YouSaid · the spoken record

Mayr-Harting

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1,537

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2008-12-09

most recent

2015-10-08

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180

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un-security-council

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1. “In this context, we strongly encourage the reinforcement of efforts to ensure that the area south of the Litani River is kept free of unauthorized armed personnel, assets and weapons. In concluding, we wish to reiterate our sincere hope for the early success of international efforts to relaunch peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians, and for progress towards a comprehensive peace between Israel and all its neighbours. Austria, both nationally and within the framework of the European Union, is ready to support this process actively.”

   2009-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6201 (2009) · source

2. “The Goldstone report should be used as the starting point for appropriate and credible investigations by all parties in accordance with international standards. The Human Rights Council will have to decide on the appropriate follow-up, and we believe it should take this very important and sensitive decision on the basis of the broadest possible consensus. Regarding Lebanon, we hope that the process of the formation of a new Government will soon come to a successful conclusion. Austria is concerned about reports regarding the incident in Tayr Filsi on 12 October. While awaiting the results of the investigation launched by the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and the Lebanese Armed Forces, we wish to reiterate the importance of full compliance with resolution 1701 (2006) by all parties.”

   2009-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6201 (2009) · source

3. “Rebuilding trust and respect for the rule of law, in all contexts of conflict, requires thorough and credible investigation of all allegations of grave violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law. Measures to ensure accountability are an essential part of a comprehensive approach to preventing future violations, avoiding their recurrence and seeking sustainable peace, justice, truth and reconciliation. The Fact-Finding Mission's report (A/HRC/12/48) contains allegations of grave violations by all sides of international humanitarian law, including deliberate attacks on civilians. Austria remains committed to a serious assessment by the Human Rights Council of the report and its recommendations, which are addressed to Israel and to Palestinian actors.”

   2009-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6201 (2009) · source

4. “At the same time, we also believe that continuing to prevent access to Gaza may also turn out to be counterproductive from a security point of View, since people in Gaza are required to live a life that does not satisfy basic conditions of human dignity. A life of continued desperation, hopelessness and deprivation provides a breeding ground for further extremism. As the Human Rights Council prepares to reconvene tomorrow to discuss the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory and East Jerusalem, I would like to make the following observations regarding the United Nations Fact-Finding Mission on the Gaza Conflict, from an Austrian point of View.”

   2009-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6201 (2009) · source

5. “Austria will continue to help establish the economic foundation and institutional infrastructure of a future Palestinian State, both bilaterally and in the framework of the overall efforts of the European Union. Normal economic activity in both the West Bank and Gaza is essential for funding these self-empowerment efforts. This is another reason why we call on Israel to stop the construction of the separation barrier on occupied territory and to reinforce the removal of obstacles to movement and access in the West Bank. It is also imperative that access to Gaza be opened urgently. Let me add that violent incidents such as the indiscriminate firing of rockets and mortars at Israel must come to an immediate and sustained end, as called for in resolution 1860 (2009). We respect the legitimate Israel security concerns on this point.”

   2009-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6201 (2009) · source

6. “We urge Palestinian leaders to work together to overcome the separation between the West Bank and Gaza in order to preserve the chance of viability for a future homeland for the Palestinian people. The viability of a future Palestinian State also depends on continuous, vigorous efforts by the Palestinian Authority to strengthen its institutions and enforce the rule of law, both in the interests of the citizens of a future Palestinian State and in order to address the legitimate security concerns of its neighbour Israel. We welcome the national plan presented by Prime Minister Fayyad for the build-up of Palestinian institutions and infrastructure over the next two years.”

   2009-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6201 (2009) · source

7. “We need to see an immediate end to all construction of settlements, including in East Jerusalem; the dismantlement of the outposts erected since 2001; and an end to all other activities that may prejudge the outcome of negotiations. In view of recent incidents around the holy sites in Jerusalem, incidents to which others have already referred in the course of this debate, we urge all sides to seek to defuse tensions by exercising the utmost restraint both in deeds and in words. Implementing the vision of a Palestinian State requires unity of purpose among the political leadership of the Palestinian people, and common renunciation of violence. Palestinian reconciliation is vital.”

