YouSaid · the spoken record

Meece

lines on the record: 207
first: 2010-10-15
most recent: 2013-02-22
sittings or episodes: 8
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

“All United Nations staff carry out their work with perseverance, often in the most difficult of conditions, thereby demonstrating a spirit of sacrifice and commitment that honours the ideals of the United Nations. Blue Helmets and civilian personnel alike face the challenges associated with the mandate that the Council has entrusted to them with professionalism, courage and determination. In that regard, they deserve our gratitude and our admiration. My thanks go to them and to the Council for its support and attention.”
2013-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6925 (2013) · source
“Above all, I strongly urge that the temptation be resisted to add more to the already very substantial compilation of MONUSCO tasks and requirements. It is essential that mandate-tasking be tailored to a realistic appraisal of the overall context and available resources and capacities. (spoke in French) I should like to reiterate my sincere gratitude to all the members of the Security Council, as well as Member States, for their active support for MONUSCO and its personnel, who work under dangerous and difficult circumstances. Allow me to express to all of MONUSCO's personnel, military and civilian alike, a final word of gratitude and commendation against the backdrop of a very worrisome situation in the Kivus and Katanga.”
2013-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6925 (2013) · source
“That will effectively complement our ongoing efforts with the military justice system in the fight against impunity, which remains a high priority. We will continue to pursue those activities as strongly as possible Finally, before I conclude, let me take note of the various discussions and options regarding potential modifications of the MONUSCO mandate. I strongly believe that such a review is appropriate. Indeed, I have already indicated some areas where I believe a modification is urgently needed, especially with regard to a new peace-enforcement capability. Let me also strongly urge that those discussions be held in full cognizance of the overall context and the limitations of MONUSCO's available human and other resources.”
2013-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6925 (2013) · source
“I should also note significant recent progress in two key areas, including the formal adoption of ajoint United Nations/Congolese Government action plan to stop and prevent underage recruitment, sexual violence against children and other grave child rights violations by FARDC and Congolese security services. We have made considerable progress to define associated specific actions, which represents a major and encouraging step forward in a long-standing area of concern. As well, I am pleased to report that we are nearing the formal adoption of the long-awaited multi-year joint justice programme, to be jointly signed by the Congolese Minister of Justice and the United Nations, with its implementation overseen by the Ministry of Justice. I am optimistic that that will be ready for adoption and signature in the near future.”
2013-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6925 (2013) · source
“I should also note that all of those questions are directly linked as well to issues of security and stability in the eastern and other areas of the country; each is also important by itself. Security sector reforms, most critically military reform efforts, also remain at the centre of key immediate priorities. President Kabila recently repeatedly reaffirmed the importance of that sector and his intentions to implement major new activities in that regard. However, it remains of vital importance to define a comprehensive strategy that provides the needed resources, engagements and expertise of all parties under Congolese Government overall direction. We will maintain an active dialogue with Government authorities to define how those initiatives may unfold.”
2013-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6925 (2013) · source
“It is too early to reach definite conclusions about how those processes can and will unfold. The issues represented, however, are of obvious importance to the future of the country and its people. I must also note that critical reviews of the existing stabilization and reconstruction plan for areas emerging from armed conflict/international strategy for security and stabilization programmes in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as well as moves to advance to formal adoption the Peace Consolidation Programme for other areas of the country, are also moving forward. All of them are of great importance for the stability and development of the country. All affect the issues of MONUSCO involvement, the transfer of functions, as possible, to country team members, and how key issues may be addressed generally.”
2013-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6925 (2013) · source
“Just within the past week, the Assembly also passed a required legal review by the Supreme Court, which will be forwarded to President Kabila for promulgation in the next few days, which we expect soon. That will set the stage for INEC reforms, including a new formulation of an oversight plenary and executive board. As that unfolds, we will need to examine, in collaboration with all engaged partners, the prospects and timing for needed pending democratic and transparent provincial and local elections to determine an appropriate engagement to support the process. That represents a critical phase of development for the nascent democracy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as well as for pending decentralization moves consistent with the 2006 Constitution and popular will, all in the general existing political context.”
