YouSaid · the spoken record

Maritza Chan Valverde

lines on the record: 37
first: 2020-07-07
most recent: 2021-04-30
sittings or episodes: 6
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

“The coronavirus disease pandemic has further constrained the international community’s ability to maintain focus on its protection responsibilities in the face of an acute crisis at home. It is clear that more can and should be done to support civilians and the internally displaced. Nevertheless, the cross-cutting nature of the protection of civilians also gives the issue particular importance within the often-siloed landscape of the United Nations system and its varied stakeholders.”
2021-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/415 (2021) · source
“Costa Rica calls on the Secretary-General and the Security Council to take measures to ensure regular monitoring and assessment of these risks in armed conflicts in order to improve the understanding of the impacts of conflict-related environmental degradation on indispensable civilian objects and find solutions to improve prevention, mitigation and remediation as a means of better protecting civilians in armed conflict. Protecting civilians in conflict is an increasingly complex task, and the question of how to protect is ever-more pertinent. Providing effective protection starts with understanding what threats to human security exist and how these differ within a population. However, even with the best of intentions, civilian harm still occurs and needs to be addressed to maintain credibility.”
2021-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/415 (2021) · source
“Meanwhile, damage to water-pumping stations and related energy infrastructure in Ukraine risks flooding mines that store nuclear and toxic waste, threatening a potential regional environmental catastrophe. Civilians living in conflict zones are further exposed to increased vulnerability to climate risks, as violence breaks down environmental governance and mitigation infrastructure essential to combating these impacts, as well as the climate crisis and its effects.”
2021-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/415 (2021) · source
“The destruction of the environment, including through exposure to conflict pollution or toxic remnants of war, can make life unsustainable for civilians and impact the delivery of essential services to civilian populations. For example, conflict-related contamination of water resources and the destruction of water, sanitation and hygiene infrastructure can eliminate access to drinking water and waste disposal, of particular concern for halting the spread of communicable diseases, including cholera and the coronavirus disease. The deliberate shutting down of water-pumping facilities continues to have devastating effects on the lives of millions of people in conflict-affected areas in the Middle East and eastern Ukraine, while also having detrimental consequences on agricultural production.”
2021-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/415 (2021) · source
“Costa Rica therefore calls on Member States to join in support of a strong draft political declaration on strengthening the protection of civilians from humanitarian harm arising from the use of explosive weapons in populated areas. Secondly, conflict-related environmental damage can have devastating impacts on civilian lives and livelihoods, including detrimental effects on human health and suffering, as the Secretary-General outlined in his 2019 and 2020 reports on the protection of civilians in armed conflict (S/2019/373 and S/2020/366). Indispensable to survival, protecting the environment in armed conflict is protecting civilians.”
2021-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/415 (2021) · source
“Much of the harm civilians experience in conflict is indiscriminate and permanent, but also preventable. In this regard, Costa Rica would like to stress two points. First of all, despite existing international legal protections, civilians and civilian objects continue to sustain extensive harm — local businesses and marketplaces are destroyed, schools demolished and public health infrastructure incapacitated. This impacts sources of income for people and their communities and undermines feelings of security and dignity. Daily life is upended, and the international community is not upholding its obligations to protect civilians in conflict if we continue to permit the destruction of civilian infrastructure and services by ignoring the direct, indirect and reverberating effects of the use of explosive weapons in populated areas.”
2021-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/415 (2021) · source
“At the outset, Costa Rica would like to thank Viet Nam for convening this high- level open debate on “Critical infrastructure: the protection of objects indispensable to the survival of the civilian population”. Costa Rica is pleased to see you, Minister Bui Thanh Sơn, presiding over this important meeting. We greatly appreciate the briefings provided by Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Mark Lowcock; International Committee of the Red Cross President Peter Maurer; and Kevin Rudd, Chair of the International Peace Institute Board of Directors. Costa Rica deeply regrets that both State and non-State parties to conflict have failed to distinguish between military objectives and civilians and civilian objects, or to take every feasible precaution in the conduct of hostilities.”
