YouSaid · the spoken record

Mohammad Kamal

lines on the record: 107
first: 1999-08-20
most recent: 2000-11-29
sittings or episodes: 15
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 wish to express our appreciation to UNTAET for its prompt response in dealing with the recent emergency in West Timor as a result of the extensive flooding there. We note that UNTAET dispatched two helicopters on 18 May to evacuate the flood victims and to deliver humanitarian relief supplies. In this regard, we would like to underscore the goodwill displayed by the Indonesian Government in its cooperation with United Nations agencies to alleviate the hardships caused to the East Timorese refugees and to facilitate the coordination of relief efforts due to the floods in East Nusa Tenggara. We further note that, despite some remaining difficulties, we are gratified to have just heard from Mr. Annabi that the overall security situation in East Timor is stable and that militia activities in the border areas have declined.”
2000-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4147 (2000) · source
“Sergio Vieira de Mello and his staff for the high level of professionalism that they have demonstrated in implementing the difficult mandate assigned to them. We note the recent developments in East Timor in laying the foundation for the future development of the country. Among these was the successful broadcast of the first programme on UNTAET television on 18 May. We also note that the draft of the broadcast media regulation was introduced in the National Consultative Council on the same day. At the same time, we welcome the reopening late last month in Dili of the East Timor Postal Service, which is part of the ongoing reconstruction of East Timor. These developments are further steps towards creating a sense of ownership among the people of East Timor.”
2000-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4147 (2000) · source
“Mr. Mohammad Kama] (Malaysia): Like previous speakers, I would like to thank Mr. Hedi Annabi for the comprehensive update on the situation in East Timor which he has provided us this afternoon. Malaysia continues to believe that the United Nations mission in East Timor continues to be a very difficult one. We recognize the daunting task that the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) and the international community face and the frustration that is exacerbated by, among other things, the very high expectations of the East Timorese people. UNTAET is, of course, doing excellent work and enjoys our full support. In this regard, we would like in particular to commend Mr.”
2000-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4147 (2000) · source
“Peacekeepers everywhere know that even the best-prepared ceasefire sometimes breaks down. Moreover, the crisis in Sierra Leone should not be allowed to cloud the international community's responsibility for helping to bring peace to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. At the same time, we would like to emphasize the need to avoid repeating similar mistakes in other missions, including the one in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has its own unique characteristics, and the peacekeeping operation there must be judged on its own merits.”
2000-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4143 (2000) · source
“We agree that any successful disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programme requires an end to support for all non-State militias, the peaceful reintegration of such fighters from neighbouring States into their countries of origin and the commitment by the international community to assist in this process. We express our support to France for its intention to invite the Political Committee to meet in New York during the French presidency in June. The experiences of Somalia and Rwanda have shown the disastrous potential of poorly conceived, ill- defined operations that lack the military and financial means to do the job. As in Sierra Leone or elsewhere in Africa, the international community is at a crossroads in terms of how to respond in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2000-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4143 (2000) · source
“MONUC would not interpose itself between active combatants; rather, it would provide security in relatively stable zones, which would allow observers to document violations of the Lusaka Agreement there. The aim is to reduce security fears on all sides and build confidence that would enable the parties themselves to expand peaceful areas and address the more intractable issues. Chief among these issues is the problem of how to neutralize the ex-Rwandan Armed Forces and the Interhamwe militia, an essential element in restoring confidence in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. My delegation concurs with the mission's suggestion that unless this is resolved, it will be very difficult to restore the rule of law or to ensure the security of borders in the eastern part of that country.”
2000-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4143 (2000) · source
“There is no doubt that the leaders of the region have to share responsibility for returning the Democratic Republic of the Congo to stability. Consequently, my delegation fully shares the recommendation that the Secretary-General, before making his final decision, should speak to each of the Lusaka parties at the highest level, seeking their unequivocal commitment to assist the deployment of phase II of MONUC and securing their continued commitment to the maintenance of the ceasefire and their firm undertaking to support phase II on the ground in every way possible. The Lusaka Agreement is intended to lead to an immediate ceasefire and an inter-Congolese dialogue on the country's future. All sides continue to violate the Agreement, but large parts of the country are substantially at peace.”
