YouSaid · the spoken record

Mark Lyall Grant

lines on the record: 1,799
first: 2009-11-13
most recent: 2015-04-24
sittings or episodes: 275
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

“It can be done, but only if we put aside our narrow, national interests for the sake of the greater good and the future of the Syrian people. It is this unity of purpose that all Council members will all need to draw on in the coming months and I wish them every success in their efforts.”
2015-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7433 (2015) · source
“I want to thank all members past and present for their cooperation, their advice and their support over the past five and a half years. But it is sadly fitting that I make my last statement to the Council on the tragic situation in Syria. It is the greatest regret of my time in New York that we in the Council have failed to end the fighting and stop the humanitarian catastrophe in the region. In the past four years, I have seen four vetoes that have prevented the Council from taking meaningful action on Syria. And yet, I have also seen glimpses of what we can achieve when we are united. Three resolutions last year helped to secure access to thousands of those in need from across international borders.”
2015-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7433 (2015) · source
“In Jordan we have invested resources in water supply and waste water infrastructure, mindful that it will not only provide a more cost-effective means of supporting refugees in the medium term, but also a longer-lasting asset for Jordan in the long term. The United Kingdom also strongly supports the No Lost Generation initiative that can provide sustainable, long-term education and protection to children. We have given $140 million in support as we recognize that the futures of 5 million Syrian children are at stake. We call on all members to work with host countries to support access to services for refugees and ensure a durable settlement solution. Today is my final day as the United Kingdom's Permanent Representative to the United Nations.”
2015-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7433 (2015) · source
“The only sustainable chance of ending the humanitarian crisis lies in a negotiated political solution by mutual agreement of the Syrian parties and supported by the international community. Special Representative Staffan de Mistura continues to have our strong support and we look forward to his briefing this afternoon. But we must be realistic about the timescale of political change, so, thirdly, we should consider what long-term support we can offer the region. Establishing refugees' self-sufficiency, supporting their education and fostering social cohesion with host communities are important steps. As Antonio Guterres pointed out, new financing instruments to support middle-income countries affected by conflict should also be explored. The United Kingdom is working with its partners on more efficient and cost-effective projects.”
2015-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7433 (2015) · source
“Those responsible must be held to account and the situation in Syria must be referred to the International Criminal Court. We must do all we can to alleviate the suffering of those remaining in Syria. We call for all sides to the conflict to respect international humanitarian law. They must ensure free, unimpeded access for humanitarian agencies to evacuate the wounded and provide vital assistance to all those in need. We encourage the United Nations humanitarian agencies and their partners to scale up humanitarian deliveries to besieged areas, including through cross-border routes, and we should look seriously at the further ideas that Valerie Amos set out earlier today.”
2015-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7433 (2015) · source
“We call on all members to lend their expertise to Governments in the region. Secondly, we must do all we can to help those who remain in Syria and work together to bring peace to the country so that refugees can one day return. No one here will underestimate the scale of that challenge. Al-Assad's brutality knows no bounds and shows no signs of abating. One hundred years on from the first use of chemical weapons, Al-Assad stands alone in his use of chlorine as a weapon against civilians. Shelling and barrel bombs continue to be weapons of choice and hundreds of thousands of Syrians remain under siege, deprived of basic services and food. Camps in Yarmouk, which remains besieged by Al-Assad, and Deir ez-Zor now lie exposed to the barbarism of ISIL.”
2015-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7433 (2015) · source
“I want to pay tribute to the work of host Governments, to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, to UNICEF, the World Food Programme and other agencies assisting the immediate needs of the displaced. The $3.6 billion raised in Kuwait is a lifeline for such work and we are grateful for Kuwait's leadership. The United Kingdom is proud to have contributed $1.2 billion in recent years for the humanitarian crisis, but more is needed. Donors must disburse their pledges promptly to ensure that funds reach the agencies helping those most in need. We must also recognize the enormous strain that is being placed on the resources of those accepting refugees. The United Kingdom is helping to build capacity in the education sector and supporting thedelivery of health and municipal services in Jordan.”
