YouSaid · the spoken record

Monteiro

lines on the record: 721
first: 1997-01-10
most recent: 2005-10-13
sittings or episodes: 86
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

“This will involve assigning East Timorese to positions within the transitional administrative structures to be established." (8/1999/1024, para. 47) We sincerely hope that this will allow for the development of a cadre of well-trained East Timorese capable of performing the administrative and public service functions necessary to support an independent East Timor. This is fundamental and will certainly be one of the elements that will in the future be used to judge the success of this operation and the capacity of the Organization to conduct similar exercises. East Timor is a Non-Self-Governing Territory whose privileges and rights accorded to it by Article 73 of the Charter have been denied. This situation has to be reversed now.”
1999-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4057 (1999) · source
“Kofi Annan, for his important and inspirational role in moving the process of self-determination in East Timor towards its necessary conclusion. In establishing the Transitional Administration, due consideration must be paid to the overwhelming and unequivocal decision taken by the East Timorese to rule themselves. A successful Transitional Administration will require the closest contact and constant coordination between UNTAET and the East Timorese leadership, who, in the final analysis, will have to rule their own country. Portugal agrees entirely with the Secretary-General when he states, "In all elements of the functioning of the governance and public administration elements of UNTAET, the United Nations will work on the basis of the principles of participation and capacity- building.”
1999-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4057 (1999) · source
“Portugal fully associates itself with the statement that will be delivered by Finland on behalf of the European Union. The establishment of the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) is the culmination of a process of self-determination for which the people of East Timor and Portugal have fought very hard and for so long. That is why we are extremely pleased that the people of East T imor have been able to express their will freely, albeit under extremely difficult circumstances, and can now start the challenging task of building their own country. In fact, the establishment of UNTAET is the best tribute the United Nations could pay to the suffering and courage of those East Timorese who have struggled and died for their cause. Allow me here to pay a special tribute to the Secretary-General, Mr.”
1999-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4057 (1999) · source
“We believe that what is needed now is a candid dialogue in the international community on the best way to tackle the challenges faced by Africa. Portugal has sought to work together with its African partners in the development of a close and mutually beneficial relationship between Europe and Africa. In this context, the planned Cairo summit of the European Union and Africa, which is expected to be held next April, represents an important opportunity to expand and deepen this dialogue. Portugal believes that this summit will be an important contribution to placing on a firmer footing the long-term relationship between Europe and Africa.”
1999-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4049Resumption3 (1999) · source
“This will more readily succeed with the continued and deepened process of regional integration in Africa, which, by its very nature, will reduce the risk of political instability among States and create at the same time more attractive markets for foreign investment. The reduction of the debt of African countries is a fundamental element for their economic development, since this will free the resources necessary for development projects and programmes - resources that would otherwise be consigned to servicing that debt. However, the reduction or forgiveness of debt should be accompanied on the part of debtor countries by solid macroeconomic reforms and policies that eliminate existing distortions by way of a rigorous and transparent management of the funds made available.”
1999-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4049Resumption3 (1999) · source
“Now we should also pursue the process of reflection started by the Secretary-General in his speech before the General Assembly last week on how the United Nations should respond to situations of crisis that threaten the basic values inherent to human dignity. In this context, we need only recall what occurred in Rwanda. On the economic front, Africa should not merely be an exporter of raw materials for the more developed countries, thereby remaining on the margins of the trend towards the new economic globalization. Africa must be fully integrated into the world economy in parity with and competitive with the more developed regions; otherwise, existing developmental delays will only worsen.”
1999-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4049Resumption3 (1999) · source
“In this way, UNITA is not only in violation of Security Council resolutions, but also of the "Acordos de Paz" and the Lusaka Protocol it signed of its own free will. Portugal fully supports the determination expressed yesterday by the Secretary-General of the Organization of African Unity, Mr. Salim Ahmed Salim, to promote efforts aimed at putting an end to what he called the bleeding and destruction that are taking place in Angola, essentially due to the intransigence of the UNITA leadership. There is undeniable proof that those States that practise good governance and respect democracy, the principles of the rule of law and human rights enjoy incomparably higher levels of stability, development and well-being than those States under authoritarian regimes that violate or defend a limited and restricted concept of human rights.”
