YouSaid · the spoken record

Ladsous

lines on the record: 1,177
first: 1992-11-19
most recent: 2017-03-16
sittings or episodes: 118
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

“The country team also supports women's organizations with funding, information-sharing and capacity-building activities. For instance, women's groups convened by DPKO and UN-Women at the Open Day in Timor-Leste in 2011 called upon country team members to help sustain the participation of women in community-level mediation and peacebuilding activities. As a result, the United Nations Development Programme and the Ministry of Social Solidarity implemented a project that helped establish a Department of Peacebuilding and Social Cohesion within the Ministry of Solidarity. That department specifically includes women at the community level in local conflict resolution and peacebuilding efforts.”
2012-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6877 (2012) · source
“That was the most massively organized non-violent protest in the country following the fall of that city. The women protesters were received by MONUSCO's senior management. However, women have not been given any political leverage in the regional negotiations aimed at bringing peace to the embattled eastern part of the country pursuant to the provisions of resolution 1325 (2000) that demand that women be a core part of all peacebuilding processes and related agreements. Additionally, when supporting women's organizations, we must mobilize all members of the country team to serve as consultative partners for civil society. That gives women's groups confidence to act with the assurance that they may turn to the United Nations family if they perceive a threat.”
2012-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6877 (2012) · source
“(spoke in English) Through outreach to Governments, Special Representatives of the Secretary-General can help provide a link between State-led mechanisms and women's groups to ensure that women's priorities are on the agenda. We need more initiatives like that of Darfur, where the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur has been able to support the establishment of the Darfur Regional Women's Legislative Caucus, State committees on resolution 1325 (2000) and a high-level State committee on combating violence against women. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, approximately 5,000 women of all political tendencies, including from civil society, flooded Kinshasa's main commercial avenue a week ago to protest the fall of Goma to rebels from the Mouvement du 23 mars.”
2012-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6877 (2012) · source
“It also trained 767 police officers, more than a third of whom were women, in the prevention of gender-based violence and in the search for appropriate solutions. MONUSCO also provided training on the gender-based analysis of conflict for members of the Commission on the Resolution and Prevention of Conflicts in Goma. That training made it possible to develop the capacity of the Commission to respond to the serious problems stemming from movements of women and girls in conflict areas, in collaboration with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.”
2012-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6877 (2012) · source
“We must also strengthen networks for support to those who have survived gender-based violence so that they can once again take an active part in public life. Finally, we need to work together to a greater extent with UN-Women and our partners in country teams to help States to develop national action plans for implementing resolutions on women and peace and security. We are moving forward in the right direction and I belive that we have made significant progress. For example, in 2011, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) trained 380 members of the armed forces, 280 of whom were women.”
2012-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6877 (2012) · source
“While it could be an encouraging sign of greater participation of women in political life, representatives of women's organizations in Haiti appealed to the President of the Republic to find solutions to the problem of appointing members of the Cabinet and Permanent Electoral Council. We need to do more to help States develop constitutional reforms that include a gender-specific perspective and take into account issues related to gender-based violence. We must also support the security sector and institutions for the rule of law, both for professionals and for those who will be held accountable. That can lead to the training of specialized police force members and greater capacities for judges and prosecutors in order to ensure a higher profile for prosecutions in cases of sexual violence.”
2012-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6877 (2012) · source
“Two women who were involved in the community dialogue forum were nominated to the state legislative assembly. (spoke in French) In situations where, strictly speaking, there is no armed conflict, it is even more appropriate for women's organizations and civil society to play a part in preventing and settling political and social tensions. At present in Haiti, women account for fewer than 4 per cent of members elected to the national Parliament, and it must be acknowledged that most have been excluded from the reconstruction process. By comparison, in September this year women accounted for 19.5 per cent of parliamentarians in the Caribbean and for 20.5 per cent worldwide. It is true that the Haitian Constitution has been amended to include a 30 per cent quota for women, but that special measure has yet to be implemented.”