2000-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4143 (2000) · source
“Doing so will only send the wrong message to Africa. There is, of course, reason to be wary of another potentially dangerous United Nations peacekeeping operation in one of the most intractable war zones, but this operation reflects the growing consensus by the combatants themselves that it is in their own interests to abide by a peace Agreement that was signed last July. If an environment safe enough for peacekeepers can be established, the deployment of United Nations peacekeepers deserves support. We noted that each of the five central and southern African Presidents consulted during the mission's trip was unequivocal in his appeal for rapid deployment and apprehensive about the sustainability of the ceasefire without it.”
2000-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4143 (2000) · source
“No fewer than six countries and three rebel factions have been drawn into the struggle in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which also includes militias and profiteers more motivated by the desire to exploit that country's natural resources than anything else. Thousands of civilians have been killed, and many more are dying from disease and hunger. Nearly a million Congolese have been displaced from their homes. The recent fighting in Kisangani, which violated the Lusaka Agreement, the disengagement agreement signed at Kampala on 8 April and the 14 April ceasefire, is indeed a setback to the peace process in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We agree with Ambassador Holbrooke that the setbacks that have occurred should not deter us. The international community cannot abandon the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2000-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4143 (2000) · source
“Mr. Mohammad Kama] (Malaysia): My delegation would like to join in thanking Ambassador Richard Holbrooke, not only for presenting the report of the Security Council mission's visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, but also for his outstanding leadership of this important mission. We commend him and the other mission members for helping to improve the Council's understanding of the challenges that the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) faces there. The civil war in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is a key link in the chain of interconnected conflicts that are ravaging a vast swathe of Africa.”
2000-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4143 (2000) · source
“In this regard, we look forward to details of the Secretary-General's proposal on the possible role of the Organization following the closure of the present United Nations peacekeeping Mission, UNMOT, in May. In conclusion, we also wish to express our support for the draft presidential statement on Tajikistan that is before us. In this regard, we wish to thank the Russian delegation for its initiative.”
2000-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4115 (2000) · source
“By the same token, it will be crucial for similar differences to be addressed and avoided in the future. We agree with the Secretary-General's observation in his report that there are still too many men under arms, and we fully support the efforts to encourage them to return to civilian life. We strongly urge the Government and all political forces in Tajikistan to strengthen and consolidate the achievements that have been made so far, and to continue such efforts beyond the transition period envisaged in the General Agreement so that the peace process will be irreversible. At the same time, we also believe that the international community, and particularly the United Nations, should remain engaged in Tajikistan, especially in providing comprehensive assistance for the social, economic and democratic reforms.”
2000-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4115 (2000) · source
“The constructive role of the Contact Group of Guarantor States and International Organizations, which includes the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, is similarly instrumental to that success. We commend them all for their efforts. But most importantly, all parties in Tajikistan - the Government, other political forces and the people alike - must be congratulated on their commitment and determination to achieve peace and promote national reconciliation after the devastating civil war in that country. The holding of the first multi-party parliamentary elections last month, in an atmosphere free of violence, was another important step forward towards establishing lasting peace and stability in Tajikistan. That election, despite the noted shortcomings, was crucial as the beginning of democratic development in the country.”
2000-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4115 (2000) · source
“Mr. Mohammad Kama] (Malaysia): Like speakers before me, I too would like to thank Assistant Secretary- General Hedi Annabi for his briefing, and to express my delegation's appreciation to the Secretary-General for his interim report, which we have before us. We are indeed pleased with the significant progress in the peace process in Tajikistan. To put it briefly, the Tajik peace process is increasingly being recognized as one of the success stories that this Organization is associated with. The United Nations has played a crucial role in that process through the deployment of the United Nations Mission of Observers in Tajikistan (UNMOT) and the active involvement of the Secretary-General and his Special Representative.”
