YouSaid · the spoken record

Mashabane

lines on the record: 350
first: 2010-01-27
most recent: 2014-11-19
sittings or episodes: 45
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 future of Somalia must be determined by the Somali people and the solutions to its current challenges must be Somali-owned. My delegation therefore wishes to urge the political leadership in Somalia to set its differences aside and to put the interests of the country above its own in order to seize the existing window of opportunity for the country to abandon the instability of its recent past. South Africa notes the funding gap of $12 million for implementing key aspects of the road map. We share the concern of the Secretary-General that this could jeopardize the significant progress achieved so far. We call on the international community to continue its support for the TFG during this critical time.”
2012-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6770 (2012) · source
“While we welcome these positive developments, we note with concern that challenges remain that could have negative impact on the implementation of the road map. We urge Somalis across the political spectrum to put their differences aside and focus on the common good of the country. Progress and peace can be achieved only by a united Somalia. We wish to recall the readiness of both the African Union and the Security Council to sanction spoilers who frustrate the implementation of the road map. The joint letter issued recently by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, the African Union and the United Nations reaffirms the determination of the international community to give full effect to resolution 1844 (2008), indicating that action will be taken against those who obstruct and undermine stability in Somalia.”
2012-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6770 (2012) · source
“In this regard, it would be important to ensure that the selection process is inclusive and transparent and that the Constituent Assembly is representative and comprised of the agreed percentage of woman representatives. We are encouraged that the legitimate and reasonable concerns of key stakeholders regarding the Constitutional process will be taken into account, particularly if they have the potential to frustrate the outcome ofthis process. In the remaining months, the Constituent Assembly will have to adopt a provisional draft constitution and agree on a new federal parliament. We look forward to the speedy completion of these important processes, to be followed by the election ofa new President and the appointment of a new Prime Minister in July and August, respectively.”
2012-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6770 (2012) · source
“In this regard, we welcome the significant progress made by the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) in implementing the September 2011 road map. Most notably, the Garoowe Conferences I and II have culminated in important principles and decisions that should guide the political and constitutional processes for ending the transition. We welcome in particular the agreements reached by the stakeholders during these Conferences. With the end of transition, fast approaching on 20 August, South Africa welcomes the establishment of the Implementation Support Unit in the Office of the Prime Minister to expedite the delivery of key tasks and benchmarks. We look forward to the finalization of the nomination process of the 825 members of the Constituent Assembly by traditional elders.”
2012-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6770 (2012) · source
“I thank you very much, Mr. President, for giving us the opportunity to participate in this important debate. We wish to thank the Secretary-General for his report (S/2012/283), as well as his Special Representative, Ambassador Augustine Mahiga, for his detailed briefing on the recent developments in Somalia. We also wish to welcome to this meeting President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed of the Somali Republic, and we want to thank him for his wide-ranging statement. Somalia is on the verge of making a decisive break with its most recent past, marked by conflict, crisis and instability. Recent months have seen determined and deliberate action by the Somali people, supported by the international community, to address in a sustained and concerted manner the political, humanitarian and security challenges confronting the country.”
2012-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6770 (2012) · source
“I would like to express South Africa's appreciation and support for the role of UNMIK, under the capable leadership of Mr. Farid Zarif, in implementing resolution 1244 (1999).”
2012-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6769 (2012) · source
“We are appreciative that the Kosovo authorities have expressed willingness to employ necessary security measures at the sites. Public reconciliatory pronouncements from the leaders on both sides are welcome and remain positive contributions towards reconciliation. With regard to the allegations of organ trafficking, we reiterate our position that a credible, thorough, impartial and independent inquiry into those allegations should be conducted. In conclusion, South Africa once more urges both sides to refrain from any actions that could undermine the achievements attained in the dialogue process. We therefore call on the parties to exercise flexibility to enhance their engagement in order to resolve outstanding matters and for reconciliation to prevail.”