1999-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4049Resumption3 (1999) · source
“The expectations of what the international community can and should do must, therefore, be realistic and adapted to circumstances. It is also worrying that, while the international community is accused of showing a lesser interest in, or commitment to, resolving African conflicts than those elsewhere, the decisions of the Security Council that have been taken and that seek to guarantee peace are openly flouted. In the case of the conflict in Angola, for example, the United Nations has dedicated significant human and material resources in the search for a negotiated solution. But, so far, to no avail. We are now faced with reports of persistent violations of the sanctions imposed by the Security Council on UNITA that sought to prevent that movement from acquiring the weapons that would allow it to continue the war.”
1999-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4049Resumption3 (1999) · source
“In meeting its fundamental responsibility for guaranteeing international peace and security, including in Africa, the Security Council should, whenever possible, act in strict coordination with African regional organizations, as it is doing in Sierra Leone. Furthermore, it is unrealistic to hope or to demand that the United Nations provide quick and full solutions to the conflicts in Africa if the belligerent parties themselves - and those who directly or indirectly support them - are unwilling to show the necessary political will to abide by the agreements that they have signed. It is useless to pretend that the international community can, in any situation, make up for a non-existent political will and impose peace on those who deliberately choose war.”
1999-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4049Resumption3 (1999) · source
“That reality requires that we develop with Africa a closer and more dynamic cooperation in a joint task with its peoples and Governments. The international community can and should help Africa, but Africans themselves must also assume fully their destiny and responsibilities in the construction of a better future. In this regard, we would like to single out the remarkable efforts of Mozambique in achieving a smooth transition from war to peace and for being now on the road to a better future for its people. National reconciliation is also being pursued in Guinea-Bissau, with the assistance of the United Nations, and we would like wholeheartedly to commend this effort.”
1999-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4049Resumption3 (1999) · source
“We should now turn from our process of reflection towards developing a programme of decisive action. Portugal has consistently advocated that the international community would be committing a grave error of judgement if, in the face of the crises and difficulties that persist in Africa, it were to allow itself to fall into indifference. We should heed the wise words of the Secretary-General yesterday, at the beginning of this important debate, when he warned against "Africa fatigue" and "Afro-pessimism". By helping Africa to solve its problems, we are at the same time helping the international community, since it is in its Vital interest that societies be freer and more democratic, that human rights be respected and that economies prosper. A more stable and developed Africa leads to a richer and safer world for all humanity.”
1999-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4049Resumption3 (1999) · source
“Portugal associates itself with the statement made by Finland on behalf of the European Union. Mr. President, my delegation congratulates you on organizing this important meeting. The fact that we have had this debate for three years in a row shows how the United Nations is committed to dealing with persistent concerns of conflict and development in Africa. The report (S/1998/318) that the Secretary-General submitted to the Security Council in April 1998 contains an exhaustive and detailed analysis of the causes of the conflicts that plague the African continent. But of equal or perhaps even greater importance than the diagnosis he offers are the concrete proposals he makes with a view to eliminating or relieving those causes and thereby opening the way towards a process of sustainable development in Africa.”
1999-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4049Resumption3 (1999) · source
“Bishop Belo, quoted by his American biographer in a book with a significant title, From the Place of the Dead, says: "I beg the outside world not to forget us. If this happens, we are doomed." I ask this Council to take action to make sure that East Timor will become again a place for the living. This Council must act, and act now.”
1999-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4043 (1999) · source
“We demand that the Indonesian Government join efforts with the international community in order to take all the necessary steps to achieve this aim. Portugal has been persistently working towards this goal and Portugal stands ready to do what ever it takes for as long as it takes to achieve it. On 30 August 1999, the Security Council expressed its support for the courage of those East Timorese who turned out in record numbers to express their views. I am quoting from a formal statement by the President of the Security Council (S/PRST/ 1999/27) in which the Council also declares that "It regards the popular consultation as an accurate reflection of the views of the East Timorese people", a people who unambiguously chose freedom, independence, democracy and the rule of law.”