   2009-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6201 (2009) · source

8. “As Austrian Foreign Minister Michael Spindelegger stated during the general debate and reiterated today at his meeting with Israeli Foreign Minister Liberman in Vienna, Israel's right to exist in security and peace and the realization of the rights of the Palestinian people are not in contradiction; on the contrary, both are crucial elements of a comprehensive and just solution. The creation of an independent, democratic, contiguous and viable Palestinian State comprising the West Bank and Gaza - a State of Palestine that lives in peace and security with the State of Israel - is indispensable for stability and peace in the wider region. After decades of violence and hostility, partners in the region need to shoulder their respective responsibilities in the interest of a credible and sustainable solution.”

   2009-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6201 (2009) · source

9. “Austria would like to thank Under-Secretary-General Lynn Pascoe for his update on recent developments in the Middle East. We also thank the Palestinian Foreign Minister, His Excellency Mr. Riad Al-Malki, and the Permanent Representative of Israel for their statements and their presence here today. Austria fully aligns itself with the statement to be delivered by the representative of Sweden on behalf of the European Union. Peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians must be urgently resumed. That was one of strongest messages that came out of the general debate of the General Assembly this year. We appeal to Israel and the Palestinians to remove the remaining obstacles to negotiations by acting on their previous agreements and obligations.”

   2009-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6201 (2009) · source

10. “We also plan to host an experts meeting in Vienna in the first half of 2010. We welcome the Secretary-General's positive reply to a letter sent in August 2008 by women leaders, including Austria's then-Foreign Minister Ursula Plassnik. We are satisfied with and grateful for his support in organizing a ministerial-level meeting in 2010 to review the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000). My country stands ready to work with the Secretary-General and all interested countries and stakeholders to use this tenth anniversary to identify gaps and challenges and to reinforce the commitment of all States, the entire United Nations system and regional organizations to effectively implementing the undertakings of resolution 1325 (2000).”

    2009-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6196 (2009) · source

11. “Gender and human rights training have been included more systematically in the predeployment training of police and military personnel participating in peacekeeping operations. Additionally, Austria, together with UNIFEM, supports women's networks in the western Balkans and preparatory work for national action plans in the region. Next year will mark the tenth anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000). This opportunity should be used to define future priorities and to identify how to address the remaining and new challenges in fully implementing resolution 1325 (2000). A set of global indicators, as called for in the resolution adopted today, will complement this important work. Austria is planning to continue its financial contributions to UNIFEM. for the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000).”

    2009-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6196 (2009) · source

12. “We further request the Secretary-General to take concrete steps to enhance the efficiency of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and the Department of Political Affairs (DPA) to implement resolution 1325 (2000), in particular by creating the posts of full-time senior gender advisers in DPA and within DPA's Mediation Support Unit. Austria is committed to the objectives of resolution 1325 (2000). Our activities are firmly based on a national action plan adopted in August 2007. A working group made up of representatives of all ministries involved and the Austrian Development Agency reports annually to the Council of Ministers on measures undertaken under this action plan.”

    2009-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6196 (2009) · source

13. “We need to commit ourselves to addressing women's priorities in a more consistent manner in the daily work of the Security Council and the Peacebuilding Commission. Austria will continue to advocate for an increase in the number of women appointed to senior United Nations positions both at Headquarters and, in particular, in field missions. We highly welcome the efforts of the Secretary-General in this regard. Having three female special representatives and six deputy special representatives serving in missions in various conflict areas is already a major step ahead. We hope to see this positive trend continue and urge all special representatives and envoys to make full use of the potential of women in peace processes, conflict resolution and peacebuilding.”

    2009-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6196 (2009) · source

14. “No society can afford not to make full use of women's potential contribution to peacebuilding and post-conflict recovery. Resolution 1325 (2000) rightly places women at the heart of consideration of the issue, and not merely as victims, but as agents of change and partners on an equal footing in peace negotiations. Nevertheless, women continue to be largely excluded from decision-making processes. We thank UNIFEM. for presenting us with a study that clearly demonstrates, among others things, how the complete absence of women from peace negotiations and post- conflict planning processes results in serious neglect of the needs of women and girls in the phase of early recovery. As a consequence, this negligence imposes serious costs on recovery, undermining efforts to reassert the rule of law and restart the economy.”

