YouSaid · the spoken record

Mbanefo

lines on the record: 181
first: 1999-10-22
most recent: 2003-06-12
sittings or episodes: 18
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 world must seriously face the grave challenges posed by these weapons if our civilization and economic progress in the twenty- first century are to be maintained. Unfortunately, this problem has grown to such immense proportions that it is practically impossible for many countries in sub-Saharan Africa to focus attention on issues of development without first resolving the problem of the illicit transfer of these weapons to their territories. Any action by the international community that could put an end to this negative phenomenon would, no doubt, constitute the first major step towards helping Africa to achieve sustainable and meaningful development.”
2002-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4623Resumption1 (2002) · source
“It is important to recognize that while nuclear weapons - weapons of mass destruction - may present a grave danger to the world, it is small arms and light weapons that have been responsible for the death of hundreds of thousands of people in the world today. The ever-expanding use of these weapons and their consequences present the international community with a new challenge. This is mainly because their proliferation sustains conflicts, exacerbates violence, contributes to the displacement of civilians and undermines respect for international humanitarian law. It poses a new threat to humanity in the form of terrorism and organized crime. It has a negative impact on women and the elderly and devastating consequences on children.”
2002-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4623Resumption1 (2002) · source
“I am very happy to see you, Sir, presiding over this meeting today. I should like to congratulate you very warmly on your assumption of the presidency for this month. My delegation warmly welcomes the Secretary- General's report, which we consider very useful and helpful. The issue of the illicit traffic in small arms and light weapons continues to be a matter of great concern to my delegation, considering the fact that the use and ready availability of those weapons are a major source of insecurity and contribute to socio-economic stagnation throughout the developing world, especially sub-Saharan Africa, the region to which we belong. They have become the most common means of prosecuting armed conflicts, civil wars and criminal acts in our societies.”
2002-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4623Resumption1 (2002) · source
“We welcome the increased level of cooperation between Governments, the international community, non- governmental organizations and civil society in providing education, training and humanitarian assistance to women and children. We must sustain the rehabilitation of women and children, as this will facilitate their smooth integration into society. Finally, let us hope that these measures will impact positively on our women and children who are unfortunately caught in conflict situations.”
2002-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4589 (2002) · source
“In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, we are aware of the gender issues being negotiated by women in the inter-Congolese dialogue. We also note and commend the efforts of Palestinian and Israeli women in the Arias-formula meeting on the situation in the Middle East, in the context of Security Council resolution 1325 (2000). Nigeria salutes the efforts of these women. Nigeria notes with satisfaction the contribution of the Secretary-General in monitoring the compliance with and commitment to international law by parties in conflict. We commend the Department of Peacekeeping Operations for the commencement of gender-awareness training in United Nations peace missions.”
2002-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4589 (2002) · source
“Women should also be given the opportunity to serve as coordinators in peacekeeping activities in the areas of food distribution in refugee camps. In this regard, we note that the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the United Nations Fund for the Development of Women (UNIFEM) have made some modest efforts by including women in their field activities. We urge them to do more. The important role of women in the prevention and resolution of conflicts and in peace-building cannot be overemphasized. Women played a significant role in the peace process in Afghanistan, especially during elections to the Loya Jirga. In West Africa, the Mano River Women's Peace Network continues to make important contributions to the peace process within the Union.”
2002-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4589 (2002) · source
“This arrangement is in constant review to ensure adjustment as the situation demands. The gender dimension in the peace process needs to be adequately addressed. To ensure the effectiveness of peace support operations, the principle of gender equality must permeate entire peacekeeping operations at all levels. This will guarantee the participation of men and women as equal partners in all facets of the peace process. We commend the Secretary-General's target of 50 per cent of high-level positions to be filled by women. We urge that a gender balance be maintained in the appointment of women and men as special envoys and special representatives, and in the pursuit of good offices on behalf of the Secretary-General, especially in matters relating to peacekeeping and peace-building.”