2021-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/415 (2021) · source
“The pursuit of justice remains an often onerous task, but it is a task that we can and must pursue together alongside the ICC if we are to fulfil the expectations that others have of us for justice, but ultimately also for reconciliation, sustainable development and peace.”
2021-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/404 (2021) · source
“In this regard, Costa Rica welcomes the recent ruling by the International Criminal Court (ICC) recognizing that its jurisdiction extends to the occupied territories by Israel in 1967, namely, the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem. The decision clears the way for the ICC’s Prosecutor to investigate, arrest and try any individual — on both sides of Israeli and Palestinian militant groups — whom it finds has committed serious violations of international law in those territories. While Costa Rica deeply regrets Israel’s position in rejecting the Court’s jurisdiction over Israeli nationals, it reiterates its unwavering support for the Court and the pursuit of international justice.”
2021-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/404 (2021) · source
“Costa Rica calls for these elections to be free, fair, transparent and inclusive and thus organized in all the Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem. International electoral observation missions and civil society organizations play a crucial role in the oversight of elections to ensure their integrity. Let us not forget that international and regional treaties protect the freedom of movement, which is considered essential during the electoral process, not only for political parties and voters, but also for poll workers and election observers. Accountability for serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law continue to be a high priority on the international community’s agenda.”
2021-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/404 (2021) · source
“Costa Rica welcomes the announcement made by the Israeli Central Elections Committee on 26 March regarding the final result of the elections that took place on 23 March. We call on the winning parties to resume peace negotiations with the Palestinian Authority and halt any settlement activity or the implementation of the annexation plans. Regarding the upcoming elections in the Palestinian territory, Costa Rica welcomes the joint statement made last February by Hamas and Fatah agreeing to an election timetable in Gaza and the West Bank. The joint statement sets forth an ambitious electoral calendar with parliamentary elections scheduled for 22 May, while a presidential election is scheduled to take place on 31 July.”
2021-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/404 (2021) · source
“Allow me to begin by congratulating Mr. Tor Wennesland of Norway as the new Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process and Personal Representative of the Secretary-General to the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Palestinian Authority. Please know that you have Costa Rica’s full support in all your endeavours. Costa Rica also congratulates Viet Nam for its active presidency of the Security Council during the month of April. Costa Rica reiterates its long-standing position that only a negotiated two- State solution can bring peace and security to the Israeli and the Palestinian peoples, based on the 1967 borders and with Jerusalem as the capital of both States. In this regard, please allow me to stress two points.”
2021-04-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/404 (2021) · source
“Sanctions and judicial accountability measures must work together. Moreover, unless we adopt a holistic approach to policy and programming that deals with both the root causes of sexual and gender-based violence and its consequences, we risk simply being reactive, by which point it is already too late for the millions of victims and survivors. As is often said by proponents of the women and peace and security agenda, there is no security without women’s security and the aim is not only to protect women from violence, but to also encourage their active participation in political and economic life. A robust institutional framework will indubitably support such participation, as well as enhance protection mechanisms needed to eliminate such sexual violence in and out of conflict.”
2021-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/375 (2021) · source
“It is a preventable crime.” Costa Rica regrets that impunity for wartime sexual violence continues to be the rule, that justice remains elusive and accountability the exception, as we have not seen a single successful prosecution for sexual violence committed by either State actors or terrorist groups. Truly ending impunity requires that all actors involved in the commission of atrocities, including State actors, be held to account. And it is every State’s responsibility to do so. Costa Rica urges the Security Council to consistently apply sanctions for sexual violence crimes as a critical aspect of deterrence and prevention, utilizing the stand-alone designation criteria on sexual violence, as articulated in resolution 2428 (2018). We also encourage referring those crimes to the International Criminal Court.”
2021-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/375 (2021) · source
“Better arms control mechanisms, including robust implementation of the Arms Trade Treaty, as well as the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects, in addition to national laws and policies instituting gender-responsive small arms control, are essential to a more dependable security sector and, in turn, conflict prevention, protections against sexual violence and greater participation opportunities. Thirdly, as Special Representative Pramila Patten has stated “sexual violence is not an inevitable byproduct of conflict.”
