YouSaid · the spoken record

Loj

lines on the record: 525
first: 2002-07-10
most recent: 2016-11-17
sittings or episodes: 76
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

“Finally, I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Council for its support to me during my assignment in South Sudan. It has been an honour to serve the Organization and the people of South Sudan. As a parting appeal, I would like to ask that the Council not let South Sudan be pushed off the radar screen as other pressing global challenges demand its time. The people of South Sudan have suffered far too much and for far too long. The victims of the conflict still have hope and high expectations of the international community. As I often say, we must not let the boys and girls of South Sudan down, and we must put them at the forefront of all our decisions on South Sudan.”
2016-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7814 (2016) · source
“The first meeting took place on 26 October, and a number of recommendations were made with the aim of improving humanitarian access. However, we have yet to see if they will translate into tangible improvement for the humanitarian personnel on the ground. As I prepare to leave South Sudan after more than two years as Head of the Mission, I would like to make two points. First, the difference between the success and failure of the peace agreement, and of peace in South Sudan generally, depends on the parties' commitment to pursuing its comprehensive and inclusive implementation, with the firm backing and support of regional and international partners. Secondly, I urge all involved, and especially the South Sudanese leaders, never to lose sight of the ultimate goal - a peaceful and prosperous future for the people of South Sudan.”
2016-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7814 (2016) · source
“We now estimate that 4.8 million people are severely food-insecure, and food insecurity has spread to the Equatorias as well as to the Bahr el-Ghazal region. Furthermore, because of the security situation and a lack of seeds, farmers in those food-producing areas are likely to miss the upcoming planting season. Our humanitarian colleagues are doing their utmost to reach people in need, but they continue to face obstacles in terms of movement, bureaucratic procedures and criminality. Following the Security Council's Visit, a humanitarian oversight committee has been established, made up of members of the Cabinet and security institutions as well as representatives of UNMISS and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.”
2016-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7814 (2016) · source
“However, we did manage to conduct two patrols to Yei in Central Equatoria last month following this procedure, thereby enabling the Mission to get first-hand knowledge of the dire situation in the area. As for the bureaucratic procedures regarding clearances of the military contingents, equipment and so on, we have agreed with the Government on the modalities for a one-stop shop, but it remains to be implemented. We have also agreed with the Government that staff in the Mission will be issued with multiple entry visas, the issuing of which is expected to commence this week. I would be remiss ifI did not mention the dire humanitarian situation, which is worsening every day owing to the security situation and the deteriorating economy.”
2016-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7814 (2016) · source
“We are currently consulting internally and with Headquarters here in New York on the details before formally responding to the Government. In that regard, the mandate of UNMISS continues to be guided by resolution 2304 (2016) and, in line with it, the Mission will continue to report through the Secretary-General's 30- and 90-day reports to the Security Council. As for the freedom of movement, the Government has agreed that UNMISS will inform the Government of patrols and movements but not await formal approval to conduct such movements. However, challenges continue to exist in implementing that in practice, since commanders on the ground are either not informed or are simply not willing to comply.”
2016-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7814 (2016) · source
“As far as the Regional Protection Force is concerned, on 16 November the Transitional Government of National Unity circulated a document to the members of the Security Council that gives the impression that an agreement has been reached between the Government, the Security Council and the United Nations on the provisions of resolution 2304 (2016) and that of the 4 September joint communique. I would just like to clarify that on 16 November we had a meeting with the Government on the Regional Protection Force and the status of the implementation of the joint communique, but we only received a copy of the document after the meeting and on the same day it was submitted to the Security Council. Therefore, we have not had the opportunity to review its contents in detail.”
2016-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7814 (2016) · source
“The guns simply have to be silenced if the suffering of the people is not going to become even more dire. We must also make greater efforts to stem the increasing number of localized conflicts, intolerant ethnic rhetoric and incitement to violence. That will require the involvement of local leaders, religious leaders and civil society representatives. The Mission is undertaking a number of actions to support and facilitate such nation-building activities. Since the Security Council's Visit to South Sudan in early September, the Mission has been engaging with the Transitional Government of National Unity at the political and technical working levels on the implementation of the commitments contained in the joint communique issued at the end of the visit.”
