YouSaid · the spoken record

Lauber

lines on the record: 271
first: 2006-09-28
most recent: 2019-11-19
sittings or episodes: 26
sources: un-security-council

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“The United Nations can do better in engaging with more diverse interlocutors. For its part, the Council must recognize civil society's essential role in reconciliation and peacebuilding, as proven by the many civil society briefers who have come before the Council. The Council must also take a clear stance in the relevant items on its agenda on the need to protect human right defenders.”
2019-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8668 (2019) · source
“The United Nations has the important responsibility of raising stakeholder awareness when such initiatives may violate human rights or other peremptory norms of international law. Thirdly, inclusion is key. While national authorities and, where appropriate, the international community, must assume the primary responsibility for working towards reconciliation, dialogue among political elites alone cannot ensure lasting peace. Other leaders and representatives of political and social groups, including women, young people and minority representatives, need to be part of the process. Religious leaders, for example, play a crucial role as providers of social services and spiritual and moral guidance. They often influence the values and narratives shaping a country's political culture.”
2019-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8668 (2019) · source
“Too often, scattered initiatives, sometimes imposed from the outside, have deepened the rifts in societies rather than repaired them. Ongoing coordination and concerted action within the United Nations, including in the Security Council, with national authorities and other relevant stakeholders is needed. We also join those members of the Council members who highlighted the key role of the Peacebuilding Commission in this regard. Secondly, experience shows that efforts undertaken at the local level stand a good chance of succeeding. Local approaches result in concrete initiatives and skills that can be of great use at other levels of the State structure. The United Nations, including the Security Council, should serve as a catalyst for these positive dynamics and help to enhance them.”
2019-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8668 (2019) · source
“Mr. Lauber (Switzerland) (spoke in French): For more than 15 years and in many partner countries, Switzerland has supported and assisted transitional justice and other efforts to deal with the past, by which societies are trying to cope with atrocities they have experienced. Switzerland is convinced that dealing with the past can, in the right circumstances, contribute to reconciliation. Echoing several delegations in their statements from this morning, we remain convinced of the critical importance of national and international criminal justice in reconciliation and lasting peace. I would like to highlight three issues in that regard. First, a process-based approach is crucial ifwe are to help transform relationships, which is a central element of reconciliation. Efforts to deal with the past must be holistic and properly sequenced.”
2019-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8668 (2019) · source
“Fifthly, through the configuration, I will pursue efforts aimed at sustaining international support for the implementation of the national development plan and at assisting dialogue between the Government of Burundi and its bilateral and multilateral partners around the priorities identified in the plan. I thank Council members for their interest and continued support for the PBC.”
2019-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8652 (2019) · source
“This inter-agency response plan is designed to offer safe and dignified repatriation to Burundian refugees returning from the subregion and to promote their resilience and sustainable reintegration. I call on Member States to give maximum support to this comprehensive plan, which is exemplary in leveraging synergies among existing humanitarian and development plans, including Burundi's national development plan, with a view to ensuring sustainable reintegration. Continued assistance is equally needed to maintain humanitarian standards in refugee camps in order to guarantee that return remains an entirely voluntary decision.”
2019-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8652 (2019) · source
“Secondly, the Government of Burundi, political parties and other stakeholders, with the support of the member States of the subregion, the African Union and the United Nations, should work together in order to create an environment conducive to the holding of peaceful, free, fair and inclusive elections, including efforts aimed at ensuring the full realization of all human rights. Thirdly, I call on all Member States to increase their support for projects and initiatives aimed at reducing violence and mitigating tension, including at the community level, throughout the election cycle. I will continue to encourage the configuration to serve as a platform for identifying further possibilities to scale up this support. Fourthly, funding is urgently needed for the 2019 joint refugee return and reintegration plan.”
2019-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8652 (2019) · source
“As usual, I will seek to engage with a broad range of interlocutors, from Government representatives and political parties to civil society, women and youth, economic actors and international and regional partners. Allow me to conclude with the following observations and recommendations. First, I encourage the United Nations to remain engaged in Burundi through an integrated approach, drawing on the strengths of each entity and striving towards policy coherence in order to consolidate peacebuilding gains and stay alert to the risks thatjeopardize these gains.”
