me to note that Estonia confirms its commitment to ending impunity and fighting sexual violence through its financial contributions in the field as well. In 2013, Estonia contributed financially to a UNICEF project in the Central African Republic for the prevention and response to gender-based violence. Also this year, Estonia will be contributing financially to the activities of the Office of the Secretary-General's Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict and to the ICC Trust Fund for Victims. In our view, the next important step for the United Nations would be to further implement monitoring, analysis and reporting arrangements on conflict- related sexual violence. We would also urge the further deployment of female protection advisers to Security Council-mandated missions.”
2013-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6948 (2013) · source
“The Security Council has an important role with regard to the ICC, especially in the field of State cooperation with the Court. We strongly support the Council's calls for State cooperation and its commitment to an effective follow-up to its decisions in that regard. Resolution 2085 (2012), on Mali, and resolution 2098 (2013), on the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which called for the establishment of the African-led International Support Mission to Mali and authorized the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, respectively, to support the ICC's efforts, are important examples of the Council's commitment. We hope that the Council will continue to find ways and means to further support international criminal justice within the scope of its mandate.”
2013-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6948 (2013) · source
“Estonia would welcome having all the Security Council Sanctions Committees consider focusing on crimes of sexual violence. In that context, it might be necessary to harmonize designation criteria for listed individuals and entities by including any relevant charges from the international justice mechanisms and, importantly, from the International Criminal Court (ICC). The International Criminal Court itself has a unique role in setting a new tone in the fight against impunity for sexual and gender-based violence. The Rome Statute of the ICC prohibits an unprecedented number of gender crimes, including rape, sexual slavery, enforced prostitution, forced pregnancy, enforced sterilization and other forms of sexual violence as war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide.”
2013-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6948 (2013) · source
“It is certain, as the report also notes, that compelling rape survivors to marry the perpetrators re-victimizes them. That results in impunity for perpetrators and sends the message that sexual Violence is socially acceptable. There is a wide range of tools available for preventing crimes of sexual violence, as well as for holding perpetrators accountable. The use of targeted sanctions by the Security Council, with a focus on specific individuals or entities suspected of bearing the greatest responsibility for such crimes, is an important aspect of deterrence. We welcome the fact that the Council has expanded its designation criteria to explicitly address sexual and gender-based violence. We look forward to the consistent application of that tool.”
2013-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6948 (2013) · source
“We note with serious concern that, as reported, sexual violence has been used to force internal and cross- border displacement in many places of the world and that women and children are also targeted both inside and outside refugee and internally displaced persons camps and settlements. We share the assessment of Special Representative that fostering national ownership, leadership and responsibility in addressing sexual violence are some ofthe most important aspects in the fight against sexual violence. It is essential that local communities consider sexual violence as a crime. Regrettably, as noted in the report, often, as a consequence ofbeing raped in conflict, there are reports of coerced marriages of survivors to either the perpetrator or their family members.”
2013-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6948 (2013) · source
“We believe that the effective implementation of the Treaty will make a difference in the world. We urge States to apply the relevant articles that are provisionally pending prior to the Treaty's entry into force. We appreciate the Secretary-General's report (S/2013/149) on which today's discussion is based. The report gives a shiver-raising overview of how widespread the terrible scourge of sexual violence still is. It also pointedly highlights emerging concerns such as the plight of children born out of rape, the practice of forced marriages by armed groups, sexual violence against men and boys, the displacement of civilian populations and the inadequacy of disarmament efforts.”
2013-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6948 (2013) · source
“Concerning the latest developments in the United Nations, we welcome the adoption of the agreed conclusions of the fifty-seventh session of the Commission on the Status of Women, in which the Commission urged States to strongly condemn violence against women and girls committed in armed conflict and post-conflict situations and called for effective measures of accountability and redress, as well as effective remedies. Estonia is also very satisfied that the Arms Trade Treaty, recently adopted by the General Assembly, includes strong human rights and international humanitarian law criteria. In assessing the export of conventional arms, each country has to take into account the risk ofthose arms being used to commit or facilitate serious acts of gender-based violence or serious acts of violence against women and children.”
