YouSaid · the spoken record

Mayr-Harting

lines on the record: 1,537
first: 2008-12-09
most recent: 2015-10-08
sittings or episodes: 180
sources: un-security-council

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“Let me continue by thanking the Secretary- General for his comprehensive report (S/2011/772*) and Under-Secretary-General Herve Ladsous for his excellent briefing. My thanks also go to Deputy Foreign Minister Jawed Ludin for his insightful presentation. In addition, I would like to express my gratitude to the outgoing Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Staffan de Mistura, for sharing his experiences over his tenure with us by video link. Mr. De Mistura has overseen a period of important developments, including parliamentary elections and the beginning of the transition process. By his unremitting engagement he has greatly enhanced the positive image of the United Nations in Afghanistan and beyond. We are very grateful for his outstanding contribution to progress in Afghanistan.”
2011-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6690 (2011) · source
“I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union. The acceding country Croatia, the candidate countries the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro and Iceland, the countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia, as well as Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Armenia and Georgia, align themselves with this statement. Let me start by expressing our sorrow over the loss of life during the recent attacks on Shiite worshippers in Kabul and other Afghan cities and extending our deep condolences to the bereaved families. We also wish a speedy and full recovery for those injured. This is a moment to recall the importance of protecting the values of tolerance, which have traditionally marked religious life in Afghanistan.”
2011-12-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6690 (2011) · source
“We reiterate our appeal to the political leaders to accelerate the pace of the reforms in all areas, to put Bosnia and Herzegovina firmly on the way towards the European Union.”
2011-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6659 (2011) · source
“We also stand fully behind the authority of the High Representative and welcome the close cooperation between him and the new European Union Special Representative. Moreover, we underline once more our unequivocal commitment to the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Bosnia and Herzegovina as a sovereign and united country. We urge all to refrain from divisive rhetoric and actions that would harm the interests of the citizens. Sixteen years after the signature of the Dayton- Paris Peace Agreements, Bosnia and Herzegovina's citizens deserve a qualitative step forward by their country on the path towards European integration. On 12 October, the European Commission adopted its 2011 enlargement package. According to its findings, Bosnia and Herzegovina has made only limited progress in addressing EU-related issues.”
2011-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6659 (2011) · source
“The main effort of Operation Althea will be in capacity-building and training, while maintaining situational awareness and a credible reserve, in case called upon to support EUFOR efforts to maintain or restore a safe and secure environment. As regards the its overall strategy for Bosnia and Herzegovina, the European Union looks forward to the discussions with the international community on the reconfiguration of the international presence, including its downsizing and the possible relocation of the Office of the High Representative in the appropriate forum. The European Union regularly encourages Bosnia and Herzegovina's political representatives to act with a greater spirit of compromise, to step up consultations and to work for the long-term interests of the country.”
2011-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6659 (2011) · source
“In addition, the European Union maintains two crisis management missions on the ground: first, the European Union Police Mission, which will be closed by the end of June 2012 and whose remaining strategic tasks will be transferred to the European Union Special Representative; and secondly, the EU-led force (EUFOR) Operation Althea, which remains an important element of the EU's overall strategy for Bosnia and Herzegovina. As our Foreign Ministers reaffirmed on 10 October, the European Union is ready to continue at this stage an executive military role to support Bosnia and Herzegovina's efforts to maintain a safe and secure environment under a renewed United Nations mandate.”
2011-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6659 (2011) · source
“It is the prime responsibility of Bosnia and Herzegovina's political leaders to achieve concrete and tangible progress, including on the five objectives and two conditions for closure of the Office of the High Representative. The European Union is strengthening its engagement in Bosnia and Herzegovina so as to support its progress towards European Union accession through a comprehensive approach and significant financial assistance and expertise. In that regard, the European Union has enhanced its political presence with the appointment of a new single European Union Representative, Mr. Peter Sorensen, who has the lead in supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina in EU-related matters, including through the use of a broad and balanced toolbox.”
