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

“None of us can afford to reduce our level of activity in any way in that critical area, as too many Congolese women, and as a result Congolese society as a whole, suffer from this terrible problem. Prisons also remain a significant problem, and the late 2011 escape of Mayi Mayi leader Gedeon in a mass prison break underscores it, as he shows signs of establishing a renewed militia presence in Katanga province. It is very clear that there is much more to do in that area.”
2012-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6712 (2012) · source
“We have been continuing to support an encouraging increase of military and other prosecutions of those guilty of rapes and other sexual violence, as well as other serious human rights abuses, in order to put an end to impunity. I assure you the Council that we will continue to pursue every opportunity to bring those guilty of such crimes to justice. I must also note, however, that data increasingly suggest that a great deal of the sexual violence, including rape, in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and other regions of the country substantially involves civilians committing those grave crimes against women. I strongly believe that the issue demands much greater attention from all of us involved in that critically important area. I would urge all Governments and organizations to consider increased attention to the problem.”
2012-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6712 (2012) · source
“It is too early to comment specifically as to what may be possible, but I will say that I am encouraged by the ideas being considered. These, of course, would be fully consistent with essential programmes and activities being pursued in other key security sector areas, including programmes to expand 12-22477 police training and generally augment Congolese National Police capabilities, and to bolster justice and corrections systems programmes. I believe that the police and military justice systems already being implemented by MONUSCO, in partnership with relevant Congolese authorities, have been particularly successful and shown demonstrable results in augmenting Congolese National Police capabilities. Rape and sexual violence continue to be a major problem and the focus of Mission and United Nations agency attention and activities.”
2012-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6712 (2012) · source
“In that regard, I am pleased to report that the recent addition of one South African and three Pakistani military transport helicopters and the expected arrival of four Ukrainian combat helicopters in coming weeks will provide a much needed boost to MONUSCO capabilities in the east, which have been severely impacted in recent months by insufficient military helicopter capability. I would like to express my appreciation to all those involved in providing those very important additions. In our discussions with Congolese partners, we have also been exploring ideas as to how overall FARDC capabilities can be strengthened and augmented. Military reform and strengthening are clearly a key element to the achievement of druable security conditions in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2012-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6712 (2012) · source
“We have recently been having some very productive discussions with FARDC interlocutors regarding a variety of actions to address the aforementioned threats and realize lasting improvements in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. These include renewed military pressure directed at the FDLR and other armed groups seeking to realize further degradation of FDLR and other armed group capabilities, the maximum possible repatriation of foreign combatants, and the demobilization of Congolese militia or other armed groups.”
2012-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6712 (2012) · source
“We will continue our active cooperation with Congolese authorities and coordination with other United Nations missions in pursuit of putting an end to the LRA threat in the Congo, consistent with our mandate. The Allied Democratic Front/National Army for the Liberation of Uganda also retains a significant military capacity in northern North Kivu, as underscored by a recent attack by the group targeting an FARDC unit. In addition, the activities of some ostensibly integrated FARDC elements that do not accept or follow central command and State authority also continue to pose a serious threat to stability and security in the Kivus. That is particularly true of Bosco Ntaganda and those allied to him, which represents a significant challenge to the establishment of lasting and secure conditions for the area.”
2012-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6712 (2012) · source
“In north-eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, the activities of the Ugandan Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) have in fact been reduced in recent months, and extensive operations by MONUSCO and the Forces armees de la Republique democratique du Congo (FARDC) were conducted to preclude larger- scale potential end-of-year LRA attacks. Nonetheless, the LRA clearly continues to pose a serious threat in a region that includes portions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Central African Republic and South Sudan. We welcome initiatives taken by the African Union for a regional approach to the LRA threat, as well as the deployment of United States military personnel in support of operations to address that threat.”
