YouSaid · the spoken record

Marschik

lines on the record: 102
first: 2006-02-23
most recent: 2023-12-15
sittings or episodes: 16
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

“Smaller States therefore have a keen interest in universal respect for the Charter of the United Nations — our Charter — and compliance with international law. It is indeed hard to overemphasize the role of the Security Council in defending and upholding the rule of law and the primacy of international law over unilateral acts. It is our strong conviction that the Council, in carrying out its mandate to maintain international peace and security, has to step up to defend the Charter and support compliance with international law. That may seem obvious in view of the Council’s clear mandate under the Charter. Unfortunately, however, it must be spelled out clearly, in a year when we have seen Article 2, paragraph 4, of the Charter violated by one of the five permanent members of the Council — by Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.”
2022-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9220Resumption1 (2022) · source
“As a staunch supporter of multilateralism and member of the Accountability, Coherence and Transparency (ACT) group, Austria has consistently advocated for a more transparent, accountable and inclusive Security Council. We are guided by our belief that the Council must better reflect the realities of the twenty-first century in order to address today’s challenges. That entails a more representative membership that reflects today’s world and its diversity. It is crucial to ensure the full participation of small and medium-sized States in the work of the Council. Smaller States make vital contributions to peace and security precisely because they — like Austria — are highly aware of their dependence on the international system for security and for the safety of their citizens.”
2022-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9220Resumption1 (2022) · source
“Let me commend India for convening today’s debate, as well as to thank all the representatives who are here right now instead of watching the World Cup semi-final in the Delegates’ Lounge. Sir, I would like to say that the topic you have chosen for today’s open debate should be at the core of our efforts: how we can assist the United Nations to be as credible and effective as possible in order to deliver on our aspirations for a more peaceful, just and prosperous world. I also thank you for your concept note (see S/2022/880), which was very useful. Allow me now to make some comments regarding the Security Council, the relevance of the rule of law and the state of multilateralism at the United Nations in general.”
2022-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9220Resumption1 (2022) · source
“We have strongly supported initiatives to strengthen the rule of law, protect civilians in armed conflict and promote the women and peace and security agenda, and will continue to do so. And we stand ready to do more. With the intention of gradually increasing our contributions to the Organization’s peace efforts, we will step up our training and capacity-building activities over the next years. We are convinced that the more we invest in those areas, the better we can support local ownership and the resilience of States against threats to peace and security.”
2022-11-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9181 (2022) · source
“Finally, on a local level, United Nations peace operations need to contribute to building resilient communities. Quick-impact projects that address the priority needs of the local population help foster trust. They have proven to be successful, and Austria will continue to implement such locally rooted activities in areas of deployment. Particular attention must be paid to building inclusive and resilient institutions and procedures based on the rule of law. And it is of the utmost importance to recognize that all members of society have a vital part in building resilient societies. I highlight here the fundamental role of women and young people in conflict prevention, peace processes and strengthening resilience. Austria remains committed to supporting all efforts to build resilience in and through United Nations peace operations.”
2022-11-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9181 (2022) · source
“Secondly, the United Nations must increase its capacities to build regional and comprehensive prevention strategies and foster even stronger partnerships with regional organizations, such as the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States and the European Union (EU). Based on the Action for Peacekeeping and Action for Peacekeeping Plus initiatives, the Secretary-General’s New Agenda for Peace will be a key opportunity to take those partnerships to the next level. Sustainable funding for African-led peace support operations is one important area to which the EU is providing substantial assistance through the European Peace Facility. Austria is committed to actively contributing to the discussion on how to specifically enhance those partnerships over the next years.”
2022-11-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9181 (2022) · source
“In order for the United Nations peace and security pillar to become better at integrating effective resilience-building, actions are needed at all levels of engagement — global, regional and local. First of all, on a global level, we need system- wide coherence. In your concept note (S/2022/799, annex), Madam President, you rightly identified climate change, the lack of sustainable institutions and socioeconomic factors as such potential drivers of conflict. The Security Council can address those by fostering its links with other parts of the United Nations, particularly the Peacebuilding Commission. The peace and security system should also draw on the vast expertise of the United Nations system for early warning and prevention on the interconnectedness of climate and security, poverty, human rights, as well as development and peace.”
