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

“The marginalization of particularly vulnerable groups, the significant number of internally displaced persons and gender violence are a problem for us. We congratulate MINUSTAH on its work with UNICEF and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to harmonize the law on human trafficking with the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children, supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, ratified by Haiti in 2009. The Secretary-General's report also voices concerns regarding impunity. The efforts carried out by the Haitian authorities and MINUSTAH are commendable, but we believe that additional efforts, above all the in the cases specifically highlighted in the report, will still be necessary in the key area of consolidating the rule of law.”
2012-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6732 (2012) · source
“We know that the question was discussed during the electoral campaign and studied at the national level. Naturally, we do not question the right of Haiti's independent and sovereign State to an army. The question is rather to determine whether this is the right moment to allocate and spend significant material and human resources on a project whose effective contribution to resolving the serious and urgent problems that Haiti faces remains unclear. That is why we call on the Government of Haiti to act to ensure that the issue is broadly and transparently discussed, allowing conclusions anchored in reality. The humanitarian situation and the protection of human rights remain causes of concern for us.”
2012-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6732 (2012) · source
“Despite being strengthening, the Haitian National Police it is still not in the position to enforce law and order throughout the country. That is why MINUSTAH still has an important role to play in this sphere, even in the context of the progressive drawdown of its personnel. Nevertheless, the drawdown to the level of January 2010 must take place without reducing capacities of the MINUSTAH police and the Haitian National Police. It is evident that ensuring security and peace in Haiti is first and foremost the responsibility of the Haitian people and authorities. The international community does not want to substitute for the national authorities and can act only in support of the stabilization and development that Haiti itself carries out. During the recent Security Council visit, the issue of training a Haitian national army was raised.”
2012-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6732 (2012) · source
“In order to confront it, however, and to overcome the challenges, the first requirement is political stability, clearly defined goals, determination and effective cooperation among the institutions that were legitimized by the democratic election. The resignation of Prime Minister Conille a mere four months after his appointment is naturally cause for increased concern, since it affects the normal functioning of national institutions and the accomplishment of critical and urgent tasks. My delegation has full confidence in the sense of responsibility of Haitian officials and in their commitment to democratic values and practice, the reconstruction of the country and a democratic State. We call on them to act accordingly. Security has long been a central issue in Haiti.”
2012-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6732 (2012) · source
“Today's discussion naturally concerns not only the activities of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), but also the situation in Haiti and its challenges: security, reconstruction, economic and social development, functioning institutions and strengthened rule of law, as well as the defence and promotion of human rights, all in a context affected by very considerable obstacles, as we have just heard and as we recently saw for ourselves. Indeed, the Haitian people and authorities face the particularly daunting challenge of building a working democracy in a context of weakened security, widespread shortages of basic goods, generalized suffering and specific problems with respect to economic and social development. This is not, unfortunately, an entirely unprecedented situation.”
2012-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6732 (2012) · source
“Mr. Moraes Cabral (Portugal) (spoke in French): I would like at the outset to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Mariano Fernandez, for his most useful report (S/2012/128), which reminds us of the progress that has been made but above all also of the immensity of the task that remains to be accomplished. I welcome the presence in the Chamber of our Haitian colleague, Ambassador Jean Cazeau. Like other colleagues, I thank him for all the support his Government provided to our recent visit to Haiti. We naturally share the perspective that will be presented later in this meeting on behalf of the European Union.”
2012-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6732 (2012) · source
“To that end, and despite the current environment of global financial constraint, we encourage others, in particular new donors, to contribute to that collective endeavour, by ensuring the sustainability of AMISOM. financing.”
2012-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6729 (2012) · source
“As Portugal has stated before, it is also vital to ensure inclusiveness and representativeness throughout the current process. We recall the constructive role that women can play towards that end, as well as in ensuring full respect for human rights. Turning those decisions into reality is another step, yet a significant one, that Somalis need to take themselves towards a stable and viable State. We call upon them also to continue to work closely with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ambassador Augustine Mahiga, whose efforts I wish again to underline and commend. In concluding, allow me to recall the need to ensure the sustainability of the progress achieved so far in Somalia.”
