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

“With only two weeks until the first round of elections, it is very important to further contain such attempts by spoilers. The entire international community must therefore remain united in its uncompromising message in rejection of any attempt to derail the political process from any quarter and to demonstrate that there will be consequences for those who seek to do so. Looking ahead, we must be mindful that, as important as the elections are, they are not an end in themselves. More than ever, we must try to address the root causes of the crisis, for which we will need a new Government that works in a spirit of unity, inclusivity and reconciliation.”
2015-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7578 (2015) · source
“Three days ago, on 12 December, the central prison in Ngaragba, Bangui, was reopened thanks to the joint support of MINUSCA and the European Union. Council members will recall that the reopening was made necessary by the mass escapes that took place during the crisis oflate September, which, I recall, were abetted by uniformed Central African troops. More broadly, I think we must remain committed to finding solutions with regard to national capacities to manage security and prison facilities, which also touches on the security of MINUSCA prison staff. In conclusion, the efforts we have seen on the part of some to undermine yesterday's constitutional referendum demonstrate that there are actors who remain determined to derail the political process in the country.”
2015-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7578 (2015) · source
“Addressing the integration ofmembers of armed groups into the security and defence forces will, however, be essential to making sustainable progress in DDR and security sector reform, although, as recent events have demonstrated, that will not be enough. We must therefore be firm and fight impunity for perpetrators of serious violations of human rights and humanitarian law. I urge the authorities of the Central African Republic, with the support of MINUSCA, to continue to prosecute the instigators and perpetrators of serious crimes and to protect victims and witnesses. The international community must also support the Central African authorities in the establishment of the special criminal court.”
2015-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7578 (2015) · source
“I am encouraged by the efforts being made to support the stabilization of the security situation and open a space for dialogue, especially before the elections. The successful launch of the precantonment disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) process, which allowed the cantonment of approximately 1,700 combatants without obligation to disarm, should be considered a first step towards the genuine DDR that we will strive to achieve with the new Government that emerges from the elections. The recent organization of a round table on security helped to spur the development of a national vision for security sector reform.”
2015-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7578 (2015) · source
“Although the security situation naturally remains fragile and pockets of insecurity persist throughout the country - including in Bangui and, most importantly, along the main road to the border with Cameroon - MINUSCA, with the support of Operation Sangaris, continues to adopt as robust a posture as possible to protect civilians and create a safe environment for the holding of free and fair elections. The Mission has redeployed some of its forces in areas identified as potential hot spots, and efforts have been made to strengthen the Mission by accelerating ongoing deployments and in redeploying, on a temporary basis, the Senegalese rapid reaction contingent from the United Nations Operation in Cote d'Ivoire in the framework of inter-mission cooperation. I thank the Security Council for having approved that redeployment.”
2015-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7578 (2015) · source
“The timely visit of His Holiness Pope Francis to Bangui on 29 and 30 November brought new hope to the Central Africans and undoubtedly helped to reduce intercommunal tensions. The remarkable image of His Holiness' visit to a mosque in the PK5 neighbourhood of Bangui demonstrated once again that religion is not at the heart of the difficulties facing the Central African Republic. We must continue to promote the dialogue between all communities by every means available and support the Central Africans in further advancing the reconciliation process at all levels.”
2015-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7578 (2015) · source
“In that regard, I welcome the communique issued by the Economic Community of Central African States on 25 November endorsing a final technical extension to allow for the completion of the transition, in line with the revised electoral calendar. I also thank all donors that have supported the electoral process, and welcome in particular the recent pledges by Gabon and Equatorial Guinea to close the remaining funding gap for the elections. Pledges are one thing, however, and honouring them is another. I would strongly encourage all countries that have not transferred their funds to disburse them now without delay, because the process is under way and expenses must be covered immediately.”
