YouSaid · the spoken record

Lucas

lines on the record: 1,853
first: 1997-08-28
most recent: 2016-12-19
sittings or episodes: 261
sources: un-security-council

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“We believe that it is time for the United States and Russia to involve other relevant stakeholders, including members of the Security Council, in the negotiation process for the modalities of a ceasefire agreement in order to provide a more effective and long-lasting solution to the key concerns that have so far stalled the process. The Syrian Arab Republic cannot continue being a stage for international rivalries and for a proxy war between regional and international Powers. The political and humanitarian repercussions of the Syrian conflict are likely to hound us for generations to come unless a timely solution is found.”
2016-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7777 (2016) · source
“We were led to believe that the International Syria Support Group would be a more effective mechanism for spearheading the Syrian peace process. However, it seems that key stakeholders in the group are pursuing a diplomatic process that is losing credibility on the ground in Syria, here at the United Nations and in the eyes of world public opinion. The concern that some key opposition groups are cooperating with known terrorist organizations is legitimate. It is essential to distinguish between them. However, indiscriminate attacks on civilian areas and facilities cannot be condoned, regardless of whether or not terrorist fighters might be present in those areas. It is also evident that there are elements seeking to undermine the efforts towards a cessation of hostilities and the provision of humanitarian assistance.”
2016-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7777 (2016) · source
“We thank Special Envoy De Mistura for his briefing and for his stated determination not to give up on his mission, in which he has our full support. We deeply regret that this meeting is being held due to such a negative turn of events in Syria, with the collapse of the ceasefire agreement, renewed air strikes and general fighting in the city of Aleppo. The devastating effects of the latest escalation of fighting on the civilian population cannot be overstated. It is deeply regrettable that the United States and the Russian Federation have been unable to effectively implement their coordinated agreement on a cessation of hostilities and collective action against the terrorist groups operating in Syria. We share the frustration of most Council members.”
2016-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7777 (2016) · source
“By adopting resolution 2309 (2016), which we were pleased to co-sponsor, the Security Council is sending an unequivocal message on the importance of fighting the threat posed to civil aviation by terrorist groups. It also highlights the importance of adequate security parameters for civil aviation, enhancing technical cooperation and mitigating the threat of attacks in the framework of the global fight against terrorism. In conclusion, we wish to reiterate Angola's commitment to working towards implementing effective measures to counter and mitigate this threat, particularly through reinforcing partnerships and applying the norms and standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization in order to strengthen security in this vital sector of contemporary life.”
2016-09-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7775 (2016) · source
“We have adopted a vast number of measures and legislations to verify and monitor the civil aviation sector by incorporating the norms enacted by ICAO into the national legal framework. This has been at the forefront of our efforts as a means of contributing to the protection and security of civil aviation. The restructuring of the National Institute of Civil Aviation in order to make it an efficient and credible regulatory mechanism; the reform of the the National Company of Airports Exploration and Air Navigation to efficiently manage airport infrastructure; and the restructuring of the TAAG Angola Airlines are some of the measures adopted in line with the recommendations of ICAO.”
2016-09-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7775 (2016) · source
“The terrorist threat to civil aviation has forced a more coordinated response on the part of the international community, mainly towards preventive anti-terrorism measures aimed at foiling such attacks in conformity with international treaties and conventions on civil aviation. We commend the work of the International Civil Aviation Organization and the enactment of regulations, practices and procedures to protect civil aviation against illegal interference and to ensure that those measures are appropriate against the surge of security threats. Angola, as a member of ICAO, has been working closely with that agency with a view to aligning its domestic practice and procedures with ICAO directives, in particular with regard to transportation infrastructure and technical expertise.”
