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2008-05-20

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2015-12-23

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un-security-council

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1. “While emphasizing the need to consolidate those gains, Nigeria believes that regional bodies like the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) should assume leadership, with the international community lending the requisite support for the maintenance of regional peace and security. Those organizations are better placed in terms of geographical proximity, political and cultural familiarity with local conditions, and shared experiences with regard to regional peace and security initiatives. Indeed, the response of ECOWAS to the situations in Guinea, Guinea-Bissau and the Republic of the Niger is illustrative of that potential.”

   2010-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6257 (2010) · source

2. “We note with satisfaction that, since the cooperation began, significant strides have been made in conflict resolution, peacekeeping, post-conflict peacebuilding and economic reconstruction in numerous African countries. That is in consonance with one of the key objectives of Africa's Year of Peace and Security, which is to create a momentum for a more enabling social and political environment to emerge in Africa by the end of this year. In that connection, we recall the historic meeting of the Security Council in Nairobi, Kenya, in 2006 and its positive contribution to the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement on the Sudan.”

   2010-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6257 (2010) · source

3. “Our thoughts and prayers are with all the victims of that disaster, including the United Nations personnel. This debate is coming right on the heels of the commencement of the Year of Peace and Security in Africa, as declared by the African Union. The proclamation of 2010 as the Year of Peace and Security in Africa was made against the backdrop of the sober acknowledgment of the scourge of conflicts and the shortcomings and errors in resolving them. Nigeria is particularly pleased with the depth of cooperation that exists between the United Nations and the African Union, and welcomes the intention to consider further steps to promote closer cooperation between the two organizations.”

   2010-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6257 (2010) · source

4. “I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for taking the initiative to organize this important debate on cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations, and for providing a valuable concept paper (S/2010/9) to facilitate the discussions. Nigeria is pleased to have the representatives of various international organizations, whose activities have greatly inspired world peace and security, share their perspectives with us. In particular, I appreciate the presence of the Secretary-General and his very useful contribution to this debate. Let me also acknowledge the presence of the Deputy Secretary-General, Mrs. Asha-Rose Migiro, at this forum. Let me take this opportunity to express Nigeria's solidarity with the Government and people of Haiti over the tragic earthquake that took place yesterday.”

   2010-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6257 (2010) · source

5. “We appreciate the central role which UNAMA plays in these efforts and we hope that the full implementation of its 2010 budget, as approved, will help to strengthen the Mission. We appreciate the contributions of Afghanistan's neighbours to the efforts to tackle the challenges confronting the country and urge international support for sustained regional engagement.”

   2010-01-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6255 (2010) · source

6. “The reform should be all-encompassing, affecting all levels of government and involving all the stakeholders in Afghan society. We urge the country's political actors to understand and defend the electoral process and also to approach the political system with a sense of compromise and reconciliation. In the final analysis, under the rubric of lesson learned, it is important to make public the recommendations of the ongoing investigations into the electoral irregularities in the country, as a means of forestalling future occurrences. Nigeria supports the need for the international community, within a framework of a strategy of transition, to reinforce the coordination structure in Afghanistan, under a United Nations umbrella.”

   2010-01-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6255 (2010) · source

7. “Nigeria is mindful that electoral contests have increasingly constituted a major challenge to the security and stability of emerging democracies. We therefore welcome the proposal for electoral reforms in Afghanistan. The reform should be a measure to reinforce the country's nascent democracy and should constitute the foundation for sustainable political development in the country. In effect, the focus of the reform should be to bolster the electoral process, to sustain continuous electoral exercises and to guide meaningful political relationships. In this regard, the Electoral Complaints Commission and the Independent Electoral Commission should be reformed to conform to international best practices by being truly independent and free of partisan bias and control.”

   2010-01-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6255 (2010) · source

8. “The task for the international community is to ensure that progress is effectively monitored. To reverse the deteriorating security situation in the country will require the consolidation of existing security mechanisms and the adoption of fresh initiatives, including the proposal to use local security agents under the Community Defence Initiative, and security sector reform. We share the Secretary- General's view that this combination of measures must be underpinned by national reconciliation and good governance. In addition, there must be sustained cooperation between local security forces and their international counterparts. Meanwhile, we urge greater protection for United Nations personnel and aid workers and for Afghan civilians.”

