YouSaid · the spoken record

Mabhongo

lines on the record: 226
first: 2004-10-28
most recent: 2023-05-03
sittings or episodes: 41
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

“At the same time, we note that Palestinian youth have positioned themselves at the forefront of the ongoing Great March of Return, where they have staged regular non-violent protests along the Gaza border, even while bearing the brunt of a violent and disproportionate Israeli response that has led to the deaths of more than 200 unarmed demonstrators. Such non-Violent activities prove that Palestinian youth want to reclaim their legitimate aspirations in a considered and thoughtful manner. They demonstrate their ability to engage in peaceful activities to express their needs and hopes. We should harness that opportunity to become the partners of Palestinian youth and acknowledge the role they can play as agents of change in resolving the crisis in their land.”
2019-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8583 (2019) · source
“Military checkpoints and the illegal separation wall have resulted in limited trade between Palestine and other countries, particularly within the region, which has reduced Palestinian employment opportunities and limited the movement of people and goods alike in and out of the West Bank and Gaza, all of which have detrimental impacts on both the social and economic welfare and the future of the youth of Palestine. As a result of that alarming situation and driven by desperation, an increasing number of Palestinian young people are reconsidering their way of political involvement.”
2019-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8583 (2019) · source
“Tracing the history of South Africa and locating it in an interconnected world, Nelson Mandela said, "We know too well that our own freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinians". Nelson Mandela was also a friend of children and youth. In that context, we would like to focus the rest of our statement on the plight of the youth in Palestine and the impact of the occupation on the lives of the new generation. Palestinian young people comprise 27 per cent of the total Palestinian population. Demographic trends indicate that, in the future, youth will constitute an ever-increasing proportion of Palestinian society. As a result of the long-standing occupation by the State of Israel, the daily reality facing the youth of Palestine is one of oppression, violence and deprivation.”
2019-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8583 (2019) · source
“Such actions by the Israeli Government cannot be tolerated. It is the responsibility of the Security Council, as part of its duty to maintain international peace and security, condemn those actions and call on Israel to cease such actions with immediate effect. Israel's persistent Violations of international law and resolutions cannot transpire without comment or action from the Security Council. The Security Council should uphold its United Nations Charter-mandated responsibilities and act accordingly. Nelson Mandela stood unambiguously for the two- State solution, in accordance with international law, as captured in the resolutions of the Security Council, as well as in the decisions of the International Court of Justice.”
2019-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8583 (2019) · source
“Let me begin by thanking Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo for her briefing today. In recent weeks, there have been worrying reports of an increase in the number of evictions, confiscations and demolitions of Palestinian property in both East Jerusalem and the West Bank. Homes and structures in the Palestinian neighbourhoods of East Jerusalem are being torn down and settlement activity continues throughout the occupied Palestinian territory. Since 2009, more than 6,100 Palestinian structures have been demolished, displacing more than 9,400 people. Since 2009, no action has been taken to address those injustices. South Africa is particularly alarmed about the continuing excavation of land beneath the Silwan neighbourhood of East Jerusalem, whose population is predominantly Palestinian.”
2019-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8583 (2019) · source
“My delegation therefore calls upon all parties to ensure that the necessary humanitarian assistance is able to safely reach the intended destinations without being used as a tool to further fuel the conflict. In this regard, we are concerned by the recent partial suspension of food aid from the World Food Programme, the dire implications of which were clearly articulated this morning by Executive Director Beasley. We call for the matter to be resolved in order for this aid to be resumed for those in need. Any hindrance to the delivery of this vital humanitarian aid only exacerbates the already severe crisis. In conclusion, we wish to reiterate that the only sustainable resolution will be a negotiated, Yemeni- led political process that is inclusive and fair and puts the interests and well-being of all the citizens of Yemen first.”
