YouSaid · the spoken record

Mwakawago

lines on the record: 148
first: 1995-02-08
most recent: 2005-12-20
sittings or episodes: 17
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

“If women are to play an equal part in security and maintaining peace, they must be empowered politically and economically, and represented adequately at all levels of decision-making, both at the pre-conflict stage and during hostilities, as well as at the point of peacekeeping, peace- building, reconciliation and reconstruction." In reiterating this position, we call on the international community and Governments to intensify efforts aimed at the realization of the objective set out in that statement, including the enhancement of the role of women in various phases of the transition to peace and post-conflict reconstruction.”
2000-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4208Resumption1 (2000) · source
“Both the final outcome document of the twenty- third special session of the General Assembly entitled "Women 2000: gender equality, development and peace for the twenty-first century" and the Millennium Summit Declaration place emphasis on shared responsibility to maintain international peace and security. On the occasion of International Women's Day on 8 March, the then President of the Security Council, Ambassador Chowdhury of Bangladesh, observed in a statement to the Press: "Members of the Council note that although women have begun to play an important role in conflict resolution, peacekeeping and peace- building, they are still under-represented in decision-making in regard to conflict.”
2000-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4208Resumption1 (2000) · source
“It is encouraging to note that given the prevalence of conflicts, particularly in Africa today, women have taken some initiatives to promote peaceful resolution of conflicts and to generate a culture of peace. In this context, the role of Burundian women in the peace process in their country - and the recognition of that role by President Nelson Mandela, the Facilitator of the Burundi peace process - should serve as an example and as a source of inspiration to the international community. It is the hope of my delegation that the Council will adopt a resolution that gives due weight to the role that women can play in peace negotiations and accord them due recognition. The international community needs, therefore, to agree on a framework that guarantees women that right.”
2000-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4208Resumption1 (2000) · source
“There is no denying that it is women who shoulder the responsibility of supporting their families and communities. Women serve alongside their male counterparts in times of war. It is also women who serve at the forefront of peace movements. Under these circumstances, it is evident that we cannot continue excluding women from conflict resolution processes. Expanding the role of women in this area is imperative, not only to address inequities but also to ensure that our societies benefit from their approaches to preventing conflicts, solving conflicts and building peace. Being direct victims of violence and discrimination, women have gained a great understanding of the need to address peace comprehensively.”
2000-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4208Resumption1 (2000) · source
“This debate on women, peace and security is an important reminder to all of us of the need to resolve conflicts, particularly those in Africa and elsewhere which are of grave concern to all of us. Due to these conflicts, about six million Africans are refugees and over 15 million people are displaced, between 60 and 80 per cent of whom are women and children. The 2000 Machel review points out, in chapter 5, that: "During armed conflict, women and girls are continually threatened by rape, domestic violence, sexual exploitation, trafficking, sexual humiliation and mutilation." They are at risk in all settings - be it at home, in flight or in camps. In some cases, systematic rape and terror are used as weapons of war. After having been subjected to such atrocities, they are left with scars that take longer to heal.”
2000-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4208Resumption1 (2000) · source
“It gives my delegation particular pleasure to see you, Sir, presiding over this open debate on women and peace and security. My delegation warmly welcomes the convening of this meeting and hopes that the outcome of this historic debate will contribute to a better understanding of the gender dimension of peace processes. It is significant that in recognition of the importance that your country attaches to this issue, the seminar on "Mainstreaming a Gender Perspective in Multidimensional Peace Support Operations" was held in Windhoek from 29 to 31 May 2000. In this regard my delegation supports the Namibia Plan of Action and the call made to the Secretary-General to ensure that appropriate follow-up measures are undertaken to implement it.”
2000-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4208Resumption1 (2000) · source
“It is obvious that the issue of children and armed conflict is a cross-cutting one, and therefore any discussion of ending armed conflict cannot ignore the poverty dimension. It is the hope of my delegation that these issues will continue to receive the attention of the Council in a coherent and coordinated manner with a view to our finding a lasting solution to them. I thank you, Madam President, for giving us this opportunity to address the Council.”