    2009-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6196 (2009) · source

15. “With the expansion of the monitoring and reporting mechanisms in resolution 1882 (2009) to situations where parties to armed conflict engage in rape and other sexual violence against children, a coherent and coordinated implementation of the mandates of both the new Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict and the special representative to address sexual violence in armed conflict will be crucial. Progress is, however, also urgently needed on other pillars of resolution 1325 (2000). Austria sees great value in focusing this debate on responding to the needs of women and girls in post-conflict situations for sustainable peace and security. Investing in women means investing into the future, and ensuring women's and girls access to education is one of the cornerstones of their empowerment.”

    2009-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6196 (2009) · source

16. “We welcome the considerable progress that has been made in strengthening the protection pillar of resolution 1325 (2000) with the adoption of resolutions 1820 (2008) and 1888 (2009) on sexual violence, as well as resolution 1882 (2009) on children and armed conflict. Let me express our hope for a quick appointment of the special representative requested in resolution 1888 (2009). It is our understanding that this new special representative to address sexual violence in armed conflict will fully take into account the important aspects of prevention on the one hand, and women's participation, on the other, when carrying out his or her mandate.”

    2009-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6196 (2009) · source

17. “Furthermore, I would like to express my gratitude to Deputy Secretary- General Asha-Rose Migiro for her continued leadership and commitment to gender equality and women's participation. We are grateful for her statement today. We are equally grateful for the valuable input of the Special Adviser to the Secretary-General, Ms. Rachel Mayanja, and the Executive Director of the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), Ms. Ines Alberdi. We were also very happy to listen to the presentation by Ms. Asha Hagi Elmi Amin from the NGO Working Group on Women, Peace and Security. Let me say at the outset that Austria fully aligns itself with the statement to be made by the representative of Sweden on behalf of the European Union, as well as with the statement that Costa Rica is planning to make on behalf of the Human Security Network.”

    2009-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6196 (2009) · source

18. “Mr. President, I would first like to congratulate you and the delegation of Viet Nam on assuming the presidency of the Security Council for this month. My country and I are also particularly grateful for your initiative to convene this open debate on such an important issue. We would also like to congratulate Ambassador Susan Rice and the United States delegation on their presidency last month - a truly remarkable month in the history of the Security Council. Today's meeting will allow us to continue the review of the implementation of landmark resolution 1325 (2000). We would like to thank the delegation of Viet Nam for its efforts, which resulted in the adoption of resolution 1889 (2009) today.”

    2009-10-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6196 (2009) · source

19. “At the same time, it is absolutely unacceptable that civilians, in particular women and girls, also continue to fall victim to sexual violence on a daily basis in conflict zones where United Nations peacekeeping missions have a key responsibility for their protection. The fight against sexual violence must therefore also be at the core of our overall civilian protection agenda. Austria thus pledges to take this work forward when the Council next considers the protection of civilians in armed conflicts during our presidency of the Security Council in the month of November.”

    2009-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6195 (2009) · source

20. “With this goal in view, we also look forward to the upcoming proposals to be submitted by the Secretary-General on enhancing monitoring and reporting on sexual violence. I should like to add that we very much appreciate the personal commitment of the Secretary-General in this matter. Today's resolution will, we hope, also pave the way for a much more systematic flow of information between United Nations peacekeeping missions and the sanctions committees of the Council on sexual violence in areas of conflict. Where necessary, the Council must ensure the accountability of those responsible for sexual violence in armed conflict, including through the establishment of commissions of inquiry, referrals to the International Criminal Court and the imposition of targeted measures.”

    2009-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6195 (2009) · source

21. “I should like at the outset to thank you, Madam President, for your personal leadership in the fight against sexual violence in armed conflict. I should also like to thank Ambassador Susan Rice and the United States Mission in New York for the energy and determination they have demonstrated in conducting our work on this resolution in recent weeks. We believe that this resolution will significantly contribute to strengthening the United Nations response to sexual violence in conflict situations. We see a particular need for the strategic leadership that a newly appointed Special Representative of the Secretary-General can provide. Her or his work will help us address this scourge on a systematic basis in each and every conflict situation where acts of sexual violence occur.”