2000-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4115 (2000) · source
“In this regard, the Council should support the move to give the Joint Military Commission the appropriate enforcement authority. In conclusion, my delegation reiterates its support for the convening of an international conference on the Great Lakes region, under the auspices of the Organization of African Unity and the United Nations, to lay the foundation for regional cooperation and durable peace. It should address comprehensively all the relevant and critical issues faced by the countries in the region. Such a conference is timely now and should be given the necessary impetus by the international community.”
2000-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4092Resumption2 (2000) · source
“We therefore call on the parties to cease military hostilities forthwith and to fully ensure the security and freedom of movement of United Nations personnel. The parties should cease their hostile propaganda, in particular incitements to attack unarmed civilians. The conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo has an external and an internal dimension. Clearly, the final resolution of the conflict will have to take into account both the legitimate security concerns of all the States involved and respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of the Democratic Republic of Congo. In our view, the role of the Joint Military Commission is crucial to the success of the ceasefire and the subsequent consolidation of peace.”
2000-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4092Resumption2 (2000) · source
“While we support the Secretary-General's recommendation of an initial force of 5,537 officers and men to protect military observers and civilian staff of the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC), we would like to stress that this should be followed up quickly with a more substantial presence. The deployment of United Nations peacekeepers will not in itself guarantee peace and security for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other countries in the region. Those countries will have to bear the principal responsibility for their own long-term security. Continued support by the international community will be contingent upon renewed and strengthened commitment by the signatories to the Lusaka Ceasefire Agreement.”
2000-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4092Resumption2 (2000) · source
“...-J "Mu-MMJ A-tuvv Malaysia welcomes the report of the Secretary- General on further deployment of United Nations personnel in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (S/2000/30). We agree fully with the view that any United Nations force deployed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo should necessarily be large and adequately mandated to take up the task of monitoring the ceasefire and verifying the withdrawal of all foreign forces. This is in addition to the still unresolved question of who will bear the responsibility of disarming all armed groups in the territory of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2000-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4092Resumption2 (2000) · source
“The Security Council should make good its promise to act promptly with a view to deploying a full- fledged peacekeeping mission to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Were the United Nations to fail in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the ramifications would almost certainly be far-reaching and wide-ranging. The very credibility and authority of the Council would be in question. How we respond to the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo will be a litmus test of the Council's commitment to maintaining peace and security in Africa. Time is of the essence, as a further delay in the deployment of United Nations peacekeepers would run the risk of unravelling the Lusaka Agreement.”
2000-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4092Resumption2 (2000) · source
“My delegation joins other Council members in renewing the call on all the parties to uphold that Agreement and to use the Joint Military Commission more effectively to deal with allegations of violations of the Agreement. The conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo cannot be resolved without the full commitment and cooperation of all the signatories. Having commended them for their good judgement in signing the Agreement, we now urge them to show greater political will and commitment to make the process work. It is imperative that the parties work together in good faith and contribute positively to the smooth implementation of the Agreement. As we remind the parties of their obligations and of their commitment to the peace process, we should equally remind ourselves of our own responsibilities here in the Council.”
2000-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4092Resumption2 (2000) · source
“Mr. Mohammad Kama] (Malaysia): In view of your appeal for brevity, Mr. President, and as testimony to my delegation's readiness to cooperate with you as always, I shall read out only excerpts from my prepared statement. Six months have passed since the parties signed the Lusaka Ceasefire Agreement, but the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has not improved and continues to be a serious cause for concern. The peace accord is still very fragile. My delegation could not agree more with the Secretary-General's assessment that "the Lusaka Ceasefire Agreement remains the best hope for the resolution of the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo". (S/2000/30, para. 86) We firmly believe that the future peace and stability of the region rest on the successful implementation of the Agreement.”
2000-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4092Resumption2 (2000) · source
“Even more, we are of the view that it will help to ensure the safe and secure return of displaced persons to East Timor. We also wish to commend all the donor countries that participated in and contributed to the recent successful donors meeting in Tokyo recently. This is indeed testimony to the acute concern and support of the international community for the East Timorese people in the preparations for their independence in the near future. In conclusion, as a regional neighbour, Malaysia looks forward to a future independent East Timor's playing a full and constructive role in regional affairs and to its integration with the region.”
