YouSaid · the spoken record

Kumalo

lines on the record: 1,090
first: 1999-08-25
most recent: 2008-12-31
sittings or episodes: 160
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

“I welcome you to New York, Mr. President; it is good to see you here. You know, Sir, we in the Non-Aligned Movement used to be very envious of Colombia for its wonderful city of Cartagena, but now we are truly, truly envious of your having won the Copa America; we congratulate you and the people of Colombia. South Africa is pleased that the United Nations Conference on the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in all its Aspects successfully adopted a realistic and implementable Programme of Action.”
2001-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4355Resumption1 (2001) · source
“This is important for achieving a durable peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and in the Great Lakes region as a whole. In conclusion, the importance of conflict prevention cannot be over-emphasized. In our View, the protection of civilians begins with the prevention of conflict. In this regard, we welcome the efforts of the Secretary-General to promote a culture of prevention in the work of the United Nations. We agree that the time has come to replace the culture of impunity with a culture of accountability in the protection of civilians in armed conflicts. For durable peace in the twenty- first century, it is not enough for the Security Council to rely solely on peacekeeping.”
2001-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4312Resumption1 (2001) · source
“The Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War outlines the collective responsibility of the High Contracting Parties. It is incumbent upon the international community, including the Security Council, to undertake resolute action against States bearing responsibility for violations of international human rights and humanitarian law. The Security Council can reflect its commitment to the establishment of a secure and peaceful environment for civilians caught in conflict through its peacekeeping mandates. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, for example, the Security Council must make adequate provisions for disarmament, demobilization, reintegration, repatriation and resettlement.”
2001-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4312Resumption1 (2001) · source
“In this regard, the Special Court for Sierra Leone must be fully supported and adequately funded, like the Tribunals which were created to address the tragedies of Yugoslavia and Rwanda. We note the appeal by the Secretary-General for contributions for the Sierra Leone Special Court. However, it is disappointing to note that the Sierra Leone Court is to be funded by voluntary contributions. My delegation believes that the Security Council needs to revisit the decision on the funding of the Sierra Leone Special Court. Secondly, the Security Council's failure, so far, to protect the Palestinian civilians caught in conflict in the occupied territories, including Jerusalem, remains an indictment against this body.”
2001-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4312Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Other organizations or agencies, such as the Economic and Social Council, have critical roles to play as well. I must pause to say that we look forward to the meeting between the Security Council and the Economic and Social Council later on this week. It is therefore important to have coordination between all relevant stakeholders in rebuilding peace and security. It is important for the Security Council to support these activities wherever they may be carried out. In your guidelines sent to us, Mr. President, you raised important issues which my delegation would like to address. First, the Security Council should establish and appropriately support credible mechanisms of international law, such as ad hoc criminal tribunals.”
2001-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4312Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Mr. President, let me also join in commending you for convening this open debate. We also congratulate the Secretary- General on preparing an excellent report on the challenges faced by civilians caught in conflict. It is critical for the Security Council to reassert itself in its mandated role of guaranteeing global peace and security. This will go a long way in restoring the credibility of the entire United Nations, particularly on the African continent. In our continent, we emphasize the importance of peace and security as prerequisites for development and prosperity. The Organization of African Unity long ago adopted a framework of action, in the form of a Declaration on Security, Stability, Development and Cooperation in Africa.”
2001-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4312Resumption1 (2001) · source
“The resolution which the Council adopted on the Brahimi Panel report must now be followed up by concrete action to invest in sustainable and durable peace in the many conflict situations in Africa, the most urgent of which is Sierra Leone. Now is the time to engage in the pursuit of national interest defined in terms of promoting global solidarity and not in terms of what is vital to our immediate needs. Otherwise our efforts to promote and sustain an effective and strong Organization will be rendered useless. This, in short, requires a commitment to become and remain involved in the field, and, side by side with developing countries, to resolve conflicts and establish lasting peace.”
