YouSaid · the spoken record

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187
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2008-06-04
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2013-01-23
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un-security-council

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  1. We welcome such attention to efficiency and the economical use of resources, while also calling for burden-sharing in the management of judicial caseloads. Consistent with its mandate under the statute, we encourage the Residual Mechanism to continue its effort to track fugitives and to secure the cooperation of States in the arrest of those individuals under ICTR arrest warrants. We are encouraged by the consultations between the Prosecutor and the States where those individuals are believed to be present. We urge States, in compliance with their obligations under the statute, to increase their efforts to secure the arrest of individuals with outstanding arrest warrants. Finally, we wish to welcome the high level of cooperation among the ICTY, the ICTR and the Residual Mechanism, including through the sharing of resources.

    2012-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6880 (2012) · source

  2. We have taken note of the activities of the Arusha branch of the Residual Mechanism and we commend the Residual Mechanism for its efficiency and cost- saving efforts. Those include the appointment ofajudge already residing in Arusha to act as duty judge for the branch, the Prosecutor's decision to designate, as an interim measure, members of the ICTR Office of the Prosecutor to double hat in the Residual Mechanism, and the President's decision to preside over the appeal against a decision to transfer the Munyarugarama case to Rwanda. We have also noted, in that regard, the intention of the President to preside over any potential appeal in the Ngirabatware case and to appoint judges already residing in the Hague in that appeal.

    2012-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6880 (2012) · source

  3. The phasing out of the functions of the ICTR, which is now in its final phase, is indicative of the strides made towards its completion strategy. We look forward to the ICTR delivering its final judgement in the Ngirabatware case and we encourage the Tribunal, while adhering to due process standards, to expedite the appeals that are currently pending by 2014, as initially determined. While the ICTY will continue its functions into 2013 and with the Mladic', Hadzic and Karadfic' trials beyond 2013, we recognize the immense efforts of the Tribunal in securing cooperation and ensuring the arrests of all indictees. We encourage the ICTY, even with the constraints and challenges highlighted in the report (see S/2012/592), to proceed in finalizing the remaining trials and appeals, as determined by the Council.

    2012-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6880 (2012) · source

  4. My delegation wishes to pay tribute to both the ICTY and the ICTR for their immense contribution to the promotion of the rule of law and the fight against impunity, thereby significantly contributing to the development of international criminal law. Notable in the jurisprudential contribution of the Tribunals is the development of a set of criteria, including fair trial requirements for the transfer of trials to national jurisdictions. We are confident that those standards will contribute meaningfully to the development of the principle of complementarity to which South Africa attaches particular importance. Additionally, the two Tribunals have set a high standard for judicial independence while operating in a highly charged political environment.

    2012-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6880 (2012) · source

  5. When the ICTY and the ICTR were established by the Security Council, it was understood that, as ad hoc tribunals, their existence would not continue indefinitely. The establishment of the Residual Mechanism under resolution 1966 (2010) and the beginning of the operations of the Arusha branch in July 2012 are a reflection of the temporary nature of those Tribunals, coupled with the recognition of the need to prevent any impunity gaps that may arise from the abrupt conclusion of the work of the Tribunals. South Africa looks forward to the full realization of that dual objective once the Hague branch of the Residual Mechanism begins functioning.

    2012-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6880 (2012) · source

  6. South Africa wishes to extend our appreciation to the Principals of the Tribunals for their very useful briefings and for the important work that they are doing. We also express our appreciation to Ambassador Rosenthal and his delegation for their able chairing of the Informal Working Group on International Tribunals. Allow us to extend particular gratitude to the President, Prosecutor and Registrar of the newly established Residual Mechanism, whose first report to the Council we received today (S/2012/849, annex I). We applaud their commitment, given that they have assumed their responsibilities under the Residual Mechanism while simultaneously serving as President of the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY), Prosecutor of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) and Registrar of the ICTY, respectively.

    2012-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6880 (2012) · source

  7. We believe that a visit to Yemen would bolster the efforts of President Mansour and unblock some of the bottlenecks in the transitional process. A visit would also indicate to the people of Yemen that the Council is accompanying them in their transition towards a new phase in their country's history.