1999-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4085 (1999) · source
“We believe that this relationship is also the wish and desire of both countries, particularly Indonesia, which is physically inseparable from East Timor, with which it shares land and sea boundaries. UNTAET can assist in laying the groundwork for such cooperation. We hope that all the refugees will be repatriated as soon as possible to their homes and given assistance to rebuild their lives. In this regard, we welcome and commend the cooperation and commitment of the Government of Indonesia to International Force, East Timor (INTERFET) and the United Nations, culminating in the signing of the memorandum of technical understanding on border management, which represents a positive step forward in managing the border regions and signals a new level of cooperation between the Indonesian Government, INTERFET and UNTAET.”
1999-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4085 (1999) · source
“The other developments he mentioned - the release of the East Timorese political prisoners, the proposed opening of Indonesian representation in Dili, the resumption of lighting, the future commercial bank and the intention of Abdurrahman Wahid to visit East Timor - are all very positive and we welcome them. In this regard, as my delegation has stated before in Council debate, in shaping the future of East Timor, due recognition should be given to the unique roles that Indonesia and Portugal have played in the context of history and, in the case of Indonesia, also in the geopolitical context. It is important that the future East Timor Government come to terms with this reality and begin the process of forging constructive and mutually beneficial relationships with them, especially with its important neighbour.”
1999-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4085 (1999) · source
“Joao da Silva Tavares, and the subsequent announcement of the formal dissolution of the militia organization and the hand-over of weapons to the Indonesian army. It is our firm belief that all East Timorese, of any political backgrounds and persuasion whatsoever, have a place in the future independent East Timor. We therefore urge the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) to assist further, in close consultation with the East Timorese leadership, towards a successful process of reconciliation among them. We were also gratified to hear from Mr. Annabi of the good relations that have existed between the Government of Indonesia and the East Timorese, particularly when he mentioned the recent visit of Mr. Gusmao to Jakarta, where he was warmly welcomed by President Abdurrahman Wahid of Indonesia.”
1999-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4085 (1999) · source
“Mr. Kama] (Malaysia): First and foremost, my delegation would like to commend you, Sir, for holding the open briefing on the situation in East Timor this morning. This is very much in line with our consistent position calling for more transparency in the work of the Council, particularly as the issue is of great interest to many Members of this Organization. We would like to thank Mr. Annabi for his very comprehensive and yet succinct briefing this morning. We note with satisfaction the relative calm and stable situation in East Timor, which we hope will be conducive to the reconciliation efforts that are being undertaken among the East Timorese. In this regard, we welcome the recent meeting between Mr. Gusmao and the pro-autonomy leaders, particularly with Mr.”
1999-12-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4085 (1999) · source
“We expect the Council to do no less on African conflicts lest it be seen to be selective and apply double standards in its work. To borrow the words of the Secretary-General in his address to the General Assembly on 20 September 1999, at this fifty-fourth session, "If the new commitment to intervention in the face of extreme suffering is to retain the support of the world's peoples, it must be, and must be seen to be, fairly and consistently applied, irrespective of region or nation. Humanity, after all, is indivisible." (A/54/PV.4)”
1999-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4049Resumption1 (1999) · source
“We therefore strongly support the call for stricter controls of arms flows to conflict areas. We are equally concerned about the use of sophisticated weaponry, which would add a new destabilizing factor with regard to which Africa and the international community as a whole will have to be particularly vigilant. Peace and security in Africa can be attained only through common action by Africa that is supported by the international community. We must bring our collective commitment and resolve to bear on the settlement of the crises in order to free up resources and energies for the essential task of economic and social development. Africa's well-being is in the interest of the international community. We have seen just recently how swift and decisive the Council was in its action on the situation in East Timor.”