   2010-01-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6255 (2010) · source

9. “Nigeria believes that the new Afghan Government deserves support to strengthen and consolidate its capacity to deliver basic services, maintain domestic peace and security, facilitate an inclusive process of dialogue and national reconciliation and fortify its relationship with its neighbours. Indeed, the rule of law and a vibrant political process capable of supporting national reconciliation are prerequisites for the gradual return of peace and stability to the country. The international community must augment its investment in these areas. That is why we welcome the London Conference scheduled for 28 January 2010 and the subsequent Kabul conference, in the hope that both conferences will help to galvanize international resources and support for the country.”

   2010-01-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6255 (2010) · source

10. “This deplorable situation constricts not only aid delivery around the country but also the efforts of the Government to deliver basic services to the people. The situation is exacerbated by existing and new political challenges, as well as severe economic stagnation. In spite of these challenges, we appreciate the resilience and commitment of the Afghan people to democratic governance. We also appreciate the roles played by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in the successful resolution of the political crisis following the elections.”

    2010-01-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6255 (2010) · source

11. “The report contains cogent observations critical to the attainment of peace in the country. We also thank Mr. Kai Eide, Special Representative of the Secretary General for Afghanistan, for his succinct briefing and for the resolute manner in which he discharged the duties of his office. We wish him the best in his future endeavours. We also greatly appreciate the insightful statement of Ambassador Tanin. Nigeria is concerned that, in spite of intensified global efforts, the challenges in Afghanistan, in particular the security challenges, remain intractable. The Secretary-General's report notes the deteriorating security situation in the country and the expansion of the insurgency, including suicide bombings, rising conflict-related civilian casualties and escalating threats to United Nations and international aid personnel.”

    2010-01-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6255 (2010) · source

12. “As the representative of one of the newly elected members of the Security Council, let me seize the opportunity provided by this first formal debate of the Council in 2010 to reiterate Nigeria's unwavering commitment to the preservation of international peace and security. I want to assure you, Mr. President, of our solemn obligation to work in concert with other members in the discharge of the daunting responsibilities of the Council. We congratulate you, Sir, on your assumption of the presidency of the Council for this month and on having convened this important meeting. We also greatly appreciate the presence of Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in our midst. We commend him especially for his report on the situation in Afghanistan and its implications for international peace and security (S/2009/674).”

    2010-01-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6255 (2010) · source

13. “The centre, which is headed by a senior military officer with extensive peacekeeping and training experience, is designed to improve and enhance the skills of Nigerian troops in relation to managing post- conflict reconstruction, human rights violations and gender awareness in peacekeeping environments. We will continue to provide the Council with updates on best practices and progress. Once again, we thank the United Kingdom delegation for initiating this dialogue and for introducing a very useful draft resolution.”

    2009-08-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6180Resumption1 (2009) · source

14. “It will provide the skill set required to identify and address issues relating to sexual violence and other crimes against humanity. Fifthly, we invite the Secretary-General to utilize existing regional and subregional resources, such as the African Peace and Security Architecture and the early warning system of the Economic Community of West African States, to strengthen efforts to protect women in situations of conflict on the continent. As one of the largest troop- and police- contributing countries, Nigeria remains ready to contribute to peacebuilding and post-conflict reconstruction. The Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, with support from the United States Government and the Department of Peacekeeping Operations, has established a model peacekeeping training centre in Jaji, Kaduna, early this year.”

    2009-08-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6180Resumption1 (2009) · source

15. “Secondly, it is crucial that support programmes for survivors emphasize income generating, food security and protection schemes that would enable them to restart their lives. Thirdly, the Secretary-General's request for more women troops deployed to conflict zones should elicit a renewed response from Member States. It is common knowledge that the Indian all-female police unit has recorded some positive results in Liberia, restoring confidence and self-esteem in Liberian women, some of who are now enlisting in the armed forces. Fourthly, it is imperative to provide adequate and appropriate training to peacekeepers on dealing with human rights violations and on strategies to address gender-based violence. Such specialized training should encompass members of the military, police, judiciary, civil society, women and gender advocates.”

