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“Canada strongly supports the commitment made by the Emergency Relief Coordinator to develop a monitoring and reporting mechanism to understand and address access constraints. However, the Council must be prepared to act - drawing on the full range of tools at its disposal - when access is systematically delayed or denied. Those who refuse access cannot be allowed to act with impunity. Enhanced accountability, underscored by a clear demonstration by the Council that systematic denial of access will not be tolerated, is more important than ever. Among the many protection challenges facing us, sexual violence against women, girls, boys and men remains particularly stark. We need look no further than the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo to understand the prevailing culture of impunity.”
2008-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5898 (2008) · source
“In that respect, the Secretary-General's report last year on the protection of civilians offers us an important road map when considering the question of next steps. Increasingly, the question of humanitarian access remains the critical challenge for the Council and Member States. Member States have a collective interest in ensuring safe and unhindered humanitarian access to civilians in need. That is not simply a hope; it is a fundamental principle of international humanitarian action and should not be open to interpretation. Yet full, safe and unhindered access - so critical to providing life-saving relief and support to vulnerable populations - remains an elusive goal.”
2008-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5898 (2008) · source
“The deliberate targeting of and attacks on civilian populations, forced displacement, sexual violence and the denial of land and property rights are far too prevalent for millions of people globally. In the Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sri Lanka, Burundi and Somalia, civilians are quite simply part of the calculus of conflict. In Afghanistan, indiscriminate acts of violence, such as suicide bombings, serve as a potent reminder of why support for the Afghan Government is so important. Without a continued commitment to long-term peace and security, civilian protection cannot be guaranteed. All of that illustrates the point that, despite the significant gains that have been made over the past decade, there is a great deal of work left to do.”
2008-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5898 (2008) · source
“The 25 May conference offered some hopeful signs of stronger cooperation between the Burmese authorities and the international community. However, in many cases, United Nations and other humanitarian actors still await visas. For those who have received visas, access to affected populations is not yet guaranteed. We call on the Burmese authorities to provide full and unhindered access to areas affected by the cyclone to help deliver aid to those most in need. That is urgent; the window of opportunity to save lives is closing rapidly. It is also clear that the consequences of armed conflict are deadly for civilians in many countries around the world.”
2008-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5898 (2008) · source
“I would like to thank you, Sir, for convening this important debate today. We would also like to express our appreciation to Under- Secretary-General Holmes for his comprehensive briefing to the Council. Before addressing the core issues of today's debate, I would like briefly to touch on several key humanitarian situations that have commanded the world's attention in recent weeks. The impact of cyclone Nargis in Burma and the earthquake in China have reminded us of nature's sometimes devastating power. Canada offers its sincere and heartfelt condolences to the friends and families of the deceased and missing. In Burma, it has now been more than three weeks since the cyclone struck, yet humanitarian access remains, at best, inconsistent.”
2008-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5898 (2008) · source
“We have done so through the deployment of our brave men and women, civilians and soldiers, to one of the most dangerous parts of Afghanistan. And we have done so through our unwavering support for the United Nations and its important mission. Canada is committed to helping Afghanistan build a stable and democratic future. It is that determination that motivates our call for a stronger and more prominent United Nations role in Afghanistan. In conclusion, we recognize that our expectations are high and that ours are not small requests. We make them in the full knowledge of the difficult terrain on which the United Nations must respond. We make them as we stand ready to support all such endeavours and remain committed to the success of our collective mission.”
2008-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5851Resumption1 (2008) · source
“It also means renewed vigour in the fight against corruption so that authority can no longer be perceived as distinct from merit and integrity. Each of those issues requires the sustained and serious engagement of the Afghan Government. Canada has a proud tradition of international engagement. We take seriously our responsibility to promote the values of freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law. We also believe that a multilateral approach is required to address global problems. The long road that Canada has travelled alongside its partners in Afghanistan over the past five years has only deepened its commitment to those principles. We have demonstrated our commitment through a contribution of development aid unparalleled in our history.”
