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2006-07-06
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2009-01-14
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un-security-council

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  1. We look forward to the report of the Secretary-General on this notion and believe that it will provide a basis for further deepening the international consensus on the necessary steps to be taken by both States and international organizations to prevent humanitarian catastrophes. Let me conclude by affirming that the Nordic countries will continue to be firmly committed with respect to this issue of great importance.

    2009-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6066Resumption1 (2009) · source

  2. Now that the Statute is in force for 108 States and the system laid down for it is fully operational and functioning, there is much reason to be confident in the Court's future. The ideas of justice and accountability have been institutionally anchored at the international level and more broadly embraced than ever before. The first proceedings of the International Criminal Court highlight the duty to protect civilians in armed conflicts. The Nordic countries urge all States to ratify the Rome Statute and to fully implement its provisions in their national legislation. We are also encouraged by the unequivocal statement issued at the 2005 World Summit on the responsibility to protect civilian populations from genocide, crimes against humanity, ethnic cleansing and war crimes.

    2009-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6066Resumption1 (2009) · source

  3. The engagement of the Security Council has greatly elevated the relevance of child protection concerns within its international peace and security agenda and has allowed for opportunities to improve efforts and actions for the protection of children. While there has been progress in some field, there is an urgent need to address all grave violations; in particular, sexual violence against children is a heinous consequence of war. We wish to join the call by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict for strong action also to be taken against those who sexually violate children. On a more positive note, the Nordic countries recall the establishment of the International Criminal Court as an achievement of historical significance.

    2009-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6066Resumption1 (2009) · source

  4. The short-, medium- and long-term impacts of armed conflict on children, adolescents and young persons must be addressed in an effective, sustainable and comprehensive manner. The Convention on the Rights of the Child clearly states that children have the right to express their opinion in matters that affect them. We have to expand opportunities for children's voices to be heard and given due weight in peacebuilding and reconciliation efforts. More attention needs to be paid to this aspect of the implementation of resolution 1612 (2005) on children and armed conflict. The Nordic countries wish to emphasize the need to mainstream the rights of the child into all activities in conflict and post-conflict situations.

    2009-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6066Resumption1 (2009) · source

  5. Hundreds of thousands of women in the region have been raped, and they continue to lack protection from further sexual violence, despite the efforts of humanitarian actors, the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and others. Much more needs to be done in order to address these horrible crimes. In this context, it is crucial to implement resolution 1820 (2008) on sexual violence in armed conflict. We recognize the need to enhance the complementarity and coordination of national policies and strategies related to security, development, human rights and humanitarian issues. International humanitarian law grants children special protection and sets a minimum age for participating in hostilities.

    2009-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6066Resumption1 (2009) · source

  6. In order to build sustainable peace and security, there is a need for increased attention to women's equal and active participation in conflict prevention, peace negotiations, reconstruction and political participation. As women and children are vulnerable in conflicts, their situation should be addressed accordingly. The comprehensive implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) is crucial. The Nordic countries are committed to doing their share in the implementation process. A concrete case in point is that all five Nordic countries have drawn up national action plans on the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000). The scope and brutality of sexual violence against women in the eastern parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo are particularly worrying.

    2009-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6066Resumption1 (2009) · source

  7. Life-saving ambulances must be given unrestricted access to the wounded; medical personnel, hospitals and other medical units must be respected and protected. It is also worth recalling that disrespect of the rules by one party to a conflict can never serve as a justification for the deliberate targeting of civilians or civilian objects. It is essential to strengthen local capacities to protect civilians at risk of grave human rights violations. Through the Nordic Coordinated Arrangement for Military Peace Support, the Nordic countries have offered training support for peace support operations to partners, inter alia, in the western Balkans and Ukraine. Our additional focus is now on Africa, where we are examining potential Nordic projects to support the development of the African peace and security architecture.

