YouSaid · the spoken record

Morales Lopez

lines on the record: 55
first: 2016-02-15
most recent: 2018-02-06
sittings or episodes: 9
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

“Recent evidence ofthis could be seen in the process of selecting a Secretary-General, in the more equitable regional and gender representation among senior management, and in the greater efficiency and democracy of some processes within the Commissions, to mention just a few. Therefore, I have no doubt that we have made significant progress, but we still have a long way to go to achieve our shared goal of a Security Council that is aligned with the objectives established in the Charter to work towards international peace and security.”
2018-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8175 (2018) · source
“Finally, I must refer to the role that the General Assembly's revitalization process has played within the United Nations in ensuring that the Organization can meet the huge challenges we place on its substantive agenda. Thanks to the decision of the President of the General Assembly, Colombia will have the opportunity to co-Chair, with Croatia, the Ad Hoc Working Group on the Revitalization of the Work of the General Assembly. In the revitalization process, all Members of the United Nations have provided unanimous guidance on the way forward on the various issues that have modernized and made the United Nations more effective, based on the inclusive management of our discussions.”
2018-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8175 (2018) · source
“With regard to communications, Colombia recognizes the efforts made by the various presidents of the Security Council, especially the meetings with the President of the General Assembly and the organization of open and public briefings, which make the discussions on the most pressing problems and situations more democratic. Furthermore, with respect to documentation, we reiterate that it is essential that the annual reports submitted by the Council to the General Assembly have an appropriate level of specificity that contributes to a better understanding of the decision-making process for the general public and non-member delegations in order to ensure that they are genuinely informative and not merely descriptive.”
2018-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8175 (2018) · source
“The institutional relationship and interaction between the Security Council and the General Assembly, especially this year when we are seeking to adopt and implement the process of reforming the peace and security and development pillars of the Secretary- General, is undoubtedly an ongoing process that should be subject to ongoing review and improvements. Improving transparency, efficiency, inclusiveness and accountability in the Council's working methods is essential to achieving a better alignment between the Security Council's decisions on peace and security and the support these decisions receive from all Member States, particularly those that are not part of the Council. The four elements mentioned are, in our view, essential to building a decision-making culture that is in line with our collective interests.”
2018-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8175 (2018) · source
“In this regard, we welcome the consistent work and receptive aptitude of its current and past members towards the concerns of the rest of the membership and the fact that they have incorporated practices, such as more active participation by non-members of the Council as co-penholders of resolutions, greater publicity of its meeting and instances of greater transparency with respect to the activities and documents of the Council, inter alia, which have democratized the Council's work and made it and its impact more efficient, as mentioned in the concept note by the presidency of Kuwait (S/20l8/66, annex) and the note of the presidency of 30 August 2017 (S/2017/507).”
2018-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8175 (2018) · source
“Mr. Morales Lopez (Colombia) (spoke in Spanish): I would like to begin by thanking you, Mr. President, for convening this annual debate on the working methods of the Security Council, which is in and of itself a tangible demonstration of the commitment that the most important body in maintaining international peace and security should demonstrate to the principles of transparency, inclusiveness, accountability and efficiency. We are particularly grateful to Mr. Ian Martin for his briefing. My country is convinced that this exercise is far from merely an administrative or technical one: this annual review of the progress and challenges in the working methods of the Security Council is no small matter insofar as the Council's ability to effectively carry out its work has a global impact beyond the walls of this Chamber.”
2018-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8175 (2018) · source
“Before I conclude, I would like to warmly congratulate Japan for its exceptional and outstanding role as as it soon concludes its tenure in the Security Council. I would also like to thank other countries that are completing their Security Council membership this year.”