2012-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6712 (2012) · source
“Working with the Democratic Republic of the Congo authorities, we intend to pursue all possible activity to achieve a further reduction in FDLR capabilities. A new point of concern has been the emergence or growth of various Congolese groups in North and South Kivu, some positioning themselves as so-called self-defence groups targeting various perceived opponents. As well, some existing groups, for example Mayi Mayi Yakutumba in South Kivu, have also shown increased armed and criminal activity, often in combination with various arrangements with other armed groups, including the FDLR and Burundian Forces nationales de liberation. All of them represent a significant threat to civilians and to the general security in the areas where they operate.”
2012-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6712 (2012) · source
“The January massacre of an estimated 54 3 civilians in remote areas of Shabunda territory, South Kivu province, is a tragic and visible example of this activity and the continuing predatory actions of the FDLR. Our own analysis of these attacks suggest that this indicates no underlying renewed strength of FDLR capabilities, but rather a continuation of past patterns of reprisals taken by FDLR forces against relatively soft targets to intimidate civilians and seek to bolster their positions. In reality, however, the loss of some senior commanders, continuing encouraging numbers of FDLR combatants and dependents being processed for repatriation to Rwanda, and information confirming ongoing internal tensions and strains within the FDLR leadership all suggest continuing relative weaknesses in the organization.”
2012-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6712 (2012) · source
“We strongly encourage all elected officials and political leaders to carry out fully and actively their political and civic responsibilities on behalf of the Congolese people. The post-election environment has also of course permitted MONUSCO and Congolese officials to re-evaluate security conditions in the country, and in particular the continuing threats to the civilian population and general stability of the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. The protection of civilians, of course, remains MONUSCO's highest priority. In that regard, apparent renewed recent activity by the Forces democratiques de liberation du Rwanda (FDLR) movement has been of particular concern.”
2012-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6712 (2012) · source
“With the announcement of most recent provisional legislative results by the Independent National Electoral Commission, political attention in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is now shifting to the new National Assembly, the consolidation of coalitions, and the formation and ratification of a new Government. The timing and specific composition of the new structures are of course not yet clear, but preliminary discussions among various individuals and parties have certainly already been initiated. We believe it very important that all newly elected officials play an active and full role in these discussions and the work of the new institutions in the interests of their constituents and the country.”
2012-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6712 (2012) · source
“We have also supported extensive efforts in a variety of forums at the national and provincial levels to promote dialogue among Congolese parties, candidates, civil society and other stakeholders. It is our intent to do all possible to facilitate a full review of the election operations and, drawing from these and external observations, to provide support to ensure that improvements are implemented to achieve the maximum credibility of future elections. In particular, these will be immediately focused on the remaining important provincial and local elections to complete the current electoral cycle. I would note that although the timings of these elections are now uncertain, the importance of full, credible and transparent provincial and local elections is very clear.”
2012-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6712 (2012) · source
“This included full logistics support, fulfilling all commitments described in the original integrated logistics plans established with the Independent National Electoral Commission, and indeed additional supplementary support as new challenges emerged in the immediate run-up to the elections. In addition, the Mission has financed and carried out the training of the intervention units of the Congolese National Police, and provided non-lethal equipment to enhance the capacity of the Police to ensure the security of the 12-22477 electoral process. The Mission and the United Nations Development Programme are continuing to provide technical counsel and support to the maximum extent possible, although we have no official role or responsibility in the verification or ratification of announced results.”
2012-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6712 (2012) · source
“We have again emphasized to all candidates and parties the importance of utilizing legal channels for those seeking to contest results, as well as pursuing full dialogue and discussions among political leaders and parties to address all differences of view, including election-related issues. While it is essential that Government authorities ensure that all Congolese citizens fully enjoy their rights of freedom of expression and other rights, violent confrontations will not resolve any problems and only tend to propagate further violence. MONUSCO has provided all support possible to the electoral process consistent with our mandate.”