2013-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6948 (2013) · source
“Estonia is proud of having been a sponsor of resolution 1820 (2008), on women and peace and security, wherein for the first time in a Security Council resolution sexual violence was recognized as a tactic of war and where it is noted that rape and other forms of sexual violence can constitute a war crime, a crime against humanity or a constitutive act with respect to genocide. We welcome the numerous steps taken in this field within the framework of the United Nations and commend, among other things, the work of UN-Women and the Secretary-General's Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict.”
2013-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6948 (2013) · source
“At the outset, let me thank the Secretary-General; the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Ms. Zainab Bangura; and Ms. Saran Ke'ita Diakite, of the NGO Working Group on Women, Peace and Security for their briefings. Estonia aligns itself with the statements delivered on behalf of the European Union and the Group of Friends of Women, Peace and Security. Estonia is dedicated to protecting and promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms, both nationally and internationally. As a member of the Human Rights Council, Estonia's particular focus is on the rights ofwomen and children, gender perspective in conflict settlement and the fight against impunity.”
2013-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6948 (2013) · source
“The United Nations and UNAMA have been taking an important lead in civil-military coordination, international development aid cooperation, the protection of human rights, the monitoring of the humanitarian situation, counter-narcotics efforts, and, as mentioned, in facilitating the reconciliation process and assistance for elections. For that reason, it is hard to underestimate the role that the United Nations and its bodies have played in Afghanistan. After the departure of the foreign military forces, that role is only likely to increase. As the United Nations commitment and assistance are substantial in the transition period in Afghanistan, we fully support the extension of UNAMA's mandate for another year.”
2013-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6935Resumption1 (2013) · source
“With regard to Afghan economic development and transition, we encourage the Government to implement necessary reforms, give all the necessary support to the private sector, ensure a secure and stable business environment and improve measures for fighting corruption. Investing in people's education and skills is also important to further economic growth. Strengthening regional cooperation with neighbouring South and Central Asian countries is key for achieving a durable security environment in Afghanistan. In addition, close regional cooperation creates opportunities for economic development. Therefore, Estonia supports the Istanbul Process and the implementation of confidence-building measures.”
2013-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6935Resumption1 (2013) · source
“With the help of coalition forces, a secure environment for the elections should be provided. We emphasize the importance of establishing an effective electoral administration and fraud-prevention mechanisms. The United Nations role remains essential in preparations for the elections through technical and financial assistance. The reconciliation process in the country should of course be Afghan-led and Afghan-owned. However, in our view, the strong support from the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) to the High Peace Council in building confidence and trust has been indispensable.”
2013-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6935Resumption1 (2013) · source
“We are pleased to note that the transition of security to Afghan forces is on track and that the Afghan Government has announced that the Afghan forces are set to take over responsibility for the security of nearly 90 per cent of the country's population. The implementation of the Tokyo Mutual Accountability Framework is fundamental for long- term stability and future successes in Afghanistan, and we recognize the significant progress made in the process. Free, transparent and fair elections in 2014 and 2015 are paramount in improving the legitimacy of the political transition and in consolidating democracy in Afghanistan. We underline the urgency of adopting a legal and institutional framework with an adequate system of checks and balances for the proper conduct of elections.”
2013-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6935Resumption1 (2013) · source
“Urmas Paet, strongly condemned all kinds of violence against women and girls. We hope that the adoption of the agreed conclusions of the Commission will give further impetus to combating violence against women and girls in Afghanistan. Estonia calls for the effective and swift implementation of the action plan for the prevention of underage recruitment and its annexes on killing and maiming and sexual violence against children. There are still many challenges ahead on Afghanistan's path to becoming a stable, secure, democratic and prosperous country, namely, the transition of security and civilian responsibility, the reconciliation process, the elections next year and last but not least, the economic transition.”
