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

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

“First, the Government of Burundi, political parties and other stakeholders should work together closely, with the support of the Member States of the subregion, and build on previous efforts in order to create an enabling environment for free, inclusive, democratic and peaceful elections in 2020. The configuration stands ready to support Burundi and its neighbours in all possible ways in that effort. Secondly, Burundi and its international partners should keep the focus on mid- and long-term socioeconomic development, even as the preparations for the 2020 elections increasingly move to the centre of attention.”
2019-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8465 (2019) · source
“The alignment between the national development plan, the national priorities of the development assistance framework and the SDGs provides the basis for strategic and coherent engagement among all stakeholders towards the common objective of building resilience, eliminating poverty and reducing inequality and vulnerabilities. I encourage the Government of Burundi and its partners to engage in an open and substantive strategic dialogue on the implementation of the plan, followed by sector- specific discussions on concrete projects. The Burundi configuration will pursue its discussions and activities in the coming months on the priorities that I have outlined. Allow me to conclude with the following recommendations.”
2019-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8465 (2019) · source
“In that regard, I welcome the news from Bujumbura that the Minister of the Interior of Burundi gave approval of the new political party, the Congres national pour la liberte, of Agathon Rwasa, who is also the current Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly. Meanwhile, the persistent challenges in the socioeconomic area shall remain at the core of the configuration's attention for the current year. The national development plan, issued by the Government of Burundi, provides an opportunity for Burundi and its bilateral and multilateral partners to engage in a strategic and substantive exchange on the plan's implementation, as does the recently approved development assistance framework.”
2019-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8465 (2019) · source
“Stakeholders need to continue supporting the authorities in Burundi on their path towards building capacity for the protection and promotion of the full range of human rights, including civil and political, as well as social, economic and cultural rights. The preparations for the 2020 elections already seem to absorb much of the energy and attention of the authorities, as well as many other stakeholders in Burundi. As we move closer to those elections, I invite the Government of Burundi and the political parties to work together to create the conditions for the next elections to be inclusive, free, democratic and peaceful.”
2019-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8465 (2019) · source
“On 1 February, the President of Burundi, His Excellency Pierre Nkurunziza, officially launched the localization strategy for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in the presence of Ministers, State authorities, local leaders and international partners. I encourage bilateral and multilateral partners and the Government of Burundi to continue their dialogue on the implementation of those objectives, as well as for the resumption of assistance. In December 2018, the Government requested that the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights terminate its activities in the country and withdraw its staff. Human rights are an important element of peacebuilding; peaceful and resilient societies are an essential part of sustainable development.”
2019-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8465 (2019) · source
“According to the information from the ground, the security situation has remained generally calm since the previous briefing to the Security Council, held in November. At the recent EAC Summit in Arusha, former President Mkapa submitted his report on the EAC-led inter-Burundian dialogue process. The configuration has always considered its role as complementary and supportive to the ongoing political processes at different levels. I want to take this opportunity to thank former President Mkapa for his tremendous efforts. On 25 January, the Minister of Finance, Budget and Economic Development of Burundi and the United Nations Resident Coordinator jointly signed the United Nations development assistance framework for Burundi for the period from 2019 to 2023.”
2019-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8465 (2019) · source
“They also agree on the need to continue supporting the ongoing efforts towards national reconciliation and helping to preserve the gains achieved through the Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Agreement. Finally, members of the configuration underlined the important supporting role of the East African Community (EAC) in the run-up to the 2020 elections in Burundi. Free, inclusive and democratic elections are most likely to prevent violence and unrest and produce an outcome that will be perceived as legitimate inside and outside of Burundi. A number of significant developments occurred since I last had an opportunity to briefthe Council; some of them were already mentioned by the Special Envoy and by the observer of the African Union.”
2019-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8465 (2019) · source
“Funding is also required to support the joint refugee return and reintegration plan, an integrated response designed to assist refugee returnees in Burundi by addressing their immediate and longer- term reintegration needs. Members ofthe configuration commended the critical assistance provided by UNHCR for the voluntary return of refugees and underlined the need to respect international standards in order to facilitate the conditions necessary for the sustainable reintegration of returnees. Furthermore, the members of the configuration remain committed to drawing the attention of bilateral, regional and international partners to the persistent need for support in reducing vulnerabilities, strengthening resilience and improving disaster preparedness and response in Burundi.”