2015-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7433 (2015) · source
“In the past four years, we have also seen great generosity - particularly from countries that have become a safe haven for refugees: Jordan, Iraq, Egypt, Lebanon and Turkey. I will focus my statement today on three ways that we can support these countries and the refugees who have found shelter in them. First, we must address the immediate financial requirements of humanitarian agencies and Governments in the region. Funding is simply not keeping pace with needs. There are almost 4 million Syrian refugees in the region. All of them needed access to water, food, sanitation and shelter when they arrived and many need ongoing support.”
2015-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7433 (2015) · source
“I thank you, Madam President, for convening this debate. I welcome the powerful contributions of Under- Secretary-General Valerie Amos, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Antonio Guterres, Special Envoy Angelina Jolie Pitt, and Executive Director Ertharin Cousin. I am particularly pleased that we are holding this meeting in an open format, so that we can bring greater profile to the catastrophe facing the Syrian people and the region. The plight of people displaced in Syria and the region is the greatest humanitarian crisis of our day. Four years of fighting have left Syrians among the poorest, most vulnerable people in the world. At the root of their suffering is Al-Assad's tyranny, exacerbated more recently by the barbarity of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and other terrorist groups.”
2015-04-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7433 (2015) · source
“As mentioned in my opening remarks, Canada is here to share its experience and to listen and learn from others. We recognize that every nation has a particular experience, but we all share common basic principles. We must ensure that the lines of communication are open and that the international community works together on all fronts. It is the only way to effectively deal with such a threat. With a significant commitment, young people can be a powerful force to help create a more peaceful and secure world. (spoke in English) Canada has benefited greatly from hearing the perspectives of the Member States participating in today's debate. I again thank the Jordanian presidency for the convening of this meeting.”
2015-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7432 (2015) · source
“Citizens, families, religious leaders, police, the Government and, of course, communities all have a role to play. While the primary responsibility for responding to violent extremism lies with the individual States, the United Nations plays a crucial role in facilitating and promoting coordination and coherence in the implementation of various tools and strategies at national, regional and international levels and in assisting Member States. We encourage States to support multilateral efforts in the fight against terrorism, such as the Hedayah Centre, which was established by the Global Counterterrorism Forum. It is the first international centre dedicated to training, dialogue, research and collaboration in the fight against violent extremism. Canada welcomed the launch of the Hedayah Centre and is pleased to support its work.”
2015-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7432 (2015) · source
“Our efforts are paying off in a number of large cities across Canada where communities have begun to identify points of intervention and local community- driven action plans. In a series of workshops called Deepening the Dialogue, we use first-hand experiences to engage with young people. The approach challenges the audience to reflect on radicalization leading to Violence in the context of their own communities. We work with them to identify opportunities for individual and community interventions and resources before an individual crosses the threshold to violent extremism. We are convinced that such exercises will do much to strengthen the resilience of communities. (spoke in French) Preventing violent radicalization is a collective responsibility.”
2015-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7432 (2015) · source
“Broadly speaking, our efforts are anchored by research, community outreach and meaningful engagement and by building a tailored, whole-of- government intervention. Canada's development assistance also supports efforts to ensure safe and secure environments for children and youth so that they can contribute meaningfully to society. That includes efforts to create opportunities for youth-at-risk to find alternatives to violence and crime and become engaged as positive members of their societies. Domestically, our work with leaders through the Cross-Cultural Roundtable on Security helps us to engage with communities across Canada and to initiate frank and open discussions around the conditions conducive to the spread of violent extremism.”
2015-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7432 (2015) · source
“In fact, prevention is a key component of Canada's counter-terrorism strategy. Canada believes strongly in the importance of preventing individuals - including our young people 4 from radicalizing to violence before they cross the line into terrorist criminal activity. Young people are both potential recruits and interveners in the radicalization process. It is therefore critical that they be meaningfully engaged so that they can be part of the solution. How is Canada working to achieve just that? First, much important work is being done by numerous Government departments and agencies to empower and educate youth. We work in partnership with communities to build mutual trust and understanding - a foundation from which we can collectively take action to prevent radicalization at home and in the broader global community.”
