YouSaid · the spoken record

Nduhungirehe

lines on the record: 519
first: 2012-11-20
most recent: 2015-04-15
sittings or episodes: 72
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 hope that the current Parliamentary Assembly will consider those important proposals that would create an environment with equal rights for all, including minorities. I will conclude by recalling that Bosnia and Herzegovina is preparing to commemorate the twentieth anniversary of the genocide in Srebrenica. In that respect, Rwanda welcomes the adoption, by the Parliament of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, of amendments to entity criminal code to make genocide denial a criminal offence. As we believe that fighting genocide denial is critical for reconciliation and healing, we hope that there will soon be a consensus on that issue in the country. Let us hope that 2015 will enable all communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina to turn a dark page in their history.”
2014-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7308 (2014) · source
“We urge the ruling party in the Republika Srpska to engage in a constructive manner that is geared towards nation-building and to disassociate itself from statements publicly advocating for the secession and dissolution of Bosnia and Herzegovina. As recalled by Mr. Valentin Inzko, self-determination in this case would be a blatant violation of the Constitution and the Dayton Peace Accords. We call on the political actors in the country to act responsibly and to always promote reconciliation and national unity. Rwanda notes that, under the period under review, there was no vote on any of the proposals submitted to correct the systematic discrimination addressed by the European Court of Human Rights in the Sejdie- Finci case.”
2014-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7308 (2014) · source
“In that context, we remain concerned by the continued failure to make any progress on the outstanding 5+2 objectives to meet the prerequisite for the closure of the Office of the High Representative. The stalemate in the political situation is an impediment for the authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina to reach their Euro-Atlantic integration goal. We hope that the benefits of such integration will be a driving factor for resolving the gridlock. In that regard, we recognize the important contribution of the European Union-led peacekeeping force Operation Althea for the security and stability of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the past years. As Rwanda has stated in previous debates, we find it unfortunate that so much effort is devoted to divisive rhetoric that undermines the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
2014-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7308 (2014) · source
“We urge all political parties involved to seek a way out, with a View to ending the gridlock and implement the 2010 ruling of the Constitutional Court. In that regard, we encourage the authorities to consider Mr. Inzko's letter to the Joint Collegium of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Parliamentary Assembly, with a proposal for a one-time local elections. We hope that the elected authorities will make the necessary reforms to address, as a matter of priority, the socioeconomic situation in the country, particularly youth unemployment, which has reached a dangerous rate - approximately 60 per cent. In that regard, it is unfortunate that, despite the February demonstrations, which should have been a wake-up call, political tension and gridlock persists in the country.”
2014-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7308 (2014) · source
“We are particularly encouraged by the outcome of the international donors conference held on 16 July in Brussels, which resulted in significant pledges, critical to the recovery of the affected communities. Rwanda welcomes the holding, on 12 October, of free, fair and orderly elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as attested by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe monitoring team. Despite reported irregularities in some polling stations, we commend the authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina for enabling their people to exercise their right to vote in a peaceful environment. However, we regret that the elections in Mostar, which were set to take place in October, were not held.”
2014-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7308 (2014) · source
“I would like to thank Mr. Valentin Inzko, High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, for presenting the forty-sixth report (S/2014/777, annex) on the implementation of the Peace Agreement on Bosnia and Herzegovina. We commend his continued support to the parties in the country towards the full implementation of the General Framework Agreement for Peace. I also recognize the presence among us of the Permanent Representative of Bosnia and Herzegovina. In May this year, Bosnia and Herzegovina experienced devastating floods that killed 20 people, displaced 90,000 people, destroyed over 2,000 homes and damaged infrastructure. Rwanda is concerned by the economic impact of this disaster, which has amounted to more than â‚¬2 billion. We applaud the international community for the solidarity shown towards the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
2014-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7308 (2014) · source
“That technical support could come in handy, especially in relation to the Abdullah Al-Senussi case, where the Court upheld Libya's request to hear the case domestically. Lastly, Rwanda would like to emphasize that accountability for mass atrocities is one of the building blocks of post-conflict peacebuilding. Therefore, the international community, which in 2011 rightly exercised its responsibility to protect in the case of Libya, must redouble its efforts and support the Libyan people in restoring peace and security, as well as in strengthening the national judicial system. Indeed, an efficientjudiciary in Libya will significantly contribute to ending the cycle of violence in the country and to promoting justice, reconciliation and long-term stability.”