2021-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/375 (2021) · source
“This includes ensuring that crimes of sexual violence not be amnestied and that victims receive the reparations and livelihood support that they need to rebuild their lives. Sexual violence considerations should be part of any peacebuilding, reconstruction, transitional justice and truth and reconciliation arrangements. Secondly, there is a clear correlation between the prevention pillar of the women and peace and security agenda and disarmament and arms control. However, the ready availability of small arms undoubtedly facilitates grave crimes, such as sexual and gender-based violence, which are quite often committed at gunpoint.”
2021-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/375 (2021) · source
“First, conflict-related sexual violence is not merely a women’s issue, but a security issue with much wider peace and security implications than particular instances of rape. This point is particularly important for Costa Rica as we strive to link such issues to other components of the broader gender equality and human security agenda, including those established by Sustainable Development Goals 5 and 16. Not only can rape serve as a precursor to conflict, a diagnostic of pre- conflict conditions and a symptom of impunity, it is also evidence of a weak and insufficient security sector. In this regard, Costa Rica urges that conflict-related sexual violence should be addressed as a central aspect of any peace agreement.”
2021-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/375 (2021) · source
“Despite the increased international recognition of the serious impact that sexual violence in conflict and post-conflict situations poses to international peace and security, initiatives to prevent or mitigate these hideous acts continue to fall short. Women and girls, members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex community, and other vulnerable groups continue to be targeted with sexual and gender-based violence. Although resolution 1820 (2008) has led to remarkable progress in addressing sexual violence in conflict, lagging implementation and narrow interpretations of what constitutes conflict-related sexual violence continue to limit its impact. In this regard, Costa Rica would like to stress three key points.”
2021-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/375 (2021) · source
“I thank the Permanent Mission of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam as President of the Security Council for the month of April for organizing this open debate on women and peace and security, which aims to highlight the brutality and devastation of sexual violence in conflict. I would also like to thank the briefers for their valuable insights on this pressing issue. Costa Rica reiterates its unwavering support to the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict and its mission. Costa Rica aligns itself with the statement submitted by Argentina and the Kingdom of the Netherlands on behalf of the LGBTI Core Group (annex 70).”
2021-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2021/375 (2021) · source
“Empowering women and increasing women’s participation remain among the most effecting tools for advancing global peace and security.”
2020-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1084 (2020) · source
“It is crucial to confront women’s underrepresentation and other patterns of marginalization in those forums, alongside other objectives, such as ensuring the participation of those who have been most directly impacted by the trade and proliferation of weapons, and the full consideration of their humanitarian consequences. Costa Rica encourages States, in accordance with their commitments under resolution 1325 (2000), to intensify their efforts to fulfil this promising aspiration and to reaffirm our commitment to promoting the leadership and full, equal and significant participation of women in all disarmament processes — including meetings that are held virtually — and to strengthening analyses and approaches that take into account the gendered impact of weapons and weapons systems.”
2020-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1084 (2020) · source
“The original intent of resolution 1325 (2000) was not simply to promote female soldiers, but rather to reap the rewards obtained when women become equitable participants in all peace and security deliberations and solutions. That includes women’s representation at international meetings and multilateral forums dealing with arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation. Research has shown that at meetings of international treaties and processes that address disarmament and weapons issues, only about one quarter of participants are likely to be women. Less than a fifth of statements made are likely to be given by a woman. In many instances, almost half of all national delegations are composed entirely of men, despite the fact that women often suffer disproportionate or differential harm from the development, use and trade of weapons.”