2015-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7432 (2015) · source
“Addressing violent extremism is a challenge that demands comprehensive action on many fronts and across Government departments. First, it demands strong legislative measures to strengthen our national security. Indeed, we recently took an important step forward in this regard by introducing the anti-terrorism act. This legislation will address terrorism on a number of fronts, including creating a new offense of advocating or promoting terrorism generally, and providing for the ability to remove terrorist propaganda from our domestic web servers. Secondly, and more germane to our discussions today, the challenge of violent extremism demands concerted and sustained efforts at all levels to build resilience within communities. This is an area in which I am proud to say that Canada is actively engaged.”
2015-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7432 (2015) · source
“Mr. Grant (Canada) (spoke in French): On behalf of the Government of Canada, I congratulate the Jordanian presidency for organizing this important debate today. Canada is pleased to participate in the discussion and has joined the growing number of countries concerned about the issue of violent extremism. It is undoubtedly one of the main threats to global security. (spoke in English) Canada is among many other nations concerned with the reality in which our citizens, including our young people, can be radicalized to violence or decide to travel abroad to participate in terrorist activities. I would like to outline how Canada is tackling this challenge. At the same time, I would like to note that we are participating in today's meeting to learn from other nations, as sharing information and best practices is crucial in this respect.”
2015-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7432 (2015) · source
“Whenever the Council fails to act on an issue of global concern, we undermine the faith of young people in our work, and whenever we allow narrow national interests to hold international priorities to ransom, we erode confidence in the Council and our Governments. In this generational challenge against extremism, we simply cannot afford that.”
2015-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7432 (2015) · source
“Through the Jordanian presidency, we have held important gatherings of religious leaders, Foreign Ministers and experts to discuss practical steps to address the challenge. But we can and we need to do more. As Mr. Neumann said, we still have much to learn about the root causes of extremism. Fragile and conflict-affected States can provide the conditions for violent extremism to take hold. Conflicted identity and economic and social marginalization can also play a part. Effective United Nations peacebuilding can therefore play an important role. By promoting inclusive political and economic institutions and encouraging democratic processes, we can help present young people with an alternative to turning to extremism. And in doing so, we have the chance to make the Security Council relevant to a new generation.”
2015-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7432 (2015) · source
“But civil society and industry can play a role, too. They must take a zero-tolerance approach to the abuse of their platforms by extremism. The Internet can be a powerful means of standing up to extremism; we must not let extremists use it unchallenged. Be it the Government, civil society or industry, we must ensure that young people are at the front and centre of our approach, so as to present a credible, hopeful alternative to the hate speech of extremism - the dream that Mr. Atran spoke of earlier today. Thirdly, another strand for making a difference, lies with the Council. Over the past six months, we have adopted resolutions that target the financing of ISIL and resolutions that oblige States to curb travel by foreign terrorist fighters.”
2015-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7432 (2015) · source
“We have a team of regional coordinators that help universities manage the risk of extremism. Our schools have clear safeguards to prevent the promotion of extremist views incompatible with our values. Our prisons protect vulnerable young inmates during and after their sentences to prevent radicalization. This is not about curbing free speech. Extremist ideas can be defeated only when people are free to challenge them. But we must recognize that not just Violent extremism but non-Violent extremism, whether Islamist or neo-Nazi, can also incite hate and breed violence. The Internet of course plays a crucial role in that. ISIL and others have hijacked social media to propagate abhorrent propaganda. Since 2010, the United Kingdom has had to remove 75,000 pieces of content encouraging or glorifying violent extremism.”
2015-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7432 (2015) · source
“It is partly through education that we can help expose the lies ofAl-Qaida, ISIL, Boko Haram and others. It can help us to see how they hijack religion for their own violent aims. It is partly through education that we can give opportunity to vulnerable young people still searching for their place in the world. But education is not the whole answer. As we have heard, the link between educational attainment and extremism is not at all straightforward. In the United Kingdom, many academically gifted young people have also been radicalized. Secondly, we must look at the factors that push youths to extremism in our own communities. We must protect young people in our schools, universities and prisons from the influence of extremism. The United Kingdom has trained over 130,000 public-sector workers with that objective.”
