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

“We regret the continuing challenges in relations between the Government of South Sudan and UNMISS. The Government must stop the harassment of the United Nations Mission and its staff and make it clear to the public that it appreciates UNMISS's lifesaving role and are fully committed to cooperating and providing safety and security to its personnel, as well as to ceasing all status-of-forces agreement violations. It is totally unacceptable that a United Nations mission, carrying out vital work in extreme conditions at a risk to the lives of the peacekeepers and supported by the international community, should be attacked or abused in any way. With the growing number of crises in the world, peacekeepers and the funds for them are in ever greater demand.”
2014-05-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7168 (2014) · source
“I understand the differences of opinion on the use of sanctions, but my delegation believes that, if nothing else works, the threat of targeted sanctions is a useful tool that must be made real and imminent if we want the warring parties to change their behaviour. Referral to the International Criminal Court should also be on the table. Deterrence on the ground must be strengthened. We are looking into revising the UNMISS mandate to that effect. The deployment of a regional task force to protect ceasefire monitors and deter Government and rebel forces from staging assaults is to proceed at full speed. We would like to express our appreciation to UNMISS and to Special Representative Johnson for doing their utmost under extremely difficult circumstances.”
2014-05-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7168 (2014) · source
“We look forward to the report of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) on Violations and abuses on the ground. As some speakers have already said, the Human Rights Council's active involvement is also essential. It is time for the warring leaders to place the interests of their country and people above their own. We have a tiny glimmer of hope today with the announcement by President Kiir, and we urge the leaders to take advantage of this window of opportunity. The political leaders must act on their words and must stop the violence. The Security Council, for its part, must ensure that if that does not happen, we will use all the tools at our disposal to send a clear, strong message that war crimes, crimes of sexual violence and atrocities will no longer be tolerated.”
2014-05-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7168 (2014) · source
“The perpetrators must be arrested and prosecuted with full respect for internationally recognized standards of due process. Accountability is a must. If there is no end to impunity, violence and atrocities will continue. The Council must see to it that current and future investigations examine the extent to which political and military leaders knew or should have known about what was going on, and failed to take all necessary and reasonable measures to prevent the war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by themselves or by subordinates under their effective control and authority. We welcome the efforts of the commission of inquiry of the African Union and urge it to continue documenting all atrocities committed on both sides.”
2014-05-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7168 (2014) · source
“And to think that the two rival leaders and their supporters would prefer to continue their bloody rivalry rather than grant one month ofcalm for the people to plant their crops, in order to save them from the horror of death by starvation. It is definitely very hard to confront such facts. We note President Salva Kiir's statement earlier today that he is ready to meet face to face with Rick Machar. We have not heard a denial of that from Machar, and we assume that he is also ready to meet. It is absolutely crucial that the two leaders renounce and denounce all violence and call on their forces and supporters to lay down their arms, stop targeting civilians and pursue a path of genuine dialogue and reconciliation. Both the Government and the armed opposition must cooperate in investigating the horrendous crimes that have been committed.”
2014-05-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7168 (2014) · source
“Incitement, targeted killings, rape and torture are the typical ingredients that lead to a situation of genocide. Even places that are supposed to be considered safe shelters, such as places of worship, hospitals and United Nations bases, have been brutally attacked. The despicable attacks in Bor on the United Nations compound and the slaughter of civilians in mosques and churches in Bentiu deserve the strongest condemnation of the Council and the entire international community. What is also troubling is a fact that the High Commissioner mentioned - that sowing season will likely be missed, and as many as 7 million people will soon face a terrible famine.”
2014-05-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7168 (2014) · source
“Thank you, Mr. President, for organizing this briefing. I would also like to thank the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ms. Navanethem Pillay, and the Special Envoy for the Prevention of Genocide, Mr. Adama Dieng, for their extensive briefings. Only last month we commemorated the twentieth anniversary of the Rwandan genocide (see S/PV.7155). As we adopted resolution 2150 (2014), we recommitted to preventing and fighting genocide and other serious crimes against humanity. We also reaffirmed the principle of the responsibility to protect populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity. And yet, three years after South Sudan's independence, the reports from that country read like catalogues of barbarity, with all actors 4 Government forces, opposition and militias - committing shocking atrocities.”
