YouSaid · the spoken record

Mcnee

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444
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2006-07-21
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2011-04-06
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un-security-council

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  1. However, if such an initiative is to be 17 implemented, there must be real ownership and leadership on the part of the Haitian authorities. Canada thinks that this initiative is timely. In fact, the arrival of new leadership is an opportunity for Haiti to make a fresh start. Canada is determined to continue to help Haiti in meeting that new challenge.

    2011-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6510Resumption1 (2011) · source

  2. To avoid repeating mistakes of the past, Haiti must profoundly transform its governmental institutions and structures and its political culture. (spoke in English) Canada is pleased to see that the Secretary- General shares that opinion, as indicated in his recent report on Haiti (S/2011/183*). In that report, the Secretary-General refers to the fact that MINUSTAH has started the process of realigning its priorities and resources to promote a compact on the rule of law. Canada recognizes the validity of that proposal. The implementation of such a project by the Haitian Government, with the support of the international community, would help to guide the reform of key systems and institutions and could help to re-energize the commitment of the new Haitian leaders and the people of Haiti.

    2011-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6510Resumption1 (2011) · source

  3. Beyond the democratic process and the strengthening of key institutions, good governance also represents the capacity and, above all, the willingness of political leaders to accept their governmental responsibilities and thereby ensure the security and protection of and justice for their citizens. Reconstruction and development in Haiti depend first and foremost on the people of Haiti, including the Government, citizens, civil society and economic stakeholders. The international community can only provide support, the effectiveness of which depends on a number of factors. Political stability can be achieved only through an effective, honest and responsible Government that has been democratically elected by Haitians. That Government must have the public interest at heart and be able to pave the way for recovery and reconstruction.

    2011-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6510Resumption1 (2011) · source

  4. For its part, the Security Council was able to adapt MINUSTAH's mandate and allocate the necessary resources to ensure that it continues to exercise its primary role in terms of security and to provide effective assistance to reconstruction and humanitarian efforts. Canada notes with great interest that the United Nations is planning to attach increasing importance to strengthening governance and the rule of law in Haiti. That is a determining factor of any long-term success. We must reconsider the international community's approach and redouble our efforts to support good governance and respect for the rule of law in Haiti.

    2011-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6510Resumption1 (2011) · source

  5. Those problems include a Government that struggles to provide essential services to its people, fragile public institutions and a chronically unstable, often volatile political dynamic that is oblivious to the public interest. We cannot overlook some of the advances that have been made, however. We recognize the leadership of Haiti's Ministry of Public Health and Population in the fight against cholera. Thanks to the evolution of its mandates since its creation pursuant to resolution 1542 (2004), MINUSTAH has carried out remarkable work in strengthening security institutions, which has helped to guarantee a more stable and secure environment in Haiti.

    2011-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6510Resumption1 (2011) · source

  6. In the meantime, Haitians continue to be perplexed by ongoing problems related to debris removal, housing, employment and access to quality education and health care, to mention but a few issues. Their frustration appears to be justified. Despite the international community's unprecedented commitment and a desire to do more and better for Haiti, the fact is that the progress made to date does not meet expectations. Much remains to be done to help the country reach its full potential. Looking back on our efforts over the years, we must face some hard realities. Despite eight United Nations interventions of various types and billions of dollars spent over more than 25 years, Haiti is still suffering from serious problems that were exacerbated by the earthquake.

    2011-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6510Resumption1 (2011) · source

  7. Canada would like to congratulate the citizens of Haiti, who exercised their democratic right to choose those who will govern their country. I also wish to highlight the work of the authorities and President Preval and the collaboration among various actors to ensure the smooth conduct of the elections. We would also like to thank the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) for its contribution to peacekeeping and security. Over one year after the January 2010 earthquake, Haiti still needs international support, both in the short term to meet humanitarian needs, and over the long term to help the country rebuild its infrastructure and institutions. After a catastrophe of such magnitude, a country like Haiti obviously cannot recover overnight.