2016-09-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7775 (2016) · source
“As such, dealing with the issue of civil aviation security and the threats posed by international terrorism to that vital sector has become a top priority to be dealt with. International terrorism has changed the way in which international aviation operates traditionally, namely, as a symbol of freedom enhancing increased intimacy among the peoples of the world. It is an evolution that terrorists seek to curb and undermine. Terrorist attacks against civil aviation, as any other kind of international terrorist act, constitute a threat to international peace and security, and as such are criminal and unjustifiable regardless of the motivations or aims of its perpetrators.”
2016-09-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7775 (2016) · source
“We thank the New Zealand delegation for convening this meeting on the terrorist threat to civil aviation. We are grateful to Ms. Fang Liu, Secretary General of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), for her comprehensive briefing on the crucial issue of civil aviation in contemporary life. The international community is faced with myriad new threats to peace and security that are a main cause for the weakening of the old system of collective security that the international community relied upon after the Second World War. Among those threats is international terrorism, which has reached an unprecedented dimension and boldness. Terrorism has become a global phenomenon of unpredictable character.”
2016-09-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7775 (2016) · source
“It is vital that the international community maintain its commitment towards Afghanistan, taking into account the fact that the future of the country depends upon the building of a stable, safe, economically sound State free from terrorism and criminal networks, with reliable democratic institutions guaranteeing the rights and duties of all Afghan citizens.”
2016-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7771 (2016) · source
“We encourage the Afghan Government to effectively implement the measures laid out in the plan allowing women to exercise their legitimate rights and guaranteeing their protection. In concluding, we wish to reiterate our support to the Afghan Government in this extremely difficult struggle against the forces of evil and darkness. The Brussels Conference on Afghanistan, to be held on 5 October and organized by the European Union and the Government of Afghanistan, signals the determination of the international community to pursue efforts to help the Government and the people of Afghanistan in a consistent manner to foster self-reliance and accountability.”
2016-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7771 (2016) · source
“Insecurity and deep-rooted discrimination against women, in particular regarding their fundamental rights and freedoms, are absolutely unacceptable. We took note of the statement by the Ambassador of Afghanistan that "women [are] increasingly assuming leadership positions at different levels of Government. There are more women in senior Government positions now than at any other time in Afghan history". It is our hope that this trend will be irreversible and that women will occupy their rightful place in Afghan society. We welcome the Government's efforts to combat violence against women and girls, and the approval of the strategy and the action plan on the elimination of violence against women for the period 2016-2020.”
2016-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7771 (2016) · source
“It is widely understood that sustained stability and prosperity in Afghanistan are dependent on national reconciliation based on respect for human rights and essential freedoms, on regional and international cooperation, mutual respect and non-interference in one another's internal affairs. The Afghan Government's efforts in reaching out to its neighbours and fulfilling its regional commitments, mainly concerning security and economic issues, are praiseworthy, as well as the Chinese initiative to hold discussions on counter-terrorism measures in the context of the Quadrilateral Cooperation and Coordination Mechanism, comprising Afghanistan, Pakistan and Tajikistan, which resulted in pledges by those countries to strengthen coordination and information-sharing, including border management.”
2016-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7771 (2016) · source
“UNAMA's semiannual report on the protection of civilians in armed conflict in Afghanistan, released in July, sheds grim light on the number ofcivilian casualties victims of the conflict. The indiscriminate killing of civilians deserves our most energetic condemnation, and once again we urge all parties involved in the conflict to respect their obligations under human rights and international humanitarian law. We praise NATO's decision, taken at the Warsaw Summit, by which its members and contributors to the Resolute Support Mission formalized the agreement on the continuation of the mission in Afghanistan beyond 2016, a crucial decision considering the intensified conflict in the country.”
2016-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7771 (2016) · source
“Also of great concern is the increasingly volatile situation in the country, the persistent security challenges and the growing pressure from the political opposition, which the ambassador of Afghanistan describes as "part of a routine exercise of democratic debate and a hallmark of our vibrant society, where citizens express their views in accordance with their democratic rights". This is remarkable progress in Afghanistan's political development, to be maintained and strengthened. The security situation has not improved against the backdrop of the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces' engagement against the Taliban. Tersistent acts of violence by terrorists, including the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant, suicide bombings and other forms of violence are the main causes of the ever-rising numbers of civilian casualties.”
