YouSaid · the spoken record

Mlynár

lines on the record: 227
first: 2006-07-13
most recent: 2023-03-16
sittings or episodes: 34
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 must also achieve better results in promoting the nexus between peace and security, development, humanitarian action and international humanitarian law. Often we do not move beyond the verbal stage of our work. We need to achieve better, tangible results in practical situations.”
2022-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8953Resumption1 (2022) · source
“First, the international community should seize every opportunity to call on all parties to armed conflict to avoid fighting in urban settings. Secondly, it is also of paramount importance to strengthen data collection on civilian harm, support establishing the relevant investigative and data collection mechanisms and hold accountable the perpetrators of serious violations of international humanitarian law. Thirdly, we must expand the traditional understanding of the protection of civilians and adapt our approach to new realities and challenges, particularly with regard to the development of new technologies and their deployment in armed conflict. Furthermore, it is also essential that the different components of the United Nations system work together as a whole and support each other effectively.”
2022-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8953Resumption1 (2022) · source
“That approach must be based on the core principles of international humanitarian law, under which all parties to conflicts have an obligation to protect civilians. They also have the obligation to distinguish between civilians and combatants and between civilian objects and military objects and to ensure that attacks comply with the principles of necessity and proportionality. In that regard, the Security Council clearly plays a crucial role in condemning every breach of those obligations so that respect for international humanitarian law becomes a reality rather than merely existing on paper. With regard to identifying avenues for increasing the protection of civilians in urban settings, we would like to highlight the following three points.”
2022-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8953Resumption1 (2022) · source
“Moreover, the already grave general situation has been further exacerbated by the coronavirus disease pandemic. Slovakia seizes this opportunity to express its strong commitment to international humanitarian law and the principles on which it is based. Respect for international humanitarian law is an irreplaceable tool for the effective protection of civilians in armed conflict. The theatres of armed conflict have increasingly shifted from open battlefields to populated areas, which has had a devastating humanitarian impact on civilians. We must beef up our efforts to prevent, minimize and mitigate the adverse impacts of military operations on civilian populations in order to protect them from threats and acts of physical violence, which in recent times we have unfortunately seen occur far too often.”
2022-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8953Resumption1 (2022) · source
“Mr. Mlynár (Slovakia): Slovakia highly appreciates your initiative, Madam President, to organize this open debate on the protection of civilians in urban settings, which is indeed relevant and of grave concern. Slovakia fully aligns itself with the statement delivered earlier by the observer of the European Union. The Secretary General — who, together with other speakers, I would like to thank for today’s remarks — pointed out in his 2021 report that armed conflicts continue to be characterized by “high levels of civilian deaths, injury and psychological trauma, sexual violence, torture and disappearance, as well as damaged and destroyed homes, schools … hospitals and essential civilian infrastructure (S/2021/423, para. 2). He also highlighted the disproportionate impact of explosive weapons on civilian populations in urban settings.”
2022-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8953Resumption1 (2022) · source
“Last but not least, I want to emphasize that the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights plays an important role in this regard. We therefore fully support increased and enhanced cooperation between the Office and the Security Council.”
2022-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8949Resumption1 (2022) · source
“Secondly, with regard to deployment, a focus on understanding the human terrain and operational challenges must be taken into account, supplemented by monitoring the social media response and conducting proactive information campaigns. Thirdly, Member States could support the prevention of violence and attacks by providing protection, which is the main responsibility of host countries, and using positive examples. Fourthly, because an understanding of the environment and the impact of media differs from operation to operation, a positive approach to the promotion of women and peace and security representatives is required, as is ensuring that gender- related issues are not presented in isolation from mandated tasks.”
2022-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8949Resumption1 (2022) · source
“We are proud to lead the Group of Friends of Security Sector Reform, and together with our co-Chair, South Africa, we are committed to working closely with the Group of Friends of Gender Parity in specifically addressing the issue of women’s role and participation in armed forces, including peacekeeping. With the aim of identifying avenues that can lead to the creation of a safe and enabling environment and to preventing and responding to threats, I would like to briefly highlight four practical points. The first is active strategic communications. Emphasizing the role of women in peace and security processes, supplying social media support and preventing advocates for women and peace and security from becoming isolated in their societies and communities are issues of paramount importance.”