    2011-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6510Resumption1 (2011) · source

  8. Mr. McNee (Canada) (spoke in French): I would like to start by thanking you, Madame, and the Colombian delegation for having organized this debate on Haiti. I would first like to thank President Preval for his statement and for his work and contribution to strengthening Haitian democracy. I would also like to thank the Secretary-General and the United Nations Special Envoy for Haiti, President Clinton. I would also like to acknowledge the contribution made today by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General 11-29077 for Haiti, Mr. Mulet, and to thank him for his dedication to Haiti over the past few years. This debate is taking place at an opportune time, a few days before the announcement of the final results of the presidential and legislative elections.

    2011-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6510Resumption1 (2011) · source

  9. Yet the story is not quite finished. One of the important lessons learned over the past two decades is that peacebuilding requires constant and continued support. Faltering now would risk all that has been gained. I therefore strongly encourage all donors and partners to provide Sierra Leone with the support it needs to pursue its Agenda for Change, conduct successful elections and embark on long-term development. As always, the Peacebuilding Commission stands ready to be a constructive partner through that transitional process.

    2011-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6504 (2011) · source

  10. It will also encourage closer collaboration between the four West African country configurations of the Peacebuilding Commission to facilitate the pooling of resources, the exchange of national approaches and the adoption of regional initiatives in order to address those shared challenges, particularly in the areas of illicit drug trafficking and youth unemployment. A recent regional seminar on youth unemployment, sponsored by the Austrian Government and the Peacebuilding Support Office, as well as the West African Coast Initiative, sponsored by the United Nations and the Economic Community of West African States, are two examples of the kinds of partnerships through which the PBC will support more effective action on transborder risks. In conclusion, Sierra Leone rightly stands as a multilateral success story in peacebuilding.

    2011-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6504 (2011) · source

  11. Sierra Leone will also have to contend with threats from outside its borders. Sustainable economic development depends heavily on stability within the subregion and on access to the assistance necessary to weather any financial difficulties. Similarly, the flow of illicit drugs and other forms of trafficking remains a serious challenge, with the potential to encourage corruption, undermine democratic progress and create new socio-economic problems. Those challenges demand continued support and a wider regional focus. The Sierra Leone configuration seeks to build stronger partnerships with relevant international institutions and regional actors to address those issues.

    2011-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6504 (2011) · source

  12. Thirdly, the PBC will continue to have an important role to play in the next two years as focus shifts further from peacebuilding to development. However, a number of risks will endure over the longer term. Sierra Leone's significant youth population expects progress and prosperity. Disappointment could present a latent risk of political instability. In that respect, rising investment in natural resources offers promise for economic growth, but also poses a number of challenges, some of which the Executive Representative of the Secretary-General outlined this morning. That was a major topic of discussion during my most recent visit to Freetown. The international community, including the PBC, should be prepared to respond promptly to any requests for technical assistance or other forms of support.

    2011-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6504 (2011) · source

  13. Last December's peaceful by-election in Kono district demonstrates that collective efforts to avoid violence can yield powerful results. It is telling that the Sierra Leone police played a significant role in the successful by-election. Unfortunately, the police lack the capacity to perform a similar service throughout the country. We see that as an important gap. Continuing to build the capacity of the Sierra Leone police to serve as a neutral and effective force for stability is critical. The Sierra Leone configuration has reiterated its appeal to the international community to ensure that the police have the necessary resources at their disposal - particularly vehicles, parts and fuel - to respond to cases of election-related violence in a timely manner.

    2011-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6504 (2011) · source

  14. It is especially important that the national institutions charged with overseeing the elections, and the major political parties, build a stronger relationship based on improved cooperation and mutual trust. Successful elections depend on the commitment of the parties that contest them to play by the rules and respect the results. The elections must be not only technically sound, but also widely accepted. In that respect, the Executive Representative of the Secretary-General and the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Sierra Leone have played an invaluable role in facilitating open dialogue and building relevant national capacities. The PBC fully supports those efforts and will focus more directly on elections preparations in the coming year. Should the necessary support be provided, there is every reason to be optimistic.