2017-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8144 (2017) · source
“Colombia has experienced both to the results and the challenges faced in preventing conflict, thanks to the United Nations special political mission in Colombia, mandated and consistently supported by the Security Council, and subsequently the transition towards a verification mission that is the result of the significant impetus that the United Nations has given to building stable and lasting peace in my country. Finally, I would like to stress that the success of the Colombian peace process is based on the premise that the prevention and resolution of conflicts flows from a comprehensive approach that takes into account the crucial elements of sustainable development, gender equality and the role of women in transitional processes and institution-building.”
2017-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8144 (2017) · source
“My country is following this process in the conviction that it constitutes an important step in the right direction, making it possible to modernize and adapt the Organization to the crises and emergencies affecting the world today. Against that backdrop, I would like to emphasize that we must not underestimate the relationship between an effective administration and the division of responsibilities from the highest level so that the United Nations is able to fulfil its mandates. At the same time, however, we should also support the worthwhile initiative of the Secretary-General to place greater emphasis on preventing conflicts and on the concept of sustaining peace, which clearly require additional mechanisms and flexible processes for the swift and effective deployment of the enormous capabilities at the disposal of the Organization.”
2017-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8144 (2017) · source
“The security and peace situation that we are currently living in around the globe currently requires bold, effective and expeditious measures to respond to needs that the current structure of this pillar of the Organization prevents resolving with forcefulness. Undoubtedly, the changing nature of the conflicts today is a challenge to the Organization. It should lead us to create new ways to address them and, at the same time, generate a culture of prevention that is genuinely effective. That need to strengthen institutional capacity in the face of real threats is what motivated Colombia to support the efforts of the Secretary-General to reform the peace and security pillar of the Organization, an effort that, thankfully, was recently endorsed by the General Assembly, thereby making this debate even more timely.”
2017-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8144 (2017) · source
“The Secretary-General quite rightly alluded to that this morning. He referred to the alarming qualitative and quantitative increase in threats that constitute a clear peril to humankind as a whole: nuclear proliferation, climate change, water shortages, more bloodthirsty and long armed conflicts and also phenomena that affect security in cyberspace. All of that requires more flexible diplomacy if we are to be more effective, but also if we are to focus on prevention. In that regard, Colombia believes that it is precisely that aspect of prevention and peacebuilding that should make the maintenance of peace a priority in the work of the Security Council. As my country pointed out recently in the General Assembly during the adoption of the resolution on reforming the peace and security pillar, we can be under no illusions.”
2017-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8144 (2017) · source
“Mr. Morales Lopez (Colombia) (spoke in Spanish): We thank Ambassador Koro Bessho of Japan for convening this open debate and for the concept note (S/2017/1016, annex), which has served as a guide to debate an issue which certainly is of great importance and current relevance. The maintenance of international peace and security is the fundamental mandate that the Charter of the United Nations has entrusted to the Organization, and, more specifically, to the Security Council, which has the responsibility to ensure that the decisions taken within this organ are consistent with the changing needs in an ever more complex global context. As is stated in the concept note, an integrated approach to the threats to peace and security requires timely attention and action to address the main causes and multipliers of conflict.”
2017-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8144 (2017) · source
“In conclusion, the work of prevention and sustainable peace, which are two principles that we have been able to take from the three reports; the joint Security Council resolution 2282 (2016) and General Assembly resolution 70/262; as well as the Secretary- General's proposals for reform should result in a strengthened budget that provides the necessary tools to execute this task to which we are all committed.”
2017-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8033 (2017) · source
“Only in this way will their design not be reduced to the containment of conflicts but to the prevention of their recurrence. As Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has repeatedly said, conflict prevention must be one of the fundamental pillars of the work of the United Nations, and it is essential to incorporate aspects of economic development, social cohesion, gender equality and human rights, among others, in such a way that they translate into a culture of conflict prevention, based on risk management, to achieve sustainable peace.”
2017-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8033 (2017) · source
“As mentioned on other occasions at the Security Council and in other forums, the process conducted in Colombia, through a new tripartite mechanism with regional support from the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, the United Nations, the guerrilla armed forces and the Government, along with participation of communities, victims, young people and women, provides lessons that we believe can be analysed and considered in other contexts with complexities that require bold structures, which are underpinned by greater national capacities, possess a clear exit strategy, involve all stakeholders concerned and demand that a more relevant and effective role be played by the Peacebuilding Commission, which requires the tools necessary to carry out such a critical mission.”