2014-05-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7168 (2014) · source
“In a tragic twist of irony, in the middle of Europe two sisterly nations, two Slavic Orthodox nations, may start killing each other, both victims of ruthless manipulation through propaganda, orchestrated by the Kremlin. The Geneva statement is the only thing we have on the table now. We should go back to it. We hae to let it work. It is in the interests of all of us.”
2014-05-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7167 (2014) · source
“We also think, as the representative of Luxembourg has stated, that the international observers who are there to provide unbiased, objective information must be allowed to work across all of Ukraine's territory, in order to help us all better understand what is happening there, but also to help in de-escalating the situation before it becomes much worse. The international community must mobilize to prevent the crisis from turning into a real bloodbath. For we have seen, time and again, how deadly, horrifying and inhuman the results of incitement and demonizing the other can be. We have seen it in South Sudan, in the Central African Republic and elsewhere.”
2014-05-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7167 (2014) · source
“I would not be surprised if another request to join Russia follows after that referendum. My Government condemns all attempts to destroy Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and firmly rejects all Russian attempts to validate its intentions and threats to use armed forces or to send Russian Federation peacekeepers into Ukraine's territory. A couple of days ago, we expressed support for the Secretary-General's initiatives and called for stepping up international mediation efforts. We now welcome the fact that Under-Secretary-General Feltman will be going to the region. We fully stand behind the efforts to de-escalate the situation.”
2014-05-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7167 (2014) · source
“But I guess that people in eastern and southern Ukraine do not really know that such initiatives even exist, because an aggressive propaganda machine has drowned out the voice of Kyiv, with its alternative narrative of Ukraine's demonization. They simply will not be allowed to know that viable alternatives exist to the path of war, because that is not in the plans of those who cannot wait to disrupt the 25 May elections and proceed with Ukraine's dismemberment, under false referendums, the so-called "will of the people" or any sham pretext still in use by pro-Russian militants and their State sponsors. And we must very carefully watch on 11 May, when the self-proclaimed so-called "people's mayor" of Donetsk republic is demanding a new referendum be held.”
2014-05-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7167 (2014) · source
“Instead, Russia chose to continue to put the blame on Ukraine, the only side that is actually taking some steps - at gunpoint - to implement the Geneva statement. In addition to the various initiatives that were referred to a couple ofdays ago during the Council's open briefing (see S/PV.7165) - an amnesty law, a limitation of presidential powers, decentralization - Ukraine's Prime Minister, Arseniy Yatsenyuk, has now announced that the Government will submit a draft law to the Parliament on a referendum on national unity, territorial integrity and decentralization, to be held on 25 May together with the presidential elections. He again stressed that decentralization would grant, in certain territories, additional guarantees to the Russian-speaking population, as well as to members of ethnic minorities.”
2014-05-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7167 (2014) · source
“Peaceful protesters do not take their morning walks armed with heavy weapons and automatic weapons. They do not kidnap and shamelessly parade international observers. Today provocations and instigations are being carried out in yet another city in Ukraine, as our Australian colleague has mentioned, and there have now been deaths in Odessa. Had the separatists respected and carried out the Geneva statement, had they not taken up arms against their own State in the first place, none of that would be happening. It would not be happening had Russia, the only Power with real influence on the separatists, denounced such acts of aggression and called on the separatists to accept a peaceful path of talks with the central Government.”
2014-05-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7167 (2014) · source
“That took place a day after a barrel bomb was dropped by a Government aircraft on an elementary school in another part of the city, killing at least 20 other people, including 17 children. Russia has so far not condemned that punitive act by the Al-Assad regime, like countless similar acts by the regime in the course of more then three years of ongoing war in that country. Today in eastern Ukraine, two Ukrainian helicopters were shot down by mobile air defence systems, killing two military officers and injuring seven others. Another army helicopter was also damaged. Militants used grenade launchers and portable air defence systems. Peaceful protesters do not use grenade launchers that can shoot down helicopters, or perhaps planes at some time in the future.”