    2011-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6504 (2011) · source

  15. The configuration will also continue to seek innovative non-financial contributions to support the Agenda for 5 Change by facilitating South-South and North-South partnerships. Secondly, Sierra Leone also faces a more immediate challenge in conducting successful national and local elections in 2012. It is essential that political conditions be established for free, fair and peaceful elections. That will require continued progress on implementing the agreements in the joint communique of April 2009, further strengthening the Political Party Registration Commission and providing the National Electoral Commission with the necessary support.

    2011-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6504 (2011) · source

  16. The PBC is particularly pleased at the advances that have been made in three areas of focus, that is, good governance and the rule of law, youth employment and drug trafficking. However, in spite of that progress, each of those issues still represents a long-term risk to Sierra Leone's stability. Each will require concerted attention from the national Government and from international community. As such, I would like to reiterate the need for continued financial support. The United Nations multi-donor trust fund established to fund the Joint Vision and to support the Agenda for Change remains nearly $175 million short of its $381 million objective. For its part, the PBC's Sierra Leone country configuration will be active with donors and other key partners to help address Sierra Leone's outstanding peacebuilding challenges.

    2011-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6504 (2011) · source

  17. This phase, marked by a gradual shift in emphasis from late-stage peacebuilding towards longer-term economic development, will be largely defined by three processes, namely, the continued pursuit of the Agenda for Change, which is Sierra Leone's national strategy for peace consolidation and economic growth; the conduct of elections in 2012; and the steady realignment of international assistance behind development priorities. I would like to focus on each of those processes briefly and outline the PBC's anticipated activities during the next six months. First, I would like to commend the tremendous strides that the Government and people of Sierra Leone have made since the conclusion of the conflict.

    2011-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6504 (2011) · source

  18. Mr. McNee: It is a great pleasure to brief the Security Council in my capacity as Chair of the Sierra Leone configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC). At the outset, I would like to commend the impressive work of the Executive Representative of the Secretary-General, and indeed of the entire United Nations country team, in support of Sierra Leone's progress and development. Mr. von der Schulenburg has given us a very clear and insightful briefing this morning. Sierra Leone is entering another transition period.

    2011-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6504 (2011) · source

  19. Afghanistan's democratic process has three key components: ensuring the sustainability of electoral reforms, strengthening democratic institutions and allowing Afghans to be heard. UNAMA's mandate will come to an end later this month, and the Security Council will deliberate and decide on the best way forward for the Mission. In so doing, it will take into account the clear progress achieved within the country and the many challenges that remain. In conclusion, Canada will remain a devoted partner of the Afghan Government in order to ensure that Afghanistan becomes a country where all its citizens can live in freedom and security.

    2011-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6497 (2011) · source

  20. Additionally, we note with appreciation the positive dialogue that has been taken up by regional organizations and individual countries, and encourage Afghanistan and its neighbours to ensure that it continues. By maintaining such links, Afghanistan can continue to foster greater understanding with its neighbours and develop the links crucial to its long-term prosperity and security. We note that the 2010 parliamentary elections were not held under ideal circumstances and were marred by many irregularities. However, the Government of Afghanistan and UNAMA are in a unique position to work together in order to distil the lessons learned from this event and to further strengthen Afghanistan's electoral institutions.

    2011-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6497 (2011) · source

  21. Canada does remain concerned, though, about the potential implications for women's rights in the original draft regulation on women's shelters. We urge the Government of Afghanistan to ensure that the regulation respects its national and international human rights obligations to women and girls. (spoke in French) Afghanistan's relationship with its neighbours is also central to its development. The States of the region are the most affected by the situation in Afghanistan and play a primary role in helping it to become more stable and secure. It is important that these States play a positive role, allowing Afghanistan to develop its own institutions and structures free from outside influences.