2016-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7814 (2016) · source
“The instability, as well as the looting and vandalism of humanitarian compounds, have also prompted humanitarian agencies to suspend operations in Leer, thereby creating yet another area of significant civilian protection and humanitarian concern. The deterioration of the economy and the increasingly fragmented conflict - often with ethnic undertones - that we are seeing have placed the country on a potential downward slide towards greater divisiveness and risk of a full-scale civil conflict that could render national cohesion almost impossible to achieve. Much more needs to be done by the Transitional Government to put a stop to these security incidents, which contribute to an environment of instability and violence, lead to displacement and exacerbate the already dire humanitarian situation.”
2016-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7814 (2016) · source
“Intercommunal confrontations among once-peaceful neighbouring ethnic groups have led to the displacement of a large number of civilians in the once-thriving city of Wau, including over 28,000 who are currently seeking safety in a protection area established adjacent to the base of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). In Unity, we are currently seeing significant mobilization and violent confrontations between opposition forces allied to Mr. Riek Machar and elements affiliated with First Vice-President Mr. Taban Deng Gai, which have allied themselves with the SPLA. Fighting between the SPLA and pro-Machar opposition forces in late October resulted in an influx of hundreds of internally displaced persons (IDPS) to the UNMISS temporary operating base in Leer.”
2016-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7814 (2016) · source
“These targeted attacks, as well as sporadic clashes between the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) and other armed groups in the Equatorias, have also resulted in additional displacement and inflicted further suffering upon the civilian population, with many fleeing to Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The greater Bahr el-Ghazal region has also witnessed an upsurge in violence involving the SPLA and armed groups, with serious incidents in and around Wau and Rajaf, seriously impacting civilians.”
2016-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7814 (2016) · source
“In the Equatorias, recurring attacks on passenger and commercial vehicles traveling along the main roads linking Juba to the country's southern borders have resulted in civilian casualties and disrupted the flow of much- needed commodities and supplies, including food, to Juba and other parts of the country. These attacks have also exacerbated ethnic tensions in the Equatorias, which have spread to other parts of the country i a subject upon which I am sure my colleague Mr. Dieng will elaborate on this following his recent visit.”
2016-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7814 (2016) · source
“Ms. Loj: I thank you, Sir, for the opportunity to brief the Security Council on the developments in South Sudan since the release of the Secretary- General's report (S/2016/950). As members have the report before them, I will focus my comments on more recent updates, progress and challenges. While the Transitional Government of National Unity that was reconstituted after the July crisis has taken steps to improve security in Juba, the overall security situation in South Sudan - in particular, in the greater Equatorias, in parts of Unity, and Western Bahr el-Ghazal - remains volatile.”
2016-11-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7814 (2016) · source
“UNMISS, together with its partners, remains committed to facilitating peace and security, delivering humanitarian assistance and laying the foundations for long-term development. The girls and boys and the women and men of South Sudan deserve no less.”
2015-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7444 (2015) · source
“We cannot wait for a comprehensive agreement before focusing on those long-term development imperatives. In my recent meeting with the Women's parliamentary caucus, I was greatly encouraged by the women's yearning for peace and by their demand for South Sudanese leaders to rise above personal political ambition for the sake of future generations and to create a more cohesive nation. As they said, "Please help us dry the tears of the women of South Sudan." I therefore call on the Council, regional leaders and all friends of this young nation to remain fully engaged to encourage the necessary compromise that will turn public statements of commitment to peace into action on the ground.”
2015-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7444 (2015) · source
“The gap between the official and unofficial exchange rates of the United States dollar to the South Sudanese pound has widened and inflation is rising. The situation will continue to worsen if conflict continues and external assistance is not forthcoming. The international community must find ways to support the South Sudanese people to create an environment that eliminates the drivers of conflict and permits development. Enhanced support in critical areas such as health, education and food production will be essential to curtail the worsening economic situation in South Sudan - not only to prevent the collapse of the country's social fabric but also to prevent insecurity from spreading to areas not directly affected by the overall conflict.”
