YouSaid · the spoken record

Mehdiyev

lines on the record: 619
first: 2007-02-13
most recent: 2018-06-25
sittings or episodes: 104
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

“We believe that, as a regional arrangement, the OSCE has the potential to play a more consistent role in encouraging participating States to comply with their obligations under the United Nations Charter and the OSCE Helsinki Final Act of 1975, as well as to implement the resolutions adopted by the Security Council and the General Assembly. As an OSCE participating State and elected member of the Security Council, Azerbaijan stands ready to contribute to these efforts. The OSCE provides an ongoing forum for discussion towards a settlement of the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan, which sometimes is mistakenly referred to as the dispute over Nagorno Karabakh or even the conflict in Nagorno Karabakh.”
2012-02-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6715 (2012) · source
“At the outset, I should like to welcome His Excellency Mr. Eamon Gilmore, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Republic of Ireland and Chairperson-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), and to thank him for his statement. Azerbaijan supports the OSCE concept of comprehensive, cooperative and indivisible security, and considers the organization to be the most appropriate and unique framework for discussions on European security under Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations.”
2012-02-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6715 (2012) · source
“In conclusion, I would like to commend UNMIK, under the leadership of Special Representative Zarif, for its efforts and important role in maintaining peace and stability in Kosovo and the entire region.”
2012-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6713 (2012) · source
“The situation regarding the return of internally displaced persons, in particular the decline in the rate of such returns, remains a matter of concern and requires redoubled efforts. Continued cooperation on the issue of persons reported missing and on the protection of religious and cultural heritage is also essential for reconciliation between communities. Azerbaijan is concerned about reports related to human organ trafficking and believes that inquiries to investigate such a serious offence will definitely serve the principles of justice and the rule of law. We look forward to an objective investigation of the facts by the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo. At the same time, in order to ensure fairness and transparency, we support the View that the process must be empowered by and accountable to the Security Council.”
2012-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6713 (2012) · source
“Some positive results achieved so far in the framework of that dialogue and visible progress in the implementation of previously reached agreements are commendable and should be consolidated. We also hope that discussion on the European perspective, particularly on Serbia's European Union candidature status, will not be further delayed. We are pleased to observe some positive characteristics in Kosovo's economic development, including gross domestic product growth of 5 per cent in 2011 and a satisfactory fiscal performance. At the same time, as the Secretary-General notes in his report, some legislative measures on privatization-related matters constitute a departure from the relevant framework established by UNMIK.”
2012-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6713 (2012) · source
“Indeed, dangerous escalation of the situation and instability and insecurity in the area demonstrate how illusive were the hopes of those who preferred unilateral actions to the perspective of achieving a solution based on mutual understanding and consensus. Azerbaijan is deeply concerned about the tension and violent clashes observed in northern Kosovo during the reporting period. We note the efforts aimed at de-escalating tension and call upon all stakeholders on the ground to engage in dialogue and work together to restore stability. Under challenging circumstances, it is important that the sides continue to be constructively engaged in the European Union-facilitated dialogue.”
2012-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6713 (2012) · source
“The Court also left unanswered the question of the status of acts of recognition of Kosovo made by other States. Attempts to impose unilateral solutions on crisis situations and their far-reaching repercussions, including, in particular, when such actions are controlled from outside or are coupled with external aid or even foreign military intervention, continue to pose a serious threat to international and regional peace, security and stability. As the Secretary-General pointed out in his report, optimistic assumptions that durable solutions to the Kosovo issue might simply evolve from the status quo, without a strong vision for the way forward and a united engagement of the international community, are belied by dynamics on the ground (see S/2012/72, para. 52).”
2012-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6713 (2012) · source
“The resolution outlines explicit guidelines and steps to be taken for a comprehensive settlement in a political process and through negotiations. Neither the divergences on the interpretation of resolution 1244 (1999) nor the lack of progress in political negotiations can be presented as justifying unilateral action. It should be taken into account that in its advisory opinion of 22 July 2010, the International Court of Justice did not address the question of the legal consequences of Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence. Accordingly, the Court did not clarify whether Kosovo had the right to unilaterally secede from Serbia or, generally speaking, whether such secession conformed with international law, nor whether or not Kosovo's declaration of independence had led to the creation of a state.”