2008-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5851Resumption1 (2008) · source
“This is why we must support institutions such as the Independent Directorate for Local Governance, and it is why we must all support Afghan efforts to seek reconciliation with those who are prepared to choose peace. (spoke in French) These overarching goals should steer the work of the United Nations. However, they must not distract us from the reality that the people of Afghanistan confront daily. Afghans must have access to jobs that will feed their families; they must feel safe on their streets; and they must be confident when seeking justice from their authorities. That requires a stronger focus on economic development and more training to build a police force that offers freedom from harassment and theft.”
2008-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5851Resumption1 (2008) · source
“The heavy demands on the provincial and regional offices of the United Nations will only intensify as the reach of the Afghan Government spreads further into the provinces and the international civilian footprint continues to expand. In that context, UNAMA must reinforce its offices. Vacant positions must be staffed, while new ones continue to be created. Setting priorities will be key. We call on UNAMA to focus its cooperation with the Afghan Government on several important issues in the coming months: elections, subnational governance and reconciliation. Progress on all those fronts is imperative. Indeed, the authority of the Mission rests with the ongoing legitimacy of the Afghan Government in the eyes of its citizens.”
2008-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5851Resumption1 (2008) · source
“In that regard, Canada is very pleased that the Secretary-General will join North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Heads of Government at the NATO/International Security Assistance Force summit to reinforce coordination at the very highest level. UNAMA must continue to work closely with all levels of the Afghan Government to be certain that international engagement is facilitating the progressive assumption of responsibility by Afghans. Those relationships are central to the success of the Mission. An enhanced role for the United Nations in Afghanistan will require strengthened UNAMA offices across the country. It will also require the establishment of a permanent United Nations presence in areas where its leadership and coordination are needed.”
2008-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5851Resumption1 (2008) · source
“We hope that it will also help UNAMA to prioritize the issues that will be central to progress in 2008, while remaining focused on improving the daily lives of Afghans. Success in Afghanistan will require a degree of coherence and cooperation that only the United Nations can bring about. To achieve that, UNAMA must be empowered to coordinate and represent those international actors who are party to the Afghanistan Compact. It must work closely with the International Security Assistance Force to build security and to ensure that a strengthened international military commitment is actively enabling the efforts of a robust and resilient civilian presence.”
2008-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5851Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Their courage and commitment to Afghanistan have been essential to the progress achieved thus far. The United Nations remains the bedrock of the international mission in Afghanistan. Now, more than ever, Member States look to UNAMA for leadership and guidance. Better aligning our efforts will require bold decision-making and strong political leadership by the new Special Representative. Canada looks to him to build consensus - where it can be reached - among international civilian actors. We will rely on him to communicate clearly the international community's intentions and concerns to the Afghan Government, while being open to, hearing and addressing their concerns. It is Canada's hope that the Council will reflect the need for UNAMA to renew relationships and strengthen its offices.”
2008-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5851Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Kai Eide as the Special Representative of the Secretary-General to Afghanistan. We are committed to working with him to ensure that the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) is able to fulfil its role as adviser, coordinator and leader of the international civilian mission. Canada also conveys its sincere appreciation to the outgoing Special Representative, Mr. Tom Koenigs, for his determined efforts over the course of the past two years, and to the Acting Special Representative, Mr. Asplund, for his steadfast direction of UNAMA during these first months of the year. In addition, we take this opportunity to pay tribute to the dedicated efforts of the United Nations and other civilian staff in Afghanistan, who carry out their duties in challenging and often dangerous conditions.”
2008-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5851Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Thank you, Mr. President, for convening this important debate on Afghanistan. Supporting the Afghan Government and its people in forging a stable, peaceful future remains a top priority for my Government and for Canadians. We extend our appreciation to the Secretary- General for his candid and insightful report on the situation in Afghanistan. His report describes a new future that is taking root, as the Afghan Government reaches out to its provinces, parliament finds its voice, women discover new opportunities and an army rises to protect the country. The Secretary-General also reminds us that the future we are pursuing will not be realized if we do not act quickly and in unison to confront a ruthless insurgency and to curb widespread corruption. Canada welcomes the recent appointment of Mr.”