2000-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4176Resumption1 (2000) · source
“In the same vein, we commend the Government of Sierra Leone for establishing the National Commission for War-affected Children to ensure that the needs of children and young people are taken fully into account in priority setting, resource allocation, programme planning and national policy-making. This arrangement promises to address, in a coherent and comprehensive manner, the concerns of children affected by armed conflict. In our statement last year, we pointed out that poverty, among other problems, lies at the root of most armed conflicts. That truism has not changed in this new century. Addressing the root causes of poverty is one of the most conclusive ways of ending the majority of armed conflicts.”
2000-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4176Resumption1 (2000) · source
“I would be remiss if I did not pay tribute to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for his work in the field. It is largely through his reports that we are now addressing in the Council the issue of children in armed conflict. We are gratified to note that, mostly because of the Special Representative's recommendation, girls in Rwanda can now inherit farms and other property. This is a significant step, taking into consideration the fact that it is girls who are mostly left to take care of their siblings when both parents have been killed in war, or have had to leave their homes. The Government of Rwanda should be commended for taking timely action in response to the recommendations of the Special Representative. We urge other countries in similar situations to follow suit.”
2000-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4176Resumption1 (2000) · source
“Refugee children are the hardest hit because, apart from being forcibly uprooted from familiar surroundings, they lose a substantial part of their childhood, together with their rights. The phenomenon of HIV/AIDS has added another disturbing dimension to the situation: girls find themselves infected with the virus through rape. It goes without saying that the scars left by such experiences are deep and long-term. Special arrangements need to be put in place to take care of such victims if we expect them to become useful citizens who can contribute meaningfully to society when they are adults. We are encouraged by the synergy that we see building up in terms of partnerships between Governments, the international community, non-governmental organizations and civil society. These partnerships need to be commended and encouraged.”
2000-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4176Resumption1 (2000) · source
“Children who have been traumatized by war are psychologically and, at times, physically, scarred for life. The numbers quoted in the report of the Secretary- General compel us to sit up and examine the way we have been conducting warfare in recent times. Behind the disturbing statistics there are real people - people who represent our future. There is a compelling case for dealing with the situation of girls who have been victimized by war. It is quite evident from the Secretary-General's report that in times of war girls are invariably the most vulnerable group, as they suffer multiple abuses, such as sexual abuse, including systematic rape, sexual slavery and, in some cases, the trauma of trafficking.”
2000-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4176Resumption1 (2000) · source
“In this connection, my Government has gone so far as to translate the Convention into Swahili - our national language - so as to make the Convention known to all Tanzanians. The Secretary-General's proposal that corporations develop voluntary codes of conduct concerning trade with countries or parties responsible for gross violations of children's rights is both timely and necessary. My delegation would go further and suggest that there be zero tolerance for countries found to be responsible for such violations. We hope that the Secretary-General's proposal will be concretized and accountability measures instituted to deter all those who deliberately harm or target children during armed conflict. We look forward to the conclusion of the Council's work in this respect.”
2000-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4176Resumption1 (2000) · source
“It should therefore be the guiding beacon to all Governments in adhering to the rights of the child and should pave the way for the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child and all other relevant protocols. We consider logical the suggestion that the Council should impose stiff penalties on those who perpetuate the gap between law and practice by flouting internationally agreed instruments. Having ratified the Convention in 1991, my Government is in the process of putting in place the necessary machinery for the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention and the Rome Statute. But ratification on its own will not be sufficient. Ratification needs to be complemented by concrete action, the most important element of which is respect for children's rights.”
2000-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4176Resumption1 (2000) · source
“It is incumbent upon the Council, as the primary organ responsible for international peace and security, to devise, advocate and recommend ways through which the security of children in times of armed conflict will become a matter of course, and to ensure their well- being even after the hostilities have ended. The report (S/2000/712) of the Secretary-General addresses the plethora of initiatives that are required to deal comprehensively with children in situations of armed conflict. We commend the report and support many of the recommendations in it. The Convention on the Rights of the Child is by far the most comprehensive instrument on children's rights to date. The Convention has been ratified by almost all Members of the United Nations.”