2015-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7578 (2015) · source
“Further to yesterday's launch of the electoral campaign, I appeal to all candidates to campaign peacefully. I note the decision of the Constitutional Court approving the final list of 30 presidential candidates, including one woman, whereas 14 candidates were deemed ineligible. I call on the supporters of those applicants not approved by the Constitutional Court to respect the decision and to avoid doing anything that could complicate or jeopardize the electoral process. The continued support of the countries of the subregion, the wider international community and the Council is absolutely essential at this moment.”
2015-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7578 (2015) · source
“The situation for refugees is more complicated. Despite considerable efforts, only one-third of potential voters among refugees were able to register to vote. We must not allow the actions of a few to disrupt the hopes and aspirations of the many for a successful electoral process that will return their country to constitutional order. We must ensure that Central Africans - whether inside or outside the country - can cast a vote to elect their future Government, free from intimidation. MINUSCA and the wider United Nations system will continue to lend their full technical, logistical and security support to enable the Transitional Authority to achieve these objectives. I welcome the signing of the electoral code of conduct by the presidential candidates on 9 December.”
2015-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7578 (2015) · source
“In Bangui and in Bria in particular, the proactive and preventive measures taken by MINUSCA allowed the voting to proceed in most polling centres despite localized security incidents. In the towns of Birao, Bossangoa, Ndele and Kaga Bandoro, spoilers resorted to violence and intimidation of voters and electoral staff, thereby preventing the holding of the referendum despite MINUSCA attempts to thwart them. A total of three peacekeepers were injured in incidents in Bangui and Bria. That is why, as I said, the voting period has been extended today in certain locations where the voting was unable to proceed appropriately. It must be noted that the unprecedented registration of nearly 2 million voters, representing 95 per cent of the estimated electorate, demonstrates the people's strong desire for change.”
2015-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7578 (2015) · source
“As Council members know, the first round of the presidential and legislative elections is scheduled to take place in two weeks on 27 December. In that regard, the constitutional referendum is perhaps a dry run for the first set of national elections. Yesterday, the constitutional referendum was held successfully throughout most of the country, including in a number of hotspots, such as Bambari. Some 60 per cent of eligible voters were able to vote yesterday, and I remind the Council that the elections continue today in certain localities in order to complete the process. Clearly and unfortunately, efforts were made by certain anti-Balaka elements and members of the ex-Sele'ka Front populaire pour la renaissance de la centrafrique led by Nourredine Adam to disrupt the consultations in certain parts of Bangui and in the regions.”
2015-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7578 (2015) · source
“I thank you, Sir, for this opportunity to share the report of the Secretary- General on the situation in the Central African Republic (S/20lS/918) and the update on the implementation of the mandate of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA). Despite the many challenges and repeated attempts by spoilers to derail the process - in particular during the outbreaks of violence in late September and October - I believe that we are nonetheless in a position to say that the Central African Republic is moving ahead with the transition, in line with the revised electoral calendar. Yesterday, as we are all aware, the constitutional referendum was held, ushering in the final and most sensitive phase of the electoral process.”
2015-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7578 (2015) · source
“To that end, we feel that a period of one year would provide us with the time required to implement the proposed mandated changes and assess their impact on the situation in South Sudan. Bringing peace and stability to South Sudan will require a concerted effort from all partners involved in resolving the conflict. The Security Council, the African Union, the IGAD-plus process and countries of the region have a critical role to play in maintaining pressure on the parties to implement their agreement, building its political momentum and demonstrating the benefits of peace. No number of troops or police can replace the political will required of the leaders of South Sudan to bring their conflict to an end.”
2015-12-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7570 (2015) · source
“We must invest in the provisions set by the agreement to address tensions and incidents in the capital. We must invest in the rapid operationalization of the joint integrated police, the joint operations centre, the joint military command and the CTSAMM to guarantee security. That is not just the request of the Government, it is the only politically and operationally sound option. UNMISS must help the parties work together to rebuild confidence and maintain security together in Juba. There is no alternative. Finally, in line with the recommendations of the High-level Implementation Panel on Peace Operations, the Secretary-General has recommended a phased approach to structuring UNMISS'S engagement in South Sudan.”