2008-03-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5851Resumption1 (2008) · source
“We all know that, if we are to improve their living conditions, all efforts count, in all fields and in all places, from war zones to the halls of academia to United Nations conference rooms in New York. Finally, Canada believes that the Security Council is on the right track in addressing this issue, thanks in particular to France's leadership of the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflicts. We are convinced that the Council will continue to do its part, including through its excellent work in this area.”
2008-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5834Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Moreover, Canada believes that the Council should adopt a new resolution to expand monitoring and reporting, including strengthening the relevant work of the Security Council Working Group, in order to eradicate these heinous crimes committed against children. These measures should be undertaken as soon as possible. At the end of the day, what matters is real and visible protection for children. Furthermore, that consideration underpins our support for strengthening the framework of protection provided for in resolution 1612 (2005). In particular, we must eliminate sexual violence in conflicts and make progress towards the fulfilment of an ideal: freeing children from the shackles of war.”
2008-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5834Resumption1 (2008) · source
“(spoke in French) We think the time is right for the Council to strengthen its protection framework for children, particularly by allowing the existing resolution 1612 (2005) monitoring and reporting mechanism to be triggered by all violations against children described by the Secretary-General in his report. Specifically, rape and other grave sexual violations must be addressed. While we welcome the cooperation of the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the implementation of resolution 1612 (2005), the appalling situation in that country demonstrates why this type of violation has been deemed a threat to international peace and security.”
2008-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5834Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Several parties that persistently commit grave violations against children in conflict situations remain untouched by the resolution. This cannot continue. In order to end this culture of impunity, it is essential that the Council apply targeted measures against these violators and work on their referral to the relevant tribunals. In this regard, Canada is pleased by the charges, trials and sentences over the past year by the International Criminal Court and the Special Court for Sierra Leone for crimes against children. We urge the Working Group to continue its efforts and we urge the Council to use this route while also pursuing targeted measures through the specific country mandates.”
2008-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5834Resumption1 (2008) · source
“The protection framework created by resolutions 1539 (2004) and 1612 (2005) is a complex web of instruments that can lead to concrete actions to end violations, but only with the cooperation of Member States. Those who criticize the complexity of these instruments should not forget the important successes that have been achieved. For example, the de-listing of parties to the conflict in Cote d'Ivoire is a significant achievement of the resolution 1612 (2005) framework and offers lessons for future success. We also note with satisfaction some progress in various situations outlined in the report of the Secretary- General which are clearly linked to the implementation of resolution 1612 (2005). While Canada is generally satisfied with the current state of implementation of resolution 1612 (2005), there remain clear gaps.”
2008-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5834Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Canada commends the work of the Security Council Working Group created by resolution 1612 (2005) and the strong support provided by the Secretariat to the Working Group. It is also important to underline the tremendous work in the field that has been accomplished by UNICEF and by the various non-governmental organizations and civil society actors that contribute to the 1612 (2005) monitoring and reporting mechanism. The work of all United Nations personnel in the field, whether in peace missions or in United Nations country teams, is instrumental in making child protection a reality on the ground. Without this joint effort, the impact of resolution 1612 (2005) would fail to reach the children in need. Addressing the situation of children and armed conflict can be difficult. The Secretary-General's report shows this all too well.”
2008-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5834Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Canada strongly supports and wishes to speak to three areas in particular: first, the need for the Security Council to give equal attention to children affected by armed conflict, whether in situations on the agenda of the Council or not; secondly, the necessity to give equal weight to all categories of grave violations described in the report, beyond simply the recruitment and use of children; and finally, the need to implement the monitoring and reporting mechanism within the framework of resolution 1612 (2005) in all situations of concern. In July 2005, the Council adopted resolution 1612 (2005), which has proven to be an effective tool for putting pressure on those who commit violations against children.”