2000-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4223Resumption1 (2000) · source
“For that reason, we welcome the intention of the Secretary-General to institute integrated mission task forces to plan, at an early stage, for peace operations which will facilitate the smooth transition from peacekeeping to peace-building. In conclusion, my delegation would like congratulate the Security Council on having adopted its resolution 1327 (2000), mapping out its response to the recommendations of the Brahimi Panel. The time has now arrived to follow words with action. In that regard, the important issue of political will and commitment becomes critical. We raise this issue because there has been tremendous criticism, and rightly so, about the commitment gap on the part of those with the greatest means when dealing with conflicts in Africa.”
2000-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4223Resumption1 (2000) · source
“The implementation of the recommendations of the Brahimi Panel on this matter must also address the involvement of other components of the United Nations system, including the General Assembly, the Economic and Social Council and other United Nations programmes and agencies. Thirdly, related to all this are the responsibilities attached to peace-building activities in today's complex conflict environments. In our view, these tasks transcend the abilities and resource capacities of any one particular department or agency within the United Nations system. Consequently, the Organization is obliged to undertake its efforts in a coordinated manner.”
2000-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4223Resumption1 (2000) · source
“First, my delegation has strongly welcomed the recent debate of the Security Council on the issue of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration as an important element of post-conflict peace-building. However, this aspect is but one of several elements of a more comprehensive concept of peace-building that require our urgent attention. The Brahimi report recommendations on the need to develop a permanent capacity in the United Nations for peace-building requires the urgent attention of Member States. Secondly, the comprehensive scope and long-term nature of peace-building activities impose the need to consider the limits of the involvement of the Security Council in such activities.”
2000-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4223Resumption1 (2000) · source
“South Africa's own policy paper guiding its participation in international peace missions argues that Security Council mandates should be linked to concrete political solutions and that the deployment of a peacekeeping operation should not be seen as an end in itself. In other words, we need a clear commitment to the prevention of conflicts before they degenerate into full-fledged civil wars. This is important, as, like that of many countries, our participation in peace missions should not and cannot be open-ended. We would make bold to say that a credible exit strategy is inextricably linked to any well-planned project to build sustainable and durable peace. In addressing the questions raised in your discussion paper, Sir, my delegation would like to put forward the following points.”
2000-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4223Resumption1 (2000) · source
“55) In our view, what this point suggests is that the energies and resources of the international community should be mobilized and organized to address not only the symptoms of crises and conflicts, but their root causes, including the political, economic, social and humanitarian dimensions. It further requires that efforts to resolve conflicts should be viewed as long-term endeavours which include a significant investment in peace-building. The discussion paper before us poses an important question regarding the scope and nature of Security Council mandates in responding to complex conflicts.”
2000-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4223Resumption1 (2000) · source
“The whole question of whether the United Nations is able to attract troop contributions for peacekeeping from certain countries may have something to do with the theme of today's discussion. As a result, we have come to witness that the United Nations primary instrument for maintaining peace and security- peacekeeping- has come to take on a broader and more complex range of tasks instead of the traditional military interposing between warring factions. In his seminal report of 1992, which was called "An Agenda for Peace", former Secretary- General Boutros-Ghali captured this change, arguing that: "Peacemaking and peacekeeping operations, to be truly successful, must come to include comprehensive efforts to identify and support structures which will tend to advance a sense of confidence and well-being among people." (S/24H], para.”
2000-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4223Resumption1 (2000) · source
“Above all, thank you for the thought- provoking paper your delegation sent to us to serve as a basis for discussion for today's debate. We thought it was also innovative that you had the courage to put your ideas on paper and to provoke us in a creative way, finding ways to deal with this matter. In our View, the theme of the debate is important because it suggests a critical issue with which States Members of the United Nations have been grappling for the last decade. It is true that this body has been faced with fundamental changes in the nature of conflicts, which has necessitated a shift in the Council and the broader United Nations approach to the task of maintaining international peace and security.”