2015-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7432 (2015) · source
“We all recall the bravery and leadership shown by the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize winner, Malala Yusafzai. Her speech at the General Assembly calling for global education, even for those who sought to kill her, was a powerful message against extremism. Her story gives hope and inspiration to young people everywhere. Supporting youth advocates goes beyond just giving them a platform; it is also about supporting countries to provide education for all so that others have a chance to follow Malala's lead. The United Kingdom is proud to have supported more than 4.5 million children in primary school education, mainly in South Asia and Africa. As Malala herself said, extremists attack schools because they are afraid of the change and equality we will bring to our society.”
2015-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7432 (2015) · source
“We all have a role to play to defeat it, but we must particularly harness young people to aid us in the fight if we are to reach a long- term solution. They are the victims, but they are also the solution, as His Royal Highness pointed out. I will cover three areas where I think that together we can make a difference. First, we must resolutely counter the narrative of extremism. It is incumbent upon all political, and particularly religious, leaders to speak out clearly with the message "not in my religion's name". But as others have pointed out, a counter-narrative is not enough. We need to promote a positive alternative narrative of tolerance and inclusion. We must support those brave youth advocates who stand up to extremism and promote this alternative narrative.”
2015-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7432 (2015) · source
“I would like to thank His Royal Highness the Crown Prince of Jordan for convening this important debate. Countering violent extremism is one of the most pressing international challenges that we face. It is a priority for my Prime Minister and for my Foreign Secretary, and we greatly appreciate the leadership shown by Jordan on this issue. The past 12 months have been horrifying for young people across the world - hundreds of students brutally murdered in Kenya and Pakistan, scores of children abducted and enslaved by Boko Haram, and countless young people manipulated and exploited by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and Al-Qaida, including some from my own country, tempted to join ISIL's murderous causes in Syria. The blame for these atrocities and many more lies in the generational scourge of Violent extremism.”
2015-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7432 (2015) · source
“The United Kingdom sees merit in the Council adopting a clear resolution setting out the parameters for a peaceful and negotiated solution. That will require proper consultation to achieve the full backing of the Council. As this is my final Middle East open debate, I would like to thank Council members, past and present, for their efforts on these issues over the past five years. But it is deeply regrettable that greater progress on Syria and the Middle East peace process has not been possible during this time. Much greater unity of purpose and more willingness for members to set aside their narrowly defined interests will be needed if we are to overcome these intractable issues in the future.”
2015-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7430 (2015) · source
“Egypt needs to resume its mediation role and show flexibility in opening Rafah, and donors need to deliver on their pledges as soon as possible. The regional turmoil we are witnessing only reinforces the importance of resolving the Israel- Palestine conflict. Both parties must think seriously about how they can work together to improve the reality on the ground. It is clear that comprises on the part of both parties are needed. Israel must stop its illegal and totally unnecessary settlement building, which seems designed to undermine a two-State solution. It should, instead, be easing economic conditions on the ground and removing barriers to Palestinian development. Furthermore, while the Palestinians seek legal international roots to statehood, they must realize that there can be no substitute for negotiations with Israel.”
2015-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7430 (2015) · source
“We urge all States to disburse their pledges promptly, and we encourage the United Nations' humanitarian agencies and their partners to scale up humanitarian deliveries to besieged areas, including through cross-border routes. I will now turn to the Middle East peace process. We all know that the only way to resolve this 60-year old conflict is through a negotiated two-State solution. We must have renewed international efforts to support progress and to start serious negotiations towards a deal. The parties themselves must also resume negotiations to reach a durable ceasefire in Gaza and tackle the underlying causes of the conflict. The Palestinians need to take concrete steps towards moving the Palestinian Authority back to Gaza, starting with border crossings. Israel must support Gaza with exports, energy and water.”