2020-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1084 (2020) · source
“Resolution 1325 (2000) established a bold agenda in which gender equality was recognized as the foundation of peaceful and inclusive societies. However, a significant gap remains between our good words, agreements, discussions and events, on the one hand, and our actions, on the other. As a consequence, change — as stated by the Secretary-General last year — is coming at a pace that is too slow for women and girls whose lives depend on it, and for the effectiveness of our efforts to maintain international peace and security. Costa Rica therefore welcomes the stress placed on implementing our common commitments and delivering fully on the ambition of the existing framework of women and peace and security resolutions, rather than producing more texts. In that regard, Costa Rica would like to focus on one particular issue.”
2020-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1084 (2020) · source
“I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the Russian Federation for convening today’s open debate. I would also like to thank the Secretary-General for his tireless efforts to address the implementation of this important resolution, and wish to welcome today’s briefers. The adoption of resolution 1325 (2000) was a landmark moment in the history of the United Nations, representing a widespread normative shift in how we talk about women in the context of international peace and security. Resolution 1325 (2000) called on Member States to move women to front and centre in peace and security processes, to stop talking only about women as victims and, instead, to begin conversations about the importance of women’s agency and participation.”
2020-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1084 (2020) · source
“The success of such negotiations goes hand in hand with a definitive commitment by Israel to taking the annexation of Palestinian territories off the table and ending its settlement policy. A just and lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is long overdue. We will continue to spare no effort to turn our ambition, namely, the creation of a sovereign, contiguous and viable Palestinian State, living in peace and security side by side with Israel, into a reality. The Security Council has a key role to play in that endeavour. Indeed, if the Council had been responsible all along in implementing its own resolutions, peace in the region would likely already be a reality.”
2020-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1055 (2020) · source
“In that regard, we must not ignore the huge potential of women and young people to contribute to the resolution of this conflict, and we greatly appreciate that women’s involvement in political and peace processes will be reaffirmed by the Council later this month when it marks the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000). Costa Rica hopes that the recent agreements signed between Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and the Sudan will open the door for a new chapter of peace talks in the region, in which the parties will have an opportunity to re-engage in serious, meaningful and direct negotiations, based on international law and agreed parameters, and in close collaboration with the Middle East Quartet.”
2020-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1055 (2020) · source
“We therefore encourage the Council to work together with the relevant United Nations bodies to uphold the principle of the protection of civilians in situations of armed conflict.S/2020/1055 Thirdly, Costa Rica believes that the Security Council should not continue with its routine of convening briefings and debates without sufficient follow-up. We again call on the Council to assert its mandate under the Charter of the United Nations and act as a matter of urgency to bring an end to the Israeli occupation. Setting timelines and parameters to make the two-State solution a reality is critical. Moreover, we strongly believe that the Security Council must look at ways in which to build mutual confidence between the parties.”
2020-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1055 (2020) · source
“Costa Rica is also extremely concerned about the increase in violent incidents against civilians throughout the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Adequate steps must be taken to prevent acts of violence against civilians, including acts of terror, incitement, hate speech and property destruction, especially the excessive use of force by Israeli forces against Palestinian civilians. We also condemn the firing of rockets, drones and missiles into Israel and reiterate our strong support for Israel’s security. Let us be clear — civilians are not a target, and they must never be a target.”
2020-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1055 (2020) · source
“Secondly, Costa Rica also reiterates its concern about the ongoing humanitarian crisis faced by Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, where more than 38 per cent of Gazans live in poverty and 50 per cent are unemployed. In that vein, Costa Rica would like to highlight the remarkable work carried out by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) despite the pandemic caused by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and the economic constraints that the Agency faces. We reiterate our commitment to and support for UNWRA’s mission, which provides services of the highest quality and supports nearly 5.6 million Palestinian refugees so that they can live more secure and productive lives.”
2020-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1055 (2020) · source
“First, Costa Rica expresses its deep concern over the recent announcement by Israel regarding the continued expansion of settlements in the occupied West Bank and in areas in and around Jerusalem. Costa Rica reiterates its strong opposition to Israel’s settlement policies and continued demolitions, seizures, evictions, dispossession and confiscation of Palestinian homes and structures in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem. We reiterate that those settlements are illegal under international law and also undermine the viability of the two-State solution and the prospect of lasting peace in the region. We also call on the parties to fully comply with resolution 2334 (2016).”