2011-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6659 (2011) · source
“In that regard, we encourage the Security Council to send a message of serious concern, urging all political actors to find common solutions within the General Framework Agreement for Peace. The European Union believes that as a matter of priority and to ensure that the country does not fall behind the region on its path towards European integration, it is critical that obligations under the interim stabilization and association agreement are fulfilled. In that regard, Bosnia and Herzegovina needs to undertake a credible effort to bring its Constitution into compliance with the European Convention on Human Rights and to adopt a law on State aid that is compatible with EU acquis. Similarly, the adoption of a State-level census law is important. Further progress will be needed to allow for a credible membership application.”
2011-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6659 (2011) · source
“We note with relief that the overall security situation has remained calm and stable for a long time now, but we are concerned by the political uncertainty and the economic outlook. A State-level Government has not yet been formed, one year after the elections of October 2010. While we welcome that discussions among political leaders intensified earlier this fall on the formation of the Council of Ministers, this has yet to translate into results. We therefore call on the political leadership of Bosnia and Herzegovina to form, through an inclusive process, a State-level Government as a matter of urgency. In addition, we believe that the outstanding urgent and necessary reforms to achieve qualitative steps forward on Bosnia and Herzegovina's path towards the European Union need to be addressed rapidly.”
2011-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6659 (2011) · source
“Mr. Mayr-Harting: I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union (EU). The candidate countries Turkey, Croatia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Iceland and Montenegro; the country of the Stabilization and Association Process and potential candidate Albania; and the European Free Trade Association country Norway, member of the European Economic Area; as well as Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova, align themselves with this statement. I would like to join other speakers in welcoming High Representative Valentin Inzko back to the Council. Let me also express our gratitude for his work and efforts undertaken during his time as European Union Special Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina. The political situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina continues to be difficult.”
2011-11-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6659 (2011) · source
“All too often, the new generation of peacekeeping operations still relies on old-generation tools. The systematic use of modern monitoring and surveillance technologies could greatly increase the capacity of the United Nations to prevent atrocities. As the United Nations continues to work on building that capacity, we will keep a close eye on its efforts, not only because we want United Nations peacekeeping to become more effective, but also because we want to draw lessons for our own European Union missions and to revise guidelines. That will help us to better protect civilians and to become better partners in that regard with the United Nations and other regional organizations, especially the African Union.”
2011-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6650Resumption1 (2011) · source
“As the scenario-based training package is rolled out this fall and as relevant missions translate the strategic framework operation-specific strategies, we look forward to seeing concrete results. Let me point to the landmark resolution 1894 (2009), in the drafting of which I had the honour to be involved, in my former capacity. Pursuant to that resolution, all relevant United Nations operations should develop specific benchmarks against which to measure and review progress in the implementation of mandates to protect civilians. That need is particularly acute in the context of mission drawdown. To further enhance the implementation of protection-of-civilians mandates, we also encourage missions to sharpen and strengthen their early-warning instruments.”
2011-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6650Resumption1 (2011) · source
“We need to make that framework also work for vulnerable groups, including women, children, internally displaced persons and detainees, thereby ensuring that they have access to justice. Aside from the rule of law tasks assigned to most missions, several are also expressly mandated to protect civilians. Thanks to the work accomplished by the United Nations membership in the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations and in the Security Council, we have moved beyond the conceptual stage. Now it is about further improving the way that protection-of-civilians mandates are implemented, building on what certain missions have already been doing. Missions need clear and practical guidance.”
2011-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6650Resumption1 (2011) · source
“To be sure, accountability is not just about investigation, prosecution and meaningful reparations. It is also about assisting countries in promoting the rule of law, because in the long run that is the best way to help to promote the protection of civilians. When the rule of law is strong enough, civilians do not have to depend on the benevolence of their rulers or on Security Council resolutions - they will be protected under the law. As we have seen over the past decade, peacekeeping operations can play an important role in establishing and strengthening a legal and political framework under which all individuals and institutions, including the State itself, are accountable.”