2016-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7771 (2016) · source
“Despite the remarkable advances registered in the past 15 years and the genuine efforts made by the Government to advance towards peace, stability and national reconciliation, much remains to be done. Among the many challenges facing the country, the fight against poverty, the implementation of political reforms, specifically the electoral system, and the security situation remain sources of the utmost concern. Tackling such challenges requires unity in the country's leadership, cooperation and a spirit of compromise in order to strengthen the Government's capacity to implement much-needed reforms for the benefit of the Afghan people.”
2016-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7771 (2016) · source
“Mr. Minister, we welcome your presiding over this debate and the adoption of the presidential statement (S/PRST/2016/l4) that you have just read out on behalf of the Security Council as a demonstration of the Council's support of and commitment to Afghanistan. We also welcome the new Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), Mr. Tadamichi Yamamoto. We thank him for his briefing and extend our praise and support to UNAMA and its personnel, who are working in extremely challenging conditions. Two years after the establishment of the National Unity Government, the situation in Afghanistan remains unpredictable.”
2016-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7771 (2016) · source
“We remain confident that the political leaders of Belgrade and Pristina will be able to fulfil their commitments and implement the agreements reached under the European Union-facilitated dialogue. We hope that dialogue will proceed in good faith, in a results-oriented manner aimed at a better future with economic and social development for all of the people of the Balkans. Finally, we underscore that resolution 1244 (1999) remains the applicable legal framework in achieving a comprehensive solution for Kosovo through dialogue and negotiation based on the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and within the framework of the relevant Security Council resolutions.”
2016-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7760 (2016) · source
“Equally, the agreement for the establishment of the association/ community of Serb-majority municipalities in northern Kosovo, signed almost one year ago, continues to be challenged by the opposition's rejection, with its implementation stalled. On a positive note, we acknowledge that efforts to tackle organized crime and corruption in Kosovo have yielded positive results and that, since September 2015, no Kosovo citizen has been reported as having joined the conflicts in the Middle East. We also welcome the agreement reached by the Joint Working Group on Missing Persons with a view to increasing information exchange and organizing more frequent ad hoc informational meetings.”
2016-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7760 (2016) · source
“We underline the fundamental role played by the United Nations, through UNMIK, in promoting security, stability, respect for human rights and institution-building, as well as its cooperation with the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo, and its engagement with Pristina and Belgrade. A number of sensitive issues remain outstanding in the territory, and political tensions between the Government and opposition parties continue to undermine the normal functioning of Kosovo's institutions. The border demarcation agreement with Montenegro is the most contentious issue currently dominating the political debate in Kosovo.”
2016-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7760 (2016) · source
“We join other members of the Security Council in thanking Special Representative Zahir Tanin for presenting the report (S/2016/666) of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). We welcome the participation in today's meeting of Mr. Ivica Daeie, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia. We equally welcome Ambassador Vlora Citaku. The report of the Secretary-General highlights positive developments. We remain encouraged that the overall security situation in Kosovo remains stable and that political conditions have improved, with a significant decrease in the pattern ofprotests, aggressive actions and disruptive tactics by some parties.”
2016-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7760 (2016) · source
“The root causes of terrorism have to be addressed as well as the serious socioeconomic and political difficulties faced by the countries of the region. If the growth of terrorism and its recruitment appeal are to be curtailed, the issues of unemployment among young people and corruption must be duly addressed, while development and good governance must be top priorities in countries affected by conflict and terrorism.”