2012-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6877 (2012) · source
“Regarding political participation, I have seen our missions work with women's organizations to bring women into State political institutions, to strengthen advocacy efforts, and to form strong, effective networks for peacebuilding, conflict resolution and leadership skills development. We have seen, for example, that women can successfully resolve conflicts relating to land ownership, water and cattle raiding by establishing dialogues with other women's groups from across border lines. In South Sudan, the women's community dialogue forum in the state of Central Equatoria has held meetings with community's leaders to discuss the issues affecting women and children who had been displaced after the conflicts between the Mundari and Bari communities.”
2012-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6877 (2012) · source
“This year, peacekeeping missions have supported important progress in some areas, notably women's political participation at the local and national levels. Experience also showed that in other areas - including the protection of women activists - more could be achieved. Women continue, unfortunately, to be largely absent from or to play merely symbolic roles in formal peace processes. Social and cultural norms certainly pose serious challenges to the full and meaningful participation of women in peace processes. In addition, women are frequently exposed to gender-based violence and have limited access to decision-making.”
2012-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6877 (2012) · source
“I will further illustrate how our missions support the role of women in building peace and women's civil society organizations in protecting women's rights. And lastly, I hope to chart a path forward for overcoming the political obstacles and security threats that impede women's groups from more effective engagement in conflict prevention and peace consolidation. I am grateful to the Security Council for welcoming the contribution of gender advisers and women protection advisers to the implementation of resolutions on women and peace and security. I wish to express my commitment to ensuring that gains made in the protection and promotion of women's and girls' rights and empowerment remain sustained, including during United Nations mission drawdowns and transitions.”
2012-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6877 (2012) · source
“Mr. Ladsous: I would join the Deputy Secretary- General and Michele Bachelet in thanking the presidency of the Council for having invited me to discuss the critical issue of women and peace and security. Last month, in its presidential statement S/PRST/2012/23, the Security Council underlined the importance of enhancing the participation of women in the prevention and resolution of conflict and in peacebuilding within the framework of the women and peace and security agenda. Today, I would like to affirm, from the extensive field experience of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and the Department of Field Support, that women indeed can and must play a leading role in political participation, conflict resolution and the transition from conflict to peace.”
2012-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6877 (2012) · source
“An assessment was carried out in September to determine the requirements for riverine capacity for the Mission. Its conclusions are now being implemented so as to further enhance the mobility of both the civilian and military components of the Mission. I wish to conclude by thanking the members of the Council for their continued engagement on South Sudan and their sustained support for UNMISS, and by expressing our appreciation to the leadership and personnel of the Mission.”
2012-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6874 (2012) · source
“Although we had originally planned for a total of 28 country support bases for the first and second years, we have had to recalibrate that figure to 20, and of those the Mission currently has six fully operational bases and a temporary presence in seven others. Seven more country support base locations in Mayon and a number of other places have been prioritized for 2012-2013. However, the unintended delay in the operationalization of those country support bases has meant that the time frame for the construction of all 35 bases has had to be extended to 2015. At this time, the Mission's military force is finally fully deployed, while police deployments are at 80 per cent of authorized capacity. As I said, we look forward to receiving utility helicopters from Rwanda.”
2012-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6874 (2012) · source
“With regard to progress in consolidating UNMISS and building the Mission's own capacity, I am pleased to confirm that Rwanda has agreed to deploy three Mi-l7 helicopters to UNMISS and to consider the deployment of another three helicopters, and that the Republic of Korea has agreed to deploy an engineering unit early next year. That unit will be stationed in Jonglei state to cover the areas of greatest need for both UNMISS and South Sudan. I regret to report, however, that progress towards the full decentralization of the Mission has been impeded by a number of factors, including the limited engineering capacity in the first and second years of the Mission and the wet season, which brings construction work in the counties to a standstill for almost half the year.”