2014-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7306 (2014) · source
“But at the same time, we are of the view that national sovereignty should never serve as a pretext in the denial ofjustice. In the case of Libya we note the Government's continuing commitment to cooperate with the International Criminal Court and we again highlight the importance of the complementarity clause contained in the Rome Statute. Nonetheless, we recognize that Libya continues to face serious challenges in rebuilding its judicial sector. In that context, we support the recommendation of the Prosecutor to establish a contact group of Libya's partners on justice issues, through which material and legal support could be provided regularly to enhance Libya's efforts to provide justice to the victims.”
2014-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7306 (2014) · source
“In that regard, the Government of Libya should reiterate its commitment to the full implementation of law 29/2013, on transitional justice, which requires authorities to charge or release all detainees affiliated with the former regime, and law 10/2013, criminalizing torture, ill treatment and discrimination. We note that no militia member or State official has been brought to justice to face such charges, and we call for additional efforts by the Libyan Government in that regard. Our long-standing position on international criminal justice is well known. We believe in the importance of accountability for the most serious crimes, under national or international jurisdiction, based on the principle of complementarity. We stress that national jurisdictions are ultimately better placed to provide justice and promote reconciliation.”
2014-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7306 (2014) · source
“Despite the current situation on the ground, it is critical that the Government of Libya play its part in ensuring that all perpetrators of mass atrocities in the country are brought to justice and receive a fair trial. We understand that security challenges in Libya hamper the work of the justice system and that of the ICC investigation team. But we emphasize that no level of insecurity can deprive the victims of their basic right to justice and reparation. Accountability for war crimes and crimes against humanity is in fact the best guarantee for ending the cycle of violence in Libya. Failure to quash the blooming culture of impunity will negatively affect efforts to restore peace and security in the country.”
2014-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7306 (2014) · source
“There are important tasks ahead and we urge all the parties involved to put aside their political interests and engage constructively in building an inclusive Government. As reminded by the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Rwanda also notes with concern that all sides in Libya continue to commit the most serious crimes since February 2011, including indiscriminate shelling, assassinations, torture and ill treatment of conflict-related detainees, abduction of civilians and mass displacements ofTawerghans. We are also alarmed by the continuing intimidation of judges and prosecutors and assassinations of security forces, which all affect the efficiency of the justice system, not to mention threats to members of the media and human rights defenders.”
2014-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7306 (2014) · source
“I thank Ms. Fatou Bensouda, Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, for her briefing on the activities of her Office, herpresentation of the eighth report on the implementation of resolution 1970 (2011) and for her team's work in a challenging environment in Libya. The continuing deterioration of the political and security situation in Libya is very concerning. We took note of the 6 November ruling of the Supreme Court, which declared the House of Representatives unconstitutional. We hope that the decision will not be mishandled and risk causing greater divide in Libya but, rather, that it will become an opportunity to forge a way towards a sustainable political solution to the crisis in the country.”
2014-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7306 (2014) · source
“I wish to pay tribute in particular to you, Madam President, for your unique style and talents, for your commitment to the improvement of the working methods of the Council and to the promotion and protection of women in conflict and post-conflict situations, and for your steadfast attachment to justice and accountability.”