2011-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6650Resumption1 (2011) · source
“82) Aside from delivering justice for its own sake, accountability also acts as a deterrent from future injustice. Fighting impunity should therefore be an important priority at both the national and international 11-5866] levels. When States cannot or will not bring perpetrators to justice, the international community should be able to act. In that regard, we continue to call on those that have yet to accede to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court to do so, and on all Member States to extend their full cooperation to the Court. Commissions of inquiry can be a helpful tool to pave the way for national or international prosecution. That is why, as the Secretary-General recommended last year, the Security Council should not hesitate to mandate them.”
2011-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6650Resumption1 (2011) · source
“At the same time, international law asks the international community to play a role in ensuring that the protection of civilians is respected, which for various reasons is unfortunately not always the case. For example, in Syria today we see a brazen regime that is brutally repressing its own people and violating their human rights. That violence must stop now and those who wield it in order to hang on to power must be held accountable. We urge the Council to shoulder its responsibilities and to take robust action in situations of human rights violations. As the Secretary- General has said, "in many conflicts it is to a large degree the absence of accountability, and, worse still, the lack in many instances of any expectation thereof, that allow violations to thrive." (5/2010/579, para.”
2011-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6650Resumption1 (2011) · source
“Another international court, the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia, concluded that the obligation to protect the civilian population was in force not just during an international conflict, but also during times of national strife. We call on all parties to conflict, including non-State actors, to fully comply with their international legal obligations to protect civilians and to prevent violations of human rights and of international humanitarian law. Compliance with international humanitarian law also contributes to securing and sustaining humanitarian space and access. International law first and foremost tasks sovereign States with the protection of civilians - it is their job to do it and to do it well.”
2011-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6650Resumption1 (2011) · source
“The widespread danger to which the civilian population was exposed during the post-election crisis in C6te d'Ivoire emphasizes the relevance of that new mandate and strikingly illustrates the pressing need for the international community to work together to adopt urgent and effective measures to ensure legitimacy and uphold international law." (spoke in English) It is estimated that, in contemporary armed conflicts, 90 per cent of the casualties are civilians and only 10 per cent are active combatants. In Cote d'Ivoire, as in Libya and other countries, the Council saved lives by mandating the protection of civilians. In doing so, it upheld what the International Court of Justice has described as one of the intransgressible principles of customary international law.”
2011-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6650Resumption1 (2011) · source
“We align ourselves with the following quote from the recent Fourth Committee statement on peacekeeping made by Cote d'Ivoire, a country whose citizens were under siege earlier this year and where peacekeepers implemented their mandate to protect them with resolve and with results. In his statement, the representative of Cote d'Ivoire said: (spoke in French) "Today, the protection of civilians in armed conflict undeniably lies at the very heart of peacekeeping operations and requires the adoption of concrete effective measures to properly fulfil that mandate.”
2011-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6650Resumption1 (2011) · source
“I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union (EU) and its member States. The candidate countries Croatia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro and Iceland, the countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the Republic of Moldova, align themselves with this statement. We are grateful to the Secretary-General, the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Assistant- Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and the Director of International Law and Cooperation of the International Committee of the Red Cross for their introductory statements.”
2011-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6650Resumption1 (2011) · source
“The support provided by the European Union to the United Nations Mediation Support Unit will specifically target the participation of women in peace processes. To adequately train those deployed, we developed standard training elements on human rights, gender and child protection in the context of Common Security and Defence Policy missions in 2010 and are now finalizing the first gender-training module. The EU remains committed to supporting and sharing the outcomes of its ongoing work with the relevant United Nations agencies and bodies, as well as States Members of the United Nations, in order to enhance women's participation in peace processes.”
2011-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6642 (2011) · source
“In November 2010, the European Union adopted its first report on the lessons learned and best practices in connection with mainstreaming human rights and gender into the military and civilian missions under the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). All these missions and operations now include human rights or gender expertise. For instance, the two CSDP missions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo include experts on the prevention of sexual violence, while the EU Integrated Rule of Law Mission for Iraq offers courses for female police, judicial and penitentiary officers and has trained more than 340 women since 2005. The EU has also established a mediation support team to ensure the representation of women in mediation processes and the availability of gender expertise in mediation teams which the Union supports.”