1999-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4043 (1999) · source
“Portugal has persistently demonstrated its unwavering commitment to find an internationally acceptable solution for the question of East Timor through the free and fair consultation of the East Timorese people, as defined by the 5 May Agreements. My Government will continue to work, and is ready to work, within the framework of the 5 May Agreements and under the guidance of the Secretary- General, for a successful transition towards the independence freely chosen by the people of East Timor. Portugal remains fully committed to assist this process with all the means at its disposal. In this context, my Government stands ready to support financially and with human resources any action of the international community that is agreed upon to ensure the re-establishment of peace, security and order in East Timor.”
1999-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4043 (1999) · source
“In this regard, we continue to encourage all efforts by the international community to identify the culprits now Violating international law in East Timor. Indeed, we expect all Member States to cooperate fully in this task, because we believe there should be no safe haven for murderers. Portugal is already working in this direction. We would also like to recall Indonesia's request, under the 5 May Agreements, to the Secretary-General to maintain an adequate United Nations presence in East Timor during the interim period between the conclusion of the popular consultation and the transfer of authority in East Timor to the United Nations. We urge Indonesia to abide by its commitments.”
1999-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4043 (1999) · source
“Again yesterday we again witnessed a brutal and cowardly attack on the UNAMET compound and on the East Timorese taking refuge there. All of this occurred before the eyes of the world and in clear defiance of repeated appeals by you, Mr. President, on behalf of this body. This is clear proof that, even after the establishment of martial law and the replacement of the troops on the ground, the situation remains unchanged. We strongly appeal to Indonesia to identify, detain and bring to justice all those responsible for the atrocities being committed in East Timor, because a strong message that crime does not pay needs to be sent. I would like to point out that long before the vote Portugal and the United Nations repeatedly asked the Indonesian Government to curb the activities of the militias.”
1999-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4043 (1999) · source
“General Wiranto, who is directly responsible for the enforcement of martial law, has suggested today that Indonesia would agree to the acceleration of sending an international military force to East Timor. We do hope that these are not empty words. As the Secretary-General stressed yesterday and again this morning, if the Indonesian Government refuses to accept such a force it cannot escape responsibility for what could amount to crimes against humanity. In any event, he added, those responsible for these crimes must be called to account. We are very pleased that the Security Council yesterday endorsed the Secretary- General's statement. Indeed, the Secretary-General has indicated the road this Council should follow.”
1999-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4043 (1999) · source
“However, it is clear that Indonesia has been unwilling to fulfil its responsibilities and should not, therefore, continue to refuse international assistance in dealing with the situation. Indeed, nobody else is to be blamed for what is happening in East Timor but Indonesia itself and in particular the military authorities in the territory who are directly responsible for the maintenance of law and order. Indonesia has to realize that by continuing to refuse the immediate establishment of a multinational force under the mandate of the United Nations, it is assuming full and sole responsibility for the massacres being perpetrated in the territory. The time has clearly come for Indonesia to accept help from the international community. We urge the Indonesian Government to immediately agree to the sending of an international force.”
1999-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4043 (1999) · source
“Clearly, the first priority is to make sure that Indonesia complies fully and immediately with all its obligations under the 5 May Agreements and international humanitarian law. To this end, the Council should take action to ensure that Indonesia immediately takes concrete and verifiable steps to stop the killings and restore order to East Timor; immediately takes action to stop the forced dislocation of the civilian population and create the conditions for their safe return; immediately allows unimpeded access by all United Nations humanitarian agencies and the International Committee of the Red Cross to provide relief to internally displaced persons and to all those in need; immediately creates the necessary security conditions to allow UNAMET to fulfil its mandate and to allow United Nations staff temporarily relocating to do so in conditions of safety and security; ceases the harassment of UNAMET by the militias and elements of the security forces; guarantees the security and physical integrity of those East Timorese who were forced to seek refuge inside the UNAMET compound; and takes all necessary steps in order to arrest all those responsible for the violence in East Timor.”
1999-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4043 (1999) · source
“The people of East Timor expect no less and deserve as much. The decision of the Security Council to dispatch a mission to Jakarta has unfortunately not had the slightest influence on restraining the outrageous actions that are taking place in East Timor. On the contrary, while the members of the Council mission were travelling to Jakarta, the situation in East Timor continued to deteriorate even further. This mission, which the Portuguese Government had called for before the announcement of the results of the popular consultation without a positive reply from the Council, continues to have our full support. We praise the members of the Council who are part of the mission, and we expect that they had complete freedom of movement so that they can give us a complete assessment of the situation on the ground. What has to be done?”