2015-12-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7570 (2015) · source
“It must make the strategic decision to support and facilitate, rather than simply tolerate, the work of our Mission. Let me also take this opportunity to reiterate the Mission's continued need for air assets, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Real-time information is critical for the Mission to improve its awareness of what is happening, to react rapidly and to save lives. In a country as vast, and in many parts inaccessible, as South Sudan, UAVs are not only useful, they are in fact vitally important for monitoring the changing situation and needs on the ground. They can also play an essential role in supporting the permanent ceasefire, which both parties have stated is a key priority. With respect to security in Juba, our vision is also clear.”
2015-12-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7570 (2015) · source
“It is important to note, however, that increasing protection outside of the protection-of-civilian sites fundamentally requires the cooperation of the Government, as well as that of UNMISS troop-contributing countries, which have at times proved reluctant to take the proactive and forward-leaning posture that the task requires. For our intention to translate into results, the routine violations of the status-of-forces agreement, particularly through restrictions imposed on the Mission's freedom of movement, must end. As the Mission moves towards the provision of more robust support to the national authorities in the implementation of the peace agreement, it will be essential for the Government of National Unity to prove itself a willing partner.”
2015-12-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7570 (2015) · source
“Operational planning to that effect is already well under way, as directed by resolution 2241 (2015). The Mission would also continue to focus on the protection of civilians. Its efforts would be directed towards providing increased protection from internal violence within the protection-of-civilian sites, as well as for civilians facing violence in areas of origin or displacement outside such sites, by projecting its troops and conducting extensive patrols in areas of tension. It is our assessment that an increase of 500 troops and 600 police personnel would allow us to provide the support required of the CTSAMM. and enhance such protection-of-civilians activities.”
2015-12-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7570 (2015) · source
“The Secretary-General has also recommended that the Mission be authorized to provide technical support to the Transitional Government in making constitutional and legislative adjustments, planning for national elections, establishing transitional justice mechanisms and developing strategies for security-sector reform and disarmament, demobilization and reintegration. As UNMISS takes forward that targeted support, it would continue to implement its current mandated tasks, working closely with the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) to transition the Monitoring and Verification Mechanism formerly in place to oversee the cessation of hostilities, to the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring Mechanism (CTSAMM) envisioned in the peace agreement.”
2015-12-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7570 (2015) · source
“Our messaging to both parties should be clear and unequivocal: we need the agreement, the whole agreement and nothing but the Agreement, and we need it urgently. In that context, the Secretary-General has proposed to the Security Council a number of adjustments to the mandate of UNMISS, as well as to the configuration of the Mission. The proposal is for UNMISS to focus on providing support to the key institutions of transition, including the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission, which will oversee the implementation of the agreement in all its facets; the joint integrated police, which will be responsible for security in Juba, Malakal, Bentiu and Bor; and the joint operations centre, which will coordinate the movements of the forces allowed to remain in Juba.”
2015-12-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7570 (2015) · source
“Most recently, on 19 November, a special session of the National Legislative Assembly approved amendments to the Transitional Constitution of South Sudan that removed all references to South Sudan being made up of a specific number of states and gave the President the power to appoint governors and members of the National Legislative Assembly during the transitional period. Strong concerns have been raised by the oppposition and within other political parties in respect of the legality of such measures. That initiative could make even more challenging a reconciliation between the parties at this important moment in the formation of the Transitional Government of National Unity. At this point in the peace process, any unilateral political initiative taken by either party is counterproductive.”
2015-12-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7570 (2015) · source
“The clashes also resulted in additional cattle theft and looting of humanitarian goods as well as numerous violations of human rights. A complete and immediate cessation of hostilities would be the first real contribution to the peace process, which the two parties owe to their people. However, we are still witnessing incessant clashes on the ground. Unfortunately, we continue to see fighting on a daily basis aimed at retaking or consolidating military positions before the start of the transition. That trend is also evident at the political level. (spoke in English) The decision taken by President Kiir on 2 October to establish 28 states in South Sudan continues to generate controversy in the country.”
