YouSaid · the spoken record

Moraes Cabral

lines on the record: 869
first: 2009-02-19
most recent: 2012-12-13
sittings or episodes: 118
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

“Implementing the Tokyo Framework will require, in the short and medium term, not only especially active statesmanship on the part of the Afghan authorities but also transparency and renewed cooperation among Afghan and international partners in a decisive phase that is not without tensions and risks. In the case of Afghanistan, integration and partnership at the regional level are certainly no less relevant than cooperation with the wider world. In that regard, progress in regional integration initiatives, among which we would like to highlight the Istanbul Process - as do the Secretary-General's report (S/2012/703) and the statements we have just heard - is an encouraging example of what can be achieved through vigorous Afghan leadership and a strong commitment to peace and stability. Secondly, let me raise the issue of human rights.”
2012-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6840 (2012) · source
“I thank Special Representative Jan Kubis for his briefing. I also welcome His Excellency Mr. Zalmai Rassoul to the Council and thank him for his statement. Both of those statements presented a clear and comprehensive picture of Afghanistan today, of its achievements and of the challenges that still lie ahead. I will therefore not elaborate on them but will restrict myself to two points that Portugal deems particularly important. The first is the Tokyo Conference on Afghanistan. Portugal believes that the Mutual Accountability Framework represents a practical and verifiable cornerstone that, together with the results of the Bonn Conference and the Chicago Summit, will allow us to build lasting cooperation between Afghanistan and the international community, strongly founded on shared interests and accountability.”
2012-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6840 (2012) · source
“Finally, in the past year decisive steps have been taken to ensure accountability for those responsible for recruiting and using child soldiers. Portugal has welcomed the recent decisions of the Special Court for Sierra Leone and the International Criminal Court, which constitute important landmarks for international justice and demonstrate that accountability is achievable and can be implemented. Such verdicts send a clear signal to parties to armed conflict throughout the world that impunity is unacceptable. The Security Council must also show strong resolve and political engagement to render even more effective its response to counter impunity for crimes against children and to enhance accountability for violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law.”
2012-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6838 (2012) · source
“We welcome the discussion that will take place in the Council on this issue, and we believe that one possible solution to increase pressure on persistent perpetrators would be to establish a thematic sanctions committee to target individuals and entities that are identified as such. But sanctions are and should continue to be a last resort, too. Prevention through national strategies and concrete commitments on the part of the parties and Governments is obviously the most effective tool for promoting and protecting children. In this context, national protection and accountability mechanisms are fundamental. As has already been mentioned, the primary responsibility for child protection lies with national authorities, and any international action in that regard must be closely coordinated with them.”
2012-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6838 (2012) · source
“The Security Council has started to apply targeted measures against persistent perpetrators in situations on its agenda, but we strongly believe that the mandates of existing sanctions committees, as they are being renewed or established, should also include child protection criteria, as is already the case with some of them, thus furthering the normative framework for child protection in situations of armed conflict. We also believe that the Council needs to find a way to consider targeted measures against perpetrators of grave violations against children in situations where a dedicated sanctions committee does not exist.”
2012-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6838 (2012) · source
“The need to tackle impunity regarding persistant perpetrators who have been clearly identified should certainly guide our work in the near future. We are referring to individuals or entities that have been identified as persistent perpetrators for five years or more, and most of them are non-State actors. The Council needs to address those difficult cases and ensure that such individuals are accounted for and sanctioned. If we do not do so, it will be the credibility of the system that we have built that will be at stake.”
2012-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6838 (2012) · source
“The advocacy and dedication of the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, as well as of UNICEF and peacekeeping missions, have been crucial in furthering this agenda. In this regard, specific commitments by parties to conflict to stop the recruitment and use of child soldiers have proven to be very effective, and we should encourage them. The strong normative framework and the mechanism to monitor, report and respond to grave violations against children, established by the Security Council, are also fundamental tools to stop child soldiering. Resolution 2068 (2012), which we adopted today, is another important piece of this normative framework. The theme of this open debate is very relevant indeed.”