2012-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6729 (2012) · source
“In that context, we of course share the position of the European Union, to be expressed later by Ambassador Mayr-Harting. The engagement and additional efforts that we all have committed ourselves to are nevertheless dependent upon the will and commitment of the Somali people, in particular the Somali political leadership. Portugal welcomes the consensus on ending the transitional period in August 2012, in line with the road map for ending the transition, and takes note of the agreement on the Garowe Principles and the commitment by Somali leaders to ensure the delivery of basic services to the population, promote good governance and safeguard peace and security in Somalia. We take this opportunity to once again urge the Transitional Federal Institutions and all road map and Garowe signatories to redouble their efforts.”
2012-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6729 (2012) · source
“On the humanitarian front, despite the end of the state of famine, partners continue to be heavily engaged in improving and addressing the ongoing, protracted needs of Somalia. However, assistance will only be fruitful if it reaches those in need in a timely way. To that end, we urge all parties to ensure full and unhindered access for humanitarian aid across the country. Partners are also addressing the underlying causes of instability. In that regard, the relocation of the United Nations Political Office for Somalia to Mogadishu, the support aimed at building stability at the local level and the consistent stepping-up of action to tackle the threats posed by piracy and terrorism are of great importance. Portugal is engaged in multiple efforts, mainly through the outstanding contribution of the European Union.”
2012-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6729 (2012) · source
“The adoption of resolution 2036 (2012) and the significant strengthening of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) that it authorized; the support being given to develop the Somali security forces, especially by the European Union; the hard work and sacrifice of AMISOM, regional partners and the Somali security forces; as well as the commitment of troops by established and new contributing countries, all highlight the support at the security and military levels. In that regard, allow me to acknowledge the efforts made by all parties involved in military action in Somalia to minimize the negative impact of military intervention on Somali civilians - we continue to encourage them to continue to do so - and to promote the safety and welfare of civilians fleeing conflict and meet the food needs in the country.”
2012-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6729 (2012) · source
“Politically, that support was demonstrated by the London conference in bringing together key partners at this critical juncture for the country, with the aim of reaching a comprehensive strategy for the establishment of peace and stability. It has also been demonstrated by the continuous engagement of the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, as well as by Turkey's intention to hold another high-level meeting in Istanbul in the coming months, thereby building on the momentum.”
2012-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6729 (2012) · source
“I congratulate the United Kingdom on assuming the presidency of the Security Council. We once again thank the Togolese delegation for a job well done over the past month. Allow me also to welcome the presence here today of Under Secretary of State Bellingham to preside over this important meeting. I also thank the Secretary- General for his presence and analysis, as well as Special Representative Mahiga for his very helpful briefing. I commend him and his team for their work and efforts. For a period of several months we have been seeing encouraging signs and important positive developments in Somalia. Nevertheless, the overall situation remains fragile and of concern. But the international community's role and determination in continuing to support the Somali people is clear.”
2012-03-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6729 (2012) · source
“I would like to conclude by noting that, to date, the Committee has received reports from 55 Member States on their implementation of the relevant measures.”
2012-02-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6728 (2012) · source
“Furthermore, members of the Committee received an update from the Panel of Experts, via videoconference, on the preparation of the working document that I referred to earlier, that is, concerning threats and challenges of arms proliferation. As I also stated earlier, that document is now under the consideration of the Committee and will be submitted to the Council shortly. The Committee also looks forward to discussing the Panel's final report under resolution 1973 (2011), and is pleased to note that all countries that the Panel approached for a possible visit have responded positively. Finally, at the request of the relevant Libyan authorities, the Committee amended an entry to its list of individuals and entities designated as subject to the travel ban and/or asset freeze.”
