YouSaid · the spoken record

Mcnee

lines on the record: 444
first: 2006-07-21
most recent: 2011-04-06
sittings or episodes: 53
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 remaining peacebuilding priorities represent the final obstacles before the country proceeds to long-term development. It would be a mistake, however, to underestimate those obstacles. Sierra Leone requires continued attention and assistance, particularly in the period prior to the 2012 elections. International partners provided a welcome indication of their continued support at the Consultative Group meeting held in London last November. Nonetheless, more is needed, especially with respect to filling specific gaps. In-kind contributions of patrol vessels or police vehicles would enhance Sierra Leone's ability to monitor its maritime borders and manage internal tensions.”
2010-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6291 (2010) · source
“The meeting reiterated the regional commitment to the regional action plan on drug trafficking of the Economic Commission of West African States and considered the operationalization of transnational crime units in each of the pilot countries. Sierra Leone is in the process of transforming its Joint Drug Interdiction Task Force into a transnational crime unit. While these efforts are commendable, more support is needed to ensure that the subregion has the necessary capacity and resources to combat drug trafficking and organized crime. In our view, Sierra Leone is a multilateral success story, and Sierra Leoneans have made remarkable progress. The United Nations presence has also gradually transformed itself from a major peacekeeping operation into the current Integrated Peacebuilding Office.”
2010-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6291 (2010) · source
“A sectoral working group involving key Government departments and international partners is also working to enhance employment creation. Following constructive discussions during the delegation's visit, the Sierra Leone configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission will meet on March 26 to identify outstanding needs and consider how to support this welcome and growing momentum. Drug trafficking is a third area of concern. Sierra Leone has developed an integrated approach that is a model for the region. It is also a key participant in the West Africa Coast Initiative, and it hosted a ministerial-level conference in Freetown in February 2010.”
2010-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6291 (2010) · source
“The central importance of a trusted, capable and adequately resourced police force ahead of the 2012 elections cannot be overemphasized. Youth unemployment is an issue requiring special attention. One third of Sierra Leone's population is between 15 and 35 years of age. Many idle youth are concentrated in urban areas, unable to find jobs and frustrated by social marginalization. That clearly represents a latent risk of political instability. Both the Government and its international partners are moving to address the challenge. The Parliament of Sierra Leone passed the National Youth Commission Act in December 2009, and the Government is in the process of establishing the Commission as a focal point for youth policy.”
2010-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6291 (2010) · source
“The Anti-Corruption Commission also continues to use its independence and authority to prosecute graft, improve public systems and conduct outreach. Sierra Leone's rise in the Transparency International Index is a concrete sign of this success. Nonetheless, corruption remains a serious problem throughout Sierra Leonean society, not in the least due to its inhibiting effects on foreign direct investment. Sierra Leone has also improved other aspects of governance. Decentralization is bringing public services to districts outside Freetown and enhancing the responsibility of local governments in matters of national development. Critical work is under way to improve the capacity of the Sierra Leone police, particularly with respect to public disturbances and drug interdiction.”
2010-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6291 (2010) · source
“The trend towards growing regional and ethnic polarization, as well as increasing politicization of paramount chieftaincy elections, is cause for some concern. Similarly, isolated incidents of political violence, most recently in Tongo Fields, illustrate the potential for further instability. As the 2012 general elections approach and political stakes rise, the temptation to depart from peaceful and inclusive politics will also increase. All political actors must continue to follow up on the joint communique and work towards a more tolerant and cooperative form of politics. Progress on peacebuilding will help buttress those efforts. With respect to good governance, Sierra Leone should be commended for its efforts to combat corruption. The suspension and removal of three cabinet ministers over the last year sends a strong signal.”
2010-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6291 (2010) · source
“With support from the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Sierra Leone and the United Nations Development Programme, the Political Parties Registration Commission has also engaged with the political parties to foster constructive dialogue and mitigate the possibility of politically motivated violence. Campaigns to promote tolerance have also been conducted outside Freetown and with the youth wings of the political parties. But notwithstanding that progress, the promotion of inclusive democratic politics is becoming increasingly important. The meetings of the Peacebuilding Commission's delegation with the political parties revealed significant divisions. Mutual trust and inter-party dialogue remain limited.”