    2009-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6066Resumption1 (2009) · source

  8. Regrettably, and in spite of the established status of the fundamental rule of distinction - identified by the International Court of Justice as an intransgressible principle of international customary law - civilians often fall victim to the disregard of States and armed groups of their obligations. Even State signatories to the relevant instruments fail to abide by the relevant provisions. The Nordic countries wish to emphasize that unarmed men, women and children must not be targeted. All necessary measures must be taken by parties to a conflict to avoid civilian casualties. The Nordic countries are deeply concerned by the escalation of violence in Gaza and the killing and injuries inflicted upon large numbers of non- combatants. The ceasefire called for by the Security Council must be given effect.

    2009-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6066Resumption1 (2009) · source

  9. I have the honour to deliver the following statement on behalf of all five Nordic countries: Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and Finland. The Nordic countries welcome this six-monthly open debate and wish to thank the presidency of the Security Council and the Secretary-General for organizing it, as well as Under-Secretary-General John Holmes for his topical briefing. Timely briefings to the Security Council by the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Emergency Relief Coordinator, the Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide and other relevant actors will help the Council to act sufficiently early on in conflict situations to effectively protect civilians at risk. The protection of civilians in armed conflicts is a cornerstone of international humanitarian law.

    2009-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6066Resumption1 (2009) · source

  10. To conclude, I would like to stress that the guiding principle in the national action plan is that women should be seen not as victims, but as agents of capacity and, often, as a driving force, for building global security. Let us all be guided in our work by the wise words spoken by the Secretary-General during the Council discussion on resolution 1820 (2008) in June: "By creating a culture that punishes violence and elevates women to their rightful role, we can lay the foundation for lasting stability, where women are not victims of violence but agents of peace." (S/PV.5916, p. 5)

    2008-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6005Resumption1 (2008) · source

  11. We need to start our work at home and consider what we can do to get more women involved and to have a gender perspective integrated into conflict prevention, crisis management and peace building. A national action plan on the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) could be a way forward in that field. Finland adopted its national action plan in September. The national action plan serves as a useful reminder of what we could be doing better. For example, Finland is focusing more attention on gender equality in recruitment for civilian and military crisis management. We are striving to have more women involved in crisis management and pledge to support female candidates for operational leadership positions.

    2008-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6005Resumption1 (2008) · source

  12. In that respect, the United Nations system can have a major role to play in ensuring that women's wider involvement in peace processes, crisis prevention, management and post- conflict operations becomes standard practice. In that regard, the first step is to ensure that resolution 1325 (2000) is fully incorporated into the mandates of peacekeeping and peacebuilding operations, as well as those of special representatives and special envoys. Consequently, Member States would hold the special representatives accountable for the implementation of the elements of resolution 1325 (2000) of their mandate at the time of their reporting to the Council by asking what has been done to include women in the peacebuilding processes that they have led. We need to join forces and to work at different levels.

    2008-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6005Resumption1 (2008) · source

  13. During the debate on resolution 1820 (2008), one Member State put it rather bluntly by saying that it was not self- evident that in all States there was the necessary political will to implement resolution 1325 (2000). That political will is needed in order to change deep- seated traditions that discriminate against women. We must also remain firm in the fight against impunity. Amnesties encompassing rape or sexual and gender- based violence are simply not acceptable. We must remain determined to do all we can to overcome those challenges in an open and cooperative spirit. We will need that political will as actors of the international community, too.

    2008-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6005Resumption1 (2008) · source

  14. The participation of women in peacekeeping operations can further serve as a positive example for the local population and contribute to building confidence between the mission and the local community. It is important that all those involved in operations be sensitized to gender issues and understand the gender dimensions of conflicts. That can also ensure responses that are more appropriate to the needs of the local population as a whole and contribute to the effectiveness of the operation. Therefore, resolution 1325 (2000) is an issue not only for women, but equally for men. There has been progress in the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000). We have to admit, however, that a lot of work still needs to be done.