2019-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8652 (2019) · source
“I intend to pursue my mandate for the PBC Burundi configuration in line with the priorities and recommendations that have received the support of the member States of the configuration, including possibilities for the PBC to accompany Burundi along the path towards free, fair, inclusive and peaceful elections in 2020, as well as the continuation of the socioeconomic dialogue with the Government and its international partners. In close cooperation with my Burundian counterpart, I will continue to promote the PBC as a platform for dialogue and exchange between Burundi and a broad range of member States and partners within the United Nations system and beyond. In close cooperation with the Burundian authorities, I am also preparing a visit to Burundi.”
2019-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8652 (2019) · source
“The Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) supports projects that strengthen local dialogue, social cohesion, reconciliation, conflict resolution and prevention, the empowerment of women and youth and the voluntary reintegration of refugees. The total budget for operational projects approved under the PBF is slightly over $14 million. As the testimonies ofBurundian women mediators have made clear, support for the participation ofwomen in peace processes must take a broad approach that includes the strengthening of women's economic autonomy through revenue-generating activities.”
2019-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8652 (2019) · source
“Denise Nkurunziza, from 24 to 26 October, called on women to follow their destiny, take courage and act, as the consolidation of peace is their business. In line with the PBC's gender strategy, member States have also expressed their support for the empowerment of women in Burundi. The PBC can play a further role - and should in fact intensify its efforts - in support of initiatives aimed at preventing conflict and mitigating tensions at the community level. The importance of such initiatives in promoting dialogue and reconciliation extends beyond the electoral period, as it serves to strengthen resilience and preserve the gains achieved through the Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Agreement for Burundi.”
2019-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8652 (2019) · source
“PBC member States have indicated their wish for an intensification of dialogue with the Government of Burundi at the strategic and sector-specific levels in support of the implementation of Burundi's development priorities. The configuration also continues to serve as a platform for bringing partners, including the World Bank, together in pursuit of common objectives spelled out in the relevant strategic frameworks and in line with the national development plan. Finally, the effective and meaningful inclusion of women and youth in public life and their full participation in decision-making on the future of their country is a crucial factor for sustaining peace. The second iteration of the International Conference of Women Leaders, convened by the First Lady of Burundi, Mrs.”
2019-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8652 (2019) · source
“The PBC has also served as a platform for highlighting the persistent funding needs for supporting the voluntary and dignified return of Burundians from neighbouring countries, with the assistance ofthe Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, as well as multi-agency efforts aimed at enabling the sustainable integration of returnees. Thirdly, socioeconomic cooperation remains key to reducing vulnerabilities, strengthening resilience and improving disaster preparedness and response in Burundi. Cooperation in relation to implementing the Ebola response plan has brought together the Government of Burundi and technical and financial partners, including international non-governmental organizations, in a multi-sectoral, multi-partner approach centred around a key concern for the Burundian population.”
2019-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8652 (2019) · source
“In parallel, the configuration can serve as a platform for identifying assistance for activities falling outside the operational budget for the elections that might contribute to fostering an environment conducive to peaceful, free, fair and inclusive elections. Secondly, the voluntary return of Burundian refugees from neighbouring countries is critical to peacebuilding, particularly at the community level. At the configuration's most recent meeting, the Permanent Representative of Burundi informed members of the return of large numbers of Burundians to the country from neighbouring Tanzania. Member States have consistently called for these returns to be organized in full respect of international law and underscored the principles of voluntary, dignified and safe return.”
2019-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8652 (2019) · source
“During the configuration's previous meeting, on 12 June, the Permanent Representative of Burundi, Ambassador Albert Shingiro, informed PBC member States about the advanced state of preparations for the elections, including the Government's adoption of the Kayanza road map, the establishment of the National Independent Electoral Commission, the adoption of the electoral code in April and the publication of the electoral calendar in June. The Burundi configuration has further been informed of the passing of the 2019- 2020 budget law, which provides for the financing of the 2020 elections with domestic resources.”