2012-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6874 (2012) · source
“In order to respond to the impact of the revenue shortfall following the oil shutdown earlier this year, the Government conducted a prioritization of crucial governance functions called the core functions under austerity initiative. The United Nations has provided support to that process, in particular in the areas of social and human development, the rule of law and overall coordination. The initiative is now guiding Government planning and budgeting for the 2013-2014 period. The Government, the United Nations country team and other partners are currently in the process of realigning their programmes with the priorities outlined in the Government's peacebuilding and State-building initiatives. It is expected that a new compact will be developed early next year to shape South Sudan's development agenda.”
2012-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6874 (2012) · source
“However, in that area progress will require key complementary legal and administrative reforms as well as significant resources, which so far have been lacking. The construction of police stations and other essential police infrastructure in the counties, and the provision of the necessary police equipment - communications equipment and vehicles in particular - are key impediments to that process. The assumption of law enforcement functions by the South Sudan National Police Service throughout South Sudan is one of the most critical objectives for long-term peace and stability in the country and will require sustained attention and investment if it is to be successful.”
2012-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6874 (2012) · source
“We were therefore alarmed by the decision of the Government, on 23 October, to expel one of the Mission's senior human rights officers, an act which has no justification and was in clear violation of both the United Nations Charter and the status-of- forces agreement signed by the United Nations and the Government of South Sudan. Despite the Mission's interventions with Government authorities at the highest levels, the order has yet to be rescinded. I therefore urge the Government to rescind its decision to expel the UNMISS staff member and call upon members of the Council to do the same. Another promising area where progress could be achieved in our efforts to support capacity- building for key South Sudanese institutions is the development of the Police Service, including through the registration and training of police.”
2012-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6874 (2012) · source
“The Ministry of Justice's forum of relevant Government authorities aims to develop measures to mitigate the incidence of arbitrary arrests and illegal detentions and to increase access to justice. However, there is growing concern over politically motivated incidents ranging from threats to abductions that have targeted journalists, civil society activists and political opponents. In the effort to combat impunity, greater emphasis has to be placed on strengthening civilian and military justice systems and holding to account those responsible for grave violations, including rape and torture. Human rights remain a core element of the mandate ofUNMISS.”
2012-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6874 (2012) · source
“Subsequently, a second meeting took place on 20 November, at which a road map was agreed upon for a total review of the DDR programme proposal by all relevant ministries. The Council therefore needs to take a decision on the starting date of the pilot project, which is related to the availability of Government and international funding. The Government has also announced that it is moving forward with the development of a national human rights agenda, which the Mission hopes will take into account a number of outstanding concerns, including the recently resumed execution of prisoners on death row, some of whom were sentenced with no or inadequate legal representation, and continuing incidents of prolonged arbitrary detention.”
2012-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6874 (2012) · source
“A decision on extending the one-year mandate of the Commission, which lost a total of at least six months in its first year of activity, has yet to be taken. Yet that process remains one of the key pillars on which long-term stability of the country would rest. We continue to urge the Government to ensure that the process is transparent, inclusive, consultative and not completed in haste. On an encouraging note, the President decreed the establishment of the National Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration Council, which is chaired by Vice-President Riek Machar. The Council held its first meeting on 14 November to review preparations for launching the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) pilot programme.”
2012-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6874 (2012) · source
“Concurrently, sporadic cattle raids and intercommunal conflict continued in the Unity, Lakes and Warrap tri-state area, despite the efforts of the SPLA and the South Sudan National Police Service. According to local authorities, clashes on 5 and 7 November in a cattle camp in Lakes state between two Dinka sub-clans resulted in no less than 28 dead and 37 seriously injured. A number of large-scale cattle raids were also reported in northern Jonglei state. With regard to the establishment of national institutions, progress on the constitutional review process has been slow. The substantive work on the transitional constitution has yet to begin, as has civic education and State-wide consultations by the National Constitutional Review Commission.”
2012-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6874 (2012) · source
“A comprehensive and inclusive political process led by the Government that addresses the core grievance of the disgruntled constituencies remains an urgent need. In the light of the foregoing, the recent activities of militias led by David Yau Yau are a cause for serious concern. Information on the ground points to high risks of an escalation of violence as the dry season has arrived. David Yau Yau's militia clashed regularly with SPLA troops throughout the reporting period and has threatened United Nations peacekeepers in the state. There have also been reports of his militia actively recruiting among the Murle youth. UNMISS has reinforced its presence in the State and remains, of course, in constant touch with the Government to counter the rebel militia group's activities and prevent abuses against civilians.”