2013-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6925 (2013) · source
“Those include security concerns, focused on large and growing IDP camps in North Kivu, in protecting those in the camps from attacks. We have achieved some progress in that regard. However, I would very much urge all Member States and organizations to be as forthcoming as possible to support those humanitarian efforts to the maximum extent possible, so as to facilitate effective responses to the already enormous, and likely growing, needs. Before concluding my remarks, I would like to briefly note a few important developments also touching on MONUSCO's mandate. The Nations Assembly recently adopted a new election law providing for substantial reforms to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).”
2013-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6925 (2013) · source
“The increasing challenge to humanitarian agencies has been growing increasingly acute, particularly in the light of the ongoing financial pressures limiting funding for needed operations. Humanitarian workers are facing daunting challenges in delivering services to needy populations, certainly including, but not limited to, the large and growing numbers of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the Kivus, but elsewhere as well. The challenges include adequate access as needed and associated security threats posing potential immediate dangers to the individuals and agencies involved. We are working as closely as possible with MONUSCO resources and those drawn from all United Nations agencies to respond to those needs.”
2013-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6925 (2013) · source
“In that case, a FARDC counter-attack using troops from Kisangani was able to drive out the Rayi Mutumboki elements a day after their occupation of the town, driving them east towards Kasese, a town in Maniema that was still under Rayi Mutumboki occupation as of early this week. Fortunately, there were no casualties among the humanitarian workers from a number of agencies operating in the area. Nonetheless, that, too, represents a worrisome development to which we have a limited ability to respond. I would also note, in passing, as significant issues to monitor, potential problems with continuing tensions in parts of Equateur province and reported significant refugee flows from the Central African Republic into Equateur.”
2013-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6925 (2013) · source
“Unfortunately, we have a very limited presence in the area and, correspondingly, a limited capacity for response. Nonetheless, we are looking at all possibilities involving all relevant country team agencies, as well as MONUSCO, and working with local, provincial and national authorities to identify options. I fear, however, that the situation will likely grow worse in the coming weeks. Likewise, I have been concerned by events that took place roughly a week ago, with the temporary occupation of the town of Punia in Maniema province by a cell of the Rayi Mutumboki militia group - a considerable distance from what had been their area of operations in South Kivu province. That represents another expansion of the reach of militia activity and violence and, again, beyond the area of any MONUSCO presence.”
2013-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6925 (2013) · source
“In discussing current security threats, I must also note the recent worrisome security developments in Katanga and other provinces. The Mayi-Mayi leader known as Gedeon and associated militias, such as Kata Katangais and others, have been increasing their activities in northern Katanga province since Gedeon's escape from prison in late 2011. The situation has now reached alarming proportions, affecting a growing geographic region and already producing a major humanitarian crisis. The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs now estimates that there are 316,000 displaced persons in Katanga because of Gedeon-related military activity. That number is growing. We have received many requests for an increased MONUSCO presence and response.”
2013-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6925 (2013) · source
“I am convinced that a peace enforcement capability on the ground is a necessary component to help achieve the conditions necessary to obtain the engagements and commitments needed by all parties to permit a durable peace in the area to be established. As a specific proposal for that prospective force is finalized - likely utilizing military forces to be provided by SADC - I would strongly encourage the Council to give serious consideration to the proposal, its needs and requirements and, I hope, provide the necessary support and authorization for such a force to be deployed at the earliest time possible. I believe that represents an urgently needed and important response to the existing situation on the ground, especially in North and South Kivu.”
2013-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6925 (2013) · source
“The other is the widely discussed proposal for an additional military force or brigade within MONUSCO equipped with a peace enforcement authority going beyond a traditional United Nations peacekeeping mandate. From my perspective, it has become increasingly clear that the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, now MONUSCO, has long operated consistent with a traditional United Nations peacekeeping model developed and based on a post-conflict environment. Unfortunately, of course, as recent events have underscored anew, the environment in which the Mission operates is much more and too often one of active conflict. Seeking to adapt a post-conflict peacekeeping model to this context has not been particularly satisfactory.”