2012-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6769 (2012) · source
“It is unfortunate that progress on voluntary returns appears to be slow compared to previous years. It remains the responsibility of both sides to encourage returns by ensuring safe conditions on the ground. In that regard, my delegation urges all parties to show cooperation and flexibility in finding solutions to this crucial outstanding issue. Negotiations remain the only approach to produce a reciprocally beneficial and sustainable solution. My delegation remains concerned by the resistance against legislative measures aimed at protecting cultural and religious sites in Kosovo. We are aware that those sites are under security risks, and we call on Pristina to strengthen the security measures in place to guard them.”
2012-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6769 (2012) · source
“We welcome and commend UNMIK's mediation in facilitating a solution to the challenges related to the Serbian parliamentary, presidential and local elections that took place on 6 May. Arbitrary arrests by both sides are provocations aimed at causing instability to threaten any political will to encourage constructive dialogue. All parties should exercise restraint and refrain from taking unnecessary actions that may erode the fragile trust between the two sides. Violence and the use of excessive force will only reverse the gains made by the parties in the dialogue process, ultimately making reconciliation more difficult to achieve. We welcome the parties' commitment on the issue of missing persons, and we are confident that, with the assistance of the International Committee of the Red Cross, much can be achieved.”
2012-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6769 (2012) · source
“My delegation continues to support the dialogue process facilitated by the European Union between Belgrade and Pristina, as mandated by the General Assembly. We have noted the recent agreements that were reached in Brussels on 24 February on Kosovo's regional representation and cooperation, as well as the agreement regarding the implementation of the integrated border management deal that was concluded in December 2011. South Africa encourages all sides to maintain this dialogue in order to reach agreement on all outstanding issues. Although there have been some positive developments, tensions between the two sides remain. We call on all sides to utilize regular direct contact as an important confidence-building measure to improve trust and allow the parties to address the outstanding and contentious issues.”
2012-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6769 (2012) · source
“South Africa would like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Kosovo, Mr. Farid Zarif, for his briefing today on the report (S/2012/275) on the activities of the United Nations Interim Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). We welcome Minister for Foreign Affairs Jeremie back to the Council and thank him for his statement. We also welcome Mr. Hoxhaj and thank him for his statement too. South Africa reiterates its position that resolution 1244 (1999) remains in force and forms the basis for the resolution of the situation in Kosovo. It is therefore incumbent on the international presence in Kosovo, including the Kosovo Force and the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo, to maintain a status- neutral position in the execution of their mandates, in line with the Council's previous decisions.”
2012-05-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6769 (2012) · source
“It is therefore incumbent on the international community to continue to support Haiti in its recovery from the humanitarian challenges it faces, without which the country will not be able to achieve stability and development. South Africa is committed to assisting the people of Haiti. In addition to our bilateral assistance, South Africa will continue to work with its partners in the India-Brazil-South Africa IBSA Facility for Poverty and Hunger Alleviation. In conclusion, Haiti has made significant strides towards peace and stability. Challenges remain and it is imperative that the Haitian people, with the sustained support of the international community, work with MINUSTAH to overcome all these obstacles.”
2012-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6732 (2012) · source
“These aspects of MINUSTAH's work help to establish conditions conducive to long-term reconstruction and recovery, and support the notion of peacekeepers as early peacebuilders. My delegation welcomes the work done by MINUSTAH's Conduct and Discipline Unit to address the allegations of sexual misconduct by the Mission's personnel by strengthening prevention measures, accelerating disciplinary case management and taking remedial action, in line with the United Nations zero tolerance policy regarding misconduct by its personnel. We recognize that Haiti continues to face humanitarian challenges. The cholera epidemic and food insecurity necessitate enhanced international assistance in Haiti.”
2012-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6732 (2012) · source
“While we welcome this positive development, we are mindful of the fragile stability of the situation, due to civil unrest related mainly to socio-economic grievances. We hold the view that addressing these socio- economic challenges should be prioritized, as they also contribute to security and stability. Given the strong linkages between peace, stability and development, we welcome President Martelly's pronouncement of his Government's priorities, which include security, the resettlement of the displaced, job creation, environmental protection, health care, education and schools, among others. The case of Haiti clearly illustrates the relationship between security and development. We note the positive contribution of MINUSTAH's engineering components and quick-impact projects to improving the lives of those most in need.”