2012-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6874 (2012) · source
“The abuses committed by the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) have been systematically reported to the Government with the aim of bringing the perpetrators to justice. The Government also took the encouraging decision to redeploy Murle SPLA officers in order to dispel doubts within that community as to a potential ethnic polarization of the army. (spoke in English) On the political side, following the All Jonglei Peace Conference of May 2012, progress towards intercommunal reconciliation and peacebuilding has been slow. Outreach to community leaders to prevent the recruitment of their youths by rebel militia groups has met with little success. The abundant availability of weapons and weakened traditional community structures have resulted in community leaders confessing openly to having little control over their respective youths.”
2012-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6874 (2012) · source
“Nonetheless, Jonglei state remains the epicentre of ongoing security challenges, while the tri-state area of Unity, Warrap and Lakes states are also dealing with a resurgence of instability. Following violence late last year in Jonglei state, the Government adopted a threefold strategy. It is focused on disarming the population, launching the reconciliation process and targeting discontent communities to prevent the potential recruitment of young people by militias. Through its commitment, the United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS) has been able to convince the Government to launch a preliminary voluntary disarmament campaign focused on actively raising awareness among communities. Between March and June, more coercive action followed this first stage, with what we must admit are uneven results.”
2012-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6874 (2012) · source
“Like many other countries in post-conflict situations, South Sudan has to cope with very significant internal challenges. The lasting stability of the country will depend on the effectiveness of strategies used to resolve them. The leaders of South Sudan must lay the foundations of a democratic and participatory society in which the management of public matters is rooted in respect for the law and all citizens believe that their Government is committed to protecting them and to providing everyone with the dividends of peace, such as services and basic infrastructure. On the whole, the security situation in South Sudan has remained stable over the past four months.”
2012-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6874 (2012) · source
“The oil provided to the Sudan as compensation for the secession and the agreement on the demilitarization of the so-called l4-mile area, at the border between Bahr el Ghazal on the west and South Darfur, have been perceived as a dangerous compromise and caused significant internal opposition, which is aggravated by the absence of concessions from the Sudanese Government. I would refer in particular to the definitive status of the Abyei region. The governor of Northern Bahr el Ghazal, Mr. Paul Malong Awan, who, to date, had adopted a robust stance on this issue, nonetheless recently announced that he would not oppose the seasonal migration of Sudanese Arab tribes to the south. Nevertheless, inter-community tensions remain high in border regions, and they have been exacerbated by their militarization and recurrent incidents.”
2012-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6874 (2012) · source
“While tensions between the Sudan and South Sudan have undeniably eased with the signing of the cooperation agreements of 27 September, the sluggish implementation of those agreements could have a negative impact on the economic stability of South Sudan, in particular if there are delays in restarting oil exports. The Council knows how dependent that country is on oil revenues, and it is clear that any additional delay would not only continue to have a negative impact on the Government's development programmes, but could also cause new tensions between its various entities and within the security services. Furthermore, that fragility has been somewhat exacerbated by a degree of discontent in the country with regard to how the discussions with the Sudan have been developing.”
2012-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6874 (2012) · source
“I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for this opportunity to present the latest report of the Secretary-General on South Sudan (8/2012/820). As the Council knows, the report, published 8 November, covers the period from June to 23 October and looks at all the major developments during that period and some other important points. During the reporting period, the South Sudanese Government focused mainly on resolving pending problems that pit it against the Sudan. The absence of progress in resolving the security, economic and political differences between the two countries continues to have direct consequences for security and stability within South Sudan and on efforts to promote peacebuilding and State-building and to meet the crucial needs of citizens.”