2019-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8465 (2019) · source
“She noted that an innovative cross- border project supported by the Peacebuilding Fund and implemented by the International Organization for Migration, the United Nations Development Programme and UNHCR, in coordination with the Governments of Tanzania and Burundi, had improved co-existence among returnees, refugees and host communities in targeted areas, including through livelihood activities to reduce socioeconomic pressures. However, she drew attention to the fact that the Burundi regional refugee response plan, designed to assist refugees in neighbouring countries, is among the least-funded appeals in the world. Unfortunately, three months later, that observation is still correct. The challenge posed by severe underfunding remains acute.”
2019-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8465 (2019) · source
“The Peacebuilding Support Office informed the configuration about its support for the socioeconomic dimension and Peacebuilding Fund funding for projects in support of the role of women and youth in peacebuilding efforts. The Regional Refugee Coordinator of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Nairobi, Ms. Catherine Wiesner, indicated in her briefing to the configuration that refugee returns to Burundi will possibly peak in 2019, with more than 100,000 returnees.”
2019-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8465 (2019) · source
“On behalf of the Burundi configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC), I thank you, Sir, for inviting me to brief the Security Council and for the excellent cooperation between the Council and the configuration. As per established practice, the following statement has been approved by the members of the PBC configuration, including the country concerned - Burundi. I previously had an opportunity to brief the Council on 21 November 2018 (see S/PV.8408) following my visit to Burundi earlierthat month. The Burundi configuration convened shortly thereafter, on 26 November 2018. In addition to receiving a comprehensive report of my visit, the configuration heard briefings on the United Nations peacebuilding engagement and refugee returns to Burundi.”
2019-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8465 (2019) · source
“A more comprehensive report on my latest visit will be presented to the Burundi configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission on Monday 26 November. In conclusion, I would like to thank the members of the Security Council for their continuing support to the configuration and for their interest.”
2018-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8408 (2018) · source
“Fourthly and finally, I encourage the Government and its partners at the United Nations to work in a constructive and practical manner, based on mutual trust and respect, towards the full realization of all human rights - civil and political as well as social, economic and cultural - and to swiftly conclude the outstanding memorandum of understanding between the Government of Burundi and OHCHR. The Peacebuilding Commission Burundi configuration remains committed to facilitating the dialogue between the Government of Burundi and its international partners on all the issues I have mentioned, as they are all essential to peacebuilding. Meanwhile, the configuration's focus will remain on the socioeconomic arena.”
2018-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8408 (2018) · source
“Thirdly, the orderly and voluntary return of Burundian refugees is another element that can contribute to inclusive and therefore successful elections. UNHCR and its partners offer crucial assistance for the voluntary return of refugees by ensuring respect for international standards and thereby enabling the sustainable reintegration of returnees. They require additional resources, accompaniment and support from the international community for those efforts.”
2018-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8408 (2018) · source
“Burundi's international partners in Bujumbura unanimously welcomed the fact that the Government had issued a new national development plan, which has the potential to contribute to the well-being of the people of Burundi and enable increased cooperation between the Government and its international partners. I encourage the Government and its partners to engage in open and substantive strategic dialogue on the plan's implementation, followed by sector-specific discussions on concrete projects. I also encourage bilateral and multilateral partners and the Government of Burundi to continue their dialogue with a view to creating conditions conducive to the resumption of assistance that has been suspended.”
2018-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8408 (2018) · source
“It is crucial to the country's future to ensure that they are free, inclusive, democratic and peaceful and that their results are widely seen to be legitimate, primarily in Burundi itself but also internationally. I encourage the Government of Burundi and its international partners to pursue their discussions about possible forms of assistance that the country may need in order to ensure the conduct of successful elections. Secondly, the upcoming elections should not distract from the fact that the country's socioeconomic development still requires more attention and additional efforts.”
2018-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8408 (2018) · source
“I also met with the new Head of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Bujumbura, who reported allegations of continuing human rights violations and abuses. In my meetings with Government officials, I urged them to conclude the outstanding memorandum of understanding with OHCHR as soon as possible and to engage with the Office and other parts of the United Nations country team on the entire range of human rights, civil and political as well as social, economic and cultural. Based on all my recent conversations, these are my conclusions and recommendations. First, the 2020 elections are already very much at the centre of political attention in Burundi.”