    2009-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6195 (2009) · source

22. “In conclusion, let me acknowledge the important work that UNAMA and other United Nations bodies are doing in Afghanistan. Austria fully supports the planned expansion and strengthening of UNAMA. We would also value and welcome the benchmarks and indicators of progress annexed to the Secretary- General's report. They provide the Security Council with a useful tool for measuring progress. We welcome in particular the inclusion of specific indicators with regard to the protection of civilians and are certainly happy that the Secretary-General looks to refining these benchmarks further in consultation with the Afghan Government and the international community.”

    2009-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6194 (2009) · source

23. “On the issue of narcotics, the Special Representative has already referred to the positive developments achieved during the past year. We are happy to see that the trilateral initiative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime "Rainbow strategy" has entered into the operational phase. Austria also welcomes the ongoing engagement of the OSCE with Afghanistan and would be happy to see UNAMA continue to engage and cooperate with the OSCE field missions in the region wherever possible. Looking to the future, we welcome the proposal to hold an international conference on Afghanistan to renew the Afghanistan Compact. This process must lead to what one might call a real civilian surge based on the principles of capacity-building and increased responsibility and ownership on the part of the Afghan Government.”

    2009-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6194 (2009) · source

24. “We are also aware of the important efforts made by the current Government of Afghanistan to improve the human rights situation. There are major problems to be tackled, as documented in the recent joint report by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) on violence against women. In this context we wish to welcome and acknowledge the adoption in July of the new law on the elimination of violence against women. We hope that this law will take precedence over the Shia Personal Status law, which from our point of view does not comply with international human rights standards and the international commitments of Afghanistan.”

    2009-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6194 (2009) · source

25. “Undoubtedly, one of the biggest challenges now is improving the security situation for the people of Afghanistan. Incidents involving improvised explosive devices and complex attacks by insurgents on civilians and on humanitarian personnel are extremely worrying. We have to convey the clear message that those responsible for intimidation or violence directed against humanitarian workers will be held to account. Minimizing the alarming toll in civilian casualties must be our number-one objective. We welcome the new approach of the International Security Assistance Force that gives the protection of the Afghan population the highest priority and includes closer operational partnership with the Afghan national security forces.”

    2009-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6194 (2009) · source

26. “Findings of the experts from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) will certainly be useful in this context. The same goes for the recommendations of the European Union election observation mission, which played a useful role in the observation of the August elections. I would also like to underline the important overall contribution of the European Union in the framework of efforts in Afghanistan, in particular through assistance in the field of security sector reform, development and the election process. I am sure that the Member State holding the presidency of the European Union will be happy to present the efforts and the position of the Union in greater detail when the Security Council next debates the situation in Afghanistan.”

    2009-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6194 (2009) · source

27. “Once the electoral process has been completed, it will be important for the new President to be certified promptly in order to permit the early formation of an effective and inclusive Government that can tackle the many challenges that lie ahead. We fully share the Secretary-General's View that the future Afghan Government will need to build a new relationship of trust with its people. Good governance, the rule of law and respect for human rights should form the general basis of the work of the new Government. Improvement in these areas, including the fight against corruption and drug trafficking, will be decisive. The lessons learned from the election process should guide the preparations for the parliamentary elections to be held in 2010.”

    2009-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6194 (2009) · source

28. “Kai Eide, for his briefing, his commitment and the work he is doing there under very difficult circumstances in a very impressive fashion. Austria shares the View that in spite of the many shortcomings of the elections held in August, it was a great achievement that those first entirely Afghan-led elections took place at all. The elections were preceded by a real campaign focusing on political agendas and allowing genuine competition among the candidates. The fact that millions of Afghans chose to vote in spite of the intimidation by insurgents is impressive and encouraging. However, the fact that the voting process was marred by serious electoral fraud is of concern. All incidents must be addressed in order to ensure the credibility of the electoral process. Austria thus fully supports the work of the Electoral Complaints Commission.”