2019-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8578 (2019) · source
“We therefore wish to encourage all parties -who, by signing the Stockholm Agreement in the first place, have shown their willingness to commit to its implementation - to make every effort to fully implement all the elements of the Agreement, namely, the ceasefire and redeployment of forces, facilitation of the movement of humanitarian aid and, lastly, a prisoner swap. South Africa therefore calls on all parties to de-escalate the fighting in other parts of the country and commit to a general ceasefire to enable dialogue and inclusive peaceful negotiations. We wish to reiterate that the success of the Stockholm Agreement will require the sustained implementation of confidence-building measures by both parties. Mr. Lowcock's briefing this morning was a painful reminder of the dire humanitarian situation in Yemen.”
2019-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8578 (2019) · source
“We thank all the briefers for their detailed, informative and, indeed, illuminating briefings this morning. South Africa remains extremely concerned at the serious humanitarian and security situation in Yemen. The continued violence, including the attacks on Abha International Airport, remains unacceptable and must be condemned. South Africa firmly believes that, in order to ensure a long-term solution to the crisis in Yemen, it is necessary for all parties to commit to a political process. With that in mind, we welcome the progress made in the implementation of the Hudaydah Agreement and the role played by the United Nations Mission to Support the Hudaydah Agreement (UNMHA). We support the renewal of the UNMHA mandate for an additional six months, which was unanimously adopted by the Council on Monday (see S/PV.8572).”
2019-07-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8578 (2019) · source
“South Africa wishes to commend the Prosecutor and his Office for their efforts beyond prosecutorial obligations. In particular, we wish to emphasize the activities undertaken in relation to capacity-building through the provision of appropriate practical training on investigative and prosecutorial techniques. Such capacity-building is instrumental to ensuring that efforts undertaken now to dispense justice are sustainable in the future. In conclusion, we are grateful for the work carried out by the Mechanism, under circumstances that are often not ideal, and wish to commend it for its efforts. We are convinced that the Mechanism will continue to strive towards the fulfilment of its mandate under its current effective leadership.”
2019-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8576 (2019) · source
“We are particularly impressed with the work carried out by the Prosecutor and his Office during the reporting period and their tireless efforts in fulfilling the mandate of the Mechanism. We note the concerns raised by the Prosecutor in relation to the challenges experienced, particularly with regard to cooperation with States. We believe that States have an international obligation to cooperate with the Mechanism and the Prosecutor. South Africa, like other States, takes its international obligations seriously. We do not support impunity. Therefore, with regard to the request for assistance that was made of South Africa, our competent domestic authorities are actively seized of the matter and have been in contact with the Office of the Prosecutor with a view to finding solutions.”
2019-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8576 (2019) · source
“We wish in particular to emphasize the President's focus on addressing gender issues within the Mechanism, as well as enhancing its efficiency. In relation to gender parity, we are particularly pleased to see that 50 per cent ofthe professional staff members at the Mechanism are women. We would, of course, like to see the same percentage reflected in the overall staff numbers. The increased emphasis on the efficiency of the Mechanism is indeed positive. We are therefore encouraged by the innovative strategies presented in the report of the President (S/2019/4l7, annex I) to enhance efficiency, such as increased inter-branch coordination and harmonized practices and policies. Turning to the briefing by the Prosecutor, we wish to thank him for his report (S/2019/4l7, annex II).”
2019-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8576 (2019) · source
“I wish to take this opportunity to congratulate Judge Agius on assuming the presidency of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals. We are convinced that the Mechanism will make further substantial headway in its work under his leadership. At the same time, I wish to express gratitude to Judge Meron for his dedicated and significant leadership of the Mechanism, which achieved much under his guidance. I also with to thank the Prosecutor ofthe Mechanism, Mr. Serge Brammertz, for his comprehensive briefing on the work undertaken by his Office. We welcome the efforts of the Mechanism in terms of its administration, functioning and activities during the reporting period, which are indeed commendable.”
2019-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8576 (2019) · source
“We wish to reiterate the necessity for all the parties to fully implement all their respective commitments under the Minsk agreements, which provide the most promising road map for the peaceful settlement of the current hostilities, including in eastern Ukraine, and to advance the cause of peace and stability in the wider region. In conclusion, we encourage all parties to approach dialogue in the spirit of compromise in order to move the process forward.”