2000-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4176Resumption1 (2000) · source
“At last year's open meeting on this agenda item the Council adopted resolution 1261 (1999), which gave the Security Council the mandate to continue to deliberate on the matter as part of its agenda, given the relevance of this issue to international peace and security. As we meet today, the Council should be able to take stock of the commitments made in that resolution and explore what further initiatives should be taken that will enhance the security and well-being of child victims of armed conflict worldwide. In an ideal world, wars would have been wished away and the security of all assured. Unfortunately, however, we have to contend with reality, and as we speak in this Council wars are being fought in many parts of the world, and children are not spared.”
2000-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4176Resumption1 (2000) · source
“Permit me at the outset to express my delegation's delight at seeing Jamaica presiding over yet another open debate of the Security Council on a sensitive matter critical to the well-being of children and to peace and security. The fact that you, Madam President, are also chairing the preparatory committee for the 10-year review of the World Summit for Children makes this occasion a particularly propitious one. My delegation is convinced that the outcome of these deliberations will impact positively on the outcome of the 10-year review of the Children's Summit. This is the third consecutive year that the Security Council has held an open meeting on children and armed conflict. We are gratified to note that the Security Council has kept the children's agenda alive year after year.”
2000-07-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4176Resumption1 (2000) · source
“The United Nations, and the Council in particular, was established primarily to save humanity from the scourge of war and to maintain international peace and security. This continues to be the overriding desire of our people. The extent to which this aspiration is fulfilled is one of the primary measures of the legitimacy of the United Nations and the Council. It is our belief that this function can be discharged. However, it can be fully discharged only if the Organization is adequately funded and supported. This is a challenge we all face. We cannot afford to fail.”
2000-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4174Resumption1 (2000) · source
“Thirdly, as we had occasion to state before the Council last November, we continue to believe that the United Nations, and the Council in particular, must prepare contingency arrangements with respect to the outcome of ongoing peace processes. Countries in conflict will require the help of the Council as well as that of the international community, not only to reconstruct but also to build democratic institutions for lasting peace. Lastly, the Council needs to strengthen its cooperation with regional arrangements. A deliberate strategy must be pursued to enhance their capacity for, and effectiveness in, preventive action at the regional level within the context of Chapter VIII of the Charter, for we believe that regional arrangements can act as an effective spearhead for subsequent Council action.”
2000-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4174Resumption1 (2000) · source
“In our view, the following are critical areas of focus. First, the Council must continue to support the Secretary-General's initiatives for durable and sustainable peace by instituting timely responses to early signs of trouble and by enlisting the cooperation of other organs and institutions in a broad-based effort to resolve the underlying causes of conflict. Secondly, where processes have been instituted to resolve conflict, either through the auspices of the United Nations or through regional arrangements, the Council must commit itself to extend its sustained support to the process, including the provision of adequate resources. In this regard, we commend the Council for its efforts relating to the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2000-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4174Resumption1 (2000) · source
“Admittedly, the challenge of achieving peace and security in the face of conflict or grave human suffering is a challenge for the international community as well as for the Council, for, under the terms of the Charter, the international community acts through the Council. However, we are concerned and distressed by the fact that, in the face of armed conflict or obvious atrocities committed against humanity, the Council could fail to act in unison and in time, with tragic consequences for its legitimacy. The Council must therefore strive to prevent potential conflicts from degenerating into actual instances of armed conflict. We commend the measures being instituted by the Secretary-General. Too often the approaches have focused on consequences rather than on causes, and we welcome the desire to reorient those efforts.”
2000-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4174Resumption1 (2000) · source
“While the Charter may have its own flaws, it is quite unambiguous on its commitment to preventing war, to upholding human rights and to promoting social progress. Needless to say, the role of the Security Council is critical in this regard. The role of the Security Council in preventing armed conflict can best be examined in the light of recent experience. With a few exceptions, the most frequently occurring type of armed conflict - and the one that takes the highest toll on the civilian population- is of an intra-State nature. In Rwanda and Kosovo, the Council failed. In Angola, Sierra Leone and Ethiopia/Eritrea, it has tried to redeem its failures and must be commended for its genuine efforts, in spite of everything else.”