2013-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6925 (2013) · source
“I will not detail all of those here, as the Council has already received substantial reporting and updates on these efforts. I will briefly mention, however, two particularly important pending initiatives with a direct potential impact on MONUSCO activities. The first has been the proposal to add an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) surveillance capability to MONUSCO. I would like to express my personal thanks and appreciation to the Council for its support ofthis proposal, and I can assure Council members that we are moving forward with the relevant New York offices to ensure deployment of these UAVs at the earliest possible time. Our field personnel have affirmed to me the importance of the potential benefits that can accrue from this new capability, once deployed.”
2013-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6925 (2013) · source
“Indeed, as new threats are emerging in other areas, including Maniema and Katanga provinces, we have a very limited opportunity to respond to them. As the Council is aware, there have been a broad range of regional and international efforts under way in regard to this daunting array of issues, and most especially in regard to the threats posed by the M-23, FDLR, ADF and other armed groups in North and South Kivu. These include the regional peace framework initiative spearheaded by the Secretary-General's office to achieve a durable peace in the region, talks under way in Kampala under the general coordination of Uganda as chair of the International Conference of the Great Lakes Region, and increased regional initiatives associated with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union.”
2013-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6925 (2013) · source
“Unfortunately, as is clear, this military engagement and that of the Congolese FARDC forces failed to halt a strong, well-conceived, well-equipped and determined operation to take control of Goma. MONUSCO has been continuously reviewing our deployments and bases of operations to try to ensure maximum capacity to respond not only to the M-23 operations, but also to the threat posed by a wide variety of armed groups throughout eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Our civilian and police components and United Nations specialized agencies have all worked closely together to respond as effectively as possible to a broad and growing range of security and humanitarian issues. I must underscore again, however, that our forces and our resources are stretched very thin over a broad area.”
2013-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6925 (2013) · source
“It should also be noted that the sparsely settled but very large areas of Haut-Uele and Bas-Ue'le' districts also continue to experience elevated levels of violence from criminals, including poachers. MONUSCO has sought to respond to all of these threats using all available resources and to the limits of our mandate. As noted in the Secretary-General's report, for example, and contrary to a considerable amount of erroneous press reporting at the time, MONUSCO was substantially engaged militarily to oppose M-23 offensive operations, including the November offensive against Goma. I would be happy to supply Council members with a detailed account of the military operations surrounding that M-23 offensive, as may be desired.”
2013-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6925 (2013) · source
“In collaboration with the Dungu Joint Intelligence and Operations Centre, we continue to estimate LRA combatant levels in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to be very limited. Generally operating in small and usually poorly equipped and supplied groups, LRA fighters certainly do continue to exact severe violence on civilians they target, including abductions, significant violence and looting by armed elements. Also, of course, the group retains the capability to move forces across borders at will, requiring ongoing vigilance and regional cooperation to put an end to this regional threat. For some time now, however, LRA operations and numbers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have been of more limited scale.”
2013-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6925 (2013) · source
“As of 15 February, however, only 19 FDLR combatant repatriations have been recorded for the month, apparently indicating a return to the generally low repatriation levels of late 2012. Despite these conditions, there is no evidence that the FDLR has been able to build any new strength; in fact, all reports suggest the opposite. While the FDLR certainly does retain a significant capacity for making trouble in the areas of its operations, particularly in North Kivu, it seems clear that its overall position is weak - certainly compared to that of two or more years ago. In Orientale district in north-eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, the attacks and generally activities of the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) also appear limited.”
2013-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6925 (2013) · source
“There has been a major reduction in the number of FDLR personnel processed for repatriation since a peak of 141 repatriated combatants was achieved in March 2012, just before the outbreak of the M-23 rebellion. This result was associated with the joint operations then ongoing in South Kivu. Numbers have fallen considerably since. We did record an unusual surge in January of 66 repatriated Rwandan FDLR combatants, in contrast to the 29 recorded in December. Forty-four of these, however, were in South Kivu, apparently connected with a large-scale move of the majority of FDLR personnel left in that province, apparently seeking areas safer from attack by Rahiya Mutumboki and others.”