    2008-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6005Resumption1 (2008) · source

  15. We welcome this yearly stocktaking meeting of the Security Council on the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000). We also welcome the fact that the Council has, to an increasing extent, included a gender approach in its work to maintain international peace and security. That approach should be integrated into all United Nations activities. The response to conflict is more effective and the ground is better prepared for sustainable peace and security when women and men alike are involved. Women's experiences of war provide them with a knowledge base that has to be utilized by engaging with women and by involving them in conflict prevention, crisis management, peacebuilding and reconstruction. Women serving in peace operations can more easily reach out to local women.

    2008-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6005Resumption1 (2008) · source

  16. At this point I would also like to mention the importance of close coordination between the United Nations, the OSCE and the European Union in resolving the crisis. I would like to conclude by regretting once more the outbreak of the current hostilities. We urge an immediate end to all military action and call for restraint from all parties.

    2008-08-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5952 (2008) · source

  17. The OSCE chairmanship has reacted to the situation in the following ways. The Chairman-in- Office, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland, is in constant contact with the parties to the conflict and other international actors and has issued a statement calling for an immediate halt of military action and the re-establishment of contacts between the parties. The chairmanship convened an extraordinary OSCE Permanent Council meeting in Vienna earlier today. The OSCE office in Tskhinvali has been evacuated. The Special Envoy of the Chairman-in-Office is travelling to Georgia. The Chairman-in-Office is also planning to visit Georgia in the very near future. The OSCE will continue to work intensively with all parties to defuse tensions. The OSCE's work and mandate must be respected by all parties to the conflict.

    2008-08-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5952 (2008) · source

  18. I take the floor as representative of the chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). The Chairman-in-Offlce has expressed grave concern about the deterioration of the situation in the South Ossetia region of Georgia. The OSCE fully supports the territorial integrity of Georgia. We urge an end to all violence and military action. Any further escalation of the situation would have a devastating impact on the region, as well as on international peace and security. We urge the Georgians, South Ossetians and Russians to cease fire, end military action and stop further escalation. We are extremely concerned about the reports of movements of heavy weapons in the area. We are seriously concerned at and deplore the loss of life. We call on all parties to prevent further civilian casualties.

    2008-08-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5952 (2008) · source

  19. The signing of the Pact on Security, Stability and Development in the Great Lakes Region is a very important step that consolidates the achievements made in the areas of peace, democracy and development, not only in the Great Lakes region but also for the whole of Africa. The commitments for a policy of non-violence and mutual defence in the resolution of conflicts, as much as the emphasis on cooperation in democracy, good governance, regional integration and the fight against the illegal exploitation of natural resources, define a clear way ahead. On this encouraging path, the European Union will continue to be an active partner supporting closer cooperation and dialogue within the Great Lakes region.

    2006-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5603 (2006) · source

  20. Finally, let me underline the importance of the improved regional dynamics, particularly in the Great Lakes region proper. The successful transition in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has been possible only thanks to the new dynamic of good-neighbourly relations, which is increasingly visible at the regional level. The remaining tensions and the violence in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic clearly reflect the need to foster this development. In other regions, we still face enormous challenges in cutting the supply lines for armed rebel groups and in ending cross-border violence. In the Great Lakes region, however, we have seen that this plague of violence and impunity can be reined in, provided that there is efficient and trustworthy regional cooperation, which also includes United Nations involvement.

    2006-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5603 (2006) · source

  21. In order to consolidate the demobilization achieved, a concerted effort is needed to ensure that sustainable reintegration of ex- combatants is prioritized in the period ahead in Burundi and throughout the Great Lakes region. The ceasefire agreement concluded with the Forces nationales de liberation earlier this year opened a window of opportunity for reaching a sustainable and peaceful solution to this conflict. We are all aware of the challenges linked to the implementation of this agreement, and the European Union follows all regional initiatives in this regard with great attention. In consolidating these promising developments, the European Union will remain a reliable partner, fully committed to a constructive approach, including in the fields of governance, rule of law and further democratization of society.

