YouSaid · the spoken record

Murmokaite

lines on the record: 1,184
first: 2012-11-19
most recent: 2016-11-07
sittings or episodes: 138
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 Geneva statement, the Berlin joint declaration, the Minsk protocol and Minsk memorandum are the latest additions to the long list of documents and treaties that Russia has breached, from the 1991 Alma- Ata Declaration, the 1994 Budapest Memorandum on Security Assurances, the 1997 Black Sea FleetAgreement Between the Russian Federation and Ukraine, and the Charter of the United Nations itself. Only a full and sustainable return to the ceasefire by all parties can defuse this increasingly bloody crisis before it gets completely out of hand - and that, with Russian troops amassed near Ukraine's borders and increasing military movements in separatist held areas, could happen at any time.”
2014-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7311 (2014) · source
“While the humanitarian needs in the region have not diminished and remain dire, the armed separatists have been gaining ground with each new convoy. Today, the cost of Russia's aggression against Ukraine is some 400,000 displaced, at least 4,000 killed, over 9,000 wounded, and some 5.2 million people living in conflict-affected areas. The result of Russia's aggression against Ukraine is also Russia's own young men returning home dead and anonymous in the notorious Cargo 200 boxes.”
2014-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7311 (2014) · source
“What the Russian propaganda machine will not say, however, is that since Russian troops "liberated" Crimea, the human rights situation in the region has deteriorated dramatically, and that the separatist-held regions in eastern Ukraine have been repeatedly described by United Nations human rights reports as an abyss of lawlessness and criminality. Russia's disdain for the internationally accepted norms of behaviour, international law and the Charter of the United Nations is astounding, including the manipulation of all things humanitarian. Under the pretext of humanitarian aid, we have seen the preparation of what may be the seventh convoy now to be sent into Ukraine without Ukraine's consent and in violation of Ukraine's borders.”
2014-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7311 (2014) · source
“Frank Creyelman is an open xenophobe, known for demanding amnesty for those who collaborated with the Hitler regime during the Second World War. Marton Gyongyosy once suggested that Hungarian Jews should be tallied up because they pose a threat to the State. Srda Trifkovie is defender of Slobodan Milosevic and an Islamophobe. Ewald Stadler is known for delivering one of the most racist speech ever in a European parliament. The list could go on. It is with the help of such odious characters that Moscow is "fighting Fascism" in Ukraine. Little does it matter that Ukraine's population squarely rejected the extreme forces during the recent national elections. As Russia flirts with Europe's extremist fringe, the myth of Ukraine's fascist junta continues to be advanced by Russia's propaganda machine.”
2014-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7311 (2014) · source
“Let us not forget that despite relevant provisions ofthe Minsk protocol on the establishment of a permanent OSCE presence along the Ukraine-Russia border, Russia single-handedly prevented the expansion of such a presence on the border, as a result of which OSCE observers monitor only 2 kilometres of the Russia-Ukraine border out of a total of 400 kilometres. The holding by the separatists ofillegal elections in eastern Ukraine is another clear violation of the Minsk agreements. Russia alone endorsed those sham elections and even arranged the presence of "observers" - a bunch of hard-line nationalists, Nazi sympathizers and xenophobes, tried and tested in the illegal plebiscite in Crimea. If Council members google the name of Mateusz Piskorski, they will find him posing in front of a swastika flag.”
2014-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7311 (2014) · source
“We are profoundly worried by the recent reports of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Special Special Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, registering unmarked convoys of trucks carrying substantial amounts of heavy weaponry, ammunition, Grad multiple-launch rocket systems and howitzers, as well as armoured personnel carriers and tanks, moving cross the border and westwards inside the separatist held areas. That is a clear and blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement, which called for the withdrawal of Russian weapons and troops from Ukraine and a sealing of the border under international observation.”
2014-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7311 (2014) · source
“Sponsored by the Kremlin, the illegal armed separatists, many of whom carry Russian passports, have inflicted heavy damage on the Ukrainian forces and civilian population before and during the ceasefire, using sophisticated weaponry, tanks, multiple rocket launchers and heavy artillery. While Ukraine honoured the ceasefire agreement, Russia-backed separatists used the time to rearm and grab more territory. By now, those illegal armed groups are probably better armed than some of the smaller European armies - all thanks to Russia's continued support and supplies.”