2016-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7758 (2016) · source
“Greater interaction with neighbouring States is key for facing a most pressing challenge to the countries of Africa, specifically on questions related to cross-border movements, controlling illicit trafficking and the need to reinforce national and regional security and increase technical assistance from the 1540 (2004) Committee and other subsidiary organs of the Security Council dealing with counter-terrorism. Finally, we are of the view that the effective implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) has to be coupled with significant progress in the prevention of conflicts and the resolution of protracted ones, not outright interference and inflaming of conflicts through the supply of weapons to non-State actors and oppressive unreliable regimes.”
2016-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7758 (2016) · source
“As a means of fulfilling its commitment to the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) and to the non-proliferation regime, and in response to increasingly frequent reports of attempts by terrorist groups to produce or obtain biological agents and pathogens, as well as the use ofchemical agents in certain conflicts, the Angolan Government has redoubled its efforts to create an effective, institutionalized national mechanism to address such threats. Currently, Angola is working on drafting legislation to establish a national authority for weapons ofmass destruction - a body to be coordinated by the Ministry of National Defence and whose main purpose will be to assist in formulating national action plans and in preparing national implementation reports on the country's capacity relating to the control of WMDs.”
2016-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7758 (2016) · source
“Angola is a State party to major international instruments relating to weapons of mass destruction, the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, the Chemical Weapons Convention and the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on Their Destruction. We are devising and implementing the relevant legislation and institutions that would allow for more effective implementation of resolution 1540 (2004), domestically and regionally, in order to enhance cooperation and collective efforts to ensure that all chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear materials, equipment and technologies on the African continent are used exclusively within the tenets of the law and for peaceful purposes.”
2016-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7758 (2016) · source
“Small arms and light weapons are the real weapons of mass destruction in the conflicts in Africa, in the Middle East and elsewhere. Furthermore, they are at the root of developments conducive to the use of weapons of mass destruction by non-State actors. Given the massive destructive character of these weapons, we are of the view that the regime impeding the traffic and supply of small arms and light weapons to non-State actors should be strengthened, and identical restrictive measures should be applied, pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004). We furthermore think that the definition of non-State actors in resolution 1540 (2004) should be broadened and applied to a larger scope of non-State actors than those defined in the resolution.”
2016-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7758 (2016) · source
“In that regard, we commend Spain as Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004) for its stewardship of the comprehensive review process of the resolution. The Government of Angola is deeply concerned about ongoing challenges and conflicts on the African continent and elsewhere. We avail ourselves of this opportunity for an incursion into a subject correlated to the matter under discussion since, more than this somewhat virtual exercise, the real issue in contemporary conflicts is that weapons are easily obtainable, cheaply purchased through criminal networks and largely supplied by States to non-State actors, armed groups and terrorists in a dangerous game of influence and power, spreading destruction, anarchy and chaos.”
2016-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7758 (2016) · source
“We also thank the briefers for their important insights on this critical issue, and the Secretary-General for his remarks and contribution to the discussion on the threat posed by weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) falling into the hands of non-State actors, armed groups and terrorists; on the measures aimed at tackling these threats and the responsibilities of States to reinforce operational control mechanisms of weapons and equipment related to WMDs; in adopting appropriate legislative frameworks for preventing the proliferation of WMDs to non-State actors, armed groups and terrorists; on States' response to international cooperation and the provisions of resolution 1540 (2004) with respect to reporting on national and regional measures taken for the resolution's implementation; and on the review under way of resolution 1540 (2004) towards strengthening international commitments in preventing and confronting such threats.”
2016-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7758 (2016) · source
“We thank the delegation of Malaysia for convening today's open debate and welcome you, Mr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs ofMalaysia, for presiding over this important meeting.”
2016-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7758 (2016) · source
“Our view is that the imposition of sanctions by the Security Council on a Member State should be preceded by serious consultations on the issue, which in fact did not happen. In due course, when appropriate, we shall revisit the issue.”