2012-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6712 (2012) · source
“it should provide as accurate as possible an overview of the process, draw relevant lessons and propose recommendations, and ensure that improvements are put in place so that future elections achieve the highest level of integrity possible. I would note that the Independent National Electoral Commission itself has already initiated action for the arrest and prosecution of some of its employees, while discussions of the broader review are proceeding. At the same time, we have strongly emphasized the importance of all parties and candidates utilizing fully peaceful means and dialogue to deal with points of contention. Only one candidate chose to deposit a legal challenge with the Congolese Supreme Court regarding presidential results. Provisional results for the legislative elections were announced only last week.”
2012-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6712 (2012) · source
“Nonetheless, the Independent National Electoral Commission was obliged to extend the period of voting to provide access to polls by voters, in some cases for several days. Various problems were reported in a number of cases by accredited domestic and international observer missions during this period, and 12-22477 particularly in the immediate aftermath during the compilation and verification processes to determine results. While none of the observer missions have determined that these problems necessarily would have changed the reported presidential results, we and others have expressed our strong concerns about the irregularities reported by the various observer missions, and believe a thorough and open review of the preparations and conduct of the November elections is important.”
2012-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6712 (2012) · source
“The late procurement and delivery of vital elections materials complicated an already difficult and tight election calendar. This prompted the mobilization of substantial additional aircraft and other resources from the Governments of South Africa, Angola and the Republic of the Congo, as well as from MONUSCO, to address logistical shortfalls and bolster the Independent National Electoral Commission's ability to successfully conduct the elections. Furthermore, the South African Government generously transported from South Africa to various points in the Congo large quantities of ballots, including supplementary orders to cover shortages in some areas in response to problems identified by the Commission.”
2012-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6712 (2012) · source
“We have been conducting a thorough investigation led by our Joint Human Rights Office and involving several other offices of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) and the United Nations to look into all reports of election violence. We plan to issue a detailed report of our findings in the near future. For now, I would wish to reiterate our condemnation of all acts of election-related violence and other violations of human rights, and my heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives, as well as all victims of the acts of violence that have taken place. As Council members are well aware, the elections themselves were marked by numerous problems.”
2012-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6712 (2012) · source
“The campaign period, however, was increasingly marked in some areas of the country, including Kinshasa, by political and inter-community tensions, too often fed by some political leaders and others who engaged in public or private rhetoric, exacerbating these tensions. Indeed, scattered incidents of violence during the campaign culminated in a day of particular tension and violence at the end of the campaign period on Saturday, 26 November in Kinshasa, as well as violent incidents in some other portions of the country, resulting in the deaths of many Congolese, as well as injuries to others, and contributing to post-election tensions as well.”
2012-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6712 (2012) · source
“It is a great privilege and honour for me to address the Council following an important period of major events in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Recent months have been characterized by many questions and uncertainties, and I believe that this moment for reflection and discussion is particularly important to the mission, to the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and to the region. (spoke in English) The attention of the Congolese and the international community has of course been heavily focused on the holding of national presidential and legislative elections late last year. As has been widely reported, despite enormous logistical and organizational challenges, voting got under way as 2 scheduled by the Congolese Independent National Electoral Commission on 28 November.”
2012-02-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6712 (2012) · source
“There have been significant developments in the Democratic Republic of the Congo since the years when the country was in the throes of war. That is clearly thanks to the Council's support and to combined efforts that we can genuinely continue to move towards reaching our common objectives. (spoke in English) I thank members for their support and attention.”
2011-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6649 (2011) · source
“Indeed, we hope the programme may help mobilize additional resources to implement programmes addressing those needs, which are not yet being adequately addressed. (spoke in French) In conclusion, I wish to express yet again my gratitude to the members of the Council and to the international community as a whole for their ongoing support, which is so valuable to us in carrying out our mandate. The problems we confront do not, for the most part, have short-term solutions. Therefore we need the Council's consistent commitment and continuing support. That support is essential for the Congolese people and for the region. I would also like to reiterate my gratitude and thanks to the many members of the staff of MONUSCO and of the agencies for their major contribution and their laudable commitment.”