2012-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6874 (2012) · source
“A second priority is the update of the DPKO policy on child protection. We are working jointly with the Office of the Special Representative and with the Department of Political Affairs to reflect the most recent developments in the child protection agenda, and the broader protection agenda since 2009, and to strengthen our collective efforts in this regard. In conclusion, I would like to reiterate our firm commitment to the protection of children in conflict. Under the leadership of the Special Representative, in partnership with UNICEF, we are deeply committed to ensuring the full implementation of Security Council resolutions. Jointly, we believe that indeed we can deliver tangible and lasting peace for vulnerable children whose lives are so often disrupted by conflict.”
2012-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6838 (2012) · source
“Although we have made significant progress in providing protection for children, the report of the Secretary-General (S/20l2/26l) illustrates that more needs to be done. One of our priorities moving forward is to ensure that we maximize our resources to improve our interventions. We believe that training is an important tool to achieve this. Indeed, in different missions, training on child protection for all military, police and civilians is a top priority. This year alone, over 9,000 peacekeepers received awareness training on child protection in our peacekeeping missions. With the generous support of several Member States, the Department of Peacekeeping Operations is leading the updating of training materials for peacekeepers. Those training tools will be ready in 2013.”
2012-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6838 (2012) · source
“An excellent example of this partnership was the recent renewal of the action plan to end the recruitment and use of child soldiers signed by the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) with UNICEF, the United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict in March 2012. As a result, the SPLA has screened out 429 children at recruitment sites and ordered its military units to vacate all occupied schools immediately. Today, 11 out of 16 schools have indeed been vacated, and efforts are under way to vacate the remaining five. These achievements are a testament to how concerted action at all levels can result in better protection for children in conflict zones.”
2012-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6838 (2012) · source
“An important area where the mission harnesses its broad capacities, including the military, police and civilian components, is in the implementation of the monitoring and reporting mechanism. These diverse components refer cases and provide critical information on grave violations to United Nations country task forces, which enables the mission leadership and child protection actors to respond appropriately and support the important work of the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict, which you chair, Mr. President. All of those efforts can have a real and sustainable impact when we work closely with national authorities.”
2012-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6838 (2012) · source
“In the past four months alone, at least 38 children have escaped from the March 23 Movement in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, as Ms. Zerrougui mentioned, and sought refuge and protection with peacekeepers. These children were handed over to UNICEF and partners for reintegration support. Thirdly, our child protection advisers are working closely with all civilian components, such as those dealing with human rights, disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, rule of law, justice, protection of civilians coordinators, women protection advisers, gender and security sector reform to promote synergies and a child-sensitive approach to their work.”
2012-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6838 (2012) · source
“has thus become the seventh armed movement in Darfur to have taken such a significant step since 2010. Secondly, our military peacekeepers actually play an important role in protecting children from violations. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where I myself was last week, the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) military units and observers deployed in remote areas have contributed to the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of children by providing information, security and critical logistical support for their release. Since the beginning of this year, for instance, MONUSCO has documented the release of no less than 1,038 children through the assistance of peacekeepers.”
2012-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6838 (2012) · source
“The deployment of child protection advisers to our peacekeeping operations, with the support of the Security Council, has enabled us to harness all of our capacities and to leverage our political, security and civilian assets to better protect children. First, at the political level, child protection advisers support heads of missions in integrating the United Nations child protection concerns at all stages of the peace process, including negotiations with Governments, armed groups or parties to conflict. Take the example of the Sudan, where, following broad political consultations held between the Mission and the Justice and Equality Movement (J EM) earlier this year, JEM. issued a command order last week prohibiting the recruitment and use of child soldiers. J EM.”
2012-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6838 (2012) · source
“This unique partnership has enabled us to lean on the comparative strength of each actor in order to provide comprehensive and real protection for children on the ground, as this is, after all, about them. (spoke in English) As a key part of this unique partnership, our multidimensional peacekeeping operations are of course uniquely placed to contribute to the actual protection of children affected by conflict. They provide a common platform that combines political, justice, human rights, gender, child protection and other civilian expertise with military, police and corrections experts and myriad logistical and operational capabilities.”