2013-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6935Resumption1 (2013) · source
“For instance, Kabul University is currently establishing a master's programme in information technology with the support of Tallinn University, and we continue to invite Afghan civil servants to training courses in Tallinn. I would also like to draw attention to the human rights situation. There have been gains in the protection of human rights in Afghanistan, although action is needed to improve the situation. In our development projects, Estonia pays extra attention to promoting women's rights and the well-being of children, as they are the most vulnerable groups. We believe that traditions or beliefs should never be used as a pretext for gender inequality and non-recognition of women's rights. At the recent session ofthe Commission on the Status of Women, the Estonian Foreign Minister, Mr.”
2013-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6935Resumption1 (2013) · source
“We are also looking at financially supporting the post-2014 mission and the sustainability of the Afghan National Security Forces. Estonia is also contributing to the European Union Police Mission and the NATO training mission. We do not believe that there can be a sustainable solution in Afghanistan that involves only a military contribution. In order to target the causes of the problems that Afghanistan is facing, we must continue our efforts with development cooperation after 2014. Estonia's development assistance is focused on four sectors, namely, security, education, health care and the rule of law. In addition to supporting the central Government through our annual contributions to the Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund, we are carrying out bilateral projects to help Afghanistan with our knowledge and experience.”
2013-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6935Resumption1 (2013) · source
“It is vital that the international community remain strongly engaged in endorsing Afghanistan's efforts during the transition phase, as well as after 2014. I can assure the Council that Estonia will stay committed to supporting Afghanistan after the completion of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) mission. Estonia has been a long-term partner of Afghanistan. There is no other country in the world where our engagement is as strong as in Afghanistan. Estonia is one of the highest per capita contributors to the ISAF mission. Our troops are in Helmand province together with British troops. The contingent is expected to be withdrawn in mid-2014. By keeping our company in Afghanistan until the end of the election period, we aim to make a contribution to safeguarding the future of Afghanistan.”
2013-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6935Resumption1 (2013) · source
“I would first like to thank you, Mr. President, for convening this important meeting. By the same token, I would like to thank the Secretary-General for his briefing and the presentation of his report (S/2013/133). I would also like to thank Special Representative Jan Kubis for the hard work that he and his Mission have delivered on the ground in Afghanistan. I would also like to thank Ambassador Tanin for his comprehensive remarks today. My delegation also aligns itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the European Union. Afghanistan has made great progress in recent years, and it is important that that momentum not be lost as it goes through one of the most pivotal periods in the country's history.”
2013-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6935Resumption1 (2013) · source
“There are a growing number of missions that have the protection of civilians as an integral part of their mandate. Peacekeepers are also the first to observe and promote compliance with international law and human rights law by all parties. Mandating peacekeeping missions to protect civilians is among the most important actions by the Council to enhance the protection of civilians on the ground. Estonia would encourage the Council to take even stronger leadership in guiding the international response in cases where the civilian population is in danger. In conclusion, I express my sincere hope that today's debate will contribute to enhanced compliance with international humanitarian law and human rights law, including by ending impunity for international crimes.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“Estonia would like to reiterate its support for the initiative and recall that expressions of support and association with it are highly welcome. Independent fact-finding is an important tool in the fight against impunity. The invaluable work of the independent international commission of inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic in collecting and preserving evidence and keeping track of violations is necessary to ensure that the alleged perpetrators of violations do not go unpunished. The results of its work shock our conscience and encourage action. At the upcoming Human Rights Council session, Estonia will support the extension of the mandate of the commission of inquiry in Syria. Estonia acknowledges the important role of peacekeepers in protecting civilians.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“Those responsible for those crimes must be held accountable. Many actors have underlined the need for accountability, which requires strong commitment from the international community. The Security Council can take action to make that a reality. We commend the consistency of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ms. Navanethem Pillay, who was among the early proponents of a Council referral of the situation in Syria to the International Criminal Court. Ms. Pillay's call for a referral was joined by 58 countries when they co-signed the petition initiated by Switzerland that was sent to the Security Council on 14 January 2013 requesting it to refer the situation in Syria to the ICC.