2014-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7294 (2014) · source
“Therefore, as long as members of the Council, in particular the permanent members, together with other world and regional Powers fail to use their influence in New York and in the field to support the efforts of the Security Council in maintaining international peace and security - and we all know that they can - the Council will always be used as a scapegoat for international inaction. In conclusion, Madam President, as your country has successfully completed 22 months ofmembership, as well as two presidencies of the Council, I wish, without awaiting 31 December, to congratulate Argentina for its successful term on the Security Council.”
2014-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7294 (2014) · source
“With the gridlocked Middle East peace process, the ongoing fighting in Syria, the rise of a barbaric terrorist organization named "the Islamic State", or "Daesh", and the increasing security chaos in Yemen, the Security Council seems unequipped or unable to have a significant impact on the situation in the region. Nonetheless, it is all too convenient to put the blame on the Council. This organ of the United Nations is not a separate or independent entity; it was created by us, the States Members of the United Nations; it is us.”
2014-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7294 (2014) · source
“Unfortunately, though, despite a clear mandate and a significant budget, MONUSCO has yet, some 15 years after its inception, to live up to the Council's expectations or those of the Congolese. In that regard, while the Security Council should, when adopting resolutions, ensure that the peacekeeping mandates provided reflect the security context on the ground, it is also critical that it should ensure that the activities of missions are results-oriented, so that they can be held accountable. The situation in the Middle East was prominent on the programme of work of October, as it was in the preceding month.”
2014-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7294 (2014) · source
“During the meeting with Force Commanders, we were briefed on the delicate situations in various missions, such as the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali, which is no longer operating in a peacekeeping environment, as it is facing terrorist organizations against which it was not mandated, equipped or trained to fight. The situation of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) is quite different. MONUSCO, which is one of the largest peacekeeping missions, was reinforced last year with the Force Intervention Brigade, mandated to neutralize armed groups in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, including the Forces democratiques de liberation du Rwanda.”
2014-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7294 (2014) · source
“The private meeting we held yesterday (see S/PV.7290) with its President gave us an opportunity to appreciate the important role played by the Court in the pacific settlement of disputes between States. The annual briefing held this month with the Force Commanders of United Nations peacekeeping missions (see S/PV.7275) was critical for the Council to better understand the challenges that they face on the ground. We appreciate in particular the fact that the upcoming Australian presidency will organize in November a similar meeting with the heads of United Nations police components.”
2014-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7294 (2014) · source
“As we stated in the open debate, we believe that improving our working methods will require extending the mandate of the Ombudsperson of the Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999) and 1989 (2011), concerning Al-Qaida and associated individuals and entities, to cover all Sanctions Committees, as well as enhancing dialogue and interaction between Council members and the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), in order to regularly consider all our standing issues related to ICC referrals and deferrals, in accordance with the Rome Statute. The Council should also strengthen its relations with the International Court of Justice.”
2014-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7294 (2014) · source
“As we stated when introducing the report last week (see S/PV.7283), Rwanda believes that a more analytical report, with an assessment of the Council's effectiveness during the reporting period followed by a debate on the occasion of its adoption, would benefit the work of the Council in the future. It is in that context that Rwanda appreciated the discussion conducted last Thursday by Member States during the open debate on working methods (see S/PV.7285). We all agree that, pending the comprehensive reform of the Security Council, there is a need to continue improving the accountability, transparency and effectiveness of this organ of the United Nations entrusted with the responsibility for maintaining international peace and security.”
2014-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7294 (2014) · source
“As Argentina and Australia and the other outgoing delegations, Luxembourg, the Republic of Korea and Rwanda, move slowly towards the end of their terms - which I believe have been successful - we would like to reiterate our congratulations to our successors, Angola, Malaysia, New Zealand, Spain and Venezuela, on their election earlier this month, and to wish them success in their two years to come. Besides being an election month, October also saw the adoption of the annual report of the Security Council (A/69/2), for which Rwanda, as Council President for the month of July, was in charge of the drafting process. We would again like to thank our fellow Council members, as well as the Secretariat, for their invaluable contributions and support.”
