YouSaid · the spoken record

Lubbers

lines on the record: 184
first: 2001-03-08
most recent: 2004-05-20
sittings or episodes: 3
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

“In that instance, organizations related to the Economic and Social Council are very important, as are the deliberations of the Economic and Social Council. To the extent that they are successful - in that connection I also mentioned the upcoming Monterrey Conference - they are an investment in security for the future. To put it another way, if those investments in durable solutions are not made, we will again see desperate refugees turning to criminal networks and undergoing all sorts of problems to arrive in countries with mature economies. If we do not have solutions for protracted situations, then we will again see that refugees - especially young people in camps - will be vulnerable to the extent that they can be attracted by those who practise violence, including warlords and the like.”
2002-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4470 (2002) · source
“The representative of the United States also made comments about that challenge. Let me now turn to the intriguing question of the French Ambassador, about setting the agenda for the humanitarian segment in the meetings of the Economic and Social Council. I think that this indeed presents an opportunity. As the Council is aware, the Economic and Social Council's work by definition complements the work of the Security Council, while at the same time being totally different from it. From the outset, there has been a Security Council and an Economic and Social Council. But I hope that I made it clear in my intervention this morning that they are not totally separate, especially when it comes to finding durable solutions.”
2002-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4470 (2002) · source
“We do hope that, as part of this new plan for Africa, new ways and means will be found to address needs in those regions where there are large refugee populations, not only to meet the needs of refugees but also to meet the needs of the local population so that there is less antagonism in the host countries and so that the populations of the host countries can see that, although they may have a lot of refugees, they are not only a burden but also represent prospects for development activities - for building roads, establishing hospitals and so forth. Such a change in paradigm * that is, that there is not only humanitarian assistance for refugees but also assistance for affected and burdened regions and host countries - is a very important change indeed towards striking the balance called for by the representative of Colombia.”
2002-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4470 (2002) · source
“It is very difficult, therefore, to define a precise budget in terms of this type of durable solution. There are, of course, other solutions. In the context of repatriation, there is also local integration in the first countries of asylum. I would like to take this opportunity to say a few words about the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD). I spoke with President Mbeki and with Prime Minister Chretien, whose country is a member of the G-8, about the need to use this important new initiative also in connection with refugees in terms of return and local integration. In response to another question, we see that refugees are often a burden to the local population in host countries.”
2002-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4470 (2002) · source
“We are a coordinating force with other departments - other ministers - for those people without a government. When we bring them back, in the beginning we go with them. We try to assist them with their initial needs - travelling and settling in. Sometimes we go somewhat further. Take the example of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, where we helped people go back to their villages and assisted them in repairing their houses, in order to ensure their successful return. If they are farmers, we can go as far as providing the first seeds. Of course, we try to do this in partnership with others and to hand things over, as soon as possible, to development agencies, through the interface of humanitarian assistance and reconstruction and rehabilitation.”
2002-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4470 (2002) · source
“We have to see what the exact numbers will be. But at least this gives the Council an indication of the shortage of money in terms of what is needed for the specific role of UNHCR. Let me explain once again the specific role of UNHCR. Council members all can relate to Governments; maybe the easiest example is to say that refugees and internally displaced persons are people who do not have a government that takes care of them. But they have UNHCR. It functions, in effect, as a Minister for the Interior. It registers people, knows where they are, makes profiles of them and asks where they can go back to. This is our type of work. Because there is no government taking care of these issues, when needed, we also provide protection and assistance, together with other bodies such as the World Food Programme.”
2002-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4470 (2002) · source
“As the Council is aware, generous pledges were made earlier in a broad forum event in Geneva, and more recently, in a broader context, in Tokyo. As for the budgetary consequences, let me turn to one of the questions posed by the representative of Colombia - the third question. It is not easy to define and calculate the cost of repatriation. That is related to the question: what is the role of UNHCR in that respect, and at what point do we hand over to other agencies and development actors? Let us take the example of Afghanistan, which is an interesting example - it is not Africa, it is not Europe, it is a specific situation. Let me now relate this budget of $271 million for 15 months - $18 million a month - to the one and a quarter million whom we bring back in a year. That is all on paper, of course.”