2000-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4174Resumption1 (2000) · source
“We have played host to thousands of refugees. We have witnessed innocent civilians, mostly women and children, running for their lives from their own countrymen. We have experienced the environmental degradation brought by such an influx of refugees. We have been overwhelmed by the social and economic dislocation associated with such massive invasions. Needless to say, the security dimension is no less serious. Because of these circumstances, the subject of the Council's attention this afternoon has a very special bearing on the real concerns of Tanzanians. Does the Security Council have a role? In our view the Charter of the United Nations is clear: the Council has the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security.”
2000-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4174Resumption1 (2000) · source
“The United Republic of Tanzania joins my colleagues in commending you, Minister Robertson, and your country, Jamaica, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of July. In the same breath, we wish to commend the Council and the Secretary-General for their continued interest and involvement in the prevention of armed conflicts. For us, the view that there is no higher goal, no deeper commitment, and no greater ambition for the United Nations than the prevention of armed conflict is nowhere more relevant than in the Council. The United Republic of Tanzania, being one of the countries of the Great Lakes region of Africa, is painfully aware of the ravages of armed conflict - not only in terms of its economic cost but, more importantly, in terms of the humanitarian tragedy it unravels.”
2000-07-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4174Resumption1 (2000) · source
“If this Council and the United Nations are to continue to be relevant to Africa, then it is imperative that the needs of people of Sierra Leone, Angola and, in this particular case, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to mention but a few, must be taken on board. A ray of hope is on the horizon. We urge the Security Council to translate hopes into concrete action.”
2000-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4143Resumption1 (2000) · source
“We must condemn it as we continue to demand a thorough investigation and ultimate culpability. We have often enough demanded that impunity should not go unpunished. Our reported outrage at the victimization of innocent and unarmed civilians, especially women and children, must be matched with firm action. The Lusaka Peace Agreement and the United Nations process set in motion by Council resolution 1291 (2000) can interact effectively. It would be a tragedy if the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo were led to believe that a weary international community on peacekeeping cannot be counted upon in their hour of need. A legitimate peace process is in motion.”
2000-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4143Resumption1 (2000) · source
“President Sir Ketumile Masire's noble effort should not fail for want of support or assistance. In a similar vein, we urge the Congolese people to embrace his efforts in the interests of comity and peace for their people and country. Our delegation cannot hide its deep concern about allegations of serious human rights violations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, particularly in eastern Congo. The apparent acknowledgement of an instance in which a number of persons - indeed, women - were buried alive is in itself shocking, to say the least. That what was at dispute was not the factual incident but the number is horrifying. That "it only concerned three women" and that "the other side did it too" is an admission that this body cannot condone.”
2000-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4143Resumption1 (2000) · source
“We welcome the fact that the mission had the opportunity to raise their concerns with Presidents Kagame of Rwanda and Museveni of Uganda and managed to broker an agreement between them to stop the fighting. We also welcome that the two Presidents agreed to institute measures designed to begin a phased withdrawal in accordance with the disengagement plan of 8 April. As a result of a follow- up summit meeting by Presidents Kagame and Museveni, hosted by my President, His Excellency Mr. Benjamin Mkapa, in Mwanza, northern Tanzania, on 14 May, we are now even more optimistic about the commitment of the two Presidents to the disengagement plan. Needless to say, the urgent deployment of MONUC in the area is of critical importance. We will not tire in our calls for continued and sustained support of the office of the facilitator.”
2000-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4143Resumption1 (2000) · source
“The meeting of the visiting mission with Congolese civil society, religious groups and political parties vindicated the support of the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo for rapid deployment of phase II of MONUC. That the mission to Kananga, comprised of Ambassador Andjaba of Namibia, Ambassador van Walsum of the Netherlands and Ambassador Greenstock of the United Kingdom, was "struck by the great warmth of their reception by the citizens and their clear desire for peace" is foretelling of the expectations of the United Nations on the part of the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The mission was rightly concerned about the recent fighting in Kisangani.”