    2011-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6497 (2011) · source

  22. This is the first open debate on Afghanistan since the tenth anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000) on women and peace and security. Progress has been made, but the continued efforts of the Afghan Government, civil society, the United Nations and the international community as a whole are required to prevent backsliding and to secure a brighter, more stable future for the women of Afghanistan. In 2010, we welcomed the commitment by the Government at the Kabul Conference to identifying and prioritizing benchmarks for the National Action Plan for the Women of Afghanistan, as well as its commitment to developing a strategy to implement the law on the elimination of violence against women.

    2011-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6497 (2011) · source

  23. Canada strongly condemns continuing attacks on civilians and humanitarian personnel and calls for respect for key principles to allow the full, safe and unhindered access of humanitarian actors to people in need. Reconciliation between the Government of Afghanistan and the Taliban is critical to our efforts in bringing the conflict in Afghanistan to a successful conclusion. This reconciliation process should be Afghan-led, but the international community should support a process that respects "red lines" requiring the insurgents to renounce violence, recognize and respect the Constitution of Afghanistan, and sever ties with Al- Qaida and other terrorist organizations. Within the international community, support from Afghanistan's neighbours, in particular Pakistan, will be critical.

    2011-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6497 (2011) · source

  24. The increasing capabilities of Afghan institutions, notably the Afghan National Security Forces, will allow the process of transition to begin in the coming months. At the same time, it will be important to build up the civilian governance institutions that will need to oversee the Afghan National Security Forces. As others have noted today, the security situation remains a serious concern. The most recent UNAMA report highlights the growing human cost of the conflict in Afghanistan. Every step possible must be taken to avoid civilian casualties due to International Security Assistance Force operations. But it is very important to stress that over three-quarters of all civilian casualties last year were caused by insurgents.

    2011-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6497 (2011) · source

  25. Critical to this is finding a satisfactory way of implementing the President's decree on private security companies and resolving critical issues at Kabul Bank. UNAMA should be at the forefront of these discussions and continue to fulfil its critical role in coordinating donors and ensuring that the international community is responding adequately to Afghanistan's needs. Canada remains committed to working with international partners and the Government of Afghanistan in supporting the Kabul process and realizing the objectives of these programmes. The transition of security responsibility to Afghan authorities by 2014 is a goal shared by Afghanistan and the international community.

    2011-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6497 (2011) · source

  26. The international community's efforts over the next years should focus on the process towards greater Afghan leadership in order to ensure that Afghanistan has the best chance for success and that the progress that has been achieved in development, governance and security will be consolidated. Over the past year, the Afghan Government has demonstrated leadership in coordinating the international community around a focused series of national priority programmes that prioritize the development objectives outlined in the Afghan National Development Strategy. While they began with a great deal of promise, we are concerned by recent developments that threaten the progress of these programmes.

    2011-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6497 (2011) · source

  27. The Council meets today to discuss the situation in Afghanistan and the role of the international community in helping it to become more stable and secure. Strong leadership by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) is crucial in this regard. Canada salutes the continuing, committed and very effective leadership of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Staffan de Mistura. We thank him for his very good briefing today, and we note with appreciation the report of the Secretary-General (S/2011/120*) and his recommendations for the Mission for the coming year. In its deliberations, the Council should continue to ensure that the renewed mandate reflects the evolving situation in Afghanistan.

    2011-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6497 (2011) · source

  28. Within the United Nations system, the Commission can also play an important role by encouraging greater cohesion within the United Nations peacebuilding architecture and by supporting reform processes outlined in the Secretary-General's reports, as well as the five-year peacebuilding architecture and civilian capacity reviews. More regular interaction between the Security Council and the Peacebuilding Commission, especially in advance of defining mission mandates and in the context of transition processes, could enhance the ability of both parties to work more effectively. In conclusion, Madame President, let me assure you of Canada's continued commitment to improving the ability of the United Nations to meet these strategic and organizational challenges and to strengthen the foundations for development in the long-term.

    2011-02-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6479Resumption1 (2011) · source

  29. First, the Security Council should increasingly draw on, and the Peacebuilding Commission better provide, concrete analysis on development issues that either undermine security in the short term or will require early action to deliver peace dividends. Secondly, the Commission can deepen its engagement with a wider circle of peacebuilding actors in order to better coordinate efforts and systematize lessons learned. At the country level, the PBC configurations provide the constant and close attention necessary to gaps, resource needs and the less pressing consideration of questions of sequencing.