2002-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4470 (2002) · source
“This means also that each additional challenge has to be met by additional funding. Here, Afghanistan is a prime example. Let me give the Council an impression of the numbers. The budget of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) for 2002 - its annual budget - is $828 million. The Afghanistan operation costs about $18 million a month. If we deduct some $5 million, which was already part of the annual budget in the whole region, we are speaking of about $13 million a month, which is about $170 million - roughly 20 percent over our funded budget. From that, it becomes clear, of course, that we can carry out the Afghanistan operation only with additional funding from countries.”
2002-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4470 (2002) · source
“Mr. Lubbers: I wish to express my gratitude in general for the positive reactions. I will try to respond to some of the questions put forward. I will respond to the last question first - a general one. Yes, it is true that, when I took office, I had to face the consequences of the fact that the budget, as decided by my governing body - the Executive Committee a was substantially higher than the funding. Therefore we had to face a gap of $125 million, or 13 per cent of the budget. I saw no other way to close that gap than to reduce the organization. That was a painful operation, both in terms of our advocacy role in countries and of the assistance aspect. We were a bit concerned that we really went to what one might call the rock bottom, the absolute minimum. That is where we are.”
2002-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4470 (2002) · source
“In fact, they fuel human trafficking and criminal networks. Youngsters will be tempted to become, once again, partners of agents of violence. The Security Council, therefore, must also be aware of that. It is not only a question of prevention in relation to refugees; we must also find durable solutions and call on nations to assist in that endeavour. In fact, if solutions are not provided, we are talking about a ticking time bomb. When we provide solutions, they act as some of the most effective instruments to push back and put a halt to these crimes, which are on the rise. Solutions are among the most important instruments to prevent new violence. They are, indeed, a key factor in achieving the goal of security.”
2002-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4470 (2002) · source
“It specifically emphasizes the need to ensure respect for the rights and freedoms of refugees, for international cooperation to resolve their plight and for action to address the causes of refugee movements and to prevent them from becoming a source of tension between States. Let me conclude by making it very clear, in relation to the Council's responsibilities, that refugees are the consequences of conflict and persecution and of a lack of security. But that is not the whole story. As a consequence of the deficiencies in our political systems, we need durable solutions for these refugees - repatriation, local integration or resettlement. If these solutions are not provided, refugee camps and populations will become breeding grounds for despair, and refugees in despair go on the move.”
2002-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4470 (2002) · source
“The unique consultative process 4 the Global Consultations - have brought together representatives of States from all regions of the world, intergovernmental organizations, non-governmental organizations and so forth, as well as refugees themselves. This process will generate an agenda for protection, which will serve as a guide for years to come. As part of this process, on 12 and 13 December last year a Ministerial Meeting of the States Parties to the Convention took place in Geneva. It was a rather special event - the first such gathering of States parties in 50 years. It was opened by the President of the General Assembly and attended by 162 States, including 76 represented at ministerial level. The gathering adopted a landmark declaration of States parties, which breaks new ground in a number of areas.”
2002-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4470 (2002) · source
“The state government of Quintana Roo has also recently donated a substantial amount of land for these former refugees, demonstrating its commitment to ensuring the sustainability of this local integration. It would be gratifying to cover the whole world, but I must come to a close. At the end of 2000, my Office launched the Global Consultations on International Protection in order to reflect on how to revitalize the international framework for refugee protection set out in the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol, and to assist States to address the current humanitarian challenges. One thing which became clear was that there is still an enormous commitment to protect refugees but that there is also a need for more practical burden-sharing.”
2002-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4470 (2002) · source
“These very practical problems have to be solved to ensure that the remaining 70,000, or at least most of them, can return home. These problems have to be addressed urgently, because it is my intention to complete voluntary repatriation before independence day. UNHCR is not in a position to stay there month after month, year after year. Here, independence means that people can go home. Let me mention another signal of hope in another part of the globe: in Mexico. In Mexico, the Government has in the last few years naturalized more than 6,000 Guatemalan refugees who chose not to repatriate, providing a successful example of local integration.”
2002-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4470 (2002) · source
“Dieter Boden, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Georgia. Without a commitment by the parties to ensure the security of the civilian population, progress in meeting humanitarian needs will remain very limited. We are approaching 20 May 2002, independence day for East Timor. I am pleased to say that almost 194,000 East Timorese refugees have successfully been repatriated from West Timor. The challenge now is to find durable solutions for the remaining 70,000 East Timorese refugees. There are indications that the militias in West Timor no longer have such a firm grip on the camp populations, but there are still a number of factors inhibiting returns. There is the issue of Indonesian Government pension payments, and there is the problem of the lack of adequate housing in East Timor.”