2019-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8652 (2019) · source
“First, the preparations for the 2020 general elections continue to shape the political context in the country. Burundian Government representatives have underlined on several occasions that President Nkurunziza will not stand as a candidate in the upcoming elections. The ruling party, the Conseil national pour la defense de la democratie-Forces pour la defense de la democratie, is expected to choose its presidential candidate in early 2020. According to media reports, several politicians belonging to opposition parties have recently returned to Burundi for discussions on their repatriation and the current electoral process. At the same time, reports of alleged human rights violations and incidents of damage to infrastructure belonging to political parties have raised concerns over the democratic space ahead of the elections.”
2019-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8652 (2019) · source
“In line with this approach, I continue engaging with key interlocutors on developments in Burundi. I recently had the privilege of exchanging thoughts with the Secretary General of the East African Community, Ambassador Liberat Mfumukeko; the Assistant Secretary-General for Africa, Ms. Bintou Keita; and the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Burundi, Mr. Michel Kafando, who is also in the Chamber today. I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks to the Special Envoy for our excellent working relationship and for his support, advice and commitment. Let me now turn to the developments in Burundi that are relevant from a peacebuilding perspective, and to what they mean for the configuration's engagement.”
2019-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8652 (2019) · source
“Furthermore, I underscored the need for peaceful, free, fair and inclusive elections and suggested that the PBC can serve as a platform for identifying activities that support an environment conducive to such a process. The Minister for Foreign Affairs indicated that the Ministry of the Interior of Burundi recently convened meetings between the ruling party and the opposition parties, including the Congres national pour la liberte, and that the Government issued a call for tolerance to all political actors. On previous occasions I have underlined the importance of ensuring that the PBC's engagement complements and is coherent with that of other actors, including the Security Council, member States of the region and the United Nations system as a whole.”
2019-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8652 (2019) · source
“On 27 September, on the margins of the opening of the seventy-fourth session of the General Assembly, I was received by His Excellency Eze'chiel Nibigira, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Burundi, for a bilateral meeting. Our discussions centred on the next steps in terms of peacebuilding activities in Burundi, including my next visit to the country as Chair of the PBC Burundi configuration. I said that the configuration will continue serving as a platform for dialogue on cooperation between Burundi and its international partners in support of the implementation of Burundi's national development plan. I also highlighted the importance ofpreventing a slowdown in socioeconomic programmes as the 2020 elections draw closer.”
2019-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8652 (2019) · source
“On behalfofthe Burundi configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC), I thank the Security Council for inviting me to brief it as well as for the excellent cooperation between the Council and the Peacebuilding Commission. In line with established practice, the following statement has been approved by the members of the Burundi configuration of the PBC, including the country concerned, Burundi. I had the opportunity to provide an overview of the configuration's engagement with Burundi to the Council during the informal interactive dialogue held on 28 August. On that occasion. I highlighted that the discussions in the configuration reflect the shared commitment to continue supporting Burundi leading up to 2020 elections and beyond with a view to the consolidation of peace and promoting inclusive socioeconomic development.”
2019-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8652 (2019) · source
“Fifthly, the orderly and voluntary return of Burundian refugees remains a key issue, which requires additional funding in order to enable the voluntary and dignified return of refugees and support their sustainable reintegration. UNHCR and its partners engaged in that important effort should be given adequate resources, accompaniment and support by the international community. A written report of my visit has been shared with the members of the Burundi configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission and discussed at the latest meeting of the configuration, just two days ago. In conclusion, I would like to thank the members of the Security Council for their continuous support to the configuration and for their interest.”
2019-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8550 (2019) · source
“Thirdly, I encourage Member States, United Nations partners and Burundi to work together to create a conducive environment for the full realization of all human rights, including by exploring opportunities for further engagement and support at all levels. Fourthly, initiatives to promote reconciliation and dialogue among all stakeholders, including at the community level, play a crucial role in reducing tensions during the electoral period, strengthening resilience beyond the elections and helping to preserve the gains achieved through the Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Agreement. Building on insights gained from programmes such as the women mediators' network to support local-level initiatives, in particular with regard to the empowerment of women and youth, should be continued and even expanded.”