2012-02-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6728 (2012) · source
“Therefore, the submission of notifications or exemption requests did not apply in relation to that entity. Also on 9 February, members of the Committee discussed several requests for guidance or assistance received from Member States that related to the status of the subsidiaries of the two remaining listed entities- the Libyan Investment Authority and the Libyan Africa Investment Portfolio. They noted that entities owned or controlled, either wholly or partially, by the Investment Authority or the Investment Portfolio are not subject to the asset freeze measure. At present, in response to the requests for guidance, the Committee is preparing a general notice, to be disseminated to all Member States and posted on the Committee's website, on the proper application of the asset freeze measure.”
2012-02-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6728 (2012) · source
“Furthermore, no negative decision was taken by the Committee in relation to 10 notifications under paragraph 13 of resolution 2009 (2011), which allows a supply of arms and related materiel of all types intended solely for security or disarmament assistance to the Libyan authorities. With respect to the asset freeze, no negative decision was taken by the Committee in relation to one notification under the basic expenses provision set out in paragraph 19 (a) of resolution 1970 (2011) and two notifications under paragraph 16 of resolution 2009 (2011). Members of the Council will recall that the latter paragraph provides for the unfreezing of funds for various additional purposes. Moreover, in four cases, the relevant Member State was informed that the entity to which the funds belonged had already been de-listed by the Committee.”
2012-02-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6728 (2012) · source
“Members of the Committee received from the Chair an unofficial compilation of the arms embargo and asset freeze notifications and exemption requests that had by that time been processed in the Committee. As of 9 February, the Committee had processed a total of 31 notifications or exemption requests concerning the arms embargo and a total of 151 notifications or exemption requests concerning the asset freeze. Since my last periodic report (see S/PV.6698), in connection with the arms embargo, the Committee has approved one request for an exception to that measure under paragraph 9 (a) of resolution 1970 (2011). The Committee has also expressed no objection to a second request that invoked paragraph 9 (c) of the resolution.”
2012-02-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6728 (2012) · source
“The second is a final report by the Panel on its monitoring of the implementation of the relevant measures, including the arms embargo, the travel ban and the asset freeze. The working document is currently under the consideration and review of the Committee and will form the basis for the Committee's report to the Council pursuant to paragraph 5 of resolution 2017 (2011). The Panel's final report, which was submitted to the Council on 18 February pursuant to paragraph 24 (d) of resolution 1973 (2011), will be discussed during the Committee's next informal consultations on 5 March. During the reporting period the Committee met once in informal consultations, on 9 February.”
2012-02-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6728 (2012) · source
“In accordance with paragraph 24(e) of Security Council resolution 1970 (2011), of 26 February 2011, I have the honour to report to the Security Council on the work of the Committee established by the same resolution. The report covers the period from 23 December 2011 to 29 February 2012. I would like to begin by noting that two important documents are before the Committee. The first is a working document put together by the Panel of Experts and reflecting the contributions of the Panel, the Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate, the International Civil Aviation Organization, the United Nations Support Mission in Libya, the Office for Disarmament Affairs, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and the International Atomic Energy Agency, on the threats and challenges of arms proliferation from Libya to the region.”
2012-02-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6728 (2012) · source
“Let us not forget them and the fact that beyond bringing perpetrators to justice, the international community also needs to afford care and reparation to the victims.”
2012-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6722 (2012) · source
“As we have heard, Governments have recently prosecuted senior officers of their armed forces for crimes of sexual violence, and leaders of parties in armed conflict have been arrested and transferred to the International Criminal Court. These actions send a powerful signal to the victims of sexual violence that no military or political leader is above the law. This political message needs to be constantly underlined by the United Nations, and by this Council in particular. Before concluding, let me mention that we regret that we have not yet been able to agree on the presidential statement on this important debate. But we trust that, with the cooperation of all, we will be able to achieve this shortly. I conclude with a word for the victims and the survivors of sexual violence. They are at the centre of our debates.”