2014-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7311 (2014) · source
“The abduction of an Estonian intelligence officer on the Estonia side of the border and of a Ukrainian pilot in Ukraine; the alarming rise in the intensity and gravity of provocations involving Russian reconnaissance and fighterjets over an increasing territory, from the Baltic Sea region to Portugal, the United States, Canada and Japan - all point to a more aggressive unilateral Russian military posture going well beyond Ukraine's borders. The conflict in Ukraine is not an internal affair. It is neither a civil war nor a rebellion of disgruntled citizens. It is Russia's war against Ukraine for daring to choose a different, European path.”
2014-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7311 (2014) · source
“An undeclared war is being waged by Russia against Ukraine. By now, it is barely making the world's headlines because it is slow and creeping - a few more metres of captured land, a few more explosions, a few more Russian tanks, a few more dead at a time. As Europe marks the twenty- fifth anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall and the reunification of Europe, Russia is doing its best to resuscitate the bygone era of division and brinkmanship, continuing its aggression against Ukraine, buttressed by bogus claims of defending Russian speakers from the advances of fascism and by outlandish accusations against Europe and the West.”
2014-11-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7311 (2014) · source
“We are convinced that, with the political will and collective determination, Bosnia and Herzegovina will be able to pick up speed on its reform track. The EU's Compact for Growth and Jobs is an opportunity not to be missed so that the country can regain its upward trajectory in the nearest future.”
2014-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7308 (2014) · source
“Collective political will and putting the country's interests first are now needed to enable Bosnia and Herzegovina to progress towards the shared vision of a united, stable and prosperous country, cooperating peacefully with its neighbours and moving towards membership of the European Union. In that regard, we share the concerns of the High Representative regarding the destabilizing effects of the various secessionist statements made by a number of Republika Srpska officials who persist in challenging the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well about obstructive actions at state-level institutions that impede Bosnia and Herzegovina's efforts to meet its international obligations.”
2014-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7308 (2014) · source
“The continued commitment of the international community is essential so that Bosnia and Herzegovina is not left alone to deal with the consequences of that terrible natural disaster. The EU remains actively engaged in supporting the country in its reform process and efforts to foster positive changes that are a prerequisite for strengthening stability in the country. In July, the EU presented the Compact for Growth and Jobs, a package of ready- to-go economic and social reforms that, according to experts, are needed to overhaul the country's economic and social base. As an immediate action, it is aimed at addressing the country's unemployment level, improve economic governance and create a better business environment. The Dayton Peace Agreement was a necessary tool to end the worst war in Europe since the end of the Second World War.”
2014-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7308 (2014) · source
“Implementing legislation and initiatives on strengthening the rule of law, combatting corruption and financial accountability are matters of immediate priority. At the same time, we note that the mass protests that took place at the beginning of the year and the readiness of the local communities to work together and assist their neighbours in need after the severe flooding in May signal that beyond the divisive rhetoric that still occurs on the political level, there is a real interest in that multi-ethnic society to mobilize and seek common solutions for the country's future. We appreciate the solidarity shown by many countries and international organizations and their respective contributions in response to the floods that devastated Bosnia and Herzegovina and to ongoing reconstruction efforts.”
2014-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7308 (2014) · source
“On 12 October, Bosnia and Herzegovina held its seventh general elections, which were conducted in an orderly manner in a competitive environment. We are concerned, however, that the recent elections saw manifestations of inter-ethnic divide in the country. We urge the elected leaders of all ethnic groups to fundamentally change the way politics is conducted, to reach out to the people and to chart, in close cooperation with civil society, a path towards irreversible progress. Swift Government formation at all levels is crucial, since what citizens need the most are properly functioning institutions capable of responding promptly and in a comprehensive manner to their legitimate needs and concerns.”
2014-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7308 (2014) · source
“It is that delegation's firm choice, and has been so for years, supported by all political forces and groups within the country, and should be respected by all. The resolution that the Council adopted today reflects that choice and is an important signal of the international community's support to the European perspective for and broad engagement with Bosnia and Herzegovina. Lithuania shares the findings of the most recent report of the High Representative. Euro-Atlantic integration provides the framework and incentive for reform. Inclusive and wide-ranging reforms are needed to achieve tangible progress in moving forward towards that goal. We note that some of the recent developments in Bosnia and Herzegovina have great potential to generate a new momentum in the country.”