2014-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7294 (2014) · source
“We particularly appreciate the fact that during the month of October you continued the so-called "Power formula", introduced by the Permanent Representative of the United States in September, which is aimed at encouraging more interaction between Council members and briefers during closed consultations. We also offer our appreciation to your Deputy Permanent Representative and political coordinator, the engineer who made Argentina's well-oiled machinery function this month. I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate Ambassador Gary Quinlan of Australia on his assumption of his last presidency of the Council for the busy month of November. I have no doubt that in November the interactive formula initiated in September will be continued, since Ambassador Quinlan has in any case never been a man for following written scripts.”
2014-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7294 (2014) · source
“I would like to thank you, Madam President, for being the seventh President to organize a wrap-up session this year, and the third to do it in a public meeting. As Rwanda has always said, these meetings provide a unique and regular opportunity for the Security Council to assess its work and examine its progress and effectiveness critically, and the format of a public briefing enhances our transparency vis-a-vis the United Nations membership and the larger public. Rwanda also appreciates the way you, Madam President, presided over the Council during Argentina's second and last presidency in its current term.”
2014-10-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7294 (2014) · source
“In order for the world to ever witness the realization of our common goal of two States for two peoples living side by side in peace and security, both parties, supported by their peace partners, should commit themselves to a comprehensive and negotiated settlement to end the conflict and save succeeding generations in the region from the scourge of war.”
2014-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7291 (2014) · source
“In this context of heightened tension, my delegation reiterates the importance of respect for religious freedoms, including unhindered access for worshippers of all faiths to their holy sites, and a commitment by both Israelis and Palestinians to ensure that members of their respective communities refrain from any provocation. The status of the Old City and its religious sites are extremely sensitive to the final status issues, which can be resolved only through direct negotiations between parties. Therefore, we call upon parties to continue to uphold the 20-year-old peace treaty regarding the religious status of the area of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in East Jerusalem. In that regard, we commend the Israeli Government for announcing that it will maintain the status quo agreement on the whole sites and will not restrict access to anyone.”
2014-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7291 (2014) · source
“We should not lose sight of the fact that the effects of the 50-day war in Gaza are still fresh and that any unilateral action from any side could cause the region to erupt into violence. Despite the Egyptian- brokered ceasefire in August, as stated by Under- Secretary-General Feltman, the current status quo is not sustainable. But we also know that any failure to move forward will incite the parties to resort to unilateral decisions. Therefore, the parties should make additional efforts to end the vicious cycle by resuming negotiations.”
2014-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7291 (2014) · source
“I also thank Mr. Feltman, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, for his briefing on the current tensions in the region following the announcement of the construction of new housing units in East Jerusalem. Last week the Security Council held an open debate on the Middle East, including the Palestinian question (see S/PV.7281). The Council noted that the situation remained fragile, not only in Gaza but also in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. The recent announcement by the Israeli Government to advance construction plans in East Jerusalem in the Ramat Shlomo and Har Homa districts has predictably heightened tensions. The situation, however, should be addressed peacefully and responsibly with the aim of preserving the chances for the resumption oftalks and ensuring the viability ofthe two-State solution.”
2014-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7291 (2014) · source
“Let me conclude by noting that 2015 will be the year of a triple review: the peacekeeping review, the peacebuilding review and the high-level review of resolution 1325 (2000). We hope that all those reviews will be complementary and lead to a better protection and promotion of women's rights, especially in conflict and post-conflict situations. Our country is ready to share its experience and to further contribute to a world where women and girls are not only protected but also empowered to become the leaders that they deserve to be.”
2014-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7289 (2014) · source
“Indeed, that measure would not only reflect the actual representativity of women in our societies but also enable them to ensure the mainstreaming of gender issues in our laws, including those related to economic, human rights and humanitarian issues. As the representative of the United Kingdom said - and I thank him for introducing presidential statement S/PRST/2014/21, just adopted - the best protection of women internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees is to ensure that they do not become refugees and IDPs in the first place. As Rwanda has always said, the Security Council needs to shift its attention from the day-to-day management of conflicts and their consequences to their prevention, including by addressing their root causes.”