2017-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8033 (2017) · source
“In a very different and specific context and with the support of the Security Council and of the entire Organization, my country has focused all of the Government's political will on achieving sustainable and lasting peace. The lessons learned in brokering the peace agreement and from its first special political mission, now nearing completion, which the Security Council approved in January 2016, allow us to categorically state that the success of such a major undertaking depends on a mission whose concept, structure and development consistently responds to the political and social situation on the ground, and not on predetermined formulas to which everyone must conform. We also believe that, in our case, national ownership has been a determining factor in achieving success, which today's concept paper deems to be essential.”
2017-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8033 (2017) · source
“Mr. Morales Lopez (Colombia) (spoke in Spanish): I thank you, Sir, for inviting us to today's open debate, and for the concept paper (S/2017/692, annex), which provides the background for today's important discussion. My country shares the vision surrounding the need to adjust the structure of peacekeeping missions to ensure that they are effective and can provide an appropriate response to the current dynamics of armed conflicts. The majority of conflicts are no longer international; they now have diverse origins and connotations, as outlined by resolution 2282 (2016). Like those who spoke before me, in particular Ambassador Gert Rosenthal, I would like to reiterate our belief that we are moving in the right direction in the crucial task of pooling our efforts to contribute to international peacebuilding and security.”
2017-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8033 (2017) · source
“To that end, it needs objective, balanced and impartial information, which should include the identification of shortcomings and challenges, but also recognize the progress made in each country. We believe without a doubt that the United Nations should continue to promote respect for international humanitarian law. In our view, this effort will lead to the effective protection of medical personnel and, to the extent possible, to a humanization of conflicts.”
2017-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7951 (2017) · source
“That resolution urges member States to vigorously promote and adopt relevant standards of international humanitarian law, to condemn attacks on health-care workers in humanitarian or health areas and to promote actions that ensure the security of health-care workers. Colombia has been implementing those mandates for many years. States' capacity for compliance must be encouraged by the international community, and any violation should be explained and the object of an impartial investigation. In conclusion, I would like to reiterate the importance that Colombia attaches to the fact that the United Nations fully recognizes the work that national Governments are carrying out in the area of the protection of civilians.”
2017-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7951 (2017) · source
“There is crosscutting work at the national level to promote prevention of and responses to aggression against the Medical Mission, with the participation of universities, the national police, the Office of the General Prosecutor, military forces, the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Colombian Red Cross, the National Protection Unit and the Ministry of Labour, among others. The fulfilment of mandates, including the protection of civilians by the United Nations and other international organizations, should be accompanied by the political will of States. Such mandates include resolution 2286 (2016), which has brought us together today, and the guidelines established by resolution WHA55.13 at the fifty-fifth World Health Assembly of the World Health Organization.”
2017-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7951 (2017) · source
“With the ongoing support of the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Colombian Red Cross, we have made strides in this effort in many regions of the country. We maintain an updated record of violations against the Medical Mission and are making progress in establishing an observatory mechanism to follow up on those cases. That enabled us to establish corrective measures in terms of security and protection. We are also establishing an appropriate legal framework for dealing with this problem, which has included, for example, an ongoing programme for showing and posting the Medical Mission emblem by the Colombian Ministry of Health among health workers and the community in general.”
2017-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7951 (2017) · source
“That demands more accountability when these parameters are violated, for that is not only a violation of the guiding principles of international humanitarian law, but also of humanity itself. The policies of the Government in Colombia are aimed at ensuring that all State and non-State parties in armed conflicts respect their obligations to respect and protect health and humanitarian workers and related facilities, as well as the injured and sick. In that regard, we rely on what we have learned from experiences in the armed conflict that afflicted my country for more than five decades. Our accomplishments include the following. We have achieved the continuous promotion of the norms of international humanitarian law for health personnel, the community in general and the armed actors.”