2000-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4223Resumption1 (2000) · source
“It is good to see you presiding over this meeting today, Sir. My delegation would like to congratulate you for your courage in selecting such an important topic for us to discuss. I must say, before I get to my remarks, that I truly regret that some of your colleagues, when it came to the time for us to join in this dialogue on this important issue, were unable to be here. We do realize that there are many meetings going on around the United Nations, but we still hold the hope that this Chamber will become a true dialogue Chamber where we can also come, contribute the little that we contribute and be heard in the spirit of dialogue that we hope this Chamber will continue to have. Again, thank you for tackling this very, very important theme.”
2000-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4223Resumption1 (2000) · source
“The imaginative use of the Arria formula to hold yesterday's consultations between Council members and non-State actors from international women's rights organizations and other human rights organizations is further welcome, as they have much to offer our deliberations and decisions. This is further evidence of the positive trend towards the adoption of more open working methods and procedures in the Security Council. We indeed appreciate that.”
2000-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4208Resumption1 (2000) · source
“In conclusion, let me say that it is my delegation's hope that today's debate in the Security Council will strengthen existing efforts in the United Nations system, including in the General Assembly and in the relevant United Nations agencies, to improve the status of women globally. My delegation would like to express its profound thanks to the presidency of the Council for this month for placing the issue of women and peace and security on the agenda. We also welcome the transparent and participatory approach adopted by the presidency this month in arranging today's debate.”
2000-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4208Resumption1 (2000) · source
“As a minimum, we suggest that we must pay special attention to the impact of armed conflicts on the rights of women and girls and promote and implement specific strategies to protect and assist women and girls in armed conflicts. We must promote strategies that maximize women's participation in domestic, regional and international conflict prevention, management and resolution initiatives. The United Nations must set an example by making sure women are represented adequately at all decision- -making levels. In addition, we must promote and strengthen women's participation in comprehensive post- conflict peace- building initiatives, including in such areas as electoral, constitutional, legal and judicial reforms.”
2000-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4208Resumption1 (2000) · source
“The marginalization of women, both in their countries and in the multilateral forums, means that our countries and organizations, including the United Nations, are functioning at half-capacity and are deprived of the unique qualities, energies and creativity that women would bring." (ibid., p.12) We have all already agreed that the root causes of conflict are poverty, disease, lack of education, lack of human and political rights and a lack of economic opportunity and justice. We must now equally agree that we cannot adequately address these problems if we exclude over half of humanity from enjoying these rights. Neither can we do so if we continue to prevent womankind from participating in the process of finding and implementing solutions.”
2000-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4208Resumption1 (2000) · source
“Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, said, "The founders of the United Nations based the Charter on the assertion of human dignity, human rights and the equality of women and men and the aim of promoting better social standards. (A/55/PV.]3, p.]]) The equality of women and men still remains a subject of great concern. All we need to do is look around this Hall to realize how far we are from realizing the vision of the founding Members of the United Nations. Secondly, the feminization of poverty is a big problem.”
2000-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4208Resumption1 (2000) · source
“Given the central role that women play in the social, political and economic development of our societies, it is morally right and logical that the full realization of equal political and economic rights for women must be treated as an essential component of our collective approach to preventing and resolving conflicts. In Africa, where there are already signs that there is a political and economic revival, it is clear that women have played, must play and will continue to play a full role in the renaissance of our continent. Anything less, therefore, would be short-sighted, and despite our best intentions, our collective commitment to address the root causes of conflicts will come to naught unless women are afforded an equal role. In her address to the General Assembly on 13 September 2000, South Africa's Foreign Minister, Ms.”
2000-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4208Resumption1 (2000) · source
“It is true that, in today's conflicts, it is civilians, and women and children in particular, who bear the brunt of gross abuses of human rights. There is another dimension, however, and we need to move beyond the limited approach of portraying women solely as victims in conflicts. For all societies in this world, and more so for societies in conflict, women play a key role in sustaining both the family and the wider community. In many developing countries, our communities are fracturing under the combined weight of internecine conflicts, poverty, communicable diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, mass urbanization, economic restructuring and other effects of globalization. More often than not, it is the working women who must quite literally put bread on the table and hold families together.”