2022-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8949Resumption1 (2022) · source
“In that connection, eliminating barriers for women should be at the top of our agenda, and there are a number of tangible measures that can be taken to strengthen the role of women, such as the adoption of national action plans. As reflected in our own 2021- 2025 national action plan for the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000), Slovakia strongly supports women’s equal and full participation in all efforts to create and maintain international peace and security, while adopting and supporting tangible and targeted measures aimed at increasing the percentage of women in our armed forces and their representation in military structures and leadership positions.”
2022-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8949Resumption1 (2022) · source
“As the report says, there are nearly 100 studies that indicate some type of link between sex and gender inequality and violent outcomes, which is particularly worrisome and deserves our continuing attention. The call for greater participation by women in peace and security processes has never been more urgent. Women contribute to ending conflicts, restoring shattered communities and sustaining peace. It is therefore essential to equip them with the necessary skills, including by providing them with relevant training, connecting decision-makers with women leaders and ensuring women’s full participation in all the relevant decision-making processes.”
2022-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8949Resumption1 (2022) · source
“Mr. Mlynár (Slovakia): First of all, let me congratulate you, Madam, on your country’s presidency and wish you every success in your role. We welcome this open debate and thank you for organizing it. We find the topic very relevant and timely, as the number of cases of targeted violence in the context of women and peace and security is unprecedentedly high. We consider such practices unacceptable, and we should take every measure at our disposal to reverse them immediately. Slovakia fully aligns itself with the statement delivered earlier on behalf of the European Union. We would also like to thank the Secretary-General for his 2021 report on women and peace and security (S/2021/827), and to commend him for his leadership and strong commitment to fostering the role of women in all areas and the relevant decision-making processes.”
2022-01-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8949Resumption1 (2022) · source
“Slovakia has proudly served these past two years as a member of the PBC and this year also as a Vice-Chair, and we have dedicated a great deal of effort to promoting people’s participation and a partnership approach. We have also focused a great deal of attention on security sector reform, which is one of the key elements for effective conflict prevention and successful post-conflict rebuilding and stabilization. Direct experience clearly shows that a nationally led, gender-sensitive and inclusive security sector reform process can progressively deal with the root causes of insecurity and fragility and create an enabling environment for sustainable development and peace to take place. Today we even have empirical data that shows a direct link between security sector reform efforts and the prevention of conflict.”
2021-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8906Resumption1 (2021) · source
“The connectivity of the broader United Nations system is at the heart of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, as the United Nations needs to be able to address cross- cutting issues from a prevention perspective with greater effectiveness and accountability. Sustainable Development Goal 16 in particular is at the centre of our attention. Allow me to conclude by also focusing on the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) and the coordinated and horizontal cooperation between the Security Council and the PBC, an intergovernmental advisory body that supports peace efforts. The two can respond as an integrated unit to the challenges that are currently threatening international peace and security.”
2021-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8906Resumption1 (2021) · source
“Furthermore, the success of the Security Council in fulfilling its responsibility relies, to a great degree not only on the success of the General Assembly, but also on that of other bodies, such as the International Court of Justice. The work of the International Court of Justice and the efforts of the Secretary-General in adjudicating disputes among States are just a few of the essential components for the prevention of conflicts and, therefore, for the maintenance of international peace and security. Slovakia believes that the International Court of Justice fulfils that role not only through its function of adjudication of international disputes but, far more often, disputes that are an element of the routine interaction of international relations.”