2014-05-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7167 (2014) · source
“If such groups were supported by sponsors from abroad and propped up by massive propaganda campaigns demonizing the people and the Government, and if provocations were expanding into other regions of one's country, would one sit and wait for the country to be decimated, or would one act in the country's interest, protecting its sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity? Ukraine has taken belated and highly cautious actions against those who are determined to carve it up and parcel it out. Like any other State represented in this Chamber, it has the right to protect its unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity by all means necessary. As far as punitive actions go, let us be frank. There were more victims on Thursday in Aleppo after a market bombing by barrel bombs: at least 33 people were killed and many more were wounded.”
2014-05-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7167 (2014) · source
“Let me start by congratulating the Korean delegation on its assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of May. I wish you every success during your tenure, Madam. I would also like to express my delegation's appreciation and gratitude to the outgoing presidency of Nigeria for its wise stewardship of the Council during the month oprril. I would also like to thank Mr. Jeffrey Feltman for his brief but troubling information. I would like to return to a question that has been already raised: What would a country do if a group of people in one of its towns decided to break away and declare themselves above the country's laws and Constitution, arm themselves illegally and attack local Government, administrative and justice buildings and take hostages and practice enforced disappearances, beatings and killings?”
2014-05-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7167 (2014) · source
“It is time for Russia to live up to its own commitments and to reclaim respect for the Charter of the United Nations and international law.”
2014-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7165 (2014) · source
“It is time for the current Government to start seriously addressing issues of socioeconomic development because a lot of that discontent is based on the socioeconomic concerns of the population. Once those issues are addressed, the level of so-called separatism, I am sure, will diminish. That should not happen, according to some, because it would go against the scenario. My Government condemns the actions of armed separatists and their external sponsors, aimed at further undermining and threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. The onus is now on Russia to stop interfering in Ukraine's internal affairs and fomenting unrest in Ukraine, and to abandon its threats of the use of force. Ukraine is doing its part to implement the Geneva agreement on Ukraine.”
2014-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7165 (2014) · source
“As Ukraine prepares for the 25 May nation-wide elections, those opposed to Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity are at it again. To quote the self-proclaimed people's mayor of Sloviansk, Vyacheslav Ponomarev, "We will take all necessary measures so that elections do not take place in the south-east". When asked what they would be ready to do, he said: "We will take somebody hostage and hang them up by the balls. It is real, you understand?" The intent here could not be more clear - it is to prevent Ukraine's return to normality. We all understand that there are legitimate complaints in south-eastern Ukraine, borne out of decades of mismanagement and corruption and misrule, including the rule of the previous President, Yanukovych, who fled the country in disgrace.”
2014-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7165 (2014) · source
“My delegation strongly condemns the kidnapping of unarmed OSCE military verification mission observers and Ukrainian security personnel. Such acts, as well as the public parading of the hostages, speak loudly to the true character and intentions of the separatists, who seek to disrupt international observation so that they can continue attacking Ukraine out of sight of the international community. The parties with influence on the militant separatists, first and foremost Russia, must take all necessary steps to bring about the immediate release of all hostages, without preconditions. The international monitoring and mediation efforts of the United Nations, OSCE and other regional bodies must be fully supported, guaranteed safety and security, and allowed full freedom of access on all of Ukraine's territory.”
2014-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7165 (2014) · source
“We also hope the report will look into the human rights situation in occupied Crimea. As has been reported, the Crimean Tatar leader Mustafa Dzhemilev has been barred from returning home to Crimea. A group of camouflage-clad men stormed the Tatar Assembly offices and tore down the Ukrainian flag there. The director and editor of Crimean Tatar programmes on Crimean State television have been forced out by local authorities because they had spoken against increasing censorship. A new level of banditry by the separatists in eastern Ukraine was reached on 25 April, when they kidnapped a group of OSCE representatives. Notably, when asked to release the hostages, the separatists were quoted as saying that they needed to speak to the competent authorities in the Russian Federation.”