2012-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6838 (2012) · source
“Portugal obviously shares the views that will later be expressed by the observer of the European Union regarding this issue, but allow me to underline some aspects of particular significance to my country. The latest report of the Secretary-General (S/2012/26l) provides us with a clear overview of the progress made on the situation of children and armed conflict. Much has been done, and we have added steps to prevent the recruitment and to end the use of children by armed forces and groups. Some of these important steps have already been mentioned today. Every release of a child is indeed a concrete advancement, and by now tens of thousands of children have been released worldwide.”
2012-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6838 (2012) · source
“I thank you, Sir, for convening this open debate on children and armed conflict, an issue to which Portugal attaches great importance. Let me congratulate Germany on its leadership in the Working Group and the work that has been accomplished there. I naturally thank the briefers for their excellent presentations and join others in warmly welcoming the new Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ms. Leila Zerrougui. I assure her of Portugal's full support in her work and efforts to ensure increased protection of children in situations of armed conflict. I would also like to add a word of appreciation to the former Special Representative for her work over the past six years.”
2012-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6838 (2012) · source
“Portugal will continue to engage with all members of the Council, the League of Arab States and the Group of Friends of Syria with a view to ending all forms of violence and ensuring a political transition that promotes stability and peace in Syria and the region. Finally, on behalf of Portugal, I would like to conclude by thanking Special Envoy Kofi Annan for his tireless efforts to promote a peaceful resolution of the crisis in Syria. His service to the Syrian people and the cause of peace deserves to be highly commended.”
2012-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6826 (2012) · source
“We wish to assure him of our full support. His chances of success will indeed depend greatly on the support he receives from the international community and the Security Council. It is crucial that all parties and stakeholders view his appointment as an opportunity to end the violence and engage seriously in an inclusive political transition that meets the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people. It is time for the Security Council to finally live up to its responsibilities, to learn from the lessons of the past and to stand on the right side of history. To be effective and credible, the Council has to exert united, sustained and effective pressure on all sides, and on the Syrian authorities in particular, in the light of their primary responsibilities under the six-point plan.”
2012-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6826 (2012) · source
“Another very worrisome aspect is the risk posed by the existing stockpiles of chemical and biological weapons inside Syria. Not only is the use of such arms prohibited under international law, but the Syrian authorities are responsible for ensuring their safe storage. Further militarization of the conflict can only lead to additional human suffering and will aggravate the humanitarian crisis even more. There is no alternative to a political solution based on the six-point plan and a Syrian-led political transition, as set forth in the 30 June final communique of the Action Group. Even at this late hour, we appeal to the Syrian Government to engage seriously in such a political solution. In that context, we welcome the appointment of Mr. Lakhdar Brahimi as the Joint Special Envoy of the United Nations and the League of Arab States.”
2012-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6826 (2012) · source
“That was particularly the case when it refused to engage with Joint Special Envoy Kofi Annan in his efforts to end the violence and to open the way for the peaceful transition desired by the majority of the Syrian people. Instead, the Syrian Government preferred to blatantly disregard its commitments under the six-point plan, to consistently and systematically violate resolutions 2042 (2012) and 2043 (2012) and to intensify its military operations against populated areas, thus exacerbating the humanitarian crisis even further. That criminal choice of action has launched the country into a destructive spiral of violence, pushing it to a full-ledged civil war and threatening the integrity of Syria itself, while destabilizing its neighbours and menacing regional peace and security.”
2012-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6826 (2012) · source
“Finally, we underscore the obligations of all sides under international humanitarian law and call upon all parties to respect civilians and do their utmost to ensure unimpeded humanitarian access to those in need. For over 18 months now, the Syrian Government has sought to crush dissent through brutal repression and widespread and systematic gross violations of human rights. It has killed, maimed and tortured, and carries on doing so. Portugal vehemently condemns all human rights violations and abuses, for which there can be absolutely no tolerance, regardless of the perpetrator. Those responsible for such violations and abuses must be and will be held accountable. We regret that the Syrian Government has shunned every opportunity to search for a political settlement of the present situation.”