2022-11-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9181 (2022) · source
“Let me first congratulate you, Madam President, and Ghana for assuming the presidency of the Security Council during this month. Let me also congratulate you for organizing this discussion so early on in your presidency, which enables the wider membership to participate. In an increasingly challenging geopolitical context, you have chosen a topic that touches upon the core of the future of United Nations peace operations. It is not enough to build peace in the strictest sense of the word, meaning the absence of armed hostilities. What we need is long-term sustainable peace, and that requires building resilience in societies, especially in conflict and post-conflict settings, and we need to address the underlying drivers of conflict with the instruments, frameworks and mechanisms needed to advance our objectives.”
2022-11-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9181 (2022) · source
“We reiterate our call for the Security Council to systematically include the women and peace and security agenda in all mandates of United Nations peacekeeping and political missions. Yes, there are a lot of challenges and negative developments in recent months, but there are also a few sparks of hope, and they deserve to be mentioned. Those include the crucial daily contributions of representatives of civil society, local women peacebuilders, mediators and human responders championing the women and peace and security agenda, such as the Global Network of Women Peacebuilders and its partners. Together we have committed to continue implementing the women and peace and security agenda through targeted measures and joint action based on multilateral cooperation. Together we will make a difference.”
2022-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9158Resumption1 (2022) · source
“To mark the tenth anniversary of the United Nations Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity, Austria will host an international conference on the safety of journalists on 3 and 4 November, with a special focus on female journalists. In the area of peacekeeping, Austria continues to work on increasing the number of uniformed women in its military personnel. The Austrian Armed Forces remain committed to a gender perspective in military operations in order to enhance situational awareness and improve preventive and protective measures. To that end, a permanent advisory office to consider the gender perspective was recently established.”
2022-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9158Resumption1 (2022) · source
“Austrian-funded projects include the establishment of the Afghan Women’s Advisory Board in order to involve Afghan women in coordination processes and strategic discussions, as well as support for women human rights defenders. Austria will continue to support the efforts of UN-Women, the Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund and its Rapid Response Window on women’s participation in local peace processes, including in Afghanistan, Liberia, Mali and South Sudan. As freedom, independence and plurality of media form the foundation of democratic societies, Austria underlines the need for a gender-responsive approach to the safety of journalists. We see that women journalists are at an increased risk of online and offline harassment, discrimination and violence — particularly in conflict zones, where women’s voices often remain unheard.”
2022-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9158Resumption1 (2022) · source
“Those committed to the women and peace and security agenda must implement it in their foreign, security and development policies and in their humanitarian assistance. That is not always easy to do, as we all know, but Austria would like to share some examples of what we do in that respect. This year, €15 million of the Austrian international emergency relief fund are earmarked for projects supporting Ukrainian women and children in Ukraine and its neighbouring countries. A gender-responsive approach is integrated in all our efforts to support Ukraine, including immediate and longer-term responses. Local civil society organizations, especially women’s rights organizations, are critical in that regard. As another example, recently €5 million of emergency assistance were given to UN-Women in Afghanistan.”
2022-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9158Resumption1 (2022) · source
“And as so often occurs, women and girls are disproportionately affected. Despite the clear evidence that gender equality and the meaningful inclusion of women in decision-making processes contribute to sustainable peace and conflict prevention, we seem to be moving in the opposite direction. Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine painfully shows the devastating effects of armed conflict on women and girls. As if targeted attacks on civilian neighbourhoods and institutions, including schools and hospitals, were not enough, sexual and gender-based violence is being used as a weapon of war. We need decisive action to sanction such crimes. Austria therefore supports the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, in Vienna, and the ongoing investigations of the International Criminal Court, in Ukraine.”
2022-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9158Resumption1 (2022) · source
“Austria also aligns itself with the statements made on behalf of the European Union and the Group of Friends of Women, Peace and Security. We very much appreciate Gabon’s efforts to ensure an open and focused debate today, and we thank the briefers for sharing their views and encourage them to keep up their important work. Austria commends the Secretary-General for his continued commitment to the women and peace and security agenda and UN-Women Executive Director Sima Bahous for spearheading women’s rights and empowerment. Once again, the annual women and peace and security report (S/2022/740) paints a grim picture of the situation of women and girls in conflict-affected countries. We are facing a triple crisis in terms of security, the global humanitarian situation and human rights.”