2012-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6713 (2012) · source
“At the outset, I would like to thank Mr. Edmond Mulet, Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, for presenting the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (S/2012/72). We welcome the participation in today's meeting of His Excellency Mr. Vuk Jeremie, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Serbia, and thank him and Mr. Enver Hoxhaj for their statements. Azerbaijan respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Serbia and does not recognize Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence. Security Council resolution 1244 (1999) is the binding international legal basis for resolving the Kosovo issue and providing security in the area.”
2012-02-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6713 (2012) · source
“Azerbaijan fully supports the efforts of the League of Arab States to address all aspects of the situation in Syria, including its steps aimed at ending the crisis and acts of violence. We are strongly of the view that the only solution to the crisis in Syria is through an inclusive and Syrian-led political process. It is important that obligations with respect to the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of Syria and all other States in the region are fully observed and respected.”
2012-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6706 (2012) · source
“In carrying out its primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, the Council must react adequately to put an end to illegal practices and policies and to ensure that human rights and fundamental freedoms are observed and respected. Azerbaijan is deeply concerned at the continuing destabilization, violence and widespread human rights violations in Syria, which have resulted in the deaths of thousands of people. The position of my country in this regard has been clearly reflected in our support for the recently adopted General Assembly resolution on the situation of human rights in the Syrian Arab Republic (Assembly resolution 66/176).”
2012-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6706 (2012) · source
“We proceed from the importance of reaffirming, with respect to the occupied Palestinian territories and similar situations in different parts of the world, the continuing applicability of all relevant international legal norms, achieving the invalidation of activities aimed at the consolidation of military occupations, initiating urgent measures towards removing the adverse effects of such activities and discouraging any further practices of the same or similar nature. We are of the view that the Security Council cannot remain indifferent to situations involving serious violations of international humanitarian and human rights law.”
2012-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6706 (2012) · source
“Regardless of whether settlements are new or old, they are illegal under international law and must be seized immediately, completely and unconditionally. Pursuant to article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention, the occupying Power shall not deport or transfer parts of its own civilian population into the territory it occupies. That constitutes the basis and expression of a rule of law prohibiting the establishment of settlements in the occupied territories consisting of the population of the occupying Power or of persons encouraged by the Power to settle those territories with the intention, expressed or otherwise, of changing the demographic balance.”
2012-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6706 (2012) · source
“Most alarming is that, apart from their impact on the rights, freedoms and everyday lives of the Palestinians, settlements cause serious damage to the peace process and, more specifically, threaten a two-State solution and the emergence of a viable Palestinian State. As was recently noted by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, "continuing settlement construction, expansion and encroachment on Palestinian land is an integral part of the ongoing fragmentation of the West Bank, including the isolation of the East Jerusalem." There is no doubt that such fragmentation undermines the legitimate right of the Palestinian people to self- determination, which is to be realized with the creation of a viable and contiguous Palestinian State alongside Israel.”
2012-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6706 (2012) · source
“Azerbaijan also supports the ongoing efforts towards Palestinian reconciliation and expresses its hope that Palestinian unity will soon be achieved. At the same time, as we have repeatedly stated on a number of occasions in the past, the lack of agreement on political issues in situations of armed conflict and military occupation cannot be used as a pretext for disrespect for international humanitarian and human rights law. Indeed, the prolonged occupation of the Palestinian territories has placed a tremendous burden on civilians. We are particularly concerned at the continued settlement policy and practices in the occupied Palestinian territories. The reports from both the United Nations and non-governmental organizations in that regard are self-evident.”
2012-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6706 (2012) · source
“It should be made clear that, in contrast to some other well-known situations involving groundless and illegitimate territorial claims - including those under the far-fetched pretext of care for ethnic minority groups - the people of Palestine have been recognized as having the right to self-determination and statehood. That has been affirmed in a number of United Nations resolutions and by the International Court of Justice in its advisory opinion on the Legal Consequences of the Construction of a Wall in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (see A/ES-10/273). We support the application of Palestine for admission to membership in the United Nations and look forward to a solution to the issue based on international law.”
2012-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6706 (2012) · source
“At the outset, I would like to welcome Mr. Ebrahim Ismail Ebrahim, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa, and to thank the South African presidency for convening this very important open debate on the situation in the Middle East. We are grateful for the briefing on the subject by Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs Oscar Fernandez-Taranco. Azerbaijan welcomes the valuable efforts of Jordan to revive negotiations and expresses its hope that the ongoing discussions in Amman will help to restart the peace process towards the achievement of a long-awaited comprehensive, just and lasting solution.”