2012-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6732 (2012) · source
“In this regard, we also welcome President Martelly's appointment of the President and Vice-President of the Supreme Court, which further strengthens the rule of law institutions in the country. We note from the Secretary-General's report (S/2012/128) that the overall security situation is stable. However, we are concerned over reports of the increased mobilization of several hundred armed former members of the Haitian armed forces. We share the view expressed by the Secretary-General that this mobilization poses a threat to the stability of the country and that the Government should take necessary measures to address the issue. South Africa commends MINUSTAH's military and police personnel, as well as the Haitian National Police, for their contribution to the improvement of the overall security situation in Haiti.”
2012-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6732 (2012) · source
“The Council has previously recognized the interconnected nature of the challenges facing Haiti. We reaffirm that security, institution-building - such as in the area of the rule of law - the consolidation of national government structures, democracy and development are mutually reinforcing. The strengthening and capacity-building of the Haitian National Police is critical to ensuring stability in Haiti and to laying a firm basis for the withdrawal of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) in the future. The Haitian Government, working with MINUSTAH, must identify critical capacity gaps within the police service and develop strategies to address them as soon as possible. Importantly, the promotion of the rule of law at all levels is critical to ensuring stability and to facilitating development in Haiti.”
2012-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6732 (2012) · source
“However, we are concerned that the strained relationship between the presidency and Parliament has paralysed progress towards developing a consensual legislative agenda and the adoption of the national budget, as well as progress relating to the upcoming elections. The resignation of Prime Minister Conille should not be allowed to hamper any political progress achieved so far. We hope that the Haitians are able to reach consensus on all these outstanding issues. Stable governance is essential if the Haitian people are to lead efforts to rebuild their country. We encourage collaboration between the executive and legislative branches of the Government. A rapid resolution of this crisis will allow the Haitians and the international community to focus on the key challenges of development and the reconstruction of Haiti.”
2012-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6732 (2012) · source
“We would like to thank Mr. Mariano Fernandez, Special Representative of the Secretary-General, for his comprehensive statement. At the outset, we wish to express and reiterate our continued support for the United Nations efforts in Haiti. Haiti has undergone significant change since its emergence from the devastating earthquake of January 2010 and the conflict. The country had to face the daunting task of reconstruction while at the same time it had to deal with the challenges of governance and democracy. Despite these seemingly very difficult challenges, Haiti has made significant progress. Towards the end of last year, we saw progress on the political front after the compromise between the President and Haiti's legislators that led to the swearing in of a new Government and the appointment of a Prime Minister.”
2012-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6732 (2012) · source
“For our part, in relation the humanitarian situation, we will continue, together with our partners in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, to provide whatever assistance we can to the people of Somalia. We have just provided assistance for the air-lifting of the humanitarian aid contribution from the SADC member States to the people of Somalia. We stand ready to play our part in supporting all efforts that can help bring about lasting peace, security and stability to Somalia. As we mark the fifth anniversary of the AMISOM presence in Somalia tomorrow, we remember and honour those who have sacrificed their lives for peace and stability in that East African country. A lot of progress has been made in the past five years, and Somalia will never be the same again.”
2012-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6729 (2012) · source
“We therefore welcome the coming Istanbul conference. While piracy along the coast of Somalia remains a critical challenge, we call on the international community not to forget that the solution to that problem will have to come from land, not sea. The comprehensive resolution of the Somali conflict must address all the root causes of piracy and the other challenges, including the exploitation of marine resources and the dumping of toxic wastes. Equally, Somalia's myriad challenges, including its humanitarian situation and the terrorism plaguing it, will remain with us for as long as the instability on land is not addressed. In that regard, we welcome the continued focus of the international community on Somalia, as well as efforts geared towards addressing Somalia's challenges in a comprehensive and holistic manner.”
2012-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6729 (2012) · source
“We therefore support the expansion and full implementation of the Mogadishu Stabilization and Recovery Plan for enhancing the safety and security and economic opportunities and basic services to the population in Mogadishu and the newly liberated areas. We also welcome the new recovery fund, which will further enhance local stability. Somalia's long- term security and stability will require a credible and effective justice system. We encourage the international community to continue its support for building the capacity of the Somali judicial system in line with the agreed Somali legal foundation. The United Nations and the international community's support for the provision of those services and for institution-building must also support the national and the local ownership of those processes.”