2022-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9158Resumption1 (2022) · source
“In the context of the Russian Federation’s aggression against Ukraine, Austria supports all efforts by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) to bring the war to a rapid end, including through parliamentary diplomacy supported by the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s newly appointed Special Representative for Parliamentary Dialogue on Ukraine, Mr. Reinhold Lopatka of Austria. Those are just two examples of many other excellent regional and subregional efforts that can serve as a model for best practices in terms of how we can contribute, through regional organizations, to the women and peace and security agenda. We look forward to further strengthening our efforts in that regard at the local, regional and global levels.”
2022-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9064Resumption1 (2022) · source
“When a member is faced with political turmoil, a regional organization can step in to offer mediation, protection and relief and recovery efforts. Let me conclude with two examples of efforts of regional organizations that we support. In Eastern Africa, Austria has been a long- standing partner of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) to strengthen IGAD’s peace and security programme. Austria also supports the efforts of the African Union to contribute to peaceful resolutions of conflicts in Africa.”
2022-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9064Resumption1 (2022) · source
“After having listened to the briefers and other speakers, it seems that the main conclusion we can draw from today’s debate will be that the international community needs regional organizations to bolster the women and peace and security agenda. Regional organizations and the Council should collaborate in localizing the women and peace and security agenda and extending it from the Council via regional intergovernmental bodies to the level of local policies. In those efforts, the role of civil society, especially women’s rights organizations, must be fully taken into account in terms of both planning and implementation. Regional organizations can strengthen the accountability of their members with respect to the women and peace and security agenda by keeping track of national implementation.”
2022-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9064Resumption1 (2022) · source
“Relief and recovery efforts and the nexus between humanitarian aid, development assistance and peacebuilding lack a dedicated gender lens. Too often, local women’s rights and grass-roots organizations do not receive the necessary funding, despite the fact that they move quickly from community programming to the provision of crucial humanitarian services when conflicts begin. In short, the challenges in implementing the women and peace and security agenda globally are numerous and need the continuous focus of the international community, in particular the Security Council. Austria commends Albania for its efforts to keep the spotlight on the women and peace and security agenda in the Council by convening today’s debate, which focuses on regional and subregional organizations.”
2022-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9064Resumption1 (2022) · source
“As was made very clear earlier today, that is irresponsible and counterproductive, and it has to change. At the Security Council’s annual open debate on women and peace and security held in October every year, the report of the Secretary-General sheds light on the significant gaps in the implementation of the four pillars of the women and peace and security agenda. The participation of women in truce and peace negotiations is marginalized. The protection of women and girls from gender-based and sexual violence is inefficient. And the heinous crime of conflict-related sexual violence, including mass rapes, persists. The prevention of those forms of violence is insufficient due to a lack of accountability.”
2022-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9064Resumption1 (2022) · source
“Austria welcomes the briefing delivered by the European Union (EU) Ambassador for Gender and Diversity, Ms. Stella Ronner-Grubačić. We also align ourselves with the statement delivered by the representative of Canada on behalf of the Group of Friends of Women, Peace and Security. This morning, we heard from our briefers — five highly impressive women leaders from regional organizations — that gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls are deprioritized far too often when a State is confronted with armed conflict, political turmoil or the seizure of power by force. Apparently, the normative power of the women and peace and security agenda, which is enshrined in 10 resolutions of the Security Council, fades when Governments switch from normal to emergency mode.”
2022-06-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9064Resumption1 (2022) · source
“We should be courageous; we should think outside the box to identify other new forms, instruments or procedures to deter potential violators, strengthen international courts, tribunals and other judicial institutions and encourage full compliance with international law.”