2011-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6642 (2011) · source
“Further to this, we established 17 indicators to evaluate gaps in our action and to improve accountability in this regard. The first report based on the indicators was published in May 2011, and the results are encouraging. The EU is active on this issue in more than 70 countries. Its support amounts to about â‚¬200 million a year for the development and implementation of national action plans, support for non-governmental organizations, and training for governmental agencies. We are strongly committed to enhancing the consideration of gender aspects in the early planning of our missions and operations, during their conduct and in the lessons-learned processes.”
2011-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6642 (2011) · source
“We support the call to accommodate more frequent briefings to the Council on women, peace and security, including upon the request of the Under-Secretary- General and the Special Representatives. We also encourage UN-Women's efforts to continue its cooperation with the Special Representatives. We note positively the call to consider means of enhancing women's prevention role in the Council's deliberations on preventive diplomacy and mediation. Last year, the EU presented its commitments for the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000). I would like to give a brief overview of our activities to follow these up. In 2008, the European Union adopted a Comprehensive Approach for the implementation of Security Council resolutions 1325 (2000) and 1820 (2008).”
2011-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6642 (2011) · source
“We welcome the strategic framework - which includes concrete targets to guide the implementation by the United Nations of resolution 1325 (2000) - developed by the Secretary-General in response to the Council's request, and the use of the set ofindicators to monitor progress in implementing the framework. It provides an important means of ensuring the coherence, coordination and accountability of United Nations action. In this regard, we also appreciate the useful briefings provided to the Council by Under-Secretary- General Bachelet, as well as the Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict and the Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict.”
2011-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6642 (2011) · source
“This is also reflected in the findings of the World Bank's annual World Development Report of 2011, focused on conflict, security and development. Our meeting a year ago (see S/PV.6411) was aimed at providing a strong impulse for the continued implementation of resolution 1325 (2000). It also provided a space for concrete commitments to close what you, Madam President, have called a "troubling gap" between global and regional commitments and actual practice. During the past year, we have also gained useful mechanisms to monitor, measure and evaluate our progress. We would also like to commend the work of UN-Women, which plays a crucial role in mobilizing the support of the United Nations system for the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000).”
2011-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6642 (2011) · source
“We welcome the Secretary-General's intention to continue to increase the number of gender experts in the United Nations rosters for surge capacity for crises, standby experts for humanitarian response and mediation, and specialists on conflict prevention and post-conflict planning. In this regard, we emphasize the seven-point action plan of the Secretary-General presented in 2010. We are encouraged by the increased participation of women in United Nations field missions and welcome further efforts to increase the number of women in senior leadership positions both at Headquarters and in the field. Civil society, including women's organizations, plays an important role in sustaining the momentum for recovery and transformation, and enhancing women's participation.”
2011-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6642 (2011) · source
“Women's absence from formal peace negotiations is in turn often followed by their absence from bodies laying the foundations for a new, post-conflict society. These include political decision-making bodies, ceasefire and disarmament, demobilization and reintegration commissions, constitutional and legislative reform commissions, as well as truth and reconciliation bodies. This needs to be accompanied by sufficient gender expertise among the actors involved in peace processes. We therefore welcome the recent Department of Political Affairs and UN-Women joint gender and mediation strategy to equip mediators and their teams with expertise to address gender issues.”
2011-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6642 (2011) · source
“We thank the Secretary-General, the Under-Secretary General, the President of the Economic and Social Council and Ms. Orzala Ashraf Nemat for their statements. Last year, the Security Council noted with concern that women's participation in conflict resolution remains too low. Of the nine peace agreements signed in 2010, only two had provisions ensuring women's rights. Today's theme points to another important issue - the need to ensure women's participation in all stages of peace processes, and from early on. Women, peace and security issues need to be systematically integrated into preventive diplomacy, early warning, human rights and security monitoring. This has a direct impact on the inclusion of women's rights and perspectives in the later stages of the peace process.”