2015-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7444 (2015) · source
“There is no alternative to silencing the guns and concluding a comprehensive peace agreement in order to turn South Sudan towards the path of peace and stability. I have consistently conveyed that message to all interlocutors in South Sudan, including President Kiir and Opposition leader Mr. Riek Machar. The untold suffering of the people of South Sudan must stop. Every day without a political agreement contributes to further deterioration of the situation on the ground, leading to greater displacement and human misery and risking regional peace and security. The economic situation in South Sudan is deteriorating, particularly in View of the decrease in oil revenues, heavy expenditure on defence and the inability of the Government to secure external financial support.”
2015-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7444 (2015) · source
“Five IGAD teams have deployed to the states, and UNMISS is providing logistical and force protection support to facilitate their work. On 7 May, UNMISS uniformed strength stood at 11,302 military personnel, 1,103 police officers, including 492 formed police unit personnel. I wish to thank the troop- and police-contributing countries for their continued support. I urge them and other Member States to help equip and accelerate the deployment of UNMISS personnel and resources. While the Mission has no mandate to facilitate the peace process, we are directly affected by the lack of progress in reaching a peace agreement. We had high hopes for a breakthrough earlier this year, and we are extremely disappointed by the parties' inability to reach a compromise.”
2015-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7444 (2015) · source
“In that respect, I am seriously concerned by the continued incidence of unlawful arrests, detentions and abductions, including the targeting of United Nations and humanitarian personnel. As stated in the Secretary-General's report, three World Food Programme national staff went missing on 1 April in Upper Nile state and have still not been found. The situation of the five United Nations staff I referred to in my statement in October (see S/PV.7282), including two missing persons and three in detention, remains unchanged. UNMISS continues to provide support and assistance to the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Monitoring and Verification Mechanism through the Joint Technical Committee, both in Juba and in the field locations.”
2015-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7444 (2015) · source
“During my meeting with him on 28 April, the Chief Administrator and former Commander of the South Sudan Democratic Movement/Army Cobra Faction, David Yau Yau, assured me of his continued support to secure the release of the remaining child soldiers in his area. But as important as the release of child soldiers is, it is equally important to support vocational training and livelihood-related efforts to ensure that they do not relapse into joining another armed group. That effort will need donor support. Despite assurances of cooperation and support at higher levels, we continue to experience restrictions and obstruction on the ground. I therefore urge the Government and the Opposition to renew their commitment to facilitate the work of the United Nations in South Sudan.”
2015-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7444 (2015) · source
“UNMISS continues to receive reports of gross Violations of human rights, indicating the unsafe conditions faced by civilians in many parts of the country. In the greater Upper Nile area, UNMISS investigated allegations of civilians killed in hostilities in Malakal, Akoka and Fashoda during April. We are also closely monitoring the aggressive posture of the SPLA towards internally displaced persons sheltering in the UNMISS protection site in Bentiu, where several people have been killed or injured. We will of course also do our utmost to investigate what has been happening in Unity state during the recent fighting. On a more positive note, to date 1,757 children linked to the Cobra Faction have been demobilized.”
2015-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7444 (2015) · source
“Attention must also be given to ensuring that those sites do not become magnets that attract people looking to avail themselves of the services available in the camps, rather than those needing physical protection. The arrival of additional troops has permitted UNMISS to expand its reach, including through the establishment of forward operating bases, proactive patrolling and providing protection and reassurance to vulnerable civilians beyond UNMISS premises. Capacity and resource constraints, as well as deliberate obstruction by the parties, however, limit protection activities by UNMISS military personnel, in particular in hard-to-reach areas. With regard to human rights, I continue to be shocked by the low level of respect for human life in South Sudan.”