2022-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9052Resumption1 (2022) · source
“The world expects us and the United Nations system to deliver on the promise of maintaining peace and security. We are strongly committed to enhancing respect for international law and are ready to discuss ways to strengthen its institutions and the rule of law. We hope that the ongoing discussions on Our Common Agenda (A/75/982) will allow us to elaborate ideas to that end. Indeed, the veto initiative showed that new procedures can be adopted to increase accountability and legitimacy within the United Nations system. In that context, we note the initiatives on the use of the veto in the case of mass atrocities, including the French- Mexican initiative and the Accountability, Coherence and Transparency group code of conduct.”
2022-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9052Resumption1 (2022) · source
“The accountability of individuals and the responsibility of States must be used as instruments of deterrence to enable prevention. We must continue our efforts to protect populations from mass atrocities: genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity. If a violation of international law that threatens international peace and security occurs, the Security Council must take clear and decisive action to stop the violation if it is ongoing, including by enforcing judgments of the International Court of Justice, and to ensure that States and individuals are held accountable. In order to close the impunity gap, the Security Council should make use of its power to refer cases of atrocities to the International Criminal Court.”
2022-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9052Resumption1 (2022) · source
“Jurisprudence and international courts and tribunals must be complied with. Those responsible for violations, in particular atrocity crimes, including war crimes and grave violations of international human rights law, must be held accountable. Today’s debate is an important reminder that the international community must act decisively to prevent internationally wrongful acts and strengthen accountability and justice for serious violations of international law. If we do not act, we undermine the foundation of our international system. To strengthen the law, we therefore need prevention and reaction. We must seek to prevent violations of international law from happening in the first place. The possible consequences of a wrongful act must be clear and strong enough from the outset to deter a potential abuser.”
2022-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9052Resumption1 (2022) · source
“We would suffer the rule of power for the benefit of the few instead of the rule of law for the benefit of the whole international community. We consider the rule of law as an essential condition for sustainable peace. Over the past years, our international order, based on international law, has been facing increasing pressure. Three months ago, the General Assembly adopted resolution ES-11/1 by an overwhelming majority, condemning the Russian aggression against Ukraine as a violation of the United Nations Charter. That instance is by no means the only violation of international law that we have witnessed in recent history. One thing is clear — we all need to increase our efforts to adhere to and implement international law. Treaties and customary law must be respected.”
2022-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9052Resumption1 (2022) · source
“The Group of Friends of the Rule of Law welcomes this high-level debate on strengthening accountability and justice for serious violations of international law and thanks the presidency for preparing a very useful concept note (see S/2022/418, Rev.1, annex) in that regard. An international order based on international law and the rule of law is an indispensable precondition for lasting peace and security. Rules that are internationally respected, enforced and upheld make the world safer, more stable and more predictable. In a nutshell, the security of our citizens depends on everybody complying with the rules. Without respect for international law, in particular the Charter of the United Nations, our world would be dominated by the mighty.”
2022-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9052Resumption1 (2022) · source
“I very much congratulate you, Mr. President, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council. Today I have the honour of speaking on behalf of nearly 50 members of the Group of Friends of the Rule of Law: Angola, Argentina, the Bahamas, Belgium, Burkina Faso, Canada, Cape Verde, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, the European Union, Finland, France, Germany, Guatemala, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Mexico, Moldova, Mongolia, Mozambique, the Netherlands, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, the Republic of the Congo, the Republic of Korea, Romania, Senegal, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Timor-Leste, Uganda, the United Kingdom, Uruguay and my own country, Austria.”
2022-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9052Resumption1 (2022) · source
“As the Secretary-General mentioned in his report, the cycle between armed conflict and hunger persists. Food must never become a weapon of war, because it always targets civilians. The deliberate creation of food insecurity, just like deliberate climate insecurity, aggravates an armed conflict, turning it into a global threat. Finally, we must also think about public perception. In matters of peace and security around the world, the public expects the United Nations to act. When civilians are harmed in large numbers, wherever that may be, the Security Council cannot remain silent. The Council must speak up, stop the activities causing harm and help bring the perpetrators to justice. The Council owes that to the thousands of civilian casualties whom we witness every year.”