2019-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8550 (2019) · source
“I furthermore encourage the Government of Burundi and international partners to rapidly identify what forms of assistance are desirable and feasible with a view to supporting the preparation and conduct of the 2020 elections. Secondly, the electoral period should not lead to a slowdown in the socioeconomic development of the country. I encourage the Government and its international partners to pursue a substantive dialogue on the implementation of the national development plan and build on the successful partnership that was formed around the event on nutrition held in Washington, DC. I also encourage bilateral and multilateral partners and the Government of Burundi to continue their dialogue with a view to creating conducive conditions for the resumption of suspended assistance.”
2019-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8550 (2019) · source
“Based on the experience of my recent visit, my conclusions and recommendations are as follows. First, free, fair, inclusive and peaceful elections in 2020, the results of which would enjoy high legitimacy both domestically and internationally, are crucial to ensure favourable conditions for lasting peace and stability, as well as for continued partnership and cooperation around Burundi's development priorities. I encourage the Government of Burundi, political parties and other stakeholders, with the support of the member States of the subregion and while building on previous efforts, to create the conditions that support that outcome.”
2019-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8550 (2019) · source
“The important role of non-governmental organizations in the delivery of assistance was highlighted, as was the need to enable them to operate freely, in line with relevant national legislation and international standards. I also had an opportunity to follow up with Government representatives and with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on the return of refugees to Burundi from neighbouring countries. UNHCR is assisting refugees in Burundi, as well as people who voluntarily repatriate to Burundi, primarily from Tanzania. Protection and assistance for refugees and the sustainable reintegration of internally displaced persons and those who choose to return remain a core concern. Funding requirements continue to be acute in those areas.”
2019-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8550 (2019) · source
“The powerful testimonies shared by the women showed the importance of supporting mediation efforts with income-generating activities in order to strengthen resilience and empower women to take on their role in the consolidation ofpeace and to participate fully in the political sphere. As compared to the previous year, some improvement was noted with regard to meeting the immediate and longer-term needs of the population. However, important funding requirements persist, including for the humanitarian response plan. A concern expressed by some interlocutors was the need to ensure that the implementation of programmes and projects would not suffer delays as the Administration's focus turns increasingly to the elections.”
2019-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8550 (2019) · source
“With regard to the implementation of Burundi's national development plan for the period 2018-2027, the authorities expressed the intention of mobilizing external resources to complement internal funds and indicated that preparations were under way for a substantive dialogue with bilateral and multilateral partners regarding the development plan. A field trip to a project supported by the Peacebuilding Fund, which is jointly implemented by UN-Women, the International Organization for Migration and the United Nations Development Programme, highlighted the important work carried out by a group of women mediators to mitigate tensions and resolve conflicts at the community level.”
2019-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8550 (2019) · source
“The Independent National Commission on Human Rights, under new leadership since April, expressed its readiness to cooperate with relevant partners in order to promote and protect the full spectrum of human rights in Burundi. My visit to Burundi also provided an opportunity to follow up on the socioeconomic dialogue with the Government and Burundi's international partners, which has been a priority for the configuration over the past years. The authorities expressed their satisfaction with the successful outcome of the high-level side event on nutrition organized by the Ministry of Finance, with bilateral and multilateral partners, on the margins of the spring meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund in Washington, DC, in April.”
2019-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8550 (2019) · source
“No security incidents were reported during my visit, and the streets of Bujumbura were busy with people and activity. However, a number of interlocutors voiced concerns about alleged violent incidents and human rights violations that were not being properly investigated and prosecuted. The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Bujumbura was closed at the end of February at the request of the authorities. The Minister for Human Rights, Social Affairs and Gender confirmed Burundi's readiness to engage with international human rights bodies on technical cooperation and highlighted the ongoing work on the implementation of the recommendations from the Universal Periodic Review of Burundi in the Human Rights Council.”