2013-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6925 (2013) · source
“This general increase includes some increased activity by the Ugandan Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) group based in northern North Kivu, although it is not clear at this time whether this represents a longer-term trend or is a short-term coincidence. Widespread reports of killings, sexual Violence including rape, the use of children and forced recruitment, and other human rights abuses characterize the violence in essentially all areas. There are two relative brighter spots, if I may use that term, in the general security scene in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. One is the continuing weakness of the FDLR and its apparent inability to rebuild or reinforce its general capabilities, despite the general lessening of FARDC and joint military operations directed against them since the beginning of the M-23 rebellion.”
2013-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6925 (2013) · source
“All contribute to a general situation of instability, an overall degradation of security conditions, and a state of quasi-permanent threat to much of the population of the province. The M-23 has been unable to establish any significant base of support outside of its occupied area of North Kivu, despite its strong efforts to do so. Nonetheless, there has been a general increase in militia activity in South Kivu province, increased insecurity in the northernmost portion of North Kivu, and ongoing strife in Ituri district of Orientale province, facilitated by security voids and the general preoccupation of authorities with the M-23 threat.”
2013-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6925 (2013) · source
“For example, in the very volatile area around Pinga in North Kivu, there have been ongoing clashes between Mayi- Mayi Cheka, with Cheka having shifted his collaboration from the FDLR to the M-23, and the Alliance des patriotes pour un Congo libre et souverain, a militia now sharing anti-M-23 objectives with the FARDC. Other armed confrontations are regularly occurring involving a number of other forces, including the FDLR, Rahiya Mutumboki, Nyatura, the Front Congolais pour la retablissement de la democratic, Mayi-Mayi Shetani, and various other groups. Inter-community ethnic tensions, sharply heightened since last year by the M-23 rebellion, characterize many of these conflicts.”
2013-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6925 (2013) · source
“A renewed Congolese police presence has been established in Goma with the support and collaboration of MONUSCO, which has been maintaining order despite a shortage of arms, vehicles and other resources since the M-23 occupation of the city. Absent the three-way security arrangement at the Goma airport called for by the Kampala agreement, MONUSCO has maintained overall control of the airport from the time of the occupation through the present. Associated with this situation, we have continued to see a general increase in Congolese militia activity through the province. Whether by design or simply circumstance, the continuing clashes between armed groups have assumed the character of proxy battles.”
2013-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6925 (2013) · source
“Those have provoked in recent weeks increased fears and rumours in the area of an imminent resumption of large-scale military actions. They are indicative of a generally tense and fearful atmosphere in Goma and the general region. The overall situation is volatile and precarious and could break down at any time into large-scale conflict without much, if any, prior warning. Government forces, the Forces armees de la Republique democratique du Congo (FARDC), are maintaining a military presence in Goma of 650 troops, in accordance with the Kampala agreement. The FARDC Eighth Military Region headquarters has been re-established in an area south of Sake in the province.”
2013-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6925 (2013) · source
“In addition, MONUSCO continues to receive many reports of continuing M-23 recruitment of new combatants, including through the use of force, and widespread recruitment of minors. We have also observed that the M-23 has maintained significant military positions just outside of the city of Goma, in violation of the Kampala agreement reached last year. Those positions include well-placed firing positions on the Munigi Heights, which put the Goma airport within firing range. There has been no evidence to date of any general pullback of M-23 forces or a significant change in their general military posture. The M-23 forces maintain an appearance of being well supplied, well provisioned and well armed. The M-23 has also continued to conduct patrols or stage other operations immediately adjacent to the city of Goma.”
2013-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6925 (2013) · source
“The consequences of the rebellion arising both from the direct action of the M-23 forces and the indirect effects felt throughout North Kivu and neighbouring provinces represent the most serious security threats to stability in the region in general and the population in particular, at least since I took up duties in Kinshasa in July 2010. While there has been a general pause in M-23 offensive operations since its temporary occupation of the provincial capital of Goma late last year, the M-23 has continued to consolidate its own administrative structures in the portion ofNorth Kivu it occupies, with reports of widespread violence and threats of violence within that area, targeting local authorities or others who attempt to resist its authority.”