2010-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6291 (2010) · source
“The recent visit provided an opportunity to take stock of progress and consider the Peacebuilding Commission's future contribution in these areas. The delegation's discussions with President Koroma, national and district officials, political parties, civil society, youth and the diplomatic corps underlined the progress made in recent years, highlighted major challenges, and provided insight into current political and societal dynamics. The situation in Sierra Leone remains calm. Important steps have been taken to follow up on the joint communique signed by the major political parties in March, 2009. The Independent Review Panel into the causes of the political violence has started work.”
2010-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6291 (2010) · source
“Mr. McNee: It is a great pleasure to participate in the Security Council's consultations in my capacity as Chair of the Sierra Leone configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC). Last week, we returned from visiting Sierra Leone with a PBC delegation consisting of the Permanent Representatives to the United Nations of Austria, the Czech Republic, the Republic of Korea, Liberia and Peru. The size of this delegation, with all of its members at the level of permanent representative, amply demonstrates the international community's interest in Sierra Leone. As I indicated in my last briefing, the Sierra Leone configuration of the PBC has aligned its engagement with the peacebuilding priorities in Sierra Leone's Agenda for Change and decided to focus on good governance, youth employment and illicit drug trafficking.”
2010-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6291 (2010) · source
“We note with deep appreciation the fact that he has worked hard to strengthen UNAMA by greatly expanding its resources and its presence in the provinces; to build UNAMA's coordination capacity as well as to strengthen and reform the Joint Coordination and Monitoring Board; to prepare the ground for much closer cooperation between the International Security Assistance Force and the United Nations; and to play a key political role in shaping international conferences in Afghanistan and elsewhere at key times, such as the recent elections. While much remains to be done in Afghanistan, Mr. Eide deserves our heartfelt thanks for his accomplishments and dedication.”
2010-01-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6255 (2010) · source
“This coordinated effort will bear fruit, however, only if the focus is on advancing Afghan capacity to lead on the key priorities moving forward. Canada shares the view of the United Nations and our allies that we must not lose sight of the necessity to leave the governing of Afghanistan in the hands of a capable and effective Afghan Government. Finally, I would like to express the Government of Canada's appreciation for the work of Special Representative of the Secretary-General Kai Eide, whose term is ending soon. Since his appointment two years ago, Kai Eide has worked tirelessly to advance the international community's objectives in Afghanistan, and Canada appreciates the energy and commitment he has brought to the task.”
2010-01-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6255 (2010) · source
“(spoke in French) In that context, Canada firmly believes that the United Nations role as coordinator of civilian efforts in Afghanistan should be maintained and strengthened. In that regard, we support the efforts to strengthen the capacity of the United Nations Mission of Assistance in Afghanistan (UNAMA) to implement its mandate and to maintain a continuous leadership presence on the ground. Canada is also supportive of a strengthened NATO senior civilian representative to coordinate the civilian contribution to counter insurgency, noting that UNAMA and NATO must work hand in glove to help ensure the synergy of international efforts. A more focused and better coordinated international effort, within the framework of a transition strategy, is paramount to success.”
2010-01-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6255 (2010) · source
“The international effort in Afghanistan has been boosted by the recent announcement by the United States of important measures to reinforce its engagement, including the deployment of additional military and civilian resources. Canada welcomes those additional resources, particularly to the south of Afghanistan, where they will help provide a more secure environment for the Afghan people. Coordination of international engagement in Afghanistan to achieve our shared goal presents many challenges, not least of which are the sheer number of actors and the complexity of the issues. It is thus all the more crucial, as we strengthen coordination structures, that consistency be ensured in the international community's approach to helping the Afghan Government to rebuild Afghanistan.”
2010-01-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6255 (2010) · source
“The variety of international meetings and conferences on Afghanistan planned over the coming months is indicative of the urgency and seriousness with which the international community, including my country, wants to support progress in Afghanistan. Those conferences are a chance for the Government of Afghanistan and the international community to work together with renewed vigour to address the many challenges faced by Afghanistan. We trust that the 28 January conference in London, followed by a spring conference in Kabul, will give the international community the opportunity to direct its efforts to a well-defined set of realistic and prioritized objectives set by the Afghan Government and to develop a new international architecture for engagement in Afghanistan.”