1999-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4043 (1999) · source
“In reality, the popular consultation ended by allowing those who oppose this process to identify others who favoured democracy and independence for East Timor - in fact about 80 per cent of the population - and deal with them in the harshest possible terms. Xanana Gusmao, who was not even authorized to campaign for his cause, was only spared because he was in Jakarta and, when finally released, had to take refuge in a foreign embassy to protect his life. After all the assurances given to the United Nations by the Indonesian authorities and to the Timorese people through the United Nations presence on the ground, we just cannot walk out, turn our backs and leave the East Timorese dying on their own. This is crucial. It is our legal and ethical obligation to protect the East Timorese.”
1999-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4043 (1999) · source
“Never in the history of the Organization have institutions of one Member State so clearly and blatantly attempted through violence to destroy a process organized and conducted by the United Nations. The United Nations cannot afford to - and it must not - once again intervene in a conflict only to stand by helplessly while the process then loses its way. Indeed, at this stage it is also the Organization's credibility that is at stake. The people of East Timor truly believed with open hearts in the United Nations; they were told they should register to vote; they were told they could vote freely and in security; they were urged to vote. And, indeed, in accord with the extremely compressed timetable requested by the Indonesian Government, they answered with remarkable courage, civility and democratic spirit.”
1999-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4043 (1999) · source
“At this grave moment, I would like, on behalf of my Government, to thank you, Mr. Secretary-General, and through you all United Nations staff that diligently and in an exemplary manner carried out their tasks under the most arduous circumstances. The Secretary-General has extensively and continuously briefed members of the Security Council on the situation of the East Timorese and particularly that of the United Nations Mission in East Timor (UNAMET). Needless to say, those who are trying to expel UNAMET from East Timor are, in fact, trying to force the United Nations out of the territory. As hard to believe as this is, elements of the security forces of a Member State of the United Nations have been carrying out this action. This is a very dangerous precedent to set.”
1999-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4043 (1999) · source
“In this regard, and following Indonesia's security guarantees, I would like to appeal to all United Nations humanitarian agencies and the International Committee of the Red Cross to step up their efforts to assist all those in need. Nothing seems to be off-limits to the so-called militias. Bishop Belo, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate, was attacked twice within 24 hours and was forced to seek refuge in Australia, and now he is in Portugal. An undetermined number of nuns and priests, including the Bishop's personal assistant, have reportedly been killed in cold blood. The Bishop of Baukau was also forced to flee from his residence. One wonders whether there is also an element here of religious persecution at work against the people of East Timor, the majority of whom profess Catholicism.”
1999-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4043 (1999) · source
“This is a clear demonstration that under the disguise of democracy and the rule of law we are confronting, in reality, the ugly face of military abuse and bad faith. This organized and premeditated campaign of terror has already forced tens of thousands of people to flee to the mountains, while others have been herded up and sent to West Timor and other destinations outside the territory. We do not know what is happening to these people, but there are reasons to fear the worst. As a result, the territory is going through a severe humanitarian catastrophe that needs to be addressed immediately. The tragedy of East Timor is no different from those of Rwanda or Kosovo in its human dimension.”
1999-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4043 (1999) · source
“I would be remiss if I did not recall that under the Charter of the United Nations this body has the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. And there can be no doubt that international peace and security are being threatened in East Timor. The people of East Timor have spoken and their wishes have not been respected. This is totally unacceptable. The rape of East Timor has taken place before our eyes. Over the last week the situation in the territory has been steadily getting worse. Step by step the "militias" - in fact, a mere extension of the Indonesian security forces on the ground - have been slaughtering people, looting property and destroying all public buildings in the capital city of Dili.”