2011-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6642 (2011) · source
“Mr. Mayr-Harting: I am speaking on behalf of the European Union and its member States. The candidate countries Croatia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Montenegro; the countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia; as well as Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Armenia and Georgia align themselves with this declaration. In recent years, women have played a visible and decisive role in movements aimed at rebuilding and reshaping societies. Therefore, we also find the theme of today's debate more than pertinent and welcome the opportunity to discuss concrete means to ensure women's full participation in peace processes, which is a core element of resolution 1325 (2000).”
2011-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6642 (2011) · source
“The European Union demands that the Syrian authorities put an immediate end to the violence in order to prevent further bloodshed. Those responsible for, or associated with, the repression must be held to account by the international community. President Al-Assad must step aside to allow a political transition to take place in Syria. The European Union is deeply disappointed that the Security Council has not yet been able to adopt a resolution on the current developments in Syria, even after months of ongoing brutal abuses by President Al-Assad and his regime. The European Union will continue to press for strong United Nations action to increase international pressure, and urges all members of the Security Council to assume their responsibilities in relation to the situation in Syria.”
2011-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6636Resumption1 (2011) · source
“In conclusion, with regard to Syria, the European Union condemns in the strongest terms the ongoing brutal repression led by the Syrian regime against its population, as well as the widespread human rights violations, including the killing, mass arrest and torture of civilians, peaceful protesters and their relatives that may amount to crimes against humankind. It also condemns actions aimed at inciting inter-ethnic and inter-confessional conflict, as well as recent targeted assassinations of renowned political figures such as Mashaal Tammo. According to the Deputy United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, more than 3,000 people, including children, have died since the beginning of the unrest. The European Union deplores those deaths and expresses its condolences to the families of the victims.”
2011-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6636Resumption1 (2011) · source
“The crossings must be opened to allow for the flow of humanitarian aid, imports and exports of commercial goods and the movement of people between Gaza and the West Bank, while addressing Israel's legitimate security concerns. The further dismantling of the restrictions on access and movement in the West Bank and Gaza is key for allowing for increased investments and the development of the economy and infrastructure. The European Union recalls its readiness to assist in the reconstruction and economic recovery of Gaza in close partnership with the Palestinian Authority and the Israeli Government, in line with resolution 1860 (2009) and on the basis of the 2005 Agreement on Movement and Access.”
2011-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6636Resumption1 (2011) · source
“The European Union therefore underlines the necessity of providing predictable and further support to the Palestinian Authority, and calls for equitable burden-sharing by the international donor community. The EU supports the organization of a new donor's conference in Paris, in the context of a relaunch of the peace process. The European Union welcomes the release of Israeli Staff Sergeant Gilad Shalit. His return home after five years of captivity puts an end to the long ordeal that he and his family have endured. The European Union hopes that his release and the related prisoner exchange will have a positive impact on the Middle East peace process, and encourages both sides to continue taking de-escalating steps. The situation in the Gaza Strip remains of particular concern for the European Union.”
2011-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6636Resumption1 (2011) · source
“The European Union welcomes the outcome of the reports stating that the Palestinian Authority is above the threshold for a functioning state in the key sectors studied by the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, and that Palestinian institutions compare favourably with those in established States. The European Union expects the Palestinian Authority to continue its institution-building efforts and to uphold current standards in terms of transparent and efficient public finance management. The European Union remains dedicated to continuing its support to the Palestinian Authority's successful State-building efforts. The current fiscal crisis of the Palestinian Authority risks putting in danger the achievements made so far in institution- building.”
2011-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6636Resumption1 (2011) · source
“The European Union reiterates that settlements in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, are illegal under international law, constitute an obstacle to peace and threaten to make a two-State solution impossible. All settlement activity, including in East Jerusalem, should cease immediately. New construction plans should be abandoned. The European Union also calls upon both sides to avoid steps that run counter to the Quartet's efforts to restart negotiations. The European Union remains one of the major supporters and contributors to the Palestinian State- building efforts led by President Abbas and Prime Minister Fayyad.”