2012-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6729 (2012) · source
“We welcome that important development, as the end of the transition is fast approaching. We wish to encourage the Transitional Federal Institutions to utilize the existing window of opportunity to achieve measurable results in all the priority areas identified in the road map. We are mindful of the fact that the road map will require financial and technical support for its full implementation. We therefore call on the international community to continue its support to the Transitional Federal Institutions in that regard. The extension of the TFG's authority throughout the territory of Somalia should lead to the improvement in the lives of ordinary citizens.”
2012-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6729 (2012) · source
“In that regard, the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) must continue the important task of outreach and reconciliation within Somalia. That should include persuading military elements who are willing to lay down their arms to join the peace process and be reintegrated into the community, including through the development of a defector programme. The adoption of the Kampala Accord, in June 2011, and the road map, in September 2011, as well as the outcomes of the first and second Garowe Conferences, are all strong indicators of the determination of the Somali people to reach peace among themselves. The Principles agreed upon during the second Garowe Conference on federalism, the system of Government and ending the transition will significantly contribute to finalizing the draft constitution by 20 April 2012.”
2012-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6729 (2012) · source
“The African Union welcomed resolution 2036 (2012) as an important milestone and further testimony to the commitment of the United Nations to help AMISOM. and the Somali leadership to consolidate the important progress made towards the completion of the transition process in Somalia. We also commend the important contribution of, and sacrifices by, troop-contributing countries, which serve under difficult conditions in AMISOM. As we welcome those important developments, we also reiterate our long-held View that the military strategy for Somalia must be in support of a broader strategic and political objective. Investment in the military operation should not be viewed as an end, but as a means for the creation of a conducive environment for a political engagement in dialogue to take place.”
2012-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6729 (2012) · source
“South Africa welcomes that meeting, which underscored the interrelated nature of the political, security, humanitarian challenges, as well as the piracy issue, which are directly related to the instability on land. The adoption of resolution 2036 (2012), on the eve of the London conference, in which the Council significantly enhanced the United Nations support package for AMISOM, was an important achievement. We particularly welcomed the authorization to increase the troop level to 17,731, as requested by the African Union. The resolution was adopted at a critical time, and we hope that it will go a long way towards ensuring the consolidation of the military gains that AMISOM. has made thus far.”
2012-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6729 (2012) · source
“South Africa fully supports the strategic engagement and collaboration between the Security Council and the African Union on peace and security. 7 The meeting of the Security Council in January (see S/PV.6702) with members of IGAD and the African Union was a practical demonstration of the strategic engagement called for in resolution 2033 (2012). From 5 to 6 February, the international contact group on Somalia met, and on 23 February the international London conference on Somalia was held. It is our hope that the London conference has given renewed impetus to what the Somali people and the Transitional Federal Government, supported by the African Union, the United Nations and IGAD, are striving to achieve.”
2012-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6729 (2012) · source
“Today's debate is a reaffirmation by the international community in general, and the United Nations in particular, that the people of Africa and Somalia are not alone in their quest to resolve the scourge of conflict that has ravaged the continent and their country for many years now. Since the beginning of the year, the international community has coalesced its work around the national and regional levels to resolve the Somali conflict. In January of this year, the Security Council, under the presidency of South Africa, convened a debate with the leaders of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the African Union on their revised strategy concept for the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).”
2012-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6729 (2012) · source
“We would like to congratulate you, Mr. President, and your delegation for assuming the presidency of the Security Council for the month of March. We welcome you, Minister Bellingham, and we are particularly pleased to have you preside over this important debate. Your presence here is the best testimony to the commitment of your country to the resolution of the Somali conflict. I would like to assure you of my delegation's support during your presidency. We also want to congratulate the delegation of Togo for the manner in which it steered the work of the Council during the month of February. We thank the Secretary-General for his participation and welcome his comments. We also wish to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary- General for Somalia, Mr. Augustine Mahiga, for his informative briefing and for his tireless work.”