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“Two recent resolutions on the protection of civilians in armed conflict adopted by the Council underline the essential relationship between the protection of civilians and ending impunity for the most serious crimes. Estonia strongly commends the mandate given to the African-led International Support Mission in Mali to support national and international efforts, including the work of the International Criminal Court (ICC), to bring perpetrators of serious human rights abuses and violations of international humanitarian law to justice. That is a clear acknowledgement that justice must be an integral part of the solution to the crisis in Mali. Serious violations of international human rights and humanitarian law and alleged crimes against humanity and war crimes have been committed in Syria.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“The increased use of accountability mechanisms is one ofthe most important tools to strengthen compliance with international law by all parties to conflict. Despite the growing proportion of civilian casualties, individuals responsible for war crimes and other atrocities are rarely being held accountable. Peace is often presented as a precondition for justice, but there can be no lasting peace without justice and there is no justice without accountability. Estonia recognizes the critical role the Security Council can play in ensuring and promoting accountability and encourages the Council to consistently promote individual accountability for international crimes.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“Estonia has focused its development coordination, humanitarian assistance and human rights activities on supporting the most vulnerable groups, including through continuity of education for children in conflict areas such as Afghanistan, South Sudan, Mali and Gaza. I am pleased to inform the Council that, just recently, at the Kuwait conference, Estonia pledged â‚¬300,000 to support Syrian refugees in neighbouring countries. Part of that pledge will be donated to UNICEF to support continued education for children. We believe that the international community can do more in enforcing compliance with international humanitarian law and human rights law at both the national and international levels. The Secretary-General's report contains very relevant recommendations in that regard.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“Estonia strongly condemns the violence against health workers. Speaking more concretely about education, according to a recent UNICEF assessment in Syria, 21 per cent of schools were not serving as learning environments because they were either damaged, destroyed or used as shelters. Where schools remain open, parents have been reluctant to send younger children and girls due to insecurity. Estonia therefore commends the decision of the Council, taken in resolution 1998 (2011), to extend, in 2012, the scope of grave violations for which parties to conflict were listed in the Secretary-General's reports on children and armed conflict to include recurrent attacks on hospitals and schools and recurrent attacks or threats of attacks against protected persons in relation to hospitals and schools.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“Changing it takes time and much effort on the part of all parties: the United Nations, non-governmental organizations and, most importantly, local leaders and national authorities. In light of the aforementioned concerns, I would like to commend the invaluable work of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Ms. Zainab Hawa Bangura, and the Special Representative of the Secretary- General for Children and Armed Conflicts, Ms. Leila Zerrougui. Their work and commitment can in no way be underestimated. In his most recent report on the protection of civilians in armed conflict (S/2012/376), the Secretary- General points out the devastating consequences that non-compliance with international humanitarian law and human rights law has on health care and education.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“Due to the changing nature of conflict, children are often killed and injured in the course of military operations, including in crossfire, aerial bombardment and shelling. Another most worrisome trend is the rise in suicide attacks and the use of children to carry them out that lead to the death or serious injuries of children. We are deeply concerned that, according to the most recent report of the Secretary-General on women and peace and security (S/2012/732), sexual violence and the threat of sexual violence continue to be employed as a tactic of conflict across a range of contexts. Although sexual and gender-based violence is a gross human rights violation, in many areas there is still a culture of silence and denial in that regard.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“Estonia agrees that the achievements at the normative level must now be translated into deeds. We acknowledge that the primary responsibility to protect its people lies with the State. By the same token, international humanitarian law and human rights law must be obeyed not only by national authorities, but by all parties involved. Unfortunately, too often parties to armed conflicts fail to comply with their obligations, resulting in devastating loss of human lives. Estonia is particularly concerned about the implications of an armed conflict for the most vulnerable groups. There is a growing understanding that women and children are impacted uniquely and disproportionately by the effects of conflict and its aftermath.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“First of all, allow me to thank the Secretary-General and other speakers for their interventions today. Estonia welcomes this timely debate on the protection of civilians in armed conflict, and thanks the presidency of the Republic of Korea for its comprehensive concept paper (S/2013/75, annex). Estonia fully aligns itself with the statement to be delivered by the observer of the European Union. I shall concentrate today mainly on the two important issues raised in the concept paper: compliance with international humanitarian law and human rights law to protect civilians, and accountability. Despite a strong international normative framework and steps taken by the Security Council, as described in the concept paper, civilians, particularly women and children, still constitute the majority of the victims in conflicts.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“In that regard, today's debate is a very good example of affording the question of women and peace and security the consideration it deserves.”