2014-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7165 (2014) · source
“In areas under the control of pro-Russian militants, journalists are attacked, detained, harassed and their equipment taken or smashed. There is probably something to hide if there is such a distaste and dislike of free media in that part of Ukraine. We reiterate our call to end impunity for attacks against journalists. We also call for a thorough investigation of kidnappings, torture and killings, committed by whomever, and to insist that the perpetrators of all such acts be brought to justice. We hope that the next report of the United Nations human rights monitoring mission in Ukraine, to be issued in mid-May, will address the growing cases of human rights violations, violent deaths, causes for torture, abductions and activist disappearances in eastern Ukraine.”
2014-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7165 (2014) · source
“On the other hand, in a threatening tone, Russia recently ordered Ukraine to withdraw Ukrainian troops stationed on Ukraine's own soil, or else - so much for respect for Ukraine's international sovereignty. We firmly reject all of Russia's attempts to validate its intentions and threats to use armed forces or to send so-called Russian peacekeepers into Ukraine. As a permanent member of the Security Council, Russia should know better than to exploit the name of peacekeeping to cover up its aggressive expansionist aims. Now I would like to turn to human rights and the media. The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Representative on the Freedom of the Media, Mr. Dunja Mijatovic', is sounding increasing alarm regarding the treatment of journalists and the deterioration of media freedom in eastern Ukraine.”
2014-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7165 (2014) · source
“While quick to condemn and brand Ukrainian authorities for alleged crimes, Russia has yet to issue a single condemnation of the violence carried out by armed separatists. The legitimate right of Ukraine, to which our Australian colleague has referred, to defend its territory and its State has been exercised with incredible restraint and caution, although portrayed by the Russian propaganda machinery as a bloodbath and a valid cause for intervention. From the speaker before me, we heard references to military punitive operations and acts. If what Ukraine is carrying out in the eastern part of its country is a military punitive action, it is probably the most invisible, impossible military action on Earth. Nothing has happened in that sense. To exaggerate to such an extent is going a long way in terms of exaggeration.”
2014-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7165 (2014) · source
“As many noted earlier, yesterday and today saw more violent attacks in the city of Luhansk and elsewhere - in Mykolaiv and in Konstiantynivka - where men armed with clubs and metal bars smashed windows and doors. A pro- unity rally was attacked by men in military fatigues, leading to over a dozen injuries among pro-Ukrainian protesters. A few days ago, a Ukrainian helicopter was downed by a rocket-propelled grenade, hardly a weapon so-called peaceful protesters - as labelled by the Russian side - can buy at the local corner market. That certainly does not sound like the implementation of Geneva agreement by the separatists and their state sponsors? Displays of brutal force, beatings, disappearances, torture, killings and hostage-taking have become a daily reality in eastern Ukraine under militant separatist rule.”
2014-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7165 (2014) · source
“It is necessary and it is something Kyiv has to do, and should be doing actively while involving all the regions and populations, because it affects the lives of the entire population of Ukraine. Other issues discussedtoday include decentralization, constitutional reform, checks and balances, the powers of the President in the future, a stronger role for and the reinforcement of the independence of the judiciary, and so forth. Preparations are taking place for the national elections to be held on 25 May. In a stark contrast to those efforts, armed separatists, aidead and abetted by Russia, are continuing their assault on Ukraine, adding violence to force and lawlessness to impunity.”
2014-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7165 (2014) · source
“The Kiyv city administration building has re-opened, as has the main thoroughfare of the city, Khreschatik. Important proposals regarding the status of the Russian language, amnesty, greater rights for the regions, as well as limitations on the President's power, have been put forward by the transitional Governmet. Indeed, as Ambassador Churkin referred to earlier today, constitutional reform was being discussed by the Parliament in a public session accessible to all. There has been a major debate on what was being proposed. But, again, a major debate that includes criticism is a sign of democracy. Unanimous decisions and acceptance of whatever is put on the table is something that abelongs to regimes, not democratic Governments. We therefore welcome the discussion.”