2002-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4589 (2002) · source
“Resources for social services are diverted into the war effort, and this leads to the deterioration of health services and thus of infant and child mortality rates. The destruction of schools naturally reduces school enrolment. All these elements are common features of today's conflicts. If we are to ensure the well-being of women and children in the twenty-first century, they deserve special attention and action. In West Africa, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has taken a number of initiatives as part of a broad commitment towards enhancing the social, economic and cultural well-being of women and children. These include the establishment of a child protection unit within ECOWAS to protect and enhance the rights of women and children caught in conflict.”
2002-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4589 (2002) · source
“We should therefore live up to our Charter obligations and responsibilities with respect to compliance with international humanitarian law that ensures adequate protection for women and children. In this regard, it is necessary for the Security Council to take effective measures to alleviate the negative impact of economic sanctions on women and children as well as to ensure their timely release when taken hostage. The global commerce in and proliferation of small arms and light weapons, along with landmines and unexploded ordnance, threaten the lives of women and children more than others. War affects every aspect of a child's development. Malnutrition increases due to displacement and scarcity of food.”
2002-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4589 (2002) · source
“It is gratifying to note that the International Criminal Tribunals for the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda made important contributions in addressing violence against women in armed conflict. Nigeria welcomes the coming into force of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, which stipulates that acts of sexual violence are war crimes when committed within the context of armed conflict. The international community cannot afford to continue to ignore the continued exposure of women and children to the dangers of communicable diseases such as HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases, and tuberculosis in situations where conflicts have devastated infrastructure needed for immunization.”
2002-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4589 (2002) · source
“The Security Council, in its resolution 1325 (2000), recognized the negative impact of armed conflict on women and the need for effective institutional arrangements to guarantee their protection. The Council further recognized that the full participation of women in peace processes can contribute significantly to the maintenance and promotion of international peace and security. The Council therefore expressed willingness to incorporate a gender perspective into United Nations peace operations and called for measures that would ensure protection of and respect for the rights of women and children. Nigeria reiterates its support for this resolution, especially the mainstreaming of a gender perspective into peacekeeping.”
2002-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4589 (2002) · source
“We observe that ever since the first World Conference on Women held in Mexico in 1975, there has been the recognition that women have an important role to play in the promotion of peace. Furthermore, the Platform for Action adopted by the Fourth World Conference on Women, held in Beijing in 1995, and the agreed conclusions of the Commission on the Status of Women of 1998 called on Governments and international organizations to protect women in armed conflict and to support their participation in all aspects of peace support, including conflict prevention and post-conflict resolution and reconstruction. In this regard, my country's constitution ensures participation and representation of women at all levels of government, with the objective of prevention, management and resolution of conflicts.”
2002-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4589 (2002) · source
“Let me congratulate you, Sir, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of July. We recall with satisfaction your role in the Economic and Social Council, where you effectively coordinated the mainstreaming of gender perspectives in United Nations policies and programmes. In situations of conflict, women and children constitute the vast majority of civilians adversely affected. They suffer tremendous deprivations. They are abducted, tortured and recruited as domestic and sex slaves. They become refugees and internally displaced persons. Consequently, Nigeria believes that an essential aspect of conflict prevention must include the strengthening of the rule of law, and, within that, the protection of women's rights based on gender equality through constitutional, legislative, judicial and electoral reform.”
2002-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4589 (2002) · source
“Finally, my delegation wishes to emphasize that for enduring peace and stability to thrive in the West African subregion, there is no alternative to good governance, transparency and accountability under a democratic dispensation. It is against this background that we call on the Council to do all in its power to promote and protect the emerging democratic governments in the subregion so that peace, progress and socio-economic development can be achieved.”
2001-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4439 (2001) · source
“We call on the Security Council to continue to examine and monitor closely the role of non-State actors in the conflict areas of Africa, as their unscrupulous business practices often exacerbate those conflicts. These private entities must be held accountable for all the illicit activities they perpetrate. At the same time, we commend the efforts of the Security Council to regulate the exploitation and exportation of natural resources such as diamonds in certain countries. It is our belief that, with these measures in place, the propensity of warlords to fuel wars with the illegitimate gains derived from such sources will diminish, and their nefarious activities will be effectively controlled if not entirely cut off.”