2018-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8408 (2018) · source
“In cooperation with Burundi's authorities, UNHCR - together with partner organizations such as the IOM, the United Nations Development Programme, the World Food Programme, UNICEF, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the World Health Organization, the United Nations Population Fund and the International Rescue Committee - is offering assistance to people who decide to return to Burundi, taking into account the needs of both the returnees and their communities of origin. Although various actors, including the Peacebuilding Fund, are financing international assistance for returns, the programme remains severely underfunded. Among the challenges people are facing are food insecurity, difficulties with enrolment in schools and a lack of means for rehabilitating shelters.”
2018-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8408 (2018) · source
“Representatives of the Government and the Heads of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) drew my attention once again to the issue of the return of refugees, mainly from Tanzania, which is taking place on the basis of a tripartite agreement between Burundi, Tanzania and UNHCR. More than 52,000 refugees have been helped by UNHCR and partners to voluntarily repatriate to Burundi since August 2017, the vast majority of them from Tanzania but with some also returning from Kenya and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Government noted that assistance aimed at supporting the return and reintegration of refugees was particularly welcome. The international partners of UNHCR and Burundi stressed that the voluntary nature of the returns is essential.”
2018-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8408 (2018) · source
“The recent suspension of the work of international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Burundi was a major subject of many conversations. Government representatives informed me that about 25 international NGOs had already adapted to the new regulations and will be able to resume their work soon, while the relevant authorities are currently considering the requests of another 60 organizations, which should be able to resume their operations shortly. Progress has been made on funding the humanitarian response plan, which is currently covered to a level of 58 per cent, compared to just 2 per cent during my visit in March.”
2018-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8408 (2018) · source
“I also held two separate meetings on the plan with bilateral and multilateral donors, who expressed their readiness to support it and reiterated their commitment to remaining engaged in Burundi. At the same time, they emphasized their desire to have a substantive dialogue with the Government on the plan's implementation and on its expectations of donors. They expressed a desire to engage more intensively with the Government with regard to the sectoral implementation of the plan, both strategically and on a more technical level. They remain interested in participating in ajoint retreat or workshop with the Government focusing on the main objectives of the plan and on opportunities for support. The Government informed me that it is currently preparing a road map for the plan's implementation and will reach out to donors in that regard.”
2018-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8408 (2018) · source
“On 22 August, the Government launched a new national development plan for the period from 2018 to 2027. Its objective is to transform Burundi's economy structurally in order to achieve "strong, sustainable, resilient and inclusive growth capable of creating decent employment for all and improving social well-being". Over the next 10 years, that plan will be a key reference document for Burundi's development partners. I therefore encourage the Government and donors to use it as an entry point for a substantive discussion on development cooperation, and specifically on the implementation of the national development plan. On 6 November, the Government organized a presentation and round-table discussion on the new development plan between its authors, the Resident Coordinator and myself and our teams.”
2018-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8408 (2018) · source
“Many interlocutors lamented the fact that the Government had not participated in the fifth and last round of the EAC-led talks in Arusha in late October, while the Government, the ruling party and some other political parties justified their absence based on the fact that October is a month of national mourning when Burundi commemorates the anniversary of the assassinations of Prince Louis Rwagasore, the father of Burundian independence, and Melchior Ndadaye, Burundi's first democratically elected President. My recent visit also offered the opportunity to pursue the dialogue on the socioeconomic situation with the Government and Burundi's international partners that I initiated two years ago with the then- United Nations Resident Coordinator.”
2018-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8408 (2018) · source
“The representatives of some opposition parties and various civil-society actors reminded me, however, that not all the political parties had subscribed to the Kayanza road map, and expressed concern that the elections of 2020 would not be inclusive, as well as their hope that the national independent electoral commission will be truly impartial.”
2018-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8408 (2018) · source
“When Burundi's Foreign Minister Nibigira met the Secretary-General in late September in New York, he raised the question of United Nations support for the Burundian elections of 2020, and I brought up that conversation when Mr. Nibigira received me in Bujumbura, He emphasized that preparations for the elections were already ongoing and indicated that the international community couldplay arolein encouraging those members of the opposition in exile who were not involved in the coup attempt of May 2015 to return home and participate in the elections. He mentioned that in Kayanza in August the leaders of some political parties had agreed on a road map for the elections.”
2018-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8408 (2018) · source
“During my stay in Bujumbura some of my interlocutors informed me that the security situation in the country remains calm and stable, and we encourage all stakeholders to refrain from violence in order to safeguard that state of affairs. President Nkurunziza's announcement that he would not seek re-election in 2020 was one of the most significant developments since my last trip to Burundi in March. When I met with some of the leaders of the ruling party during my visit, they confirmed the President's intention, and some expressed the hope that the announcement would help to ease the tensions among political actors ahead of the 2020 elections.”