2021-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8906Resumption1 (2021) · source
“Slovakia attaches great importance to a comprehensive approach to sustaining peace, particularly through the prevention of conflict and addressing its root causes, national reconciliation and unity, including through inclusive dialogue and mediation, gender equality, and respect for and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. I would like to seize the opportunity to once again stress the importance that we place on the principle of rule of law, which we consider to be the heart of the international order. Emphasizing the impact of the rule of law on safeguarding stable democracy and domestic peace and fostering social development, we would like to encourage all Member States to intensify their efforts to uphold this basic principle of governance, which is a prerequisite for tackling the root causes of conflicts.”
2021-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8906Resumption1 (2021) · source
“Mr. Mlynár (Slovakia): I would like to thank the Mexican presidency for organizing this important debate on such a timely issue. The Charter of the United Nations establishes, among others, that one of its purposes is to be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations in the attainment of common ends. That means that the purposes of the United Nations established in the Charter will be achieved only through real harmonization, cooperation and mutually reinforcing collaboration among its organs and, through them, with the rest of the system. In that sense, the issue of the maintenance of international peace and security through preventive diplomacy has to be at the heart of the work of all the principal organs, within their respective mandates.”
2021-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8906Resumption1 (2021) · source
“In the post-pandemic recovery, we will have to deal with discrimination against disadvantaged people living in poverty and intensify efforts to put human dignity at the heart of our actions. In the meantime, we have to ensure that those in need are provided with quick and efficient humanitarian assistance and protection, including through our efforts in peacekeeping and peacebuilding.”
2021-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8900Resumption1 (2021) · source
“We are therefore of the view that the Security Council should continue paying appropriate attention to this issue. It goes hand in hand with peacebuilding, sustaining peace and security sector governance, to mention but a few areas. It also fits very well with our wider efforts to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16 and SDG 16+. This issue is also important because we are still fighting our common invisible enemy — the coronavirus disease. The pandemic has exacerbated the already unfavourable situation of the most vulnerable groups, pushed millions of people into poverty and reversed the progress that the international community had reached in that regard. The situation is even more alarming in conflict situations, to which we need to continue paying close attention.”
2021-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8900Resumption1 (2021) · source
“Corruption dismantles people’s trust in public institutions, puts them at risk of exclusion, hinders social development and has a disproportionate impact on the enjoyment of human rights, particularly by persons belonging to disadvantaged groups and communities. That is why my Government has declared the fight against corruption as one of its key human rights priorities, both domestically and in our international engagement. We stress the importance of the rule of law in safeguarding stable democracy and domestic peace and fostering social development. As such, we would like to encourage Member States to intensify efforts to uphold this basic principle of governance. This approach is a prerequisite for tackling root causes of conflict.”
2021-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8900Resumption1 (2021) · source
“Although we should discuss ways to improve the rule of law, we are unfortunately unable to do so due to the ongoing gross violations of international law, particularly international humanitarian law and international human rights law, of which we are too often witnesses. It is therefore crucial that every member of international community fully abide by its international obligations. That is even more critical in conflict situations. Having referred to the principle of the rule of law, I would like to mention one crucial element of the struggle for its protection — the fight against corruption. It is apt to call this negative phenomenon the cancer of our societies that threatens our democratic systems.”
2021-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8900Resumption1 (2021) · source
“Mr. Mlynár (Slovakia): I would like to thank the Mexican presidency for organizing this open debate on such an important and timely issue. In my intervention, I would like to focus on two particular aspects of the issue — first, the rule of law and its link to anti-corruption and, secondly, governance. At the outset, Slovakia would like to seize this opportunity to stress once again the importance of the principle of the rule of law, which we consider to be the heart of the international order and should be put at the top of the United Nations agenda on many fronts, including in the work of this important organ, the Security Council, which has the key responsibility of maintaining international peace and security.”
2021-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8900Resumption1 (2021) · source
“We therefore need to strengthen the implementation of resolution 2151 (2014), including with regard to linkages and synergies between security sector reform and transitional justice. As a member of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC), Slovakia is also ready to promote partnerships and synergies with other transitions processes in the peacebuilding context. Our PBC priorities can be summed up in just a few short elements — participation, partnerships and people and coherence, coordination and complementarity. In conclusion, global peace and security can be achieved only if sustainable solutions are found for current conflicts. Transitional justice is certainly a pivotal element in those aspirations. I once again thank the Belgian presidency for convening today’s Security Council meeting on this very pertinent issue.”