2022-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9042Resumption1 (2022) · source
“In that respect, Austria reiterates the importance of effective and context-specific training in international humanitarian law, as well as appropriate guidance at all levels of military operations — strategic, operational and tactical — in order to ensure compliance with international humanitarian law. Security Council resolutions in previous years have covered a wide range of issues in the context of protecting civilians, focusing on persons with disabilities, the protection of medical personnel, missing persons or the protection of indispensable civilian infrastructure. Fully implementing those resolutions, including by ensuring swift, safe and unimpeded access for humanitarian workers to areas of concern, would go a long way to improving the fate of civilians in conflicts around the world.”
2022-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9042Resumption1 (2022) · source
“To underline that, Austria has been a staunch supporter of the process to elaborate a strong political declaration on the use of explosive weapons in populated areas. It is high time we adopt it. In the concept note for today’s debate, you asked us, Sir, what actions could be undertaken to strengthen the protection of civilians in a comprehensive manner. In our eyes, the answer is not too complicated. First, we must all ensure and enable the full, continuous and effective implementation of Security Council resolutions by all Member States. Secondly, if those resolutions or key norms of international relations, such as international humanitarian law, are violated, we need decisive and swift responses by the Council to immediately counter such violations. Thirdly, we must ensure accountability for such violations.”
2022-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9042Resumption1 (2022) · source
“A case in point is Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine, where shelling of civilians and civilian infrastructure occurs daily, in clear violation of international humanitarian law but also in violation of Security Council resolutions on the protection of civilians. We join those who say that needs to stop, in Ukraine and in all other parts of the world. One of the biggest causes of civilian harm is the use of explosive weapons in populated areas. In such cases, civilian casualties amount to almost 90 per cent of casualties, with long-term effects on mental health, infrastructure and supply chains. We say it again and again: full compliance with international humanitarian law is essential.”
2022-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9042Resumption1 (2022) · source
“I thank you, Mr. President, for organizing this meeting as an open debate and for allowing us to participate. I also thank the briefers for their stirring presentations, and the Secretary-General for his latest report (S/2022/381) on the protection of civilians in armed conflict. Austria aligns itself with the statement delivered by the observer of the European Union and the statement made by representative of Switzerland on behalf of the Group of Friends on the Protection of Civilians. We say it over and over again: civilians must not be targets in armed conflicts. And yet we see it over and over again: civilians are targeted. Women, men, children and civilian infrastructure are targeted. That is done not just through negligence; all too often, that targeting is fully deliberate and intentional.”
2022-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9042Resumption1 (2022) · source
“The resolution also applies to urban warfare, as much of today’s infrastructure is located in cities and towns. The Council should urgently address the implementation of the resolution, taking into account the specific needs of urban populations. Finally, in the case of conflicts, we have the issue of humanitarian aid. Help and assistance can be delivered to cities only when those delivering aid are granted safe access. The Council must strive to enable unimpeded access for humanitarian workers to cities in conflict areas. That is especially relevant in cases where urban conflict leads to food insecurity and malnutrition. In that context, we reiterate our strongest condemnation of the use of starvation as a method of warfare in armed conflict, which can amount to a war crime.”
2022-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8953 (2022) · source
“Schools are destroyed, children stay home in fear of attacks, and this leads to follow-on effects on education but also on the social development of children. Austria has long advocated a convincing reaction by the State community to the call of the Secretary-General for urgent and determined action. The 2019 Vienna Conference on Protecting Civilians in Urban Warfare underscored that call. As a start, we need a strong political declaration on this matter, which is currently being negotiated under Ireland’s leadership, for which we are very grateful. The Security Council has shown in recent years that it can respond to urgent protection challenges. Last year’s unanimous adoption of resolution 2573 (2021), on the protection of infrastructure that is indispensable to the survival of civilians, was a welcome step forward.”
2022-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8953 (2022) · source
“Indeed, international humanitarian law and the principles of necessity, proportionality, distinction and humanity are flouted precisely in those circumstances where adherence is most needed. We join the call on all parties to armed conflict to fully comply with international humanitarian law under all circumstances. Austria is particularly worried about the use of explosive weapons in populated areas and are addressing this issue and this concern with partners. The gruesome humanitarian impact of this type of warfare manifests itself not only directly in the form of injury or death as a result of explosions but also indirectly, as such explosions disrupt essential infrastructure and the provision of services.”