2020-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1055 (2020) · source
“In Libya, my delegation recognizes the significance of the permanent ceasefire agreement between the Government of National Accord and the Libyan Arab Armed Forces. We commend the mediation efforts within the framework of the 5+5 Joint Military Commission with talks facilitated by Mrs. Stephanie Turco Williams, Acting Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya. We urge the parties to fully implement the agreement, disengage from outside influences, curb incitement to violence, open transportation routes and build on other areas of mutual interest in order to achieve a better and more peaceful future for all Libyans. Despite those positive developments, my delegation would like to reiterate three concerns.”
2020-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1055 (2020) · source
“At the outset, let me express Costa Rica’s appreciation to the Russian Federation for organizing this open debate and to Special Coordinator Nickolay Mladenov for his briefing. Costa Rica welcomes the signing of the Abraham accords between Israel and the United Arab Emirates and between Israel and Bahrain. We also welcome the recent announcements made by Israel and the Sudan on the normalization of relations and by Hamas and Fatah regarding the agreement to hold legislative and presidential elections in Palestine — the first elections in almost 15 years. Furthermore, Costa Rica commends Israel and Lebanon for convening their first negotiations in 30 years on non-security issues.”
2020-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1055 (2020) · source
“Costa Rica also welcomes the implementation of a system- wide COVID-19 medical evacuation treatment framework for United Nations patients. Costa Rica is honoured to serve as a regional medical evacuation hub in the western hemisphere.”
2020-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/674 (2020) · source
“Otherwise, prosecutions of crimes will remain the exception. The global response to such crimes must ensure the punishment of the perpetrators and comprehensive support to survivors. The impact of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has been multidimensional and the challenges that peacekeepers face in fulfilling their mandates — especially related to the protection of civilians — are greater than ever. Peacekeepers are not only having to cope with the pandemic but must also support and protect people amid rising infection risks. In this regard, we would like to recognize the work carried out by the Department of Peace Operations, the Department of Operational Support and, most important, by the peacekeepers themselves, who continue to protect the vulnerable while adapting to new circumstances affecting their own protection.”
2020-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/674 (2020) · source
“There should be no disconnect between the normative framework on which peacekeeping is based and human rights-related mandated tasks carried out by a mission. Protecting civilians must include upholding their rights. Secondly, sexual violence remains a pervasive tactic of modern war, one recognized as a war crime that is preventable and punishable. Costa Rica would like to raise its concerns over sexual and gender-based violence in areas of operations, cases of sexual exploitation and previous abuses committed by United Nations personnel, despite the existence of conduct and discipline systems and a zero-tolerance policy. It is crucial that the United Nations, the media and civil society groups continue to exert pressure on countries that contribute peacekeepers to respond to abuse allegations more seriously and more transparently.”
2020-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/674 (2020) · source
“First, we need to improve our monitoring mechanisms for violations of international humanitarian, human rights and refugee law through sharing of information, good practices and, most important, capacity-building and training for peacekeepers. Peacekeeper training, in particular regarding human rights and protection issues, is a strategic investment that enables United Nations military, police and civilian staff to effectively implement their increasingly multifaceted mandates. Without such training, there is a risk that some military personnel could see all human rights issues as the responsibility of human rights sections alone, diminishing their own contributions to monitoring and addressing grave violations.”
2020-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/674 (2020) · source
“At the outset, I would like to express Costa Rica’s appreciation for the convening of this high-level open debate to consider the interlinkages between peace operations and human rights. Costa Rica also welcomes the presence of the Minister of Defence of Germany, Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, and we thank them for their remarks. Over the past seven decades, United Nations peacekeeping has evolved into a complex global undertaking. Peacekeeping operations are not an end in themselves, but a tool for protecting civilians and enabling political negotiations in conflict- affected States, which can lead to viable and sustainable peace processes. In this regard, please allow me highlight two aspects that are of relevance to my delegation.”
2020-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/674 (2020) · source