2010-01-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6255 (2010) · source
“Looking ahead, strengthening Afghan ownership will be the key to success. Canada recognizes that all our collective efforts must enhance the capacity of Afghans to take increasing responsibility in managing the affairs of their country, from security and governance to basic services. Over the coming months President Karzai and his Government must establish a contract with the Afghan people aimed at building a relationship of trust. Canada looks forward to seeing the building blocks of that contract articulated during the upcoming conferences in London and Kabul, clearly outlining its plans for the way ahead.”
2010-01-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6255 (2010) · source
“Continued progress on security, strong accountable national institutions, basic services and economic development for the Afghan people must be delivered. It is also clear that significant reforms to the electoral system are required so that future elections can be more transparent and accountable. Canada remains ready to assist, while noting that it is the responsibility of the new Afghan Government to demonstrate leadership on those priorities. In that context, Canada recognizes the democratic process that is taking place in the nomination and confirmation of the new cabinet, a process that is enshrined in the Afghan Constitution. We encourage all parties to work towards a quick resolution in order for the Government of Afghanistan to move forward on the significant challenges facing Afghans.”
2010-01-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6255 (2010) · source
“As the Secretary-General notes in his very useful report (S/2009/674), while the election process revealed that substantial work remains to be done, we must not ignore the successes that have been achieved to date, including the fact that significant numbers of Afghans turned out to vote despite violence and intimidation. While there was widespread fraud, it was detected and addressed, and now a new Government is being formed with a set of clear priorities for the road ahead. President Karzai has made important commitments to building a stable, democratic Afghanistan, but major challenges lie ahead. Immediate action must be taken to address corruption at all levels and to continue to reform the judicial system.”
2010-01-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6255 (2010) · source
“I would like to congratulate you, Mr. President, as your assumption of the presidency of the Council this month and also the new members of the Council: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Gabon, Lebanon and Nigeria. The New Year coincides with a new beginning for Afghanistan. The past year has seen many successes but also challenges. We also note with great sadness the continued violence all over Afghanistan, including in Kabul, as insurgents have attempted to strike at the heart of Afghan and international efforts to rebuild the country. My delegation offers our deep condolences to the families of all Afghans, as well as to those of the civilians and soldiers from many Member States represented here today who have lost their lives or been injured in the violence in Afghanistan.”
2010-01-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6255 (2010) · source
“The 2010 review is thus a critical opportunity to realize the full ambition of the original vision articulated four years ago. It is our view that, if we wish to assist the people of States emerging from conflict and working to build a more peaceful and prosperous future, that is the least we can do.”
2009-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6224 (2009) · source
“That includes the central question of knowing how to manage the transition from peacekeeping and humanitarian action to early recovery and development. Similarly, the Peacebuilding Support Office should become a focal point for peacebuilding expertise, particularly by drawing more regularly on the knowledge and experience of peacebuilding actors outside the United Nations. The creation of the United Nations peacebuilding architecture was part of a broader recognition within the international community of the need to improve support for States recovering from conflict. In this respect, the Peacebuilding Commission has made progress and holds great potential. It is time to turn potential into reality and to address the remaining challenges.”
2009-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6224 (2009) · source
“Secondly, the Peacebuilding Commission should consider adopting a multi-tiered agenda to accommodate the need for different kinds of approaches. Indeed, not all countries emerging from conflict will require or want the level of engagement that includes the creation of a full country-specific configuration. In such case, the Commission's role may be limited to monitoring progress in peacebuilding or providing more targeted support. Thirdly, as the recent report of the Secretary- General (S/2009/444) demonstrates, the Commission must pay greater attention to thematic issues and lessons learned. It must focus more on the policy dilemmas, strategic challenges and operational difficulties that peacebuilding presents.”
2009-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6224 (2009) · source
“In our view, the review should begin by taking stock and consulting widely with post-conflict States and all relevant peacebuilding partners. At the same time, it will be important at the end of the process to retain the Peacebuilding Commission's current flexibility and adaptability. With that in mind, Canada would like to propose three issues for discussion in the review. (spoke in French) First, the Peacebuilding Commission should be prepared to vary the intensity and nature of its engagement depending on the circumstances in a country and stage of post-conflict recovery. To do that, modifications to working methods and tools of engagement may be required. Closer cooperation at the United Nations itself with the Security Council, General Assembly and Economic and Social Council will also be required.”