2014-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7165 (2014) · source
“But, as we know today, the Geneva statement is just another document to be signed and discarded by Russia, adding to the growing list of breaches of Russia's international commitments, such as the Helsinki Final Act, the 1991 Almaty Declaration, the Budapest Memorandum of 1994, the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between Russia and Ukraine of l997 and the Charter of the United Nations itself. Despite growing provocations, the Ukrainian authorities have taken a number of concrete steps to follow up on the Geneva statement. Barricades in Maidan Square are being dismantled. I recall my French colleague referring a number of times to the Internet and Google. Users of those will see that there is a significant difference in terms of what is happening on the streets of Kyiv. As I said, barricades are being dismantled.”
2014-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7165 (2014) · source
“Let me thank the Nigerian presidency for convening this open meeting, which does not cease to surprise us, judging by some of the statements we have heard. I might refer to some of the comments by our colleague from the Russian Federation. I would also like to thank Under Secretary- General Jeffrey Feltman for his briefing. As so many of us have said here, the international community had placed high hopes on international mediation and monitoring efforts and on the 17 April Geneva statement on Ukraine.”
2014-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7165 (2014) · source
“We also acknowledge an important contribution of the inter-agency Security Sector Task Force, now comprising 14 United Nations entities and the United Nations Inter-Agency SSR Support Unit, all of which are working towards an integrated, holistic and coherent United Nations approach to SSR issues. The Council can count on my delegation's support in its further efforts to advance that important issue.”
2014-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7161 (2014) · source
“The United Nations system should also be constantly reviewing the effectiveness and coherence of its own assistance to Member States and building on lessons learned. In that regard, we are pleased that the draft resolution we will be adopting later today recognizes the need for the inter-agency Security Sector Reform Task Force and United Nations operations to further strengthen the monitoring and evaluation of SSR initiatives, with the aim of ensuring the effectiveness of the support provided to Governments. To conclude, I wish to commend the United Nations Group of Friends of Security Sector Reform, co-chaired by Slovakia and South Africa, for being a driving force in giving the issue the visibility it deserves.”
2014-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7161 (2014) · source
“In order to maximize the effectiveness of United Nations involvement and tailor international efforts to the exact needs of each country, it is important to know how useful particular measures have been so far, which measures proved to be effective and why in any given situation they have proved to be effective. As the concept paper rightly points out, measuring only the quantitative elements of reform may not be enough, and we may need to find ways to assess and measure deeper change. The complexity of measuring impact should not deter us from trying to do so. We therefore welcome efforts in Cote d'Ivoire and Liberia to develop a set of indicators and benchmarks to monitor implementation of national SSR strategies.”
2014-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7161 (2014) · source
“All national stakeholders must be genuinely involved in the reform process, since the trust between security institutions and the society at large can be reinstated only if past abuses do not go untold and if proper accountability is ensured. In that respect, the link between an effective, transparent SSR process and ensuring justice and accountability for past crimes is key. Also key is the need for the most stringent vetting for those who are reintegrated into security structures during the course of SSR. As my delegation has noted on other occasions, blanket amnesties can undercut the success of SSR and heighten perceived insecurities among local populations ifperpetrators ofmajor crimes, including crimes against humanity or mass rape, are included in new security and law and order structures.”
2014-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7161 (2014) · source
“In order to achieve that goal, it is key to ensure that all parties to a conflict and all segments of society, including women, youth and vulnerable groups, are involved in the SSR process. As noted in the report of the Secretary-General, success or failure of SSR efforts depends on the broader context of transformative processes in a society, such as national dialogue, reconciliation efforts or transitional justice initiatives, all of which require genuine inclusivity. Time and again, we have seen how exclusion of certain armed groups from SSR leads to continued threats to communities, undermining overall peace efforts.”
2014-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7161 (2014) · source
“While the United Nations has developed an impressive toolbox for assisting Member States, long- term national ownership remains key for the legitimacy and sustainability of any SSR effort. National Governments should undertake both sector-wide initiatives and reform of individual components, such as armed forces, police, law enforcement, judiciary and corrections, complemented by horizontal measures aimed at fighting corruption, strengthening governance and accountability and ensuring the protection of human rights. As the report ofthe Secretary-General (S/2013/480) rightly notes, the United Nations must make sure it supports inclusive and accountable SSR that enhances the social contract between the State and society.”