2019-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8550 (2019) · source
“The interlocutors I met from some of the opposition parties reiterated their intention to participate in the 2020 elections. They highlighted the advanced state of preparations for the elections and underscored the need for an inclusive process. A number of interlocutors voiced concerns over difficulties encountered by members of the opposition parties to gather freely. Some interlocutors expressed concerns over recent measures against of two foreign media outlets that allegedly violated national regulations, according to the national authorities. During my stay in Bujumbura, the authorities confirmed that the security situation in the country was calm and stable. They highlighted that the situation in the country did not pose a threat to international peace and security.”
2019-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8550 (2019) · source
“The authorities informed me that all instruments and processes required for a successful holding of elections are in place and that Burundi will finance the elections with its own resources. The electoral code was adopted by the members of the National Assembly, including the leader of the new opposition party Congres national pour la liberte, Agathon Rwasa, by 105 of 108 votes. The authorities reiterated that His Excellency President Pierre Nkurunziza would not stand as a candidate in the elections. With regard to preparations for the peaceful conduct of the elections, the need for technical support was mentioned 4 for instance, in the areas of police training and security sector reform. I was informed that the Independent National Electoral Commission would invite observers to the elections from international and regional organizations.”
2019-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8550 (2019) · source
“Basile Ikouebe, Special Representative of the African Union for the Great Lakes Region; representatives of the private sector, civil society and the diplomatic community; bilateral and multilateral donors; and, of course, the United Nations country team. I want to thank Ambassador Albert Shingiro, Permanent Representative of Burundi, and United Nations Resident Coordinator Garry Conille, and their teams for their efforts to organize my programme. My visit to Burundi confirmed the impression that the upcoming elections in 2020 are already attracting considerable attention. I therefore considered it important to hear the views of a wide range of interlocutors on the electoral process, given its implications for peacebuilding.”
2019-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8550 (2019) · source
“Martin Nivyabandi, Minister for Human Rights, Social Affairs and Gender; the Permanent Secretaries of the Ministries of Finance and Defence, as well as the Assistant to the Minister for Public Security. I also met with Lieutenant General Silas Ntigurirwa, Permanent Secretary of the National Security Council; Mr. Pascal Nyabenda, President of the National Assembly, who was accompanied by the two Deputy Speakers, the Right Honourable Agathon Rwasa and the Right Honourable Jocky Chantal Nkurunziza. In addition, I met with the Mr. Edouard Nduwimana, Ombudsman; representatives ofthe opposition parties; representatives ofthe Office ofthe Special Envoy of the United Nations and His Excellency Mr. Michel Kafando, the Special Envoy. Finally, I met with Mr. Huang Xia, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for the Great Lakes Region; Mr.”
2019-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8550 (2019) · source
“In line with the priorities identified together with the members of the configuration, I focused on the following issues during my recent visit: first, the political situation and possibilities for supporting Burundi on the path towards free, fair, inclusive and peaceful elections in 2020; secondly, the socioeconomic dimension and engagement between Burundi and international partners around the priorities identified in Burundi's national development plan for 2018-2027; thirdly, national reconciliation and local-level conflict- resolution initiatives; and, fourthly, the immediate and longer-term needs of the Burundian people, including with regard to the voluntary return and sustainable reintegration of refugees. In Bujumbura, I met with His Excellency Mr. Ezechiel Nibigira, Minister for Foreign Affairs; Mr.”
2019-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8550 (2019) · source
“I have the honour to inform the Security Council today about my recent trip to Burundi, which I undertook in my capacity as Chair of the Burundi configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) from 5 to 10 May. As per established practice, this statement has been approved by the 54 members of the PBC configuration, including Burundi, the country concerned.”
2019-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8550 (2019) · source
“There is a need for ongoing and sustained Member State engagement and dialogue that go beyond the yearly open debate on the protection of civilians. We must build on the practical measures and best practices that we are discussing today. The Group of Friends is committed to doing its part and to contributing to global-level advocacy to enhance the protection of civilians in armed conflicts.”