2000-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4208Resumption1 (2000) · source
“In that ceremony, President Mbeki unveiled the portraits of courageous and dedicated women leaders, such as Lilian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Raheema Moosa and Sophie de Bruyn. These leaders were at the forefront of the struggle for a just society in South Africa. We pay special tribute to them for their role in leading the mass defiance campaigns against apartheid legislation and to the many unsung heroines of that struggle, which culminated in 1956 with a march by tens of thousands of women to Pretoria. Thanks to the positive examples and contributions of pioneering leaders such as these, South Africa is today committed to achieving and sustaining equal participation and representation of women in our Parliament and Government, which currently stand at about 30 per cent.”
2000-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4208Resumption1 (2000) · source
“Indeed, for South Africa and the rest of us in the region of the Southern African Development Community, this topic has special relevance, bearing in mind the critical and essential roles played by women in our struggles for liberation from colonization, apartheid, conflict and repression. These women, and many others elsewhere in the world, have demonstrated that women have an indispensable social, political and economic role to play in bringing about sustainable peace and security. It was for this reason that, on 9 August this year, at our National Women's Day celebrations, the South African President dedicated a monument in tribute to the role played by women in shaping a democratic, non-racist and non-sexist South Africa.”
2000-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4208Resumption1 (2000) · source
“In our commitment to dealing with conflicts in a comprehensive manner, including addressing the root causes of conflicts, we must acknowledge that the widespread exclusion of women from political and economic decision-making is a significant obstacle to the realization of sustainable global peace and security. In other words, and as was so concisely summed up in a very powerful and simple statement in the final declaration of the All-Party Burundi Women's Peace Conference, held in Arusha from 17 to 20 July 2000, "women's rights are human rights". The significance of women's active contributions to South Africa's liberation and their relevance to today's debate go far beyond South Africa, our subregion and even our continent.”
2000-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4208Resumption1 (2000) · source
“I thank you, Sir, for conducting this meeting today. I know that, in the next few days, you will be returning home to a warm, sunny Namibia - for a while, I hope - and I just want to pay tribute to you and to tell you before this body that you have made us proud to be people of southern Africa and, more importantly, to be Africans. Your stewardship in the General Assembly and in this body has made us keep the faith that things could, indeed, get better. I thank you very, very much for everything you have done for us during your term of visit in New York.”
2000-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4208Resumption1 (2000) · source
“Speaking as the representative of South Africa, I should like to say that my Government remains convinced that the leaders in Palestine and in Israel are committed to seeking a peaceful settlement of the conflict. It is for this reason that we welcome the opportunity for continued peace dialogue in Paris and Cairo in the coming days. We still look forward to a breakthrough in the negotiations, despite the violence. We believe that it is only the speedy resolution of the final status issues that will ensure lasting peace in the Middle East.”
2000-10-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4204 (2000) · source
“The Non-Aligned Movement believes that it is incumbent on all Member States to uphold the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, international humanitarian law and all other instruments of international law, as well as relevant General Assembly and Security Council resolutions. The Non-Aligned Movement therefore calls on the Israeli Government to exercise restraint and act in accordance with its stated desire to achieve peace. It further urges Israel to cease its measures of collective punishment against Palestinians, to restore the sanctity of Al-Haram Al-Sharif and to allow free access to it by Muslim worshippers.”
2000-10-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4204 (2000) · source
“At the September meeting of the ministers of the countries of the Non-Aligned Movement, held in New York, the ministers reaffirmed their determination to actively strive towards the achievement of a just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East, on the basis of Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973) and the principle of land for peace. In this context, they stressed the need for the Israeli withdrawal from the Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem. Furthermore, the ministers reaffirmed that a just and comprehensive peace can be achieved only by upholding international legitimacy and relevant United Nations resolutions.”