2015-12-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7570 (2015) · source
“On 27 November, the first meeting of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission was held, chaired by former Botswana President Festus Mogae. Unfortunately, the armed opposition and representatives of former Sudan People's Liberation Movement prisoners did not attend the meeting. As we feared and must acknowledge, the implementation of the peace agreement is progressing very slowly and with great difficulty. Since August, numerous violations of the ceasefire agreement have taken place in several regions ofthe country. Continued fighting between both parties, especially in Unity state, has resulted in substantial civilian casualties, caused the displacement of additional people and increased humanitarian assistance needs.”
2015-12-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7570 (2015) · source
“Following the seminar on operational implementation of the clauses of the ceasefire and transitional security arrangements, held in Addis Ababa from 21 October to 3 November, the parties finally reached a new agreement on the distribution of forces provided to ensure safety in the capital. On 20 October, the Ugandan army began to withdraw its troops from South Sudan, as stipulated in the agreement, and that process concluded a month later. Last week, the Government began to withdraw its security personnel from Juba, in accordance with the terms of the agreement. The Council has probably notedthat on 18 November, President Salva Kiir gave a speech to the nation in which he reaffirmed that support for the peace agreement and the establishment a Transitional Government of National Unity were among the Government's priorities.”
2015-12-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7570 (2015) · source
“The peace process in South Sudan is currently in a critical phase that requires the active political engagement of the international community, including the Intergovernmental Authority on Development-plus group, as well as Security Council members, to encourage the implementation of the transition. Otherwise, the progress made to date would be in vain. We must therefore work collectively to increase the adherence of the parties to the implementation of their agreement and support the institutions established by the agreement so as to end this senseless conflict. Since late October, as I have said, some progress has been made on the political front.”
2015-12-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7570 (2015) · source
“I thank you, Madame, for this new opportunity to present to the Security Council an update on the peace process in South Sudan and to address the recommendations of the Secretary-General on the renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). This morning, I informed the representatives of the countries contributing troops or police personnel of the new concept of operations proposed for the Mission. The Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ms. Loj, will present some additional elements on the operational status of the Mission during our consultations on the operational situation. I will therefore focus on the current political trends. Our assessment is clear.”
2015-12-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7570 (2015) · source
“While we probably have some distance to go before achieving that goal, all of my colleagues and I are nevertheless fully committed to doing so. We want to very substantially reduce the number of deplorable situations we have had to face, including some in the recent past.”
2015-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7558 (2015) · source
“The concept is adapted to the situation and basically works well, but I think that it can be improved. I am often struck by the percentage of staff members whose work is devoted to self- sustainment in an FPU, which numbers approximately 140 individuals. That is to say that the number ofpeople who do the actual work that the personnel of an FPU are supposed to do is not at 100 per cent - in fact, it is sometimes substantially less. We therefore need to work on that issue. Lastly, problems of sexual exploitation and abuse are as unacceptable in police departments as they are in the military and civilian components. We continue to deal with those problems with increasing severity. Zero tolerance is an absolute necessity, but the goal has to be zero incidents.”
2015-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7558 (2015) · source
“While we need to make adjustments from time to time, we need to persevere in our efforts. A very important element in all of that is technology, which not only relates to unmanned aerial vehicle drones. It is also a question ofbetter information and intelligence in order to know what is happening around us. It is about better communications. And it is also about specialized capabilities. We have created the only forensic laboratory in Mali that is able to deal with improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and mines. In that regard, we are doing much better in terms of finding those responsible for placing IEDs intended for our units on the ground. That is only one example out of many. We have to continue in our efforts concerning formed police units (FPUs).”
2015-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7558 (2015) · source
“The training package consisting of exercises that are based on case studies and scenarios. It is essentially e-learning, but it is proving effective and, moreover, helps in building the capacity of the police of the host State. We have gender focal points in all missions, and they were here this week for the launching of the gender toolkit. We have been able to put together some extrabudgetary funding for a general adviser here alongside Police Commissioner Feller, which I think will be very worthwhile. Finally, let me make a couple of very general points. First, I want the police, as I want my entire Department, to be constantly adaptable and innovative, as we had to be in the case of new arrangements in the Central African Republic, which were demonstrated by the Bangui task force. Sometimes things work, and sometimes they do not.”