    2009-08-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6180Resumption1 (2009) · source

16. “First, there is need to tenaciously uphold the zero-tolerance policy, which calls for an end to impunity in post-conflict situations. This can be achieved through promoting efforts and programmes for transitional gender justice, provided through mechanisms such as the International Criminal Court, the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia, the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and the Special Courts. Member States should support the work of those mechanisms in order to promote justice for women survivors. Seeking justice for survivors and punishing the perpetrators conveys an unequivocal message about our commitment to accountability and responsibility.”

    2009-08-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6180Resumption1 (2009) · source

17. “Nonetheless, I share the optimism and hope that, with our collective will and support, we can bring an end to that impunity and to these crimes against humanity. It is in this regard that my delegation appreciates the recommendations of the Secretary- General, particularly on establishing mechanisms of accountability, ensuring that peacekeeping mandates address sexual violence and providing regular annual reporting on gender-based violence. Those concrete proposals would complement and strengthen the implementation of the largely unfulfilled commitments made by Member States in resolutions 1325 (2000) and 1820 (2008). With respect to fulfilling those commitments, I would like to make the following observations.”

    2009-08-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6180Resumption1 (2009) · source

18. “I extend the gratitude of the Nigerian delegation to you, Mr. President, for convening this crucial meeting on women and peace and security. I thank the Secretary-General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, for his lucid and concise introductory statement on his report (S/2009/362), which sets out several thought-provoking ideas, assessments and recommendations. Today's deliberations reaffirm our sense of urgency on the issue of sexual violence against women and girls. My delegation is concerned that in spite of Security Council resolutions 1325 (2000) and 1820 (2008), which provided hope for millions of women and young girls, the crime of rape and sexual violence has not only increased but has become a tactic and weapon of war. Indeed, it has become systematic and widespread, and it remains largely unpunished.”

    2009-08-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6180Resumption1 (2009) · source

19. “The reform efforts should also be directed at strengthening the relationship between the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States and other subregional bodies on the continent. Nigeria unequivocally supports the protection of civilians in all peacekeeping situations and calls for the provision of adequate logistics capacity, including air power and information, to discharge that responsibility effectively. Perhaps the time is ripe for a robust approach to United Nations peacekeeping. Robust peacekeeping means more than an enforcement mandate under Chapter VII of the Charter. It implies the total and unimpeded commitment of resources and a credible demonstration of political will to ensure the success of all operations.”

    2009-08-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6178Resumption1 (2009) · source

20. “In that regard, my delegation believes that Member States should not only cultivate, but also demonstrate, greater political will to share the burden of peacekeeping operations, particularly the provision oflogistics and personnel. Peacekeeping and peacebuilding are coterminous. As the Council mandates a peacekeeping operation, it should also establish a peacebuilding mission as a vital component of a well-conceived exit strategy. No less critical is the strengthening of international, regional and local conflict resolution mechanisms, particularly the mediation mechanism advocated in the Prodi report. Indeed, peacekeeping must be complemented by predictable funding, unrelenting political bargaining and social and economic reconstruction.”

    2009-08-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6178Resumption1 (2009) · source

21. “Even more significant, reform must preserve the fundamental guiding principles on the basis of which peacekeeping, as a tool for the preservation of international peace and security, was developed. Nigeria underscores the importance of enhanced and transparent triangular cooperation among the Security Council, the troop-contributing countries (TCCS) and the Secretariat. While the responsibility for planning and mandating operations lies with the Council, the TCCs must be active participants in the planning, review, drawdown and closure of operations. Indeed, they should be involved in the determination and review of mandates. Today, it has become increasingly necessary to broaden the base of United Nations peacekeeping operations.”