2014-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7308 (2014) · source
“At the outset, I would like to warmly welcome Mr. Valentin Inzko, High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, to the Security Council and to thank him for his report (S/2014/777, annex). We welcome the adoption of resolution 2183 (20014), which was submitted by my delegation, acting in its capacity as a rotating Chair of the contact and drafting group, extending the mandate of the European Union-led peacekeeping force Operation Althea for a period of 12 months. We thank the delegations concerned for their cooperation in drafting the resolution. We also express our appreciation to the delegation of Bosnia and Herzegovina for its insights and frankness of exchanges over the past few weeks as we were drafting the resolution. Its message to us on its country's European Union (EU) perspectives could not have been more clear.”
2014-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7308 (2014) · source
“I would like to conclude by expressing our strong support and commitment to the International Criminal Court and the work of the Office of the Prosecutor and to reiterate that the United Nations has to ensure proper resources for the investigations in the situations referred to the Court by the Security Council. Making referrals without considering how they are financed could jeopardize the effectiveness of the activities of the Office of the Prosecutor and the Court's long-term viability.”
2014-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7306 (2014) · source
“Lithuania believes that the Security Council should continue to monitor the events and situations referred to the Court, as well as the potential obstacles that the Court may encounter in conducting its work. We reaffirm our call for an investigation of all crimes against humanity and serious violations of human rights that may have been committed in Libya. Finding democratic means to resolve past tensions and injustices is essential for the country's transition and recovery. The international community should also extend all necessary assistance to Libyan authorities for strengthening rule of law and justice institutions which are essential for the country to return to a path of reconciliation and for restoring trust and cohesion of the complex social fabric in the country.”
2014-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7306 (2014) · source
“As stressed by the Secretary-General this past September, the handover of all detainees to the effective control of the State is a prerequisite for the establishment of the rule of law in the country. Let me also briefly refer to the situation of the Tawerghans. We take note of the fact that the parliament in Tobruk discussed the return of internally displaced persons, including Tawerghan refugees, and that a relevant draft decree is in the making, as indicated in the report. We underline that investigations into related abuses must continue, and express our support for the work of the Office of Prosecutor in that respect. We encourage the Government of Libya to take further measures to address the situation. Ensuring the safe return and protection of the Tawerghans should be seen as an important element of national reconciliation.”
2014-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7306 (2014) · source
“It is essential to assist the Libyan authorities in strengthening the country's judicial system and capacity-building and in ensuring the impartiality of the judiciary. Strengthening the rule of law and improving the criminal justice are core elements of rebuilding State authority in the midst of the current turmoil. Lithuania remains concerned about the pervasive human rights abuses and criminality, including assassinations, abductions of civilians, torture and murder, as well as attacks on civilian infrastructure. The report presented by the Prosecutor notes that while fewer than 7,000 detainees have been held by the judicial police, only 10 per cent of them have been tried. Furthermore, a significant number of detainees, including civilians, remain in the hands of various armed groups, outside the control or influence of the State.”
2014-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7306 (2014) · source
“We recall that, in accordance with the decision of the Appeals Chamber taken on 21 May, Libya has an obligation to surrender Saif Al-Islam Al-Qadhafi to the ICC. The obligation to surrender to the Court individuals against whom arrest warrants have been issued must be respected. In relation to the case of Abdullah Al-Senussi, against whom the proceedings before the ICC have been concluded, we hope that, in spite of the deteriorating security situation in the country, domestic proceedings in Libya can be assured, and we will be listening carefully to what the Court has to say on that matter. We would welcome further regular contacts between the Court and the Libyan authorities on cooperation and burden-sharing.”
2014-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7306 (2014) · source
“I would like to thank Ms. Fatou Bensouda, Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), for presenting her eighth report on Libya to the Security Council. We welcome the ongoing investigation by the Office of the Prosecutor, and its efforts aimed at implementing the memorandum of understanding concluded last year. We stress the importance of the Office of the Prosecutor continuing to exercise its jurisdiction over all alleged war crimes, crimes against humanity, or any acts of genocide committed within the territory of Libya since 15 February 2011. We take good note of the Prosecutor's message that the overall environment is clearly not conducive to closing the impunity gap. It is a worrying development indeed. The International Criminal Court is an important partner for the Libyan authorities in ensuring accountability.”