2012-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6826 (2012) · source
“We also praise the heroic efforts of the humanitarian relief organizations on the ground, which, despite the many constraints and security risks, continue to work diligently, bringing much-needed relief to an increasing number of people. There is clearly a pressing need to scale up humanitarian assistance inside Syria and to increase support to the countries hosting Syrian refugees. The needs of both must be urgently met, so that all Syrians in want, whether inside Syria or outside its borders, can be assisted. We also recall the humanitarian commitments the Government of Syria undertook within the framework of the six-point plan, and we urge the Syrian authorities to enable greater humanitarian access to the country.”
2012-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6826 (2012) · source
“Large refugee communities within Syria have also been seriously affected, be they Palestinian, Iraqi or of other nationalities. The tragic situation is placing enormous strain on host communities both inside and outside Syria. As we have also heard, local response mechanisms and support networks have exhausted their capacities and are no longer able to respond to such urgent and overwhelming needs. In neighbouring host countries, humanitarian assistance resources are rapidly reaching the breaking point. Portugal is deeply thankful to the Governments and people of Lebanon, Iraq, Jordan and Turkey for the generosity, solidarity and selflessness with which they have harboured all those fleeing persecution and violent repression in Syria.”
2012-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6826 (2012) · source
“(spoke in English) As I said, this human tragedy could have been averted had the Syrian Government not responded to the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people with sheer brutal force and by resorting to the use of tanks, helicopter gunships and fighterjets against civilians. Let us be clear: such actions are illegal under international law and totally unacceptable, no matter the circumstances. The humanitarian impact of increasing Government violence against ordinary people, including women and children, is extremely severe and places hundreds of thousands at risk. As we heard, the numbers are absolutely shocking. Entire families have been uprooted from their homes. Essential services are denied to thousands. Women and children are particularly vulnerable.”
2012-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6826 (2012) · source
“I very much hope that today's debate will provide a much- needed jolt to the international conscience and finally bring about a new desire to act together to put an end to this tragedy and the suffering of an entire people. We have heard Mr. Eliasson and Mr. Guterres speak of the seriousness and extent of the situation. I would like sincerely to thank them for their statements. We have also heard from the Ministers of Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey, and I thank them for being here and for their important statements. We are indeed facing a genuine humanitarian disaster, which, beyond its direct impact on the Syrian people, is likely to further destabilize an already fragile region. Even worse, this situation is deteriorating every day as the violence and repression increase.”
2012-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6826 (2012) · source
“Mr. Moraes Cabral (Portugal) (spoke in French): Portugal would like to thank France for having organized this extremely timely debate. As the months go by, the world helplessly watches as a most savage repression is unleashed against a people who are only asking for the recognition and respect oftheir most basic rights. The Damascus regime responds to such legitimate requests with only force, bombing civilians with heavy weapons, destroying entire neighbourhoods, killing and wounding thousands and forcing thousands of others into exile. We have waited too long to put an end to this appalling and unacceptable situation. We have failed too long in our duty as the Security Council and have too long allowed the worst violations of fundamental rights to continue as if nothing were happening.”
2012-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6826 (2012) · source
“I think to call them a faction lacks elegance, if nothing else. My third comment, and I will finish here, is that international partners have indeed refrained from collaborating with the illegitimate authorities. But let me assure the Council that those international institutions that have refrained from collaborating with those behind the coup d'etat will continue to do so. That means not collaborating until a credible political transition is put in place. Finally, concerning what was described as the normalcy of life in Guinea-Bissau, I will only refer to what Mr. Mutaboba said about the rise in criminal activity and drug trafficking. I apologize for intervening.”
2012-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6818 (2012) · source
“I had not intended to speak at this meeting and, as usual, will keep my comments for our consultations later. But I must say that I should dispel the erroneous impression that the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC), which we all know is the majority party in Guinea-Bissau, is part of the Government. It is not part of the Transitional Government. The gentlemen who were mentioned have not had any connection with the PAIGC for a long time now, as has been made clear by successive communiques of the legitimate authorities of the Party. My second comment, related to the first, is that what has been called this afternoon the Carlos Gomes Junior faction ofthe PAIGC does in fact translate to two-thirds of the members of the Parliament in Guinea-Bissau.”