2012-01-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6706 (2012) · source
“We would like to emphasize once again the responsibility of States to comply with their obligations to end impunity and to thoroughly investigate and prosecute persons responsible for such crimes in order to prevent violations, avoid their recurrence and seek sustainable peace, justice, truth and reconciliation. We are of the View that the international community, in general, and the Security Council, in particular, should react in cases of consistent disregard by States of their obligations to fight impunity. In conclusion, I would like to reiterate that, in order to achieve the goal of the rule of law, we should uphold fundamental principles, adhere to the uniform application of international law and promote the democratization of international relations.”
2012-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6705 (2012) · source
“In recent years, important steps have been taken for the protection and vindication of rights and the prevention and punishment of wrongs. Justice is a fundamental building block of sustainable peace that needs to be further strengthened, fully taking into account existing United Nations activities and structures, including in the fields of the rule of law and accountability. It is therefore important that peace and mediation efforts never accept or tolerate situations created by the unlawful use of force or other egregious violations of international law. They should never promise amnesties or encourage any other form of immunity for the most serious crimes of concern to the international community.”
2012-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6705 (2012) · source
“Ensuring the right to return represents a categorical rejection of the gains of ethnic cleansing and provides a significant measure of justice to those displaced from their homes and land. The impact of conflict on housing, land and property, as well as discrimination on ethnic grounds and forced demographic changes in situations of foreign occupation, require a more consistent and resolute international response. As the Secretary-General pointed out in his report, reparations mechanisms that compensate returnees for the illegal occupation of their property show promising results and should be replicated. Integral to the existing challenges is the need to ensure accountability for the most serious crimes of concern to the international community.”
2012-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6705 (2012) · source
“The fact that illegal situations continue because of political circumstances does not mean that they are therefore rendered legal. Law and justice are more important than force. With respect to such situations, we proceed from the importance of reaffirming the continuing applicability of all relevant international legal norms, putting an end to activities aimed at the consolidation of foreign occupation, initiating urgent measures towards removing the adverse effects of such activities, and discouraging any further practices of the same or a similar nature. The situation of the most vulnerable in societies affected by conflicts, in particular forcibly displaced persons, women and children, brings an element of urgency to the imperative of restoring the rule of law.”
2012-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6705 (2012) · source
“At the same time, greater efforts are needed to ensure a unified approach to the rule of law and to address the major threats and challenges that continue to affect basic elements of the international legal order, to undermine the national unity, territorial integrity and stability of States, and to generate disregard and contempt for human rights. In that regard, further efforts, in particular through resolute measures aimed at ensuring the strict compliance of parties to armed conflict with their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law, remain crucial and must be an absolute priority. The lack of agreement on political issues in situations of armed conflict and military occupation cannot be used as a pretext for disrespect of international humanitarian and human rights law.”
2012-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6705 (2012) · source
“At the outset, I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for having convened this very important open debate on the promotion and strengthening of the rule of law in the maintenance of international peace and security. We are grateful to the Secretary-General for his report on the rule of law and transitional justice in conflict and post-conflict societies (S/2011/634*), as well as for his briefing. Azerbaijan reaffirms its commitment to an international order based on international law and the rule of law and considers it essential to cooperation among States. In recent years, international attention on the importance of the rule of law at the national and international levels has significantly increased.”
2012-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6705 (2012) · source
“The punishment of crimes with an international dimension and scope has demonstrated how effective international justice can be when there is political will to support it. It is important to emphasize in this regard that ending impunity is essential not only for the purposes of identifying individual criminal responsibility for serious crimes, but also for ensuring sustainable peace, truth, reconciliation, the rights and interests of victims and the well-being of society at large. To hold otherwise would be tantamount to accepting the consequences of breaches of the rule of law and human rights and thus to legitimizing the results of wrongdoings.”
2010-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6354Resumption1 (2010) · source
“As far as the international responsibility for violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law is concerned, it is important to note that, in certain well-known instances, occupying Powers are responsible not only for the actions of their own armed forces and other organs and agents of their Governments, but also for the actions of subordinate separatist regimes illegally created by them in occupied territories. Integral to the existing challenges is the need to ensure accountability for violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law, both for individual perpetrators and for parties to conflict. In recent years, important steps have been taken for the protection and vindication of rights and the prevention and punishment of wrongs.”