    2009-08-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6178Resumption1 (2009) · source

22. “We also acknowledge the New Horizon non-paper, an insightful and reflective work calling for further appraisal and the unrelenting engagement of all stakeholders. The Nigerian delegation believes that reform of United Nations peacekeeping is inevitable, given its rapid expansion, complexity and multidimensional scope. However, such reform must be anchored in concrete actions that address the problems of inadequate logistics, lack of political will and insufficient funding. It must also address gaps in mandates, fluid exit strategies and the imprecise relationship among the troop-contributing countries, the Secretariat and the Security Council. Indeed, the protection and welfare of peacekeepers should be at the core of such efforts.”

    2009-08-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6178Resumption1 (2009) · source

23. “I thank you, Mr. President, and the delegation of the United Kingdom for initiating this timely discussion on United Nations peacekeeping operations and for the valuable ideas and insights contained in the concept paper. Under-Secretaries- General Mr. Alain Le Roy and Ms. Susana Malcorra and General Martin Agwai have enriched the debate with their invaluable statements, and we are grateful to them. Representing a major troop contributor with an unflinching commitment to United Nations peacekeeping, the Nigerian delegation welcomes the intensified and concerted efforts to address the major challenges confronting United Nations peacekeeping operations. We appreciate the efforts of the Security Council towards sustained dialogue, oversight and evaluation with regard to peacekeeping operations.”

    2009-08-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6178Resumption1 (2009) · source

24. “Nigeria supports intensified dialogue and consultations between the Fifth Committee of the General Assembly, the Peacebuilding Commission, the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations and the Security Council Working Group on Peacekeeping Operations in order to overcome some of the clearly delineated challenges facing United Nations peacekeeping operations.”

    2009-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6153 (2009) · source

25. “This dampens the morale and enthusiasm of peacekeepers and the political will of TCCs. Therefore, resources must be adequate and predictable in order to accomplish the mandated tasks. Furthermore, adequate predeployment training should be a prerequisite to the successful implementation of any mandate. There should be a larger consensus-building process encompassing political negotiations at the highest levels of Member States on the difficult issues of doctrine, entry, exit, rapid deployment, resources and Security Council working methods.”

    2009-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6153 (2009) · source

26. “Consensus is required especially on issues of mandate, resources, entry into peace operations, exit benchmarking and strategic long-term planning. Considering the relationship between TCCs and the Security Council, we note that the broader and more sustained dialogue envisaged by resolutions 1327 (2000) and 1353 (2001) has not been fully realized. Undergirding this situation is the urgent need for strengthening the triangular cooperation between the Security Council, the TCCs and the Secretariat. It is imperative that TCCS that implement peacekeeping mandates in the field are involved from the conception and resolution-drafting stages of a peacekeeping operation through to its deployment and final exit. Resource constraints remain the single most important challenge to effective peacekeeping.”

    2009-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6153 (2009) · source

27. “Several missions are constrained by lack of basic equipment, transport, food and medical supplies. This situation is compounded by gaps between mandates, inadequate planning of operations, fluid exit strategies and perhaps imprecise relationships between troop-contributing countries (TCCS), the Secretariat and the Security Council. The Nigerian delegation believes that as formidable as these challenges are, they do not in any way diminish the relevance of United Nations peacekeeping as an essential instrument for conflict resolution and peacemaking. We also believe that Member States need to forge a consensus on the strategies for addressing these challenges, particularly the relationship between TCCS, the Secretariat and the Security Council.”

    2009-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6153 (2009) · source

28. “I extend the deep gratitude of the Nigerian delegation to you, Mr. President, for the invitation to participate in this meeting and for the concise concept note provided to facilitate the discussion. This initiative is greatly appreciated not only for its value as a stock-taking endeavour, but also because it strengthens the current momentum in reviewing United Nations peacekeeping strategies. We thank Mr. Alain Le Roy, Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, and Ms. Susanna Malcorra, Under-Secretary-General for Field Support, for their insightful and informative statements today. In our time, reform of United Nations peacekeeping has become inevitable given the rapid expansion, complexity and multidimensional scope of peacekeeping and humanitarian relief missions.”