2013-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6925 (2013) · source
“Worse yet, certain areas have seen a significant deterioration in security and humanitarian terms. I refer here to the situation in northern Katanga. Moreover, it is my intention to focus the Council's attention on the security situation and associated key factors. Of course, I will briefly touch on certain other important developments linked to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. (spoke in English) The attention of both the Congolese authorities and the international community has been focused mostly on the mutiny originally started by Bosco Ntaganda and now widely referred to as the Mouvement du 23 mars (M-23) rebellion. That attention is well merited.”
2013-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6925 (2013) · source
“I am honoured to have been given the opportunity to present to the Security Council an overview of the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and on the work of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) in the context of the report of the Secretary-General distributed to the Council last week (S/20l3/96). Certain elements of the current situation are encouraging, including the relative continued weakness of the organization and combatants of the Forces democratiques de liberation du Rwanda (FDLR) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Nevertheless, I regret to inform the Council that the general security situation in eastern part of the country has continued to deteriorate since my last briefing (see S/PV.6868).”
2013-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6925 (2013) · source
“With professionalism, courage and determination, the Blue Helmets and civilian staff have risen to the challenge of fulfilling the mandate that the Council has conferred upon them. They are therefore deserving of recognition and praise. I thank them, and I thank the Council for its support.”
2012-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6868 (2012) · source
“I strongly encourage continued efforts in that regard. I also applaud the recent initiative to study sanctions against those bearing responsibility for the rebellion and all those guilty of serious human rights abuses. (spoke in French) I would like again to reiterate my heartfelt appreciation to all members of the Council and other Member States for the support they have shown to MONUSCO and the personnel who are working in difficult and dangerous conditions. Allow me to address to all MONUSCO's staff, both civilian and military, a final word of gratitude and praise. In the context of the very worrisome situation in North Kivu, the entire United Nations staff continues to work tirelessly, often in the most difficult of circumstances, thereby demonstrating a spirit of sacrifice and commitment that honours the ideals of the United Nations.”
2012-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6868 (2012) · source
“We can state with certainty that the M-23 rebellion has called into question all the efforts to achieve progress for a stable and successful North Kivu province and provide for the peaceful coexistence of all groups and ethnicities for the common benefit of all. The rebellion as such is not by any standard an answer to grievances, real or imagined, and in fact greatly works against the well-being of all in the region. The killings and other human rights abuses being committed heighten the crime.Those responsible for those acts must be held to account. It is of critical importance to bring an end to the situation soon. That will require the goodwill of all in the region. I believe the interest and engagement of the international community to date has been essential to the search for solutions.”
2012-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6868 (2012) · source
“They exhibit many characteristics of a strong, disciplined established military force, with sophisticated tactics and operations, including night operations, which are not characteristic of traditional performance. MONUSCO does not have the mandate or means to investigate or verify the sources or methods by which those impressive capabilities have been achieved. That is a task that falls within the purview of the Group of Experts whose mandate is to develop information and answers such questions. We have reported, and can continue to report, our encounters with English- speaking officers, the use of surprising weaponry and equipment, and other signs of external support.”
2012-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6868 (2012) · source
“We are determined to do our part and do all we can within our mandate in order to continue that partnership and achieve results that enable the Congolese people to achieve as rapidly as possible the security conditions and prospects for social and economic development to which they have a right and most certainly deserve. Finally, I would like to conclude with some personal observations about the tragic current situation in North Kivu, which poses such a grave threat to the Congolese people and all the goals and objectives we share. The M-23 forces are well provisioned and well supplied with uniforms and a variety of arms and munitions, many of which clearly have not come from existing FARDC stocks.”
2012-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6868 (2012) · source
“That can be done, I believe, but only with a strong commitment on the part of the international community, underscoring the responsibility of all States concerned to contribute to a positive and peaceful outcome. Clearly any resolution must be reinforced through comprehensive security-sector, and specifically military, reform policies and programmes, with associated full engagement and support from the international community. I believe that we have established a strong partnership with the Congolese authorities. The ongoing joint assessment process is a good example, as it provides a solid basis for the continuing evaluation and assessment of security threats and appropriate responses.”