2008-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5834Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Today's debate is an opportunity once again to bring to the attention of the Council the severity of acts of violence against children in violation of human rights and international humanitarian law. The Security Council has a central role to play in protecting children who suffer from the horrific effects of armed conflict and in holding accountable those responsible for the continuing atrocities committed against them. The Secretary-General's report on children and armed conflict is an important tool to understand how violations against children constitute a threat to international peace and security. The report (S/2007/757) outlines clear recommendations for future action.”
2008-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5834Resumption1 (2008) · source
“I would like to thank the delegation of Panama for convening today's important meeting. We would also like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ms. Radhika Coomaraswamy, for her impressive and compelling statement today and for the excellent work she has done since taking office two years ago. We would also like to thank Ms. Ann Veneman, the Executive Director of UNICEF, whose statement today illustrates the importance of UNICEF for the issue of children and armed conflict. We also welcome to this debate Ms. Jo Becker from Watchlist on Children and Armed Conflict, an organization whose rigorous and important work is supported by Canada.”
2008-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5834Resumption1 (2008) · source
“Additionally, there is a clear need for specific reports on sexual violence in conflict, as well as other aspects of resolution 1325 (2000), in order to better inform Council deliberations. The creation of a monitoring mechanism and the regular presentation of disaggregated data and status reports will increase the Council's capacity to design and implement peace support mandates to better respond to such violence and to ensure the integration of to prevent gender-based violence in the work of United Nations country teams. In conclusion, Canada will continue to support the Council's implementation of its commitments, including in country-specific contexts, and to support efforts to enhance Council and wider international action in this area.”
2007-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5766Resumption1 (2007) · source
“(spoke in French) Canada joins others in stressing the importance of such a monitoring mechanism and the essential nature of the systematic collection of data that is cross- classified by sex, presenting information separately for women and men, girls and boys, in order to facilitate the proper functioning of such a monitoring mechanism. The Security Council needs to ensure that information on grave violations of women's and girls' human rights and their participation in peace and reconstruction processes is produced and utilized in the Council's work. The Security Council should ensure that information on violence against women and girls, including sexual violence, be included in all reports of the Secretary-General to the Council on the situations in individual countries, and in thematic reports.”
2007-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5766Resumption1 (2007) · source
“In order to ensure a focus on women's rights and equality issues within the Security Council's country- and region-specific work, Canada calls upon the Council to commit itself to regular consultations with representatives of women's organizations in the countries that are on its agenda. We recommend that it also make fuller use of the analytical support and guidance available from the specialized United Nations entities working on the issues encompassed by resolution 1325 (2000), ranging from women's political participation to the elimination of violence against girls and women.”
2007-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5766Resumption1 (2007) · source
“Canada has previously called on the Council to establish a mechanism to monitor its own actions in integrating resolution 1325 (2000) and other related resolutions into its daily work. Canada calls on the Council to establish such a monitoring mechanism in the form of a committee or working group with a mandate to regularly and actively monitor progress in implementing 1325 (2000) throughout the Council's work. In his 2007 report (S/2007/567), the Secretary- General concluded that without concerted efforts by Governments and civil society at the country level, implementation of the resolution would continue to lag.”
2007-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5766Resumption1 (2007) · source
“This leaves many victims unaccounted for. Despite thousands of women having been raped, the prevailing culture of impunity allows the problem to continue unabated with virtually no prosecutions. The scale of the problem, including the lack of prevention, protection and punishment, is so immense that the social fabric of entire communities is being torn apart. The Security Council can make a genuine difference here. It has a crucial role to play in the effective, timely and systematic implementation of resolution 1325 (2000). Over the past few years, many Member States have stressed the need for an effective monitoring mechanism. That point has been made repeatedly and convincingly in today's debate. We could not be more in need of a monitoring mechanism than we are today.”