2014-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7306 (2014) · source
“A two-State solution achieved on the basis ofthe relevant Security Council resolutions, the terms of reference of the Madrid Conference, including land for peace, the road map, the agreements previously reached by the parties and the Arab Peace Initiative is the only viable solution to bring peace and security to both people and to reduce tensions in the region.”
2014-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7291 (2014) · source
“We have consistently repeated our call to all sides to cease all provocative actions in and around the Holy Site of the Temple Mount/Al-Haram Al-Sharif complex that could prejudice the outcome of negotiations over East Jerusalem. Our Foreign Minister has just completed a visit to Jordan that coincided with the twentieth anniversary of the peace agreement between Israel and Jordan. The Lithuanian and Jordanian Foreign Ministers agreed that it was important to resume peace negotiations between the Israelis and the Palestinians as soon as possible. Lithuania reiterates its call for both sides to resume peace negotiations and to demonstrate strong commitment and leadership to reach a two-State solution. A way must be found through negotiations to resolve the status of Jerusalem as the future capital of both Israel and Palestine.”
2014-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7291 (2014) · source
“If these plans advance, it will severely threaten the final status of Jerusalem as the future capital of two States. We join international community in calling on the Government of Israel to reverse the plans and put an end to its settlement policy in East Jerusalem and the West Bank. We urge Israel to desist from any measures aimed at altering the physical character, demographic composition, institutional structure and the legal status of the City of Jerusalem. Those actions threaten the prospects for peace and run counter to the Fourth Geneva Convention. Lithuania strongly commends Jordan, the Custodian of the Holy Sites in Jerusalem, and supports its actions to preserve the status quo ofholy sites in East Jerusalem.”
2014-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7291 (2014) · source
“I thank Under- Secretary-General Feltman for his briefing. Latest tragic incidents such as the deadly attack by a Palestinian of 22 October, the shooting of Palestinian teenagers and settler violence are developments of extreme concern. We deplore the loss of lives and call for thorough investigation into those tragic events. We fear that, if left unaddressed, this tension may spiral into yet another escalation of violence. We urge all sides to refrain from any actions that could heighten tensions and lead to further incitement and hate crimes. It is the responsibility of all sides to restore calm and avoid further tensions. The European Union and its States members, including Lithuania, condemned the Israeli Government's decision to approve plans for new settlements. Settlements are illegal under international law.”
2014-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7291 (2014) · source
“The recent allegations against personnel of the African Union Mission in Somalia are deeply troubling and must be properly investigated. We welcome the fact that the African Union has established a panel to this effect. Finally, while discussing the situation of displaced women, we should also bear in mind non-conflict related displacement caused by natural disasters and climate change. We need to closely examine the gender dimensions of such displacement in order to identify specific vulnerabilities and good practices in gender- sensitive protection, assistance, adaptation, mitigation, relocation and reconstruction processes.”
2014-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7289 (2014) · source
“Providing gender-sensitive training to local police, military forces and judiciary personnel, as well as health care personnel and social workers, in the particular context of displacement, is thus essential. The recruitment and training of female law and order officials and judges, and providing the necessary social and psychological support mechanisms for displaced women and girls should be further advanced. On the peacekeeping and field staff side, preventative measures must be part and parcel of predeployment training. A zero-tolerance policy regarding sexual Violence and abuse must be firmly implemented. It is unthinkable that women and girls could suffer sexual abuse from those who are there to protect them.”
2014-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7289 (2014) · source
“The ICC continues to be an important mechanism in combating sexual violence in conflict and should be used vigorously to pursue accountability. Greater interactions between the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Sanctions Committees, as well as the regular inclusion of violence against displaced women and girls, including sexual violence, as a sanctions-designation criterion would facilitate tackling impunity for such crimes. Systematic and delicate work needs to be done on the ground to address the social stigma associated with such crimes and to create an environment in which victims of sexual Violence will feel safe to speak out.”