2020-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8723Resumption1 (2020) · source
“We must call for more people-centred approaches to security sector reform and governance, as well as aim for political solutions to conflict, the prevention of conflict or relapse into violence. As a co-Chair of the Group of Friends of Security Sector Reform, Slovakia recently convened a high- level panel and discussion on security sector reform on the occasion of the launch of an important publication on the United Nations and security sector reform, in policy and practice. Over the past decade, significant progress has been made in the development of United Nations norms and principles on this important issue. However, gaps remain between the normative and operational dimensions in United Nations security sector reform support.”
2020-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8723Resumption1 (2020) · source
“Bearing in mind the special institutional links between the Security Council and the ICC, Slovakia encourages Security Council referrals when war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide are being committed and the national authorities bearing the primary responsibility for the prosecution of those crimes are not in a position to do so. Turning to my second point, as an integral component of any political settlement, any transitional justice process must create synergies with other relevant processes, such as security sector reform and governance, which has supported nationally led efforts to build resilient security institutions and prevent relapse into conflict, in line with resolution 2151 (2014).”
2020-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8723Resumption1 (2020) · source
“That conviction may also have led the Security Council to establish the international criminal tribunals and various special courts. In line with the principles of State sovereignty and complementarity, national authorities have the primary responsibility to prosecute crimes and adjudicate on innocence and guilt. However, if national authorities are not in a position to conduct investigations, recourse to the International Criminal Court (ICC), especially through a self-referral or a Security Council referral, may be sought. The ICC, with its unique institutional set-up, which grants a strong voice to the victims, is ideally placed to contribute to transitional justice.”
2020-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8723Resumption1 (2020) · source
“Of course, as we know, that particular work continues with the further political mission on the ground. I now wish to address two specific issues, namely, accountability and security sector reform. First, accountability has to be an integral part of the transition process in a post-conflict situation or when there is political change. There are various methods and ways to ensure accountability, such as criminal prosecution. However, it would not be appropriate to equate criminal justice with transitional justice. Transitional justice is a much broader concept that encompasses a broad range of elements, including criminal justice. We are convinced that bringing perpetrators of crimes, especially crimes under international law, to justice is a basic requirement for the solution of any conflict and for subsequent reconciliation efforts.”
2020-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8723Resumption1 (2020) · source
“Only such an approach can yield tangible outcomes, unlike the general discussions we sometimes have. The broader concept of transitional justice represents an important part of peace operations’ mandates, especially in the form of measures relating to accountability, the rule of law and a functioning security sector that serves people, including the most vulnerable. Those efforts must focus in particular on women’s rights and on ensuring the adoption of a child-sensitive approach. I am proud that Slovak police officers participated, for example, in the United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti, which completed its mandate in October. The Mission had been mandated, inter alia, to assist the Government of Haiti in strengthening its rule-of-law and justice institutions.”
2020-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8723Resumption1 (2020) · source
“Mr. Mlynár (Slovakia): It is great to see you, Madam President, presiding over the Security Council. I congratulate Belgium on its presidency of the Council and thank your delegation for organizing this very important meeting today. My delegation fully associates itself with the statement to be delivered on behalf of the European Union. We would also like to thank Ms. Bachelet and the other briefers for their insightful thoughts and contributions. It has been said repeatedly that transitional justice initiatives need to be tailor-made and address the specific circumstances of each situation. For that reason, we are convinced that considerations on transitional justice have to become an integral part of Security Council deliberations on country-specific situations.”
2020-02-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8723Resumption1 (2020) · source
“To illustrate, we fund humanitarian projects with a focus on women affected by conflict, including access to critical health care, in Syria and neighbouring countries. In conclusion, I would like to once again assure you, Madam President, of Slovakia's strong commitment to the full, effective and meaningful participation of women in United Nations peace operations and peace processes.”