2007-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5766Resumption1 (2007) · source
“However, the ongoing obstacles to its implementation, both for the United Nations and at the national level, are now familiar to us all. The main challenge is that the tenets of the resolution have not been systematically institutionalized and accountability mechanisms are not in place. We need only look at the situation of sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to understand the urgent need to implement resolution 1325 (2000) systematically and to monitor its implementation. The international community is well aware of the difficulties in reliably quantifying such violence, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo is no exception. Large areas of territory in the volatile eastern areas of the Democratic Republic of the Congo are beyond the reach of the civil authorities, humanitarian agencies or relief services.”
2007-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5766Resumption1 (2007) · source
“I would like to express Canada's appreciation to you, Mr. President, and to Ghana for convening this open debate on women and peace and security, an annual tradition commemorating the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000). Canada, as Chair of the Group of Friends of resolution 1325 (2000), would like to suggest that this year the Security Council begin a new tradition of assessing the implementation of this important resolution in a deliberate and concerted way throughout the year. The United Nations System-wide Action Plan, alongside national implementation strategies, represents an important first step towards meeting the need for effective monitoring of and accountability for the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000).”
2007-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5766Resumption1 (2007) · source
“We would like to thank him and his team for the important work they are undertaking in often very difficult circumstances. We welcome and strongly support UNAMA's request for increased international positions in 2008, particularly in the south. Earlier this month, when Canada's Minister for Foreign Affairs addressed the General Assembly, Canada proposed the establishment of a high-level United Nations special envoy for Afghanistan as part of Canada's continued support for, and commitment to the leadership role of the United Nations in Afghanistan. To conclude, Canada remains committed to supporting UNAMA and the broader United Nations family in their efforts to ensure the success of the reconstruction operation in Afghanistan.”
2007-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5760 (2007) · source
“It is imperative that the United Nations and the international community get this right, not just for the people of Afghanistan, who deserve a better future, but also for global stability and prosperity. Achieving our goals in Afghanistan will require the collective effort, imagination and innovative thinking of everyone involved in the international reconstruction effort. To this end, Canada compliments UNAMA on recent efforts to enhance collaboration with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, the World Bank and other key actors in the Afghan reconstruction effort. We encourage the United Nations and Member States to continue to identify new ways to maximize the impact of our collective efforts in Afghanistan. Canada strongly supports the work of UNAMA and of the Special Representative of the Secretary- General, Mr. Koenigs.”
2007-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5760 (2007) · source
“Canada welcomes the positive outcome of the cross-border peace jirga in August. We must build on the momentum the jirga has generated. Canada is pleased to be working with the Government of Afghanistan and in support of the work of United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and the Group of 8 (G8) to foster Afghan- Pakistani cooperation in security and economic development, and to help develop Afghan capacity in border management. (spoke in French) The situation in Afghanistan clearly demonstrates the need to address the security, development and governance elements of reconstruction simultaneously.”
2007-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5760 (2007) · source
“We remain committed to help the Afghan Government develop the capacity of subnational governance institutions. The Government of Afghanistan's opposition to legalizing opium production needs our support. The issue is complex and multifaceted. Recently reported progress in the northern and central provinces is encouraging, but we must redouble efforts to assist the Afghan Government in combating the narcotics industry in the south. This requires a comprehensive approach, including the consolidation of an effective justice system and the provision of sustained economic opportunities. Canada remains committed to supporting the Government of Afghanistan in its efforts to address the threat of narcotics. A securely managed border between Pakistan and Afghanistan is of course critical.”
2007-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5760 (2007) · source
“A robust police force is also a critical element of the rule of law. In this regard, Canada currently provides training, infrastructure and salary support. We look forward to continuing to support the Government of Afghanistan as it develops a comprehensive approach to the establishment of an effective Afghan National Police force. Canada also remains committed to working closely with European partners in the European Union Police Mission. The Government of Afghanistan should be commended for its progress on developing a national justice system strategy. We were pleased to be part of this process and look forward to finalizing the Strategy, under Afghan leadership. Canada applauds the recent establishment of the independent department of local administrations.”