2012-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6818 (2012) · source
“Israelis and Palestinians - and all in the region - can only gain from the establishment of a sovereign, democratic, contiguous and viable Palestinian State committed to peace and security and Israel's full integration into its regional environment on the basis of the Arab Peace Initiative. The parties simply cannot afford to miss this historic opportunity. Time is running out, as Mr. Serry said. Now is the moment for Israelis and Palestinians to re-engage seriously and courageously. It is the time to take the risks that a just and durable peace necessarily entails. It is not the time for yet more procrastination. It is an illusion for either party to think that time and the status quo are on their side. If there is one thing the past year and a half has shown us, it is that history will wait for no one.”
2012-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6816 (2012) · source
“But Palestinian access and use of their resources in Area C are also key for the economic viability of the Palestinian Authority, without which it would be increasingly difficult to sustain and build upon the Palestinian State-building achievements carried out by Prime Minister Fayyad, under the direction of President Abbas, whose endeavours we commend and encourage. The resumption of a meaningful negotiation process based on the well-known parameters and on the Quartet statement of 23 September 2011 remains an utmost priority. We all know that direct negotiations are the only way to settle all final status issues, but the window for a negotiated solution is closing quickly.”
2012-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6816 (2012) · source
“We urge Israel to cooperate full with the relevant humanitarian actors in the occupied Palestinian territory, namely, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, and to ensure full and unimpeded humanitarian access, as is its obligation as an occupying Power. The parties must undertake all efforts to engage in credible direct negotiations. They must take steps that foster mutual confidence. In that context, Portugal welcomes the second visit by families from the Gaza Strip to see relatives in Israeli detention, as we welcome the transfer by the Israeli Government to the Palestinian Authority of 180,000,000 shekels advance on tax revenue transfers. A reliable and predictable transfer of revenues is essential for the economic and fiscal sustainability of the Palestinian Authority.”
2012-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6816 (2012) · source
“Settler violence and vandalism, including attacks on religious sites, excessive restrictions on movement, deliberate humiliations, arbitrary and administrative detentions without formal charge, and the use of disproportionate force by the Israeli security forces continue to take a heavy toll on Palestinian daily life. In Gaza, the blockade, which is now entering its sixth year, has created an aid-dependant economy and reinforced extremism. Fundamental change of the situation in the Gaza Strip and lasting recovery will require the full implementation of resolution 1860 (2009).”
2012-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6816 (2012) · source
“All those acts are illegal under international law and must be clearly condemned as such. Moreover, they undermine any possibility of a two-State solution based on the internationally endorsed parameters as colonization erodes the territorial basis of any such solution. Soon there will be no land to exchange for peace. The political credibility of the whole process is at stake, and the disingenuous report of Justice Levy further undermines it. Also, the human rights and humanitarian situation of Palestinians in the occupied Palestinian territory is deplorable, as we heard from Mr. Serry and Ambassador Mansour.”
2012-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6816 (2012) · source
“However, comprehensive and enduring regional peace will remain elusive as long as the Palestinian question, the core of the Arab-Israeli conflict, stays unresolved. Nevertheless, the Israeli-Palestinian negotiations continue to be at a dangerous standstill, and actions on the ground render the resumption of the dialogue between the parties increasingly difficult. Most troublesome, in that regard, is Israel's continued and intensified settlement activity; its ongoing policies in Area C and East Jerusalem of evictions, confiscations and demolitions of Palestinian housing and infrastructure; and its forced transfer of populations. Just a couple of days ago the Israeli Government requested the Israeli Supreme Court to allow the demolition of Palestinian hamlets in the South Hebron Hills to enable the area to be used for military training.”
2012-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6816 (2012) · source
“We also call upon all parties to engage constructively with the Joint Special Envoy of the United Nations and the League of Arab States on Syria and to commit to a sustained cessation of all armed violence in all its forms, as well as to the implementation of the six-point plan and the political transition set forth by the Action Group for Syria in Geneva. Portugal highly values the role of the League of Arab States and its efforts in seeking a peaceful solution to the conflict, and we commend the assistance that neighbouring countries continue to provide those persons fleeing violence and persecution in Syria. As has been repeatedly stated, developments in the Arab world render a final settlement of the Arab-Israeli conflict ever more urgent.”