2019-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8575 (2019) · source
“At the outset, we wish to thank Under-Secretary-General DiCarlo and High Commissioner Zannier for their briefings today. With regard to the matter brought to the attention of this meeting, South Africa continues to encourage all the parties to strengthen all diplomatic efforts so as to avoid an escalation of tensions and work towards an inclusive, sustainable and peaceful solution based on cooperation and genuine dialogue. It is also of critical importance that all the parties refrain from actions that could be viewed as provocative, which may further impede a peaceful resolution of the situation. Non-implementation of existing agreements leads to unintended consequences.”
2019-07-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8575 (2019) · source
“Allow me to conclude by reaffirming South Africa's steadfast commitment to fighting the scourge of terrorism and organized crime and its interlinkages, where they exist, in all their various forms and manifestations.”
2019-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8569 (2019) · source
“Those views are guided, of course, by certain fundamental principles that underpin South Africa's approach to counter-terrorism. First, we firmly believe in the importance of addressing the socioeconomic conditions that breed terrorism and organized crime. Secondly, we are convinced of the importance of ensuring that international counter-terrorism efforts be coordinated by the United Nations, as the most appropriate and representative structure for coordinating our actions in that regard. Thirdly, we believe in the critical importance of ensuring that counter-terror efforts be conducted in accordance with international human rights law and humanitarian law and do not result in unnecessary casualties, which can further deepen resentment and hatred and, ultimately, perpetuate a cycle of terrorism.”
2019-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8569 (2019) · source
“First, we believe that it is greatly important that our efforts to understand those complex challenges be rooted in engaging with the local communities and individuals in the affected areas, whose first-hand perspectives and understanding of the conditions that perpetuate crime and terrorism are absolutely invaluable in ultimately understanding and addressing the threats. Secondly, it is equally important that counter- terrorism and deradicalization programmes be community-led and -driven and representative of the population that is affected by those challenges. Ideally, they should also incorporate religious and community leadership in challenging the poisonous ideologies and narratives and in offering alternatives.”
2019-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8569 (2019) · source
“The ubiquity of the threats of terrorism and organized crime, including transnational organized crime, therefore necessarily demands a collaborative, multilateral response from us. In that regard, we applaud the One United Nations approach to address those common challenges. As I conclude my remarks, allow me to offer some general observations on how we might jointly be able to improve our common efforts to address international terrorism and organized crime and their complex interlinkages.”
2019-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8569 (2019) · source
“We firmly believe that the study would also provide a comprehensive picture of the deficiencies that exist in dealing with those threats. While we feel it is important to expand our understanding of those challenges, we are nevertheless acutely aware of their severity and the adverse impact they have on States' resources intended to maintain peace, security and stability and pursue socioeconomic development. Those involved in transnational organized crime and acts of terrorism appear to be resilient, strategic and adept in executing their operations globally, including targeting areas with weak law enforcement, endemic corruption and a lack of resources to detect their activities.”
2019-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8569 (2019) · source
“However, we support Peru's call in its draft resolution on the topic, which is currently under negotiation, for a comprehensive, up-to-date study of the interlinkages of those threats to be conducted by the United Nations. As Peru has proposed, the study should take place with the contributions of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate, the Office of Counter-Terrorism and the other entities mentioned in the draft resolution. We are of the view that a study of that nature and its concluding report would provide Member States with a solid basis for further refining our responses to those complex challenges, based on a common understanding of their global threat profile.”
2019-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8569 (2019) · source
“We would like to begin by congratulating Peru on its presidency of the Security Council for this month. We also thank the briefers for their insightful views on the subject. We welcome the opportunity afforded by this open debate to further deliberate on the linkages between terrorism and organized crime, including transnational organized crime. We are pleased by the continued evolution of attention to the subject, including its consideration in various Security Council resolutions, such as resolutions 2195 (2014) and 2462 (2019). Based on my country's experience, South Africa has always held the view that the link between transnational organized crime and international terrorism is context specific.”