    2006-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5603 (2006) · source

  22. These challenges are of high priority for future European Union cooperation, and we are looking forward to engaging soon in consultations with the new elected authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Secondly, I would like to mention the successful transition process in Burundi. The peace process initiated in August 2000 with the Arusha Accord and the political transition that followed it concluded successfully with the installation of a democratically elected Government of National Unity in August 2005. Progress has been made in the political and security situation, and military demobilization, supported by the Multi-Country Demobilization and Reintegration Programme funded by several European Union member States, proceeded well.

    2006-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5603 (2006) · source

  23. Inasmuch as one depends on the other, governance is the key element that provides the basis for progress in both fields. By taking the governance agenda forward, the authorities of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the international community are working closely together on developing a shared governance vision, which may in time also take the form of a governance compact. Once again, we hope that our joint efforts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo will increase the momentum for similar developments throughout the entire region. Here, in the environment of a post- conflict situation, security sector reform will always be at the heart of governance initiatives.

    2006-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5603 (2006) · source

  24. Two weeks ago, we witnessed a historic occasion: President Kabila's inauguration in Kinshasa, an auspicious event that constituted the highlight of the first democratic and transparent elections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in more than 40 years. There is truly a reason for congratulating the Congolese people, and the parties and candidates who participated in the elections, for having made this landmark achievement possible. The assisting role of the United Nations has been essential to this process. The European Union, as well, supported the electoral process and the Congolese people at this historic juncture. The transition in the Democratic Republic of the Congo clearly shows that security and development are inseparable.

    2006-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5603 (2006) · source

  25. The EU would like also to underline the role of its own Special Representative for the Great Lakes, Aldo Ajello, who was instrumental in bringing about the idea of the Conference from its very inception. Building on the Dar es Salaam Declaration of 2004, the Pact on Security, Stability and Development rightly defines four major domains for future cooperation in the Great Lakes region: peace and security, development and good governance, economic development and regional integration, as well as humanitarian and social issues. Much has been achieved since Dar es Salaam. From a European point of view, let me recall in particular the following three points. First, there is the successful conclusion of the transition process in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

    2006-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5603 (2006) · source

  26. Prior to the Nairobi Summit, that cooperation had already undergone significant tests, such as the birth of the African mission in Burundi and its subsequent transformation into a United Nations-led peacekeeping mission, and the deployment, upon the request of the United Nations, of an EU peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo during the electoral period. Last week's Conference was additional proof of that cooperation and another important example of how real progress can be achieved through effective multilateralism. The EU would like once again to express its special thanks to the Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission and to the Secretary- General of the United Nations and his Special Representative, Ibrahima Fall, for their valuable efforts to take the Conference forward.

    2006-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5603 (2006) · source

  27. We hope in particular that the powerful lessons of partnership and conflict resolution presented by the Nairobi Pact will inspire efforts to resolve the remaining conflicts in the Great Lakes region, including that in northern Uganda, which has been of such great concern to so many in the international community. Trilateral cooperation between the United Nations, the African Union and the European Union has become a distinctive trait of conflict prevention in Africa and in the Great Lakes in particular.

    2006-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5603 (2006) · source

  28. The EU now looks forward to the implementation of the protocols and programmes of action included in the Pact through the regional follow-up mechanism. A strong local commitment will be necessary, including financial contributions and a sense of ownership by the States of the region, notably in the areas of natural resource management and regional cooperation. The Summit and its positive outcome mark a new beginning in Central Africa and build on the important progress achieved in recent years. Starting more than a decade ago, the crisis in the Great Lakes region, which brought sorrow and suffering to millions of people, overshadowed the whole of Africa. Today we are witnessing a promising start towards a new and positive dynamic, which will, hopefully, influence Africa's overall development.