2000-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4143Resumption1 (2000) · source
“Consequently, what underlines the broad support for the United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the region is the need for swift and determined action to ensure implementation of the Lusaka Agreement. Without a doubt, the mission has noted some fragile aspects. But we do not, and we must not, see these aspects as undermining the relevance of the Agreement. Setbacks ought to have been expected from the outset. Our challenge is to continue urging the parties to walk down the road to peace and security for the people and countries of the region to which they are all committed. In that context we note, and welcome, the parties' reaffirmation of their support to MONUC. The United Nations needs, therefore, to speed up its contribution in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2000-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4143Resumption1 (2000) · source
“However, it also makes a valid observation which we cannot lose sight of: the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has its own unique characteristics, and the peacekeeping operation there must be judged on its own merits. Unlike Sierra Leone, the Democratic Republic of the Congo does not have a Foday Sankoh. All warring parties have supported, indeed urged, the presence of the United Nations. In this regard even in Sierra Leone we should act firmly to suppress the likes of Mr. Sankoh and his wayward rebels who have violated the will of the people of Sierra Leone, of Africa and of the international community.”
2000-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4143Resumption1 (2000) · source
“Lastly, in spite of some setbacks, the commitment of all the parties to the Lusaka Agreement and resolution 1291 (2000) was, without exception, reaffirmed. These were no small achievements in the span of one week. Those who had questions on whether such a visit was really needed would undoubtedly find comfort in the mission briefing. It all comes down to one critical undertaking: deployment of phase II of the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) should not be delayed any longer. Quite rightly the mission report notes that the events in Sierra Leone have cast a shadow over the mission to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
2000-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4143Resumption1 (2000) · source
“The United Republic of Tanzania joins others in welcoming the report presented by Ambassador Holbrooke on the visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo by the Security Council mission. The visit itself was, for us, a clear determination by the Council to make a real difference in the aspirations and hopes of the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo for peace and stability for development. The report demonstrates that the mission has succeeded in three ways. First, it has vindicated the continued significance of the Lusaka Peace Agreement as the only viable framework for peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Secondly, it has underscored the urgency on the part of the United Nations of the deployment of military observers, as provided under the terms of Security Council resolution 1291 (2000).”
2000-05-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4143Resumption1 (2000) · source
“Above all, we have welcomed it because it provides us with the added benefit of increasing our knowledge base and experience in developing a more systematic approach for dealing with sanctions violations. We therefore also welcome the Canadian proposal to convene a conference of experts to develop a regime to govern the use of sanctions. It is our hope that it will be inclusive of a broad range of perspectives. Mr. President, you have succinctly observed that "Sanctions are economic statecraft in action. When purposefully used and implemented to prevent or stop aggression, violence and abuse, this is statecraft in the service of people." (S/PV.4]28) Regrettably, this statecraft has so far failed the people of Angola.”
2000-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4129Resumption1 (2000) · source
“We therefore also welcome and support the establishment of a mechanism which would seek additional information concerning the serious allegations in the report. We urge and support stern measures by the Council against proven violations. We recognize that others may want to avoid the political consequences of such an outcome. We also realize that the report raises serious questions regarding the conduct of certain political leaders. It is gratifying to remember, however, that the grave charges against those who have proclaimed their innocence can be lessened only through a fair process. In the end, it would be fair to let the chips fall where they may. Those who are culpable must bear the responsibility. We have welcomed the report of the Panel of Experts.”
2000-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4129Resumption1 (2000) · source
“The Panel of Experts makes useful recommendations, which, if acted upon promptly, will bring Savimbi's roof tumbling down. We should not, however, lose sight of the fact that the implementation of some of these quite apt recommendations relies on the capabilities of countries that are severely constrained in that regard. Our collective partnership in enhancing their necessary capabilities will therefore remain critical. At this juncture, I welcome the assurance of support and assistance to the Southern African Development Community (SADC), of which we are a member. UNITA has taken the Council for a ride for too long. Reports that it has not been doing so alone are cause for great concern.”
2000-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4129Resumption1 (2000) · source
“They were imposed to counter not only perceptions of impunity on the part of UNITA leadership, but also as a tool to end the suffering of the people of Angola. If those who could be proved to have aided and abetted Mr. Savimbi do not suffer any consequences, the legitimacy of sanctions as an effective tool available to the Council will be severely undermined. There is no denying that the people of Angola have suffered enormously. In spite of the enormity of their pain, it might not be too late to reassess what can now be done differently to bring their torment to an end. What the report of the Panel of Experts can achieve in the short term is to focus our attention on strengthening the framework against which sanctions on UNITA were imposed.”