1999-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4043 (1999) · source
“I would like to express my appreciation to you, Sir, and to the members of the Council for having decided - notwithstanding all the difficulties - to hold this open debate today on the situation in East Timor. Allow me to recognize the presence of the Secretary- General, the first advocate of human rights, democracy and respect for freedom. Portugal praises his actions and his firmness in guiding this process. I thank him for the information he has just conveyed to the Council. We fully support the statement that will be made by Finland on behalf of the European Union. I will get straight to the point. Portugal has repeatedly requested at these meetings of the Security Council to confront the Council with its responsibilities in managing the appalling crisis in East Timor.”
1999-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4043 (1999) · source
“Portugal therefore reiterates its appeal to the Indonesian Government to release Xanana Gusmao, as well as all other East Timorese political prisoners, and allow access to the territory by CNRT leaders who reside abroad. Portugal stands ready to assist the transition in East Timor and the implementation of the result of the consultation, whether that is the acceptance or rejection of the autonomy proposal. We will do our utmost to support the efforts of the East Timorese in building their future as the result of a free decision. My Government will continue also to work with Indonesia and the East Timorese, within the framework of the United Nations, towards a successful transition. We will spare no efforts to make sure that East Timor is finally on the path of peace and development.”
1999-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4038 (1999) · source
“We vividly welcome the agreement by the East Timorese leaders, in the meetings sponsored by the United Nations, to appoint their representatives to the East Timorese Consultative Commission and to have both the head of the pro-integration movement and the head of the National Council of Timorese Resistance (CNRT), Xanana Gusmao, attend the first meeting of that council. Their full participation in such an historic meeting, to take place in Dili the day immediately after the ballot, will send an important signal of confidence in the future of East Timor. Bearing in mind his role in promoting peace and reconciliation, which is recognized by all parties and the international community, Xanana Gusmao's presence in Dili will surely have a stabilizing effect.”
1999-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4038 (1999) · source
“The senior officials meeting held in Jakarta and the one that took place just yesterday in Lisbon have allowed us to further our cooperation and to discuss ways to proceed from the consultation onwards. We are pleased to point out that the Indonesian authorities have reiterated their commitment to the process after the ballot. When referring to the future of East Timor, the role of the East Timorese and the progress they have made towards national reconciliation have to be highlighted. Overcoming their differences and living together peacefully will be the biggest challenge facing them after the consultation.”
1999-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4038 (1999) · source
“The excellent cooperation that has always prevailed in these contacts, and that I would like to emphasize, unfortunately has not always found translation on the ground. I would now like to turn to the future with renewed hope. We welcome the approval by the Security Council of a resolution that will allow the United Nations to maintain an adequate presence in East Timor after the ballot and to prepare the implementation of its result. As you are aware, the trilateral dialogue between the United Nations, Portugal and Indonesia has continued to find the necessary arrangements to ensure a smooth transition in East Timor, whatever the result of the consultation might be.”
1999-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4038 (1999) · source
“It is inadmissible that so close to the consultation we are witnessing such an increase in violence and even loss of human lives. We hope that Indonesia gives an answer to the statements issued yesterday by the Security Council and by the Secretary- General himself strongly condemning these events and demanding that the Indonesian authorities take concrete steps to stop and revert this situation. Through the Portuguese Observation Mission of the Popular Consultation in East Timor, my Government has continuously reported to UNAMET and to the Indonesian Task Force on the Implementation of the Popular Consultation the incidents it has witnessed. Also, we have always discussed these issues on a regular basis here in New York with the United Nations and the Indonesian representatives.”
1999-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4038 (1999) · source
“Several international personnel, and even UNAMET staff, have experienced this atmosphere of threat and insecurity. I seize this opportunity to appeal once again to the Indonesian authorities to make an additional effort. On the voting day all conditions should be in place to ensure that the popular consultation is carried out in a fair and peaceful way, in an atmosphere free of intimidation, violence or interference from any side. In this regard I underline - as is recalled in the resolution that will be adopted by the Council - that under the Agreements of 5 May it is the sole responsibility of Indonesia to maintain peace and security in East Timor. The events that took place in East Timor yesterday are evidence that the measures taken so far are completely inadequate and insufficient.”