2007-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5760 (2007) · source
“Every mine-free metre of land is another area where Afghan children can play football or run freely. These achievements contribute to the vision of the future of the Afghanistan Compact. To succeed, international efforts must be mirrored by the consistent commitment of the Afghan Government. Corruption must be squarely confronted. Making active the senior appointments panel, a key Compact benchmark, would demonstrate the Government of Afghanistan's commitment to anti- corruption. I should note that Canada remains committed to working with the Government of Afghanistan to make the panel operational. We will continue to work with the Government of Afghanistan and our partners in the international community to consolidate the rule of law, an essential condition for sustainable development, lasting peace and stability.”
2007-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5760 (2007) · source
“They are increasingly able to reclaim their lives and build a better future for their children and grandchildren. Tangible progress is being achieved across the country. For example, 4,000 new hospitals have been built since 2004; access to basic health care has grown from 9 per cent in 2004 to 83 per cent this year; 1.2 billion square metres of land have been cleared of mines since 1989; infant mortality rates have dropped 22 per cent since 2000; 40,000 more Afghan newborns now survive their first year; 6,000 kilometres of road are being built or refurbished nationwide. These statistics are telling. Every Afghan child inoculated against polio is a child who will live a longer, happier life. Every kilometre of road represents better access to markets, schools or relatives in neighbouring districts.”
2007-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5760 (2007) · source
“Today the Government of Canada would like to recognize the gains that have been made in Afghanistan over the past year, and also to identify outstanding obstacles and emerging challenges to the international reconstruction effort. With respect to the security situation, Canada applauds the increasing effectiveness of the Afghan National Army to bring stability to the lives of Afghans. The security situation of course remains challenging, but we are beginning to see real progress in key areas. In Kandahar, for example, where Canadian troops are stationed, the Taliban have been dislodged from former strongholds such as Kandahar City and Panjwayi District. No one is benefiting more from these gains than the people of Kandahar Province.”
2007-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5760 (2007) · source
“Canada welcomes this opportunity to address the Council on Afghanistan, a country that remains a central priority for the international community, including for Canada. We also welcome the Secretary-General's September report (S/2007/555) on the situation in Afghanistan and Mr. Koenigs' very helpful presentation today. Canada was pleased with the outcomes of the high-level meeting in New York on September 23. The meeting demonstrated the strength of the international community's commitment to Afghanistan, but also revealed the need for additional work in three key areas: a need for renewed focus on the Afghan National Police; better donor coordination; and greater Afghanization of the international community's actions.”
2007-10-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5760 (2007) · source
“In order to guarantee the maintenance of international peace and security, it remains essential that we take duly into account the unique role that the Security Council is called upon to play and the possibility of collaboration with other organizations and initiatives. Today's discussion is an important first step in that direction.”
2007-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5705 (2007) · source
“Building on these experiences, future operations should be planned and deployed with an understanding of the nature and implications of the distribution of natural resources in their areas of operation. The CANZ delegations strongly encourage the members of the Security Council to undertake an in-depth examination of the intersection between the exploitation of natural resources and the persistence, and in some cases intensification, of armed conflicts. We know that natural resources play a complex role in a number of contemporary civil wars. These issues have recurred in Council deliberations and will continue to do so.”
2007-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5705 (2007) · source
“(spoke in French) Targeted sanctions have been used in multiple contexts to address the link between resources and conflict. These mechanisms have been used to prevent the trade in a specific conflict resource, block the exchange of these resources for weapons, and disrupt the trade in conflict resources through asset freezes and travel bans. Experience has shown however that the effectiveness of sanctions depends both on systematic monitoring by panels of experts and thorough implementation within national jurisdictions. United Nations missions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Liberia and Cote d'Ivoire have been directly involved in monitoring and securing sources of resources that have been linked to conflict and instability.”