2022-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8953 (2022) · source
“There are more cities and their areas have expanded exponentially. Cities host ever more critical infrastructure and new lethal weapons, and technology can cause greater havoc and devastation. As a result, the international community can see the cruel, disruptive and lethal impact of urban warfare now more clearly than ever. In his recent reports on the protection of civilians, the Secretary-General mentioned some figures. Today almost 90 per cent of casualties in urban warfare are civilians. Globally, 50 million civilians are estimated to be affected by urban warfare. Those numbers are simply too high. A common pattern among conflicts in urban settings is the systematic violation of international humanitarian law.”
2022-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8953 (2022) · source
“At the outset, I would like to thank you, Mr. President, and Norway for convening this debate on war in cities. I also thank the Secretary-General, Mr. Peter Maurer, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross, and Ms. Radhya Al-Mutawakel for their briefings earlier today. Austria aligns itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the Group of Friends on the protection of civilians and that to be delivered by the Head of Delegation of the European Union. In our national capacity, we would like to add the following elements. Tragically, war in cities is not a new phenomenon either for humanity or for the Council. What is new, however, is the increasingly devastating impact of urban warfare. There are several reasons for that. Today larger shares of populations live in cities than in earlier times.”
2022-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8953 (2022) · source
“Let us commit together to accelerate the implementation of the women and peace and security agenda over the next 20 years.”
2021-10-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8886Resumption1 (2021) · source
“We have been deploying women as gender advisers to EU and NATO peace operations, as well as to United Nations peacekeeping operations as military observers, staff officers and parts of Austrian contingents and will do so in the future. Let me conclude by joining in the appeal for joint action against conflict-related sexual and gender-based violence. The widespread impunity for sexual violence committed in conflict is outrageous and we need more decisive action to sanction such crimes. Austria applauds the efforts of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Ms. Pramila Patten, for greater accountability, in particular through closer collaboration with the International Criminal Court. We welcome the recent steps taken to bring perpetrators of sexual violence to justice.”
2021-10-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8886Resumption1 (2021) · source
“Regarding the protection pillar, the Security Council should systematically include the women and peace and security agenda in all mandates of United Nations peacekeeping and political missions. Integrated data collection and analysis defining the vulnerabilities and needs of the civilian population are necessary to improve decision-making and enhance the focus of mission efforts. Pre-deployment and in-mission training should improve understanding of the women and peace and security agenda and the gender perspective. Austria endeavours to increase the number of uniformed women in its peacekeeping and fosters the gender perspective among all deployed personnel.”
2021-10-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8886Resumption1 (2021) · source
“Women and peace and security is also a whole-of-society matter that needs the support of men, including at the highest leadership level, as agents for change and relies on civil society and local women peacebuilders and mediators to advance the women and peace and security agenda on a daily basis. Among the many civil society partners that we support, Austria commends the Global Network of Women Peacebuilders for taking the women and peace and security agenda from the Security Council to the ground through localization programmes and national action plans. Of course, Austria will continue supporting UN-Women, the Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund and its rapid response window on women’s participation in local peace processes, such as in Afghanistan, Liberia, Mali and South Sudan.”
2021-10-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8886Resumption1 (2021) · source
“Austria shares the Secretary-General’s assessment that the women and peace and security agenda and human security are linked and that disarmament contributes directly to conflict prevention. Civilian harm caused by the use of explosive weapons in populated areas, in violation of international humanitarian law, remains a grave concern. What we need is a strong political declaration on that issue. As a supporter of the Generation Equality Form and a signatory of the Compact on Women, Peace and Security and Humanitarian Action, Austria has pledged €11.4 million for the accelerated implementation of the women and peace and security agenda. The women and peace and security agenda is a whole-of-Government engagement that needs to be addressed within the triple nexus of humanitarian aid, development cooperation and peacebuilding.”
2021-10-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8886Resumption1 (2021) · source
“We look forward to continuing our cooperation with UN-Women under the new Executive Director, Ms. Sima Sami Bahous. The Secretary-General’s annual report (S/2021/827) paints a dark picture of the situation of women and girls in conflict-affected countries, as we also heard from the briefers earlier today. I am not going to repeat the examples cited by others. Given the recent developments in Afghanistan, we encourage the Secretary-General to provide a thorough analysis of the situation there in next year’s report. For immediate humanitarian relief for Afghanistan, Austria has committed €20 million, €5 million of which as direct support for Afghan women and girls administrated by the UN-Women country office.”