2016-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7754 (2016) · source
“We look forward to the discussions to take place between the East African Chiefs of Staff and their South Sudanese counterparts, as requested by IGAD Plus, on the deployment of the regional protection force, which must guarantee peace and stability in South Sudan, in strict respect for its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. In that regard, we would like to assure the Transitional Government of South Sudan that Angola will adopt an active stance in order to ensure that the provisions of the resolution are correctly implemented and that the Government is an integral part at all stages of the resolution's implementation. Finally, the resolution contains an annex imposing a new sanctions regime.”
2016-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7754 (2016) · source
“Despite the fact that the United Nations Mission in South Sudan is under a Chapter VII mandate, the basic principles of peacekeeping call for the consent of the parties and, as referred to in a communication from the Secretariat to the members of the Security Council, "the lack or support or consent from the parties might have a negative impact on the way the parties, particularly the national authorities and local population, perceive the mission". Now that the resolution has been adopted, we urge all efforts to be deployed in order to closely associate the Government of South Sudan with the deployment of the regional protection force and to guarantee its formal consent and cooperation more than merely in principle.”
2016-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7754 (2016) · source
“It is our expectation that the deployment of a regional protection force, as decided by IGAD and now by the Security Council, while no easy matter or a magic potion for the immense problems facing South Sudan, will make a tangible contribution to the stabilization of the country and to the attainment of peace. During the negotiation of resolution 2304 (2016), Angola conveyed a number of concerns and presented constructive proposals addressing apprehensions expressed by the Transitional Government of National United of South Sudan, while trying to accommodate the demands of IGAD and the African Union. Most of those proposals and concerns did not receive appropriate consideration, which we deeply regret.”
2016-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7754 (2016) · source
“The stand by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the African Union represents a step forward in the direction we have been requesting for quite some time now, that is, a greater commitment by the region in addressing critical situations affecting the African continent. The decisions taken by IGAD are courageous, even challenging, and we are intent on working with the Government of South Sudan, regional players and the United Nations in order that they produce the desired results. We welcome the important decision adopted by the IGAD Plus Heads of State and Government on 16 July, and endorsed by the African Union. It is a decision that translates a renewed regional commitment to finding solutions to the conflict in South Sudan.”
2016-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7754 (2016) · source
“The Security Council has just adopted resolution 2304 (2016) renewing the mandate of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). Angola voted in favour of the draft resolution, and we would like to outline our point of view on the issue. As a member of the African Union and Chair of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region, Angola remains committed to the quest for peace and stability in the Republic of South Sudan and to supporting the current peace process, for which international community support is critical. We express our agreement in general with the mandate ofUNMISS, inter alia the high priority given to the protection of civilians, the creation of conditions conducive to the delivery of humanitarian assistance and support for the implementation of the peace process.”
2016-08-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7754 (2016) · source
“That is why we continue as well to concretely support the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and the Department of Peacekeeping Operations. Similarly, we have decided to support a research project of the United Nations University being carried out in partnership with UNICEF, which must help develop tools to better guide the work of United Nations personnel on the ground to prevent children from coming into harm's way and protect and extract them from situations of extreme violence. While this year marks the twentieth anniversary of the children and armed conflict agenda, we must redouble our efforts to strengthen the protection of children. If determination falters, we will be judged harshly by history.”
2016-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7753 (2016) · source
“Given that, we reiterate our unequivocal support for the mandate of the Special Representative, who is working tirelessly to protect children in armed conflict. The independence of her work should not be questioned. We count on everyone to respect it. We reaffirm our unwavering confidence in protection instruments, including the monitoring and reporting mechanism set up by the Council to verify the accuracy of all information included in the annual reports and their annexes. The report is the result of extensive consultations among the concerned Member States within the United Nations system - at Headquarters and on the ground. We reiterate our desire to see child protection advisers continue to exercise their specific mandate in the missions concerned.”