1999-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4038 (1999) · source
“I will not go through the whole list of incidents that occurred with a repetitive pattern in East Timor. The international community is fully aware of them. But I have to express my Government's grave concern that on the eve of the consultation there are still armed militias active in the territory and that most of their criminal actions are not being properly investigated or punished. After the success of the registration process, we were expecting to see a broad and free campaign in which both parties would peacefully present their views, enabling people to make their choices free from any pressure. Instead, we have witnessed an environment of increased fear and a situation where many persons in favour of independence have been either prevented from participating in the campaign or subjected to physical violence and intimidation.”
1999-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4038 (1999) · source
“Their task is not an easy one, yet they have shown extreme professionalism and diligence in carrying it out impartially and effectively. The vote that is about to take place in East Timor is a historical event made possible by the efforts and resources of the United Nations and the many countries that are supporting it. But it is basically the result of the struggle of the Timorese themselves, who have never given up the right to choose their future. It is only regrettable that they may not be able to do so under all required conditions for such an important decision. In fact, the prevailing environment of intimidation, violence and insecurity in the territory is hampering the very aim of the 5 May Agreements, which is the holding of a free and fair ballot.”
1999-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4038 (1999) · source
“Let me stress that this is, in fact, the achievement of what the international community and Portugal in particular have for so long sought for East Timor: that its people be given the right to choose their own future. East Timor may become a "success story" for the United Nations, provided all actors comply with their obligations. I would like to commend the personal commitment of the Secretary- General and the engagement of Ambassador Marker and his team in finding a political solution. Their efforts show that even the most difficult problems can be overcome if there is a serious and honest political will to do so. I must also point out the remarkable work that is being accomplished by the United Nations Mission in East Timor (UNAMET) and by the team headed by Mr. Ian Martin in the implementation of such a solution.”
1999-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4038 (1999) · source
“Mr. President, I should like first to express my appreciation to you personally and to all the other members of the Council for making possible our presence here today. Portugal fully subscribes to the statement that will be made later by the presidency of the European Union. The question of East Timor has faced impressive developments in the past 17 years, since the General Assembly requested the Secretary-General to initiate consultations with all parties directly involved to find a solution to this problem. The cornerstone of the process now under way in East Timor are the 5 May Agreements, recently concluded through the good offices of the Secretary-General. Under the Agreements, the Secretary-General is requested to consult the East Timorese on the status of their territory through a direct, secret and universal ballot.”
1999-08-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4038 (1999) · source
“I wish to underline once again that, as I said, it is crucial that the Security Council continue to devote further attention to the question of children and armed conflict, ensuring follow-up of last year's presidential statement and of the draft resolution that will be adopted later today. In doing so, it will be essential to maintain a very close working relationship with Special Representative Olara Otunnu and the relevant agencies, programmes and funds of the United Nations.”
1999-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4037Resumption1 (1999) · source
“Special attention should also be given by the Council to the protection and respect of the rights of children, namely through the mandates conferred by it to peacekeeping and peace-building operations. Finally, in its debates on thematic and country- related issues, it is fundamental that the Council increasingly seek the Views of relevant United Nations agencies. With their operational experience, they can decisively enrich the debate and inform the decisions to be adopted by the Security Council, while being key allies in support of the implementation of decisions taken.”
1999-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4037Resumption1 (1999) · source
“But we also encourage the Council to pursue all the necessary efforts towards achieving an effective protection of children. For that purpose, and in order to ensure an effective follow-up to the open debate, it is important to achieve and promote the mainstreaming of the situation of the rights of children in the various activities of the Council, including in the context of specific country situations. In that same vein, we strongly believe that it would be very useful if, in future, the Secretary-General's reports to the Council included a section with relevant information on this issue; I think that Mr. Olara Otunnu underlined this aspect this morning.”
1999-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4037Resumption1 (1999) · source
“Portugal, a signatory of the Statute, is aware of the need for such an international instrument and is now undertaking the necessary process of ratification. The flow of signatures of the Statute and the increasing number of ratifying States is encouraging and reassures us that in the near future this Court will be established and ready to help bring to justice those who commit serious crimes against civilians, including the most vulnerable of them: women and children. In this context, it need hardly be underlined that the Council also has a crucial role to play, as conferred by the Statute. My Government thanks you once again, Mr. President, for the initiative to hold this open debate and welcomes the opportunity for the Security Council to keep children as a distinct and central concern of its agenda.”