2012-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6722 (2012) · source
“The Council has already passed a clear message to assure the perpetuators of sexual Violence that the Council adopts sanctions against perpetrators who have been identified or who are credibly suspected of committing sexual violence in situations of armed conflict on its agenda. The Council should be consistent and reinforce that message concerning other individuals in similar circumstances. Impunity is simply not acceptable. The work carried out by the Special Representative and, ultimately, by this Council during the past few years is making a real difference in many parts of the world, especially for women and girls, but also for men and boys.”
2012-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6722 (2012) · source
“That reliable information will consequently enable the Council to act, collectively and in an appropriate mode, well before major incidents of widespread sexual violence reinforce threats to peace and security. Indeed, a Council that is better informed is also in a better position to take effective action. With sufficient information, the Council will be able to take preventive steps in a timely manner. But the Council now will also need to take action with regard to those parties listed in the annex of the Secretary-General's report, which are, and I quote, "credibly suspected of committing or being responsible for patterns of rape and other forms of sexual violence" (S/2012/33, para. 118).”
2012-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6722 (2012) · source
“We welcome the technical cooperation that was provided at the request of national authorities of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, the Republic of Guinea, Sierra Leone and Cote d'Ivoire. All information contained in the report is relevant for the Security Council in terms of the Charter's mandate for the maintenance of national peace and security. The information that is already collected by the reporting mechanism will improve the Council's access to timely, objective, accurate and reliable information on sexual Violence in conflict. The Secretary-General or the Special Representative will be able to brief the Council with reliable information on specific situations that deserve the Council's attention.”
2012-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6722 (2012) · source
“A common definition of sexual violence and common methodologies for data collection through monitoring and recording activities are now used throughout the system. The Council has been quite successful in discharging its responsibilities, but it still needs to reinforce its effectiveness. For instance, we need to make full use of existing tools, mainly ensuring deployment of women's protection advisers in relevant peacekeeping operations, which will strengthen the prevention of and the response to sexual violence. We hope that the challenges that have delayed the deployment of these advisers will be overcome, since their deployment in specific missions has already been requested by this Council. Another promising tool at the disposal of Member States is the Team of Experts on the Rule of Law and Sexual Violence in Conflict.”
2012-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6722 (2012) · source
“Moreover, the report provides us with very useful information on specific situations, in accordance with resolution 1888 (2009) - information about incidents, but also about challenges and best practices adopted at the national level. It also contains very concrete recommendations, which we welcome. We must recognize that much has been achieved, and we are confident that the Special Representative will continue to carry out her mandate in the same committed and professional manner. The Security Council has recognized that the protection of women is a critical priority for peace and security. Resolutions 1888 (2009) and 1960 (2010) have clearly established the fight against sexual violence in the agenda of this Council. The Council has created the necessary tools for obtaining reliable and accurate information on sexual violence.”
2012-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6722 (2012) · source
“The report (S/2012/33) before us today gives a clear and comprehensive idea of the intensive work that has been carried out worldwide by the Special Representative in her advocacy for the fight against conflict-related sexual violence, in field visits, in engaging with national and non-governmental bodies and authorities and in coordinating within the United Nations system. It provides us with important information on the implementation of the resolutions passed by this Council regarding monitoring and reporting arrangements aimed at collecting more consistent information on conflict-related sexual violence, but also regarding the establishment of a team of experts on the rule of law to assist national authorities to reinforce traditional systems weakened by conflict.”
2012-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6722 (2012) · source
“Mr. Moraes Cabral (Portugal) (spoke in French): I would like to thank you very much, Mr. President, for having convened this debate. The very large number of delegations that have expressed a desire to speak today clearly shows that this issue is at the heart of our concerns. I should also like very much to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary- General and Mr. Ladsous for their briefings, as well as Ms. Amina Megheirbi for her very moving statement. (spoke in English) Let me start by commending Ms. Margo Wallstrom for her excellent work over the past two 12-2393] years and her efforts to spread a clear message that sexual violence is simply not tolerable and that there is no real security without women's security.”