2009-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6224 (2009) · source
“It can serve as a useful forum for input into Security Council deliberations. The Security Council and the Peacebuilding Commission should consider better defining and implementing this advisory role. Finally, the PBC itself has made great strides. All of the country-specific configurations have taken significant steps to align their engagement with national priorities, adapt to changing circumstances on the ground and reduce administrative burdens. The tools of engagement are being modified and refined. A more flexible and strategic Peacebuilding Commission is gradually emerging, one that is better prepared to fulfil its political mandate and identify opportunities to add value to existing efforts. Today's debate takes place as Member States prepare to embark on the 2010 review of the United Nations peacebuilding architecture.”
2009-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6224 (2009) · source
“At the same time, the configuration has also advocated for support to Sierra Leone on critical issues highlighted by the occurrence of political instability in March, notably deepening democratic dialogue and enhancing police capacity. That is one example of how the Security Council and the Peacebuilding Commission can work together to achieve more coordinated and integrated peacebuilding in the field. Another positive outcome is the development of the Secretary-General's report on peacebuilding in the immediate aftermath of conflict (S/2009/304). This process demonstrated the value of institutional cooperation on important policy questions. The PBC has a diverse membership, a unique mandate to work at the nexus of security and development, and growing links to other international institutions.”
2009-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6224 (2009) · source
“In my capacity as Chair of the Sierra Leone configuration, I have had the honour of regularly briefing the Security Council on peacebuilding progress in that country. In my most recent briefing, I noted that the PBC's engagement with Sierra Leone has evolved. In June, the Sierra Leone configuration aligned itself behind the Government's national strategy, the Agenda for Change, and also endorsed the new joint peacebuilding approach developed by the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Sierra Leone and the United Nations country team. That streamlined approach specifically prioritizes the issues identified by Sierra Leone as major risks to peace consolidation and economic growth, such as good governance, drug trafficking and youth unemployment.”
2009-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6224 (2009) · source
“The Peacebuilding Commission has provided useful support to the countries on its agenda, reformed its working methods and developed a pragmatic and strategic approach. Thirdly, in our View, it is time to be more ambitious. The Commission's agenda can and should be expanded, and its impact should be greater at the earliest and most tenuous stages of post-conflict recovery. That is precisely when the international community's concentrated attention and resources can play their most critical role in consolidating peace. The past year has shown signs of promise in several areas. Canada particularly welcomes growing cooperation between the Security Council and the Peacebuilding Commission.”
2009-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6224 (2009) · source
“At the outset, I would like to commend the Chairperson of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC), Ambassador Mufioz of Chile, for his strong and effective leadership and for his presentation today. We now have three years of experience with the Peacebuilding Commission since the 2005 World Summit Outcome. The record so far leads us to several conclusions. First, the Peacebuilding Commission, the Peacebuilding Fund and the Peacebuilding Support Office are filling important gaps in the United Nations response to crisis and conflict. They are helping to prioritize and sequence tasks, identify overlooked areas of programming and funding and facilitate a more unified international presence in post-conflict countries. Secondly, institutional progress has been made.”
2009-11-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6224 (2009) · source
“It is a model to be studied carefully and replicated wherever possible. The Peacebuilding Commission remains fully committed to supporting Sierra Leone. In the coming months, the Commission will advocate on behalf of Sierra Leone before the Consultative Group meeting, monitor progress on the joint communique and engage directly on the three core peacebuilding priorities identified at the special session. In this effort, we look forward to the continued strong support of the Security Council.”
2009-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6187 (2009) · source
“That is particularly true given the prevailing financial climate. Slower growth and the effects of significant currency depreciation will affect both the Government budget and individual Sierra Leoneans. The Consultative Group meeting scheduled for November assumes greater importance in this context. The international community must ensure that countries at a critical stage in their transition to permanent peace and stability are not left to suffer the effects of the financial crisis alone. Adequately funding the Agenda for Change and the United Nations Joint Vision will be essential. In concluding, I would like to commend the excellent work of the Executive Representative of the Secretary-General, UNIPSIL, and the United Nations country team in Sierra Leone. Their approach is both innovative and effective.”