    2006-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5603 (2006) · source

  29. I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union (EU). Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey, Croatia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, Iceland, Norway, Ukraine and Moldova align themselves with this declaration. The European Union welcomes today's open debate, which is taking place at a time when the Great Lakes region is at an important crossroads. The European Union welcomes the positive outcome of the Second Summit of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region, held at Nairobi last week. The Pact on Security, Stability and Development in the Great Lakes Region adopted at the Summit constitutes a cornerstone for cooperation among the States of the region.

    2006-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5603 (2006) · source

  30. A strong post-status international presence would also be needed to support the Kosovo institutions so as to ensure security and stability, as well as to safeguard the multi-ethnic character of the new Kosovo.

    2006-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5588 (2006) · source

  31. The EU continues its support for the Kosovo institutions in their efforts to implement the reform agenda. The EU is firmly committed to supporting Kosovo's political and economic development, and we are preparing our future presence in Kosovo with other international actors. It is essential that UNMIK stays with full powers until that future presence is established. Well-coordinated action among various international organizations and assistance from other donors are vital to ensure effective implementation of the status settlement and the sustainable development of Kosovo. The EU will assume its role in that regard. A long-term commitment of the donor community will be indispensable to ensure a stable and secure Kosovo for all its citizens.

    2006-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5588 (2006) · source

  32. Also, we would like to make it clear that we see the question of Kosovo's status as sui generis. The outcome of the status process will not set a precedent for other regions because its current status is exceptional, being based on Security Council resolution 1244 (1999). We regret the fact that the Kosovo Serbs still do not participate in the work of the central institutions in Kosovo, despite the international community's repeated calls for them to do so. We once again urge Belgrade to encourage Serbs in Kosovo to engage in the work of the Kosovo institutions, where they can most effectively advocate their own interests. It is crucial to understand and to ensure that all communities have a place in Kosovo, regardless of its future status.

    2006-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5588 (2006) · source

  33. However, the status settlement alone will not solve Kosovo's pressing economic and social problems. Those challenges will remain and will need to tackled with new vigour. The future status settlement should safeguard a future for all the citizens of Kosovo in a multi-ethnic and democratic society and be conducive to economic and social development. The Western Balkan region, including Kosovo, has been given a European perspective. The EU has a major interest in a positive and clear outcome of the status process. Its success will be essential, not only for providing a clear perspective for the people in Kosovo, but also for the overall stability of the region. In this context, maintaining the European perspective of Serbia is of great importance.

    2006-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5588 (2006) · source

  34. At the same time, we stress the crucial importance of further accelerated and effective implementation of the standards, which are equally essential for Kosovo's European perspective. More efforts are needed to create an administrative environment that will ensure further approximation of European standards. We also stress the need for further efforts for full respect of the rule of law and independence of the judicial system. The issues of combating organized crime and corruption, macroeconomic stability and the protection of all communities living in Kosovo also need the special attention of the Kosovo authorities. The future status settlement will be a challenging task, not only for Serbia and Kosovo, but also for the whole international community. It will require coordinated and forward-looking action from all actors involved.

    2006-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5588 (2006) · source

  35. The EU continues to fully support the United Nations Special Envoy, Martti Ahtisaari, and his conduct of the political process to determine Kosovo's future status. We welcome his intention to present a proposal for a comprehensive status settlement to the parties after the parliamentary elections in Serbia that will be held on 21 January. We share the Secretary-General's view of generally positive developments in Kosovo. In its annual progress reports for the Western Balkan countries, and also for Kosovo, the Commission of the European Union welcomes the progress in Kosovo in the transfer of responsibilities to the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government.

    2006-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5588 (2006) · source

  36. As the Secretary- General remarks in paragraph 2 of his report, these talks have enabled the two sides "to engage in a substantial exchange of views without resulting, however, in any major shifts of position". The EU continues to encourage both Belgrade and Pristina to engage constructively in the status process. However, the process should not be open- ended, and neither party should unilaterally block or derail the process, for example, by resorting to violence. We fully share the View of the Secretary-General, who noted with dismay that violent attacks continue to be made by a few in an attempt to effect political change. He also observed that the political process cannot be dictated by the streets and that violence will not be tolerated.