    2009-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6153 (2009) · source

29. “Beyond regulating small arms and light weapons proliferation, Nigeria believes that an effective United Nations collective security system requires the strengthening of regional security mechanisms, in consonance with Chapter VIII of the United Nations Charter, which encourages regional organizations to deal with conflicts in their regions. The African Union's evolving Peace and Security Architecture and other subregional security initiatives, including the ECOWAS conflict resolution Mechanism, are designed to rid the continent of conflicts and their debilitating consequences. We therefore join the quest for a new culture of conflict prevention since it is evident that, in practice, it costs less to prevent than to control conflicts.”

    2008-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6017Resumption1 (2008) · source

30. “Nigeria is convinced that the most effective strategy for preventing, combating and eradicating the illicit small arms trade is through the elaboration of a legally binding global instrument and the collective political will to stem the uncontrolled proliferation of small arms. We therefore call on Member States to demonstrate the necessary political will to establish international standards for the import, export and transfer of conventional arms. We unequivocally support a legally binding arms trade treaty, not only as a tool for establishing a common, international standard on the global arms trade, but also as a means of regulating the accessibility of illicit small arms and light weapons to non-State actors.”

    2008-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6017Resumption1 (2008) · source

31. “Such a numbing reality must compel us to be unflinching in our concerted efforts to restore peace and security in war- torn sections ofAfrica. Indeed, it was this situation that propelled the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) into establishing a moratorium in October 08-60947 1998 on the import, export and manufacture of small arms and light weapons. Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects. We note with regret, however, that despite efforts at various levels, the illicit circulation of small arms has continued, and their devastating effects on African States in particular seem to negate the political will that we all exhibited at the time of the Programme's adoption in 2001.”

    2008-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6017Resumption1 (2008) · source

32. “Indeed, Nigeria believes that we can enhance collective security through an effective armaments regulation policy. On the African continent, illicit trade and the proliferation of small arms and light weapons continue to fuel new conflicts and render the old ones intractable. It is also strengthening non-State actors and reinforcing criminal networks. Hence, we consider small arms and light weapons to be the biggest threat to the consolidation of peace and development. Indeed, their lethality and ready deployment make small arms and light weapons Africa's weapons of mass destruction. In some conflict zones in Africa, particularly in the West African subregion, guns are more readily accessible than food.”

    2008-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6017Resumption1 (2008) · source

33. “We recognize, however, that the collective security system to which we all aspire must realistically take into account new threats and challenges. Transboundary threats, such as human trafficking, drug trafficking, genocide, human rights violations, terrorism, and the proliferation of small arms and light weapons and, indeed, activities of international criminal syndicates, defy geographical boundaries. They are dispersed, insidious and diffused, and require collective action to tackle them. Nigeria believes that a successful collective security system must rest on committed and genuine partnership between nation States and Member States. It is only through such a commitment that we can translate the dividends of collective security into a tangible tool of conflict prevention.”

    2008-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6017Resumption1 (2008) · source

34. “However, 62 years later, both the promise and hope for collective security have not been fully realized. While States have espoused support for collective security, they have in 2 the same vein demonstrated considerable reluctance to pursue common global security policies. Consequently, we have continuously encountered scourges of civil strife, inter-State and intra-State conflicts, particularly on the African continent. A common characteristic of these conflicts is the tangled nexus between conflicts and the proliferation of small arms and light weapons. In spite of these daunting challenges, the Nigerian delegation is persuaded that the United Nations remains the best platform for collective security. Our inextricable interdependence makes it imperative for States to act in concert to ensure that international peace is preserved.”

    2008-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6017Resumption1 (2008) · source

35. “Nigeria commends Costa Rica's initiative in organizing this high-level debate on strengthening collective security through general regulation and reduction of armaments. We are delighted that His Excellency Mr. Oscar Arias Senchez, the President of Costa Rica, personally presided this morning over this very important Security Council debate. We are also grateful for the incisive concept paper prepared by the Council presidency and appreciate the illuminating statement of Mr. Sergio Duarte, the High Representative for Disarmament Affairs. The concept of collective security, as contained in the United Nations Charter, was designed not only to deter aggression, but also to offer a sense of security to all nations, regardless of size or resources.”