2012-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6877 (2012) · source
“As a member of the UN-Women Executive Board - which plays a significant role in contributing to the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) - and of the Commission on the Status of Women, we support the objective of empowering women in society. We fully agree with the Secretary-General that translating norms into practice must, in the end, be measured against real change in the lives of women, girls, boys and men across the continuum from conflict to peace. Finally, we have noted that, according to the data published in the Secretary-General's report, the information flow to the Security Council and the Council's response to women and peace and security concerns continue to be uneven, and we would like to encourage the Council to pay greater attention to the matter.”
2012-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6877 (2012) · source
“Estonia remains concerned about the lack of accountability for those who have committed gross violations of human rights. In that context, we would like to stress the role of the International Criminal Court (ICC), a significant actor in the fight against impunity for the most serious crimes of international concern committed against women and girls. We welcome the principles set out in the ICC's first-ever decision on reparations, in particular the confirmation that the needs of vulnerable victims - including women, children and victims of sexual and gender- based violence - must be addressed as a priority. Reparations can be used as a vehicle to empower women and girls and to address gender inequality, one of the root causes of violence against women.”
2012-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6877 (2012) · source
“Indeed, it is important to raise gender-specific issues from the onset of the conflict analysis phase and during the earliest moments of the peace negotiations. That can help ensure that provisions dealing with gender equality are included in peace accords. We are deeply concerned that, according to the Secretary-General's most recent report (S/2012/732), sexual violence and the threat of sexual violence continue to be employed as weapons of war in a range of conflicts. In some cases, even an increase of incidents was reported in 2011. Sexual and gender-based violence are gross human rights violations that are present in every armed conflict. It cannot be overemphasized how important it is to educate and engage men and boys to be active participants in preventing sexual violence.”
2012-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6877 (2012) · source
“However, the fact that, according to the Secretary-General's report entitled "Strengthening the role of mediation in the peaceful settlement of disputes, conflict prevention and resolution" (A/66/81), only four of the United Nations negotiating party delegations out of the 14 peace processes under way in 2011 included a woman delegate, which shows that there is still a lot of room for improvement. We would therefore encourage taking steps to ensure the inclusion of women in the ongoing peace processes. In a similar vein, it is regrettable that, in 2011, out of the nine peace agreements signed only two contained women and peace and security provisions. We fully agree with the Secretary-General that the gender dimensions of mediation should be clearly and consistently articulated.”
2012-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6877 (2012) · source
“Estonia adopted its national action plan for the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) in 2010 and has since shared its process of preparing an action plan with other countries. One of the most important conclusions of our 2011 implementation report is that NGOs play a crucial role in furthering the agenda of resolution 1325 (2000). The cooperation between the public sector and NGOs is crucial in that regard. Estonia welcomes the important steps taken in that area within the framework of the United Nations in the past two years.”