2009-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6187 (2009) · source
“Finally, progress is needed to consolidate democracy and the rule of law. The constitutional reform process has yet to be completed and capacity in the justice sector must be enhanced, both in the formal and traditional sectors. Similarly, the Anti-Corruption Commission is working valiantly and with some recent success, but more is needed to combat the culture of corruption in Sierra Leone. Continuing to implement the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission will also help to demonstrate to the civilian population that the conflict is truly behind them. The Peacebuilding Commission stands ready to support efforts on each of these core priorities, but Sierra Leone will not be able to pursue economic development and meet its peacebuilding challenges without active support from the international community.”
2009-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6187 (2009) · source
“As it is a regional problem with global implications, I was particularly pleased to participate in the July launch of the joint West Africa Coast Initiative of the United Nations, the Economic Community of West African States and INTERPOL. Not only will Sierra Leone directly benefit from this programme, but it is also receiving similar support from the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Sierra Leone (UNIPSIL), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, INTERPOL and several key donors to improve the performance of its Joint Drug Interdiction Task Force. The fact that the Sierra Leone security agencies have recently destroyed substantial stocks of cannabis only highlights the need to address this issue before it creates domestic socio- economic problems.”
2009-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6187 (2009) · source
“Sierra Leone remains fragile and must consolidate the progress made so far towards an inclusive, peaceful and democratic political sphere. Indeed, serious threats to peace consolidation remain. First, high youth unemployment continues to pose a latent danger of instability. While programmes have been initiated to address this problem, a more coherent and coordinated strategy is needed. In order to fulfil this role, the Government of Sierra Leone should establish the proposed national youth commission as quickly as possible. In addition, support for the Agenda for Change's strategy with respect to infrastructure and agricultural development will help to spur economic growth and job creation for those most at risk. Secondly, illicit drug trafficking remains a serious challenge.”
2009-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6187 (2009) · source
“While the incidents of political violence in March signalled that the country remains fragile, the major political parties and the United Nations family in Sierra Leone are to be commended for their work on the follow-up to the joint communique. In this respect, efforts to extend these discussions beyond Freetown and to the youth wings of the major political parties are particularly welcome. So too is the establishment of a Commission of Inquiry to investigate allegations that sexual violence occurred on 16 March during incidents of political violence. I am also pleased to note that the Peacebuilding Fund has provided useful support for the follow-up to the joint communique through its emergency facility. These are all positive developments, but the international community must not become complacent.”
2009-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6187 (2009) · source
“At the special session, the Peacebuilding Commission also decided to align its future engagement in Sierra Leone with the Agenda for Change, in particular focusing on three peacebuilding priorities: youth unemployment, drug trafficking and good governance. The Peacebuilding Commission will continue to advocate for greater subregional cooperation and the promotion of gender equality and human rights. This new, lighter form of engagement reaffirms national ownership and, at the same time, simplifies the Peacebuilding Commission's support to Sierra Leone. With the strategy now firmly in place, it falls to Sierra Leone and the international community to address the remaining peacebuilding challenges. I am pleased to note that Sierra Leone has remained calm over the past three months.”
2009-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6187 (2009) · source
“I am also grateful to the Secretary- General's Executive Representative for providing insightful opening remarks today. Beyond demonstrating that the international community remains committed to Sierra Leone, the special session also produced significant substantive outcomes. It welcomed the Government of Sierra 09-51020 Leone's Agenda for Change, endorsed the innovative peacebuilding framework proposed by the United Nations, the United Nations Joint Vision for Sierra Leone, and launched a new multi-donor trust fund. These efforts represent an important step towards rationalizing peacebuilding efforts, enhancing coordination and improving the effectiveness of international assistance.”
2009-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6187 (2009) · source
“Mr. McNee: It is a great pleasure to participate in the Security Council's consultations as chair of the Peacebuilding Commission's Sierra Leone configuration. I last appeared before the Council in this capacity immediately prior to a high-level special session of the Sierra Leone configuration on June 10. I am pleased to report that the session was a clear success. My co-host, Foreign Minister Bangura of Sierra Leone, led an impressive delegation that included representation from the Government, a major opposition party and civil society. The participation of such a wide array of national stakeholders, including a senior representative of the opposition, was testament to the progress Sierra Leone has made towards fostering national dialogue and building an inclusive democratic society.”