2019-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8534 (2019) · source
“We support the call of the Secretary-General for the systematic inclusion of safeguards for impartial humanitarian activities in a manner consistent with international humanitarian law when deciding on counter-terrorism measures. Seventy years on, the Geneva Conventions continue to show what is possible when States have the courage to uphold norms and take responsible action. Twenty years on, the protection agenda is as relevant and pressing as ever. More consistency is needed in the global effort to enhance the protection of civilians and the implementation of the law and political commitments, both on the part of Member States and parties to conflicts and at the level of the Security Council.”
2019-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8534 (2019) · source
“As we approach the twentieth anniversary of resolution 1325 (2000), we recall the proven benefits that an increased presence of women in peacekeeping brings to areas including, but of course not limited to, the protection of civilians. Fourthly and finally, we call on States to ensure that counter-terrorism legislation and measures do not impede impartial humanitarian and medical activities or engagement with all relevant actors, as foreseen by international humanitarian law. We welcome, in that regard, the emphasis put on this issue in resolution 2462 (2019) and urge the Security Council to follow up consistently on its demand that all measures taken by States to counter terrorism comply with their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law, international human rights law and international refugee law.”
2019-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8534 (2019) · source
“The Council should ensure that the anchoring of protection of civilians mandates in relevant peacekeeping operations forms an integral part of comprehensive peace processes, in coordination with the Secretariat, troop- and police-contributing countries and the host State. It should also systematically call for performance and accountability in the implementation of protection of civilians mandates, consistent with resolution 2436 (2018), and encourage engagement with local and affected communities. The recommendations of the 2018 report (A/72/l9) of the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations and the commitments under the Action for Peacekeeping initiative provide a foundation to tackle some of the challenges related to the implementation of protection of civilians mandates.”
2019-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8534 (2019) · source
“In such contexts, the Council should, in a non-selective manner, use more systematically the tools at its disposal to establish facts and promote accountability for serious Violations of international humanitarian law, as well as violations and abuses of human rights law amounting to crimes under international law, including by making use of existing fact-finding bodies or establishing ad hoc commissions of inquiry and, when appropriate, ensuring referrals to the International Criminal Court. We call on all States to consider ratifying the Rome Statute and to fully cooperate with the Court. Thirdly, the Security Council must ensure that relevant peacekeeping operations have a clear mandate and adequate support, including training and equipment, to carry out key protection of civilians activities.”
2019-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8534 (2019) · source
“We also recall the possibility for States to make use of the good offices of the International Humanitarian Fact- Finding Commission to facilitate the restoration of an attitude of respect for international humanitarian law. Secondly and consequently, ensuring accountability for violations of international humanitarian law is of paramount importance to demonstrate to actual or potential perpetrators that violations do not go unpunished and to deliver justice to victims. We welcome national-level investigations and prosecutions, and call on the Council to promote and encourage support for accountability at this level. In line with the principle of complementarity to national jurisdictions, when such national systems are unable or unwilling to act, accountability should be ensured through international investigative andjudicial mechanisms.”
2019-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8534 (2019) · source
“Armed conflicts are regulated by specific rules, which include those governing the conduct of hostilities, protecting the wounded and sick, as well as civilians, and providing for humanitarian access. In View ofthe ongoing widespread violations, we call on Member States to uphold their responsibilities and urge all States that have not already done so to consider ratifying the 1977 Protocols Additional to the Geneva Conventions. The Security Council must systematically demand that Member States, as well as parties to armed conflict, respect their obligations under international humanitarian law in all circumstances, including allowing and facilitating unimpeded humanitarian access to those in need.”
2019-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8534 (2019) · source
“In that regard, we welcome the ongoing discussions among States parties to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court regarding a proposal to amend the current legal accountability framework. Negative trends and the heavy civilian toll oftoday's conflicts should not prevent us from highlighting progress and identifying avenues for action. Let us stress the benefits of compliance with norms and positive examples. Let us build an ambitious protection agenda for the 20 years to come and beyond. It is in that spirit that the Group of Friends would like to stress the following four priorities. First, enhancing respect for international humanitarian law and international human rights law is absolutely crucial. We are all obliged to respect and ensure respect for international humanitarian law under the Geneva Conventions.”