2012-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6722 (2012) · source
“Timor-Leste still has work ahead in meeting its people's aspirations for economic development and the strengthening of national institutions. The consistent support of the international community remains a crucial element in strengthening capacities and in social and economic development. Portugal is optimistic about this year's decisive developments in Timor-Leste. President Ramos-Horta can count on our bilateral and multilateral support for Timor-Leste in the present and in future.”
2012-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6720 (2012) · source
“Portugal remains committed to bilateral cooperation with Timor-Leste, with a particular focus on strategic areas including justice, security and education. I am extremely pleased to note the recent signing of a cooperation protocol between the Ministries of Education of Portugal and Timor-Leste for the training of 7,000 Timorese teachers at all levels of schooling for a total population of 300,000 students. The participation of Timorese troops in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, within the Portuguese contingent of that Mission, is a particular example of Timor-Leste's commitment to international peace and security. We salute President Ramos-Horta for his role in the realization of that project.”
2012-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6720 (2012) · source
“The relevant political developments throughout 2012, preparations for transition to a new format of United Nations presence in the country, and recognition of the achievements in transitioning to peace and democracy and in building and strengthening institutional capacities fully justify, from Portugal's perspective, a Security Council mission to Timor- Leste. I hereby thank the President for his invitation for such a visit. Timor-Leste has worked actively to achieve significant social and economic progress. Economic planning in Timor-Leste has been noteworthy, as shown by the adoption of the Timor-Leste Strategic Development Plan for 2011-2030 and the investment in developing a non-oil economy, which will be essential to ensuring sustainable development. Improvements have also been made in governance and administration.”
2012-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6720 (2012) · source
“I would like to highlight the excellent cooperation between the Timorese authorities and the United Nations that resulted in the signing of the Joint Transition Plan in September 2011 as the road map for the transfer of responsibilities and capacities from UNMIT to the Timorese authorities. It is a remarkable document within the sphere of United Nations peacekeeping. The Timorese Government has already expressed interest in the United Nations remaining in the country after UNMIT withdraws. That matter is currently subject to active assessment in Timor-Leste and will certainly undergo deeper analysis in the second half of the year, based on the request of the Timorese Government, assessments by the authorities and the contributions of civil society and United Nations entities.”
2012-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6720 (2012) · source
“It is therefore a positive sign that the PNTL has been preparing for months in order to ensure public order during the elections and to address any other challenges that may arise during the electoral period. In that context, the support of UNMIT police will be important. I would like to emphasize the admirable work undertaken by UNMIT in the justice and security sectors. With respect to the transition process, Portugal supports the renewal of UNMIT's mandate until 31 December 2012, as proposed by the Secretary- General in his report. The draft resolution to be adopted tomorrow will form a good basis for the remaining work of UNMIT and the transition itself.”
2012-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6720 (2012) · source
“I would now like to underline several elements that will shape success in the coming months. The elections will serve as the defining moment for consolidation of Timorese institutions. We are certain that the elections will take place in a climate of peace and transparency and in accordance with international norms. We are also confident that they will be characterized by statesmanship on the part of the political parties and a sense of duty on the part of the population. The role to be played by the National Police Force of Timor-Leste (PNTL) during the elections will be one of its greatest challenges since it assumed responsibility for security throughout the country in March 2011.”
2012-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6720 (2012) · source
“The Secretary-General's report (S/2012/43) rightly highlights the progress that Timor-Leste has achieved during the reporting period. We believe it is clear, from the available data and from the will shown by the Timorese people and institutions, that Timor- Leste is a success story in defending and promoting democracy, human rights and social and economic development. Timor-Leste is truly a successful case in the history of transition from conflict to stability and development. That success is based on the leadership and ownership of the authorities; on the depth of strategic planning for the economy and for the transition beyond peacekeeping; and on the implementation of key national policies and on effective coordination with the United Nations and bilateral partners.”