2018-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8408 (2018) · source
“Basile Ikouebe, Special Representative of the African Union for the Great Lakes Region, and with representatives of the private sector and civil society, as well as numerous bilateral and multilateral donors and, of course, the United Nations country team. Owing to a last-minute change in his schedule, the meeting with President Pierre Nkurunziza did not take place. From Bujumbura, I travelled to Pretoria for meetings on 8 and 9 November with representatives of the Government of South Africa and several think tanks. I would like to take this opportunity to thank United Nations Resident Coordinator Garry Conille and Ambassador Albert Shingiro, Permanent Representative of Burundi, for the rich and insightful programme that they helped organize.”
2018-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8408 (2018) · source
“In Burundi, I met with the Second Vice-President of the Republic, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Finance, Budget and Privatization and the President of the National Assembly, as well as former President Sylvestre Ntibantunganya, Mr. Evariste Ndayishimiye, Secretary-General of the Conseil national pour la defense de la democratie-Forces pour la defense de la democratie ruling party, and representatives of the Sahwanya-Front pour la democratie du Burundi and Amizero y'Abarundi opposition parties. I also met with His Excellency Mr. Michel Kafando, Special Envoy of the United Nations, Mr.”
2018-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8408 (2018) · source
“I have the honour to inform the Council today about my recent visit to Burundi, which I undertook in my capacity as Chair of the Burundi configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) from 5 to 9 November. As per established practice, for this statement I have consulted with and received the approval of the 54 members of the PBC configuration, including Burundi, the country concerned. Based on those consultations, I focused on the following issues during my visit: socioeconomic cooperation on the new national development plan, the political situation in the aftermath of the fifth round of the dialogue led by the East African Community (EAC), the path to the elections in 2020 and the return of refugees.”
2018-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8408 (2018) · source
“In that regard, Switzerland provides expertise to the African Union. We recognize that many challenges cannot be overcome in isolation. The peacekeeping partnership between the United Nations and the African Union paves the way for strengthened multilateralism for the benefit of the entire continent and beyond.”
2018-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8407 (2018) · source
“Secondly, Switzerland would like to highlight the important role played by the centres of excellence of the various regional economic communities in capacity- building for African peace operations. For nearly a decade, Switzerland has committed itself to African peacekeeping operations by supporting such centres, namely, at the School of Peacekeeping Alioune Blondin Beye in Bamako, the Kofi Annan International Peace Training Centre in Accra and the International Peace Support Training Centre in Nairobi. Thirdly, Switzerland, like the African Union, its member States and other actors, is of the view that ensuring sustainable and predictable funding for African peace operations is strategically important. Respect for human rights and international humanitarian law remains an important frame of reference for that cooperation.”
2018-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8407 (2018) · source
“For that reason, for several years Switzerland has been pursuing with its partners on the African continent an agenda to prevent violence and to strengthen peace. That involves promoting inclusive dialogue to reduce the political, economic and social exclusion that are often the root causes of violence. In the United Nations context, Switzerland supports the work of the Peacebuilding Commission, in particular by chairing the Commission's Burundi configuration. We welcome the fact that the Peacebuilding Commission and the Peacebuilding Fund have strengthened their cooperation with the African Union and other regional organizations in recent years. In the bilateral context, we maintain, for example, a network of human security advisers who work to promote peace and human rights and are based in our representations in Africa and elsewhere.”
2018-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8407 (2018) · source
“Mr. Lauber (Switzerland) (spoke in French): I thank you, Mr. President, for having convened this very relevant open debate. Close cooperation between the United Nations and the African Union is vital from the viewpoint both of strengthening African peacekeeping operations and of the impact that such cooperation can have on sustaining peace. In that regard, Switzerland welcomes the various framework agreements signed between the United Nations and the African Union. I would like to emphasize three points. First, Switzerland is convinced that a human security approach that places the human being at the heart of peace and security is fundamental. It is necessary to understand and address the causes of violence in order to provide real alternatives that make a peaceful future possible.”
2018-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8407 (2018) · source
“One of the advantages of a road map to 2020 among political actors would be that it could yield a broadly shared understanding of how the gains of Arusha can be preserved, especially in view of the elections of 2020. Sixthly, the international community should continue to support national reconciliation efforts and follow the ongoing reconciliation process in Burundi attentively.”