2015-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7558 (2015) · source
“I hope that by the time of the next United Nations chiefs-of-police summit, next spring, new pledges will have been made. Let me address some ofthe issues raised. Two years ago. we launched an initiative under which selection assistance and assessment teams train and subsequently select well-trained female officers with specific skill sets. That initiative has already yielded 260 women recommended for deployment, with 161 actually deployed. There will be another such programme in the Niger, where 187 women participants have already been registered. As one can see, things are progressing, although perhaps not to the extent that we would like. The toolkits involving gender issues are proving their worth in terms of mainstreaming, capacity-building and eradicating sexual and gender-based violence.”
2015-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7558 (2015) · source
“Were we to use an average country as an example - whether from the North, the South, the East or the West - we would come up with a similar statistic. That is a fact. It is easy to arrive at a 20 per cent women component in terms of a national contribution. However, as that relates to an extremely small figure, I am not certain that it is convincing. I completely agree that we have to continue to improve on that count. We have increased that percentage over the past four to five years, and we will continue to do so to the extent that it is possible. Another topic has to do with all-female police units, which, as I said previously, have proved their worth. I am happy that, at the last peacekeeping summit, several countries made offers of all-female units. I remember that Nigeria, Bangladesh and Rwanda made offers.”
2015-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7558 (2015) · source
“With regard to the protection of civilians, for example, the fact that police components interact on a daily basis with senior protection advisers of the Special Representatives of the Secretary-General and with specialists on children and women seems to me as it should be. Protection can nevertheless be improved, and it should be. Taking up the specific question of women, let me say that there has been progress. Clearly, though, there has not been enough. At present, women make up 12.2 per cent of the United Nations police, which is substantial progress as compared to the situation 10 years ago, when they made up only 5 per cent. Two questions, however, arise. The first one is the extent to which 12 per cent reflects the make-up of police forces throughout the world.”
2015-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7558 (2015) · source
“Mr. Ladsous: I thank you, Mr. President, for putting the numerous questions into focus. I would first like to thank all the members for their comments. I think they reflect a real interest in what our police components are doing, as is fully justified. As the Council knows, the Secretary-General has proposed an external review of United Nations police. That is a review in which we will engage thoroughly, because it represents an important opportunity to improve on a number of the points that were mentioned, including intra-mission cooperation. As I said it in my initial remarks, we have made a lot of progress.”
2015-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7558 (2015) · source
“We are in the process of drafting guidelines for the police, and will be happy to share them with the Security Council. In conclusion, I would urge the Security Council, through you, Sir, to always communicate its directives and requests to us as clearly as possible. We will be able to do our jobs effectively only if we have a crystal-clear strategic policy and if we enjoy the Council's support - as we generally do - vis-a-vis the host countries, which are not always as receptive as we would wish. Let us continue to strive in that direction.”
2015-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7558 (2015) · source
“I am in ongoing contact with the International Organization of la Francophonie on this issue. We also need more female police officers and women's units. Our experience in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti and Liberia confirms them as a component of engagement that is extremely important and very useful, and we should make greater use of them. We must also coordinate all components with the mission advisers for the protection of civilians, child protection, women's protection and gender. All of this is the primary responsibility of our police leadership, and we must continue to work on that. I recall that this year we have drawn up our first policy document on the protection of civilians in peacekeeping, along with guidelines for the military.”
2015-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7558 (2015) · source
“We have seen how the restructuring and operationalization of the various police services and gendarmerie have required vast resources in Haiti, but we must also recognize how in Mali, for instance, some 8,800 Malian personnel have already been trainined by our police. I wish to make two points before I conclude. The first concerns capacities. We have made great strides in predeployment training on the ground. We must make every effort to continue to professionalize our police contingents and ensure that they are up to their job. This will also require us to make the best use of the standing police capacity. It is equally important that we place growing emphasis on specialized police units and greater language capacities. I cannot overstress the importance of that.”