2009-09-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6187 (2009) · source
“We stress the need to work with a united Haitian people and with national authorities that are politically inclusive and convinced of the need to move forward together democratically towards true political, economic and social development. The progress achieved in certain areas is encouraging for the future. Setbacks due to hurricanes and political instability in 2008 may make the scope of the work to be done seem daunting. However, the international community has no alternative but to move forward on the question of Haiti. In conclusion, that is why, despite the extent of the challenges, Canada remains clearheaded and confident and determined to continue to contribute to Haiti's development.”
2009-09-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6186 (2009) · source
“Lastly, the Group wished to see better use of MINUSTAH engineers to improve the synergy between the mission's mandate and development needs in Haiti. The international community has provided considerable assistance to Haiti, which is must increase further. While seeking to increase the number of partners countries that lend their support to Haiti, it is our responsibility to improve the effectiveness of that aid through better coordination between donors and the Government, and through an emphasis on tangible results that improve the quality of life for Haitians. A primary objective must be to strengthen the capacities and abilities of the State and, by extension, its legitimacy in the eyes of the Haitian people. Canada will continue to cooperate with Haiti, fully respecting its Constitution, culture, history and diversity.”
2009-09-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6186 (2009) · source
“The recently established political consensus must prevail in parliament. Canada also expects that the strengthening of the parliamentary system will take place with greater emphasis on responsibility for development in Haiti and on the public interest, as the Prime Minister underscored during this debate. Canada has the honour of chairing the Economic and Social Council's Ad Hoc Advisory Group on Haiti. Last June, the Group released its fifth report (E/2009/105), which included some of the recommendations I have just mentioned. The Group also emphasized the need to reconcile economic growth objectives with huge gaps in basic services. We also highlighted connections between issues as varied as food security, energy, the environment, landholdings, access to credit and civil registration.”
2009-09-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6186 (2009) · source
“Canada would also like to highlight how useful the indicators of progress put forth by the Secretary- General last year were when the future of MINUSTAH was being considered. With regard to the police, it will soon be time to make plans for 2011 and beyond, in collaboration with the Haitian National Police. The latest report of the Secretary-General (S/2009/439) has updated the indicators somewhat, but Canada believes that those indicators need further fine-tuning. Nevertheless, we commend the Secretary-General for having launched that process. Thirdly, the recent senatorial elections reminded us of the importance of the success of such events to the strengthening of democracy. The elections equally reminded us of the importance of strengthening parliamentary institutions.”
2009-09-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6186 (2009) · source
“Maintaining the status quo will only set the stage for another crisis. Eight United Nations interventions over the past two decades should be sufficient proof of that. Secondly, the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) must remain in Haiti for as long as it takes to strengthen the capacity of the country's institutions and ensure a stable and secure environment for its citizens. Premature withdrawal would have devastating consequences and could undo everything that has been accomplished so far. MINUSTAH should be able to rely upon the appropriate resources and mandate to continue to play its role as successfully as it has to date. MINUSTAH's work must clearly be paired with the successful reform of the Haitian National Police and reform of the judicial and correctional systems.”
2009-09-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6186 (2009) · source
“First, progress has been noted in Haiti over the past few years because there was a political consensus among Haitian authorities. Given the multiple challenges the country is facing, it is essential to maintain that consensus among Haiti's decision makers in order to work for the common good of the people. Of course, the role of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in that regard is crucial. We know that the great majority of Haitians want reform in order to develop their country and find reasons to hope. Only those who profit from instability and insecurity have an interest in maintaining the status quo. We must all remain vigilant and not be misled by individuals who seek to continue to profit from a situation that is unacceptable to the Haitian people.”