2011-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6649 (2011) · source
“Our Stabilization Support Unit is indicating very promising advance commitments for the next phase of programmes. That represents encouraging results and engagement, but more is needed. In addition, we have moved forward with Government authorities and partners to establish and define a peace consolidation programme for the area of the country not included in the existing stabilization and reconstruction framework. That has been developed in full consultation with Government authorities and international partners. We hope it will be adopted at the earliest time possible and that it will 5 help guide development programmes to address major and urgent issues present in many areas of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2011-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6649 (2011) · source
“We can and should do more, and I would strongly encourage greater attention and involvement of all partners in this under-reported and under-studied area. Before concluding, let me also emphasize that we remain strongly engaged in the stabilization agenda to support the strengthening of State capacity and to establish the conditions needed for long-term stability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. President Kabila, in his address in September to the General Assembly (see A/66/PV.16) encouraged a greater emphasis on peacebuilding and development efforts. I would certainly endorse that sentiment. The stabilization and reconstruction programme in the east has succeeded in mobilizing over $243 million thus far in infrastructure and other development projects for the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2011-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6649 (2011) · source
“In another area involving a recent large- scale escape of 967 prisoners from a Katanga prison, our analysis has indicated that some 25 per cent of the escaped prisoners were serving sentences associated with sexual-based crimes. Anecdotal information would suggest that such figures are representative of other parts of the country as well. I draw two major observations from those reports. First, it is clear that there is in fact a broader problem of sexual- and gender-based crime, well above levels historically associated with the region prior to the years of conflict. Secondly, it is also clear that Congolese institutions are significantly engaged in this battle against impunity, despite severe resource and other constraints, and with limited external support. One conclusion is obvious.”
2011-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6649 (2011) · source
“Encouragingly, for example, we have reports that the North Kivu Military Prosecutor has now assembled sufficient evidence to proceed with the prosecution of former Mayi-Mayi Cheka leader Colonel Mayele, who is in custody, and of Cheka himself, who remains at large. More is needed, of course, but at least we are seeing a positive trend in prosecutions I must, however, also note one significant aspect of sexual-based crimes that still receives relatively little attention. A recent study financed by the British Embassy in Kinshasa found that in 2010, 653 prosecutions involving sexual-based crimes were 11-58366 initiated in Kinshasa. Of those, 623 were brought in civilian courts by a relatively weak civilian prosecution and court system receiving little external assistance or support. Over a third of those cases resulted in convictions.”
2011-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6649 (2011) · source
“Despite the extent of the problems, some significant progress has been achieved, particularly in the fight against impunity. Although only a few court cases have received press attention, in 2011, through 31 August, we have supported a total of 140 military trial prosecutions against FARDC and police, as well as two FDLR and one Mayi-Mayi Yakutumba combatants. Sentences for sexual violence were handed down to 111 elements, with additional convictions for 141 counts of human rights violations. We are committed to continuing our efforts to provide support to strengthening the judicial system, including support to prosecution cells and other activities to encourage and realize further prosecutions.”
2011-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6649 (2011) · source
“Roughly 40 per cent of the documented cases in the same time frame can be attributed to elements of the national army; of those, a majority is associated with so-called integrated elements, including the Congres national pour la defence du peuple and other former armed groups. Those units are ostensibly integrated into the FARDC but often are not fully responsive to command authority, if at all. They represent a significant problem in several respects. I believe that that integration model needs review and revision, since integrating armed elements without the benefit of adequate training, screening and alternative programmes has, in my view, produced unsatisfactory results. We will be fully prepared to support such a review. I believe it is key to successful future FARDC performance and reforms.”
2011-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6649 (2011) · source
“The activities of the armed groups in the east remain a fundamental cause. From January through September, of the documented cases of sexual-based crimes in eastern Congo, over half are attributed to armed groups, notably the FDLR, as well as various Congolese groups and the LRA. I believe that number to be underreported, as we often lack access and means to hear of or record other sexual crimes resulting from the operations of those groups. Clearly, the elimination of the threat posed by those groups therefore remains central to improving security and reducing sexual- based violence.”