2011-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6636Resumption1 (2011) · source
“The European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Catherine Ashton, hosted a meeting of the Middle East Quartet envoys on 9 October in Brussels to follow up on the 23 September Quartet statement. As a result of that meeting, both parties will be invited to another meeting with the Quartet envoys on 26 October in Jerusalem. At that meeting, an agenda for negotiations and working methods will be discussed. The European Union deplores the recent Israeli decisions to advance settlement expansion in the Gilo and Givat Hamatos settlements, which run counter to the Quartet's efforts. The European Union deplores steps to legalize, under Israeli law, houses in West Bank outposts.”
2011-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6636Resumption1 (2011) · source
“The European Union underlines the Quartets crucial role in facilitating the resumption of direct talks between Israel and the Palestinians, and recalls its readiness to support all efforts to bring the parties back to the negotiating table. In that regard, the European Union reaffirms its clear positions with regard to parameters, principles and issues, including the conclusions of the Foreign Affairs Council in December 2009, December 2010, May 2011 and July 2011, as well as the statement delivered on behalf of the European Union at the Security Council on 21 April (see S/PV.6520). The European Union fully supports the Quartet's call on the parties to refrain from provocative actions and to respect the obligations of both parties under the Road Map.”
2011-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6636Resumption1 (2011) · source
“The statements delivered by President Abbas and by Prime Minister Netanyahu at the United Nations a few weeks ago (see A/66/PV.19) were different in many ways, but they coincided in their shared expression of the need to return to negotiations, of support for a two-State solution and of desire for a peaceful and comprehensive resolution of the long- standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The European Union (EU) reiterates its appeal to the parties to resume negotiations under the terms, and within the timelines indicated in, the Quartet statement of 23 September. The European Union welcomes the positive statements of both parties in that regard.”
2011-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6636Resumption1 (2011) · source
“The events taking place throughout the Middle East and Northern Africa in the past months have taken on truly historic proportions that will not only shape the future of the entire region, but also have repercussions far beyond the countries concerned. The fundamental changes witnessed across the Arab world have made the need for progress in the Middle East peace process all the more urgent. Recent events have indeed shown the necessity of heeding the legitimate aspirations of peoples in the region, including those of Palestinians for statehood and of Israelis for security.”
2011-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6636Resumption1 (2011) · source
“Mr. Mayr-Harting: I thank you, Madame, for giving me the floor for the first time in my new capacity. The candidate countries Croatia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Montenegro; the country of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidate Albania; as well as the Republic of Moldova align themselves with this statement. At the outset, let me express our deep condolences and sympathies to the people and Government of Turkey for the tragic loss of life in yesterday's earthquake, as well as to the people and Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the passing of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud.”
2011-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6636Resumption1 (2011) · source
“Finally, we would like to underline the importance of the Secretary-General's recommendation that pressing protection issues be consistently and comprehensively dealt with by the Council, even in cases where they are not formally on its agenda. I think that the experience we have had with such innovative formats as informal interactive debates can also help the Council to deal with these challenges. Discussions and briefings in the informal expert group on the protection of civilians should be used in a continuous manner to ensure that the Council's deliberations are informed and comprehensive.”
2011-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6531Resumption1 (2011) · source
“We therefore strongly support the Secretary- General's recommendation that peacekeeping and other relevant missions develop specific benchmarks against which to measure and review progress. In this regard, lessons learned from the United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic and Chad could serve as a very useful basis. We also welcome the development by the Secretariat of guidance for United Nations peacekeeping and other relevant missions on protection of civilians reporting. We support the Secretary- General's intention to develop indicators in relation to the monitoring and reporting of achievements in protecting civilians in armed conflict. This will be an important tool for measuring progress and, as a consequence, adjusting the Council's actions.”