2014-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7289 (2014) · source
“Zainab Bangura, of her recent visit to South Sudan. Such crimes will continue unabated as long as those who commit them know they will walk free, no matter how many victims they leave behind. The importance of bringing the perpetrators of sexual crimes against displaced women and girls to account under national and international law is paramount. The systematic collection of accurate, reliable and objective information by commissions of inquiry, fact-finding and human rights missions on the crimes committed against displaced women and girls is key to pursuing justice. We note the significant advancement in international law made by the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC), which includes sexual violence in the definition of crimes, in particular as a crime against humanity.”
2014-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7289 (2014) · source
“Developing leadership skills and the capacity of displaced women is essential to enabling their meaningful participation in decision-making processes at the community level, within camps, in non-camp and urban displacement settings, as well as in the broader political, security, peace and reconciliation processes. As the UN-Women Executive Director noted earlier today, in part women and girls are the best hope for sustainable development following conflict. Existing good practices must be collected and made readily available, including on engaging displaced women in transitional justice processes. Sexual violence in the context of displacement affects those already most vulnerable. Last week we heard a shocking account from the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Ms.”
2014-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7289 (2014) · source
“We must continue working to improve gender mainstreaming by providing gender-awareness training to peacekeepers, field staff and humanitarian actors, appointing gender advisors and developing concrete indicators to assess the implementation of gender- mainstreaming policies. Gender-disaggregated data is key to better decision making in terms of addressing the needs and concerns of displaced women, as Special Rapporteur Beyani said earlier today. Even basic improvements, such as supporting on-camp provision of cooking fuel or water and integrating women in the design, implementation and review of distribution systems, can literally make a difference between life and death, by reducing their exposure to attacks.”
2014-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7289 (2014) · source
“The Kampala Convention, the first of its kind in the world, binds Governments to provide legal protection for the rights and well-being of those forced to flee inside their home countries due to conflict, violence, other human rights abuses or due to natural disasters. Then there is the landmark resolution 1325 (2000), whose fifteenth anniversary will be marked next year, and its follow-up resolutions, including resolution 2122 (2013), which includes important references to forced displacement and its effects on women and girls. However, as our British colleague has reminded all ofus, gaps still exist, and we need to work to close those gaps between existing legislation and the reality on the ground.”
2014-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7289 (2014) · source
“We are yet to see the release of the Nigerian schoolgirls kidnapped by Boko Haram. The illicit flow of arms through porous borders and in defiance of arms embargoes fuels violence and criminality and increases the vulnerability of refugees and IDPs, even in refugee camps and settlements. Women and children are the primary victims of such illicit flows, as recalled earlier today by Ms. Allami. A number of important documents provide the basis for addressing the problem of displacement. The Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement provide an overarching normative framework that applies international human rights and humanitarian law to IDPs.”
2014-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7289 (2014) · source
“And in the middle of Europe, forced displacements have also peaked owing to Russia's aggression against Ukraine. Accounting for half of those displaced, women bear the physical and psychological brunt of conflict. For many of them, as they provide subsistence for their families, procure firewood and water and take care of basic sanitary needs, every step outside the displacement camps - and often even within the camps - is fraught with very real physical dangers, including sexual violence and rape and a heightened risk of sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS. Early and forced marriages stunt the lives of many Syrian girls living in refugee camps. The horrendous practices of forced impregnation, human trafficking and sexual slavery are shattering lives in areas under the control of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant.”
2014-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7289 (2014) · source
“We welcome the Argentine presidency's convening of this open debate. We thank the Secretary-General for his comprehensive report (S/2014/693) and its recommendations. We also commend the work and dedication of Ms. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, the Executive Director of UN-Women, and her team, and thank all the briefers today for their valuable contributions. More than 50 million people are currently displaced around the globe, the worst levels we have seen since the Second World War. Afghanistan, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia, the Central African Republic, Iraq, Sudan and South Sudan - and that list is not exhaustive - have all seen massive numbers of people flee for their lives. Syria, with its more than 6 million internally displaced persons (IDPs), is the worst humanitarian crisis of this century.”
2014-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7289 (2014) · source
“Those who have committed serious violations of international humanitarian and human rights law must be brought to account. In that respect, we encourage Ukraine to accede to the International Criminal Court Statute and accelerate its national efforts to pursue accountability. We also reiterate our position that those responsible for the downing of Flight MH-l7, as well as those who have obstructed access to its crash site and interfered with the investigation, must be brought to account.”