2017-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7951 (2017) · source
“Over the course of the last few years, we have witnessed the increasing degradation that the prolongation of conflicts has caused for the most vulnerable, such as boys, girls, women and the elderly. However, as stated in the report of the International Committee of the Red Cross, the health system, and medical missions in particular, are increasingly among the first victims of the war. In 2017 alone, more than 80 attacks on medical missions worldwide have been reported. In that regard, my country shares the concern over the situation being faced by the civilian population in situations of armed conflict in some parts of the world and the recurring failure on behalf of the parties to recognize their obligation to respect and protect civilians.”
2017-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7951 (2017) · source
“Mr. Morales Lopez (Colombia) (spoke in Spanish): First, let me congratulate you, Madam President, on the excellent conduct of the work of the Security Council during Uruguay's presidency. We welcome the convening of today's open debate and the presidency's concept note (S/2017/365, annex) on the first anniversary of the adoption of resolution 2286 (2016) on the protection of civilians. The note deals in particular with issues related to medical personnel and health care in the context of armed conflicts at a critical moment in international affairs in relation to humanitarian issues. We thank the Secretary-General, the Vice-President of the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Deputy Executive Director of Human Rights Watch for their statements.”
2017-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7951 (2017) · source
“Considering the functions and aims of the Assembly and the intrinsic relationship between water and sustainable development, it is our View that water-related discussions should be held in that universal organ, thereby ensuring an inclusive and comprehensive approach with the participation of all Member States. It is imperative that we strengthen cooperation among States and help developing countries, upon their request, to find responses and solutions that will enable them build capacities in order to prevent water-related conflicts.”
2016-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7818 (2016) · source
“While the issue of water is not Within the purview of the Security Council, the United Nations and regional bodies play a key role through which it can participate as a catalyst of international cooperation through technical and scientific exchanges that promote sustainable water use. States, for their part, are called upon to make good-faith efforts to promote dialogue and mechanisms of cooperation such as those presented today in order to preserve the resource for future generations and to ensure that its use is shaped by sustainable patterns of production and consumption. In that regard, Colombia wishes to reiterate the importance it attaches to the work of the Security Council. Nevertheless, it believes that the more appropriate body to engage in water-related debates is the General Assembly.”
2016-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7818 (2016) · source
“For Colombia, it is essential that the issue of water on the international agenda be considered in the context of cooperation and dialogue among countries, which will benefit all countries, their populations and ecosystems. That perspective allows us to foresee the emergence of conflicts arising from the supply, conservation, use or exploitation of water. However, given the current proliferation of international water- related initiatives, Colombia emphasizes the importance of taking into account the need for comprehensive and pragmatic approaches within the United Nations system to address existing water-related issues and avoid duplicating efforts.”
2016-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7818 (2016) · source
“In that regard, our national water plan prioritizes a programme for the management of water-related conflicts that seeks to reinforce the governance strategy set out in the national policy. In addition, Colombia wishes to emphasize that the Congress ofthe Republic is considering draft legislation that seeks to make the right to water a constitutional human right. As of today, six of the eight debates required for legislative approval have been held. It is clear that the work being done internally is in keeping with the Sustainable Development Goals and reflects Colombia's commitment to them, particularly Goal 6: "Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all".”
2016-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7818 (2016) · source
“My country's efforts are reflected in the national policy for integrated water resources management and in its national water plan, which includes six objectives: to conserve the ecosystems and hydrological processes on which the country's water supply depends; to identify, quantify and optimize water demand in the country; to improve the quality and minimize the pollution of water resources; to develop comprehensive management on the risks associated with the supply and availability of water; to create the conditions for institutional capacity-building in the comprehensive management of water resources; and, finally, to consolidate and bolster governance for its comprehensive management. Key to those objectives is a strategy for managing conflicts that emerge regarding the use, access and affordability of water.”