2002-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4470 (2002) · source
“It is crucial that we do not allow donor fatigue to jeopardize the significant progress which has been made in the Balkans towards resolving the problem of displacement. Many refugees and internally displaced persons find themselves returning to rural areas, where they face considerable difficulties in their economic and social reintegration. Unemployment continues to affect a high proportion of returnees, making job creation an urgent priority. International financial support continues to be sorely needed in this process. Let me move further east from South-East Europe and say a few words about Georgia. I greatly welcome the Security Council's recent call on the parties to the conflict to reduce the level of tension on both sides of the ceasefire line, building on the protocol presented by Mr.”
2002-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4470 (2002) · source
“We are speaking about 800,000 people from these countries who have not been able to return to their former homes and who have not yet found a durable solution. Property repossession is the single most important issue affecting the return of refugees and internally displaced persons in both Bosnia and Croatia. UNHCR is focusing its efforts on ensuring that local authorities implement property laws and assist with the reconstruction of properties destroyed by the war. We thus see that throughout the Balkan region the needs are shifting from emergency relief to development. But just at the time when international financial support is most needed, the amount of money available appears to be diminishing.”
2002-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4470 (2002) · source
“More than 80 per cent of the 170,000 people who were displaced last year have now returned to their homes. But unless progress is made in implementing the Framework Agreement of 13 August 2001, there will be a serious risk of further unrest and population displacement. The Government's recent adoption of the law on self-government is an encouraging step in the right direction, but it needs to be implemented as soon as possible. In the case of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia, more refugees and internally displaced persons have been able to go home to areas controlled by opposing ethnic factions over the past year. We are talking about 100,000 in 2001. That is the highest number to date. Still, significant problems remain.”
2002-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4470 (2002) · source
“It sent a political signal that was important for the peaceful conclusion of the elections last year. However, the problem is not with the election; the problem is in the countryside, where local Government structures still have not sufficiently changed their attitude. Therefore, there is still instability. The continued displacement and isolation of hundreds of thousands of Serbs, Roma and members of other minority groups remains a real concern. Local leaders are still failing to make it possible at present for members of minorities to lead a normal life in the province. In the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, my Office continues to work alongside European monitors and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization in conflict-affected areas to help build confidence between communities.”
2002-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4470 (2002) · source
“In spite of all our efforts to facilitate returns, many of those people are likely to have to stay. The Government has recognized the problem and is working on a strategy for the needed local integration, which of course will succeed only if jobs are created and public housing is provided. It is good that this is understood. Thus, we are working on two tracks: integration for those who cannot return; and very active action to promote returns where possible. In southern Serbia, UNHCR has played an active role in preventing new violence. I refer in particular to the mixed police force. In Kosovo itself there has been some limited progress. In September 2001, we facilitated the first return of Serbs to Kosovo after more than two years of displacement. The number is still very small, but the significance is greater.”
2002-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4470 (2002) · source
“It should also be of interest to the Security Council: without such integration, refugee populations will be a breeding ground for new problems. In the Balkans, we are often quick to describe the problems. But we should not forget that there have also been some important success stories. Democratic Governments have replaced authoritarian regimes in Croatia and in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, and more than 2 million people who were forced to flee their homes during the wars of the last decade have returned to their homes. Still, many challenges lie ahead. Serbia continues to host 230,000 ethnic Serbs and members of other minorities who fled Kosovo, as well as 390,000 refugees from earlier conflicts. All together, that constitutes the largest single refugee community in Europe.”
2002-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4470 (2002) · source
“Africa's leaders have committed themselves to putting the continent back on the path to peace, political stability, economic prosperity and sustainable development. The New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) deserves full support. Currently, the NEPAD initiative contains no specific provisions for refugees and returnees. Therefore, my Office is working closely with the African Union to ensure that this issue is adequately addressed within the NEPAD framework. I am pleased to note that G-8 countries are supportive of NEPAD, and I hope that their interest will be reflected also at the International Conference on Financing for Development, to be held at Monterrey in March. The integration of refugees and returnees into the African economy and into the reconstruction process is key.”