2001-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4439 (2001) · source
“We remain confident that the Office will help in facilitating the implementation of the various recommendations of the inter-agency mission. I would not conclude this statement without referring to the plight of children and women caught up in armed conflict in the West African subregion. Although the use of child soldiers and the abuse of the female child by combatants have already been condemned several times by the Security Council, it is our strong belief that there is a need to establish sound and effective systems to guarantee the application and implementation of the rules of law and justice to prevent such gross human rights abuses.”
2001-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4439 (2001) · source
“We therefore urge members of the Council to consider making economic assistance to countries emerging from conflict - assistance to rebuild their shattered economies and infrastructures - a vital provision of the peacekeeping mandates the Council issues. The international community also has important roles to play in this regard. We urge the international community, and developed countries in particular, to assist with the repatriation of our countries' assets that have been illegally transferred by corrupt African leaders to overseas banks and interests. It is our view that the return of such assets will assist African countries in rebuilding their economies and achieving sustainable development. My delegation wishes to commend the recent decision to establish a United Nations Office for West Africa.”
2001-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4439 (2001) · source
“While commending the efforts of United Nations agencies, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the African Development Bank and the United States Agency for International Development and others to help West African countries, it is pertinent to emphasize that there is still a lot to be done by international financial institutions to assist our region through debt forgiveness or cancellation, so that resources now being used to service huge debts can be utilized for the development of the subregion. There is no doubt that the political instability currently experienced in parts of Africa is a result of the parlous state of the economies of these countries.”
2001-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4439 (2001) · source
“Moreover, both ECOWAS and the West African Economic and Monetary Union have provided a framework for socio-economic development of the subregion though regional integration. However, there is a limit to the effectiveness of the existing subregional mechanisms developed to address the problems of security, socio-economic development and provision of humanitarian relief to refugees and internally displaced persons. It therefore follows that the subregion still needs assistance through bilateral and multilateral programmes.”
2001-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4439 (2001) · source
“There is also the problem of the illegal exploitation and exportation of its natural resources. This truly describes the gravity of the challenges facing the emerging democracies in West Africa today. Despite such major difficulties, ECOWAS countries have shown great resilience and determination to confront some of these challenges. These countries have organized and put in place conflict resolution initiatives as well as economic policies and programmes geared towards alleviating the deteriorating economic conditions confronting them. ECOWAS established its Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) as a military force to monitor the conflict in Liberia and, subsequently, enforce peace. This force later went to Sierra Leone for a similar purpose, long before peace was established and United Nations peacekeepers arrived.”
2001-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4439 (2001) · source
“The report stated that the West African subregional economic growth rate has lagged behind, with little indication that the situation will improve in the near future. Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia and Sierra Leone were identified as being among the 10 countries at the bottom of the United Nations Development Programme's Human Development Index. Also, the report went further to identify the problems of high rates of youth unemployment, persistent economic stagnation and weak institutional capacity as major causes of political instability in West Africa. It reiterated that many years of civil war and political instability have resulted in widespread destruction of social, economic and physical infrastructures. In addition, the subregion is faced with the problem of capital flight and the emigration of its skilled human resources.”
2001-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4439 (2001) · source
“Country-specific issues such as the introduction of sharia law in northern Nigeria, the socio-economic upheavals in the delta areas of Nigeria, the conflict in the Casamance region of Senegal, the political situation in Cote d'Ivoire and the problems in Guinea-Bissau and the Mano River Union countries were also discussed in the report. Nigeria wishes to commend Secretary-General Kofi Annan for his initiative in dispatching the inter- agency mission to West Africa. We also wish to put on record our appreciation of the comprehensive work accomplished by the mission under the chairmanship of Mr. Ibrahima Fall, Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs of the Department of Political Affairs.”