    2009-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6194 (2009) · source

29. “I would also like to begin by thanking Ms. Norma Chan for the support we have received and that numerous Austrian Permanent Representatives, Austrian colleagues, and Austrian colleagues in the Secretariat have received from her during the years. I can only echo what my colleague from Viet Nam has said - that we are particularly sad to see her leave just one month before her support would have been most dearly needed. Let me also place on record that we particularly enjoyed and were happy to have her in Vienna during the three years that we were privileged to have her there. On the subject of today, I would like to welcome the presence and the statement of the Foreign Minister of Afghanistan. I would also like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr.”

    2009-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6194 (2009) · source

30. “We believe that it is vital for the Government to continue its efforts in the field of political dialogue, in the extension of State authority as well as decentralization, and to engage all relevant actors in these processes. In light of the challenges ahead, we fully support the Secretary-General's recommendation to extend the mandate of MINUSTAH for an additional year.”

    2009-09-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6186 (2009) · source

31. “The socio-economic situation in Haiti remains precarious and thus continues to pose a threat to stability. We therefore welcome warmly the dedication of Special Envoy President Clinton in mobilizing public and private investment, while at the same time fostering the commitment of all relevant actors to improving living conditions in Haiti. The decision of 30 June on debt cancellation by the international financial institutions and the Paris Club was an important step towards sustainable economic development in the country. Subsequent to the Security Council's mission to MINUSTAH in March, elections to the Senate in Haiti were held in April. We are glad to see that these elections were conducted in a generally peaceful climate.”

    2009-09-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6186 (2009) · source

32. “We also welcome the collaboration of MINUSTAH, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Haitian Government in strengthening measures against corruption, organized crime and illicit trafficking, and we encourage the ongoing involvement of UNODC's expertise. The benchmarks and revised indicators of progress contained in the Secretary-General's report are an important tool for measuring the achievements of MINUSTAH, in cooperation with the Haitian Government. These benchmarks provide a comprehensive framework for the activities undertaken by the host authorities, the Mission itself, the United Nations country team and the international community, and therefore contribute to enhanced coherence and coordination among all actors.”

    2009-09-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6186 (2009) · source

33. “Efforts to strengthen the capacity of the judiciary to address issues such as prolonged pretrial detention are important, and we are concerned about the continued problematic situation in Haiti's prisons due to increased overcrowding. The launching of the construction of a new prison in Croix-des-Bouquets is a first concrete and important step which must be followed up with further efforts. We are encouraged by, and encourage, the strengthening of the judicial inspection unit, as well as the reorganization of the Ministry of Justice. We are also very interested in the forthcoming review of existing criminal legislation, including on juvenile delinquency. This is an area on which my country has been able to cooperate with Haiti in the past, and we are prepared and happy to continue that cooperation.”

    2009-09-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6186 (2009) · source

34. “Austria believes that the ongoing training and vetting of the Haitian National Police constitutes an essential element in the re-establishment of reliable and trustworthy security institutions. We also welcome the envisaged adjustment of MINUSTAH's force configuration to Haiti's country-specific needs. The additional number of police officers for the formed police units will enhance the Mission's capacity to support the Haitian security forces. At the same time, we agree with the Haitian authorities that substantial progress remains to be made in the judicial as well as the correction systems in order to fight impunity and secure greater stability in Haiti.”

    2009-09-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6186 (2009) · source

35. “One of the reasons this has been successful, from our point of view, is the strong Latin American and Caribbean participation in and co-ownership of this Mission. At the same time, it is important that ensuring the protection of citizens in Haiti has been recognized as a challenge by the entire international community, with contributions from all over the world, such as the Chinese police contingent that we were able to visit during our mission. Important improvements have been made with regard to the rule of law. With MINUSTAH's valuable support, the Haitian National Police has been gradually strengthened, contributing substantially to security and stability along land and maritime borders and throughout the country.”