1999-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4037Resumption1 (1999) · source
“While setting a standard of the universal determination of States to protect the rights of the child, the Convention, however, reflects an ideal world still far from reality. We must find a way to breach the gap that exists between this commitment by so many States and the reality, including, and in particular, those participating in or suffering the effects of armed conflicts. The Security Council must play a particular role in this respect. It must be vigilant and active, urging and helping the parties concerned to comply with their obligations freely assumed under the Convention and other instruments of international law. The adoption of the Statute of the International Criminal Court is another example of the determination of the international community to protect victims of serious crimes in the context of armed conflicts.”
1999-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4037Resumption1 (1999) · source
“My delegation looks forward to the next report of the Secretary-General on the protection of civilians in armed conflict, which is expected to be issued next month, and which will certainly include one chapter on the protection of children. The basic legal framework to ensure the fulfilment of this common goal is in place and continues remarkably and enthusiastically to be adhered to by the international community. First, there is the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The almost universal ratification of that Convention - the first to include humanitarian law among its provisions to protect children in time of war and conflict - in such a short period of time clearly demonstrates the will of the international community to achieve this objective.”
1999-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4037Resumption1 (1999) · source
“In the same vein, I would like to praise the continuous interest of the Council in these topics and to highlight the initiative of Ambassador Fowler of Canada in organizing last February an open debate on the protection of civilians in armed conflict. The impact on children emerged naturally as a central focus in the debate. I was particularly struck by the statement made on that occasion by the Executive Director of UNICEF, Ms. Carol Bellamy, and in particular by her reference to what she termed "a peace and security agenda for children", the main elements of which should guide, in our View, the action of all States and Organizations in this common goal.”
1999-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4037Resumption1 (1999) · source
“But there is also the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Assistance and other United Nations Secretariat departments, and, finally, the international financial institutions - namely the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). My delegation believes that there is a need for a global effort. States, United Nations bodies and agencies and other relevant humanitarian organizations should give priority to respect for the rights of the child in complex humanitarian emergencies, in particular armed conflicts and post-conflict situations.”
1999-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4037Resumption1 (1999) · source
“Through specific activities at the national level in the various countries affected by conflicts, UNICEF has managed to achieve surprising results. To name just one case, in Angola, a country devastated by war, it was possible to negotiate temporary ceasefires to allow for the vaccination of children and provide critical life support. In other situations, UNICEF continues to provide training on child protection, gender, humanitarian principles and child- soldier demobilization for United Nations personnel to be deployed in peacekeeping operations, as was the case recently in East Timor.”
1999-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4037Resumption1 (1999) · source
“Last year's presidential statement was a first step towards raising awareness of the relevance of these concerns to the field of international peace and security. Since then, the Security Council has continued actively to follow this issue. I would like in this context also to underline the intention of the Council to follow closely the situation of children affected by armed conflicts and in particular to maintain contact regularly, as appropriate, with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and with the relevant programmes, funds and agencies of the United Nations system. These include, in the lead, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), which has deployed a notable effort to alert us to the dimensions of the problem and to promote action designed to counter it.”
1999-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4037Resumption1 (1999) · source
“Let me recall some of these elements, to which my delegation continues to be fully committed: the condemnation of the targeting of children in armed conflicts, including the recruitment and use of children in hostilities in violation of international law; the need to consider means to provide humanitarian aid and assistance to civilian populations in distress, in particular women and children; the need to pursue efforts aiming at the disarmament and demobilization of child soldiers and the reintegration into society of children maimed or otherwise traumatized; the need to support and promote child- focused mine clearance and mine-awareness pro grammes, as well as child-centred physical and social rehabilitation programmes; and the importance of providing special training to personnel involved in peacemaking, peacekeeping and peace-building activities concerning the needs, interests and rights of children, as well as their treatment and protection.”
1999-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4037Resumption1 (1999) · source
“Let me also voice my delegation's strong support for the important set of proposals announced today by Ambassador Otunnu, which will pave the way for the full concretization of the concept of children as a zone of peace. Since last year's presidential statement, the Security Council has shown an increasing awareness of the impact of armed conflict on children. At that time, the Council highlighted some important elements that remain essential for decisions and further action on this issue.”
1999-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4037Resumption1 (1999) · source