2015-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7444 (2015) · source
“In Bentiu, despite severe physical constraints and limited financial and engineering resources, UNMISS and the International Organization for Migration have almost completed the construction of a new site with the necessary drainage to prevent flooding. However, I should also highlight the unsustainability of those protection sites in the longer term. As recent events in Juba have shown, the longer the camps exist in their current form, tensions within the camps will increase. We are therefore experiencing a multitude of challenges at the sites, including crime, gang- related violence and disturbances based on ethnicity. Furthermore, it is critical that all humanitarian actors do their utmost to provide services to people in need all over the country, and not only in the UNMISS protection-of-civilian sites.”
2015-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7444 (2015) · source
“UNMISS continues to provide support to humanitarian agencies to enable them to meet the primary needs of those at risk. UNMISS has provided force protection to relief convoys being used to preposition humanitarian and relief supplies ahead of the onset of the rainy season. As of 6 May, UNMISS had provided protection to nearly 120,000 displaced persons in seven sites, including about 53,000 in Bentiu and 34,000 in Juba, and now nearly 29,000 in Malakal following the latest fighting in the area. UNMISS and humanitarian partners have invested substantial resources to improve living conditions in Bentiu and Malakal ahead of the rainy season.”
2015-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7444 (2015) · source
“Lakes state in particular needs our attention, as the level of violence and casualties in the first three months of this year surpassed that associated with the fighting between the SPLA and the Opposition. UNMISS continues to explore ways to support efforts to end the violence and foster intercommunal reconciliation. Against the backdrop of the prevailing insecurity and the significant increase in violence, the humanitarian situation is one of deepest concern. Over 2 million people remain displaced, with over 1.5 million internally in South Sudan and over 500,000 in neighbouring countries. Over 2.5 million people face severe food insecurity, especially in the greater Upper Nile region, and this figure will most likely increase significantly.”
2015-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7444 (2015) · source
“The most recent incident occurred in Juba from 10 to 12 May, when widespread fighting between Nuer Mayom and Nuer Mayendit IDPs led to two deaths and over 60 people injured. The UNMISS force and formed police units were able to restore order; however, tensions continue to grow. Although many of the Mayom IDPs left the camp, citing their inability to live with the rest of the IDP, UNMISS has since been able to promote reconciliation, which has led to the return of some of the IDPs. Outside of the traditional conflict zone of the greater Upper Nile region, UNMISS is also paying close attention to repeated occurrences of intercommunal violence in other states involving cattle-raiding incidents and revenge attacks in which women and children are often targeted.”
2015-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7444 (2015) · source
“That has also led to the reversal of the trend in Malakal, which until recently saw the return of people to the town and the re-opening of local markets. UNMISS assisted the Government in sending a senior delegation led by the Shilluk King from Juba to Malakal to mediate and contain the conflict. Consultations between the two parties are still ongoing, but the situation remains tense, with potential for further clashes. The fighting and tribal tensions in Upper Nile, Unity and Jonglei states are being felt inside the civilian sites protected by UNMISS. Not only are more IDPs arriving, but incidents of ethnic, political and tribal clashes have grown during the past two months.”
2015-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7444 (2015) · source
“I have issued a statement expressing concerns about the reports of serious human rights Violations and reminding the parties of their obligations to abide by international human rights and humanitarian law, and to take all measures to ensure the safety of civilians and guarantee the safety of international aid organizations, United Nations personnel and assets. In addition to the continuing clashes between Government and Opposition forces, fighting between Dinka and Shilluk militias, both affiliated with the SPLA, occurred in Malakal, Fashoda and Akoka, in Upper Nile state. The origins of the tension lie in a historic land dispute, but this has developed into a situation that has gotten out of hand.”
2015-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7444 (2015) · source
“Furthermore, an increasing number of reports indicate widespread human rights abuses, including murder, rape and the harassment of civilians, including women, children and the elderly, as well as the destruction of civilian property and livelihoods. Unity state currently constitutes the most serious situation, where we have reports of Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) advances and fighting as they push into southern Unity state towards Koch, Leer and Adok. That has necessitated that most humanitarian agencies and non-governmental organizations evacuate their staff, further aggravating the suffering of a large number of civilians. The flow of internally displaced persons (IDP) into the UNMISS camp in Bentiu - some 2,400 so far in May - and the general displacement of innocent civilians has continued.”