2002-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4470 (2002) · source
“Should that political process be successful, a withdrawal of all foreign forces from the eastern part of the country may lead to a large-scale return of refugees from Tanzania and Zambia. So there are prospects but it is still very difficult. Africa must remain a top priority. The international community cannot afford to neglect its chronic problems of poverty, conflict and instability. Neither can it afford to ignore the refugees that these conflicts have generated. Let me give one example. Western Sahara is an example of a protracted refugee situation where there are few immediate prospects for durable solutions and where humanitarian assistance and protection for the refugees remains under-funded. It is unacceptable that in a long-term protracted situation our activities should be under-funded.”
2002-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4470 (2002) · source
“That is an indication that refugees are ready and willing to return as soon as it is safe to do so. With regard to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the deployment of the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) last year was a positive step forward. Another concrete, positive element was the separation of 1,400 ex-combatants who fled from the Central African Republic to the Democratic Republic of the Congo together with some 24,000 refugees. But, in general, lack of access remains one of the main challenges facing UNHCR in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. I therefore hope that the further deployment of MONUC in the country will lead to improved access. Beyond that, of course, we are looking forward to the too-long delayed inter- Congolese dialogue finally beginning on 25 February.”
2002-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4470 (2002) · source
“The situation in Burundi was reviewed by the Security Council earlier this week, with the personal participation of President Buyoya. Nelson Mandela's previous efforts and the efforts currently being made by Deputy President Zuma of South Africa and President Omar Bongo of Gabon to broker a ceasefire between the parties to the conflict are positive developments. In the event of an effective ceasefire, I anticipate that hundreds of thousands of refugees in Tanzania and elsewhere will voluntarily return. Currently, some 600,000 Burundians are living as refugees in East, Central and southern Africa, while a further 600,000 remain internally displaced in Burundi. This is a massive operation. Last year saw a modest beginning, with 30,000 refugees going back to the northern provinces of Burundi.”
2002-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4470 (2002) · source
“We intend to complete the repatriation exercise by 2003. However, we will then have to work on Eritrea's absorption capacity, where there are some concerns. Another successful repatriation operation is that involving 50,000 refugees returning from Ethiopia to north-west and north-east Somalia. Those numbers may be modest in comparison with the total numbers of refugees in Africa - we are talking about all the examples now - but they are significant in emphasizing the need to find solutions to very protracted refugee situations. The challenge of course is to make sure that those returns are sustainable. I must therefore encourage development actors to invest in areas of return so that returnees can rebuild their lives and engage in productive activities. As the Council knows, there are some hopeful signs in the Great Lakes region.”
2002-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4470 (2002) · source
“The return of refugees is essential for successful and legitimate elections. Meanwhile, the deteriorating situation in Liberia is of great concern. New Liberian refugees are already arriving in Sierra Leone, and it is vital that every effort be made to contain the situation in Liberia. Eritrea is another example of where considerable numbers of refugees are returning after many years of exile. The United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea plays a Vital role there. Over the last year, some 36,000 refugees have been repatriated voluntarily from the Sudan, and recently the momentum has picked up even more. While most of those persons are refugees who fled Eritrea during the conflict with Ethiopia in 2000, some of them are refugees who had been living in camps since the 19605 and 1970s.”
2002-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4470 (2002) · source
“Turning now to Sierra Leone, a year ago, following my first visit to the country, I briefed the Security Council on humanitarian issues there. Since then there has been much progress, and repatriation of Sierra Leonean refugees has now begun in earnest. The United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone's successful completion of the disarmament process has greatly contributed to stability in the country. UNHCR did its part, and the Government's declaration that the war has officially ended is also a welcome development. Now that the war is over, it is vital to build the peace. My Office is actively engaged in facilitating the return of refugees from Guinea, and we will soon start facilitating similar returns from other countries of asylum, particularly Liberia, the Gambia and Ghana.”
2002-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4470 (2002) · source
“But, in addition, the Government has been deporting substantial numbers of Afghans. UNHCR continues to request access to those deportees to establish whether or not there are any refugees among them. Although the international spotlight has been on Afghanistan, Africa continues to demand the greatest share of UNHCR's resources and attention. Out of 21 million people of concern to my Office, more than 5 million are in Africa. A considerable number of them have been languishing for years in refugee camps. In December of last year, UNHCR organized a ministerial-level meeting in Geneva to discuss these problems in Africa. It was made clear at that meeting that opportunities are arising to put an end to some of Africa's protracted refugee situations. Those opportunities must be seized.”