2000-10-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4204 (2000) · source
“Sharon acted as a catalyst of this latest occurrence of violence. It cannot be denied that such provocative actions serve to arouse the anger and resentment of Palestinians in what is already a volatile situation. The invasion of the sanctity of the holy places has a very harmful effect on the Middle East peace process. In this regard, the Non-Aligned Movement views all attempts to undermine the terms of reference of the Middle East peace process as a serious obstacle to the realization of peace.”
2000-10-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4204 (2000) · source
“Furthermore, the Council called upon Israel to abide meticulously by its legal obligations and responsibilities under the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War - the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949 - which is applicable to all the territories occupied by Israel since 1967. It is thus with bitter regret that today we gather again in an emergency meeting to once again condemn acts of violence related to that holy place. Especially alarming is the use of live ammunition against civilians by the Israeli security forces. Last Thursday, Mr. Ariel Sharon, leader of the Likud Party, led a defiant and provocative visit to Al-Haram Al-Sharif in occupied East Jerusalem. This was done in total disregard of the advice of some in the Israeli Government and other international role players. Mr.”
2000-10-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4204 (2000) · source
“It is a great joy, Mr. President, to see you guide us in this meeting today. I regret that these are not happy circumstances in which we could have celebrated your presidency of the Council. I wish also to express our great respect for and joy at the stewardship of the Ambassador of Mali in the previous month. Unfortunately, this is not the first time that we have met on a similar issue. Ten years ago, on 12 October 1990, the Council expressed alarm at the violence which took place at Al-Haram Al-Sharif and other holy places in Jerusalem. At that time, the Security Council adopted resolution 672 (1990) condemning the acts of violence committed by the Israeli security forces, which had resulted in injuries and loss of human life.”
2000-10-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4204 (2000) · source
“Sierra Leone has confirmed the lessons from Bosnia and elsewhere that it is important to send our troops with an appropriate mandate that takes account of the actual conditions in the area of deployment. It is equally critical to equip United Nations troops with the appropriate resources to carry out their mandate. If all of these things are put in place, we will have a realistic chance of ensuring the long-term success of MONUC. The international community cannot afford to fail the Congolese people in their search for a lasting peace. Simultaneously, the international community cannot fail to recognize the responsibility of the Congolese people themselves to lay the foundations for their own much-needed peace.”
2000-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4143Resumption1 (2000) · source
“The parties to the conflict themselves frequently expressed to the visiting Security Council mission that the deployment of MONUC phase II is crucial to sustaining the ceasefire. In our View, a speedy deployment will also give hope to the people of the Congo who have been left at the mercy of their tormentors. South Africa agrees with the observation in the report that recent negative experiences encountered by the United Nations in Sierra Leone must not be allowed to derail our efforts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. While we cannot wish away the reality of the setbacks suffered in Sierra Leone, we can arm ourselves with valuable lessons learned.”
2000-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4143Resumption1 (2000) · source
“The bitter reality is that, in the end, the United Nations may not be able to mobilize the ideal size of peacekeeping force that a country as large as the Democratic Republic of the Congo may actually need. Therefore, my delegation believes that the contribution to peace coming out of the real political settlement to be reached through the inter-Congolese dialogue will be critical for creating stability in that country. South Africa has given assistance to Sir Ketumile Masire, the former President of Botswana, who is coordinating the inter-Congolese dialogue. We urge other countries to do the same, and we thank those that have already done so. It is now left to our collective will to muster the political and material resources for a speedy deployment of MONUC phase II, as mandated by Security Council resolution 1291 (2000).”