2012-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6720 (2012) · source
“I want to thank the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor- Leste (UNMIT), represented by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, and to reiterate Portugal's full support for the Mission's work. Through Ms. Ameerah Haq, I would also like to praise the personnel of the Mission for their important work. The year 2012 will undoubtedly be a decisive year for Timor-Leste. The presidential and parliamentary elections will set the pace for the country's political life for the coming term. At the same time, Timor-Leste is preparing to complete the transition from UNMIT's mandate to a future United Nations presence, which must be reassessed and adapted to the new realities in Timor-Leste. Finally, it will be the year in which we will commemorate 10 years of an independent, free and democratic Timor- Leste.”
2012-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6720 (2012) · source
“Mr. Moraes Cabral (Portugal) (spoke in Portuguese; interpretation provided by the delegation): I welcome the President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, His Excellency Mr. Jose Ramos-Horta, Head of State of one of our brother countries, and the members of the Government of Timor-Leste. I also thank him for his inspiring words and the heartfelt references he made to my country. I also must present my sincere condolences upon his bereavement. I appreciate his presence in these difficult circumstances. I would also like to especially welcome the delegations of Angola, which will take the floor in its capacity the current Chair of the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries, and Brazil.”
2012-02-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6720 (2012) · source
“Such an approach would help prevent the risk of duplication and ensure that international responses effectively address the multiple dimensions of such a complex phenomenon as organized crime. As a member of the Security Council, Portugal stands ready to collaborate in our collective effort to find new and bold responses to a problem that extends beyond the West African region, and thus indeed affects us all.”
2012-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6717 (2012) · source
“Some of those initiatives have triggered international support for their implementation. I would mention in particular the support provided by the European Union as part of its strategy for the Sahel, which has a strong security and development focus. Ms. Helga Schmidt, Deputy Secretary-General of the European Union External Action Service, will be underlining that concrete cooperation later in this meeting. Portugal naturally supports her statement. To be successful, international involvement requires coherence in the efforts taken by the international community. A coordinated and integrated approach is thus of the essence, building on experience gathered and on solutions and lessons learned in similar situations of concern in other regions of the world.”
2012-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6717 (2012) · source
“In that respect, we encourage relevant institutions, including UNODC, the United Nations Office for West Africa, the Economic Community of West African States and the African Union, to work on innovative solutions, directed at the support of appropriate judicial mechanisms to prosecute organized crime-related cases on a regional basis, thus relieving local judicial systems of the burden of having to face transnational criminal networks alone. In that judicial perspective, we must be aware of the transnational nature of the trafficking in question, which requires that special attention be paid to developing and supporting programmes, both national and regional, aimed at strengthening border- management capacities. I have previously mentioned various ongoing initiatives that originated in the West African region.”
2012-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6717 (2012) · source
“There is certainly much to be done at the national level in that respect, but given the nature of the challenges, we should focus our attention on the development of regional instruments to tackle organized crime. Recent reports, as well as the concept note (S/2012/83, annex), have made concrete proposals to that end, but I underline in particular the priority that in our view should be given to judicial cooperation and capacity-building.”
2012-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6717 (2012) · source
“The recent work of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) in this area, including the meeting last year of the four West African configurations to discuss the problem of transnational crime, is a good practice from which the Security Council should also benefit, through more regular interaction with the PBC. My third point is related to the need to address the legal and institutional gaps in the region. Appropriate legal instruments and capable institutions are crucial to countering organized crime, to preventing and punishing corruption and to fighting impunity. International initiatives, such as those undertaken by UNODC and the West Africa Coast Initiative, aimed at strengthening those two dimensions by providing training and expertise, should be encouraged and strengthened as a matter of priority.”