2016-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7818 (2016) · source
“In that context, cooperation is critical to ensuring a sufficient supply of potable water for all sectors, as a catalyst for sustainable development. Colombia is rich in water resources due to its geographic location, topography and great variety of climate patterns. Grounded in that reality, our country has recognized the importance not only of the need for comprehensive management of the resource but also of the prevention, recognition and management of water- related conflicts.”
2016-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7818 (2016) · source
“Even when we carefully consider the natural water supply within countries with significant water resources, it becomes evident that local distribution is also not homogenous - in some areas water is abundant and in others the resource is scarce. We know that most of the .5 per cent of fresh water is stored in underground aquifers. However, increasing use for farming, industry and consumption reduces the available global reserves. Agriculture - the primary sector for ensuring food security, and therefore sustainable development - is estimated to account for 75 per cent of global freshwater consumption. Industry is responsible for 20 per cent, while only 5 per cent is used for domestic purposes.”
2016-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7818 (2016) · source
“Mr. Morales Lopez (Colombia) (spoke in Spanish): First of all, I would like to thank Senegal for convening this open debate on water, peace and security and for the concept note (S/2016/969, annex ) shared with us. We are also grateful for the briefings by Mr. Danilo Turk, Ms. Christine Beerli and Mr. Sundeep Waslekar. Less than 3 per cent of global water is fresh water. Of that 3 per cent, more than 2.5 per cent is frozen water in Antarctica, the Arctic and in glaciers, making it practically unavailable. That is, humankind depends on the remaining .5 per cent of fresh water for its needs and for the world's ecosystems. As the concept note mentions, water resources are not uniformly distributed throughout the world.”
2016-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7818 (2016) · source
“Our country reiterates its position that any decision about the permanence of MINUSTAH should be taken solely on the basis of the conditions on the ground, while taking into account the Mission's contribution to the security and stability of the Haitian people, thereby avoiding backsliding in the progress already achieved. We recognize the important efforts of the Haitian National Police to increase its numbers, the ground it covers and its institutional strengthening. Colombia reaffirms its interest in maintaining its support for MINUSTAH by sending more Colombian police officers and by providing advice and training to officers of the Haitian National Police.”
2016-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7789 (2016) · source
“In that regard, we welcome the Secretary-General's intention to prepare a package of material assistance and support measures for Haitians who have been directly affected. Colombia believes that the advances made in the areas of security, rule of law, national reconciliation and sustainable development, including the fight against joblessness and poverty, are mutually reinforcing. Once again, we highlight the invaluable work done by the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti, and in particular the leadership of Sandra Honore as the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of Mission, to ensure the sustainable well- being of the Haitian people.”
2016-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7789 (2016) · source
“It is crucial to maintain the rule of law in Haiti, and it is up to its Government and leaders to honour that commitment. Colombia shares the concerns outlined in the Secretary-General's report (S/2016/753) with regard to the slow progress being made in consolidating the rule of law, as well as to the social and economic inequalities that have led to a significant increase in the number of protests and strikes since April. We are also concerned that, four months before the deadline date for implementation, only 58 per cent of the development plan for 2012-2016 has been implemented. The humanitarian challenges that Haiti faces are being exacerbated by the impact of the latest natural disaster and the increase in the number of suspected cases of cholera and the deaths resulting from the disease.”
2016-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7789 (2016) · source
“Colombia sought to help ease the painful situation being endured by the Haitian population by donating emergency humanitarian aid, consisting of food and hygiene kits, which arrived on the coast of Port-au-Prince today on our national naval vessel 7August. We would like to acknowledge the efforts of Haiti's Provisional Electoral Council in accepting most of the recommendations of the Independent Electoral Evaluation Commission, which will allow for presidential elections to be held. In that regard, we reaffirm the importance of ensuring that the elections are free, fair, peaceful and fully respectful of democratic values and principles. Colombia is making an appeal to ensure that the devastation caused by Hurricane Matthew does not lead to unnecessary delays in the revised election timetable.”