    2011-02-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6479Resumption1 (2011) · source

  30. The growing practice of designating integrated missions with mandates to coordinate a coherent United Nations approach is of course welcome. However, it will be important to draw on the comparative advantages within the United Nations system wherever possible, rather than expanding the range of responsibilities imposed on peace operations. These are areas in which enhanced cooperation with the Peacebuilding Commission offers much promise. Not only has the PBC begun to establish partnerships with relevant development partners, including the World Bank and regional organizations, but its composition and mandate are ideally suited to working at the nexus between security and development. (spoke in French) Two roles should be strengthened.

    2011-02-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6479Resumption1 (2011) · source

  31. There is an urgent need to reinforce national capacity and engage expertise resident in the global South, especially in the areas of governance, the rule of law, public administration, women, peace and security and basic social services. While a case-by-case approach is needed, it is also clear that recurrent gaps exist. For example, governance and the rule of law consistently emerge as areas of weakness, with the justice sector frequently suffering from inadequate attention. This unbalanced approach is especially dangerous given that the establishment of a functioning, capable State is a fundamental precondition for lasting security and sustainable development. Finally, the interdependence between security and development has implications for the work of the Council.

    2011-02-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6479Resumption1 (2011) · source

  32. It is not only within the United Nations system where improved coordination is essential. As noted in last year's Dili Declaration and eloquently expressed by the Group of Seven Plus, national ownership is necessary for effective peacebuilding. The international community must better align assistance behind national priorities, thereby enabling the more rapid re-establishment of core Government functions. The interdependence of security and development also points to the need for rapid access to tailored civilian deployable expertise. In that regard, Canada looks forward to the recommendations of the review of international civilian capacities. Beyond the United Nations, the international community as a whole must also be ready to respond.

    2011-02-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6479Resumption1 (2011) · source

  33. It can take many years, or even decades, to restore their social and economic well- being. This poses significant challenges for the United Nations. One of the primary challenges is organizational. Canada's adoption of a whole-of- government approach in Haiti, the Sudan and Afghanistan has demonstrated that working in a coherent fashion yields dividends. Yet successful integration requires clarity about roles and responsibilities, a common strategy and the ability to act rapidly in response to changing realities. Despite recent progress, the United Nations must continue to improve in these respects. Duplication of roles and responsibilities still exists among United Nations departments, agencies and programmes, and Headquarters support to senior leaders in the field is too frequently delayed or inadequate.

    2011-02-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6479Resumption1 (2011) · source

  34. Canada, like others, congratulates Brazil on this important debate. As Chair of the Sierra Leone configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission, Canada also fully associates itself with the statement just delivered by the Ambassador of Belgium on behalf of the country- specific configurations of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC). Today's debate reflects how far we have all moved beyond sterile discussions about whether security or development comes first; they are clearly interdependent. As the World Bank has shown, countries plagued by war are also the ones lagging furthest behind in attaining the Millennium Development Goals. Painful experience also demonstrates that social and economic inequalities can cause and even exacerbate conflict. Women and children suffer particularly harsh consequences as a result of conflict.

    2011-02-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6479Resumption1 (2011) · source

  35. Canada's overall objective in Afghanistan remains the same - to help build a more secure and stable Afghanistan that is no longer a safe haven for terrorists. We look forward to working in partnership with Afghans and the international community throughout 2011 towards making it a reality.

    2010-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6464 (2010) · source

  36. It is therefore essential to provide UNAMA with the necessary resources to fulfil its important mandate. (spoke in French) We are encouraged by the progress and believe that Canada's continued engagement is important and worthwhile. As Canada's combat mission ends in 2011, a new country-wide engagement based out of Kabul from 2011 to 2014 will focus on four priorities: investing in the future of Afghan children and youth, especially girls, through programming in education and health; advancing security, the rule of law and human rights; promoting regional diplomacy; and delivering humanitarian assistance. An important part of Canada's engagement will be a Canadian Forces training mission of up to 950 members, in addition to a civil police training component.