2002-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4470 (2002) · source
“Since the end of November, in Pakistan over 100,000 Afghan refugees are estimated to have already been repatriated. While that repatriation continues, the influx from Afghanistan into Pakistan has not come to a halt. We are talking about thousands fleeing from Afghanistan daily. While the lack of sufficient assistance is being cited as the main reason for persons continuing to flee Afghanistan, recent arrivals - particularly from the north - have increasingly referred to discrimination against Pashtuns. This is a worrying development. I hereby make a strong plea for tolerance, non-discrimination and reconciliation in the new Afghanistan. In Iran over 65,000 refugees are estimated to have been repatriated voluntarily since the end of November, and spontaneous returns are continuing at the rate of about 700 per day.”
2002-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4470 (2002) · source
“In Mazar-e-Sharif, in spite of General Dostum's disarmament campaign, armed men from rival factions have flowed back into the city in the past few weeks, and they are visible in the streets right now. The issue of security is crucial. Events such as those in Paktia and Balkh provinces, and ethnic tension in general in the north of the country, including Baghlan province, are a deterrent to the return of refugees and internally displaced persons. At the same time, they also prevent our access for humanitarian operations. If the security situation continues to deteriorate, Afghanistan will slide back into a 1992- Iike situation. I therefore strongly support the position taken here by Lakhdar Brahimi yesterday to extend the mandate of the international security assistance force beyond Kabul.”
2002-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4470 (2002) · source
“In fact, for the Afghans I will now be the "High Commissioner for Returnees", and that is a gratifying experience. Security, as the Council is aware, is now the most important condition for significant returns. The majority of the 5 million refugees are from countryside. It is therefore vital to have adequate security throughout the country, not only in Kabul and the main urban centres. I am therefore concerned about the deteriorating security situation in various parts of Afghanistan. The recent Violence in Paktia province has been widely reported. In Balkh province tension between rival factions has resulted in serious clashes in at least two areas, with atrocities against civilians - including killings and rape - reported in Sholgara.”
2002-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4470 (2002) · source
“My Office is fully committed to playing an active role, within the United Nations operation and under the leadership of Lakhdar Brahimi, to help build peace in the country, enabling refugees and internally displaced persons to return to their homes. The UNHCR initial return plan describes our regional approach to the Afghan situation, outlining the preparations that we are making for the return and reintegration of refugees and internally displaced persons. It is difficult to estimate at this stage the magnitude of the return movement and the speed at which it will take place, but our initial plan is to assist up to 1.2 million returnees in 2002: 400,000 from Pakistan, 400,000 from Iran and approximately 400,000 internally displaced persons - all going home. This is a substantial return operation.”
2002-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4470 (2002) · source
“It is particularly gratifying to note that the notorious Jalozai camp, where conditions have been particularly bad, is about to close. This is indeed an incredible improvement if one compares the situation to the one that prevailed only a year ago. Inside Afghanistan, the number of internally displaced people was estimated to be around 1 million in December, bringing the total number of displaced Afghans to around 5 million - one fifth of the population. Now, with the new Interim Administration in place under Chairman Karzai, and with international troops on the ground, we will address the massive problem of human displacement.”
2002-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4470 (2002) · source
“As the Council is aware, even before 11 September, Afghans constituted the largest refugee population in the world, with some 3.5 million in Pakistan and Iran alone, and many others spread out in countries across the world. In the last few months, in spite of the insistence of Pakistan, Iran and other neighbouring countries on keeping their borders with Afghanistan officially closed, UNHCR encouraged them to provide temporary protection for the most vulnerable. Some 300,000 Afghans have entered those two countries since 11 September. We have succeeded in ensuring that their basic needs are met. Beyond this, in Pakistan, considerable progress has been made in transferring refugees from makeshift camps to more secure areas with better living conditions.”