2000-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4129Resumption1 (2000) · source
“Indeed, the state of failure appears so pervasive and pertinent that it is only legitimate to undertake a comprehensive re-examination of the circumstances and procedures regarding the application of Security Council- mandated sanctions. In this regard, we must welcome the Council's decision yesterday to establish, on a temporary basis, an informal working group of the Council to develop general recommendations on how to improve the effectiveness of United Nations sanctions. We must nonetheless caution that the more effective use of sanctions by the Council will also depend on how well the Council deals with the violations put forward by the Panel of Experts. UNITA sanctions were imposed to secure specific objectives.”
2000-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4129Resumption1 (2000) · source
“We want to commend the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 864 (1993) concerning the situation in Angola, and the Panel of Experts on violations of Security Council sanctions against UNITA established by Council resolution 1237 (1999), chaired by Ambassador Mollander, for the report on violations of Security Council sanctions against UNITA. We do not and must not underestimate the boldness required to produce such a compelling report. It has been noted that the recent record of sanctions is an account of successes and failures. The Panel of Experts' report on UNITA sanctions is clear proof that these sanctions have been allowed to fall into the latter category.”
2000-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4129Resumption1 (2000) · source
“My delegation welcomes with pleasure this opportunity to address the Security Council. It is a greater pleasure to do so under the Canadian presidency - especially under your own leadership, Sir - when addressing a subject in which Canada, under the chairmanship of Ambassador Robert Fowler, has invested so much. We are particularly honoured that you, Minister Axworthy, have taken time from your other ministerial functions to chair these discussions. The presence of a delegation from the Canadian House of Commons is clear proof of your Government's commitment to the establishment of a sanctions regime which not only works but also produces the intended results.”
2000-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4129Resumption1 (2000) · source
“It is a huge continent with 53 countries; but from the way in which it is reported in the media one gets the impression that Africa is a very small country. It is a huge continent. That is my last point, Mr. President. We thank you for organizing this open debate. We hope there will be many more. But we hope also that the Council will sit down and see to what extent it can tap the reservoir of expertise and knowledge of the other non-members. I say this because the members themselves speak first when open debates are held, and then they bring us in after they have spoken and disappeared from the Council Chamber. The credibility of the Council is not very good in that respect.”
1999-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4081Resumption1 (1999) · source
“I think that what the Council needs to do is to put its acts together so that, working with the Economic and Social Council, it could draft an economic blueprint - what I would call a Marshall Plan. Some people are allergic to this. When you talk about a Marshal Plan for Africa, they say "No, no, no". We need a Marshall Plan for Africa because, otherwise, we will just continue to have conflicts. Africans are not unique human beings. They need development like anybody else, as well as housing, food and schooling. There is need. Your own Government, Mr. President, has taken some initiative in this regard. We need a bigger initiative, because the problems are greater. One of the fallacies about Africa is that it is seen as one country.”
1999-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4081Resumption1 (1999) · source
“We should not be satisfied with adopting resolutions and saying that this is action for Africa. This is inadequate; very, very inadequate. The other point I would like to underscore is the commendation that has been voiced for the Fowler Committee on the good work they are doing. But the Committee and the work it is doing needs to be backed up by the Council. Without doing that, we will have the Council on one side, the Committee on the other, and Fowler at the top. That would be tragic. Finally, Africa is listening very attentively to this debate, as it has listened to others for the last couple of years. Expectations are raised each time a debate takes place in the Council. You cannot blame the Africans.”
1999-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4081Resumption1 (1999) · source
“Thirdly, Africa has the largest number of refugees. As I am speaking to the Council now, my own country has 800,000 refugees, and many more are coming in. Finally, on the reality of Africa, aid is declining and there is much more rhetoric for helping Africa than there is substance. Now, as to the suggestions, we are asking for action, as the representative of Uganda has said, but that action has to be focused. So I am suggesting that the Council has to have a plan to address the conflicts. Since we had the first debate on Africa - the ministerial debate under the presidency of the United States - there have been many resolutions adopted, and many more will be adopted. Where is the implementation schedule? There is a need to have an implementation schedule, an accountability; there should be reports as to what measures have been taken.”