2019-11-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8649Resumption2 (2019) · source
“Slovakia also supports gender parity and the United Nations effort to increase the number of women peacekeepers in missions. After conducting the thirty- eighth rotation in the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus, Slovakia has exceeded the required United Nations goal for 2019 of 5.25 per cent women serving in military contingents; currently almost 11 per cent of the personnel of the Slovak contingent are women peacekeepers. The increasingly complex and fractured contexts reflecting the present security challenges require more coherent action across the peace, humanitarian and development nexus, including by providing support to women acting as first responders. In our foreign policy strategies, we aim to increasingly foster those links and mainstream gender in a more systematic way.”
2019-11-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8649Resumption2 (2019) · source
“Accountability for violations of fundamental human rights and violent crimes is also necessary to end the reign of impunity, ensure the rule of law and prevent relapse into conflict. The preparations for the twentieth anniversary of resolution 1325 (2000) are timely, as an opportunity for a national review of the efforts towards the full implementation of the women and peace and security agenda. Let me briefly mention our own national action plan, which is currently being prepared. The process culminated after extensive collaboration with and within the various ministries, in partnership with the relevant stakeholders. The core aim is to make the national action plan actionable and promote accountability for its implementation through a rigorous system of indicators.”
2019-11-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8649Resumption2 (2019) · source
“Women remain the target of sexual and gender- based violence. Throughout history, rape has become a tool to punish, terrorize and destroy populations. Sexual violence serves as a weapon in some cases, while in others it is a form of reward. During periods of genocide and ethnic cleansing, sexual violence has been used to systematically attack the lineage of a group - for example, by impregnating or sterilizing women. Major General Patrick Cammaert, former Force Commander of United Nations peacekeeping forces in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, once said that "[i]t has probably become more dangerous to be a woman than a soldier in armed conflict". I would like to emphasize that the protection of women from gender-based violence is inseparable from women's meaningful participation, bodily autonomy and rights.”
2019-11-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8649Resumption2 (2019) · source
“The root causes of women's chronic under-representation in peace talks, and, broadly, in the security sector, include discriminatory laws and practices, institutional obstacles, gender stereotyping and the existence of predominantly masculine structures within the system. Many positive developments in addressing those issues have been achieved. The Secretary-General's report (S/2019/800) demonstrates that, despite many efforts, a significant amount of work remains to be done. We have to focus on cultivating women's leadership and on working with local actors, which is critical for ensuring a place for women's voices at the peace table. That is also why the shrinking space for women's non-governmental organizations, grass root activists and human rights defenders is such a worrisome trend.”
2019-11-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8649Resumption2 (2019) · source
“I will refrain from offering congratulations but you know, Madam President, that we are very happy to see you preside over the Security Council. You can be assured of our full support. We fully associate ourselves with the statement delivered earlier by the observer of the European Union. Resolution 1325 (2000), along with the subsequent women and peace and security resolutions, affirms the Security Council's responsibility and commitment to strengthening women's meaningful participation, protection and rights across the span of the conflict cycle. In the past almost two decades, this discourse has shifted significantly. By abandoning the perception of women as victims, the international community has recognized their crucial role as first responders, agents of change and rebuilders of shattered communities.”
2019-11-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8649Resumption2 (2019) · source
“In conclusion, as we approach the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers this month - on 29 May - allow me to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to all those who wear blue helmets and serve under the United Nations flag, as well as to pay tribute to all those who have lost their lives in the service of peace.”
2019-05-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8521 (2019) · source
“In that regard, ensuring active communication among the Secretariat's assessment teams, force commanders and the respective TCCs and PCCs is absolutely essential. We welcome the upcoming visit to Slovakia next month by the UNFICYP Force Commander Major General Cheryl Pearce, to observe the training of Slovak peacekeepers. Slovakia also appreciates the introduction of the Peacekeeping Capability Readiness System, which will help in capacity-planning, reducing critical capability gaps and ensuring the smooth transition of services among Members States as their deployments undergo changes. We think that the key to success in the force generation process is timely, systematic and inclusive communication among all stakeholders.”