2002-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4470 (2002) · source
“Since then, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has been called upon by Governments to provide its expertise in helping to draft new regulations aimed at avoiding abuse of the asylum channel by terrorists and other criminals. UNHCR stands ready to continue cooperating with States in this respect, to ensure that standards of refugee protection are respected. There are currently more than 21 million refugees, internally displaced persons, stateless people and others of concern to my Office. I am determined in particular to make progress in finding durable solutions for those people. In many countries, it can be done. The first challenge is to ensure that the international community remains fully committed to supporting political processes aimed at ending conflict. Let me turn to the Afghan situation.”
2002-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4470 (2002) · source
“Refugees and asylum seekers must not be discriminated against; one must not assume too easily that their religion, ethnicity, national origin or political affiliation somehow link them to terrorism. Governments must avoid resorting to the mandatory or arbitrary detention of asylum seekers and to procedures that do not comply with the standards of due process. Detention of asylum seekers must remain the exception, not the rule. Resettlement programmes and solutions must be maintained and must not discriminate against people of particular ethnic groups or nationalities. In November last year my Office issued a document outlining these concerns and providing practical suggestions on how to ensure that applicable international standards relating to refugee protection are met.”
2002-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4470 (2002) · source
“Genuine refugees are themselves the victims of persecution and terrorism, not its perpetrators. Innocent people should not be deprived of their basic rights. Refugees and asylum seekers have for some years been the object of considerable mistrust and hostility in many countries, and they are now particularly vulnerable. In the current climate, there is a risk that refugees and asylum seekers may become convenient scapegoats and may be unfairly victimized. We must not allow this to happen. We must continue to fight against xenophobia and intolerance in our societies. We must not allow the global fight against terrorism to weaken the international refugee protection regime.”
2002-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4470 (2002) · source
“Mr. Lubbers: Mr. President, thank you for inviting me to brief the Security Council. Let me begin with 11 September. Resolution 1373 (2001) calls on States to work together to prevent and suppress terrorist acts and to prevent terrorists from gaining admission to countries by illegally abusing the asylum system. This is entirely consistent with the 1951 Refugee Convention, which specifically excludes persons who have committed serious crimes. Therefore, perpetrators, organizers and sponsors of terrorist crimes who might seek to abuse the asylum channel have to be promptly identified and dealt with. At the same time, let me add words of caution. In taking measures, we must ensure that Governments avoid making unwarranted linkages between refugees and terrorism.”
2002-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4470 (2002) · source
“On behalf of women refugees, I simply ask the Council to set the political conditions to make it possible for them to improve their situation and to see a future for themselves and their children - for their sons and daughters. They are just people like us. I think the Security Council could do nothing better than, as the President said, go for a frank follow-up.”
2001-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4291 (2001) · source
“I would also like to thank you because, to paraphrase your words, you said the political priorities have to be set right and that one cannot expect the humanitarian workers to do their work if there is not a political effort as well. Of course, I fully agree, and I am grateful that you said it. You made a plea to your colleagues for a frank follow-up; that is the only thing I want you to do: a frank follow-up. I do this on behalf of the refugees. We are talking here of very large numbers of people. But this is not just about big numbers; it is about individuals as well. We started this afternoon with International Women's Day. I said a few words about women refugees. Maybe I will end with that as well.”
2001-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4291 (2001) · source
“But I have the impression from reading the press release that even in that case there is a misunderstanding of what our intentions are. So that can be clarified after this meeting. Turning to the representative of Guinea, I want to thank his Government for its cooperation. We have met with them, and we hope to follow up. All of his colleagues listened to him, and at the very end of his speech he mentioned the repatriation of refugees as one of the things on Guinea's list. Practically all representatives paid tribute to the generosity of Guinea, and I think that it is fair for some consideration to be given to answering the question of there being a prospect, at least, of some repatriation. Turning to you, Mr. President, as the representative of Ukraine, I would like to thank you, first of all for your country's participation in UNAMSIL.”
2001-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4291 (2001) · source
“But in relation to that, I want to repeat what I said to President Taylor loudly and clearly. He thought that I was coming to him to ask him to be a sort of intermediary - a porte- parole or go-between - to the RUF. I said, "President Taylor, not at all. I know you did that in the past, and for good reason. But maybe it is better not to do that." But of course, that is part of the strategy of trying to decouple. It will be difficult. But I think that that is the way we have to try this. The issue of the Me'decins sans Frontieres (MSF) press release is interesting. At this very moment, three MSF members are touring around in RUF-controlled areas to make new assessments. I consider the members of the MSF to be people on the ground with very sound opinions.”