    2012-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6878 (2012) · source

  8. Yemen is very different today from what it was a year ago. Significant progress has been made in moving the country towards democracy and stability. It is worth noting that the success of the mediation in Yemen was, to a great extent, a result of positive cooperation between the United Nations in general and the Security Council in particular, regional organizations and other international stakeholders. Specifically, the Security Council, which is divided on many critical issues, spoke with one voice and cooperated with regional organizations, principal among which was the Gulf Cooperation Council. That shows that working together we can accomplish more. Finally, we support the idea of a Council Visit, and we would encourage the Council to visit Yemen at an appropriate time.

    2012-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6878 (2012) · source

  9. Counterproductive activities must be discouraged, and those responsible for acts of aggression must be cautioned. The growing number of terrorist activities in the country is deeply worrying. In particular, we are deeply concerned about the presence and expansion ofAl-Qaida, especially in the South. It is important that the international community support the Yemeni authorities in dealing with that threat, which is likely to spill over to the rest of the region if left unchecked. The deteriorating socioeconomic and humanitarian situation in Yemen is still a cause of concern. We call on the international community to provide urgent support to alleviate that situation. In that regard, we welcome the meetings of the Friends of Yemen, which continue to provide an opportunity to pledge significant support to the transitional process.

    2012-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6878 (2012) · source

  10. We urge all Yemeni stakeholders to forego narrow political positions and to focus on the bigger picture regarding the unity and stability of the country. We encourage the Yemeni authorities to intensify their efforts towards the reunification and reconciliation of the population in order to heal all wounds and create a new future devoid of grudges and factionalism. All stakeholders, in particular young people, should be included in that process. The Secretary-General's recent visit to Yemen was a significant moment indicating the support of the United Nations for the people of Yemen in their time of need. We echo his words, which I quote: "This is a process which must be irreversible: there is no turning back". President Saleh and his allies should be condemned for the destructive role that they continue to play in Yemeni politics.

    2012-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6878 (2012) · source

  11. We are disappointed that the National Dialogue Conference could not resume in November as originally scheduled, owing to secessionist tendencies in the South, which have continued to derail progress in the country's transitional process. However, we welcome the agreement by the parties on the allocation of seats for the forthcoming Conference. That important Conference should be convened as soon as possible so as to pave the way for a new political order in Yemen. We also welcome the promulgation of the presidential decree establishing the Supreme Commission on Elections and Referendums, which will play a significant role in the preparations for the presidential and parliamentary elections to be held in 2014. The continuing tensions among political parties have the potential to derail the transitional process.

    2012-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6878 (2012) · source

  12. Benomar and his team's efforts to support the Yemeni stakeholders in their preparations for the National Dialogue are commendable. We also appreciate the attempts to ensure that the National Dialogue is as inclusive as possible so as to prevent potential dissent from those who may be disgruntled if left out of the process. Last month marked the first anniversary of the historic Transition Agreement signed by the Yemeni parties in November 2011. The signing of that Agreement paved the way for a constructive path for the people of Yemen through a peaceful transfer of power, elections, national dialogue and constitutional reforms.

    2012-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6878 (2012) · source

  13. Allow me to congratulate you and your delegation, Mr. President, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of December. Please be assured of our full support. We also commend the Indian delegation for its excellent stewardship of the Council during a very busy November. South Africa thanks the Special Adviser of the Secretary-General, Mr. Jamal Benomar, for his briefing to the Council today. We once again applaud his efforts and encourage him to continue to work with the parties in their attempts to fully implement the Transition Agreement. We particularly welcome the progress made towards the preparations for the National Dialogue Conference, which was scheduled to resume in mid-November. Mr.

    2012-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6878 (2012) · source

  14. We remain confident that, with the support of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) and assistance from the International Committee of the Red Cross, much progress can be made. Regarding the allegations of organ trafficking, we wish to reiterate our position that a credible, thorough, impartial and independent inquiry into these allegations should be conducted. We hope for tangible results from the process that is already under way. In conclusion, South Africa would like to express our appreciation and support for the role of UNMIK under the capable leadership of Mr. Farid Zarif in implementing resolution 1244 (1999).