    2006-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5588 (2006) · source

  37. Riicker, in his efforts to implement resolution 1244 (1999) and to prepare for the transition between UNMIK and the future international presence 06-6573] in Kosovo once the status of Kosovo has been determined. As the Secretary-General notes, the status negotiations and initial preparations for the end of UNMIK's mandate and for the transition period have indeed characterized the past months. Special Envoy Martti Ahtisaari has since the beginning of this year actively pursued engagement with both Belgrade and Pristina through direct talks and expert consultations in such key areas as community rights, decentralization, the protection of cultural and religious heritage, as well as the economy. Regarding the future status of Kosovo, Belgrade and Pristina have, unfortunately, continued to express diametrically opposed positions.

    2006-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5588 (2006) · source

  38. I have the pleasure to speak on behalf of the European Union (EU). The acceding countries Bulgaria and Romania, the candidate countries Turkey, Croatia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway members of the European Economic Area and Moldova align themselves with this declaration. Let me begin by thanking the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), Mr. Joachim Riicker, for his clear presentation. I would like once again to underline the European Union's continued support for the Special Representative, Mr.

    2006-12-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5588 (2006) · source

  39. In cooperation with the United Nations, the EU continues its relentless work for the promotion of peace and conflict prevention so that in the future no one, child or adult, is forced to suffer in armed conflicts.

    2006-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5577Resumption1 (2006) · source

  40. Progress has been made since the adoption of the United Nations Programme of Action against the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in 2001, but small arms and light weapons continue to be the real weapons of mass destruction today. They kill thousands every day, are instrumental in depriving millions of their human rights, undermine development and fuel conflict, crime and terrorism. The EU believes that transfer controls, marking and tracing of small arms and light weapons, control of arms brokering and ammunition and the integration of such measures into development assistance need to be tackled in order to better protect civilians. The protection of civilians in armed conflict is a multifaceted challenge. The European Union is fully committed and works actively to protect civilians in armed conflict.

    2006-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5577Resumption1 (2006) · source

  41. The European Union welcomes the call by the Security Council for all parties to a conflict to provide for these needs in peace processes and to create conditions conducive to the voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable return of displaced persons. Also, peacekeeping missions must have mandates and resources to guarantee this, for example, by providing security for and around displaced persons camps. The easy availability and destabilizing accumulations of small arms and light weapons continue to pose a grave danger for the protection of civilians in armed conflict. Another issue that the European Union would like to highlight is that of explosive remnants of war.

    2006-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5577Resumption1 (2006) · source

  42. It is mainstreaming the issues of children and armed conflict into its advocacy, policies and programmes and has continued to implement its plan of action for the guidelines on children and armed conflict. In this context, the EU commends the sustained activity of the Security Council's Working Group on Children and Armed Conflicts, as well as the dedicated work carried out by the Special Representative of the Secretary General, Ms. Coomaraswamy, UNICEF and the child protection advisers in peacekeeping operations. The special protection needs of refugees and displaced persons must be adequately addressed.

    2006-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5577Resumption1 (2006) · source

  43. The European Union reiterates its full support for the policy of zero tolerance of sexual abuse and exploitation by such personnel, introduced by the United Nations, and has adopted the same policy in its own European security and defence policy operations. The human rights of millions of children continue to be violated and millions of children suffer in situations of armed conflict. Every day children are killed, maimed, abducted or recruited, in violation of applicable law, as child soldiers, fall victims of rape or other grave sexual violence, and suffer from attacks against schools and hospitals that prevent them from enjoying their rights to education and health care. The European Union is fully committed to protecting children from the grave violations that occur in armed conflicts.