2009-09-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6186 (2009) · source
“In the past few months, a series of events has provided more opportunities to build on progress achieved in Haiti. The Washington conference was a success because it generated high-level commitment and elicited a number of financial commitments. President Clinton's appointment as Special Envoy was another turning point. Canada appreciates the way in which the Secretary-General has focused international attention on Haiti, and we applaud his decision to appoint President Clinton. But the biggest obstacle to addressing the complex problems facing Haiti and the magnitude of the work to be done is apathy, which must be overcome in order to achieve success. (spoke in French) In a context such as the one in Haiti, where everything must be done immediately, it is worthwhile to set certain priorities.”
2009-09-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6186 (2009) · source
“I would like to begin by thanking you, Madam, and your delegation for organizing this important meeting. Our also express our special appreciation to Prime Minister Pierre-Louis for joining this debate and for her outstanding leadership. I would also like to thank President Clinton, Special Envoy for Haiti, for his cogent remarks and for his dedication to Haiti. I also thank Mr. Annabi for his insightful presentation and for his excellent work in Haiti. As members of the Council know, Haiti is a top priority for Canada. During the Council's public debate on Haiti last April (see S/PV.6101), the international community had every reason to be proud of progress achieved in Haiti since 2006, particularly in terms of security, while remaining aware of the continuing challenges.”
2009-09-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6186 (2009) · source
“In other areas - notably national capacity-building, civilian rapid response and financing - Member States must also take the lead. As a committed member of the Peacebuilding Commission and a major donor to the Peacebuilding Fund, Canada stands ready to support these efforts.”
2009-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6165Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Rapid and flexible financing now may help prevent the need for more expensive interventions later. The report also has significant implications for the Peacebuilding Commission. In our opinion, the Commission remains underutilized, and it is important to reconsider its role in the immediate post-conflict period. Greater ambition with respect to the nature and scope of the work of the Commission is warranted. The Commission has the potential to be a central and effective actor with respect to the prioritization, coordination and support of peacebuilding strategies. We should not be willing to settle for less. In conclusion, it is now up to the United Nations system to implement the recommendations in the report. It will be important to provide regular updates to Member States on progress being made.”
2009-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6165Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Above all, international assistance must help establish legal institutions that embrace transparency and respect for human rights. In this respect, Canada warmly welcomes the report's emphasis on the full participation of women and children in the peacebuilding process and on the protection of their human rights. Improved financing is crucial. The creation of the Peacebuilding Fund was an important step in this area, and work is also under way in the Development Assistance Committee of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), to clarify best practices in post-conflict assistance. Canada also welcomes both the recent revision of the Peacebuilding Fund terms of reference and the Secretary-General's recommendations for the Fund.”
2009-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6165Resumption1 (2009) · source
“The international community should also re-examine how bilateral and multilateral civilian response mechanisms such as expert rosters can be better coordinated and respond more quickly to crises. (spoke in French) The Secretary-General has identified core peacebuilding objectives, including support for basic security, political processes, essential services, governance and economic revitalization. Questions of transitional justice and national reconciliation are central for post-conflict peacebuilding. Local populations must have access to formal and informal structures that facilitate communal healing and address abuses committed during the conflict. An effective justice system is also critical for fostering accountability, building trust in national institutions and establishing basic security.”
2009-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6165Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Canada also urges peacebuilding actors to consider how the expertise resident in diaspora communities can be better mobilized during post-conflict recovery. During this critical period, more can be done to utilize the strengths of regional organizations, and to encourage greater South-to-South cooperation in support of peacebuilding. This raises an important issue, that is, timely access to effective technical assistance. The Secretary- General's report (S/2009/304) offers useful recommendations for improving support to United Nations personnel in the field. Existing experience with models such as the Standing Police Capacity, the Mediation Support Unit, and the Justice Rapid Response mechanism should also be applied to other areas of need. Closer cooperation with regional and subregional organizations also offers great promise.”
2009-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6165Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Special effort must be made with the World Bank to clarify respective responsibilities for core peacebuilding sectors. Strengthening leadership teams in the field is an important step towards improving the United Nations contribution. Canada is also encouraged by the emphasis placed on the Post- Conflict Needs Assessment as a unified and inclusive assessment tool. Establishing durable peace and prosperity is difficult without a functioning State. Building peace is the primary responsibility of national actors. Canada welcomes the recommendations of the report to urge an initial assessment of existing national capacity, bolster capacity for development efforts, and support national oversight of international assistance.”
2009-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6165Resumption1 (2009) · source