2012-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6877 (2012) · source
“Estonia has focused its development cooperation as well as its humanitarian assistance and human rights activities on supporting those vulnerable groups. We therefore regularly contribute to international programmes and funds, including UN-Women, the United Nations Population Fund, UNICEF, the United Nations Girls' Education Initiative and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. In fact, Estonia is proud to announce that it is significantly increasing all of its voluntary contributions to United Nations agencies in 2013. We welcome the fact that, at the national level, the number of countries that have given priority to women and peace and security through national action plans has continued to grow, and that 37 Member States have already adopted national action plans.”
2012-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6877 (2012) · source
“Estonia contributes to international military and civilian missions in countries where conflict resolution and peacebuilding are directly linked to the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) and where the inclusion of a gender dimension in the planning and implementation of missions will enhance the efficiency of international efforts. Estonia intends to take on even greater responsibilities, and my country is proud to have been elected a member of the Human Rights Council for the next term, 2013-2015. I can guarantee that one of our top priorities as a member of that Council will be the promotion of women's rights and participation. There is a growing understanding that women and children are impacted uniquely and disproportionately by the effects of conflicts and their aftermath.”
2012-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6877 (2012) · source
“We find it particularly pertinent to stress the value of engaging women's organizations and female community leaders in all aspects of conflicts, from prevention to post-conflict engagement. They are a crucial factor in securing the credibility and legitimacy of international efforts. We therefore deplore the fact that women human rights defenders so often become targets in conflicts. Ensuring their safety and opportunity to be heard is of the utmost importance. Promoting the rights of women is one of the priorities of Estonia's foreign policy. In all aspects of that work, special attention is paid to the participation of women's NGOs in policymaking and peace processes.”
2012-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6877 (2012) · source
“We welcome the focus of today's debate on the role of women's civil society organizations in contributing to the prevention and resolution of armed conflict and peacebuilding. As expressed in many statements made here today, Estonia, too, is of the firm opinion that the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) requires cooperation among all stakeholders: Member States, regional and international organizations and civil society. The role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) cannot be overestimated. What could international organizations or States accomplish if there were no support for such work on the ground? Not much, I assume. Nevertheless, in reality, the role of civil society organizations remains too often, if not for the most part, unrecognized.”
2012-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6877 (2012) · source
“First of all, I would like to thank the Deputy Secretary-General, Executive Director of UN-Women Michelle Bachelet, Under- Secretary-General Ladsous and Ms. Bineta Diop, the representative of the NGO Working Group on Women, Peace and Security, for their presentations. Estonia aligns itself with the statement delivered earlier by the observer of the European Union. Women have always played a unique role in preventing and in solving conflicts. However, it was only 12 years ago that a resolution adopted at the international level was dedicated solely to that issue. Today, 12 years after the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000), further implementing the principles enshrined in the resolution remains a challenge in many parts of the world.”
2012-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6877 (2012) · source
“One ofthe key elements in the fight against piracy is the establishment of the rule of law and ending impunity. Estonia would like to highlight three aspects. First, States should review their relevant legislation in order to be able to prosecute international crimes like piracy. Secondly, in order to ensure that criminal proceedings take place in full conformity with international human rights standards, it is vital to make sure that there is sufficient evidence gathering. States should tackle effectively any legal, technical or training-related issues that have arisen. Thirdly, a great deal ofwork has been done by the relevant participants, including the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the United Nations Development Programme and regional actors, in order to increase regional capacity to prosecute possible criminals.”
2012-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6865Resumption1 (2012) · source
“The military presence in the Horn of Africa region, through Operation Atalanta and other coalitions and nations involved, has contributed to a significant reduction in the number of piracy attacks in 2012 - to the lowest level since 2008. That demonstrates the effectiveness of joint international efforts and cooperation. In spite of that relative success, it is clear that a military response alone is not enough and more must be done on land. In order to address the root causes of piracy, a comprehensive, integrated approach is needed. Somalia is a good example of different aspects that need to be addressed. Among other things, the political process, the security situation, the rule of law, good governance, human rights and the economic, social and humanitarian situations should be tackled.”