2019-07-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8569 (2019) · source
“We remain convinced that the only long-term solution for the situation is a comprehensive and inclusive Afghan-led and -owned political process towards the peaceful resolution of the conflict and an inclusive political settlement.”
2019-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8555 (2019) · source
“In that regard, South Africa also calls on all parties to ensure the protection of women and children, particularly from sexual and gender-based violence. My delegation continues to condemn the unlawful recruitment and use of children in armed forces and groups, and calls for their release and reintegration into Afghan society. All parties to the conflict must respect their obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law. In conclusion, South Africa welcomes all international engagement in support of a long-lasting, durable peace in Afghanistan. However, we believe that all efforts in that regard should be well-coordinated and complementary to the current Afghan processes in order to find a lasting solution.”
2019-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8555 (2019) · source
“The third point I would like to raise is our concern about the high level of violence and terrorist attacks in parts of Afghanistan, in particular the indiscriminate attacks against civilians, including the use ofimprovised explosive devices, suicide attacks and assassinations. Lingering violence could undermine the progress already made in the security and political spheres, especially following the loyajirga and in the run-up to the presidential elections. The violence also aggravates the already fragile humanitarian situation. Restrictions to humanitarian access and attacks against health and educational facilities are of particular concern. That particularly affects the most vulnerable in Afghan society - women, children and people living with disabilities.”
2019-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8555 (2019) · source
“With regard to national and international initiatives, my delegation welcomes the recent efforts towards reconciliation and dialogue. The loya jirga, which brought together politicians, tribal elders and other prominent people with the unified goal of finding a path towards peace talks with the Taliban, was encouraging. We hope that the 23-point plan will deliver on the aspirations of the people of Afghanistan. The participation of civil society and women's groups is particularly useful in ensuring that all sectors of Afghan society have a voice in an inclusive peace process. We wish to reiterate that only with full and inclusive participation can there be long-term sustainable peace in Afghanistan and the region as a whole. We hope that all-inclusive talks among all the relevant national stakeholders will continue.”
2019-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8555 (2019) · source
“During this meeting, I would like to address three issues - first, the election process; secondly, national and international initiatives; and, lastly, the increased violence in Afghanistan. We look forward to the presidential elections that will take place in September and encourage all parties to work together to ensure that the elections commence as planned and mandated by the Afghan Constitution. South Africa reiterates its support for the electoral reform process in Afghanistan, as that will ensure that the upcoming elections are credible, timely, inclusive, fair and free, and safe and transparent for all the people of Afghanistan. The elections are an essential step towards renewing the trust of the Afghan people and towards a stable, peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan.”
2019-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8555 (2019) · source
“Please allow me to begin by thanking Mr. Tadamichi Yamamoto, Special Representative of the Secretary- General for Afghanistan and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), and Ms. Sima Samar, Chairperson of the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission, for their briefings. We also acknowledge the presence of the Permanent Representative of Afghanistan. South Africa expresses its full support for Mr. Yamamoto and commends the efforts of the men and women of UNAMA, who have been vital in supporting efforts for achieving peace and security in Afghanistan, particularly by strengthening the capabilities, capacities and professionalism of Afghanistan's electoral and monitoring bodies. In that regard, my delegation welcomes the recent inauguration of the new Afghan Parliament.”
2019-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8555 (2019) · source
“We echo the Prosecutor's preventive statement, issued on 16 April, calling on all parties and armed groups involved in the fighting to fully respect the rules of international humanitarian law. This includes taking all measures necessary to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, including schools, hospitals and detention centres. It is of vital importance to also address the conditions that give rise to terrorism and extremism, including violent extremism, and to take the measures necessary to address them so as to discontinue the vicious cycle of conflicts on the continent. This would further contribute to ensuring the safety, protection and well-being of the population on the African continent.”