2021-10-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8886Resumption1 (2021) · source
“Austria aligns itself with the statement made by the observer of the European Union (EU), as well as the statement made by the representative of Canada on behalf of the Group of Friends of Women, Peace and Security (see S/PV.8886). As a member of the Accountability, Coherence and Transparency group, I commend Kenya for the efforts to return to a more open and inclusive format that characterized open debates prior to the pandemic. We also thank the briefers for sharing their perspectives and encourage them to keep up their important work. Austria commends the Secretary-General for his strong commitment to the women and peace and security agenda and former UN-Women Executive Director, Ms. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, for spearheading the women and peace and security agenda.”
2021-10-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8886Resumption1 (2021) · source
“Moreover, those generic standards clarify the responsibilities of senior commanders and management, require their incorporation into the planning documents of every operation under the European Security and Defence Policy, call for the establishment of complaint procedures and reporting mechanisms and require the inclusion of education on the standards of behaviour into national as well as EU-level pre-deployment training. None of us should become complacent on a subject as serious as this. The EU remains fully committed to intensifying its efforts, and it encourages the wider United Nations membership and the Secretariat to remain so as well.”
2006-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5379 (2006) · source
“A particular responsibility rests with us, the Member States, to train, to prepare and to hold accountable members of national contingents, including at the very senior level. The EU has taken measures to ensure that there is a policy of zero tolerance of sexual exploitation and abuse by personnel participating in its own European Security and Defence Policy operations. Though individual EU member States retain jurisdiction over their national troop and police contingents, the European Union has taken steps to standardize the norms of behaviour for all categories of personnel participating in such operations.”
2006-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5379 (2006) · source
“Given the importance of keeping the interests of the victims, female and male, adults and children, at the forefront of all these efforts, the EU also warmly welcomes the Secretariat's progress in developing a bold and comprehensive policy on support to victims of sexual exploitation and abuse. We look forward to discussion on this in the upcoming session of the Special Committee. Likewise, the EU strongly supports the establishment of a sufficient number of conduct and discipline teams to meet the need for such capacity in peacekeeping missions, and it favours the transformation of the present Headquarters team into a permanent conduct and discipline unit in DPKO, as proposed by the Secretary-General in his report. High standards of conduct and discipline must be applied to all categories of peacekeeping personnel.”
2006-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5379 (2006) · source
“The EU is also pleased to see the progress on establishing a professional and independent investigative capacity in the Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS). It is crucial that effective cooperation be assured between OIOS and the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO). The EU encourages collaboration between troop-contributing countries and the OIOS investigative capacity in order to ensure that any evidence collected is admissible in the relevant national jurisdiction. That is vital in the fight against impunity for acts of misconduct.”
2006-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5379 (2006) · source
“The European Union welcomes the opportunity offered by today's meeting to press for renewed efforts to ensure speedy implementation of all outstanding recommendations from the Special Committee's report. The time line for full implementation of those recommendations - no later than 1 June 2007 - must be respected. As regards achievements to date, the EU is pleased to see that the Secretariat has already taken some of the steps that fall within its purview and has set in train measures to implement others. The EU welcomes the Secretariat's work on a revised draft model memorandum of understanding for troop contributors and hopes that these efforts will lead to its adoption by the General Assembly before the end of its sixtieth session.”
2006-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5379 (2006) · source
“The central theme underlying those recommendations is the need to establish and implement a policy of zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse in United Nations peacekeeping operations. In May last year (see S/PV.5191), the Security Council added further momentum to these efforts when it welcomed the Special Committee's report (A/59/19/Add.1) and called on the Secretary-General and on troop-contributing countries to ensure implementation of the recommendations without delay. The Security Council also set itself the task of considering inclusion of provisions on prevention, monitoring, investigation and reporting of misconduct cases in its own resolutions concerning peacekeeping mandates. We are pleased to see that the Council has since acted along those lines on several occasions.”
2006-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5379 (2006) · source