    2008-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6017Resumption1 (2008) · source

36. “Peacebuilding strategies should address short-term measures such as rehabilitating educational and health- care systems and laying the foundation for growth and long-term development. The deliberate targeting of civilians and other protected persons in situations of armed conflict constitutes a threat to international peace and security. Hence, it is an issue within the remit of this Council. 08-35364 However, it is only when we collectively muster the political will and common cause to act in unity that we can truly hope to establish a viable practice for the protection of civilians in conflict. Nigeria therefore invites Governments, the private sector, civil society and the international community to fully commit themselves to their obligations.”

    2008-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5898Resumption1 (2008) · source

37. “At the subregional level, we have steadily coordinated initiatives with other States members of the Economic Community of West African States to implement the Community's evolving security architecture. Consequently, Nigeria calls for more international support for those regional and subregional organizations in order to strengthen their capacities through increased financial and technical assistance. Such support and assistance are necessary, since those organizations now bear most of the peacekeeping responsibilities on the continent. In addition, we call on the international community to intensify its post-conflict peacebuilding efforts through the Peacebuilding Commission.”

    2008-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5898Resumption1 (2008) · source

38. “Efforts should be intensified to strengthen the International Criminal Court and other legal frameworks and mechanisms for monitoring and reporting attacks against civilians by both State and non-State actors. Indeed, the international community should take vigorous and concerted action to combat genocide, ethnic cleansing and crimes committed against unarmed civilians. Conflict prevention, the rule of law and good governance are fundamental to the protection of civilians. Experience has demonstrated that it costs less to prevent than to control conflicts. That is why Nigeria is fully engaged in regional and subregional initiatives to prevent conflict. We stand firmly by regional initiatives such as the New Partnership for African's Development and the African Union peace and security mechanism.”

    2008-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5898Resumption1 (2008) · source

39. “Nigeria believes that the responsibility to protect civilians in armed conflict situations is a shared one, although it lies primarily with national Governments. Protection requires early intervention and rapid deployment of humanitarian assistance by the international community. It also requires systematic 2 coordination and the pulling together of the capacities of various humanitarian agencies involved in efforts to bring relief to internally displaced persons and refugees. More significantly, it requires humanitarian access to rebel-held territories, so that civilians can obtain the needed assistance. Other measures required to stem conflict and to deal with its consequences include the ratification and implementation of existing conventions and protocols on armed conflict.”

    2008-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5898Resumption1 (2008) · source

40. “Equally distressing is the fact that women, children, the aged and other vulnerable groups, who are least responsible for perpetuating conflicts, inevitably suffer most from their adverse social and economic consequences. Even more heinous, journalists and humanitarian aid workers, whose services are Vital to the well-being of refugees and internally displaced persons, are also targeted, maimed and often killed. Nigeria unequivocally condemns all acts of violence either targeted at or perpetrated against non- combatants by the protagonists in conflict. In particular, we condemn sexual violence against women in all its forms, the recruitment and deployment of child soldiers and the culture of impunity.”

    2008-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5898Resumption1 (2008) · source

41. “The Nigerian delegation appreciates your initiative, Mr. President, in convening this open and timely debate on the protection of civilians in armed conflict. 1 also wish to thank Under- Secretary-General John Holmes for his lucid briefing and relevant comments this morning. We believe that the protection of civilians in armed conflict remains a daunting challenge and a matter of deep concern for all nations. In today's world, the grim reality is that civilians have not only become the casualties of brutal conflicts, but also the direct targets of dubious military tactics such as abductions, suicide attacks, sexual violence and denial of humanitarian access. Nigeria is concerned that those situations still exist in spite of numerous international laws protecting civilians.”