2001-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4291 (2001) · source
“My impression is that one of the reasons for their different behaviour today is that they see that they are in a difficult position, as they are isolated by the international community, by the NGOs and so on. I do not exclude the possibility that, therefore, they are trying to take another course. Once again, let us be cautious. The RUF is not homogeneous. We will follow it very closely. Now you may have a better understanding of our analysis on this point. Turning to the comments of the representative of Ireland, I thank him for the support of his Government when it comes to the money we need. In answering him, I want to stress one element that is in my letter in relation to President Taylor and Liberia. We now have the measures taken by the Security Council - they are in place, they have to become effective.”
2001-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4291 (2001) · source
“Furthermore, we are not saying, "Today it is safe to go back to RUF territory". That may be the misunderstanding of a number of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) - they may have thought that that was our plan. No; our plan was to see if there was the possibility of the RUF refraining from further action in the territory of Guinea and accepting that in certain places in Sierra Leone UNAMSIL will come in. We are creating a situation for limited numbers of refugees in countries controlled by UNAMSIL. What does it mean for the RUF? They are trying to build a future for themselves in the part of Sierra Leone that they dominate, or will still dominate. By the way, they also need humanitarian support.”
2001-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4291 (2001) · source
“The third reason is that I am convinced that we should not overburden Sierra Leone with internally displaced persons but, to the extent that we can achieve a little - I repeat: a little - more repatriation in countries controlled by UNAMSIL, it will be very positive for Sierra Leone. The stability of Sierra Leone will probably be increased, not decreased, by it. I do not believe in the reasoning that says that the fewer people we have, the better it is for stability. I have already answered the question asked by the representative of Mauritius about Bamako. Turning to the representative of Bangladesh, I appreciate very much what he put on the table. It gives me the opportunity once again to explain that, to the extent that we relate, via the Contact Group, to the RUF, it is not because we are naive about the RUF.”
2001-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4291 (2001) · source
“It is not good to say to refugees, "We will take care of you and you will stay here; we are not working from the perspective that at least some of you can make the choice to go home". The second point is that when I acquired the support of the authorities of Guinea - the Guinean army - to work together with us instead of resisting flows of refugees and internally displaced persons - as they have been doing now for a number of weeks, with great success - I promised the Government of Guinea that I would try to increase the possibility of repatriation. That was a promise, so I feel committed.”
2001-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4291 (2001) · source
“Let me be very clear: in Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia - the countries where I was - I cannot make the distinction at all. I consider internally displaced persons, as well as refugees, to be our problem. Our people in UNHCR are instructed to look after them as well as possible, and I will solicit for support to continue to do that. Turning to the comments of the representative of Mauritius, he stressed the importance of relocation in Guinea. I think he is right. We do that. However, I want to avoid the misunderstanding that relocation in Guinea is the complete answer. There has to be some perspective. There are basically three reasons why there should be not only relocation but, to a limited extent, repatriation too. First, there is the fundamental reason.”
2001-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4291 (2001) · source
“I assure the representative of Singapore that we will be very cautious when it comes to the security of staff and United Nations people in general. I hope that the United Nations and the Council will be instrumental in assisting in security matters, too. Turning to the comments of the representative of Norway, I want to thank him for what he said and, in particular, for the presence of the Norwegian State Secretary at the conference on internally displaced persons. This gives me the opportunity to say once again that internally displaced persons - not only refugees - in that part of the world are an enormous burden. I am sometimes asked whether UNHCR cares for internally displaced persons, since our mandate is refugees.”
2001-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4291 (2001) · source
“I understood his points very well, and I agree with him that we should not be naive and optimistic and that we need to strike a balance between prudence and, on the other hand, the realization that we are at a crucial moment for West Africa and that we have to look into the possibility of finding a way forward. I very much appreciate the fact that the representative of China described ECOWAS and UNAMSIL as the two legs on which we have to walk to reach a solution. I also thank the representative of Singapore, who spoke just after China and continued in the same vein. In listening to the various representatives, it became clear to me that there is indeed a wish on the part of the Security Council to make an additional political effort in relation to UNAMSIL, and probably, if it is redefined, to ECOWAS as well.”
2001-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4291 (2001) · source