2012-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6729 (2012) · source
“About 45 per cent of the troops 12-2393] we contribute to the United Nations are women, and 10 per cent of them have played leadership and commanding roles. We will continue to do our part and to contribute to international efforts to address the scourge of conflict-related sexual violence. In conclusion, we support the work of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in line with the mandate, and we want to assure her of our continued support.”
2012-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6722 (2012) · source
“The perpetrators of these evil acts should no longer be allowed to remain in uniform, roam the streets, sit at negotiating tables, continue to occupy positions of authority or command armed forces. We fully concur with the recommendation that the Security Council should systematically reflect conflict-related sexual violence in the authorization and renewal of peacekeeping mandates and the renewal of special political missions. In that respect, South Africa has always supported the call for the deployment of women protection advisers to peacekeeping and political missions in order to coordinate the implementation of conflict-related sexual Violence. For our part, South Africa continues to increase the number of women deployed in United Nations peacekeeping missions.”
2012-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6722 (2012) · source
“South Africa supports the recommendations of the Secretary-General that the Security Council increase pressure on the perpetrators of conflict-related sexual violence, that it utilize all means at its disposal, and that, in this matter, it fully support the use of referrals to the International Criminal Court. For us, there is no gainsaying the fact that the International Criminal Court has strengthened the fight against impunity for the most serious crimes of international concern against women and girls. We continue to stand ready to work with other members of the Council and the United Nations in general to enhance efforts against impunity and to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable.”
2012-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6722 (2012) · source
“South Africa is mindful of the fact that, if all those efforts and initiatives are to succeed, a great deal of resources and funds are required. The international community and the United Nations must do all they can to ensure that resources do not stand in the way of the implementation of all the strategies, initiatives and efforts for the complete eradication of conflict-related sexual violence. We support the call contained in the 2010 report on women's participation in peacebuilding (S/2010/466) for the allocation of at least 15 per cent of United Nations-managed funds for post-conflict peacebuilding projects to advance gender equality, to empower women and to address women's specific needs in peacebuilding contexts, which includes the prevention of and response to sexual violence.”
2012-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6722 (2012) · source
“We are pleased with the development of a framework of early warning signs specific to conflict- related sexual violence by UN-Women, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and the broader United Nations system. That will assist a great deal towards preventing those heinous crimes. We equally appreciate the work of the Department of Political Affairs in producing the United Nations guidelines for mediators on addressing conflict-related sexual violence in ceasefire and peace agreements. South Africa supports the inclusion of provisions dealing with conflict-related sexual Violence in ceasefire and peace agreements, which must have a 12-2393] direct linkage with the increasing role of women in conflict resolution and management.”
2012-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6722 (2012) · source
“We welcome the modules that the Special Representative of the Secretary-General has developed on the protection of civilians and sexual violence with the African Union partners, under the auspices of the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre. We are of the view that the streamlining of conflict-related sexual violence across all peacekeeping training will go a long way in the efforts to comprehensively address and eradicate that evil. We would like to encourage all United Nations agencies and departments to continue to work together in an integrated and coordinated manner to effectively implement such training. We hope that we will soon see the fruits of those concerted efforts.”
2012-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6722 (2012) · source
“We hope that all those initiatives will help to bring all the perpetrators to justice and end the culture of impunity. We welcome the commitments that were made by the Governments of countries of concern during the visit of the Special Representative of the Secretary- General in relation to addressing impunity for sexual crimes and the training of security personnel. We appreciate the work done by the Team of Experts on the Rule of Law and Sexual Violence in Conflict, especially its great work in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Liberia and South Sudan. In the same vein, and equally important, are the predeployment training modules that UN-Women and the Department of Peacekeeping Operations have developed.”
2012-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6722 (2012) · source
“South Africa is concerned that African countries continue to constitute the majority of countries where there is an increasing prevalence of conflict-related sexual violence. We are appalled that the incidents of rape and gang rape increased in the recent conflict that struck Cote d'Ivoire. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, rape, mass rapes and other sexual violence continue unabated in North and South Kivu. That is a matter of great concern to South Africa. We welcome and fully support the establishment by the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) of prosecution support cells to boost the capacity of the Congolese justice system in the investigation of war crimes, crimes against humanity and sexual violence.”