2016-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7789 (2016) · source
“Mr. Morales Lopez (Colombia) (spoke in Spanish): We thank the Russian Federation for having convened today's debate on the situation in Haiti and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti, Ambassador Sandra Honore, for her detailed briefing to the Security Council. Colombia aligns itself with the statement to be delivered by the Ambassador of Peru on behalf of the Group of Friends of Haiti. At the outset, allow me to extend the condolences of Colombia to the people and the Government of Haiti and to the loved ones of the hundreds of victims claimed by Hurricane Matthew as it swept through the Caribbean. We would also like to offer our solidarity in the light of the immense damage.”
2016-10-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7789 (2016) · source
“My Government shares the concern about the difficulties impeding humanitarian access and believes that international assistance in that area should adhere to the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence, as enshrined in resolution 46/182 of the General Assembly. Finally, I recall that three recent reports on United Nations peace operations (see S/2015/446), the review of the peacebuilding architecture (see S/2015/490) and the implementation ofresolution 1325 (2000), on women and peace and security, emphasize the importance of seeking solutions to prevent conflicts. That is why my country reiterates the need to protect civilians before the start ofa crisis and meet the needs of the population. A prevention perspective is the best way to protect and prevent peoples' suffering.”
2016-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7711 (2016) · source
“Colombia seeks peace and reconciliation through justice, Victim compensation, the restoration of trust and guarantees of non-recurrence. My country has taken note of the Secretary- General's report (S/2016/447) on the protection of civilians in armed conflict and of its recommendations. My delegation would also like to reiterate the importance of United Nations entities being fully familiar with the work of national Governments in the area of protection ofcivilians when prioritizing their efforts and informing the Organization on the respective situations. Verified, objective, balanced and impartial information includes identifying gaps and challenges, as well as recognition of the progress in each country.”
2016-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7711 (2016) · source
“We emphasize that protecting civilians is the responsibility of the State, which is something that should be clear when implementing peacekeeping mandates, that include such tasks. In that regard, the United Nations must continue efforts in support of national authorities' implementation of the responsibility to protect civilians and in promoting compliance on the part of non-State armed groups, with international humanitarian law. My Government highlights the role of various accountability mechanisms in strengthening the protection of civilians during armed conflict. Likewise, we emphasize the importance of negotiations between the conflicting parties to encourage the demobilization and reintegration of armed non-State actors into civilian life, as a strategy in the long-term rebuilding of the country.”
2016-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7711 (2016) · source
“Likewise, the application of due and timely justice to the crimes committed is also crucial. Colombia supports the role of peacekeeping operations in that task and believes that their effectiveness requires coordinated efforts by the United Nations with national authorities, based on strategic policies, commitment and adherence to international law by the parties to the conflict, as well as clear mandates and the Organization's exemplary work in the field. Effectively carrying out protection-of-civilians mandates must be strengthened by way of States' political will and fulfilment oftheir obligations under the Charter of the United Nations and international law.”
2016-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7711 (2016) · source
“While it may seem paradoxical, peacekeeping operations aresuccessfulpreciselywhentheyarenolonger necessary, as they lay the foundation for lasting peace and empower national authorities, while coordinating efforts to fulfil protection-of-civilians mandates. We share the concern about the situation facing civilians in armed conflict in some parts of the world, and the ongoing violations by the parties to conflict of their obligations to respect and protect civilians in accordance with international law, and beyond that, as a natural obligation of humankind. We agree that respect for international law on the part of all parties to a conflict is a condition without which protecting civilians and guaranteeing access to humanitarian assistance will not be possible.”