2001-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4439 (2001) · source
“The report of the inter-agency mission that visited 11 West African countries from 6 to 27 March 2001 (S/2001/434) succinctly captured the security, humanitarian, economic and social development problems facing the West African subregion. The report identified problems of peace and security, governance, national reconciliation, promotion of political dialogue, human rights, humanitarian issues and subregional integration and cooperation. Additionally, the mission's report discussed the issues of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, poverty alleviation, the threat posed by external debt, illegal arms trafficking and its linkages to conflict diamonds, and the problem of child soldiers.”
2001-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4439 (2001) · source
“The West African subregion poses enormous challenges, both in its uniqueness and the complexity of its demography; it is home to people belonging to over 1,000 diverse groups with differing ethnicity and religions. The region is also unique in terms of its rich historical and cultural diversity. Added to that is the fact that it is endowed with some of the world's best flora and fauna, as well as with mineral and human resources. It is regrettable that, despite those rich endowments, the subregion has not been able to achieve the economic growth necessary to attain sustainable development. Rather, we have witnessed ethnic conflicts and civil wars in many parts of the subregion, which have added to the impoverishment of many peoples, particularly in Liberia, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Guinea-Bissau and the Casamance region of Senegal.”
2001-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4439 (2001) · source
“My delegation is particularly delighted to see you, Sir, presiding over the Security Council for the month of December. We have implicit confidence in your ability and competence to successfully guide the work of the Council during the course of this month. Nigeria welcomes the debate being held by the Security Council on West Africa under your presidency. This is most apt since your country, Mali, as the Chair of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has continued to work assiduously for the peace and security of the subregion. Nigeria seizes this opportunity to express its appreciation to your President, Alpha Oumar Konare, for the effective leadership he has continued to provide for our subregion.”
2001-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4439 (2001) · source
“Peace must be made attractive and irresistible to all, including those who otherwise might have little interest in embracing it. Nigeria believes that the United Nations must lead the way and be in the vanguard of this effort. It must see post-conflict peace- building as an urgent challenge in Somalia if that country is to enjoy lasting peace. In this regard, my delegation urges the Security Council to urgently undertake a fact-finding mission to Somalia in order to ascertain the situation on the ground. These are hopeful times for Somalia. Many of us have waited long for this moment. We must not allow this opportunity to slip away. Somalia must never again be allowed to witness the horrors of the recent past.”
2001-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4392Resumption1 (2001) · source
“It concludes, in paragraph 72, that the time is not ripe for a United Nations post- conflict peace-building office for Somalia, as there is "no single authority in the country that can assure security and unimpeded access to the United Nations even in Mogadishu". The question that may be asked is what the United Nations and the international community at large can and should do to see Somalia through this delicate and critical transition period. I am of the firm belief that the peace process must be given full support and encouragement. In the View of my delegation, one definite way of manifesting such support would be through the mobilization of necessary material resources, as well as the taking of symbolic, yet powerful, steps on behalf of the peace process.”
2001-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4392Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Although the United Nations and its partners have contributed to alleviating the emergency situation, much remains to be done if the humanitarian and development challenges facing Somalia are to be fully confronted and the TNG is to be given a fighting chance of consolidating the peace in the country. In this regard, it is particularly disturbing that, according to the Secretary-General's report, only $20.7 million - 16 per cent of the $126 million requested for the Consolidated Inter-Agency Appeal for 2001 f has been provided by Member States. This assistance, as we all know, is required for humanitarian, recovery and development activities in the country. The Secretary-General's report also asserts that the security situation in Somalia has not improved since February, when an earlier security assessment of Mogadishu was undertaken.”
2001-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4392Resumption1 (2001) · source
“It expressed its support for the Arta process and called on the TNG to intensify efforts to build upon it with the support of the United Nations, in cooperation with regional and subregional organizations. On the issue of the humanitarian and development situation in Somalia, and the response to it by the international community, the Secretary- General's report offers a grim and disturbing assessment. Food security in the country, especially in the southern part, has deteriorated as a result of a combination of factors, such as drought and other natural causes. As a consequence, an estimated 750,000 people are in danger of starvation and therefore in need of international food assistance. This situation is compounded by the prevalence of diseases such as cholera, as well as a lack of water and basic infrastructure.”