    2012-11-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6872 (2012) · source

  15. My delegation has noted with appreciation the parties' determination to cooperate on the reconstruction of some Serbian Orthodox Church sites that were damaged. Such cooperation is a positive step. However, we reiterate that security at religious sites should be strengthened to protect them from the risk of vandalism. Public reconciliatory pronouncements from leaders on both sides are welcome and remain positive contributions towards reconciliation. Regarding the issue of missing persons, South Africa welcomes the progress achieved so far in identifying some of the remains, although the number of those still missing remains high. The parties' commitment and cooperation on this issue are commended.

    2012-11-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6872 (2012) · source

  16. Both sides should work together and exercise restraint to prevent violent confrontations from occurring. Furthermore, we concur with the Secretary-General that "the peaceful integration of minority communities, creation of conditions for sustainable returns and laying the foundation for long-term reconciliation among communities must remain priorities" (S/2012/818, para. 53). We are concerned that the number of returnees remains much lower compared to previous years, It is imperative that the parties work together to create safe conditions on the ground to encourage the minorities to return to their homes. It is equally important that the rights of the minorities and their properties are protected by law.

    2012-11-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6872 (2012) · source

  17. Regular and direct contact is an important confidence-building measure to improve trust and allow the parties to address the outstanding and contentious issues. We welcome the signing by the Serbian authorities on 25 September of the technical protocol on the implementation of the agreement on the joint management of crossings. South Africa encourages all sides to strengthen the dialogue process in order to reach agreement on outstanding contentious issues, including the difficulties being encountered in the implementation of agreements already reached. We are, however, concerned that the security situation in northern Kosovo remains fragile. The outbreaks of violence and increased tensions between ethnic groups have a negative impact on efforts to build an environment conducive to building peace and national reconciliation.

    2012-11-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6872 (2012) · source

  18. We therefore call on the parties to exercise flexibility and enhance their engagement in order to resolve outstanding matters and for reconciliation to prevail. My delegation continues to support the dialogue process between Belgrade and Pristina facilitated by the European Union, as mandated by the General Assembly. We have noted the many positive developments during the reporting period, in particular the resumption of the European Union-led talks in Brussels on 19 October following their suspension in February. Those discussions are essential for building trust and mutual confidence between the parties and will, we hope, facilitate agreement on outstanding issues. We look forward to the continuation of that dialogue.

    2012-11-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6872 (2012) · source

  19. South Africa takes note of the decision announced by the International Steering Group concerning the end of the supervised independence of Kosovo and the subsequent action by the Kosovo authorities in that regard. We maintain that resolution 1244 (1999) should remain in force and forms the basis for the resolution of the situation in Kosovo. It is therefore incumbent on the international presence in Kosovo, including the Kosovo Force and the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo, to maintain a status-neutral position in the execution of their mandates, in line with the previous decisions of the Security Council, The two sides should refrain from any unilateral action that could undermine the achievements attained in the dialogue process.

    2012-11-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6872 (2012) · source

  20. South Africa thanks the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Farid Zarif, for his briefing today on the report of the activities of the United Nations Interim Mission in Kosovo (S/2012/818). We welcome Serbian Foreign Minister Mr. Ivan Mrkie to the Council and thank him for his statement. We also welcome Mr. Enver Hoxhaj and thank his for his statement. We are pleased that the situation in Kosovo remains relatively stable. However, the security incidents that have occurred are an indication that tensions remain, and unless the legitimate concerns or all parties are resolved through a negotiated, peaceful settlement, they will continue to be a threat to the stability of the region.

    2012-11-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6872 (2012) · source

  21. We must therefore speed up the reform of the Council if we are to avoid further erosion of the legitimacy and credibility of this organ.

    2012-11-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6870 (2012) · source

  22. In conclusion, whereas the debate on working methods could be mistakingly considered as a mere technical matter, it continues to be a political debate dependent upon the political will of its members. As such, the Council should continue to work towards increasing and improving its transparency and accountability, thereby ensuring greater effectiveness and legitimacy in its work. In responding to an ever- changing world, the Council and its working methods cannot remain static. They must adapt to ensure greater legitimacy and effectiveness. Cosmetic changes to the working methods do not advance the fundamental need for a reform of the Council and the expansion of its membership in both the permanent and non-permanent categories.