    2009-09-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6186 (2009) · source

36. “Austria aligns itself with the statement that will be delivered later on by the representative of Sweden on behalf of the European Union. I want to make a number of specific points that are based on my own experience during the mission of the Security Council to Haiti. We welcome the report of the Secretary-General (S/2009/439), which highlights the continued assistance of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) to national efforts for peace and stability in Haiti. We have the feeling that MINUSTAH, under very difficult circumstances, is a success story. This is a case in which United Nations peacekeeping has been able to make a difference, assure the peace and security of the Haitian people and protect them against violence and organized crime.”

    2009-09-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6186 (2009) · source

37. “Let me first congratulate you, Madam President, on assuming the presidency in a challenging month. This is clearly a very important event as part of an impressive programme of work. I should also like to thank the United Kingdom for its work during the month of August. I join others in welcoming Prime Minister Pierre- Louis to the Council meeting today and thanking her for what she has been able to tell us. We are also grateful for the chance to listen to the Secretary- General's Special Envoy, President Clinton, and to express our appreciation of his continued engagement. We also appreciate the presence of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. He'di Annabi, and want to thank him for his work and his commitment.”

    2009-09-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6186 (2009) · source

38. “Austria fully supports the appointment of a senior person with responsibility to attend to the prevention of and response to sexual violence across the entire United Nations system. Austria is grateful for the Secretary-General's willingness to provide the Council with annual reports on this very important matter, and we look forward to receiving them in the interest of enhancing the implementation of resolution 1820 (2008).”

    2009-08-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6180 (2009) · source

39. “That is certainly an issue with which we will have to deal when we consider, in general terms, the subject of the protection of civilians in peacekeeping. The active contribution of women to peacebuilding and conflict prevention is crucial to achieving lasting peace. Resolutions 1325 (2000) and 1820 (2008) have underlined the need to include women in peacekeeping and peacebuilding measures. Further efforts are needed. The development of gender guidelines for military personnel by the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and the development of guidelines for mediators and their consistent implementation can contribute to improving our response to sexual violence in conflict settings. In order to effectively fight sexual violence, improved coordination throughout the system, as well as leadership and accountability, are needed.”

    2009-08-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6180 (2009) · source

40. “This led to the subsequent adoption of the Comprehensive Strategy on Combating Sexual Violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, endorsed by the Government. It is also a very important and positive development that the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has now finally decided to take concrete measures in the five particularly dramatic cases to which the Council once again drew the attention of that country's authorities during its mission there. It is evidently necessary that the Council continue to follow up on this matter. We are encouraged by the valuable work of MONUC's new joint protection teams. We must draw on lessons learned by such best practices in order to transpose them to the contexts of other missions.”

    2009-08-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6180 (2009) · source

41. “This situation demands further action by the Security Council to strengthen the rule of law and to end impunity. Where necessary, the Council should consider appropriate measures encouraging and ensuring accountability for those responsible for international crimes, including through the establishment of commissions of inquiry, referrals to the International Criminal Court and the imposition of targeted measures. Sanctions committees need to receive relevant information to this end, including through exchanges with other subsidiary bodies. The Council took an important step when deciding to give priority to the protection of civilians in the mandate of the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC).”

    2009-08-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6180 (2009) · source

42. “Let me also acknowledge the vital role that non-governmental organizations and humanitarian organizations play in this regard. Access constraints for humanitarian actors can severely affect the situation of victims of sexual violence. Today, a clear body of rules outlawing sexual violence, including in armed conflict, is contained in international human rights, humanitarian and international criminal law. In spite of this, perpetrators who systematically commit serious violations against women and girls still go largely unpunishcd. Allegations of sexual violence need to be thoroughly investigated and perpetrators need to be brought to account, including not only through prosecution, but also through the vetting of armed and security forces.”

    2009-08-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6180 (2009) · source

43. “To this end, the Council should include specific reporting requirements in resolutions establishing or renewing mandates. Briefings by the Secretary-General's special representatives, the Emergency Relief Coordinator, the High Commissioner for Human Rights and relevant rapporteurs will and can also provide the Council with information crucial to its work. We are fully aware of the sensitivities of collecting data from victims of sexual violence, who are often severely traumatized by the dramatic experiences they have gone through. Guidelines on information gathering must take ethical and safety concerns into account. Short- and long-term assistance for survivors of sexual violence, in particular accessible and quality health care, psychosocial support and legal advice should be a priority.”