2001-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4392Resumption1 (2001) · source
“In the clearly daunting task of moving the peace process forward and creating a more stable environment in the country, the inclination of the TNG to reach out and bring on board all the parties yet to accept its authority and control over the entire country is most commendable. Nigeria believes that all Somalis, as stakeholders in the peace of their country, must put aside all parochial considerations and fully embrace dialogue. In the view of my delegation, this will pave the way for lasting peace, stability, national rehabilitation and reconstruction for Somalia. The leaders of Africa, at the thirty-seventh summit of the OAU, held in Lusaka, Zambia, in July 2001, affirmed this position. The summit reiterated Africa's commitment to the unity, territorial integrity and sovereignty of Somalia.”
2001-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4392Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Ali Khalif Galaydh, the Prime Minister of Somalia, is also in this great Chamber today, participating in and listening to this debate on the situation in his country. My delegation would like to reiterate its support for the peace process that has made the present situation possible. In this regard, Nigeria would like to pay tribute to President Guelleh of Djibouti for his dedicated and tireless peace initiatives with regard to Somalia, which have led directly to the establishment of the TNG. It is worthy of note and praise that this fruitful initiative enjoyed the support of the United Nations, the Organization of African Unity, the League of Arab States and the European Union.”
2001-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4392Resumption1 (2001) · source
“In the period between the issuance of the current report, contained in document S/2001/963, and the previous one, contained in document S/2000/l2ll, issued in December 2000, significant developments have occurred in Somalia. The internal political situation has evolved to the extent that the Transitional National Government (TNG), led by President Abdikassim Salad Hassan, has begun to take hold and put in place the infrastructures of administration and a functioning State. A vivid and eloquent example of this happy development is the presence among us of the Permanent Representative of Somalia. It is, without doubt, a good omen that, after many years of effective representation being in abeyance, Somalia is finally able to send an Ambassador to the United Nations. Mr.”
2001-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4392Resumption1 (2001) · source
“In a presidential statement issued in November 1999, the Council reaffirmed its commitment to a comprehensive and lasting settlement of the situation in Somalia, bearing in mind respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence and unity of Somalia, in accordance with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations. The Council also expressed its concern at the absence of a central authority, which had exacerbated the dire political, economic and security situation in the country. In considering the plight of this State Member of our Organization, and the way forward in resolving its problems, the Secretary-General, in fulfilment of a Council mandate, has rendered to the Council his most recent report on the situation in Somalia.”
2001-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4392Resumption1 (2001) · source
“I should like to begin by congratulating you, Sir, and the Republic of Ireland, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of October. In the same vein, I would like to congratulate your predecessor, Ambassador Jean-David Levitte of France, for a very successful presidency in September. I would like take this opportunity to felicitate Guinea, Cameroon, the Syrian Arab Republic, Bulgaria and Mexico on their election to the Council as non- permanent members for the period 2002-2003. Nigeria looks forward to working closely with them, as it has done with the outgoing members of the Council. The important issue before the Council today is Somalia. The situation in Somalia continues to engage the attention of the international community, and our Organization in particular, as it has done over the past decade.”
2001-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4392Resumption1 (2001) · source
“We hope that members of the various United Nations peacekeeping missions will find this useful during the implementation of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programmes. Surely a world free of arms would be a peaceful world, but since this for now is a utopian vision, we can only strive to limit the proliferation of illicit small arms and to ensure that they do not find their way into the wrong hands. Our concerted efforts to address the issues of conflict prevention, peace-building and the protection of civilians and children in armed conflicts will depend on how effectively we are able to tackle the issue of the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons.”
2001-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4355Resumption1 (2001) · source
“As a follow-up to the Conference on Small Arms and Light Weapons we wish to call for a review conference to take place not later than 2006 to review the progress made in the implementation of the Programme of Action. My delegation also supports the recommendation in the outcome document that further study be undertaken, within existing resources, for examining the feasibility of developing an international instrument to enable States identify and trace in a timely and reliable manner illicit small arms and light weapons. In conclusion, we would like to commend the Secretary-General for his report contained in document S/2000/ 1092, in which he provided a reference manual for safe methods of weapons destruction for use in missions areas.”