2010-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6354Resumption1 (2010) · source
“Therefore, we proceed from the importance of reaffirming, in regard to such situations, the continuing applicability of all relevant norms of international humanitarian law and international human rights law, achieving the invalidation of activities aimed at the consolidation of military occupations, initiating urgent measures to mitigating the adverse effects of such activities, and discouraging any further practice of the same or similar nature.”
2010-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6354Resumption1 (2010) · source
“Ensuring the right to return constitutes a categorical rejection of the gains of ethnic cleansing and offers important measures of justice to those displaced from their homes and land, thereby removing a source of possible future tension and conflict. The lack of agreement on political issues should not be used as a pretext for not addressing problems caused by continued and deliberate disrespect for international humanitarian law and international human rights law in situations of armed conflict and military occupation.”
2010-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6354Resumption1 (2010) · source
“Particular consideration must be given to the implications for the protection of civilians in armed conflicts aggravated by population displacement and foreign occupation. The impact of conflict on housing, land and property, as well as forced demographic changes in such situations, require a more consistent approach to putting an end to illegal policies and practices and ensuring the safe and dignified return of displaced populations to their homes. It is important that the recognition of the right to return, along with increased attention to its practical implementation and concrete measures aimed at overcoming obstacles preventing return, be applied by the international community with more systematic regularity.”
2010-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6354Resumption1 (2010) · source
“At the same time, civilians continue to suffer from inadequate protection in situations of armed conflict. A defining feature of most, if not all, conflicts is still the failure of parties to respect and ensure respect for their legal obligations to protect civilians. The heightened vulnerability of civilian populations in wartime - in particular forcibly displaced persons, refugees, women and children - brings an element of urgency to our efforts. In that regard, insistent measures aimed at ensuring strict compliance by parties to armed conflict with their obligations under international humanitarian, human rights and refugee law remain crucial and must constitute an absolute priority.”
2010-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6354Resumption1 (2010) · source
“At the outset, I would like to thank you, Madam President, for organizing this timely and important debate on the protection of civilians in armed conflict, and Under- Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs John Holmes for his presentation on the matter. Azerbaijan aligns itself with the statement delivered today on behalf of the European Union. I would like to make a few additional remarks in our national capacity. The engagement of the Security Council, including its adoption of resolution 1894 (2009), as well as resolutions on women and children in armed conflict, has increased attention to protection issues. Azerbaijan recognizes and welcomes the important implementation steps taken since the adoption of resolution 1894 (2009).”
2010-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6354Resumption1 (2010) · source
“It is important to emphasize in this regard that ending impunity is essential not only for the purposes of identifying individual criminal responsibility for serious crimes, but also for ensuring sustainable peace, truth, reconciliation, the rights and interests of victims and the well-being of society at large. In conclusion, I would like to reiterate, that in order to achieve the goals of the rule of law, we should uphold fundamental principles, adhere to the uniform application of international law, and promote the democratization of international relations.”
2010-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6347Resumption1 (2010) · source
“Ensuring the right to return constitutes a categorical rejection of the gains of ethnic cleansing and offers important measures of justice to those displaced from their homes and land, thereby removing a source of possible future tension and conflict. Integral to the existing challenges is the need to ensure accountability for violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law, both for individual perpetrators and for parties to conflict. In recent years, important steps have been taken for the protection and vindication of rights and the prevention and punishment of wrongs. The punishment of crimes with an international dimension and scope has demonstrated how effective international justice can be when there is political will to support it.”
2010-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6347Resumption1 (2010) · source
“Particular consideration must be given to implications for the protection of civilians in armed conflict aggravated by population displacements and foreign occupations. The impact of conflict on housing, land and property in such situations requires a more consistent approach in order to ensure the safe and dignified return of those forced to leave their homes. It is important that the recognition of the right to return, along with increased attention to its practical implementation and concrete measures aimed at overcoming obstacles preventing return, be applied by the international community with more systematic regularity.”
2010-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6347Resumption1 (2010) · source
“As the concept note rightly points out, respect for international humanitarian law is an essential component of the rule of law in conflict situations and plays a crucial role in the maintenance of international peace and security. However, a defining feature of most, if not all, conflicts is the failure of the parties to respect and ensure respect for their legal obligations to protect civilians and spare them from the effects of hostilities. As a consequence, civilians continue to suffer from inadequate protection in situations of armed conflict. Therefore, further efforts in this regard, in particular through insistent measures aimed at ensuring strict compliance by parties to armed conflict with their obligations under international humanitarian, human rights and refugee law, remain crucial and must constitute an absolute priority.”