    2006-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5577Resumption1 (2006) · source

  44. The EU highlights the effective implementation of Security Council resolution 1325 (2000), on women and peace and security, and holds that the protection of civilians in armed conflict can be properly achieved only by strengthening the role of women as constructive actors in developing and implementing appropriate responses. Protection from physical and sexual violence remains one of the major challenges of civilian protection. Peacekeeping operations should be mandated to employ all feasible measures to prevent sexual violence and to address their effects where they take place. United Nations peacekeeping operations and associated personnel have a particular responsibility in their own conduct in this regard.

    2006-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5577Resumption1 (2006) · source

  45. It is for States concerned to bring justice to perpetrators of the most serious crimes and for the international community to support their efforts. Where States fail to bring perpetrators of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity to justice, the international community should be able to act. The European Union urges States that have not yet done so to ratify or accede to the Rome Statute and to the treaties of international humanitarian, human rights and refugee laws, and to take all appropriate measures to ensure proper investigation and prosecution of any violations of the relevant rules.

    2006-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5577Resumption1 (2006) · source

  46. We urge all parties to conflicts to provide unimpeded access to humanitarian assistance and to take all necessary measures to guarantee the safety, security and freedom of movement of humanitarian personnel and of the United Nations and its associated personnel. The EU is alarmed by the fact that 63 journalists and media staff were killed in armed conflicts in 2005 and 75 in 2006. The Security Council should take note of such a dramatic development. Journalists are civilians and as such are entitled to full protection. The European Union believes it is vital to investigate crimes under international law committed against civilians and bring their perpetrators to justice. The restoration of law and order to prevent future Violence and abuses and the tackling of impunity should be a priority.

    2006-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5577Resumption1 (2006) · source

  47. The Security Council plays an important role in this regard. Timely and adequate briefings by the Special Advisor on the Prevention of Genocide, the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Emergency Relief Coordinator and other relevant actors will help the Council to act sufficiently early on in conflict situations to effectively protect civilians at risk. Humanitarian access is a crucial part of protecting civilians in armed conflict. The European Union is troubled by the denial of full and unimpeded access of humanitarian personnel to civilians in need of help, especially when this is used as a political tool and as a weapon of war. Also, attacks on humanitarian personnel cannot be tolerated. The European Union fully supports the Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel.

    2006-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5577Resumption1 (2006) · source

  48. The European Union welcomes the sustained attention paid by the Security Council to that important issue. At the 2005 World Summit, the heads of State and Government recognized that the protection of civilians in armed conflict is a key concern of the international community. The European Union reiterates its support for the historic Summit Outcome conclusion that each individual State has the responsibility to protect its population from genocide, 06-6406] war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity - a conclusion which was reaffirmed by resolution 1674 (2006). The best way to protect civilians in armed conflicts is to prevent conflicts. The EU is pleased to note the strengthening of the culture of prevention across the United Nations and vigorously supports the continuation of this trend.

    2006-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5577Resumption1 (2006) · source

  49. I have the pleasure to speak on behalf of the European Union. Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey, Croatia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, Iceland and Ukraine align themselves with this declaration. I wish to thank you, Sir, for this opportunity to discuss this important issue in the Security Council. I also want to thank Under-Secretary-General Jan Egeland for his informative briefing. The European Union would like to extend its appreciation to Mr. Egeland for his excellent work as the Under- Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator. The protection of civilians in armed conflict is a complex challenge. Civilians, including women and children, continue to bear the brunt of armed conflicts.

    2006-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5577Resumption1 (2006) · source

  50. The Security Council should also consider measures against parties that systematically commit grave violations of children's rights. Failure to protect children's rights in situations of armed conflict undermines the ability of children to develop and to participate in society. It also poses the risk of intensifying discrimination and exclusion and of making children's needs invisible. The European Union is working actively to protect and enhance children's rights during armed conflicts as well. However, the most important protective factor for children, their rights and their healthy development is peace and non- violent solutions to conflict, to which the European Union is fully committed.

    2006-11-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5573 (2006) · source