2014-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7289 (2014) · source
“We believe that those cooking stoves are critical, not only to protect the environment, but also to protect women refugees and IDPs. However, no protection measures will be effective if they are not accompanied by our collective resolve to hold the perpetrators of sexual violence and other mass atrocities accountable. Furthermore, the protection of women refugees and IDPs must go hand in hand with the promotion of their empowerment. That requires our collective efforts to promote the education of girls, and I take this opportunity, as Ms. Mlambo-Ngcuka did earlier, to pay tribute to Malala Yousafzai, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize this month. Women's empowerment should also be reflected not only in the Council but also in other leading positions, such as the Government and Parliament.”
2014-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7289 (2014) · source
“One of the practical steps to achieve that goal includes the increased deployment of women peacekeepers. That will, of course, be possible with the increased training and recruitment of women into national armies and police. It will also require a greater commitment on the part of Member States to appoint women peacekeepers, including in leadership positions, as well as women protection advisors. Another practical measure for the protection of women, as suggested by Mr. Beyani, is to prevent women from venturing outside refugee and IDP camps to collect firewood for cooking. In that regard, Rwandan peacekeepers in the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur brought improved energy-saving cooking stoves to Darfur, which were introduced in Rwanda in 2000 in order to preserve trees.”
2014-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7289 (2014) · source
“Despite local, national, regional and global efforts to protect women refugees and IDPs, there is still a gap between the framework and its effective implementation. The theme you proposed for this debate, Madam President, invites us to discuss the issue of"Displaced women and girls: leaders and survivors". Those two notions - leaders and survivors - are complementary, as both protection and promotion are indispensable for an effective implementation of our policies. Indeed, the protection of women and girls, in case of forced displacement, requires our resolve, as we must effectively protect them from sexual and gender-based violence in refugee and IDP camps, and ensure that those who are sexually-abused benefit from medical services, including health and psychological care.”
2014-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7289 (2014) · source
“As for the African Union, our continental organization, as recalled by the representative of Nigeria, it adopted a landmark document in 2009, the African Union Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons in Africa, known as the Kampala Convention, which Rwanda has ratified. The Convention imposes a number of obligations on States parties related to general and specific protection of women and girls, including protection against sexual and gender-based violence, and to reproductive and sexual health. Given that background, we can say that the world is equipped with a comprehensive legal and normative framework for the effective protection of women and girls, including in the case of forced displacement.”
2014-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7289 (2014) · source
“Since the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000) in October 2000, however, there has been notable progress in the advancement of the agenda of women and peace and security, which has become one of the priorities of the Council, as demonstrated by country-specific and thematic resolutions that we have been adopting since the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000). Member States, including my own, are also at the forefront of that issue, as many of them have adopted national action plans to implement resolution 1325 (2000), and have endorsed a declaration of commitment to end sexual violence in conflict.”
2014-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7289 (2014) · source
“It is clear, as the Permanent Representative of Luxembourg reminded us, that the situation of forced displacement exacerbates the existing vulnerability of women and girls, since they, more than anyone else, are exposed to sexual and gender-based violence, to trafficking and enslavement, to exclusion based on historical and cultural traditions, and they have specific health needs. Furthermore, many women who have lost their husbands in conflicts face social and economic challenges, as a number of them are uneducated and they must take responsibility for their households.”
2014-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7289 (2014) · source
“We hope that the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) and the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo will ensure that they return home, as more than 10,000 already have done since 2001, in accordance with resolutions 2098 (2013) and 2147 (2014). As the concept note (S/2014/731, annex) that you have prepared for this debate recalls, Madam President, the current numbers of refugees, asylum seekers and internally displaced persons (IDPs) have never been higher since the Second World War - more than 50 million by the end of 2013, many more since 2014, with 32,000 forcibly displaced people daily, half of them women and girls.”