1999-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4049Resumption1 (1999) · source
“Adequate support is imperative if ECOMOG is to continue to assist in consolidating the still-fragile peace process in Sierra Leone. Such forces are acting on the Organization's behalf and are sacrificing their lives for peace in the region. It is only proper and morally correct that we endeavour to provide the means to allow such troop-contributing countries to continue their presence in the conflict areas. In Sierra Leone, as well as in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, what is needed most is prompt and decisive action from us in order to build on the momentum generated by the signing of the respective Lorne and Lusaka agreements. My delegation notes with particular concern the proliferation of small arms in Africa, which clearly have contributed to the intensity and duration of the conflicts on the continent.”
1999-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4049Resumption1 (1999) · source
“We wish to pay tribute to the commendable and courageous efforts of ECOMOG in the maintenance of regional peace and security in West Africa. We also recognize the efforts of other subregional organizations in Africa. However, regional peacekeeping efforts do not absolve the Council of its responsibility for peacekeeping in the context of the maintenance of international peace and security. It cannot subcontract its Charter-mandated responsibility. Since joining the Security Council at the beginning of this year, my delegation has raised, on a number of occasions, the need for Nigeria - the largest troop contributor to ECOMOG - to be supported to enable it to continue to maintain its peacekeeping troops in Sierra Leone for a longer period of time.”
1999-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4049Resumption1 (1999) · source
“This enhanced cooperation and coordination between the United Nations and the Organization of African Unity must be strengthened by sustained political support and commitment, backed by the necessary support in other areas. In this regard, we urge States and relevant international bodies to continue to provide financial and technical support to further strengthen African regional and subregional efforts for conflict prevention, the maintenance of peace and security, and dispute settlement. Regional and subregional organizations can play an important role in the prevention of conflict and in peacekeeping. The efforts of the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) in respect of the conflicts in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea- Bissau are clear testimony of this.”
1999-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4049Resumption1 (1999) · source
“The Council must assert its moral authority and deploy its entire gamut of diplomatic resources to promote peace and security. The United Nations is the only global mechanism for effective collaboration in circumstances in which States are reluctant or ill-placed to act alone. But it must be equipped with better tools and resources to do the job. The Organization must be given the means and support in order to succeed. In the context of the current conflict situations in Africa, there is a need for an enhanced working cooperation and coordination between the Organization of African Unity and the United Nations. This is recognized by both organizations, and efforts are being made to put this into practical effect as they strive to resolve the various conflicts in the African continent.”
1999-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4049Resumption1 (1999) · source
“Whatever the merits of each argument, my delegation wishes to state unequivocally that the Council's authorization is a prerequisite for any use of force against Member States of the Organization. We share the View that the legal mandate given by having such missions authorized by the Council brings with it the assurance and confidence that this body has acted responsibly and on behalf of the entire membership of the Organization, as called for in Article 24 of the Charter of the United Nations. Malaysia believes that as the Council attempts to focus more effectively in trying to resolve conflicts in Africa, a sustained political commitment is required in order to prevent the fragile truce in many parts of the continent from reigniting into bloodier fighting.”
1999-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4049Resumption1 (1999) · source
“We urge the Council to establish clear criteria for authorizing peacekeeping and enforcement actions whenever situations arise, regardless of their geographical locations. During the ongoing general debate in the General Assembly, arguments have been advanced both for and against humanitarian intervention in conflict situations. The Secretary-General initiated the debate, when he correctly pointed out that the Council cannot remain indifferent to grave humanitarian situations, and spoke of the need to apply the Charter in a consistent manner. On the other hand, many Member States have equally voiced the position that sovereignty is their last bastion against encroachment and interference in their internal affairs.”
1999-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4049Resumption1 (1999) · source
“Only last week, the Council heard the appeal made by President Frederick Chiluba of the Republic of Zambia for the Council to be more forthcoming in its support for African peace efforts. Much of this hesitation is due to the failed intervention in Somalia and the non- intervention in Rwanda in the early 1990s. It was only last year that the Council finally began to take up peacekeeping efforts, as seen in the Central African Republic and Sierra Leone. It is our fervent hope that the current reassessment by the Council with regard to its Charter obligations will make it possible for the Council to avoid past reluctance and indecisiveness when faced with similar situations in the future.”