2019-05-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8521 (2019) · source
“It is also our common national practice to include subject matter experts - personnel from previous deployment on missions - to develop scenarios that are also part ofthe assessment team for the certification of the contingent. Key leadership personnel receive operational updates and consultations with deployed contingents. In addition, women are an integral part of the training teams, which contributes to their equal mission preparation and performance. We welcome the recently launched comprehensive performance assessment system in selected United Nations missions, including in the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), where we have our largest contingent. We hope that it will prove to be a useful tool in ensuring proper conduct and discipline and also serve to deliver important feedback for participating TCCs and PCCs.”
2019-05-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8521 (2019) · source
“While consensus was achieved on those particular chapters, we regret that a substantive report as a whole could not be adopted. As a committed and long-term troop- and police- contributing country (TCC/PCC), Slovakia remains strongly committed to improving the overall effectiveness of United Nations peacekeeping operations through its comprehensive national predeployment training, comprising language training, cultural diversity awareness and the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse, among other areas, in order to ensure the security and best performance of our peacekeepers soon after entering the operational area. In order to achieve operational readiness status, Slovakia has developed a demanding national training system that puts emphasis on the specifics ofthe mission, the rules of engagement and situational awareness.”
2019-05-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8521 (2019) · source
“The resolution provides important provisions and commitments to ensure the effective training of United Nations peacekeepers as an enabling component of delivering effective performance as well as strengthening the safety and security of military, police and civilian personnel in United Nations missions. Similarly, the Declaration of Shared Commitments on United Nations Peacekeeping Operations, as part of the Action for Peacekeeping initiative spearheaded by the Secretary-General, represents yet another important milestone to shore up the effectiveness, credibility and integrity of United Nations peacekeeping operations. The safety, security and performance of United Nations peacekeepers was also the subject of this year's deliberations in the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations.”
2019-05-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8521 (2019) · source
“At the outset, let me sincerely congratulate you, Mr. President, and the entire Indonesian delegation on successfully assuming the presidency of the Security Council for this month. We also thank you, Sir, for convening this open debate on the training and capacity-building of United Nations peacekeepers. I wish to align my delegation's statement with the statement just delivered by the observer of the European Union. My statement will be very short, and I will limit myself to a few additional remarks on beyond those already made on behalf of the European Union. Today's open debate builds on an important resolution - resolution 2436 (2018), adopted in September last year.”
2019-05-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8521 (2019) · source
“We must therefore strengthen our cooperation to accelerate progress towards achieving United Nations targets to increase the meaningful participation of women serving in uniformed military and police roles in United Nations peace operations.”
2019-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8508 (2019) · source
“Reforming the security sector must focus on recruitment processes and improving the delivery of security services to address and prevent sexual and gender-based violence. The discussions also underscored that women must be promoted as equal and strategic leaders, barriers must be broken down and stereotypes eliminated about women's role in societies, including their participation in peace processes. In conclusion, United Nations peace operations, which are the most visible face of United Nations engagement in the world, must be representative of, and responsive to, the needs of men and women alike. The complementary skills of male and female personnel have long been recognized as essential for the effectiveness of United Nations missions.”
2019-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8508 (2019) · source
“I would like to highlight that recently, on 13 March, the Group of Friends of Security Sector Reform, co-chaired by Slovakia and our close partner South Africa, together with the Group of Friends of Gender Parity, co-chaired by Ghana and Qatar, jointly organized a high-level round table on gender parity and security sector reform. That was our practical contribution to this ongoing debate, and an important example of how two Groups of Friends can be brought together and take a broader, more comprehensive look at issues, going beyond silos. That meeting highlighted that security sector reform must be gender-sensitive throughout its planning, design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation phases.”