2019-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8523 (2019) · source
“On the humanitarian front, my delegation is concerned over the deteriorating humanitarian situation, especially as some humanitarian actors face challenges that restrict their access to parts of the country. We condemn the loss of civilian lives during the violence in Tripoli and support the Secretary- General's call for all commitments made under the September 2018 ceasefire agreement to be adhered to in order to maintain calm and avoid further violence in the capital. We also call on all parties to fully respect international humanitarian law and to ensure that all possible measures are put in place to avoid conflict. We call on all parties and stakeholders to recommit to efforts towards building durable peace in Libya on the basis of inclusive political dialogue as the only viable means to achieve sustainable peace in Libya.”
2019-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8523 (2019) · source
“At the outset, let me thank the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Ms. Fatou Bensouda, for her comprehensive briefing on the situation in Libya. South Africa continues to support resolution 1970 (2011), which calls for a cessation of violence towards civilians and mandates the ICC to investigate war crimes and crimes against humanity. We remain concerned over the ongoing fighting in Libya, which is not conducive to finding a political solution that will bring to an end Libya's long transitional period and lead to the unification of the country's institutions, as well as the holding of national elections. This is essential to enhancing security, stability and living conditions for the Libyan people.”
2019-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8523 (2019) · source
“In conclusion, the support of the international community for the Government and the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina is critical to achieving security, stability and an inclusive democracy in the country and in the region.”
2019-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8522 (2019) · source
“The political impasse is not sustainable. Political dialogue is critical to resolving outstanding issues. In that regard, we call for inclusive, consultative and constructive dialogue among all stakeholders, including the different ethnic groups and entities, youth and women, as well as among the various Bosnian structures through the Office of the High Representative, the European Union and the United Nations. In the spirit of finding a long-term, peaceful solution for all, we encourage all parties to recommit to the full implementation of their obligations under the Dayton Agreement. Political will and national ownership are essential to moving the process towards long-term peace, stability and reconciliation.”
2019-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8522 (2019) · source
“We wish to reiterate that a new coalition Government should be formed soon so as to allow the country and its people to implement the 5+2 agenda in its entirety, which would enable its assumption of full sovereign responsibility and authority over its domestic and international affairs. Recent human rights developments are of concern and have the potential to exacerbate the tensions between the parties. Such developments could have negatively implications for local communities and the broader region. Any country wishing to achieve sustainable peace must respect international human rights law and the relevant Council resolutions. In that regard, South Africa calls on all parties to respect the rule of law and the legal instruments that underpin the political structures in the country, guided by international norms and standards.”
2019-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8522 (2019) · source
“We remain concerned, however, about the continued disagreement between the political parties, which has the potential to undermine the fulfilment of the 5+2 agenda established by the Peace Implementation Council Steering Board. We encourage all parties to exercise restraint and refrain from provocative, divisive and nationalistic rhetoric that could weaken the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the State. The Security Council, in its support of the parties concerned, should promote an environment that is conducive to dialogue and cooperation and that would ease the challenges and hardships faced by the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
2019-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8522 (2019) · source
“We would like to thank you, Mr. President, for convening this debate on the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We wish to express our appreciation for the informative briefing by High Representative Inzko on the latest report of his Office on the political, security and humanitarian situation in the country (S/2019/364, annex). We welcome the progress made between the parties in discussions on the State-level Government, as well as the international community's support for the parties. South Africa concurs with the views expressed by the High Representative as we look forward to the formation of a new Council of Ministers as soon as possible.”
2019-05-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8522 (2019) · source
“As a particular example of how closer cooperation could assist in the protection of civilians, properly mandated peacekeeping missions could create a secure and safe environment for humanitarian organizations to have full and safe access to the affected populations. In conclusion, recognizing that the emergence of new challenges demands that the international community actively and collectively address these issues, it is the hope of the South African delegation that this will continue to be done in a way that increases respect for the principles of international humanitarian law, human dignity and the legitimacy of the United Nations.”
2005-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5319 (2005) · source
“However, we would like also to emphasize that a stronger involvement in the protection of civilians and humanitarian assistance by regional organizations such as the African Union should not lead to an abdication by the United Nations system of its own responsibilities. What is important, in our View, is closer cooperation and partnership between the United Nations and regional organizations. Lastly, the observation made by the Secretary- General in his report that peacemaking, peacekeeping, peacebuilding and humanitarian response to complex emergencies are mutually reinforcing is an important one, which we fully support. Closer cooperation between humanitarian and peacekeeping efforts is supported by our delegation, although we also recognize the need to respect the various mandates of the different institutions.”