2012-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6868 (2012) · source
“They represent essential interrelated elements of an overall strategic approach, and we are very much committed to maintaining full engagement with those activities, even as we are focused on immediate security threats from armed groups. Despite the setbacks, I believe it important to remember that much has been accomplished over the years in addressing a wide array of major and daunting issues. Clearly, many aspects ofthat progress have been reversed in recent months, in North Kivu province in particular, as a result of the M-23 rebellion. It is difficult, if not impossible, to enhance State authority and governance with an active and strong armed movement under way. It is clearly essential to resolve this crisis, roll back the reversals and resume forward movement.”
2012-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6868 (2012) · source
“I readily acknowledge that it has taken far longer than I had hoped to move to implementation, but I believe that we are now on track to what promises to be a productive new approach to stabilization and development programmes. I must also emphasize that the solid accomplishments of the stabilization operations in western Democratic Republic of the Congo and those in the east are absolutely essential to achieving durable and satisfactory security conditions, as well as conditions to provide for an improved standard of living for the Congolese people. Even in the most troubled portions of eastern Congo, stabilization and development activities remain key to successful security programmes.”
2012-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6868 (2012) · source
“We anticipate being able to present a report on the results of that study at the time of the next report of the Secretary-General. We also achieved in September the establishment of area coordinators in three initial provinces in central and western Democratic Republic of the Congo, taking the place of traditional MONUSCO head of offices. We hope that those individuals, drawn from United Nations specialized agencies, will be able to further integrate comprehensive development and stabilization efforts appropriate to their respective provinces, drawing from all parts of the United Nations system, as well as effective coordination with other implementing partners and agencies.”
2012-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6868 (2012) · source
“We will continue our efforts to support the election process, including with respect to the full and inclusive participation of all parties in the discussion, and, of course, all possible technical and other support for the achievement of credible and democratic elections. Our stabilization mandate also remains a critical prioritythatisessentialforCongolesefuturedevelopment and security. The framework of the International Security and Stabilization Support Strategy in support of the stabilization and reconstruction plan for areas emerging from armed conflict, long established in eastern Congo, is currently undergoing a strategic review involving the United Nations, contributing partners and, of course, Government authorities to determine areas of success and where adjustments or changes are indicated to achieve more effective results.”
2012-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6868 (2012) · source
“It is my understanding that compromises regarding many key specific issues have been found, including adequate representation on a commission executive board of majority, opposition and civil society representatives. Some remaining important differences remain, however, on specific aspects. We have strongly urged all parties to work to find acceptable solutions to these questions as rapidly as possible. Both the Speaker ofthe National Assembly and the President of the Senate have expressed to me in the past two weeks their confidence and their determination to have this essential piece of legislation adopted at the current legislative session.”
2012-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6868 (2012) · source
“In that regard, major interest is focused on a pending proposed piece of legislation to reorganize the Independent National Electoral Commission, now before the Congolese National Assembly. That legislation is an essential step to enable meaningful discussion of a future timetable, the specifics of how future elections are to be conducted, and the question of international engagement and support for those elections. Obviously, the answers to these questions will also be important for future national and local election cycles. A special commission was established to seek to identify appropriate compromises between majority and opposition members to permit election commission reform legislation to go forward with broad support.”
2012-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6868 (2012) · source
“We will continue to work intensively with civilian and military authorities, as well as other interested parties, to see how we can most effectively contribute directly to the needed programmes, including through training efforts, as well as help promote the realization of a full and comprehensive Congolese plan to produce stronger, more professional and more capable military forces as rapidly and effectively as possible. The election process also remains a major focus of interest in the Democratic Republic of the Congo as well as to major international partners. Completion of the current electoral cycle with democratic, transparent and credible provincial and local elections is a major immediate objective and one of importance to maintaining a path towards a more secure and durable democratic future.”