2014-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7161 (2014) · source
“Security sector reform is also a vital element of the rule of law, which can hardly be achieved without a security sector that is accountable, effective and responsive to the needs of the population. As noted in the concept paper, linkages between SSR and other related areas, such as countering illicit flows and destabilizing accumulations of small arms, should also be kept in mind. In particular, close links must be established between SSR and disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programmes, and former combatants must be offered alternative livelihoods, as for example in the case of the Afghanistan Peace and Reintegration Programme supported by the United Nations Development Programme, which provides anti-Government militants with an opportunity to give up their arms and become reintegrated into their communities.”
2014-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7161 (2014) · source
“How does one give back a childhood to a child soldier, whose life has so far taught him that killing and maiming others is the way to ensure his own survival? How does one convince a Government propped up by armed militias used to turning a blind eye to graft and other abuses that investing in accountable security sector will bring greater dividends through stability, security, and eventually through the ballot box? Building sustainable peace requires sustainable answers to those and many other questions related to security sector reform. While originally perceived as an element of peacekeeping exit strategies, security sector reform is now widely accepted as an integral part of conflict prevention, peacebuilding and efforts to avoid relapse into conflict.”
2014-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7161 (2014) · source
“Its need becomes particularly urgent and real when a soldier or a police officer whose only calling should be to serve his country and people with integrity and honour, acts as a thug, using his uniform and weapon to spread fear and extort what few possessions battered civilian populations might have, when security institutions created to ensure safety and security turn into machines of torture, forced disappearances or oppression. Security sector reform strategies, while often detailed and complex, seek to respond to some very real questions and situations. How does one restore trust in men in uniform who have just recently spread fear and imposed their will on local communities by raping and sexually abusing women, girls, boys and men?”
2014-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7161 (2014) · source
“I would like to begin by thanking the delegation of Nigeria for organizing today's open debate and for preparing its comprehensive concept note (S/2014/238, annex). I would also like to thank the Secretary-General for his briefing earlier today. My delegation welcomes the adoption later today of the first-ever Security Council resolution on security sector reform (SSR), which proves the increasing recognition of the importance of the subject by the Council's membership. My delegation aligns itself with the statement to be made by the observer of the European Union. Security sector reform may sound technical, yet its direct impact on both security and millions of lives is obvious.”
2014-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7161 (2014) · source
“The current Government is set to address human rights violations, language policy, the rights of ethnic minorities, the decentralization of power and corruption, and to strengthen accountability and the rule of law. It is in our common interests that this Government and the future Government of Ukraine should be allowed to carry out that work unobstructed. We must also support its efforts to ensure that a free and fair election on 25 May, with the participation of all Ukraine in all its rich diversity, can take place.”
2014-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7157 (2014) · source
“We call on the occupying authorities to allow the human rights monitoring mission in Ukraine to work in Crimea, including the opening of a sub-office in Simferopol. United Nations officials should continue to visit Crimea and report on the situation of all ethnic minorities, on media freedom and human rights. The people of Russia and Ukraine have become victims of the propaganda and disinformation that provoked and fanned unconstitutional actions by local militants, with external assistance. The situation is very tense, but a reversal of course is still possible. It is time to heed the countless calls to de-escalate and for Moscow to stop interfering into Ukraine's internal affairs.”
2014-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7157 (2014) · source
“We also have to provide necessary mid- and long-term funding for the mission going well beyond June. The mission must continue its work throughout the entire territory of Ukraine, including Crimea. Other human rights monitoring instruments are also necessary. We look forward to receiving the findings of the visit to Ukraine by the United Nations Special Rapporteur on minority issues from 7 to 13 April. We welcome equests by other thematic mandate holders under the special procedures of the Human Rights Council, such as the Special Rapporteur on internally displaced persons, to visit Ukraine and report on their findings. It is also crucial to ensure independent monitoring of the human rights situation in Crimea specifically.”
2014-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7157 (2014) · source
“Fighting corruption - and we welcome the fact that the relevant legislation is now being put in place to improve access to education, health and social services - providing real equality for all its citizens, addressing the deficiencies of the justice system and combating impunity, which was so common in the country, are the main issues of concern where the international community, including the United Nations, the OSCE and the Council of Europe again can readily provide further assistance. Impartial reporting on human rights violations will help to prevent the manipulation of information by whomever. We therefore support continuous reporting by the United Nations human rights monitoring mission in Ukraine to ensure a regular and continuous flow of updates on the situation in the country.”