2012-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6838 (2012) · source
“I would like to begin by thanking the Government of Germany for inviting us to participate in this open debate. Speaking to you personally, Mr. President, I would like to congratulate you on your leadership and achievements as the Chair of the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict. I would also like to congratulate Ms. Zerrougui on her appointment as the new Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict. The Department of Peacekeeping Operations is firmly committed to supporting her work as the independent and moral advocate for children affected by armed conflict. Throughout the years, the Office of the Special Representative has provided excellent leadership and established strategic partnerships with the Department of Peacekeeping Operations, UNICEF and the broader United Nations system.”
2012-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6838 (2012) · source
“(spoke in French) Informal discussions on the post-2014 international framework, including the role of the United Nations in Afghanistan, must take into consideration those budgetary and programmatic constraints, along with needs of the transition and the situation on the ground. Such discussions must also be defined by an appropriate consultative process, first and foremost with the Afghan Government, so that the Council can make an informed decision.”
2012-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6793 (2012) · source
“As noted in the report of the Secretary-General, a strategic decision has been made to reshape the footprint of UNAMA in the provinces, in line with recommendations from the comprehensive review undertaken last year at the request of the Security Council, with changes related to transition and with the latest Security Council mandate. That decision will certainly help to reduce costs. Ifthe Mission is to address the significant reduction of its budget, UNAMA will also need to review all aspects of its substantive and support structures and to prioritize its programming activities. Such an exercise would necessarily have an impact on the delivery of the mandate, the extent of which is yet to be determined and will soon be reported to the United Nations budgetary bodies and to the Council.”
2012-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6793 (2012) · source
“Circumstances around the world - financial crises in major economies and competing demands for international attention - have combined to impact United Nations peace operations and have led to shrinking budgets. That will also affect UNAMA. Expectations that the Mission will be able to do more as the transition proceeds would not be realistic in the face of this greater fiscal austerity. UNAMA and other special political missions must meet targets set by the General Assembly over two-year cycles. Of course, it is ultimately for United Nations budgetary bodies to determine budgets and resource requirements, but the budget we will put forward for UNAMA for 2013 will reflect the overall need for cuts that have been requested by Member States.”
2012-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6793 (2012) · source
“As our report clearly shows, humanitarian issues continue to be a cause for concern. The spring floods this year have been particularly severe, following the very harsh 2011-2012 winter, and, of course, continuing conflict exacerbates already serious displacement issues. On her recent visit, the Emergency Relief Coordinator highlighted the extensive humanitarian needs, the uncertainties of the future and - I must say - the lagging support for this year's consolidated appeal. While we must aim over the longer term to link humanitarian assistance with development initiatives, we cannot neglect the urgent immediate needs right now on the ground. Finally, allow me to turn to developments that more directly affect the future of the UNAMA Mission itself.”
2012-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6793 (2012) · source
“We also welcome the constructive consultation process on the electoral law, which the Independent Election Commission recently completed, as well as the decision to begin work on the voter registry, both of which are encouraging signs of an essential ingredient for a sound process - that is to say, inclusiveness. In addition to the ongoing United Nations Development Programme's second phase of its Enhancing Legal and Electoral Capacity for Tomorrow project, which is providing electoral technical support, Special Representative Kubis has been consulting with the Government and relevant institutions to determine how best the United Nations can assist the electoral process. There are still two years to go before elections, and it is critical that such Government decisions proceed apace.”
2012-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6793 (2012) · source
“The United Nations continues to stand ready to support the Council's efforts and looks forward to seeing an Afghan-led peace and reconciliation process gain momentum. The upcoming 2014 elections will be a watershed moment, with significant impact on the consolidation of the progress made to date and on long-term stability. They should be held in full accord with the Constitution, to ensure a smooth political transition and to demonstrate Afghanistan's growing self-reliance and sovereignty. We welcome President Karzai's statement in Chicago in May that elections must be marked by integrity and must be free from internal or external interventions. By the way, we are already seeing a rise in political activity and debate ahead of the 2014 polls.”