2016-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7753 (2016) · source
“The annual report of the Secretary- General indeed paints a bleak picture of the situation in 2015. In Afghanistan, children are disproportionately affected by the upsurge in attacks. Last year, one in four civilian casualties was a child. In Syria, the mass recruitment and use of children by Da'esh continued, as did attacks carried out by the Government against schools and hospitals, owing in large part to the increased use of air strikes and explosive weapons in populated areas. Cases of child abduction remain all too common in Iraq, the Central African Republic and South Sudan, where they have increased yet again. In Yemen, the number of children killed or maimed during the year 2015 increased six-fold.”
2016-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7753 (2016) · source
“It is now time to build on that political resolve to arrive at the full implementation of the action plan as soon as possible. In addition to the Children, Not Soldiers campaign, other progress made over the course of the past year should be noted, such as the intensification of dialogue between the Special Representative and non-State armed groups, which, as we know, constitute the majority of parties to conflict mentioned in the annexes to the reports of the Secretary-General. That has already produced results for Colombia. We also welcome the decision by the Secretary-General to suspend all participation in peace operations of troop- or police-police contributing countries that are listed in the annexes to his annual reports. While progress has been made, however, much remains to be done.”
2016-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7753 (2016) · source
“Through this mechanism, with the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict and the monitoring and reporting mechanism at its core, tens of thousands of children have been rescued, freed from armed ranks, reintegrated into their families and returned to school. All countries whose national security forces are listed in the annexes the Secretary-General's annual reports have now signed an action plan with the United Nations to end grave violations against children. This owes much to the increased mobilization for the Children, Not Soldiers campaign launched by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict and UNICEF in 2014. We welcome the fact that the Sudan made that commitment by signing an action plan on 27 March, in the presence of Ms. Leila Zerrougui.”
2016-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7753 (2016) · source
“Ms. Lucas (Luxembourg) (spoke in French): Let me thank you, Madame, for convening today's important debate, and all those who have spoken. Luxembourg fully associates itself with the statement to be made on behalf of the European Union, and that of Canada on behalf of the Group of Friends of Children and Armed Conflict. Twenty years ago, in August 1996, Graca Machel published her report on the impact of armed conflict on children (see A/51/306). Since then, we have collectively developed, step by step, a child protection mechanism that is among the unquestionable successes of the United Nations. We have done so in consensus, united in the conviction that children represent that which is most sacred to each nation.”
2016-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7753 (2016) · source
“In conclusion, ongoing armed conflicts have resulted in the forced displacement of ever-growing numbers of people. In 2015, children - many of them unaccompanied or separated from their families and in high-risk situations - constituted half of the refugee population. Preventing the outbreak of conflicts is still the best way to protect children. Unfortunately, the international community still lacks appropriate tools for effective preventive action. Meanwhile, the protection of children in armed conflict must continue to be at the centre of the international community's priorities and of a true, comprehensive strategy of active protection and humanitarian response.”
2016-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7753 (2016) · source
“The engagement with non-State armed groups has had remarkable results, in particular in the Central African Republic. The signing of an agreement to end the recruitment and use of and other violations against children led to the release, during the Bangui Forum in 2015, of over 3,000 children from the ranks of signatory armed groups. Similar events in Colombia, Mali, Myanmar, Philippines, the Sudan and South Sudan are other examples ofprogress in that sense. The inclusion in peacekeeping and peacebuilding processes of specific commitments related to child protection, and the provision of requirements for the rapid release of children from armed forces and non-State armed groups are, in our view, important measures in post- conflicts situations.”
2016-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7753 (2016) · source
“On a positive note, we would like to underline the progress made by the Children, Not Soldiers campaign. The commitments of Governments involved in the campaign bring them into compliance with international standards bearing on the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict. Governments listed in the annexes of the Secretary-General's reports are now implementing action plans with the United Nations aimed at eliminating the recruitment and use of children in national security forces. Most parties listed in the reports are non-State armed groups. We call on the United Nations to continue striving to identify concrete commitments by engaging with armed groups in order to attain new action plans while implementing existing ones with a view to ending the recruitment and use of children as soldiers.”