    2008-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5898Resumption1 (2008) · source

42. “Indeed, my delegation believes that those issues, in particular the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, constitute the greatest threats to peacebuilding in Africa. In recognition of that reality, Nigeria has been unrelenting in providing financial and material support for the implementation of several peacebuilding projects in the subregion - under, of course, the rubric of ECOWAS - and we pledge to continue to do so.”

    2008-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5895Resumption1 (2008) · source

43. “In that context, we believe that the African Union's Policy Framework on Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development and the conflict resolution mechanism of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which deals explicitly with peacebuilding, should guide peacebuilding efforts in Africa. My delegation wishes to underline the importance of the regional dimension to the entire peacebuilding process in Africa. The threats posed by illicit arms trafficking, human and drug trafficking, the energy and debt crises, internal militancy and other transboundary challenges cannot be neglected. The nexus between those threats and incessant relapses into conflict should never be discounted.”

    2008-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5895Resumption1 (2008) · source

44. “In post-conflict situations, the Peacebuilding Commission, in consultation with national Governments and other stakeholders, can build on this model to solve capacity limitation problems, especially in addressing the need for judicial experts, human rights specialists and civilian police. That is a crucial way to ensure that appropriate experts are rapidly deployed. In a globalized world, there are imperatives for effective peacebuilding. Coordination and coherence constitute such imperatives. We therefore call for improved coordination among international peacebuilding actors in the field. The Peacebuilding Commission needs to strengthen its relationships with non-governmental development partners and with regional and subregional organizations.”

    2008-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5895Resumption1 (2008) · source

45. “Regarding the enhancement of civilian capacity in critical functional areas, such as justice and security sector reform, health services, civil service administration and transitional justice, we believe that Nigeria's Technical Aid Corps programme constitutes a model that the Peacebuilding Commission should seek to adopt to fill capacity gaps in post-conflict countries. Since its inception, in 1987, more than 3,000 volunteers have been deployed on a bilateral basis across 38 African, Caribbean and Pacific countries. Under the Technical Aid programme, specialized personnel - medical doctors, nurses, lawyers, educationists and engineers - are deployed from Nigeria to provide support and capacity-building for the receiving countries, on the basis, of course, of the requests and expressed needs of those countries.”

    2008-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5895Resumption1 (2008) · source

46. “We would therefore like to caution against political and financial apathy, especially when time is of the essence and the situation is urgent. In that context, and mindful of the ever- increasing demands on the Peacebuilding Fund, which have raised valid concerns about its sustainability, we urge the establishment of a funds monitoring and tracking mechanism to follow up on the commitments often made at donor conferences. My delegation endorses the call for the establishment of a United Nations fund to provide support for reconstruction. In order to ensure its efficacy and solvency, such a fund should, in addition to seeking contributions from national Governments, explore voluntary funding sources such as multilateral banks, international foundations and global corporations.”

    2008-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5895Resumption1 (2008) · source

47. “Another persistent challenge is how to coordinate and create synergy among various peacebuilding actors and stakeholders for a fully integrated response following the signing of peace agreements. Overcoming those challenges demands swift implementation of the strategic frameworks developed for the countries on the agenda of the Peacebuilding Commission. Peacebuilding requires sustained political attention as well as flexible financial and material resources. Only when these are combined with speedy delivery can tangible results become manifest. We are witnesses to situations where the slow delivery of approved funds has compounded the difficulties of recovery efforts and, in fact, has impeded the deployment of international personnel and materiel.”

    2008-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5895Resumption1 (2008) · source

48. “The Nigerian delegation deeply appreciates your initiative, Madam President, not only in convening this open debate, but also in providing a timely concept paper (S/2008/29l, annex), which highlights the underlying principles and challenges confronting post-conflict peacebuilding. We share your view that peace operations are a shared responsibility that depends on the support and cooperation of a range of actors. As a result of our experience in Nigeria, and as a country that has devoted enormous resources - including lives - to United Nations peacekeeping around the world, we believe that the primary challenge is how to translate peacebuilding initiatives into concrete benefits that touch human lives at basic levels.”

    2008-05-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5895Resumption1 (2008) · source