2011-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6531Resumption1 (2011) · source
“The events in Walikale in August 2010 and other incidents of widespread sexual violence in situations of armed conflict show that peacekeepers need to have the capacity to interact closely and communicate effectively with local communities and the host Government in order to carry out their mandate and prevent an escalation of violence. We would like to reiterate the importance of taking gender sensitivities into account and making full use of all components available to mission, including civil affairs officers and community liaison interpreters. A consistent approach by the Council to the protection of civilians includes an accurate assessment of the achievements and remaining challenges in the field.”
2011-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6531Resumption1 (2011) · source
“We therefore welcome the efforts made by the Secretariat pursuant to resolution 1894 (2009) to improve the implementation of protection mandates by peacekeeping operations. The finalized strategic framework for drafting comprehensive protection strategies provides a solid basis for a coordinated and coherent approach. In addition, the resource and capability matrix can serve as a useful tool in the planning of missions and help to ensure that protection mandates are matched with adequate resources. Appropriate predeployment and in-mission training is key in order to increase the awareness and responsiveness of peacekeepers to protection needs.”
2011-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6531Resumption1 (2011) · source
“We also share the concern of the Secretary- General over the threat posed to civilians by explosive weapons, as outlined in his 2010 report on the protection of civilians in armed conflict. Deployed in populated areas, these weapons cause unacceptable suffering for women, children and men, even years after their initial use. Austria urges all States to accede to and strengthen relevant international instruments, such as the Mine Ban Treaty, the Convention on Cluster Munitions, and Additional Protocols II and V to the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons. United Nations peacekeeping operations are among the Organization's most effective tools to protect civilians affected by armed conflict.”
2011-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6531Resumption1 (2011) · source
“As stated in resolution 1894 (2009), the Security Council also has an important role to play in ending impunity, as the representative of Canada has jus said. We call on the Council to consistently use the tools at its disposal, which include referring situations to the International Criminal Court, as was recently done with the situation in Libya; mandating commissions of inquiry, as proposed in the Secretary-General's latest report on the protection of civilians in armed conflict (S/2010/579); or imposing targeted sanctions. We welcome the Secretary-General's announcement that he will undertake a review of the United Nations experiences in establishing commissions of inquiry in order to identify how such mechanisms might be used more consistently.”
2011-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6531Resumption1 (2011) · source
“Comprehensive consultations, such as those held in February, can enhance the coordination between the existing protection frameworks and mechanisms. The events in Libya and in Cote d'Ivoire over recent months have shown how challenging the issue of the protection of civilians remains. The Security Council has a core responsibility in ensuring the compliance of all parties to a conflict with international humanitarian, human rights and refugee law. With the adoption of resolutions 1970 (2011) and 1973 (2011) on Libya, as well as resolution 1975 (2011) on Cote d'Ivoire, the Security Council has sent a strong signal that serious violations of international humanitarian and human rights law cannot and will not be tolerated by the Council.”
2011-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6531Resumption1 (2011) · source
“This is an issue to which we have been particularly attached, including during our presidency in November 2009, which saw the adoption of resolution 1894 (2009). Austria remains strongly committed to this issue and ll-33lll will continue to work with interested Member States and the Secretariat to enhance the United Nations protection capacities. I would also like to say that we welcomed the initiative under the presidency of Brazil to address all three protection clusters on the Council's agenda in one set of consultations. Recent years have seen substantial improvements in the United Nations ability to prevent and react to serious violations of international humanitarian and human rights law.”
2011-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6531Resumption1 (2011) · source
“Mr. Mayr-Harting (Austria) (spoke in French): I thank you, Mr. President, for having organized this very important debate. (spoke in English) I should also like to thank Under-Secretaries- General Amos and Le Roy and Assistant Secretary- General Simonovie for their interesting presentations. Let me add that we have always felt it particularly important that the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights be associated with this debate. Austria aligns itself with the statements made on behalf of the European Union and the Human Security Network. Members of the Council and others present will not be surprised that this is the first debate for which my country has decided to return to this table since our term as member of the Council came to an end.”
2011-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6531Resumption1 (2011) · source