2012-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6816 (2012) · source
“Eighteen months into that deadly conflict, the country continues to slip into civil war, destabilizing neighbouring countries and threatening the integrity of Syria itself with grave and unforeseeable risks for regional peace and security. Resolution 2059 (2012) allows the Syrian authorities a final chance to match deeds with words, reverse the situation and prevent the country's descent into absolute chaos. The Syrian Government must immediately cease the use of heavy weapons in populated centres. That is the first minimal step needed for the establishment of an environment conducive to a cessation of violence and a Syrian-led political transition.”
2012-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6816 (2012) · source
“Portugal condemns in the strongest terms the terrorist attack in Bulgaria, on 18 July, which caused the death of a Bulgarian and several Israeli citizens and gravely injured many others. We present our sincere condolences to the families ofthe victims. Likewise, we condemn the ongoing firing of rockets into Israel from Gaza against innocent civilians. All acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation wherever, whenever and by whomever they are committed. Last Thursday I expressed in this Chamber my country's views on the deteriorating situation in Syria (see S/PV.6810), so today I will refer to it only briefly.”
2012-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6816 (2012) · source
“I thank Robert Serry for his very comprehensive and useful briefing, as well as the representative of Israel and the Permanent Observer of Palestine for their statements. Portugal naturally aligns itself with the statement that will be delivered later by the observer of the European Union. The situation in the Middle East remains of the highest concern. A traditionally volatile region is again facing increasingly grave risks as the bloody conflict in Syria rages and the Middle East peace process remains in a protracted impasse, stubbornly oblivious to the changes and shifting dynamics underway. Violence and terrorism continue to maim and claim innocent lives.”
2012-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6816 (2012) · source
“President, allow me a special word of appreciation for Major-General Robert Mood, Chief of UNSMIS, and his able leadership, as well as for all the personnel of UNSMIS. We thank them greatly for their courage, commitment and professionalism in such challenging and perilous circumstances.”
2012-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6810 (2012) · source
“Moreover, by restricting eventual coercive action to measures under Article 41 of the Charter of the United Nations, the text clearly excluded any possibility of a military intervention. Portugal firmly believes that to be effective, to be credible and to fulfil its responsibilities, the Council must exert united, sustained and effective pressure on all sides, and on the Syrian authorities in particular, in light of their primary responsibility under the six-point plan to put an end to the violence. We very much regret that, once again, this was not possible, with all the dire consequences that failure entails. Nevertheless, Portugal remains ready to continue engaging with all members of the Council to provide meaningful and effective support to the efforts of the Joint Special Envoy Annan. Finally, Mr.”
2012-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6810 (2012) · source
“The draft resolution (see S/2012/53 8) vetoed by the Russian Federation and China sought precisely that, namely by placing the six-point plan and the political conditions set out by the Action Group in Geneva on 30 June 2012, under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations. It also sought to ensure an immediate end to all violence and to promote a permissive environment on the ground, without which a reconfigured UNSMIS will not be able to undertake its mandated task effectively and safely. Contrary to what some have argued, the imposition of sanctions in the eventuality of continued noncompliance would not be automatic. It would require another Security Council resolution.”
2012-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6810 (2012) · source
“Eighteen months into this persistent conflict, the country continues to slip into civil war and chaos, destabilizing neighbouring countries and threatening the integrity of Syria itself, with grave risks for regional peace and security. Three months after the adoption of resolution 2043 (2012), the six-point plan has yet to be implemented. Civilians continue to bear the brunt of the armed conflict. The Syrian armed forces persist in their indiscriminate use of tanks, heavy artillery and helicopters to systematically shell populated areas in blatant violation of the Council's resolutions. UNSMIS operations remain suspended owing to the security conditions on the ground. Events in Damascus over the past days have dramatically underlined the urgent need for concerted action by the Security Council to enforce Joint Special Envoy Annan's plan.”
2012-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6810 (2012) · source
“We have indeed tried our utmost to preserve the unity of the Council. On 21 April the Council mandated the United Nations Supervision Mission in Syria (UNSMIS) to monitor a ceasefire and support implementation of the six-point plan. UNSMIS was devised as a means to an end, namely, the creation, through the full implementation of the six-point plan, of a conducive environment for the political process and the Syrian-led transition to democracy in conformity with the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people. Since then, the situation on the ground has only worsened, and the level of violence has increased daily to unfathomable levels.”