2007-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5705 (2007) · source
“There is a clear role here as well for the private sector, particularly through engagement with initiatives such as the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development Risk Awareness Tool for Multinational Enterprises in Weak Governance Zones, the Equator Principles and the International Financial Corporation Performance Standards. While coordination with broader international efforts is indispensable, much of what needs to be done lies squarely within the mandate of the Security Council, including the imposition and monitoring of targeted sanctions regimes and the integration of natural resource issues into peacekeeping mandates and post-conflict peacebuilding strategies.”
2007-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5705 (2007) · source
“Effective action to address the peace and security challenges that can arise from the exploitation of natural resources must necessarily be well coordinated with broader efforts related to conflict prevention, peacebuilding, resources governance and economic development. Building on the Council's successful cooperation with the Kimberley Process, stronger links could be forged within the United Nations system - including, as others have argued today, with the Peacebuilding Commission and the United Nations Development Programme - the international financial institutions and international initiatives such as the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region and the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative.”
2007-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5705 (2007) · source
“Action by the Council on the often illicit exploitation of resources has focused largely on the role of diamonds, with sanctions being imposed in four separate cases: Angola, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Cote d'Ivoire. But we should not forget the other resources that have been the subject of the Council's attention, from support for a moratorium on log exports during the Cambodian civil war to the ban imposed on timber exports on Liberia during Charles Taylor's rule. And reports from the Panel of Experts on the Illegal Exploitation of Natural Resources and Other Forms of Wealth of the Democratic Republic of Congo have identified a series of other resources, such as gold and coltan, as resources directly linked to instability in that volatile region.”
2007-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5705 (2007) · source
“Sadly, though, recent history has demonstrated that the often illicit extraction of natural resources has too frequently led to, deepened and prolonged conflicts by providing belligerents with both the incentive and the means to perpetuate campaigns of violence. Facilitated by economic globalization and access to international markets, many warring parties have turned to the predatory exploitation of lucrative natural resources such as timber, precious minerals and gemstones. Conflicts can develop a self-financing nature, with the revenues generated from the trade in conflict resources helping to procure weapons and military materiel, hire mercenaries, line the pockets of corrupt warlords and Government officials and buy the support of neighbouring regimes.”
2007-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5705 (2007) · source
“While the challenges are complex and multidimensional, there is no doubt that the Security Council has an important role to play both in breaking the link between natural resource exploitation and the fuelling of armed conflicts and in promoting effective natural resource management in fragile States and post-conflict peacebuilding situations. Today's debate is also an opportunity to highlight the potential for effective management of natural resources to contribute to conflict prevention and to international peace and security. Natural resource revenues can be a force for sustained economic growth, social development, and stability.”
2007-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5705 (2007) · source
“I have the honour today to speak on behalf of Canada, Australia and New Zealand (CANZ). The CANZ delegations welcome this open debate on natural resources and conflict. We congratulate Belgium on taking this valuable initiative and look forward to continued Belgian leadership on this issue in the Council. After years of case-by-case, resource-by-resource activity by the Council, today's debate provides a timely opportunity for the Council to consider a more comprehensive approach to its work in this area.”
2007-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5705 (2007) · source
“Collectively, we must ensure that populations at risk have access at all times to the greatest protection possible, that perpetrators of abuse will be held accountable for their actions, and that advocacy, monitoring and capacity-building deliver real results and make a positive difference in people's lives. This Council, and indeed the international community as a whole, will be judged on its ability to protect the most vulnerable. It is a challenge that we simply must meet.”
2007-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5703 (2007) · source
“(spoke in French) In conclusion, when it comes to the protection of civilians, transforming international legal norms into practice and commitments into action is no easy task. We must therefore be prepared to work diligently and over the long term to achieve those ends. Critical to that effort will be our capacity to maintain momentum within the most senior levels of the United Nations and within the Council to keep this issue at the front and centre of our work. Later this year, the Secretary- General will report to the Council on the protection of civilians. The report will be an important tool to ensure that our collective momentum is maintained and to promote tangible and practical strategies to address emerging protection challenges.”
2007-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5703 (2007) · source