2015-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7444 (2015) · source
“Ms. Loj: I thank you, Madam President, for this opportunity to present the latest report of the Secretary- General on South Sudan (S/2015/296), published on 29 April. I will focus my briefing on developments since then and on some of the major challenges facing the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) at this time. The security situation further deteriorated during late April and May, with significant military action in Unity, Jonglei and Upper Nile states, in complete disregard of the cessation of hostilities agreement. That is very worrying, as it has had a devastating effect on the civilian population in those areas.”
2015-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7444 (2015) · source
“I continue to prioritize the welfare and care of our troops and police, and I urge the troop- and police-contributing countries to continue to support us through regular and improved predeployment training and in-mission inspections. I 3 also attach great importance to strict compliance with the United Nations policy on sexual exploitation and abuse, and would like once again to urge contributing countries to ensure that investigations and action are promptly followed up and shared with the Mission.”
2011-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6495 (2011) · source
“Since I last briefed the Council (see S/PV.6379), the political and security environment in Liberia has become more complex. Not only is the election calendar coming clearly into view, but the situation along Liberia's border with C6te d'Ivoire requires close monitoring for potential security fallouts. Liberia is much stronger today than it was eight years ago when UNMIL arrived on the ground. Nevertheless, we should not take these eight years of unbroken peace for granted, and continued and increased international engagement will be needed. I cannot conclude my remarks without expressing gratitude to all our troop- and police-contributing countries. They provide us with the resources to carry out our mandate.”
2011-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6495 (2011) · source
“The original appeal is being revised to reflect the increased numbers, and I cannot emphasize strongly enough the need for a much more generous response to this appeal. In addition to the humanitarian challenges, the situation poses security concerns. Both UNMIL and Government security institutions have increased their presence and patrolling along the border, but ensuring coverage of all vulnerable areas along the over 700- kilometre and extremely porous border is proving overwhelming. These operations have also clearly highlighted security agencies' capacity gaps. The efforts of the Police Emergency Response Unit and the immigration service to reinforce their presence in key areas are often paralysed by basic equipment and logistical deficiencies.”
2011-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6495 (2011) · source
“In the first approximately three months of the Ivorian crisis, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees registered almost 40,000 refugees in Liberia. In just the past 18 days, however, at least another 50,000 are estimated to have crossed into the country. The influx has stretched the resources of generous host communities that were already living under difficult conditions, and poor infrastructure and insufficient resources are huge challenges to the humanitarian response. A humanitarian flash appeal for Liberia requesting $55 million was launched in January to cover an influx of 50,000 refugees. We now have over 90,000 refugees, and the flow continues.”
2011-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6495 (2011) · source
“However, the process has also illustrated how significant the challenges still are to Liberia's security sector, especially with regard to the logistics, communications and mobility capacities of the police and the immigration service. Continued international engagement and assistance to the process will be crucial. Liberia's inclusion on the agenda of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC), and the Government's decision to identify security sector reform, rule of law and national reconciliation as priorities under the PBC, is a major opportunity for Liberia. Prince Zeid, Chairman of the Liberia country configuration, will brief the Council on his findings from his two recent visits to Liberia. Since the report was issued, there has been significantly increased focus on Liberia's border with 11-26479 C6te d'Ivoire.”
2011-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6495 (2011) · source
“As requested in resolution 1938 (2010), UNMIL's consolidation, drawdown and withdrawal benchmarks have been revised to create a set of transition benchmarks. They focus on core areas considered vital to the process of handing over security responsibilities from UNMIL to the Government. They also outline contextual areas that have been identified as central to Liberia's long-term stability, including the range of institutional capacities to address the root causes of Liberia's conflict. Work towards planning for the transition of security responsibilities from UNMIL to the Government of Liberia has continued apace, and I have been encouraged by the commitment of the joint UNMIL/Government transition working group.”