    2012-11-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6870 (2012) · source

  23. It is important that the principle of subsidiarity be respected if we are to establish better synergies in enhancing cooperation, especially on the African continent. We therefore call for greater consistency from the Council in engaging with regional bodies. As a means of concretely fostering cooperation, South Africa encourages the President of the Council to interact regularly with the Chairperson of the Peace and Security Council on issues on the agendas of both Councils. The two Councils could further benefit from more interaction and substantive discussion on a regular basis. In that regard, the use of video technology could successfully be deployed to regularize such interaction between the two Councils.

    2012-11-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6870 (2012) · source

  24. In that regard, we are of the view that greater strategic coordination between the United Nations and the African Union will enhance the effectiveness of the Council in addressing challenges to peace and security on the African continent. We are confident that the continued cooperation and unity between the two Councils could be of immense benefit with respect to addressing the challenges we face in the Democratic Republic ofthe Congo, Guinea-Bissau and Mali and the widerSahel region. In spite of those positive developments, my delegation remains concerned about the tendency in some cases whereby the Council is selective in picking elements of decisions of regional organizations, such as the African Union and the League of Arab States, that advance the national interests of some members.

    2012-11-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6870 (2012) · source

  25. The positive impact of that strategic coordination is evidenced in the subsequent adoption of resolution 2046 (2012), concerning the Sudan and South Sudan, as well as the adoption of resolution 2036 (2012), which authorized an increase in the troop levels ofthe African Union Mission in Somalia. The ongoing consultation between the Council and the African Union High-level Implementation Panel, which is playing a leadership role in resolving post- Comprehensive Peace Agreement issues, continues to benefit the Council in addressing the matter. South Africa is also pleased that the annual consultation between the Council and the Peace and Security Council has become more structured and effective.

    2012-11-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6870 (2012) · source

  26. In addition, we remain concerned that resolutions and decisions of the Council are often drafted in small groups and presented as faits accomplis to elected members. While we support broad consultation by the Council, its decisions should be open to debate among all members of the Council. In responding to an increasingly complex and changing world, the Council has become increasingly reliant on regional and subregional organizations that are playing a direct role in conflict prevention, resolution and management. South Africa is particularly pleased with the enhanced strategic cooperation between the African Union Peace and Security Council and the United Nations Security Council, specifically in connection with the adoption of resolution 2033 (2012).

    2012-11-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6870 (2012) · source

  27. That dominance is experienced at the very start of one's tenure on the Council when the five permanent members allocate the chairmanships of the subsidiary bodies without themselves chairing any - and with little or no consultation with the members concerned. It further permeates the daily work of the Council as three permanent members are penholders on almost every country-specific issue on the Council's agenda. We are encouraged by the efforts of the Informal Working Group on Documentation and Other Procedural Questions, under the able stewardship of Ambassador Moraes Cabral, to promote greater transparency, efficiency and inclusiveness in the appointment of the Chairs of subsidiary bodies, penholdership, the preparation of the annual report and monthly assessments. Those efforts must be continued and further enhanced.

    2012-11-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6870 (2012) · source

  28. During the past year, visits to Haiti, West Africa and Timor-Leste were beneficial and helped the Council in carrying out its mandate effectively. Equally, visits by Chairs of subsidiary bodies enhance the outreach of such vital bodies. Given the usefulness of such visits, including mini-missions, the Council may wish to consider increased field Visits, as well as by Chairs of subsidiary bodies. However, South Africa was disappointed that the Council was not able to visit key regions on its agenda, such as the Middle East, in spite of formal invitations and the overwhelming support of Council members for such Visits. In our experience, elected members of the Council are confronted by numerous constraints that result from the current configuration, which affords dominance and permanence to the non-elected members.