2012-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6865Resumption1 (2012) · source
“One such challenge is the legal basis for allowing the deployment of vessel-protection detachment teams on board vulnerable ships. We urge all nations whose ships sail in waters affected by piracy to bear their responsibility for ships and crews under their flags by signing flag-State declarations in order to enable the teams to board vessels and provide effective protection and deterrence against pirate attacks. The role of the shipping industry in protecting ships and seafarers cannot be underestimated. Compliance with the Best Management Practices adopted by the International Maritime Organization should be promoted whenever possible. Arrangements for the use of privately contracted armed security personnel on ships also deserve further attention.”
2012-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6865Resumption1 (2012) · source
“In cooperation with France and Germany, our vessel-protection detachment team has embarked and escorted several World Food Programme (WFP) vessels delivering humanitarian aid to Somalia, as well as vessels providing equipment and supplies to the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). Together with French troops, the Estonian vessel protection detachment team has also been involved in the training of AMISOM. forces, with the aim of helping them to develop their own vessel-protection capabilities. We have already decided to continue our contribution at least until the end of the current mandate. Our active participation in the fight against piracy off the coast of Somalia has given us an understanding of the complexity of the challenges and problems related to piracy.”
2012-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6865Resumption1 (2012) · source
“In that regard, we commend the Security Council's work on piracy-related issues, in particular concerning piracy off the coast of Somalia. It is important to bear in mind that acts of piracy and armed robbery are increasingly prevalent elsewhere, in particular in the Gulf of Guinea. We therefore welcome the attempt to take up the situation in an integrated manner. Estonia is actively contributing to the fight against piracy off the coast of Somalia by participating in the European Union (EU) anti-piracy operation EU NAVFOR-OperationAtalanta, which was launched in 2008.”
2012-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6865Resumption1 (2012) · source
“I should like to thank you, Mr. President, for convening this meeting. I would also like to thank Deputy Secretary-General Eliasson for the statement he made today. Estonia aligns itself with the statement delivered by the observer of the European Union and would like to make the following additional remarks. Piracy is a major threat to commercial shipping, with an immense cost to the global economy. Besides the economic loss and implications for regional and global security, it also entails huge human costs for seafarers and their families. Drawing from our own experience, seafarers of any nationality are at risk of being taken hostage. Piracy affects us all and it should be tackled in ajoint international effort.”
2012-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6865Resumption1 (2012) · source
“I would like to finish with the quote of the former Sierra Leonean child soldier and author of the published memoir, A Long Way Gone: Memoirs ofa Boy Soldier, Ishmael Beah: "We as human beings, as nations, as the international community, have the capacity to end the use of children in war. We must not waste another minute...".”
2012-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6838Resumption1 (2012) · source
“The role of civil society and local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) cannot be underestimated in this context. The local community plays a key role in collecting information on possible violations. NGOs ought not to be impeded in their work or be instrumentalized by States. In disseminating information on children's rights and especially on the issue of children in armed conflict, social media and modern information and communication technology should be used more broadly. A good example of that is the children and armed conflict smart phone application, which was launched today by the Mission of Liechtenstein in cooperation with Watchlist on Children and Armed Conflict and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict.”
2012-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6838Resumption1 (2012) · source
“We also welcome Ambassador De la Sabliere's action-oriented report on the Security Council engagement on the protection of children in armed conflict and strongly support his recommendation that the Security Council pursue a complementary approach with the ICC, which would exert strong pressure on certain individuals and entities. We are pleased to be able to note that the basis for increased cooperation between the Court and the United Nations was created by testimony of the former Special Representative in the Lubanga trial. Raising awareness at the local level concerning the association of children with armed groups is of the utmost importance. We cannot achieve tangible success if children's rights are not considered to be universal norms globally.”
2012-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6838Resumption1 (2012) · source