2005-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5319 (2005) · source
“We wish to emphasize, however, that the 2005 world summit also called for continued consideration within the General Assembly of the issue of the responsibility to protect populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity. Fourthly, as in previous reports, the Secretary- General again highlights the valuable role that regional and other intergovernmental institutions can play in the protection of civilians - a role that South Africa fully endorses. We therefore agree with the appeal made by the Secretary-General to enhance the capacity and readiness of regional organizations to respond to the protection needs of civilians.”
2005-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5319 (2005) · source
“We wish to stress that, in addition, it also requires that disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programmes be fully funded. We therefore welcome the call made by the Secretary-General to reinforce the inclusion of adequate reintegration measures in peacekeeping and peacebuilding missions. Thirdly, the international community agreed, during the 2005 world summit, that each individual State has the responsibility for the protection of its populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity. It was also agreed that, where appropriate, Member States would be helped to build the necessary capacity to enable them to fulfil their protection mandate. It is from that perspective that we welcome the report of the Secretary-General as well as this open debate in the Security Council.”
2005-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5319 (2005) · source
“First, the report highlights the problems created by the continued recruitment of child soldiers. It also puts an emphasis on protection from physical and sexual violence, especially as concerns women and children. In that regard, we support the call on all parties to strictly comply with the relevant rules and principles of international humanitarian, human rights and refugee law. We also agree with the appeal to end impunity and to prosecute those responsible for genocide, crimes against humanity and other egregious crimes perpetrated against civilians. Secondly, the report of the Secretary-General has also correctly recognized that a secure environment for the protection of civilians, following a period of armed conflict, requires the strengthening of national legal, law enforcement and judicial systems.”
2005-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5319 (2005) · source
“We welcome the call made by the Secretary- General for a more predictable humanitarian response to complex emergencies through the proposed upgraded Central Emergency Revolving Fund. We believe that such reforms could help to enhance response capacity, develop more predictable humanitarian financing and strengthen humanitarian coordination. The United Nations can and should play a critical role in that respect. General Assembly resolution 46/182, among others, highlights the important agreed principles that guide the manner in which humanitarian assistance should be provided. These include the principles of humanity, neutrality and impartiality. These principles, we are pleased to note, were also endorsed by the 2005 world summit. We wish to make the following remarks on some of the issues covered in the report of the Secretary- General.”
2005-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5319 (2005) · source
“Mr. President, we thank you for having convened this open debate on the protection of civilians in armed conflict, and we also commend the Secretary-General for the comprehensive report that has been presented. It is encouraging to note that the number of armed conflicts has decreased from 50 in 1992 to about 30 in 2004. We need to acknowledge, however, that the tragic impact of issues such as indiscriminate killings, mutilation, sexual violence, forced displacement and loss of livelihood require our urgent attention and highlight the importance of addressing the issue of the protection of civilians in armed conflict. The international community, in our View, must remain collectively engaged to address the issue of the protection of civilians in armed conflict and to ensure the necessary political support and other requisite resources.”
2005-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5319 (2005) · source
“In conclusion, as we look back at the five years of the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000), we realize that peace starts with women and that for peace to be sustainable, we should ensure that women live more secure and productive lives and are able to fully enjoy their human rights and fundamental freedoms. We should recognize their invaluable role and contribution as mediators, educators, peacemakers, peacebuilders and advocates for peace. In our view peace attained through the participation of all means, not only the silencing of guns after war but a sustainable effort at ensuring lasting peace and prosperity. My delegation therefore supports the Secretary- General's report before the Security Council as well as all of the initiatives undertaken by the United Nations in implementing resolution 1325 (2000).”