2014-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7157 (2014) · source
“We therefore urge the Russian side to stop its disinformation and anti-Ukrainian and anti-European propaganda campaign before it is too late. International bodies, Europe and Ukraine have repeatedly called for the path of restraint and dialogue. The way towards that path are still open as we await the holding of the quadrilateral meeting to take place in Geneva on 17 April. We once again call on the Russian Federation to pursue that path. Much remains to be done for the current and future Governments of Ukraine.”
2014-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7157 (2014) · source
“In a disturbing instance of deja vu, once again in clear violation of Ukraine's Constitution and accepted norms of international behaviour, heavily armed militants without any insignia are occupying local Government buildings and declaring independence, which is a sad caricature of self-determination in defiance of national and international law. Furthermore, the systematic and well-oiled propaganda war against Ukraine and its provisional leadership is an extremely dangerous game, because as we have seen time and again from various situations around the world, including recently in the Central African Republic, it is much too easy to release the arms-wielding genie out of the bottle, a genie of incitement and hate, but infinitely more difficult to contain it afterwards.”
2014-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7157 (2014) · source
“But we knew that all along as well, as various previous conclusions by senior international representatives, including those of the OSCE, have repeatedly repudiated such allegations. Among other things, this is about Ukraine's destabilization with a View to obstructing and preventing the 25 May elections, which the interim Government in Kyiv announced the minute it was appointed, for fear that power may slip out of the fingers of the likes of Yanukovic and his corrupt cronies. This is also about a naked land grab and Russia's greater political and military ambitions.”
2014-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7157 (2014) · source
“Furthermore, the report notes that there are today positive changes under way in Ukraine, or under consideration, such as a willingness to break with past injustices and to elaborate a new vision of the country. Those conclusions, contained in the report, are confirmed by the current Government's efforts to strengthen the rule of law, combat corruption, ensure minority rights and address the issue of decentralization. In fact, acting President Turchynov recently proposed holding a referendum on the decentralization of the country together with the national elections to be held on 25 May. All of the foregoing points to the fact that the crisis provoked in Ukraine is not about the protection of one particular ethnic minority or language minority, or about Ukraine's alleged extremist radicalism.”
2014-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7157 (2014) · source
“She stated that "The current human rights situation of minorities in Ukraine and the civil and political, economic, social and cultural conditions cannot justify any violent actions or incitement by any party, national or international". That is exactly what we have been saying all along. Whatever the issues regarding the human and minority rights situation in Ukraine, Crimea or eastern Ukraine in particular, none of those issues can ever justify the invasion and annexation of Crimea or the ongoing destabilization of eastern Ukraine. Those issues could, and should have been, resolved by way of established and well-tried peaceful instruments, with the assistance of regional organizations such as the OSCE and the Council of Europe, as well as the United Nations.”
2014-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7157 (2014) · source
“The report indicates too that in eastern Ukraine grievances with regard to the failure of the central Government to represent interests have a history long predating the current Government. The report also states that violations of the human rights of the ethnic minorities in eastern Ukraine, Crimea and elsewhere in Ukraine have been neither widespread nor systematic. That is clearly confirmed by the most recent statement by United Nations Special Rapporteur on minority issues, Rita lzsak, who has concluded that the overwhelming majority of minorities and others described harmonious inter-ethnic and interfaith relations and conditions of non-discrimination in all spheres oflife.”
2014-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7157 (2014) · source
“Many people may be forced to leave their homes and face other consequences arising from Crimea's takeover. That is also confirmed by the special monitoring mission of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). The report also highlights the highly questionable character of the referendum, which was held in an environment of intimidation by armed groups and a total lack of media freedom. As Council members will recall, the plebiscite was organized in a particularly hurried manner, in the absence of established election practices and election observation, without a public debate on its merits and provided exclusively for a secessionist option.”
2014-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7157 (2014) · source