2012-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6793 (2012) · source
“We must keep in mind our overall objective, namely, to see a stable, self-reliant Afghanistan with effective institutions delivering essential services, justice and opportunities to its people. We will reach that goal only if we continue to invest in Afghanistan's maturing institutions and in the priorities Afghans themselves set. I welcome Afghan leadership on the processes that most affect the country and its people, starting with the prioritization of development objectives and the Heart of Asia process, which I mentioned earlier, but also including reconciliation initiatives and the preparation of upcoming elections. The appointment of Salahuddin Rabbani to lead the High Peace Council signals the continued engagement, commitment and continuity on the part of the Afghan Government.”
2012-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6793 (2012) · source
“To that end, I welcome the ongoing development of a framework and a mechanism that will track progress on such commitments and hold both the Afghan Government and donors accountable for their implementation. The mutual accountability mechanism, which should report through the Joint Coordination and Monitoring Board, is expected to be agreed upon in Tokyo and will provide a solid foundation upon which to build long-term development support. However, we must ensure that expectations surrounding what Afghanistan can do over a short time frame - given capacity and resource limitations and given the fragility of its nascent institutions - are realistic and do not prove self-defeating.”
2012-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6793 (2012) · source
“Security alone, however, will not bring lasting stability and peace to Afghanistan. Just as we have seen progress in defining long-term support to the security side, it is equally important to see the same level of commitment to the social-economic development sector. We therefore very much look forward to the upcoming Tokyo conference as an important step in that direction. The Secretary-General will head the United Nations delegation, which will include the UNAMA Special Representative and myself. We have noted concerns from all sides that the fine words and commitments expressed during the many conferences on Afghanistan over the past decade be lived up to.”
2012-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6793 (2012) · source
“On that note, I wish to make special mention of the 12 June decision by the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), following the tragic civilian deaths resulting from an air strike in Logar province six days earlier, to increase restrictions on the use of aerial munitions against civilian dwellings. Although, as I have said, the number of incidents attributed to pro-Government forces continues to decline, and is a small portion of the total - and those forces, notably ISAF, continue to vigorously adopt measures to reduce civilian casualties - UNAMA has repeatedly expressed concern that aerial operations have resulted in more civilian deaths and injuries than any other tactic used by pro-Government forces. Therefore, let me again say that that decision by ISAF is a very welcome development.”
2012-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6793 (2012) · source
“However, unfortunately, it was also marked by large-scale incidents and an increase in the use of tactics targeting civilians, particularly the indiscriminate use of improvised explosive devices and the targeted killing of civilians by anti-Government elements. Let us not forget that it is those forces that are responsible for up to 80 per cent of civilian casualties. As Special Representative Kubis highlighted in March, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has documented that 2011 marked the fifth consecutive year of increasing civilian casualties, albeit with fewer incidents. That is simply not acceptable. We must therefore continue to urge all parties to the conflict to increase their efforts to protect civilians and call for individuals responsible to be held accountable.”
2012-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6793 (2012) · source
“As the Afghan National Security Forces gradually assume responsibility for the security of the country, we shall continue to advocate for the strengthening of their oversight and accountability mechanisms, particularly within police and local police structures. I wish to emphasize again that all parties - in particular Afghan security forces, given their increased responsibilities - must continue to prioritize the protection of civilians. As the Secretary-General's report (S/2012/462) on Afghanistan notes, the past three months saw a dramatic decline in the number of security incidents over 2011.”
2012-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6793 (2012) · source
“(spoke in English) The meeting on Afghanistan that took place on 21 May as part of the NATO Summit in Chicago went a long way towards defining the shape of, and the long-term support to, the Afghan National Security Forces. We saw important guarantees, both financial and technical, as well as a reconfirmation of NATO commitments to previously agreed timelines for transition. Providing that level of clarity and commitment on continued support to the security sector helps to dampen growing anxiety, both within Afghanistan as well as among its international partners, as to the post-2014 situation. It also reinforces the message from the international community that transition will not translate into an abandonment of Afghanistan.”
2012-06-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6793 (2012) · source