2015-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7430 (2015) · source
“The only way to bring about sustainable peace remains a political transition through mutual agreement of the Syrian parties, supported by the international community. The Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, continues to have the United Kingdom's strong support in his efforts to achieve that, and we look forward to his briefing later this week. We remain clear that Al-Assad can play no part in Syria's future. We must also be unwavering in our humanitarian commitment to Syria. We thank Kuwait for their leadership in hosting the third International Humanitarian Pledging Conference. The $3.8 billion pledged goes a long way to meeting the United Nations financing needs for 2015. The United Kingdom itself has now committed more than $1.2 billion to the Syrian crisis. But more needs to be done.”
2015-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7430 (2015) · source
“The plight of the people in Yarmouk is also the tragic reality for more than 440,000 Syrians currently under siege by Al-Assad and ISIL, without access to humanitarian assistance. That includes nearly 230,000 people besieged in Dayr Al-Zour by ISIL. They face severe shortages of food and basic goods. Power and water supplies have been cut and public health concerns are growing. We call on all groups to protect civilians, ensure humanitarian access and allow the safe passage and evacuation of civilians. The need for a political settlement in Syria has never been more pressing. The regime's recent loss of Idlib shows that neither side can win on the battlefield. There is no military solution.”
2015-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7430 (2015) · source
“I would like to thank you for convening this open debate. I also thank the Secretary-General for his briefing earlier. Last month marked the start of the fifth year of the Syrian conflict. For the past four years, Al-Assad has repressed, maimed and killed his own people. He has ruined the country he should protect. Syria is now a shell of its former self, and still the situation gets worse. We are deeply concerned by the fate of the Palestinian refugees in Yarmouk, where intense fighting is continuing between armed groups, including the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and Jabhat Al-Nusrah. Thousands of civilians, including many children, have been living under siege from the Al-Assad regime for nearly two years, and are trapped, with little access to humanitarian assistance.”
2015-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7430 (2015) · source
“It is right that the Security Council has taken this action today and the United Kingdom will continue to use all of the tools at our disposal to support a lasting political solution in Yemen.”
2015-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7426 (2015) · source
“It is right that the international community increase the cost of their unacceptable behaviour. A political solution in Yemen remains the best way to counter the growing threat from terrorist groups such as Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula. It is imperative that the international community not lose sight of the growing threat that they pose. A political solution is also the best way to arrest the worsening economic and humanitarian situation. Free and unfettered access for humanitarian supplies is critical. The United Kingdom is providing additional humanitarian support to Yemen and we urge the international community to do likewise. The security and stability of Yemen is in the interest of all Yemenis and all in the international community.”
2015-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7426 (2015) · source
“The United Kingdom welcomes the unanimous adoption of resolution 2216 (2015). In February, the Security Council made it very clear that further measures would be taken if the Houthis failed to cease their intimidation, aggression and expansion. As their actions have shown, the Houthis ignored this warning. The United Kingdom therefore supports the Saudi-led military intervention in Yemen taking place at the request of President Hadi, but ultimately the solution to this crisis must be a political one, and the United Kingdom stands with the international community in its call in this resolution for an inclusive political process. We call on all Yemeni parties to engage in the United Nations-led dialogue in good faith. This resolution adopts sanctions against individuals who have chosen not to do so but instead continue to destabilize Yemen.”
2015-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7426 (2015) · source
“The absence of a strong, united central Government in Libya strengthens those who wish to plunge the country and the region into chaos. A National Unity Government is therefore critically important for Libya's counter-terrorism efforts.”
2015-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7420 (2015) · source
“We echo the calls for an end to the violence, the need for accountability and for more cooperation with the International Criminal Court. Resolution 2214 (2015) is a strong collective Sign of our commitment to supporting Libya's fight against terrorism. We have seen the dangerous rise of ISIL-affiliated groups across North Africa and its consequences for regional security. The murder of Egyptian Coptic Christians, the Al-Quba bombings and, most recently, the attack in the Tunisian Bardo Museum leaves us in no doubt that concrete steps must be taken to tackle the threat. The United Kingdom is ready to play its part in that effort. It is vital that counter-terrorism and political efforts continue in parallel.”