2014-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7287 (2014) · source
“Russia must immediately withdraw all its armed formations, military equipment and fighters from the territory of Ukraine, stop supporting and arming the separatists, and unequivocally condemn the illegal elections planned by the separatist commandos. Permanent monitoring and verification on both sides of the Ukrainian-Russian border must be ensured. Russia should also stop escalating tensions in the wider region. The recently proposed draft agreement on alliance and integration between the Russian Federation and the surrogate republic of Abkhazia is nothing else than a de facto annexation of an integral part of Georgia. With thousands of human lives lost and hundreds of thousands displaced, it is also essential to establish accountability for the human rights violations and abuses that have taken place during the war against Ukraine.”
2014-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7287 (2014) · source
“Important legislation has been adopted, as noted by Assistant Secretary-General Simonovie. On 18 October, the law on the special status of Luhansk and Donetsk came into effect. We commend Ukraine's commitment to pursuing the path of difficult but necessary reforms and strongly encourage the Government to continue the national dialogue and ensure full inclusion of all components of the population. At the same time, we must stress that without Russia's full cooperation and compliance, the Minsk agreements will be worth no more than the paper on which they are written. The only viable solution is one that fully respects Ukraine's sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity, including Crimea as an integral part of Ukraine.”
2014-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7287 (2014) · source
“Yet once again, in spite of the multiple atrocities committed by the illegal separatist groups, we have yet to hear a single condemnation of those crimes by Russia. It is quite ironic that Russia, which has consistently ignored Human Rights Watch reports on such abuses, including on enforced disappearances in the Crimea, should now widely quote a Human Rights Watch report on the alleged use of cluster bombs in Ukraine. While Ukraine has denied their use, its joining the Oslo Convention would be the best antidote to any further speculations to that effect, and we urge Ukraine to do so. Contrary to Russia's claims, Ukraine is demonstrating its commitment to implementing the Minsk agreements. Life is slowly returning to normal in areas freed from the illegal insurgents.”
2014-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7287 (2014) · source
“Extrajudicial killings, torture, intimidation, public humiliation, ill-treatment, extortion, abductions for ransom, and forced labour remain the trademarks of the pro-Russian militants in eastern Ukraine. As the latest report of the monitoring group indicates, violence against women in separatist-held areas, including rape, has reached disturbing proportions. Information on child soldiers among the militant separatists and military schools for children points to violations of international humanitarian law. The situation of the indigenous Tatar community in Russia-occupied Crimea continues to deteriorate. Reported cases of kidnapping, torture and killing of young male Crimean Tatars, their persecution and eviction from the Mejlis in Simferopol, and interrogations of the community's activists continue unabated.”
2014-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7287 (2014) · source
“Notably, immediately after the entry of those mystery convoys, the rebels were quick to regain ground and reverse Ukraine's successes in clearing the area ofillegal armed groups. As Ukraine prepares for the critical national elections on 26 October, the separatists are planning an election of their own on 2 November - another sham, illegal and illegitimate election, another cynical and blatant breach of the Minsk agreements. Russia, so quick to make accusations against Ukraine, including long-debunked ones, has not spoken even once against the multiple violations of the ceasefire by the illegal militants who continue to enjoy its full support. The human rights situation in the areas controlled by Russian-backed armed groups remains of most serious concern.”
2014-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7287 (2014) · source
“We do not need any international mediators on the border, either", says Andrei Purgin, self-proclaimed First Deputy Prime Minister of the Donetsk People's Republic, according to Interfax. Indeed, why should they need an international presence that could witness illegal flows of military supplies and foreign fighters or register the fact that Ukraine's coal and equipment are being smuggled out ofthe country, causing Ukraine considerable economic and financial damage? Let us not forget that in August and September, Russia sent three unchecked humanitarian aid convoys into Ukraine in clear breach of Ukraine's sovereignty, without inspection by the Ukrainian authorities and without coordination with the International Committee of the Red Cross.”