2016-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7753 (2016) · source
“This process has been driven by Member States, civil society and child protection actors. Another area of concern is the continued allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse by United Nations peacekeepers and non-United Nations international forces. In that regard, we are of the view that peacekeeping operations should establish a mandatory predeployment requirement for all troop- contributing countries in training on child protection, aimed at radically changing the current state of affairs. The systematic inclusion of child protection advisers in the mandates of special political and peacekeeping missions is important in making troop-contributing countries and individual members of peacekeeping missions further aware of this critical issue.”
2016-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7753 (2016) · source
“The recently adopted resolution 2286 (2016) recalls the specific obligation under international humanitarian law to respect and protect medical and humanitarian personnel, their means of transport and equipment, and hospitals and other medical facilities in situations of armed conflict, and to ensure that the wounded and sick receive the medical care and assistance required. Member States and the international community must do all in their power to help protect schools, students and teachers in situations of armed conflict and ensure that schools remain a safe place, while strictly respecting their civil character. Angola recently adhered to the Safe Schools Declaration, adopted at the Oslo conference in May 2015, endorsing the guidelines for protecting schools and universities from military use duringt conflict.”
2016-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7753 (2016) · source
“Member States must ensure that trial procedures are consistent with international standards ofjuvenile justice and the principles of the best interests of the child and their specific needs and vulnerabilities. The reintegration, not punishment, of children formerly associated with armed groups should be the priority. One very disturbing trend is that of increasing attacks on densely populated areas - including schools, hospitals and medical facilities - by military forces and armed and terrorist groups. These criminal actions must end and, in due time, the perpetrators must be held accountable.”
2016-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7753 (2016) · source
“The gruesome reality shows an increasing number of children affected by violent extremism. They are used as executioners or suicide bombers; targeted by acts intended to destroy, humiliate and terrorize communities in order to force them into compliance; and subject to massive displacement and all sorts of trafficking, including the slave trade. The Secretary- General's report highlights cases of the deprivation of the liberty of children formerly associated with extremists or armed groups, without due process. In our view, these cases should be carefully reviewed, since many of those children are victims and should be treated as such.”
2016-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7753 (2016) · source
“We also thank the Executive Director of UNICEF, Mr. Anthony Lake, for his remarks and for the work of UNICEF to better the fate of children all over the world. Current conflicts disproportionately impact children. Civilians are the main victims of indiscriminate attacks, with disturbing repercussions on children. The report of the Secretary-General on children and armed conflict (S/2016/360) highlights serious challenges to the protection of children and the increasing violations inflicted upon them. The situations in Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq, Somalia, South Sudan, Yemen, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nigeria and Palestine are some of the instances reported by the United Nations of children being brutally killed, injured, maimed, abducted, forcibly recruited into armed groups and exposed to sexual abuse and exploitation.”
2016-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7753 (2016) · source
“We congratulate Malaysia on assuming the presidency of the Security Council for the month of August. We express our gratitude for the convening of this open debate and commend the Malaysian delegation for its excellent work and dedication in chairing the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict. We assure you, Mr. President, of Angola's full cooperation towards the success of the Security Council's proceedings during your presidency. We thank the Secretary-General for his insightful remarks. A special word of praise goes to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, Ms. Leila Zerrougui, as we commemorate the twentieth anniversary of the establishment ofher Office. We pledge to Ms. Zerrougui our full political backing for the outstanding mission entrusted to her Office.”
2016-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7753 (2016) · source
“In conclusion, it is crucial that Member States in the Lake Chad Basin region continue their joint efforts to address the multiple challenges affecting the region. Angola fully supports regional and international efforts to rehabilitate Lake Chad and give new hope to extremely distressed populations, as well as to combat terrorism until Boko Haram is defeated and to provide assistance to the millions ofpeople in desperate need in the Lake Chad Basin region.”
2016-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7748 (2016) · source