2018-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8268 (2018) · source
“The involvement of partners such as the IMF, the European Union and bilateral donors that had not participated in the Bujumbura round tables last year seems crucial to me. In my View, such a dialogue session has the potential to foster confidence between Burundi and its partners. Fourthly,besidesmid-andlong-termsocioeconomic cooperation, the international community should not neglect the immediate humanitarian needs in Burundi. The configuration should continue to encourage cooperation between the Government and its humanitarian partners, with a View to addressing the most urgent needs of the population, in particular in the areas of basic social and health services, food security and protection. Fifthly, the significant gains achieved through the Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Agreement must not be undermined.”
2018-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8268 (2018) · source
“In doing so, there is a need for coherence among United Nations actors and the international community, including regional and subregional actors, and for finding common ground with the Government in order to build trust and a better sense of partnership. Secondly, the mediation efforts of the East African Community, led by President Museveni of Uganda and by former President Mkapa of Tanzania, continue to deserve our full support. Thirdly, the upcoming national development plan may offer a basis for a renewed conversation between the Government and its international partners. I am therefore planning to organize another round of the socioeconomic dialogue between Burundi and its partners in 2018, in cooperation with the Government of Burundi and the United Nations Resident Coordinator.”
2018-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8268 (2018) · source
“In view of Burundi's support for the HRC resolution and its commitment to cooperation with the three experts, the window of opportunity for the mission remains open. According to United Nations officials, it would be advisable to conduct the mission as soon as possible to allow the three experts to present their report to the Human Rights Council at its next session in June. Based on my conversations in Burundi and New York, I draw the following conclusions with regard to international engagement with Burundi. First, the international community should continue to follow developments in Burundi attentively and take all aspects of the current situation into account.”
2018-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8268 (2018) · source
“The international community continued to follow developments in Burundi attentively and in a constructive manner. In view of the constitutional referendum, the African Union and the European Union, in their capacity as guarantors of the Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Agreement, encouraged Burundi's Government to respect the spirit and the letter of the Agreement. I also received an update on the implementation of Human Rights Council (HRC) resolution 36/2, which had been presented to the HRC on 28 September 2017, by African countries, including Burundi. As mentioned by the Special Envoy, the three human rights experts who had been mandated by the HRC resolution to determine facts and circumstances entered Burundi in February. However, they were unable to conduct their work and left the country after one month.”
2018-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8268 (2018) · source
“On 20 April, President Nkurunziza appointed five new Ministers, increasing the Cabinet from 20 to 21 members. Four Ministers were replaced, including Foreign Minister Alain Aime' Nyamitwe, who was succeeded by Ezechiel Nibigira. The campaign for the constitutional referendum started on 1 May. According to various observers, the environment of the campaign and the referendum was relatively calm. At the same time, I received reports that included allegations of intimidation and repression against opponents of the constitutional changes. On 11 May, as the Special Envoy mentioned before me, 26 people were killed in a violent attack in the village of Ruhagarika, in north- west Burundi, by unidentified perpetrators, which was an assault that was broadly condemned by national and international actors.”
2018-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8268 (2018) · source
“In my meeting with the President, I recommended an extension of the mandate of the Commission by one year, until the end of 2019, in accordance with the Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Agreement for Burundi. I indicated that the PBC could help mobilize international technical and financial assistance for reconciliation efforts in Burundi. As in previous meetings, the President insisted on the importance of national reconciliation. He responded positively to the suggestions that the mandate of the Commission be extended and that international expertise be mobilized. In the past few days, representatives of the United Nations country team and United Nations officials in New York informed me of the following developments that had occurred after the conclusion of my visit.”
2018-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8268 (2018) · source
“The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs had launched the plan in February 2018. Its total volume of $141.8 million is currently covered at the rate of only 2.9 per cent. I told the Government and its humanitarian partners that a swift agreement on the humanitarian response plan will allow for the mobilization of additional resources. I also offered the PBC Burundi configuration as a platform to generate broader support for the plan. When I met the President of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, I learned about the impressive progress made in this area in recent months. The Commission has already collected more than 45,000 testimonies and worked in 16 ofthe 18 provinces ofBurundi. Among the challenges that the Commission is facing are time pressure, the security of data and the question of accountability.”
2018-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8268 (2018) · source
“Burundi's national development plan might serve as a basis for that conversation. The President expressed his interest in the initiative, including the participation of additional partners. During my stay, high-ranking officials from Burundi, Tanzania and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) signed a tripartite agreement on the return of Burundian refugees from Tanzania. Priority for repatriation will be given to those 19,148 refugees whose registered intention to return has already been verified by UNHCR. With regard to the humanitarian response plan for 2018, the Government reiterated its View that the plan contained exaggerated numbers and that there had not been sufficient consultation on it with national authorities.”