2012-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6868 (2012) · source
“I am in receipt of a 31-page document just prepared by the Congolese defence authorities outlining the status of reform objectives, plans and work done to date. Important work, however, remains to be done to define fully the architecture of the comprehensive reform plan, an institutional framework for the implementation of the plan and, importantly, a framework that can effectively mobilize, coordinate and integrate contributions and the needed participation to effect the required programmes. In addition, a more systematic identification of the financing and other resources needed for timely and effective implementation is required.”
2012-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6868 (2012) · source
“All of the issues I have identified underscore the need for intensified efforts to effect broad military reform, complementing and fulfilling the efforts already under way in other security-sector areas, such as the active programme with the Congolese National Police and initiatives under way in the justice sector, as described in the relevant annex of the Secretary-General's report. We have been engaged in in-depth discussions with the Congolese authorities on this subject, and I am confident that there is broad recognition of the need for a full, comprehensive and strong military reform programme addressing multiple areas and needs. Important progress has been achieved regarding the establishment of a needed legal and statutory basis for the organization, structure and status of military forces.”
2012-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6868 (2012) · source
“The Prime Minister, Vice-Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, the Minister of Justice and other officials have all fully endorsed that plan and have committed to personal interest in a timely and effective implementation programme. That follows the substantial success already achieved to identify and remove minors from units of the armed forces, and the relevant United Nations agencies and MONUSCO are fully engaged now with the Government to elaborate and implement all elements of the now-formal action plan. In that regard, I would like to express particular thanks to the Special Representative of the Secretary- General for Children and Armed Conflict, Leila Zerrougui, formerly a MONUSCO Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, for her great contribution to bringing that initiative to formal adoption.”
2012-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6868 (2012) · source
“While this most certainly does not constitute a full solution to the ongoing problem, nor yet an end to a perceived sense of impunity, we believe that this strong programme of prosecutions, combined with training modules incorporated into all phases of training for military, police, and other security personnel, and an active engagement on the part of senior political, military, and police leadership in this effort, will constitute a firm foundation for effecting change in this key area. In another key human rights sector, a key milestone was recently achieved with the signing of an action plan against the use of children to fully eliminate the use of children as combatants and their participation in any way in Government actions, in violation of international law and standards.”
2012-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6868 (2012) · source
“While those in armed groups guilty of such crimes or bearing command responsibility for acts of sexually based violence are normally beyond reach, Congolese Government authorities and the Mission maintain the objective of seeking to bring to justice all those involved. In addition, we have maintained an active programme of working to support military prosecutors in bringing to justice those in the security services who are guilty of such crimes. In 2011, military prosecutors achieved 213 convictions of individuals guilty of serious human rights abuses. The vast majority of those cases were associated with sexually based violence, and the majority of those prosecutions were supported by the MONUSCO Rule of Law Section. The conviction rate in 2012 appears on track for roughly the same number of convictions.”
2012-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6868 (2012) · source
“For example, we no longer have the capacity to open new operating military bases without the need to close others. We are constantly confronting the issue of assessing conditions and priorities to determine how we may have the most effective impact. These limitations again underscore the importance of close and effective coordination and collaboration with the FARDC and Congolese Government authorities, who of course bear the sovereign and primary responsibility and authority to ensure adequate security conditions for their population. We can and are determined, however, to provide as much support as we are able to that effort. Rape and other sexually based violence also remains an ongoing problem and a major priority for MONUSCO and the United Nations specialized agencies.”
2012-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6868 (2012) · source
“The Ugandan Allied Democratic Forces/National Army for the Liberation of Uganda continues to be present in northern North Kivu, and while generally not preying on the civilian population to the extent of these other groups, it represents a substantial and worrisome ongoing capacity threatening regional security and the safety and well- being of civilians throughout the region. In Katanga province, the activities of the convicted and escaped military leader Gedeon and those choosing to associate themselves with him poses a growing security problem in the north-central portion of the province, and again we are working actively with Congolese authorities to deal with this threat. All of these threats, of course, have considerably stretched our human and other resources.”
2012-11-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6868 (2012) · source