2011-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6649 (2011) · source
“Similarly, the Ugandan Allied Democratic Forces/National Army for Liberation of Uganda remains a significant threat in northern North Kivu. Council members are well aware of the ongoing and particularly brutal regional threat posed by the Lord's Resistance Army, or LRA. While current LRA intentions or plans in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are unclear, we remain committed to do everything possible within our resources to protect civilians in north-eastern Congo against their attacks and to support the broader strategies to degrade overall LRA capabilities in the region, which are key to eliminating this menace. A major ongoing particular concern is sexual and gender-based violence in the Congo, particularly the shocking number of rapes that continue to be reported.”
2011-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6649 (2011) · source
“Similarly, other groups such as Rahiya Mutumboki in South Kivu, Mayi-Mayi Cheka and Mayi-Mayi Janvier or the Alliance des patriotes pour un Congo libre et souverain in North Kivu have continued or stepped up activities that threaten civilians in their local zones of operations as well. They must be addressed. Of the foreign armed groups still present in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, despite whatever breathing space has been afforded recently, the Rwandan FDLR continues to show signs of internal divisions and relative weakness. There too, it is important to restore strong military pressure on the group, alongside judicial and disarmament, demobilization, repatriation, reintegration and resettlement efforts, to promote greater levels of repatriation and a general continued degradation of their capability.”
2011-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6649 (2011) · source
“Espousing a xenophobic rhetoric that risks re-igniting serious inter-community tensions in the area, Yakutumba has increased its illegal operations on Lake Tanganyika and has grown increasingly bold in its attacks, including what appears to be a recent ethnic-based targeted killing of seven national workers from a local non-governmental organization. We will be working closely with the FARDC, within available resources, to counter that group at the earliest opportunity. At the same time, we are supporting community leaders and others who are seeking to ensure that inter-community tensions do not escalate.”
2011-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6649 (2011) · source
“Much of this has been related to the reorganization of the FARDC into regiments, a process that has left significant gaps that have been exploited by various groups. The problem has been exacerbated by the continuing shortage of MONUSCO military helicopters, which has imposed severe limits on the nature and level of our military operations. A net result of this problem has been the emergence or strengthening of several Congolese groups. A group identified as Mayi-Mayi Yakutumba, for example, has gained significant strength in South Kivu province, working in cooperation with the Burundian Forces nationales de liberation and elements of the Forces democratique de liberation du Rwanda (FDLR).”
2011-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6649 (2011) · source
“The major security concern in the country of course remains the activities of armed groups in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. While to date none of those groups has shown evidence of seeking to disrupt the election process as such, their activities continue to pose a major threat to civilian populations where they operate and, on a localized basis, threaten state functions, including the conduct of the polls. The protection of civilians remains our overriding priority, and is a major focus of much of MONUSCO's overall activities. Unfortunately, as reflected in the Secretary- General's report (S/2011/656), I believe that we - the Forces armees de la Republique democratique du Congo (FARDC) and MONUSCO - have lost momentum in dealing with armed groups in the east, particularly in North and South Kivu provinces.”
2011-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6649 (2011) · source
“I would also note with appreciation an additional unit being trained by the South African Government specifically for candidate protection, which is also a key factor in election security. I underscore again, however, the pressing need for additional non-lethal equipment for trained 3 police units, which we are unable to provide under MONUSCO financing. Of the $3 million in equipment needed for the six MONUSCO-trained battalions, for example, only $500,000 has been identified to date, that being a contribution by the United States Government. Therefore, we again appeal for additional donor funding to permit an expansion of police training programmes, which is an essential component for the Democratic Republic of the Congo's long-term stability and success.”
2011-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6649 (2011) · source
“In recent days, however, there have been worrisome actions and statements that contribute to or, worse, incite increased violence or other unacceptable behaviour. I would like to reiterate our call on all Congolese leaders to do everything possible to ensure a peaceful and orderly election period, and for those parties that have still not done so to sign the code of good conduct. I would also note that we have been actively training thousands of Congolese police in professional techniques of crowd control and public order. Observations to date of the six battalions of rapid intervention police trained by MONUSCO, as well as of two others trained by France and one by the Congolese Government, underscore the value of such training, as those units have performed well in accordance with their training.”