2015-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7420 (2015) · source
“Instability and insecurity has allowed terrorist groups, including those affiliated with the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and Al-Qaida, to threaten Libyans and others in the region. It has created a deteriorating humanitarian situation and increased human rights violations and abuses. It has led to the proliferation of unsecured arms and ammunition that helps escalate the violence and further undermines the stability and security of Libya and its people. We therefore welcome the refreshed focus on the UNSMIL mandate for supporting as a priority the political process in Libya, as well as assisting Libyan institutions, monitoring human rights and countering arms proliferation. We support the reaffirmation of sanctions and arms embargo measures.”
2015-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7420 (2015) · source
“The United Kingdom welcomes the unanimous adoption of resolutions 2213 (2015) and 2214 (2015). We are at a critical phase in the United Nations- facilitated talks in Libya. The international community must unite behind Special Representative Bernardino Leon and speak with one voice to help ensure that the Libyan parties reach agreement on a National Unity Government. Renewing the mandate of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) today is therefore an important sign of our continued strong support for Leen's work, for political mediation and for resolving the current crisis through dialogue. The consequences of failure are clear to see.”
2015-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7420 (2015) · source
“Whether such violence occurs in Syria, Yemen or eastern Ukraine, the Council must do its utmost to end it, to protect children and to give a strong voice to those who are most vulnerable.”
2015-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7414 (2015) · source
“As seen in the Philippines, Cote d'Ivoire and Liberia, non-State actors' involvement in peace processes can also provide the momentum for ending the recruitment and use of child soldiers. We support the integration of child- protection provisions, including children's release and reintegration, into all peace and ceasefire agreements. There are clear steps for non-State actors and the international community to take in order to stop the exploitation of children in armed conflict, but in doing so we must not lose sight of the role that States themselves play in enabling and even supporting the growth of violent non-State actors. The breakdown of good governance, the abuse of the rule of law and the denial of basic security allow such groups to flourish, leaving some 15 million children living in countries embroiled in major conflicts.”
2015-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7414 (2015) · source
“I emphasize the importance of the Paris Principles on Children Associated with Armed Forces or Armed Groups in ensuring that children are treated as victims, not perpetrators. While the picture may often seem bleak, many non-State actors have shown some willingness and commitment to working with the United Nations to end violations and abuses committed against children by entering into action plans and committing to protecting children in peace processes. More than half of the action plans signed by the United Nations, and half of those that have been successfully implemented, have been with non-State actors. We urge all listed non-State armed groups to agree on concrete, time-bound action plans designed to end violations committed against children and secure their release.”
2015-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7414 (2015) · source
“We commend the efforts of UNICEF to secure their freedom and call for the release of the remaining 3,000 child soldiers in the Cobra Faction over the coming days. But we must recognize that their release is only the first step. The trauma for those children is far from over, as Mr. Nzita told us this morning. Children formerly associated with armed groups are often marginalized by their communities, making reintegration more difficult. Moreover, without successful rehabilitation and reintegration, children are left vulnerable to re-recruitment. In that context, we must also ensure that children associated with armed groups are not arbitrarily detained and have access to rehabilitation and long-term stability following their release.”
2015-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7414 (2015) · source
“The Security Council, the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict, the Special Representative of the Secretary- General and civil society must therefore use all the tools available to ensure accountability for violations and abuses committed against children. The expansion of the listing criteria for resolution 1612 (2005) to include abductions is another step that will enhance the international community's ability to hold perpetrators to account, and more action plans with non-State actors will give the United Nations valuable metrics for measuring whether progress is being made. We welcome the release this week of as many as 250 child soldiers by the Cobra Faction in South Sudan.”
2015-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7414 (2015) · source
“The Court's conviction and sentencing of Thomas Lubanga for recruiting and using child soldiers in conflict sent a very clear message that perpetrators will be held accountable even if many years have elapsed since they committed their crimes. Action through the ICC has not always been possible. Despite reports of the deaths of more than 11,000 children in Syria, last year the Council failed to agree on a draft resolution referring the situation there to the ICC (S/2014/348). But that has not deterred us from other efforts to document human- rights violations committed by States and human-rights abuses by non-State actors, in readiness for a time when perpetrators can be held to account.”