2019-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8534 (2019) · source
“Children often suffer the most from the devastating effects of conflicts, and that is why we should condemn unlawful attacks on schools in the strongest terms, taking note in that regard of the Safe Schools Declaration and the Paris Principles on the recruitment of children. Armed conflict has a disproportionate impact on persons with disabilities. Journalists and media workers are also particularly targeted and should be protected, in line with resolutions 1738 (2006) and 2222 (2015). The starvation of civilian populations is being increasingly used as a method of warfare, which is a violation of international humanitarian law, as reiterated in resolution 2417 (2018).”
2019-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8534 (2019) · source
“Indiscriminate attacks occur with appalling frequency in many contemporary conflicts. The trend in the urbanization of armed conflicts continues to develop, with its particularly severe impact on civilians and civilian facilities, especially due to the indiscriminate use of weapons in densely populated areas. Conflict- related sexual violence persists in many armed conflicts, often as part of a broader strategy. Constraints on humanitarian access are increasing. All too often, the wounded and sick, as well as medical and humanitarian personnel exclusively engaged in medical duties, are intentionally attacked, along with their facilities. That is why we must redouble our efforts to implement resolution 2286 (2016), taking note in that regard of the Secretary-General's recommendations as well as the political declaration of 31 October 2017.”
2019-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8534 (2019) · source
“The Group ofFriends urges the Council to build on that progress by being systematic, comprehensive and consistent, both within and across situations, in prioritizing the protection of civilians in its deliberations and decisions, including by taking timely decisions aimed at preventing and ending genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes, while taking into account the importance of refraining from causing further harm to civilian populations. The Council must maintain a comprehensive approach to the protection of all civilians, which includes focusing on all persons in vulnerable situations impartially. A gender-based approach is also a key component of effective protection. It is now more necessary than ever to step up our efforts, in View of the acute challenges highlighted in the Secretary-General's report (S/2019/373).”
2019-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8534 (2019) · source
“This year also marks the twentieth anniversary of seminal developments in the Security Council on the protection of civilians in armed conflict, which the Council has recalled today and which established the protection of civilians as a key aspect of the maintenance of peace and security. The Group of Friends on the Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict welcomes the active role played by the Council in that process. That has been reflected, for instance, in landmark resolutions on the protection of civilians and peacekeeping mandates, the inclusion of the protection of civilians in situation-specific resolutions, and the use of other Council tools to support the implementation of the protection-of- civilians agenda in concrete ways.”
2019-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8534 (2019) · source
“1 am pleased to be speaking on behalf of the members of the Group of Friends on the Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict-Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Cote d'Ivoire, France, Germany, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Sweden, the United Kingdom, Uruguay and my own country, Switzerland. The Group of Friends thanks the Indonesian presidency of the Security Council for organizing today's open debate, and we also thank today's briefers for their statements. This year we are celebrating the seventieth anniversary of the four Geneva Conventions of 1949, which have been universally ratified and are the most important treaties governing the protection of victims of armed conflict.”
2019-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8534 (2019) · source
“The PBC Burundi configuration remains committed to supporting the Government of Burundi and its partners in those areas, with a continued focus on the socioeconomic dimension, particularly on the implementation of the national development plan. I thank the Council for its interest and continuous support for the configuration.”
2019-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8465 (2019) · source
“I reiterate my invitation to the Government of Burundi and its partners to enter into a strategic conversation on how the implementation of the national development plan can foster mutually beneficial, people-centred and innovative forms of engagement. Thirdly, the international community should remain responsive to the importance of providing adequate assistance to help address the urgent needs of the people of Burundi and reduce vulnerability, which remains high in spite of improvements compared to the previous year. With its support, bilateral and multilateral partners can contribute to a conducive environment for peaceful and inclusive elections. Fourthly, the PBC Burundi configuration should continue supporting the ongoing process of national reconciliation and work with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, among others.”
2019-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8465 (2019) · source