2019-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8508 (2019) · source
“Overall, more than 44 per cent - 22 out of 50 - of all UNFICYP contingents' uniformed female personnel is from Slovakia. Resolution 2151 (2014), on security sector reform, underscores the importance of women's equal and effective participation and full involvement in all stages of the security sector-reform process. Gender-sensitive security sector reform is therefore key to developing security-sector institutions that are non-discriminatory, representative of the population and capable of responding effectively to the specific security needs of diverse groups.”
2019-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8508 (2019) · source
“The current gender equality action plan ofthe Slovak Ministry of Defence aims to integrate the gender perspective into areas including operational planning, education, training and evaluation. I would like to highlight the case of Cyprus, where we make our largest contribution to United Nations peacekeeping missions. The United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) has already been mentioned by several speakers today, including by the Ambassador of Greece, recently cited as an excellent example of a mission where all senior leadership is provided by women. As such, it is a truly important example that should be followed. In Cyprus, we have exceeded the targets set in the uniformed gender-parity strategy, whereby almost 10 per cent of our military contingents and 80 per cent ofpolice personnel are uniformed female peacekeepers.”
2019-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8508 (2019) · source
“Currently, our peacekeepers are deployed in Cyprus, the Golan Heights and Haiti. Slovakia has also participated in military and civilian missions of the European Union, NATO and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), where we also attach great importance to the women and peace and security agenda; indeed, as the current Chair of the OSCE, we are undertaking a number of initiatives and practical steps in the same context. Increasing the number of women in our armed forces has been a long-term policy of Slovakia. Currently, servicewomen make up nearly 12 per cent of our armed forces. That increasing trend is set to continue in future.”
2019-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8508 (2019) · source
“I would furthermore like to reaffirm our support for the Secretary-General's reforms aimed at rendering United Nations peace operations a more effective tool in the promotion of peace and security and at enhancing support to political processes in host countries. We highly commend his leadership in this domain, including the Action for Peacekeeping initiative, which has garnered a strong sense of ownership among Member States, as well as the recently adopted United Nations uniformed gender-parity Strategy for the period 2018-2028, which represents an important development in meeting the goals set at the London 2016 Peacekeeping Ministerial. Slovakia has been an active troop- and police-contributing country since its admission to the United Nations, 26 years ago, having served in 19 missions to date.”
2019-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8508 (2019) · source
“We certainly believe that there is a great deal more we must do collectively in order to maximize our efforts and achieve further progress. We also encourage the Security Council to prioritize its efforts in this regard, consistent with the need to bring women's participation and leadership to the core of peace and security, in line with its mandate. Slovakia aligns itself with the statement to be delivered by the observer of the European Union. I would like make a few additional observations. First, we strongly support the equal and full participation of women in all efforts to establish and maintain international peace and security, and call for the full implementation of all the relevant Security Council resolutions that address this issue.”
2019-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8508 (2019) · source
“I would first like to thank you, Mr. President, for organizing this open debate on the increased participation of women in peacekeeping operations. We really appreciate your leadership in promoting the women and peace and security agenda and also want to recognize the substantial contribution of Germany to United Nations peacekeeping in terms of providing personnel, training and funding. We were very pleased to hear the announcement of the global female peacekeepers network, which was made at the beginning of this meeting. As has been reported, since 2015 the overall proportion of United Nations peace operations personnel who are women has increased only modestly, from 4.2 per cent to 5 per cent. At the current pace of change, it would take decades to reach the levels outlined in resolution 2242 (2015).”
2019-04-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8508 (2019) · source
“The presentation of best practices in preventing the violent extremism and radicalization that can lead to terrorism focused most specifically on multi-stakeholder efforts to disengage individuals from violent extremism and terrorism. To conclude, we believe that a robust framework, its rigorous implementation and effective international cooperation can significantly contribute to preventing and countering the financing of terrorism. In that context, I should like once again to thank the French presidency's efforts at this particularjuncture.”
2019-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8496 (2019) · source