2001-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4355Resumption1 (2001) · source
“In view of the global nature of the problem and the urgent need to deal with it, my delegation would like to say to the members of the Council that the time has now come for us to take far-reaching decisions to complement the decisions already reached at the recent Conference on the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects. To this end, Nigeria would like to urge members of the international community to render technical and financial assistance where needed to regional and national efforts to eradicate illicit trade in small arms and light weapons. Nigeria also wishes to support the call for the creation of a small arms fund to assist States. Furthermore, we urge Member States to share information on a voluntary basis on their national marking systems for small arms and light weapons.”
2001-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4355Resumption1 (2001) · source
“At the national level, my country, Nigeria, has put in place practical measures to tackle the problem through the establishment of the National Committee on Small Arms and Light Weapons. Also Nigeria declared Thursday, 5 July 2001 "small arms destruction day" in conformity with the decision reached at the preparatory committee to declare the first day of the United Nations Conference on Small Arms and Light Weapons as such. Nigeria and Africa have taken these initiatives to underscore their awareness of the danger posed by small arms and light weapons. It is our hope that members of the international community and indeed members of the Security Council will take decisions to complement these efforts.”
2001-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4355Resumption1 (2001) · source
“The lucrative barter of arms for natural resources such as "blood diamonds" has provided an opportunity for arms dealers to thrive in the continent. It has also helped rebel leaders to sustain conflicts. In recognition of the enormous suffering that Africa has experienced as a result of conflicts induced by small arms, leaders of the West African countries have tried, for example, to tackle the problems of the proliferation of small arms and light weapons at the subregional level. In October 1998 the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) adopted a moratorium on the importation and exportation of light weapons in ECOWAS States. African Ministers also adopted in Bamako on 30 November 2000 a declaration on a common African position on small arms and light weapons.”
2001-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4355Resumption1 (2001) · source
“In many instances, economies have been totally destroyed and reduced to shambles, infrastructures laid waste and millions of people killed and wounded while thousands have been internally displaced and many more turned into refugees. In the face of this development, responsible members of the international community cannot stand by and allow it to continue. Even though African States lack the capacity to manufacture small arms and light weapons, the continent unfortunately is the recipient of large quantities of these weapons. It is estimated that in Africa alone there are some 7 million illicit arms and light weapons in circulation. The incessant conflicts and wars in the continent have provided an environment in which trade in light arms is carried out in exchange for the natural resources of the continent.”
2001-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4355Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Without doubt Africa is the most affected region if one considers the devastation that conflicts involving small arms have wreaked on communities and States. We would recall the gory details of the Rwanda pogrom and the untold hardships visited upon the innocent civilians in Sierra Leone, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Liberia, just to mention a few. The Secretary-General has highlighted the nexus between illicit trade in arms, the illegal smuggling of natural resources such as diamonds, timber and so forth, and the perpetration of conflicts in Angola, Sierra Leone and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The impact of the devastation caused by small arms and light weapons in Africa cannot be underestimated.”
2001-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4355Resumption1 (2001) · source
“The fact that it is on the agenda of the Security Council, we believe, is an affirmation of the desire of the international community to deal with the problem of the growing illicit trade in small arms and light weapons. While it is acknowledged that these weapons, in and of themselves, do not start or lead to conflicts, their ready availability has, nonetheless, frequently caused the escalation of these conflicts and aided the perpetration of criminal activities in many countries. Clearly their proliferation and the illicit trade in them -which is estimated to amount to 40 to 50 per cent of the global trade in small arms - pose real threats to the economic and social development of many developing countries, especially in Africa.”
2001-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4355Resumption1 (2001) · source
“My delegation is delighted to see Colombia serving as the President of the Security Council for the month of August. I am also happy to see the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Colombia chairing the meeting today. It is gratifying to see the Council holding this open debate on the question of small arms shortly after the successful conclusion of the United Nations the Conference on the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects, held in New York last month. We wish to commend Ambassador Reyes of Colombia on his well-deserved election as President of this United Nations Conference devoted to finding solutions to the pressing problems of the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in all its aspects. This meeting could not have taken place at a more opportune moment.”