2012-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6722 (2012) · source
“The Council has done an outstanding job over the past few years to comprehensively address the challenge of conflict-related sexual violence by adopting landmark resolutions aimed at eradicating it. South Africa welcomes the progress that has been made so far in the preparations of the terms of reference for women protection advisers, and we look forward to their early deployment. We are mindful of the limitations that continue to pose a challenge to the reporting of incidents of sexual violence in conflict- stricken areas. It is our hope that the countries mentioned in the report will do everything in their power to address all the challenges identified, including bringing the perpetrators to justice and reparations for the victims.”
2012-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6722 (2012) · source
“We have taken note of the fact that the Secretary- General's report for the past year was prepared and compiled after a broad and extensive consultation with the l3-entity network - a fact greatly appreciated by my delegation, given that it has enriched the report by making it one informed by the conditions and experiences on the ground. No doubt it is one of the most comprehensive reports ever prepared on this matter, and it represents to a large extent the great deal of progress in dealing with this scourge. We are particularly pleased that United Nations peacekeeping and political missions, as well as country teams, were primary sources of information for the report. For South Africa that is crucial, because the report is informed by the experiences of people who are at the cold phase.”
2012-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6722 (2012) · source
“On our continent and in South Africa, women have participated in the gallant struggles against colonialism and oppression as equals, shoulder to shoulder with men, in the struggle for justice, emancipation and equality. It is therefore a travesty that women are still today subjected to the most degrading and dehumanizing acts, in spite of their violent role in history. We should therefore spare no effort to comprehensively resolve all the outstanding conflicts across the globe in general and on our continent in particular. Those conflicts continue to be a fertile ground for sexual violence, and rape in particular, which is used as a weapon of war.”
2012-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6722 (2012) · source
“We would like to commend the excellent job done by the United Nations and the Special Representative to highlight the challenges of sexual violence in conflict-affected areas. Africa continues to bear the brunt of this evil, given its high share of the number of conflict areas. This scourge has to be completely eradicated sooner than later. South Africa remains deeply concerned about the continuing trends of sexual violence in armed conflict and post-conflict situations, in particular the deliberate targeting of civilians, especially children. It is a fact that women and girls are disproportionately affected by the scourge of violence. Over the centuries, women have formed the core of civilization and human advancement.”
2012-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6722 (2012) · source
“I would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ms. Margot Wallstrom and to the Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, Mr. Herve Ladsous, for their briefings this morning. Our delegation welcomes the report of the Secretary-General (S/2012/33) and the comments made on behalf of the non-governmental organizations (NGOs), specifically the NGO Working Group on Women, Peace and security. South Africa attaches great significance to the subject matter under consideration, and we wish to express our sincere gratitude to the Secretary-General, the Special Representative and the entire United Nations team that continues to work hard to ensure that this scourge is completely eradicated.”
2012-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6722 (2012) · source
“It is our strong view that the Council should be more sensitive and considerate when dealing with heads of State whose countries are the subject of its consideration. We voted in favour of today's resolution in the hope that it will contribute to addressing the challenges of instability in the Horn of Africa and support the 11-62209 efforts of IGAD and the African Union in consolidating peace and security in the region.”
2011-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6674Resumption1 (2011) · source
“We therefore continue to emphasize the importance of the centrality of an African solution to resolving African problems. In line with paragraph 2 of resolution 2023 (2011), which we have just adopted, we call on all the concerned parties in the region to work with the African Union to peacefully resolve their long-standing disputes. South Africa supports the principle that the Security Council must always afford Member States an opportunity to be heard when their issues are addressed by the Council. We therefore appreciate the statements made this morning by the political leadership of IGAD. We are disappointed that Eritrea was not afforded an equal opportunity to address the Council today. The manner in which the Council dealt with a request by a State Member of the United Nations - in this case, Eritrea - leaves much to be desired.”