    2012-11-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6870 (2012) · source

  29. The Council's request in resolution 2076 (2012) that the Secretary-General consult with troop - and police-contributing countries to the the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is a welcome development. While those are modest measures, they continue to be important steps towards improving the work of the Council and ensuring greater transparency and accountability. More needs to be done to ensure that those developments translate into substantive and meaningful engagement between the Council and the general membership. Field visits by members of the Security Council continue to be an important vehicle for the Council's understanding of the situation on the ground and for its ability to make informed decisions.

    2012-11-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6870 (2012) · source

  30. In our View, given the linkages between peacekeeping and peacebuilding, the Council has benefited tremendously from its increased interaction with the PBC. Given the advisory role of the Commission, however, that interaction should translate into the Views of the PBC being reflected when the mandates of peacekeeping missions are considered. Equally, interaction with troop-contributing countries (TCCs) has been on the increase and has been scheduled well in advance of Council meetings. However, we could benefit from more meaningful and substantive engagement during such meetings, in particular as TCCs are often directly affected by decisions of the Council.

    2012-11-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6870 (2012) · source

  31. As Chair of the Ad Hoc Working Group on Conflict Prevention and Resolution in Africa, South Africa has endeavoured to involve the broader membership and non-State entities in the discussions on the Group's agenda by opening up its meetings. We are of the View that other subsidiary bodies of the Council could also benefit from such engagement. In that regard, we welcome the initiative of the Sanctions Committees on Somalia and Eritrea and on the Democratic Republic of the Congo, for example, to engage the relevant stakeholders and Member States in its deliberations. An encouraging development has been the use of the informal interactive dialogue, which has allowed the Council to interact informally with individual Member States, the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) and subregional and regional organizations.

    2012-11-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6870 (2012) · source

  32. As its decisions affect Member States outside the Council, its work and decisions can benefit from the views of all Member States. South Africa welcomes the continuing progress in increasing the number of public meetings and the greater frequency of public briefings by special envoys and special representatives. It is also worth noting that briefings to the general membership by the incoming and outgoing Presidents ofthe Council are becoming standard practice. We commend the work of the Secretariat in publishing documents on the mandate cycles and on revamping the Council's website. Those developments increase transparency in the work of the Council. The Council's outreach has also expanded through the work of its subsidiary bodies.

    2012-11-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6870 (2012) · source

  33. To remain relevant, the reform of the Council in both its composition and its working methods remain one of the key priorities of the United Nations. We have seen some progress by the Security Council in responding to those new demands through an increasing focus on improving its working methods. In that regard, presidential note S/2010/507 continues to be a key commitment in order to enhance the efficiency and transparency of the Council's work. The consistent implementation of its provisions must therefore remain central to the Council's work for ensuring greater accountability. The challenge is to ensure that those measures are made permanent. Those reforms, as well as the provisional rules of procedures, should become permanent so that the Council can have predictable rules that can be followed.

    2012-11-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6870 (2012) · source

  34. We thank you, Mr. President, for your excellent initiative in continuing this important debate and for jointly preparing the concept paper on working methods (see S/2012/853, annex) together with Portugal in its capacity as Chair of the Informal Working Group on Documentation and Other Procedural Questions. We align ourselves with the statement to be delivered later this morning by the representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran in its capacity as Chair of the Non-Aligned Movement. The past few years have seen greater demands by the global community for democracy, transparency and accountability. That has translated into positive changes in many Member States. The Security Council cannot remain immune to such complexities of a changing international environment.

    2012-11-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6870 (2012) · source

  35. Political will and national ownership are essential in moving the process forward to a long-term peace, stability and reconciliation.

    2012-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6860 (2012) · source

  36. Reconciliation should be the ultimate aim of a continueddialogue.Anessentialaspectforreconciliation is the commitment of all parties to fighting impunity by bringing those accused of committing war crimes to justice. My delegation noted the reduction of the European Union Force-Operation Althea presence in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We support the extension of its mandate and the resolution currently being negotiated, and specifically its focus on capacity-building, training and retaining the capability to contribute to the Government's deterrence capacity. In conclusion, my delegation wishes to again encourage all parties in Bosnia and Herzegovina to recommit themselves to the full implementation of their obligations under the peace accords and agreements.