2014-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7289 (2014) · source
“Following that decision, Rwanda continued to mobilize and facilitate the return of the remaining 100,000 refugees, as per UNHCR statistics. In that respect, we have continued to work with UNHCR to accelerate the full implementation of the cessation clause, so that all Rwandans can enjoy the right to their country. At the same time, we are concerned at the fate of women, men and children that are still being held as hostages and used as human shields by the Forces democratiques de liberation du Rwanda (FDLR) for the past 20 years.”
2014-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7289 (2014) · source
“The importance that Rwanda attaches to this debate derives from our own experience, as many Rwandans were deprived of the right to live in their country for around 35 years, owing to exclusion and bad governance. Rwandans lived for many years in refugee camps in neighbouring countries, and many witnessed how women and girls were particularly vulnerable. Fortunately, our efforts to restore the country after the 1994 genocide against the Tutsis has paid off, and from 1994 to 2013 over 3.4 million Rwandan refugees, a majority of whom were women and girls, returned home and were successfully reintegrated into the society. On 30 June 2013, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) invoked the cessation clause for Rwandan refugees.”
2014-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7289 (2014) · source
“Ijoin others, Madam President, in thanking you for organizing this open debate on women and peace and security - Displaced women and girls: leaders and survivors, on the occasion of the fourteenth anniversary of resolution 1325 (2000). The choice of that specific topic is a demonstration of your continued commitment to the protection and promotion of women and girls in conflicts and post-conflict situations. I also thank Ms. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Executive Director of UN-Women, Mr. Edmond Mulet, Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, Mr. Chaloka Beyani, Special Rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons, and Ms. Suaad Allami of the NGO Working Group on Women, Peace and Security for their insightful remarks.”
2014-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7289 (2014) · source
“We therefore call on the political leaders in Ukraine, and those who have influence over them, to show leadership and a sense of responsibility by making sure that the ceasefire holds firm and by finding a lasting political and diplomatic solution to a crisis that has been going on for too long.”
2014-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7287 (2014) · source
“More generally, given the dark picture of the human rights situation in Ukraine, Rwanda urges all warring parties to comply with international humanitarian and human rights law. We welcome the commitment of the Ukrainian Government to investigate the reported human rights violations, including the reports of mass graves, and we stress that the perpetrators, including those who bear the command responsibility, should be held accountable. Allow me to conclude by noting that, with the ongoing fighting, the fast-approaching winter season and the current gas shortage in Ukraine, the eastern part of the country is heading towards a humanitarian catastrophe.”
2014-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7287 (2014) · source
“We condemn the continuing terror activities of armed groups in areas under their control, where they have perpetrated killings, abductions, torture, ill treatment and other serious human rights abuses, including the destruction of housing and seizure of property. We equally condemn the violations of international human rights law by some of the volunteer battalions under the control of the Government of Ukraine. Furthermore, we express our concern about the use of heavy weaponry and the indiscriminate shelling of densely populated areas, including through the reported use of cluster munitions. In the light of the response of the Ukrainian Government, which denied the use of illegal munitions, we hope that a full, thorough and independent investigation will be conducted to shed light on those allegations.”
2014-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7287 (2014) · source
“Although the ceasefire had for a while raised hopes for peace in Ukraine, we are perturbed by the statement of the Prime Minister of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic officially declaring the end of the ceasefire, in the wake of regular violations by armed parties. In that context, we reiterate our call on all illegal armed groups in Ukraine, mainly in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions to lay down their arms, and we urge the trilateral contact group to use its influence to ensure that the work of the Special Monitoring Mission of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe is not hindered and that the Minsk protocol is fully respected. Rwanda is deeply troubled by the findings of the six-month report of the United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine.”