2011-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6649 (2011) · source
“Parties seeking to stage peaceful public demonstrations in accordance with established Congolese notification procedures must be accorded the right to do so without impediment. Indeed, it is essential that individuals and political parties are not denied their human rights and political freedoms in the pre-electoral period, which will be the focus of a report to be published on 9 November by MONUSCO and the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights. At the same time, it is very important for candidates and political leaders and their followers to behave in a responsible manner. I am pleased to note that the Governor and opposition representatives in Eastern Kasai have had a successful meeting in the wake of the 28 October demonstration to calm tensions and provide for a peaceful campaign period.”
2011-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6649 (2011) · source
“I believe that it is important for us all to focus on this area in the coming months and years, in partnership with Congolese Government authorities and civil society, to see how the participation of women 11-58366 contesting for electoral office in the future can be significantly increased. Security issues also have been an ongoing concern. We can anticipate that election-related tensions will increase as we draw closer to the 28 November election date. There was a particularly tragic occurrence on 28 October, when two persons, including a girl, were reportedly killed in Mbuji-Maya, Eastern Kasai province, on the margins of demonstrations in the town. The Congolese police and other authorities bear the primary responsibility to manage often difficult public order situations through non-lethal means.”
2011-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6649 (2011) · source
“INEC's budget overruns in the original election budget * for example, for unanticipated air transport of ballot boxes - have been covered by national authorities, with the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo likely to assume roughly 75 per cent of the total election costs. I must note one striking fact that is disappointing. Only roughly 12 per cent of National Assembly candidates are women; all of the presidential candidates are men. Women represent just under half of all the registered voters. It is clearly desirable to have greater participation by women in elected office.”
2011-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6649 (2011) · source
“The South African Government has generously committed to the transport of the roughly 3,000 tons of ballot papers directly to designated hubs in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, greatly simplifying the subsequent distribution requirements inside the country. Recruitment and training for the estimated 340,000 INEC agents needed for the elections is under way, as is training for the projected nearly 58,000 national observers. International observers from the European Union, the Carter Center and the Southern African Development Community are already in the country - the first deployments of what we estimate will be more than 600 accredited international observers. I am pleased to report that generous international financial support has fulfilled to-date all financial pledges for elections support.”
2011-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6649 (2011) · source
“We are fully engaged to ensure the democratic conduct of those elections on 28 November, in accordance with the INEC calendar. Of course, there have been, and there are, major challenges. But progress is being made. The election kits for polling stations, voting booths, training materials and related supplies have already arrived in the country, with most already transported by MONUSCO and INEC to 15 hubs and a majority of the 210 sub-hubs. Ballot boxes started to arrive on 28 October. A continuing flow of follow-on flights is occurring to ensure full delivery. Ballot papers for the presidential race are being printed in South Africa.”
2011-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6649 (2011) · source
“The importance of fulfilling the full cycle this time should not be underestimated. There is, unfortunately, a good deal of misinformation circulating regarding the Democratic Republic of the Congo's elections. In particular, as in 2006, the very sophisticated voter registration system incorporates scanned fingerprint and photo images. A check by two separate contractors of that voter database produced less than 120,000 duplicate entries- a major contrast to the hundreds of thousands erroneously spoken of in some press and other reports. That rate is on the same order as the one found in 2006, and is well within the bounds one would anticipate in a voter list of this size. In brief, let 11-58366 me just state that predictions of a process that cannot produce free, fair and transparent elections are simply wrong.”
2011-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6649 (2011) · source
“The organizational and logistics aspects of the scheduled 28 November presidential and legislative elections are of course enormous, with more than 32 million voters in a very large country. In addition to 11 presidential candidates, 18,864 National Assembly candidates have been registered, which is nearly double the number of those running in 2006. The number of polling stations has also increased significantly to provide additional capacity and opportunity for Congolese voters, with the final list of 63,865 polling stations recently published. The November national elections are the first in an election cycle that includes very important provincial elections scheduled for March 2012, and the 2013 local elections. Local elections were not held as anticipated in the 2006 election cycle.”