1999-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4049Resumption1 (1999) · source
“We note that the current report outlines follow-up actions that have been initiated or completed in the areas of peace and security, as well as in development and related areas, in implementation of the recommendations contained in his earlier report. African issues dominate the work of the Council. The point of departure of today's meeting is our common and shared responsibility for international peace and security as it applies to Africa. We need to consider openly and critically how the Council has met this responsibility. We need to look ahead at what the Council and we as Member States can do differently and expeditiously. Notwithstanding Kosovo and East Timor, many are still sceptical about the commitment and resolve of the United Nations to intervene in conflict situations in Africa.”
1999-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4049Resumption1 (1999) · source
“Mr. Kama] (Malaysia): My delegation commends the Netherlands for convening this formal meeting on a very important subject. The fact that you are presiding over the debate, Sir, demonstrates the importance your country attaches to African issues. In a similar discussion during the ministerial-level Council meeting held a little over a year ago, many commended the Secretary-General for his candid and comprehensive report (S/1998/318) of 13 April 1998, which sought to give focus to the subject as a whole. Now the Secretary-General has issued a progress report (S/ 1999/ 1008) dated 25 September 1999 for the Council's further consideration.”
1999-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4049Resumption1 (1999) · source
“We believe the draft resolution contains all the necessary elements for addressing the issue in a comprehensive fashion, and we recommend that it be adopted by the Council.”
1999-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4037 (1999) · source
“Wherever relevant, all peace agreements must include comprehensive demobilization programmes for child soldiers, family tracing and reunification and rehabilitation, as well as provisions for meeting the special educational and vocational needs of former child soldiers. My delegation supports the draft resolution on children and armed conflict that will be tabled in the Council later on. We believe that the adoption of this draft resolution by the Council would constitute a concrete and timely measure to address this important issue with a view to halting this cruel and inhumane practice so that future generations of children in situations of armed conflict will be spared the fates of the current generation.”
1999-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4037 (1999) · source
“182 concerning the Prohibition and Immediate Action for the Elimination of the Worst Forms of Child Labour, as we are of the view that child soldiering is one of the worst forms of child labour. Malaysia strongly supports the optional protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child which calls for a minimum age of 18 for peacekeepers. We are gratified to note that the Special Representative has reported that several countries and rebel factions currently embroiled in armed conflict and bloodshed pledged not to recruit child soldiers. We are equally gratified that the recently concluded Lome Peace Agreement for Sierra Leone contained provisions that guarantee special care and protection for children and for their inherent rights to life, survival and development, in accordance with international conventions.”
1999-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4037 (1999) · source
“All programmes pertaining to the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of ex-combatants should include children as an integral component of the effort. My delegation would also like to take this opportunity to commend the tireless efforts of all international agencies involved in the protection of children affected by armed conflict, particularly the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and UNHCR. As a signatory to the 1989 Convention on the Rights of the Child, Malaysia calls on the few remaining countries that have not signed or ratified this Convention to do so. We are also actively considering the possibility of acceding to the International Labour Organization Convention No.”
1999-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4037 (1999) · source
“Yet studies have shown that children participate actively in most of today's armed conflicts, some driven by ideology but most of them exploited because they come from poor and disadvantaged communities. Such children must be reintegrated into post-civil-war society. All parties should take part in the rehabilitation of child soldiers, especially young girls traumatized by their wartime experiences. My delegation supports the enhanced focus of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on child refugees to promote the protection of refugees and internally displaced children. We call on all parties, both Governments and rebels, to end the use of child soldiers, and we urge them to stop recruiting children, demobilize those already recruited and seek ways to reintegrate demobilized child soldiers into society.”
1999-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4037 (1999) · source
“Children are the hope of the future. Indeed, they are the future of every society and of civilization itself. Scarred and abused children may well grow up to be scarred and abusive adults who will perpetrate and perpetuate the scarring and the abusing. Children who grow up in a culture of violence are unlikely to have the skills and knowledge to inculcate a culture of peace. They are the least responsible for conflicts, yet the most vulnerable and hapless victims. There is even today, a continuing enlistment and deployment of children as soldiers; some properly recruited, others kidnapped or coerced into service. Children should have no role whatsoever in warfare.”