2014-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7287 (2014) · source
“We note with satisfaction the steps already taken by President Petro Poroshenko and the Ukrainian Parliament to implement both agreements, namely the implementation of the ceasefire, the exchange of detainees and the adoption of laws on amnesty and self- governance. We believe that the parliamentary elections on Sunday will help implement those agreements, as they are critical to the consolidation of democracy and to diversity and the rule of law in Ukraine. We are, however, concerned by the inflammatory statements of armed separatists denouncing those elections, and we emphasize that only elections organized by the legitimate Government in Kyiv will be constitutional and in line with the Minsk agreements.”
2014-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7287 (2014) · source
“The first is putting a stop to the hostilities and ensuring respect for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. The second is promoting genuine dialogue among Ukrainians, fostering national reconciliation, establishing self-governance and promoting rights for minorities. And the third is securing a diplomatic settlement to the crisis, involving the countries and organizations of the region. It is in that context that Rwanda welcomes the signing of the l2-point Minsk protocol agreement on 5 September, which declared a ceasefire in eastern Ukraine, as well as its implementation memorandum of 19 September under the auspices ofthe trilateral contact group.”
2014-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7287 (2014) · source
“Madam President, I would like to thank you for convening this meeting. I would also like to thank Mr. Oscar Fernandez-Taranco, Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs, and Mr. Ivan Simonovie, Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights, for their respective briefings on the political and human rights situation in Ukraine. The Security Council has been preoccupied with the conflict in Ukraine since February. In the intervening months more than 3,700 people have been killed, more than 9,000 civilians have been wounded and more than 824,000 Ukrainians have been driven from their homes. There are over 430,000 internally displaced persons. The position of Rwanda is clear and constant; it revolves around three key principles.”
2014-10-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7287 (2014) · source
“I will conclude by reiterating Rwanda's commitment to working for continued improvement of the working methods of the Security Council by supporting fairness and due process in sanctions regimes and by enhancing interaction between the Council and the ICC with a view to making sure that justice and peace are equally achieved, while upholding the Charter's equal sovereignty of States.”
2014-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7285 (2014) · source
“Thirdly, Rwanda believes that relationships between the Council and the ICC should be enhanced, including through regular interactive dialogues with the Prosecutor to discuss all pending issues in relation to Council referrals and requested deferrals or through area formula meetings with various organizations, including civil society, which would highlight particular cases that require the attention of the Council. And the Permanent Representative of Australia mentioned that his country has co-organized some of those meetings. Rwanda, although not a patry to the Rome Statute, is open to that permanent dialogue with the ICC or on the work of the ICC, as our shared goal is to fight impunity and ensure accountability for the most serious crimes.”
2014-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7285 (2014) · source
“First, Rwanda recalls that the Informal Working Group was created for the two international criminal tribunals created by the Council. Therefore, its work cannot be extended to the ICC, which is a treaty-based jurisdiction. In that regard, I wish to recall that Rwanda, as well as other United Nations Member States, is not a party to the Rome Statute. Secondly, for the situations in the Sudan and Libya and any other situation that could be referred by the Council, we are of the opinion that the regular Council meetings, where the ICC Prosecutor presents her report, are the appropriate avenues to consider those situations in all their aspects, including the cooperation of Member States with the Court.”
2014-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7285 (2014) · source
“In addition, I would also wish to recall the AU summit, held on 12 October 2013, in Addis Ababa, which had requested the deferral of cases against the President and Deputy President of Kenya, in accordance with the same article 16 of the Rome Statute. Despite the interactive dialogue between an African ministerial contact group and members of the Council, and despite a draft resolution introduced by the three African members of the Council, the call of representatives of our whole continent was not heeded. Therefore, Rwanda, while regretting that letters of the ICC President were unanswered, would advise Council members to avoid double standards, particularly when African leaders are involved. What can we do?”
2014-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7285 (2014) · source