2000-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4143Resumption1 (2000) · source
“We are pleased that the Department of Peacekeeping Operations is now engaged with our Government in finding ways in which my country can make a useful contribution to MONUC. We must be realistic about what phase II of MONUC can accomplish. The primary tasks for MONUC will be to inject much-needed confidence into the peace process by monitoring the ceasefire and devising plans for a phase III deployment of United Nations peacekeepers. This planning must include a realistic framework and timetable for disarmament, demobilization, reintegration and resettlement. The search for long-term peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo cannot succeed as long as there are armed groups everywhere. However, sending troops to the Democratic Republic of the Congo can only be the first step towards achieving peace in that troubled land.”
2000-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4143Resumption1 (2000) · source
“Perhaps the most welcome news was the signing of the status-of-forces agreement between the United Nations and the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We hope this agreement opens the way for the United Nations to deploy peacekeepers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo without any hindrance. South Africa remains committed to conflict resolution in our region. Together with partners in the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC), our country was engaged in the behind-the-scenes negotiations to bring about peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which resulted in the Lusaka Peace Agreement. As the United Nations begins to prepare to send peacekeeping troops to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Africa has offered to join in supporting MONUC.”
2000-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4143Resumption1 (2000) · source
“Over the past few weeks, the media worldwide was reporting negative stories about the United Nations having sent an inadequate peacekeeping mission to Sierra Leone. One positive story about the situation in Africa was on the fact-finding visit by the Security Council to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and neighbouring countries in search of a solution that may help bring peace to the Great Lakes region. My delegation would like to commend the Security Council for having made this important visit, and we hope that this visit will bring about an understanding in the Council that will eventually lead to an early deployment of phase II of the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) in the country.”
2000-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4143Resumption1 (2000) · source
“In conclusion, my delegation looks forward to the convening of the informal meeting of the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations, to be held some time this year, as envisaged in the Committee's recent report. We believe that the Special Committee should focus on this issue, which falls within its mandate, as it is the only United Nations forum tasked with reviewing comprehensively the whole question of peacekeeping operations in all their aspects. We believe that the views expressed at this meeting will be helpful in defining our approach not only to DDR, but to other peacekeeping- related issues as well.”
2000-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4118 (2000) · source
“South Africa attaches great value to this report, which provides us with a definition of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration within a peacekeeping environment, as well as practical suggestions on how the United Nations machinery could strengthen this in pursuit of more effective United Nations peacekeeping and peace- building activities. We also believe that the proposal of the recently concluded session of the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations also offers practical suggestions on this issue. Its recommendation that the Secretariat should formalize lessons learned on DDR programmes that have made a valuable contribution to peace and regional stability should be pursued.”
2000-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4118 (2000) · source
“They can therefore become the victims of their former brothers and sisters in arms as they await integration while in encampment areas. Because of its wide scope, complexity and fragility, DDR also requires the support of the international community in order to succeed. In this regard, my delegation recommends that all efforts should be made to include other, non-United Nations institutions in the implementation of DDR programmes. This mammoth task can no longer be faced by the United Nations without the help of others. The report of the Secretary-General before us on the role of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration offers useful ground on which to begin our work on this complex subject.”
2000-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4118 (2000) · source
“It is of utmost importance that parties honour and adhere to the commitments they have made in reaching a peace agreement. Likewise, political leaders must genuinely commit themselves to reconciliation through practical confidence- building measures that demonstrate this commitment. In this regard, a commitment to guarantee the security of those former combatants who decide to lay down their weapons must be made an integral part of DDR programmes, including the special needs of children, and in particular child soldiers, as well as of women and the elderly. The difficult decision that these former combatants make and the vulnerable situation that they place themselves in should always be borne in mind. Their former comrades who do not make the courageous decision to lay down their arms often see them as traitors.”
2000-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4118 (2000) · source
“Rather, our efforts should focus on ensuring that there are clearly defined mandates with adequate resources where DDR programmes are to be undertaken in United Nations peacekeeping operations. It would be inappropriate to place squarely on the United Nations the responsibility for ensuring the success of DDR programmes. It is for this reason that South Africa strongly believes that, for the sake of their political legitimacy and in order to facilitate their timely implementation, DDR programmes should be strongly anchored in peace agreements that end conflicts. My delegation joins the call that parties concerned in fostering post-conflict stability should demonstrate the necessary political will by committing themselves to peace.”