2010-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6347Resumption1 (2010) · source
“There should be better understanding that States acting in contravention of the Charter of the United Nation and international law, undermining the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States, violating international humanitarian law and human rights law and ignoring Security Council resolutions that explicitly condemn such behaviour, may forestall enforcement countermeasures only by putting a prompt end to their illegal acts and negotiating in good faith the prospects for peace, stability and cooperation. The fact that illegal situations continue because of political circumstances does not mean that they are thereby rendered legal or can go on forever. Law and justice are more important than force.”
2010-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6347Resumption1 (2010) · source
“It is obvious that, in situations of protracted inter-State conflicts and long-continued unsuccessful negotiations, the victim of an armed attack, especially when it suffers from illegal occupation of its territory and consistent measures by the aggressor State to sustain the situation, is entitled to the right to self-defence and can resort to it as soon as it arrives at the firm conclusion that prolonging the negotiations is an exercise in futility and that political settlement is unattainable.”
2010-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6347Resumption1 (2010) · source
“In circumstances where the aggressor State has neglected its obligation to settle the international dispute by peaceful means and thereafter has illegally used force to acquire control over the territory of another State, insistence on the application of the principle of peaceful settlement of disputes will inevitably play into the hands of an aggressor, tend to entrench positions of control, reinforce perceptions of the centrality of military strength in international relations, and encourage impunity rather than contribute to the triumph of justice. Undeniably, invasion or attack by the armed forces of a foreign State, military occupation and bombardment constitute armed attacks, triggering the right of self-defence in accordance with Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations and customary international law.”
2010-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6347Resumption1 (2010) · source
“Indeed, the commitment to resolving disputes through peaceful means and in accordance with international law is one of the cornerstones of the notion of the rule of law at the international level. The true value of this principle is to commit States to respecting each other's territorial integrity and political independence, refraining in their international relations from the threat or use of force, and resolving their disputes in conformity with international law. It should be made clear at the same time that the reference to the principle of peaceful settlement of disputes must in no way impair the inherent right of individual or collective self-defense if an armed attack occurs against a Member of the United Nations until the Security Council has taken measures necessary to maintain international peace and security.”
2010-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6347Resumption1 (2010) · source
“In a number of situations, successful efforts have reduced tensions and ensured that peace processes moved forward. At the same time, more should be done to address the major threats and challenges that continue to affect the basic elements of the international legal order, undermine the national unity, territorial integrity and stability of States, and regenerate disregard and contempt for human rights. The heightened vulnerability of civilian populations during wartime - in particular forcibly displaced persons, refugees, women and children - brings an element of urgency to the imperative of restoration of the rule of law. The peaceful settlement of disputes is one of the basic principles of international law enshrined in paragraph 3 of Article 2 of the Charter of the United Nations.”
2010-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6347Resumption1 (2010) · source
“At the outset, I would like to thank you, Sir, for convening this very important open debate on the promotion and strengthening of the rule of law in the maintenance of international peace and security and your submission ofa concept note on the topic (S/2010/322). Azerbaijan reaffirms its commitment to an international order based on international law and the rule of law, and considers it essential to peaceful coexistence and cooperation among States. Since the adoption of the 2005 World Summit Outcome (resolution 60/1) and the last open debate in the Security Council on the rule of law held in 2006 (see S/PV.5474), there have been important developments. A significant contribution has been made to the strengthening and promotion of an international order based on generally accepted legal norms and principles.”
2010-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6347Resumption1 (2010) · source
“In cases in which such breaches constitute war crimes, crimes against humanity or even genocide - for which universal jurisdiction is provided with regard to alleged offenders - it is important that the prosecution of individuals be undertaken through the domestic legal systems of involved States and third-party States, while State responsibility is enforced through relevant inter-State mechanisms. In that regard, it is important to emphasize that ending impunity is essential in order to ensure not only individual criminal responsibility for serious crimes, but also sustainable peace, justice, truth, reconciliation and the rights of victims.”
2009-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6216Resumption1 (2009) · source
“As highlighted in the report of the Secretary- General, integral to these challenges is the need to ensure accountability for violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law, on the part of both individual perpetrators and parties to conflict. There must be consistent commitment on the part of States to their obligation to prosecute those responsible for breaches of international humanitarian law or international human rights law.”