2011-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6649 (2011) · source
“For MONUSCO and the United Nations Development Programme in particular, we are heavily engaged in a wide variety of activities to support the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as it oversees and directs the election process. For example, we have added 30 civilian aircraft to the MONUSCO air fleet to help distribute election materials throughout the country in accordance with the INEC logistics plan. We are providing substantial technical assistance and have helped organize and support an ongoing series of activities to promote greater dialogue among political candidates and parties, civil society and Government institutions. I know that the Council was recently updated on many aspects of the election process, but I would wish to highlight a few observations with regard to some important election-related issues.”
2011-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6649 (2011) · source
“It is my honour once again to brief the Security Council on the current situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Allow me to thank you, Sir, for giving me the opportunity to do so. (spoke in English) The Democratic Republic of the Congo is currently the focus of a great deal of activity in preparation for the second round of democratic elections since those successfully held in 2006. I know that Council members are well aware of the importance of those elections. I would like to reaffirm the strong determination of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) and, indeed, of all members of the United Nations family in the Democratic 2 Republic of the Congo to contribute to peaceful, free and fair democratic elections in the country, with the support of many partners.”
2011-11-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6649 (2011) · source
“I should like to conclude by noting the outstanding progress made by partner countries, and especially by the Congolese themselves. The support of the Council and the various international partners has been crucial in the search for lasting peace, security and economic revival in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. (spoke in English) I thank the Council for its continuing support.”
2011-06-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6551 (2011) · source
“We in MONUSCO are committed, with the support of other partners, including Canada and the United States, to the joint prosecution support cell initiative and other programmes that support the work of FARDC investigators, prosecutors and judges. However, more is needed. In that regard, I very much encourage and welcome additional partner engagement in those areas, as well as for the important corrections sector. (spoke in French) In conclusion, allow me to take this opportunity to thank the personnel of MONUSCO and United Nations agencies for their unstinting devotion and support to the Mission. Their work has made a crucial contribution - and I am sure it will continue to do so- to the peace process, the holding of elections and, more generally, to the goal of peace and security in the region, which the Congolese people need so much.”
2011-06-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6551 (2011) · source
“I assure the Council of our eagerness to make effective use of the resources committed. I also would like to stress the importance of reinforced efforts to strengthen judicial and military institutions. The growing number of military trials of security personnel, including officers of the Forces armees de la Republique democratique du Congo (FARDC), who have been found guilty of serious abuses, including rape and other gender-based violence, has been very encouraging. This is critical to ending impunity, and the work of a number of military prosecutors and their staff is most commendable. However, capacity overall in both the civilian and military justice systems is still weak.”
2011-06-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6551 (2011) · source
“I must stress the particular importance of further strengthening the capabilities and functions of the Congolese National Police, which the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has requested MONUSCO to support. I welcome the encouraging recent passage of legislation by the National Assembly that provides for the role, responsibilities and structure of the Congolese National Police. We are very much committed to expanding police capacity and are conducting a range of programmes. However, they are limited by insufficient resources and cannot meet the requests of the Government. While expressing full appreciation to those partners already engaged in funding Congolese National Police programmes, I would like to appeal again to all potential donors to fund additional police training and equipment programmes.”
2011-06-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6551 (2011) · source
“Those include continued progress in implementing the International Security and Stabilization Programme in support of the stabilization and reconstruction plan for areas emerging from armed conflict initiative in the cast, for which more funding is needed. I am pleased to note good progress towards the formal adoption of a peace consolidation programme encompassing stabilization and development activities in the western parts of the country. I hope that this initiative will spur additional resource mobilization for urgently needed activities in those parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. International and Regional Cooperation Minister Tshibanda spoke of the status and importance of those programs during the 18 May discussion. I fully concur with his statements.”
2011-06-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6551 (2011) · source