2000-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4118 (2000) · source
“The lack of timely and decisive DDR programmes in United Nations peacekeeping operations is bound to have a negative impact on the United Nations ability to really end the recurrence of conflict. We have seen throughout the world that such delays and lack of resolute action on DDR perpetuates polarization, making timely conflict prevention, management and resolution more difficult. Thirdly, DDR provides an important bridge in the transition from the cessation of hostilities to sustainable peace by incorporating political, security, economic and social objectives. This demonstrates the need to desist from theorizing on what United Nations peacekeeping should be when our people, in the words of the Secretary-General, "need a real and sustained commitment to help end their cycles of violence, and launch them on a safe passage to prosperity".”
2000-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4118 (2000) · source
“In this regard, South Africa believes that it no longer serves any good purpose to insist on an approach to peacekeeping that does not, where appropriate, include DDR. This would render peacekeeping moribund in relation to the actual challenges on the ground. Secondly, DDR is proving every day to be an important and necessary process in stabilizing post-conflict situations and in preventing the recurrence of conflict at both the intra-State and regional levels; hence, it is an important tool in the maintenance of international peace and security. It is therefore more imperative now than ever before to consider the early integration of DDR into United Nations peacekeeping mandates, where applicable.”
2000-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4118 (2000) · source
“I would like to thank you, Mr. President for holding this meeting today. We who hail from a conflict-ridden continent and who have seen the colossal human tragedies of conflict fully appreciate the convening of this meeting on disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, commonly known as DDR. For us, this is an important issue that deserves this body's undivided attention for a number of reasons. First, the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of former combatants in the aftermath of conflict is increasingly placing more demands and challenges on peacekeeping operations, making it more imperative that we redefine the role and scope of contemporary United Nations peacekeeping operations.”
2000-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4118 (2000) · source
“We are aware that some of our citizens have been involved in efforts aimed at undermining the United Nations sanctions. We shall take firm action against those involved. South Africa will continue to advocate a political solution to the conflict in Angola, as we remain convinced that there can be no lasting military solution. We once again urge UNITA to abandon war and embrace peace.”
2000-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4113Resumption1 (2000) · source
“Let me begin by thanking you, Mr. President, very much for hosting this meeting today. We believe that this is an important meeting, and we are pleased that you are able to invite us to participate in it. The South African Government welcomes the report of the Panel on violations of Security Council sanctions against UNITA. In the coming weeks, my Government will be studying this report with great care, and we look forward to the following meetings at which the sanctions Committee will discuss this same subject. At the same time, we look forward to receiving more evidence on the allegations that are contained in the report. We support all the United Nations sanctions against UNITA and shall continue to work closely with the United Nations for the success of these measures in order to secure a peaceful solution to the conflict in Angola.”
2000-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4113Resumption1 (2000) · source
“By focusing attention on humanitarian crises which have resulted from conflict situations, the Council can inspire the international community to provide much-needed resources where they are lacking. Ultimately, the Security Council should, in our view, promote a safer working environment for humanitarian personnel and, where appropriate, provide support for humanitarian activities.”
2000-03-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4109Resumption1 (2000) · source
“The first would be to undertake more concerted efforts to obtain commitments on unhindered access to civilian populations in conflict situations. The second would be to establish a system of monitoring such access, as well as criminal activities directed at humanitarian personnel. We propose that the Council invite the relevant United Nations bodies to report on a quarterly basis, in an open meeting, on humanitarian issues. Lastly, the Council could develop stricter measures and credible mechanisms to enforce penalties on parties who persistently, and with impunity, commit crimes against humanitarian personnel. South Africa believes that the Council can also play a positive role in calling on the international community to provide resources for humanitarian activities.”
2000-03-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4109Resumption1 (2000) · source