2009-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6216Resumption1 (2009) · source
“The impact of conflict on housing, land and property in such situations requires a more consistent approach in order to ensure the safe and dignified return of those forced to leave their homes. It is important that the recognition of the right to return, along with increased attention to its practical implementation and concrete measures aimed at overcoming obstacles preventing return, be applied by the Security Council, the General Assembly and other relevant United Nations bodies with more systematic regularity. Ensuring the right to return constitutes a categorical rejection of ethnic cleansing and provides a significant measure of justice to those displaced from their homes and land, thereby removing a source of possible future tension and conflict.”
2009-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6216Resumption1 (2009) · source
“As a consequence, civilians, including women and children, continue to suffer from inadequate protection in situations of armed conflict. Further efforts to strengthen the protection of civilians, in particular through measures insisting on strict compliance by parties to armed conflict with their obligations under international humanitarian, human rights and refugee law, remain crucial, and must be an absolute priority for the United Nations, the Security Council and, above all, Member States. Particular consideration must be given to implications for the protection of civilians in situations of armed conflict aggravated by population displacements, foreign military occupation and attempts to change the demographic balance in occupied territories.”
2009-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6216Resumption1 (2009) · source
“This year also marks the sixtieth anniversary of the Geneva Conventions of 1949, which constitute an essential legal framework for the protection of civilians in armed conflict. However, we should recognize with deep regret that a defining feature of most, if not all, conflicts has been the failure of the parties to respect and ensure respect for their legal obligations to protect civilians and spare them the effects of hostilities. As pointed out in the recent report of the Secretary-General on the issue (S/2009/277), the significant development of international norms and standards for the protection of civilians and other important steps taken by the Council to enhance protection have not been matched by requisite actions on the ground, and numerous challenges remain.”
2009-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6216Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Concern about the extent to which the rules of international humanitarian and human rights law are being observed in Azerbaijan's occupied territories was heightened when the General Assembly decided to address the matter and adopted two resolutions, first at its sixtieth session and again at the sixty-second session. Against the background of the lack of progress in overcoming the consequences of the conflict and their adverse implications for civilians, we look forward to further concrete measures aimed at ensuring compliance with international law and the effective protection of civilians. The year 2009 marks the tenth anniversary of the Security Council's consideration of the protection of civilians in armed conflict as a thematic issue.”
2009-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6216Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Most serious international offences were committed in the course of the conflict. Suffice it to say that, on one night alone in February 1992, when the town of Khojaly, in the Nagorny Karabakh region of Azerbaijan, was captured by invading Armenian troops, 613 civilians were killed, including 106 women, 63 children and 70 elderly persons. Following Armenia's military occupation of Azerbaijan's territories, the Security Council, in its relevant resolutions, condemned, inter alia, attacks on civilians and the bombardment of inhabited areas and expressed grave concern at the displacement of large numbers of civilians in my country.”
2009-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6216Resumption1 (2009) · source
“At the outset, I wish to thank you, Mr. President, for convening this important open debate on the protection of civilians in armed conflict. Azerbaijan's interest in the issue under consideration is obvious and results from the practical experience of addressing the impact of armed conflict on civilians and engaging in international efforts to ensure respect by the parties concerned for their obligations under international law. The occupation of a considerable part of Azerbaijan's territory, resulting from the aggression of neighbouring Armenia, has had a significant influence on the humanitarian aspect of the problem and affects primarily the most vulnerable groups of the population. Azerbaijan continues to suffer from one of the highest proportions of refugees and displaced persons in the world.”
2009-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6216Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Furthermore, it is clear that there can be no long- term and sustainable peace without justice. Therefore, ending impunity is essential to enhancing not only State responsibility and individual criminal liability for serious international crimes, but also peace, truth, reconciliation and the rights of victims.”
2009-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6108Resumption1 (2009) · source
“An ambiguous approach inevitably serves to generate mutual suspicion and mistrust and to reinforce perceptions of the centrality of military strength; as a result, it contributes to further escalation and destabilization, with unpredictable consequences. There can be no justification for attempts to make participation in peace processes conditional on demands for immunity from responsibility. In that sense, the Security Council has an important role to play in all stages of the conflict. It should be better understood that acting in contravention of international law, undermining the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States and ignoring Security Council resolutions that explicitly condemn such behaviour may be hazardous and seen as shifting gears towards a more determinative decision.”
2009-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6108Resumption1 (2009) · source