2011-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6495 (2011) · source
“11-26479 I cannot overstate the importance of successful elections and a peaceful post-election transition to solidifying the progress in Liberia. A major piece of the success will be about ensuring an environment conducive to healthy political debate and competition. The National Elections Commission has a major responsibility in that regard. It must retain its independence and objectivity in order to instil confidence in the electoral process. The political debate is likely to intensify, with several elections- related challenges already in the courts. I will therefore continue to encourage all political actors to express their ideas, but to do so in a way that does not undermine trust and confidence in the democratic system, and UNMIL will continue to employ its impartial good offices in this regard.”
2011-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6495 (2011) · source
“I would like to underline how encouraged I am that the National Elections Commission and other national institutions maximized their logistical capacities and were successful in deploying to most of the 19 warehouses and to all registration centres. Lessons drawn from this process will be used in planning the referendum and the general elections later this year. However, the challenges involved in those will be significantly greater, as they will be one-day events and logistics will be complicated by Liberia's heavy rainy season. In terms of funding the $47 million electoral budget, the response has been positive. However, a $4 million gap remains in the basket fund managed by the United Nations Development Programme. I call on donors to help fill that gap.”
2011-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6495 (2011) · source
“There were some concerns, however, including reports of political aspirants transporting supporters to register in counties other than where they resided, and some reports of attempted multiple registrations and of registrations of foreign nationals. However, these were not of a magnitude to undermine the process. Simple logistics will make it difficult to successfully vote twice on election day. It is encouraging that 1.79 million registration forms were retrieved, representing 89 per cent of the estimated number of eligible voters - an almost 30 per cent increase from the 1.3 million people who registered in 2005. UNMIL provided targeted assistance and logistical support by airlifting registration materials to and from inaccessible locations.”
2011-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6495 (2011) · source
“Ms. Loj: I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for this opportunity to present the twenty-second progress report (8/2011/72) of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL). Given the Council's busy schedule, I will keep my remarks brief. The full text of my statement will be distributed to Council members. Liberia concluded voter registration on 12 February. The exercise went well, with no major security incidents or prohibitive logistical challenges. The Liberia National Police provided static security where materials were stored and, with UNMIL assistance, increased patrols to voter registration centres.”
2011-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6495 (2011) · source
“Recovering from a long civil war requires leadership, resources and time. The Government of Liberia is providing the leadership and readiness to take ownership. Donors need to be generous and expectations need to be realistic about how quickly goals can be realized. I am confident that Liberians can count on the continued support of the Council.”
2010-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6379 (2010) · source
“By working closely together with our troop and police contributors, I trust that we can do better to encourage all members of the Mission to refrain from these demeaning acts - acts that in themselves defeat the whole purpose of our work. Let me conclude by stating that there have been many positive developments in Liberia. Seven years of unbroken peace - the longest in decades - have allowed Liberians to begin to believe, to be optimistic about the future and, day by day, to start taking charge and shaping the direction of their country. However, these positive developments are tempered by a fragile peace that relies heavily on the presence of UNMIL military and police. Liberia will continue to require substantial international support and assistance for the foreseeable future.”
2010-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6379 (2010) · source
“I would be remiss if I did not use this opportunity to express our appreciation to the troop- and police- contributing countries for their support to the Mission. I would also appeal to them to ensure that awareness of sexual exploitation and abuse is raised before police and troops deploy to the Mission area and that timely follow-up of investigations takes place. I would like to reiterate my request to troop and police contributors to inform the Mission of investigation outcomes and of any measures taken against those found responsible for any infraction. As Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Liberia, I spare no opportunity to raise the issue of sexual exploitation and abuse with all personnel, civilian and uniformed alike.”
2010-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6379 (2010) · source
“The Mission will also continue its work with the United Nations country team related to handing over and phasing out its civilian activities, and at the same time adjusting the work of the United Nations in response to the Government's request that Liberia become a self-starter delivering as one country. A high- level summit on delivering as one is planned for October to formally endorse the initiative and establish a joint steering committee. With the final year of implementation of the poverty reduction strategy now under way and the Government looking ahead to its next development strategy, continued coherence among United Nations actors and other partners will be of paramount importance to achieving desired results.”