1999-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4081Resumption1 (1999) · source
“I shall try to be very brief. At the outset I should like to associate my delegation with all the positive statements that have been made. At this juncture I will just make a few comments and a few suggestions. Let me start with the stark reality of Africa. Of the 48 least developed countries of the world, 33 are in Africa. I say this because there are many calls for Africa to take action, but it must be remembered that the objective conditions will determine what action Africa can take. The reality is that 33 of the 48 least developed countries are in Africa. That is point number one. Secondly, there is a lot of emphasis on foreign direct investment. Only 1 per cent of foreign direct investment goes to Africa, and the majority of that goes to a handful of countries. That is another point that needs to be underscored.”
1999-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4081Resumption1 (1999) · source
“That recognition needs to be elevated to tangible action by giving him the requisite support - financial, human and material - to enable him to fulfil the mandate he has been entrusted with. The situation is urgent and actions of the Council will have a very important bearing on the way the problem is tackled. In stressing the need to properly equip the special unit, we are not unmindful of the critical roles played by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), to mention but a few, and the community of non-governmental organizations in that area. What is crucial now is to intensify the cooperative efforts of the various players.”
1999-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4037Resumption1 (1999) · source
“In his report to the Security Council in April 1998 on the causes of conflict and the promotion of durable peace and sustainable development in Africa, the Secretary- General of the United Nations pointed out that "poor economic performance or inequitable development have resulted in a near permanent economic crisis for some States, greatly exacerbating internal tensions and greatly diminishing their capacity to respond to those tensions". (A/52/87], para. 79) The alleviation of poverty should therefore be a common concern as a necessary step towards ending conflicts and protecting the rights of our children. Statements made in the Council today have further recognized the important work being done by Ambassador Otunnu.”
1999-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4037Resumption1 (1999) · source
“We have read the report of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, Ambassador Olara Otunnu, and we cannot but commend him for his eloquence in sensitizing the international community to the plight of children who have been victimized by armed conflict. The priorities and recommendations identified in the report call for serious attention and necessary action. Indeed, it is with a sense of gratification that we recognize the efforts that the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict is making in giving the matter of children and armed conflict the high profile that it correctly deserves.”
1999-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4037Resumption1 (1999) · source
“It is unfortunate that, in today's international relations, the change in the nature and scope of conflict has invariably drawn children, who are least responsible for the conflicts, into the power struggles of the adversaries. Nothing is so sad as a child whose only purpose in life is to live to avenge the death of a parent or relative. The Council needs to address this problem squarely by sending an unequivocal message that the use and abuse of children will not be tolerated or condoned under any circumstances. It is time for those responsible for such abuses to be held responsible for their actions.”
1999-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4037Resumption1 (1999) · source
“The agreement in Sierra Leone and the prospects for peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo require forward planning for the reintegration of children in society. It is our hope that the Council will adopt a strong resolution that will seriously address the problem in all its manifestations. Tanzania has had the unfortunate experience of being a first-hand witness to the plight of children fleeing from situations of armed conflict in neighbouring countries. Nothing is so heart-wrenching as the doleful looks of the innocent children who do not understand why they have been uprooted from a life that they knew to strange and unfamiliar surroundings.”
1999-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4037Resumption1 (1999) · source
“My delegation is pleased to see you, Sir, presiding over this open debate on children and armed conflict. We commend the Namibian initiative in holding this debate, open to the participation of all States Members of the Organization. To you, Mr. Minister, and members of your delegation, we extend sincere congratulations. At the outset, permit me to express the appreciation of my delegation for the opportunity accorded to us to address the Security Council in this important debate on children and armed conflict. This debate, which comes in the wake of a similar one held in the Council on 29 June 1998, is most welcome by my delegation. As we meet today, some positive developments are happening in Africa.”
1999-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4037Resumption1 (1999) · source