2016-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7711 (2016) · source
“Mr. Morales Lopez (Colombia) (spoke in Spanish): We thank the French delegation for organizing this important debate and the guiding concept note (S/2016/503, annex). We also welcome the presence of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of France in the debate, as well as the briefings to the Security Council by the Secretary-General, the President of the Central African Republic and the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross. Colombia recognizes the importance of this forum for discussion, which facilitates assessment of the efforts of peacekeeping operations in the protection of civilians in situations of armed conflict.”
2016-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7711 (2016) · source
“Years of discussion have already been expended on efforts to formulate such a convention, and the seriousness of the problem of international terrorism demands that act urgently to make the necessary decisions, however difficult they may be. A convention would enable us to complement existing instruments, bridge gaps that remain and strengthen the internationally binding legal mechanisms for tackling this crime. Columbia emphasizes how important it is to promote open and inclusive consultations in this multilateral forum in order to achieve a speedy agreement on a general convention, and we believe that a consensus text would be a sign of the commitment of all Member States to the shared benefit that the elimination of terrorism represents.”
2016-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7670 (2016) · source
“The shared challenge to us all that terrorism represents is evolving daily, and we can fight it only through the concerted efforts of Member States and our Organization. As the concept note indicates, the gravity and importance of a phenomenon such as this make it vital that the Security Council shoulder its principal responsibility for addressing international peace and security and promote cooperation with the General Assembly and the Secretariat, with a view to joining forces for efforts that can lead to terrorism's definitive neutralization and to the climate of international peace and security that the world needs if it is to make progress on development. The fight against terrorism cannot succeed in the continued absence of a general convention on international terrorism.”
2016-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7670 (2016) · source
“Colombia is part of the Global Counterterrorism Forum and promotes the adoption, implementation and application of the various international conventions and protocols relating to terrorism, as well as the relevant Security Council resolutions, as an effective way of preventing, sanctioning and eliminating terrrorism through close cooperation. The strong links between terrorism and the various forms and manifestations of transnational organized crime have enabled terrorist organizations to expand both their size and scope. The international community must deal effectively with the economy of terrorism, with particular emphasis on its finances and the laundering of the proceeds from its illicit activities.”
2016-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7670 (2016) · source
“Terrorism cannot and should not be associated with any religion, ethnic group, community or nationality, and we must therefore join forces to combat terrorism comprehensively and objectively. All our actions should be based firmly on respect for international standards and the rule of law. That is the only way we can make progress and thereby prevent this threat from continuing and growing stronger in future. As the Secretary-General said earlier, it is only when we respect the standards of human rights and international humanitarian law that we can ensure that the strategies we use to fight this scourge do not become counterproductive and worsen the effect on the communities we want to protect.”
2016-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7670 (2016) · source
“Mr. Morales Lopez (Colombia) (spoke in Spanish): I would like to thank the Chinese presidency of the Council for its initiative in holding today's open debate and for the concept note accompanying it (S/2016/306, annex). Effective and comprehensive action in the face of threats such as terrorism, violent extremism and foreign terrorist fighters is becoming increasingly urgent. Every day we see people from various countries and regions around the world fighting in conflicts that are totally alien to them or for violent causes in situations far from their native lands. The ways in which terrorism, violent extremism and hate speech have recently spread affects our ability, and that of future generations, to live together. We have an ongoing duty to build social and cultural environments that do not glorify violence.”
2016-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7670 (2016) · source
“With that, as 70 years ago at the dawn of the Organization, and as we have been reiterating since, Colombia reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter.”
2016-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7621 (2016) · source
“As expressed by Foreign Minister Maria Angela Holguin Cuellar on the occasion of the adoption of the resolution, "It is an opportunity for the United Nations and the international community to enjoy success as they are being asked for their support in the implementation of an agreement in a conflict that is being resolved by national stakeholders through negotiation and dialogue. "I would like to convey to the members of the Council that their willingness to work with Colombia on this matter will be essential to the success of the process. We know that by remaining focused on our mandate we will achieve conclusive and definitive results for peace in Colombia." (S/PV7609, p. 10).”
2016-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7621 (2016) · source