2011-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6674Resumption1 (2011) · source
“We have taken note of the fact that in the past two years, following years of self- imposed isolation, Eritrea has started a process of re-engagement with the international community and the African Union. We also welcome Eritrea's expressed desire to rejoin IGAD. South Africa is of the strong view that sanctions should not be viewed as an end in themselves, but should complement a political process. In that regard, a political process remains critical to ensuring lasting peace in the Horn of Africa. The African Union heads of State Summit held in Malabo in July reiterated concern about the continued impasse in the peace process in that region. The African Union committed itself to assisting the countries of the region to peacefully resolve their disputes and normalize relations.”
2011-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6674Resumption1 (2011) · source
“We call on the Monitoring Group to execute its responsibilities and mandate emanating from resolution 1907 (2009) and from this resolution with professionalism, impartiality and objectivity. The Monitoring Group should never be influenced by political considerations outside of its mandate. It is important for the Monitoring Group to closely guard its independence and professionalism in the work it does to assist the Security Council with the implementation of those measures. Equally, we call upon the members of the Security Council to desist from any temptation to use the Monitoring Group for political ends. South Africa calls for the full implementation of resolution 1907 (2009).”
2011-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6674Resumption1 (2011) · source
“Two years ago, following the African Union's request, the Security Council adopted resolution 1907 (2009) in response to reports of Eritrea's role in destabilizing the region. In the implementation of the resolution, South Africa is of the view that equal attention should be given to engagement in a political process. South Africa hopes that the additional measures contained in today's resolution will not have a negative impact on the people of Eritrea or their livelihoods. We also hope that these measures and sanctions will not adversely impact the economy of Eritrea. Our proposed contribution to the resolution was to ensure that it was balanced with more clarity, did not impose collective punishment on ordinary people in Eritrea and did not contain blanket measures that would have dire consequences.”
2011-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6674Resumption1 (2011) · source
“The Horn of Africa faces serious challenges of instability and volatility, including threats to peace and security in Africa in general. The instability, coupled with famine, has resulted in a humanitarian crisis with dire consequences for the population of the region. South Africa acknowledges and appreciates the important and critical role being played by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the African Union are playing in the fight against armed groups and the spread of terrorism in the region. We condemn any acts by Eritrea that destabilize the region. In ensuring peace and stability that lead to the development of the region, South Africa calls on Eritrea to fully address the allegations and reports of possible support for and association with Al-Shabaab.”
2011-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6674Resumption1 (2011) · source
“The two Councils could further benefit from more interaction and substantive discussion on a regular basis. In that regard, the use of video technology could be successfully deployed to regularize such interactions between the United Nations Security Council and the AU Peace and Security Council. In conclusion, we are of the view that minor changes to the working methods will not necessary address the more fundamental issue that affects the legitimacy and credibility of the Council, which is linked to the fact that the current configuration of the Council is unrepresentative, in particular in the permanent category. We think that we must therefore speed up the process of reform of the Council to make it more representative.”
2011-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6672 (2011) · source
“A further challenge is ensuring that these measures are implemented and made permanent. In that regard, we support the call for formalizing the Council's rules of procedure in order to improve its transparency and accountability. There has been some progress in enhancing and strengthening the partnership between the United Nations Security Council and the Peace and Security Council of the African Union (AU). Nonetheless, challenges still exist in achieving the desired complementarity in the areas of conflict prevention, management and resolution between the United Nations and the African Union. We are of the View that the President of the Security Council could interact regularly with the President of the African Union Peace and Security Council on issues that are on the agendas of both Councils.”
2011-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6672 (2011) · source
“My delegation also welcomes the increased interaction between the President of the Council and the Presidents of the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council. There is growing recognition of the linkage between peacekeeping and peacebuilding. The Council, in our view, has thus gained from its increased interaction with the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC). This interaction should, however, translate into a reflection of the Views of the PBC in the Council's consideration of peacekeeping mandates. Similarly, interaction with troop-contributing countries has increased and meetings have been scheduled well in advance of Council meetings. My delegation has also appreciated hearing the views of force commanders in their briefings to the Council during the year.”
2011-11-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6672 (2011) · source