2014-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7287 (2014) · source
“The latest reports of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission speak of the attempts by separatist armed groups to seize strategic targets. Sophisticated Russian military equipment, multiple rocket launchers, tanks and ammunition continue to cause death and destruction on Ukraine's soil, and the border remains wide open for the comings and goings of men in military fatigues and Cossack uniforms. As a matter of fact, only one kilometre of the entire 400-kilometre segment of the border, currently out of Ukraine's control, is being monitored by the OSCE. At a meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council on 22 October, Russia single-handedly blocked the extension of the OSCE Observer Mission's activities along the entire border. "We control the border and we will not let Ukrainian border guards return there.”
2014-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7287 (2014) · source
“The self-proclaimed Premier of the so-called Donetsk People's Republic, Zakharchenko, claims that all of the Donetsk region is theirs, and that they could take the towns of Berdiansk and Izium, among others. Russian soldiers continue to die on Ukrainian soil - soldiers who allegedly are not even there. Yelena Vasilyeva, the head of a Russian women's group, Cargo 200 from Ukraine to Russia, says that some 4,000 Russian soldiers have lost their lives in Ukraine. The self-appointed separatist Chieftains in eastern Ukraine - pawns in the Kremlin's dangerous Novorossia plan of redrawing Europe's borders - are wasting no time in causing to erode what was achieved in Minsk. Relentless attacks by illegal armed groups on Donetsk airport are a daily reality.”
2014-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7287 (2014) · source
“I would like to thank Assistant Secretaries-General Oscar Fernandez- Taranco and Ivan Simonovie for their briefings. We thank the United Nations human rights monitoring mission in Ukraine for its work and look forward to its continued reporting. The monitoring missions of the United Nations and Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) must be provided with full, free and unrestricted access to the whole territory of Ukraine, including Crimea. Since we last met on the situation in Ukraine (see S/PV.7253), a ceasefire has come into effect, or rather a "fire and cease", in the interpretation of separatists. During this period, Ukrainian forces and civilians have been shelled some 2,000 times, some 90 Ukrainian servicemen have been killed and 500 have been wounded.”
2014-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7287 (2014) · source
“Furthermore, meetings under the Arria Formula format and horizon-scanning briefings by the Department of Political Affairs should be used more vigorously to signal emerging crises and provide sharper focus on situations where populations are at risk of mass atrocities and crimes against humanity. Before concluding, let me also thank our colleagues from the Accountability, Coherence and Transparency group and non-governmental organizations such as Security Council Report and others, whose efforts at encouraging transparency and improving the institutional memory regarding the work of the Council serve as a constant reminder to Council members to advance efforts aimed at improving its working methods. A more effective, transparent and open Security Council is in the interests of the entire membership of the United Nations.”
2014-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7285 (2014) · source
“Regular interim briefings by the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and the Department of Field Support on planning and force generation would enable Council members and TCCs to better address existing gaps. Lastly, my delegation strongly supports the French initiative on limiting the use of the veto, especially in cases of mass atrocities, genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. The Council's failure to take action in preventing the worst atrocities and crimes against humanity is erosive to its credibility. The use of the veto should therefore be part and parcel of our future deliberations and, as our Australian colleague said, deserves ambitious follow-up.”
2014-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7285 (2014) · source
“My delegation has submitted proposals to the Working Group on the matter. At the same time, we should further encourage increasing the analytical and thought-provoking aspects of the annual report. Fourthly, while dialogue between the Council and the troop- and police-contributing countries (TCCs and PCCs) has improved, in our view one formal annual meeting with the force commanders may no longer be enough. The Council needs to engage with them more regularly and improve the quality of exchanges, especially as we are moving from numbers- based peacekeeping operation processes to capacity- based planning and a shift in the expectations and role of peacekeepers. It must also ensure that there is a meaningful follow-up to such discussions. TCCs/ PCCs should be engaged earlier in the force generation process.”
2014-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7285 (2014) · source
“In our View, Sanctions Committee briefings by the Special Representatives of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict and on Sexual Violence in Conflict, and by the Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, as well as exchanges between Sanctions Committees, panels of experts and the Prosecutor of the ICC, can be very useful and should become common practice. Thirdly, we believe that the structure of the annual report of the Council to the General Assembly should be updated in View of the vastly improved Security Council website and the detailed monthly assessments prepared by all the Council presidencies. The $2,500 per page spent on the annual report raises the question of whether that is the best way to spend our permanently scarce resources when most of the aggregated information is already available on the Web.”
2014-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7285 (2014) · source