    2012-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6860 (2012) · source

  37. In that regard, we are concerned about provocative, divisive and nationalistic rhetoric that could serve to undermine the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the State. We should not forget that the Dayton Peace Agreement is a temporary arrangement that has to be replaced by a permanent constitution in Bosnia and Herzegovina. All parties should commit to constitutional reform, the purpose of which is to establish stronger representative State structures. No considerable progress can be made in establishing lasting peace and stability without constructive dialogue between the many ethnic groups and entities, as well as between the various Bosnian structures and the High Representative. Only through political dialogue would it be possible to resolve outstanding issues such as the reform of the Constitution.

    2012-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6860 (2012) · source

  38. The issues of defence and State property, which are necessary elements in fulfilling the outstanding objectives of the 5+2 agenda, require continued focus and attention. The implementation of existing agreements, as well as the landmark decisions of the Constitutional Court of 13 July relating to those matters, are thus crucial. It is our View that peace and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina are dependent on all parties' respect for the rule of law and the legal instruments that underpin the political structures in the country. We reiterate that the political leadership and the international presence should remain focused on recognizing the balance contained in the Dayton Agreement and the subsequent political structures, and exert every effort to ensure that this balance is respected and maintained.

    2012-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6860 (2012) · source

  39. We had hoped that the new coalition Government formed in June would make progress in moving the country forward to allow it to complete the 5-1-2 agenda and assume full sovereignty and authority over its affairs. We note the progress made in the implementation of the Brcko Final Award and the subsequent decision to suspend the supervision of the Brcko district. As stated by the High Representative in his report, that step constitutes an important step towards fulfilling the objectives set by the PIC Steering Board, which have also been endorsed in its communique of 23 May. It is important that all concerned parties work within the framework of the Final Arbitral Award to resolve that matter.

    2012-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6860 (2012) · source

  40. South Africa welcomes the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mr. Valentin Inzko, back to the Council and thanks him for his comprehensive briefing. The report which the High Representative has provided us presents a mixed bag of progress (see S/2012/813). The country has remained stable, with no serious security incidents. The holding oflocal elections in a peaceful manner is also welcome. However, as has already been indicated by various delegations, the cohesiveness and unity of the Government of Bosnia and Herzegovina have been severely challenged by the disagreements between the political parties. That has had negative implications for the fulfilment of the 5+2 agenda established by the Peace Implementation Council (PIC) Steering Board.

    2012-11-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6860 (2012) · source

  41. We hope that the lasting legacy of the Court will not only be the accountability of those responsible for egregious crimes, but also national reconciliation and sustainable peace, not only in Sierra Leone but throughout the region and our continent. We are confident that the Peace Museum will contribute to that very important objective. The Special Court has made an important contribution to the cause of international justice. In that regard, it is be vital for the international community to continue its support for the work of the Special Court until the completion of its mandate.

    2012-10-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6844 (2012) · source

  42. That the outreach work has been successful is borne out by the approval figures produced in the recent surveys on Sierra Leone and Liberia. As the report before the Council notes, the Court is a model of positive complementarity. That is a principle that South Africa strongly advocates. My delegation wishes to reiterate what the President of the Court has said. The Special Court shows that complementarity is a reality, not simply an aspiration, and that it works. We have taken note of the preparations for the winding down of the Court, including the signing and ratification of the Agreement on the Establishment of the Residual Special Court for Sierra Leone and the minimal functions it is expected to perform. We are particularly pleased that the agreement provides for assets of the Special Court to be transferred to Sierra Leone.

    2012-10-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6844 (2012) · source

  43. As highlighted by both the President and the Prosecutor of the Court, the contribution and achievement of the Special Court in setting jurisprudence precedent will have a lasting impact on our collective efforts to ensure accountability and establish rule of law. We are also pleased to note the smooth implementation of the prisoner transfer agreement with Rwanda. We commend the Special Court for its efforts to reach out to affected communities. The outreach to victims of sexual and gender-based crimes is particularly welcome, given that women, girls and children often carry a heavy burden of conflict. The outreach activities are critical in ensuring the reintegration of societies and breaking the circle of violence.