    2010-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6464 (2010) · source

  37. The process thus far has been positive; the Government of Afghanistan presented an update on progress at the last month's Joint Coordination and Monitoring Board meeting; Afghan ministries with mutual areas of interest have come together to address common overarching issues; and drafts of the national priority programmes are now being consulted in concert with the international community. Much work remains to finalize these plans so that they will address the most pressing needs that exist in Afghanistan. At the NATO summit in Lisbon, Afghanistan and the international community affirmed their commitment to the transition of security responsibility to the Afghan National Security Forces by 2014. In this context, UNAMA will continue to play the very important role of coordinating the international engagement.

    2010-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6464 (2010) · source

  38. Canada is pleased with the work of the Independent Election Commission and the Electoral Complaints Commission in delivering the recent parliamentary elections. We encourage all parties to move forward in a collaborative manner that aims to ensure a Parliament that reflects the will of the Afghan people. So that the Wolesi Jirga can move ahead with its important work, an early date for the inauguration will be critical. Despite the setbacks and challenges, 2010 was marked by successes as well. The Kabul process was launched to guide Afghanistan's transition towards the full exercise of its sovereign authority.

    2010-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6464 (2010) · source

  39. Central to combating the insurgency is for the Government of Afghanistan to provide security and basic services to its citizens. However, the Government's credibility and effectiveness are impeded by persistent corruption. Although the Kabul Conference commitments to combating corruption are a positive step forward, much is needed for their implementation, including the establishment of a legal committee to ensure Afghan laws comply with the United Nations Convention against Corruption, the drafting and adoption of an audit law, and the provision of a statutory basis for the Major Crimes Task Force and the Anti-Corruption Tribunal. Furthermore, credible representation in their Government will also help give Afghans the confidence to support that Government.

    2010-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6464 (2010) · source

  40. As the Secretary-General has indicated in his report (S/2010/630), total civilian deaths and injuries rose by 20 per cent in the first 10 months of the year, as compared to the same period last year. The overwhelming majority of those deaths and injuries, of course, were caused by insurgent forces. The humanitarian situation in Afghanistan also continues to deteriorate. In particular, we remain concerned about the increasing number of internally displaced persons as a result of conflict and about the potential effect of volatile regional grain markets on the food security of millions of Afghans. These issues - civilian casualties caused by the insurgency, risk of displacement and food insecurity - are clear obstacles to a stable Afghanistan.

    2010-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6464 (2010) · source

  41. Before I begin, Canada wishes to join others in expressing our deepest condolences to the United States delegation on the death of Ambassador Richard Holbrooke who, as others have said, worked with such great dedication and skill to bring a better future to the peoples of Afghanistan and Pakistan. I would like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. De Mistura, for his very clear and penetrating report and for his extremely dedicated and effective work in Afghanistan. As 2010 draws to a close, it is natural to look back and evaluate progress in Afghanistan over the past year. To be very honest, the results have been mixed. There has been significant progress, but also some setbacks. One of the most worrying trends in 2010 was the increased level of civilian casualties in Afghanistan.

    2010-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6464 (2010) · source

  42. Canada calls on the Security Council to take action today to respond to the report's recommendations so that the international community can undertake active and coordinated efforts to prevent and respond to conflict-related sexual violence.

    2010-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6453 (2010) · source

  43. Consequently, we welcomed the efforts made by the United Nations this year, through the Open Days on Women, Peace and Security, to engage in dialogue with local communities and women's groups. We noted at the time that the most frequent protection concern raised by participants was the level of sexual violence during and after conflict and the impunity enjoyed by perpetrators of those crimes. We call on the United Nations to pursue dialogue with local communities and women's groups so that the international community can respond effectively to these issues. To conclude, we are encouraged by the additional measures proposed in the Secretary-General's report.