2015-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7558 (2015) · source
“Ultimately, we have developed a mode of operations that is being used, for instance, by the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti, where joint operations with the Haitian National Police, United Nations police and the United Nations military components have allowed the the re-establishment of a certain degree of security in the Grand Ravine slums of Port-au-Prince, and enabled the delivery of humanitarian assistance and medical care, as well as the restoration of order. It can never be reiterated often enough that host States have the primary responsibility to protect, and it is clear that a peacekeeping mission's mandate is very often linked to whether or not the host State authorities are able to take up their policing responsibilities. That is why training is a critical mission of United Nations police.”
2015-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7558 (2015) · source
“For example, the Bangui task force, in its normal configuration, was under the authority of the police component; then that was changed, for the time being, following the incidents that took place at the end of September. But we did see clearly the role that the police played in protecting, inter alia, camps for internally displaced persons, and also in preventing attacks that could have resulted in many victims, for instance when one of the camps was attacked by 200 armed ex-Seleka members. I think, therefore, that this is very important. At the same time, the police presence tends to decrease the number of zones to which our missions have access and where the host Government authorities themselves may have reason to intervene.”
2015-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7558 (2015) · source
“In fact, the face of the United Nations police is very frequently the one that local communities see first, because it is they who have a relationship with the community, who build relationships at the local level and reflect one ofthe principles ofpeacekeeping: that it must be people-centred. Indeed, their contribution has been reaffirmed in the report of the High-level Independent Panel on Peace Operations (see S/2015/446). Protection must start out as unarmed protection, through the building of relationships with the community. But it cannot be ruled out that this protection might become, in very specific circumstances, a physical contribution that, when circumstances dictate, requires the use of force.”
2015-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7558 (2015) · source
“Police forces throughout the world probably represent the greatest reservoir of expertise in the area of protection. It is a reservoir that we have only just started to tap into, but I think that its potential is considerable. It is clear that over the past 10 years, the number of police troops in missions, of which 10 have civilian- protection mandates, has nearly tripled, to almost 13,000 police deployed, most frequently with multidimensional mandates. I therefore take this opportunity to welcome this expansion and thank the aforementioned for their contributions.”
2015-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7558 (2015) · source
“I wish to thank you, Mr. President, for this fresh opportunity for dialogue with our police commanders and the Security Council in the framework of following up on last year's resolution 2158 (2014). I am pleased to see here three high-level officials of our police components, and I fully agree that our dialogue must be as interactive as possible. I wish at the outset to make a few brief remarks. First, while we most often associate peacekeeping with military Blue Helmets, in reality the protection of civilians is frequently primarily the responsibility of the police. The reason is very simple: these men and women have been trained, and their vocation is to engage with the community, analyse potential threats and, if necessary, take action.”
2015-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7558 (2015) · source
“The decision taken by the Council to set 30 June 2016 as the date for the full assumption of security responsibilities by national authorities is, I believe, a remarkable demonstration of confidence that the country has overcome both the instability and the dependency of the past, and that it is moving steadfastly in the direction of building a viable, united and fully independent nation. We shall continue to support the people and the Government of Liberia in that endeavour, with the hard-won stability enduring for all of the succeeding generations of the country.”
2015-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7519 (2015) · source
“Now, it is with the people and Government of Liberia that lies the important work of continuing to build a nation - a unified, reconciled nation with a Government that has to be accountable and committed to addressing corruption Within its ranks; a nation in which all citizens share the benefits of the country's abundant natural resources; a nation that has to be fully responsible for its own destiny, with institutions and a Government able to provide the basic guarantees of security, protection and services to all its citizens.”
2015-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7519 (2015) · source
“Liberia is a country that can be characterized by the remarkable ability of its people to overcome seemingly impossible adversity. These are a people who have endured and are still enduring the devastation wrought by more than a century of systematic exclusion, decades of dysfunction, and 14 years of successive, brutal civil wars. For more than a year, the people of Liberia were confronted with a national tragedy that took shape in the form of a medical emergency. And yet, once again, the country has turned a corner and transcended adversity. Thus, there is yet again an opportunityto create a better Liberia.”