2015-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7414 (2015) · source
“In Syria, the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant filmed children taking part in arbitrary executions of prisoners, and in Pakistan in December 132 children were brutally murdered in their school by the Taliban. Those are just three of many recent examples. It is such shocking acts of violence that illustrate the scale of the challenge that faces us and show that we must redouble our efforts to prevent them happening in future. Today I will focus on three ways of doing so - by ensuring accountability, fostering reintegration and promoting action plans and inclusive peace processes. The International Criminal Court (ICC) plays an invaluable role in the fight against impunity.”
2015-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7414 (2015) · source
“I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for convening today's important debate on the child victims of non-State armed groups. I would also like to thank the Secretary- General, his Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, Leila Zerrougui, and all the briefers for their thought-provoking and bald statements. I welcome the fact that the Council has heard from a wide range of voices today to help inform our discussion, including from a former child soldier and the community of non-governmental organizations. Since we last met to discuss this issue (see S/PV.7259), a number of high-profile and abhorrent abuses have been committed against children by non-State armed groups. In Nigeria, Boko Haram sent three young girls to their deaths in suicide bombings.”
2015-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7414 (2015) · source
“In conclusion, the coming months will be challenging, but we must not lose sight of how far Afghanistan has come in the past year - and even more so in the past 13 years, as Ambassador Tanin pointed out. In the past 12 months alone, there has been the first peaceful democratic transfer of power, the formation of a national unity Government and the assumption of full Afghan responsibility for security. We now have a clear path ahead. The Afghan Government's reform priorities are the right ones. UNAMA, in close consultation with the Afghan Government and the international community, will continue to play a valuable role in supporting Afghanistan and its goals.”
2015-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7403 (2015) · source
“In that context, we welcome in particular the positive dialogue between Afghanistan and Pakistan. As the Secretary-General's report makes clear, security remains volatile, and this year's fighting season will be no exception. The continued attacks in Kabul bring home to us the courage and perseverance of the people and the security forces of Afghanistan, as well as the members of the international community who support them. But the increases in civilian casualties, for which the Taliban are largely responsible, are concerning. Avoiding such casualties must be a priority for all parties. Through resolute support, we will help the Afghan National Security Forces by providing practical training, advice and assistance that aids their efforts to combat the insurgency.”
2015-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7403 (2015) · source
“It will also promote more coherent donor support to the Afghan Government's priorities as co-Chair of the Joint Coordination and Management Board. In order to fulfil its mandate, UNAMA must have the resources it needs to maintain its presence in the provinces. Our goal remains to ensure that Afghanistan remains on a path towards a sustainable future for all, and the United Kingdom is committed to supporting the Afghans to achieve that. Securing a sustainable peace in Afghanistan through a political settlement remains the key to Afghanistan's future. Reconciliation is vital to any political settlement, and I welcome the efforts being made to ensure an inclusive peace process. We urge all parties to seize opportunities to make meaningful progress, recognizing that the process will take time.”
2015-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7403 (2015) · source
“We support the goals of President Ghani and Chief Executive Abdullah to deliver economic security by tackling corruption, to enact political reform and to consolidate progress on human rights and national security. Yet the economic situation remains precarious. Government fiscal discipline is vital, as is sustained donor support. The swift confirmation ofthe final ministerial appointments to the national unity Government will help to safeguard the gains made, build confidence and aid the reform process. UNAMA will play an essential role in support of those reform priorities. It will do so in a manner that is consistent with a sovereign Afghanistan. UNAMA's provision of good offices will assist political reform, aid in the preparations for parliamentary and provincial council elections and protect the gains made on human rights.”
2015-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7403 (2015) · source
“I will focus my statement today on three key issues: the support provided by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) to the Afghan Government's reform agenda, support for a peace process, and the current security challenges. I welcome the extension of UNAMA's mandate today. UNAMA plays a critical role in Afghanistan and its continued presence is a strong sign of the international community's enduring commitment to Afghanistan and its people. I commend President Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah on the steps they have taken since the formation of the national unity Government. In the first months of this year, we saw early action on tackling corruption, as well as agreement on the 2015 budget.”
2015-03-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7403 (2015) · source