    2009-08-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6180 (2009) · source

44. “As women and girls represent the majority of victims of sexual violence, there is a need to ensure that reporting is not strictly limited to victims under the age of 18. In this context, we would welcome further information in a follow-up report next year on an appropriate monitoring and accountability mechanism to be established by the Council. Austria also welcomes the work of the Council's informal Expert Group on the Protection of Civilians, which we see as a useful forum for discussing important protection concerns, including those in the fight against sexual violence. More consistent and comprehensive reporting on sexual violence in the Secretary-General's country- specific reports would enable the Council to address the protection of civilians, particularly women and children, from sexual violence in a more systematic manner.”

    2009-08-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6180 (2009) · source

45. “Austria aligns itself with the statement to be delivered by the representative of Sweden on behalf of the European Union, as well as with that to be made by the representative of Costa Rica on behalf of the Human Security Network. I would like to concentrate on a number of practical proposals on how the Council could further improve its action on this important matter. Systematic attention needs to be paid to the prevention of and protection from sexual violence in the daily deliberations of the Council. We welcome the recent adoption of resolution 1882 (2009), extending the scope of the monitoring and reporting mechanism to parties who perpetrate grave sexual violence against children in situations of armed conflict.”

    2009-08-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6180 (2009) · source

46. “I would first like to thank you, Sir, and the United Kingdom presidency for organizing this debate. I would also like to welcome the Secretary-General. Austria applauds him for his unwavering commitment in the fight against all forms of violence against women. The adoption of resolution 1820 (2008) a year ago was an historical event. The resolution clearly states that sexual violence against women in armed conflict can constitute a threat to international peace and security that requires the attention of the Security Council. Despite positive and successful steps undertaken by the United Nations and individual States, women continue to fall victim to sexual violence used as a deliberate means of warfare. This takes place on a daily basis in conflict situations around the world.”

    2009-08-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6180 (2009) · source

47. “In conclusion, let me express my country's full support for the draft presidential statement to be adopted later today. We would like to thank you, Sir, and your delegation for all your efforts in preparing this comprehensive and well-balanced text. It shows how far this debate has moved forward since the beginning of the year, when France and the United Kingdom started this discussion. It also demonstrates how much still needs to be done.”

    2009-08-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6178 (2009) · source

48. “In this context, we also look forward to the forthcoming report of the Secretary-General on how to provide effective support for African Union peacekeeping operations. We support a substantial and open-minded debate of all the proposals in the Prodi report (S/2008/813). We welcome the clear connection made in the draft presidential statement between peacekeeping, peacebuilding and development. For this reason, we also think that the Council should further deepen its cooperation with the Peacebuilding Commission. Let me also add that Austria sees the need for a new field support strategy that takes into account the important contributions peace operations can make to the sustainable socio-economic development of the region in which they are deployed, and I heartily agree with what Under-Secretary-General Malcorra said on this subject.”

    2009-08-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6178 (2009) · source

49. “We nonetheless believe that we should study whether such concepts as that of the framework nation, developed at the regional level for particularly demanding multinational peace operations, might not also be relevant to some United Nations peacekeeping situations. We also have to take into consideration that the United Nations and regional organizations increasingly cooperate in peacekeeping by acting together or sequentially. It is in the interests of all parties involved to base this cooperation on standardized framework arrangements. At the same time, United Nations mandates are and will remain essential, both in view of the provisions of the Charter and to achieve a clear and efficient division of labour between all international actors involved in specific peacekeeping efforts.”

    2009-08-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6178 (2009) · source

50. “While recognizing the need to increase the pool of troop and police contributors, we have to be aware that Member States have only one set of forces that they deploy in various frameworks. We must therefore increase our emphasis on pooling resources and enhancing force integration training, be it at the level of the United Nations or of regional organizations. In this regard, we believe the United Nations could draw on existing experience and knowledge within regional organizations. We are, of course, aware that the United Nations operates in a unique global setting. Lessons learned at the regional level are not automatically applicable in the global context of the Organization.”

    2009-08-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6178 (2009) · source