2010-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6379 (2010) · source
“As demonstrated in the June workshop on security transition planning and in subsequent work, the Government has taken ownership of the process and recognizes the need for early planning to provide the time and space for Liberia to stand up security institutions, especially the police. We are jointly working on a comprehensive situational assessment and identifying gaps in individual security agencies that will have to be filled to ensure a successful transition. As part of this process, it is envisioned that our current consolidation, drawdown and withdrawal benchmarks, which covered the Mission's drawdown phase, will be revised to incorporate specific transition-related indicators and thus become transition benchmarks.”
2010-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6379 (2010) · source
“The needs are daunting, especially in a country building its institutions, facing extremely poor infrastructure, and struggling to provide basic social services to its population. Furthermore, while significant progress has been made in strengthening accountability and transparency, more effort is needed to tackle corruption, which has the potential to seriously hinder Liberia's development objectives. I am pleased to highlight the efforts undertaken by the Government of Liberia and the Mission to advance planning for the handover of security responsibilities, including at the level of the Government security pillar and the National Security Council.”
2010-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6379 (2010) · source
“A considerable milestone was achieved this summer when Liberia reached the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Debt Initiative completion point, qualifying for debt relief of $4.6 billion. Reducing the country's debt burden frees up resources to finance expenditures in areas critical to the success of the poverty reduction strategy, now in its final year of implementation. The Government's sustained implementation of a strong macroeconomic programme and ambitious reform agenda was instrumental in Liberia's completion of the HIPC process. However, it is important to note that the Government still faces extreme financial constraints. The proposed budget for the current fiscal year still being debated in the legislature totals just $347 million to cover all Government expenditures.”
2010-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6379 (2010) · source
“This is crucial, as the Commission will be necessary both to support reconciliation efforts and to serve as a publicly accessible human rights institution for all Liberians. While deeper issues and cleavages in society have yet to be addressed, the Government has also announced an ambitious initiative, the Liberia National Vision 2030, linked to achieving economic growth and strengthening national identity and citizenship, which should help make these issues more prominent in public discourse. All of these programmes need to be designed in an inclusive manner to ensure that Liberia never again experiences the nightmare that its people suffered in the recent decades of conflict and war.”
2010-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6379 (2010) · source
“In it, she reaffirmed her support for a nationwide Palava Hut programme, a traditional reconciliation mechanism in which perpetrators can publicly ask for forgiveness, and named a range of actors to become involved in addressing recommendations in a number of other areas, including prosecution. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission's report, especially the implementation of its recommendations, remains a key point of interest, but other measures to address root causes of the conflict also deserve attention. The President has presented a new set of nominees to the Independent National Commission on Human Rights to the Senate for consideration, and it is hoped that they will soon be confirmed.”
2010-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6379 (2010) · source
“The Government and its partners have been busy preparing for this important event, and the electoral timetable was announced on 27 August, with voter registration to start in January. However, the National Elections Commission will not be able to successfully organize elections without the international community's support. While considerable pledges have been made, more is needed, particularly if the constitutional amendments are not yet applicable and the 3 Commission is faced with having to conduct more than 80 runoffs across the country. National reconciliation is crucial to durable peace in Liberia. The President recently submitted her second quarterly report on the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's recommendations.”
2010-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6379 (2010) · source
“These amendments include moving election day from October to November in order to move it out of the rainy season by a few weeks, and allowing simple majorities to determine winners in all electoral races, except for the two highest offices, President and Vice-President. For these changes to the Constitution to take effect, a referendum is needed, but cannot be held less than 12 months after the legislature's action. The National Elections Commission has indicated that it will not be possible for it to conduct a referendum before the next elections. As is mentioned in the Secretary-General's progress report, the 2011 elections will be a critical test for Liberia on its path to democratic stability.”
2010-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6379 (2010) · source