1999-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4037 (1999) · source
“The measures outlined by the Special Representative deserve the strong support of the international community and the Council. My delegation wishes to reiterate that those who are guilty of acts of violence against children during armed conflicts should be punished with the severity they deserve. We are gratified that among such punitive measures, the conscripting or enlisting of children under the age of 15 into armed forces or of using them to participate in hostilities, and the targeting of schools have now been made war crimes under the statute of the International Criminal Court. The Security Council, whenever it adopts measures under Article 41 of the Charter of the United Nations in dealing with armed conflicts, must give due consideration to their impact on children in order to consider appropriate humanitarian exemptions.”
1999-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4037 (1999) · source
“My delegation also strongly supports the Special Representative's views that the problem of children in armed conflict must be tackled in a comprehensive manner: that is, to provide protection for them during the armed conflict and to assist in their recuperation and reintegration in post-conflict situations, but, more importantly, to try to prevent the onset of conflict in the first place. Believing in the adage that "prevention is better than cure", my delegation endorses the Special Representative's call for international and national actors to take actions to prevent conflicts rather than to allow inequities and marginalization to escalate into armed conflicts. We should not be content to play a fireman's role of merely putting out fires. A "band-aid" solution will not resolve the conflict nor provide a lasting and permanent peace.”
1999-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4037 (1999) · source
“The Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict has identified selected measures to alleviate the sufferings of children caught in armed conflict. He has rightly pointed out that a strong political will is necessary to translate existing standards and commitments into actions to make substantive progress in the protection of these children. It is imperative that the United Nations, through the Security Council, call on States involved in armed conflicts to protect children, using the measures available to it.”
1999-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4037 (1999) · source
“Over the last decade alone, these wars have taken a heavy toll on children. They have claimed the lives of more than two million of them, caused six million to be maimed or permanently disabled, left one million orphaned and ten million psychologically traumatized and have resulted in children accounting for half the world's 24 million refugees. In the light of these dismal and dismaying statistics, the question that begs to be asked is: what is the international community doing to protect these innocent and hapless children? Is it doing enough to ensure the promotion of the rights and protection of children victimized by armed conflict? As my delegation stated on an earlier occasion, the issue of children in armed conflict deserved the serious attention of the international community in its own right.”
1999-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4037 (1999) · source
“My delegation commends the Special Representative for the outstanding manner with which he carried out his mandate, particularly in sensitizing the international community on the gravity of the matter and on the need for concrete measures to stop these practices. The Special Representative, in his report of 21 October 1998, highlighted that not only millions of children are still victims of war but far too often they are its principal targets, and even its instruments. It is very alarming and disturbing to know that today, according to the United Nations Children's Fund, there are 300,000 children under the age of 18 who are serving as regular soldiers, guerilla fighters, spies, cooks, sexual slaves and even suicide commandos, in a number of the ongoing conflicts throughout the world.”
1999-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4037 (1999) · source
“The 1996 independent report entitled "Impact of Armed Conflict on Children" provided the first, most comprehensive and compelling assessment of the multiple ways in which children are abused and brutalized in the context of armed conflict. The report, inter alia, underscored the urgent need for a public advocate and moral voice on behalf of children whose rights and welfare have been and are being violated in situations of armed conflict in a number of countries. Since then, the United Nations has undertaken several actions and programmes to address this phenomenon. In this regard, the appointment of Mr. Otunnu as the Secretary-General's Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict was a welcome and timely move in the right direction to address this issue.”
1999-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4037 (1999) · source
“This is the second time in fourteen months that the Council is holding an open debate on the item "Children and armed conflict", a clear reflection of the Council's serious and continuing concern on the matter. Following the Council's first debate in June last year, it issued a presidential statement which, inter alia, condemned the targeting of children, including their humiliation, brutalization, sexual abuse, abduction and forced displacement and recruitment as soldiers. These are immoral acts which flagrantly violate the principles of international law and international humanitarian laws and instruments, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child.”
1999-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4037 (1999) · source