2012-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6810 (2012) · source
“Portugal is deeply disappointed that the Security Council was not able to remain united in support of the six-point plan and the efforts of the Joint Special Envoy. The purpose of the draft resolution S/2012/538, which we co-sponsored, was to reinforce the Council's commitment to the Annan plan in a manner that could ensure its immediate and effective implementation and to stop the violence and the systematic violations of human rights taking place in Syria. We very much regret that, despite the flexibility demonstrated by the sponsors, the Council failed to heed the reiterated calls of the Secretary-General and the Joint Special Envoy for united, sustained and effective pressure in order to implement its decisions and send a message to all that there will be serious consequences for continued non-compliance.”
2012-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6810 (2012) · source
“The interactive dialogue to be held tomorrow represents a positive step in that direction, but there is certainly room for the Council to seek, and make a better use of, the PBC's advice, especially when discussing the renewal of mandates, but also as an early warning for potential setbacks in peace consolidation in specific countries. In conclusion, as always, Portugal stands ready to engage in an open and creative discussion on ways to advance the PBC's contributions to more efficient and integrated action on the part of the international community throughout the various stages of post-conflict and peace consolidation in the countries involved. The success of the PBC in fulfilling its functions represents our collective success towards achieving sustainable peace.”
2012-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6805 (2012) · source
“In that respect, we encourage the configurations to work closely with United Nations regional offices in the implementation of concrete projects for combating organized crime. The answer to the issues I have identified here require a broader refection on the relation between the PBC and other organs of the United Nations, in particular the Security Council. The PBC's annual report acknowledges some progress in the interaction between the two organs and provides recommendations on how that relationship can be strengthened. We should work collectively to improve our working methods in order to allow us, on a regular basis, to draw upon the advice of the Chairs of country-specific configurations.”
2012-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6805 (2012) · source
“The same applies, to a large extent, to initiatives aimed at promoting the effective participation of women in political transition and economic recovery. We value the initiatives of the PBC to tackle what we believe is a fundamental aspect of peace consolidation in the various countries on its agenda, and can only encourage the different configurations to work with the missions on the ground, as well as with relevant United Nations organs and international partners, to ensure better coordination of existing activities. Still on the issue of priority areas, we believe that recent debates on cross-national issues, such as the ones on transnational organized crime in West Africa, are very promising and represent an attempt to provide a regional dimension to the work of the PBC.”
2012-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6805 (2012) · source
“Yet, we must admit that more needs to be done to articulate the political role of the PBC configuration Chairs with that of other United Nations actors, namely, the Special Representatives of the Secretary-General, in order to avoid duplication or, even worse, contradictions. Priority areas for PBC intervention should also be carefully considered, taking into account the mandate of United Nations missions on the ground. While the current trend for a stronger focus by the PBC configurations on security sector reform (SSR) activities is, in our view, a positive development, it is critical to ensure that such focus does not duplicate the work carried out by United Nations missions whose mandates already include SSR assistance as priority tasks.”
2012-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6805 (2012) · source
“By engaging with the different partners, the PBC can play a very important role in bridging potential gaps between what each actor is doing. In that respect, the partnership established with the African Development Bank is a very positive step, which will hopefully yield concrete results in the near future. Another crucial aspect is that of political dialogue. The statements ofmutual agreement, as well as the visits by the Chairs of the country-specific configurations, constitute excellent opportunities for conveying political messages regarding the situation in the countries on the PBC's agenda.”
2012-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6805 (2012) · source
“The issue at stake here today is how to make the best use of those singular features of the PBC in order to ensure a more coherent and effective United Nations presence on the ground, but also greater visibility for the PBC's work. As the annual report indicates, one of the PBC's main tasks is the mobilization of donors' resources and the identification of financing gaps and of the priorities for international assistance. Yet, that should translate into the actual work being carried out on the ground. Besides the regular planning and articulation with national authorities, we strongly believe that the PBC should, early on, be more systematically involved with other actors, first and foremost with United Nations agencies, but also with bilateral partners, international financial institutions and regional organizations.”