2001-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4355Resumption1 (2001) · source
“Developments in Sierra Leone signal momentum in the right direction. This window of opportunity must be encouraged and supported.”
2001-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4340 (2001) · source
“Also, we would like to commend the improved level of consultations between the Secretariat and the troop-contributing countries. As a result of these consultations, the troop contributors and the Secretariat have been able to understand each other better. In conclusion, the positive developments in Sierra Leone over the past few months are an indication of what can be achieved when we are all committed to the peace process. We therefore call on the RUF, as well as the Government of Sierra Leone, to continue to work resolutely and in good faith towards achieving peace. We also call on the leaders of the Mano River Union countries to start without delay a political dialogue that will have as its principal objective the restoration of security and stability in the subregion.”
2001-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4340 (2001) · source
“We hope that UNAMSIL will continue to carry out regular monitoring of human rights abuses in all the areas in which it is deployed. We welcome the release of over 1,000 abducted children, 870 of them released by the RUF. We encourage this development, and we hope that all other children will be released soon. Furthermore, we urge that action be expedited on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Special Court. Of the estimated $57 million earmarked for the Special Court, only $34 million in pledges has been received. In this regard, we appeal to donors to make additional contributions so that the Special Court can be established. Finally, our delegation would like to commend the Secretariat, in particular the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and his team, for the progress made so far in Sierra Leone.”
2001-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4340 (2001) · source
“We also support the need to bring the civilian police component of UNAMSIL to its authorized strength of 60 civilian police advisers as soon as possible. The issue of elections in Sierra Leone, scheduled for December this year, is critical to the whole peace process. We commend the Government of Sierra Leone for its commitment to the democratic process in spite of the difficulties confronting it. We urge the RUF to form a political party and to participate in the forthcoming election. Furthermore, we call on the United Nations to provide support to ensure a free and fair election. We further urge the Government of Sierra Leone to help to smooth this process. In spite of the recent progress, the situation of internally displaced persons and returnees in Sierra Leone continues to be a major cause for concern.”
2001-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4340 (2001) · source
“We also wish to draw attention to the urgent need for humanitarian assistance in the refugee camps. The restoration of the authority of the Government of Sierra Leone to all areas of the country and the restoration of basic public services and infrastructure is another critical element in the peace process. We are happy to note that UNAMSIL is assisting the Government of Sierra Leone in this regard. We are also glad to note that UNAMSIL is helping to train new Sierra Leone police recruits and providing advice on investigation methods and the deployment of police officers throughout the country. We look forward to the Secretary-General's recommendation on the review of the role of United Nations police advisers in the current environment in Sierra Leone.”
2001-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4340 (2001) · source
“Without effective and adequate reintegration opportunities, the ex-combatants could resort to banditry or return to the bush. This is why we urge that in the short term, ex-combatants be provided with adequate food, materials, cash and vocational training to enable them to return to civil life. In the long term, employment and other forms of income generation will depend on the revival of the economy. One step in the right direction is donors conference organized by the World Bank, held in Paris from 11 to 12 June 2001, to generate financial support for the DDR programme in Sierra Leone, through the World Bank-managed multi-donor trust fund. We call on donor countries to seize the opportunity presented by the ceasefire in Sierra Leone to successfully implement the DDR programme.”
2001-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4340 (2001) · source
“The total number of ex- combatants who have been disarmed since 18 May 2001 stands at 5,669, of which 1,808 are from the RUF and 3,861 from the CDF. The number of weapons collected is 2,991, along with more than 150,000 rounds of assorted ammunition. It is also noteworthy that weapons handed in by the RUF in the Kambia district were of serviceable quality and included several heavy weapons. However, our delegation wishes to observe that accommodations at the various disarmament, demobilization and reintegration centres have proved to be inadequate, resulting in overcrowding and water shortages. Also, we wish to observe that there is still a critical gap in the reintegration programme, including the absence of a bridge between demobilization and reintegration.”
2001-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4340 (2001) · source