    2010-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6453 (2010) · source

  44. (spoke in French) The prevention of and response to sexual violence should also be included in the mandates of all United Nations peacekeeping missions. To that end, the Council must design and implement mandates to support peace efforts that better respond to all forms of violence against civilians, and ensure that strategies for combating sexual violence in conflict are integrated into the work of United Nations country teams. Local organizations devoted to protecting women often assess the ongoing threat of sexual violence in their communities. For those reasons, networks among United Nations peacekeepers, local and international non-governmental organizations and women's networks must be strengthened to facilitate the establishment of early warning mechanisms on conflict-related sexual violence.

    2010-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6453 (2010) · source

  45. Systematic data collection on grave violations of women's and girls' human rights, including on sexual violence, is of the utmost importance in effective monitoring and response. In order to tailor the international response to specific contexts, it is also important that all relevant country reports to the Security Council include information on the situation that pertains to all aspects of the resolutions on women, peace and security, in addition to information on sexual violence. United Nations reporting on the movement and activities of armed groups, for example, should systematically include information on the threat of sexual violence. With this in mind, Canada supports the recommendation to establish monitoring, analysis and reporting arrangements on conflict-related sexual violence.

    2010-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6453 (2010) · source

  46. Furthermore, Canada calls on all parties to conflict to make specific commitments to ceasing all acts of sexual violence, and urges the Council to support the efforts of United Nations officials to engage in dialogue with parties to elicit commitments to that effect. Canada also calls on the Council to increase pressure on States to hold perpetrators of sexual violence to account through adoption of sanctions and other targeted measures against individuals and entities that have perpetrated sexual violence. This must, of course, be done in accordance with standards of due process. We also support the Secretary-General's recommendation to make public in his annual reports the names of parties who engage in patterns of sexual violence in situations of armed conflict.

    2010-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6453 (2010) · source

  47. Canada welcomes the jurisprudence of international courts and tribunals confirming that rape and sexual violence can be war crimes and crimes against humanity. Individuals responsible for these crimes must be brought to justice; that includes those responsible by virtue of command responsibility. Canada calls on Member States to ensure that these crimes are investigated and that those responsible for committing serious crimes are held to account. In addition, as recognized in resolution 1820 (2008), we also strongly support the exclusion of crimes of sexual violence from amnesty provisions in the context of peace processes.

    2010-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6453 (2010) · source

  48. We also suggest to the Council that it request regular briefings by the Special Representative following her visits to countries on its agenda. Canada's long-standing support for the rights and well-being of women and girls in situations of conflict is reflected through our continuing active implementation of Council resolutions, including through strong advocacy work, significant international programming addressing sexual violence, support for civil society and efforts to strengthen international criminal justice mechanisms. Canada's National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security, adopted in October, will help us to focus and coordinate implementation of our commitments and increase the effectiveness of Canada's response.

    2010-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6453 (2010) · source

  49. Canada welcomes today's presentation by Special Representative of the Secretary-General Wallstrom, and strongly supports her efforts to provide strategic leadership and strengthen United Nations coordination mechanisms in order to prevent and respond to conflict-related sexual violence. Addressing sexual violence demands a double focus: ensuring women's empowerment and participation, while also focusing on matters of accountability and justice. In this sense, preventing, addressing and eliminating sexual violence requires cultural, societal and institutional changes. Canada calls on Member States and the United Nations system to ensure that Ms. Wallstrom's Office is adequately resourced and capable of timely action to support such changes.

    2010-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6453 (2010) · source

  50. I wish to thank the United States for convening this open debate on conflict- related sexual violence and to say that Canada was very happy to co-sponsor resolution 1960 (2010), which was adopted today. Canada strongly supports the Security Council's recognition of the need to take effective measures to address conflict-related sexual violence and welcomes the report of the Secretary-General (S/2010/604) pursuant to resolutions 1820 (2008) and 1888 (2009), including their recommendations. The systemic acts of sexual violence recently perpetrated in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo starkly demonstrate the urgent need for serious action.

    2010-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6453 (2010) · source