2012-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6717 (2012) · source
“Secondly, we should aim at finding an appropriate balance between repressive measures against organized crime and the need to address the social and economic context. Some of the countries in West Africa still find themselves in post-conflict situations, with fragile institutions and serious economic and social problems - chiefly very high rates of unemployment - leaving very few options open, especially for young people. Therefore, recognizing the link between security and development allows us to focus on the root causes of instability and functions as a conflict-prevention measure.”
2012-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6717 (2012) · source
“However, we still need to know more about how those linkages operate, particularly in the matters of the financing of operations, the recruitment base and the proliferation of weapons and ammunition. In the case of piracy, we must understand more clearly the connection between attacks at sea and criminal networks operating in the countries of the region. That is why we support more systematic reporting on transnational crime trends in West Africa, as well as on the efforts undertaken to tackle those trends. But we also believe that such efforts would benefit from greater information-sharing among the countries in the region, including intelligence-sharing. International efforts should be aimed at enabling more cooperation in that respect.”
2012-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6717 (2012) · source
“As in other areas, the role of the international community should therefore be that of assisting existing initiatives, especially by enhancing institutional capacity and promoting more cooperation and a better understanding of how comprehensive the current challenges are. In that context, I would like to highlight three aspects, which in our opinion deserve the particular attention of the international community. First, as most studies and reports indicate, the confluence and juxtaposition of illicit trafficking, violence, corruption and terrorism represent a serious challenge to peace and security in Western Africa and the Sahel. There are documented linkages among different forms of organized crime and also between organized crime networks and terrorist and rebel groups operating in the region.”
2012-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6717 (2012) · source
“Recent United Nations reports, namely, those on the impact of the Libyan crisis in the Sahel region (see S/2012/42) and on piracy in the Gulf of Guinea (see S/2012/45), show that countries and regional and subregional organizations have in recent years launched a number of initiatives directed towards combating various forms of organized crime. In the particular case of the Sahel countries, Governments have demonstrated the political will to jointly address growing instability in the region. That is an important point, inasmuch as it highlights the centrality of locally owned solutions for the problems facing West Africa and the primary responsibility of local actors to define their priorities and their strategies.”
2012-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6717 (2012) · source
“Crime networks increasingly have access to new technologies and vast financial resources - often larger than those available to affected countries - which allow them to shift activities rather quickly from one country to another. In other words, organized crime and its ramifications function within a regional context, not within the framework of national borders. Therefore, responses must take that reality into account. Unless there is an effort not simply of coordination but of pooling resources, chances for long-term success in combating transnational crime are rather slim. In the particular case of Western Africa and the Sahel, there is clearly a widespread understanding of the need for regional, multilateral solutions for the challenges posed by transnational crime.”
2012-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6717 (2012) · source
“That is also a central concern of our tenure in the Security Council, one that we often stressed during the past year. In the meeting we organized during our presidency last November on new challenges to peace and security, international organized crime figured in a pre-eminent way (see S/PV.6668). We believe that efforts aimed at tackling issues such as organized crime from a purely bilateral level are not only insufficient but can even be counterproductive. Indeed, given the transborder nature of the traffics in question, success in combating transnational crime in one single country can easily lead to increased trouble for its neighbours.”
2012-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6717 (2012) · source
“Mr. Moraes Cabral (Portugal) (spoke in French): We are honoured by the presence of His Excellency the President of the Togolese Republic. We thank him for presiding over this important debate and for his opening statement. (spoke in English) I thank the Togolese presidency for taking this initiative and for making possible a reflection on how to improve integrated responses from the international community to the challenge of organized crime in Western Africa and the Sahel. I would also like to thank the Secretary-General and the Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Ambassador Fedotov, for their very useful presentations. We agree with their analyses and recommendations. Portugal has long been a strong supporter of a regional approach to the challenges facing West African countries.”
2012-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6717 (2012) · source