2015-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7519 (2015) · source
“The police component would likewise be reduced to 606 personnel, including three formed police units, in addition to police and immigration advisers, as well as prison advisers. It will, however, be important for UNMIL to retain the capacity to provide such support for some months after the conclusion of the security transition so as to test the capability of Liberian security personnel to protect civilians and respond to security incidents in order to mitigate any risk of reversal. I should also note that the Secretary-General's new Special Representative for Liberia, Mr. Farid Zarif - whom many here know well - deployed last Monday. He has considerable experience in peacekeeping, particularly in Liberia, and I am sure that he will provide critical leadership at this important period in the Mission's lifecycle.”
2015-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7519 (2015) · source
“In the report before the Council, the Secretary- General recommends further reductions to military, police and civilian components of UNMIL, taking into account the Council's expectation that the Government of Liberia will be fully responsible for security as of 30 June 2016. The strategic concept that underpins these recommendations is the consolidation of the remaining armed capacity of UNMIL, which would be able to provide rapid response in support of the Liberian security institutions in the event of a serious, sudden deterioration of the security situation. Specifically, by the conclusion of the security transition in the precise middle of next year, the UNMIL force would be reduced to 1,240 personnel, including one battalion with support and enabling units, especially aviation.”
2015-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7519 (2015) · source
“Planned meetings of chiefs and elders in the border area, and the voluntary repatriation of Ivorian refugees living in Liberia, especially in the area of Zwedru, are still suspended until after the elections in C6te D'Ivoire in October. In the meantime, UNMIL is working closely with the Mano River Union to implement its security strategy. In April, the Council decided to resume the progressive drawdown of UNMIL, which had been suspended during the crisis. Since the adoption of resolution 2215 (2015), UNMIL has been reduced by 1,221 troops, reaching this month its new military strength of3,590 personnel. Additionally, the authorized strength of UNMIL's police component now reflects its actual deployment of 1,515 personnel, including eight formed police units, individual police officers and immigration advisers.”
2015-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7519 (2015) · source
“It has actually postponed its recess so as to be able to review essential pending draft legislation, including proposed acts for the police and immigration that include important provisions for civilian oversight. However, some important legislation remains pending, including a firearms control bill that the Secretary-General recently flagged as critical in the context ofthe sanctions regime. The quadripartite mechanism bringing together UNMIL with its sister mission, the United Nations Operation in Cote d'Ivoire, as well as Liberian and Ivorian officials, resumed in March with a meeting held in Abidjan. However, the formal joint border security operations that were suspended in early 2014 due to concerns about Ebola and concerns that it might spread into Cote d'Ivoire have, regrettably, not yet resumed.”
2015-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7519 (2015) · source
“However, the Government estimates that $37 million are still required for the transition process. Last week, the joint implementation group - which brings together the Government and its key partners, including UNMIL, which oversees the security transition - agreed to reprioritize tasks and associated costs in order to ensure the effective achievement of key milestones in the transition process. It also agreed to undertake a more robust approach to measuring progress against planed benchmarks and activities. UNMIL and the country team are supporting the establishment of a programme management office for the security transition, which is focused on project implementation, with particular emphasis on fiscal responsibility and timely delivery. The legislature is also doing its part.”
2015-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7519 (2015) · source
“This is an important tool for channelling local-level knowledge and capacities in order to prevent localized disputes from spiralling into larger conflicts. Most recently, the council of Grand Gedeh conducted an assessment of community complaints about the cross-border encroachment on farmland by foreign nationals, with a view to formulating recommendations to mitigate the spread of that dispute. The Government remains committed to making every effort to mobilize the resources needed to develop its capacity to maintain stability and protect its population independently of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL). Last week, the President signed into law the 2016-2017 national budget of $622 million, which includes $20 million in resources allocated to the security transition.”
2015-09-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7519 (2015) · source