2012-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6805 (2012) · source
“Making sure that those two dimensions are treated in an integrated manner from the early stages of peacekeeping requires bringing our political, development, security and humanitarian instruments into a single consistent framework. In each of the countries where it is involved - including in the four configurations that Portugal is a part of - the PBC certainly contributes to the United Nations effort to devise such a framework. The PBC's singularity derives also from its membership, which brings together Member States and international organizations, and from its engagement with national actors in the definition of peacebuilding priorities. Its approach, based on mutual engagement between the PBC and the authorities of the countries on its agenda, provides a strong incentive for national ownership of peace consolidation processes.”
2012-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6805 (2012) · source
“There is no denying that, over the past six years, the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) has established itself as a unique actor within the United Nations architecture for post-conflict peace consolidation. The report (S/2012/70) we are considering today testifies to that effect and provides a comprehensive account of how the Commission and its various configurations have evolved and developed new forms of engagement with fragile countries, as well as with the wider donor community. Of course, much can still and should be done. One distinctive aspect of the PBC that Portugal particularly values is the way it brings together security and development as interrelated elements of peace consolidation.”
2012-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6805 (2012) · source
“Mr. Moraes Cabral (Portugal) (spoke in Spanish): Thank you, Madam President, for presiding over the Council. It is always an honour and a pleasure to have you with us. I would like to congratulate the Colombian presidency of the Council for having organized this important debate. I should also like to thank you, Madam, for the excellent concept note (S/2012/511, annex) that your delegation prepared. (spoke in English) I would also like to thank the Secretary-General for his important statement, as well as our colleagues from Rwanda and Bangladesh for their very useful briefings and for their leadership. I also wish to say a word of appreciation to Mr. Von Amsberg for his presentation. Portugal naturally shares the positions that will be presented later during this debate by Ambassador Mayr-Harting on behalf of the European Union.”
2012-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6805 (2012) · source
“Let me conclude by reiterating the need for the Council to act in a consistent, determined and prompt way in increasing the protection of civilians in conflict situations, using all the available tools and in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations to fulfil that aim. It is not only our credibility that is at stake. It is also the need to answer to the plight of millions of innocent, suffering, victims whose pleading eyes we see daily on our televisions.”
2012-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6790 (2012) · source
“Let me also take up the suggestion of Valerie Amos for more systematic recording of civilian casualties and the conditions in which they occur. That would also contribute toward strengthening accountability. The United Nations and the Security Council, in particular, must show strong resolve in countering impunity and set the example for national judicial institutions. I believe that would have a positive effect in terms of deterrence. But it is also obvious to me that impunity and a lack of reparation for victims also hampers reconciliation efforts and, ultimately, threatens peacebuilding in post-conflict situations. The Security Council should therefore fully utilize all the instruments at its disposal, directly or through other bodies such as the Human Rights Council, to strengthen accountability.”
2012-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6790 (2012) · source
“But it is plain that, in many dire situations, denial of or constraints to humanitarian assistance are yet another instrument of war aimed at increasing the pressure on the civilian population. As such, they should be vigorously opposed, and the Security Council should act forcefully when such situations arise. Denying or impeding humanitarian access are violations of human rights and humanitarian law and should be treated as such. A third dimension by which we could decisively increase our capacity to protect civilians is accountability. Bringing perpetrators of crimes against civilians to trial must become the norm and not the exception. Recent verdicts of the Special Court for Sierra Leone and the International Criminal Court are not only important landmarks in terms of international justice, but also demonstrate that it can be done.”
2012-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6790 (2012) · source
“Also, for peacekeepers to engage usefully with the population, they must of course be acquainted with local conditions, be they political, social, or cultural. But more importantly, they must be able to speak the language of the country, which is too often not the case. A second fundamental area would be to improve and ensure the access of humanitarian assistance providers to the civilian population. I fully recognize that this is easier said than done, and I pay tribute to all that the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and Government and non-government agencies are trying to do in that field, amidst all types of difficulties and often confronted with deliberate opposition to their efforts.”
2012-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6790 (2012) · source