    2012-10-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6844 (2012) · source

  44. The Special Court for Sierra Leone should be commended for the positive role it has played in strengthening stability in Sierra Leone and the wider subregion, The Court is an example of how the fight against impunity can be promoted by international cooperation between situation countries and the international community. South Africa pays tribute to the Court for its sterling work in the fight against impunity and in particular, for the fact that it remains on track to complete its substantive work by September 2013. Three major cases have already been completed up to the appeals phase, while the trial judgement has been delivered in the final case of the Prosecutor, namely, the case of Charles Taylor, which is now in its appellate phase.

    2012-10-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6844 (2012) · source

  45. Allow me to thank Justice Shireen Avis Fisher, President of the Special Court for Sierra Leone, and Ms. Brenda Hollis, Prosecutor of the Special Court for their comprehensive briefings on the current status of the work of the Special Court. We also appreciate the perspectives put forward by the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Sierra Leone. The fight against impunity remains an important building block for an international community free of conflict and violence. Long-lasting peace must therefore include the establishment of the rule of law and the promotion of justice.

    2012-10-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6844 (2012) · source

  46. In conclusion, Haiti has made significant strides towards peace and stability, and it is a testament to this progress that it has been entrusted by its region to take over the chair of the Caribbean Community. Challenges do remain, and it is imperative that Haitians, with the sustained support of the international community, work with MINUSTAH to overcome those obstacles.

    2012-10-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6842 (2012) · source

  47. We must avoid inadvertently creating parallel structures that could undermine the Government of Haiti. National ownership is essential to ensuring that the needs of the population are effectively addressed. South Africa therefore welcomes the announcement by the Government of the new aid coordination mechanism, which is aimed at aligning international assistance with national priorities. South Africa pledges its support for the renewal of MINUSTAH's mandate and supports the proposal by the Secretary-General regarding the drawdown of MINUSTAH's military and police capabilities. Such a drawdown should be gradual and conducted in consultation with the Haitian authorities, taking into account their needs and institutional capacity. We further urge MINUSTAH to calibrate the withdrawal of its engineering component with the needs on the ground.

    2012-10-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6842 (2012) · source

  48. The number of people who have died or who have been infected by cholera this year is alarming. We urge the Government of Haiti to strengthen its health capacity and its capability to effectively respond to the cholera and tuberculosis epidemics. It is also incumbent upon the international community to provide all the necessary assistance required to respond to the cholera challenge. We welcome the development by MINUSTAH and the United Nations country team of the 2013- 2016 strategic framework aligning its priorities with the Government's strategic development plan. While international support for Haiti remains crucial, we emphasize the need for national ownership and leadership. We note with concern, however, that less than 10 per cent of aid disbursed by the international community has been disbursed through the Government.

    2012-10-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6842 (2012) · source

  49. The Security Council has previously recalled the contribution that peacekeepers and peacekeeping missions have made to early peacebuilding, including through the creation of conducive environments that enable economic recovery and the provision of basic services. We therefore fully support the activities of MINUSTAH, and in particular its engineering component, in assisting the Government in constructing schools and hospitals and the installation of prefabricated units for the judiciary and other State institutions. Those aspects of MINUSTAH's work are conducive to the establishment of conditions for long- term reconstruction and recovery and support the notion of peacekeepers as early peacebuilders. We recognize that Haiti continues to face major humanitarian challenges.

    2012-10-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6842 (2012) · source

  50. My delegation therefore supports the efforts of MINUSTAH and the Government to increase the recruitment and training of police and to strengthen the capacities of rule of law institutions. The Government of Haiti, like those of many countries around the world, faces the challenge of meeting the socioeconomic demands of its people. Those demands place tremendous pressure on the Government, which has to deal with the consequences of frustration, which manifests itself in social unrest. High levels of unemployment, the lack of service delivery and the difficult socioeconomic conditions will remain a threat to the stability of the State, as witnessed in recent incidents. The link between security and development as two important pillars for ensuring the long-term stability of the country is clearly prevalent in Haiti.

    2012-10-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6842 (2012) · source