2018-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8268 (2018) · source
“They expressed their wish to be informed about the national development plan as early as possible in order to adapt their development strategies to national priorities. Burundi's international partners and representatives of the private sector referred to certain challenges for economic engagement, including the lack of foreign currency and difficulties in obtaining bank loans. In my conversation with the President of the Republic, I emphasized that the PBC remains committed to facilitate dialogue between the Government and its international partners. In that regard, I suggested organizing another round of socioeconomic consultations in Bujumbura, which could involve such additional partners as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the European Union and bilateral donors.”
2018-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8268 (2018) · source
“Such a road map would include benchmarks aimed at ensuring that the elections will be free, fair, transparent, peaceful and fully inclusive, and engage the participation of all political parties. The serious economic challenges that Burundi is facing were another key subject of my conversations. Government officials called upon Burundi's partners to focus more on mid- and long-term socioeconomic development than on humanitarian assistance. The Government informed me that it is currently drafting a new national development plan, which might be published before the summer. Burundi's international partners reiterated their readiness to support Burundi with regard to both socioeconomic and humanitarian challenges.”
2018-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8268 (2018) · source
“The Independent National Electoral Commission explained how it was registering voters both for the referendum and already for the elections of 2020 and how the referendum would be conducted. I underlined in those contacts that the referendum should take place in a democratic and open environment and without any incidents. I also invited the Government to reflect on whether Burundi may require international electoral assistance for the elections of 2020. On 29 March, I met leaders ofthree political parties: the ruling party the Conseil national pour la defense de la democratic-Forces pour la defense de la democratie, the Union pour le progres national and Agathon Rwasa. They all agreed that Burundi's political actors should define the path towards the elections of 2020 in a joint road map.”
2018-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8268 (2018) · source
“Pierre Nkurunziza, President of the Republic of Burundi; the Minister of External Relations and International Cooperation; the Minister of Finance, Budget and Privatization; the members of the National Independent Electoral Commission; the President of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission; leaders of three political parties; the African Union Special Representative for the Great Lakes Region; representatives of the private sector; the United Nations country team; the International Committee of the Red Cross; the diplomatic community and a group of local economists and historians. My visit was an opportunity to learn more about the preparations for the constitutional referendum, which took place on 17 May.”
2018-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8268 (2018) · source
“From 27 to 30 March, I visited Burundi for the sixth time in my capacity as Chair of the Burundi configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission. The visit allowed me to get a first-hand impression of the situation on the ground, to maintain contact with the Government and other national stakeholders, to advocate for renewed dialogue and cooperation between the Government and its international partners and to identify further avenues for PBC engagement with Burundi. At the time of my visit, the security situation in the country was generally calm. During my visit, I was received by His Excellency Mr.”
2018-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8268 (2018) · source
“Mr. Lauber: At the outset, I would like to thank you, Madam President, for inviting me to brief the Security Council on behalf of the Burundi configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) and for the excellent cooperation between the Council and the configuration. As per established practice, this statement has been approved by the members of the PBC configuration, including the country concerned, Burundi. Today's briefing gives me an opportunity to inform the Council about my latest Visit to Burundi, which took place in late March, and on developments that occurred after my visit. At the end, I will formulate some recommendations regarding international engagement with Burundi. I briefed the PBC Burundi configuration about the outcome of my visit on 16 April.”
2018-05-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8268 (2018) · source
“More must be done to promote the development of national policy frameworks on the protection of civilians, engage with non-State armed groups to enhance the protection of civilians, facilitate exchanges on good practice and ensure compliance with the relevant provisions of international law and accountability for their violation. The Group of Friends is committed to doing its part and contributing to global-level advocacy to enhance the protection of civilians in armed conflicts.”
2018-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8264 (2018) · source
“We call on States to ensure that counter- terrorism legislation and measures do not impede humanitarian and medical activities or engagement with all relevant actors, as foreseen by international humanitarian law. We also call on the Council and other relevant parties to consistently uphold those principles and consider ways of strengthening protection in counter-terrorism contexts. Today's armed conflicts are, first and foremost, protection crises. Prevention must remain a priority. We must follow those avenues for action and build on the initiatives and practical measures highlighted in the Secretary-General's report.”
2018-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8264 (2018) · source