2005-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5294Resumption1 (2005) · source
“Every effort must be made to halt this odious practice and to bring the perpetrators to justice. My delegation also wishes to reiterate its condemnation, in the strongest terms, of all acts of sexual misconduct by all categories of personnel in United Nations peacekeeping missions. In that regard, South Africa welcomes the comprehensive report on sexual exploitation and abuse by United Nations peacekeeping personnel. We express our support for the efforts of the United Nations to fully implement codes of conduct and disciplinary procedures to prevent and respond to sexual exploitation and to enhance monitoring and enforcement mechanisms. We note with appreciation the strategies and actions included in the system-wide action plan aimed at fully implementing those codes of conduct and disciplinary procedures.”
2005-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5294Resumption1 (2005) · source
“It opens the door for women with a view to ensuring integration of the gender perspective in all phases of peacebuilding. Our own experience in South Africa has taught us that, given a chance, women can bring an important and much needed perspective to peace processes. Women are no longer simply the victims of wars and conflicts; they are increasingly an important part of the solution. We would urge the Peacebuilding Commission, once established, to pay particular attention to the knowledge and understanding women can bring to peace-building processes. It is disheartening that sexual and gender-based violence, including trafficking in persons, continue to be used as weapons of war in conflicts. In some parts of the world, gender-based violence has reached near- epidemic proportions.”
2005-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5294Resumption1 (2005) · source
“This working document identifies numerous actions that different role-players within the United Nations system can take to further its implementation and which can be used to monitor progress. We encourage immediate implementation of the Secretary- General's proposals so as to put this action plan into practice. Member States can also enhance the United Nations system-wide action plan by continuing to implement resolution 1325 (2000), including through the development of national action plans or other national-level strategies. The decision by the 2005 world summit to establish the Peacebuilding Commission is, in our view, an important milestone and makes a further contribution to the full implementation of resolution 1325 (2000).”
2005-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5294Resumption1 (2005) · source
“However, it is clear that there is still room for improvement, especially with regard to the mainstreaming of gender consciousness in United Nations reporting and implementation systems. These goals, as set out in resolution 1325 (2000), can become a reality only if there are improvements in terms of information, coordination and cooperation, as well as strengthened commitment and accountability at all levels of the United Nations system. Enhanced cooperation with regional organizations and Member States, as well as civil society and women's national machineries, is also essential, we believe, to its successful implementation. My delegation therefore notes with appreciation the United Nations system-wide action plan for the implementation of Security Council resolution 1325 (2000), as contained in the report of the Secretary- General.”
2005-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5294Resumption1 (2005) · source
“We believe, therefore, that more must be done to achieve greater participation and effective contributions by women in developing and implementing post-conflict strategies and programmes. In addition to resolution 1325 (2000), we already have other instruments at the regional and global levels which recognize and seek to enhance the role of women in peace processes. We should use these instruments, and we believe that, with sufficient political will, we can meet the demand for greater inclusion of women in peace negotiations. Resolution 1325 (2000) calls for the full inclusion of women in international peace and security processes and for action in four critical areas. We note that progress has been made in a number of those areas.”
2005-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5294Resumption1 (2005) · source
“They are gradually finding a place at the negotiating table, in the implementation of peace agreements, and in post- conflict rehabilitation, reconstruction and disarmament. It is high time for them to be included in those processes in a more formalized way, at all levels and at all stages. The continued under-representation of women in formal peace processes and other persistent obstacles and challenges resulting from situations such as gender-based violence, poverty, lack of rule of law and various forms of discrimination prevent women's full and effective participation in conflict resolution. Conflict destroys infrastructure and disrupts essential services, which has a negative impact on the livelihoods of women.”
2005-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5294Resumption1 (2005) · source
“We are honoured to participate in today's open debate, especially given that this is the fifth anniversary of Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) on women and peace and security. My delegation associates itself with the statement made on behalf of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) by the delegation of Namibia as well as with the statement made by the delegation of Canada on behalf of the Human Security Network. As we commemorate the fifth anniversary of the adoption of Security Council resolution 1325 (2000), we are realizing now more than ever the important role of women in efforts to achieve peace and security. Time and again, women have played a constructive and essential part in peace processes.”
2005-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5294Resumption1 (2005) · source