YouSaid · the spoken record

Ntwaagae

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240

first

2010-03-19

most recent

2018-04-23

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35

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un-security-council

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1. “President, you should require that Member States present progress reports to this body on their implementation of resolution 2250 (2015) so that we can be informed of the efforts they are making to promote the involvement of young people in development and in decision-making on issues that affect them.”

   2018-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8241 (2018) · source

2. “The Secretary-General's report has drawn our attention to the most critical concerns of our youth and recommends that we engage youth as partners in development and policymaking. Again, in terms of resolution 2250 (2015), the role of young people in building cohesive societies can no longer be overlooked. Their creative and innovative ideas need to be put to good use for the benefit of their countries. In conclusion, let me underscore the point that young people throughout the world need a conducive environment in which to develop and thrive. They need an environment that sees them as agents of change and as contributors and partners in development. This body can contribute to that process. Let me in concluding make a request: perhaps, Mr.”

   2018-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8241 (2018) · source

3. “My delegation holds firm in the belief that the recommendations and findings of the study that the Secretary-General shared with the Council this morning will help inform the national policies of United Nations Member States on how young people can contribute to peace processes and conflict resolution. Africa needs to seize upon the demographic dividend arising from the youth bulge in its population in order to enable young people to constructively contribute to Africa's development, as well to peace and security. The youth bulge is, thus, a resource to be harnessed. The time has come for us to partner with young people and to be innovative, creative and forward- thinking in order to address some of the challenges that we face.”

   2018-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8241 (2018) · source

4. “Obviously, more needs to be done in this area and, like many other nations across the world, we are also concerned about what previous speakers have referred to as the youth bulge, which is educated, unemployed and very vulnerable. The number of youth graduates in our country has grown drastically over the past couple of years, exceeding the Government's capacity to provide employment for them. It is in that light that the Government of Botswana has stepped up efforts to attract foreign direct investment so as to facilitate job creation for these young people.”

   2018-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8241 (2018) · source

5. “Like other Member States that have taken the floor before us, Botswana has also made significant strides on the above key pillars and is thus contributing to the advancement and empowerment of youth, although we still face challenges and constraints. We take special pride in having established a ministry responsible for young people - the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, way back in 2007. A department solely dedicated to youth affairs has also been established alongside the Botswana National Youth Council, which acts as an umbrella for all registered independent youth organizations in Botswana and through which financial support and grants are made available to those youth organizations.”

   2018-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8241 (2018) · source

6. “The Secretary-General's report identifies five priority areas for action in pursuit of efforts to promote youth as agents of peace and security, and invariably see their lives improve. Education plays the dual role of building competencies for social cohesion and civic engagement, while also developing skills for economic engagement. It is an extremely important undertaking as it relates to youth empowerment. I must emphasize the importance of partnerships in that regard. Partnerships in peacebuilding are essential. Although they are often considered from the perspective of preventing violent extremism, partnerships with young people facilitate their aspirations, as they are engaged meaningfully as partners in implementing policies, rather than as onlookers.”

   2018-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8241 (2018) · source

7. “The adoption of the resolution was the first step of the United Nations in recognizing the important role young people play in preventing conflicts and sustaining peace. It is in itself a groundbreaking and historic moment for the United Nations, which specifically addresses the topic of youth from an international peace and security perspective. This is also an opportune time for Member States to discuss not only the progress achieved in the two years since the adoption of the resolution, but to also engage on how we hope and plan to ensure that the goals and principles espoused in the Secretary-General's report, which was presented this morning, can be aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”

   2018-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8241 (2018) · source

8. “Their sheer enormity threatens the security of our planet and even the existence of the human race. Botswana is not, however, convinced that these challenges are beyond our collective capability, nor are they insurmountable. Since its inception in 1945, the United Nations has strived to provide a platform for nations to work together in addressing the various challenges we continue to face, and it is proper to say that notable progress has been achieved, particularly in the maintenance of international peace and security. We are glad to know that since the adoption of resolution 2250 (2015), there has been a series of worldwide consultations on the engagement of children and young people in peacebuilding activities.”

   2018-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8241 (2018) · source

9. “Botswana aligns itself with the statements delivered earlier by the representatives of Mali, on behalf of the Group of African States, and Indonesia, on behalf of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries. The global environment continues to experience many challenges, some totally unprecedented. This has placed an enormous burden on Member States, as well as on regional, subregional and international organizations, to deliver on the very purpose and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. It is only through collective efforts that the goals we all aspire to for the betterment of humankind and of the future we want can stand a chance of being realized. Practically all the speakers before us have alluded to the fact that the fast-evolving challenges confronting the world today continue to grow in both scope and magnitude.”

   2018-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8241 (2018) · source

10. “Let me join others in sincerely commending you, Mr. President, for convening today's open debate on youth, peace and security. This particular open debate comes on the heels ofthe equally important one on women and peace and security, which convened about a week ago (see S/PV.8234). Botswana heartily welcomes your continued engagement on this issue and looks forward to a debate that will contribute to global development, international peace and security, and global partnership, particularly as it relates to the youth who constitute the majority of the world's population. We also take this opportunity to thank the Secretary-General for presenting his comprehensive report (see S/2018/86), on the progress study of youth's contributions to peace processes and conflict resolution.”

    2018-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8241 (2018) · source

11. “In conclusion, Botswana pledges to work with the international community in developing strategies for preventing Violence against women and children in conflict situations. We remain optimistic that, given our collective will and commitment, especially in the Security Council, we can bring an end to these shameful crimes against humanity.”

    2018-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8234 (2018) · source

12. “In our quest for the empowerment of women in peace and security, we believe that efforts must be intensified in promoting women's active and equal participation in conflict prevention, conflict resolution, transitionaljustice and security sector reform processes. In that regard, we strongly support the involvement of women in peace negotiations, peacebuilding and conflict prevention. Regarding women's access to justice, we call on all States to take practical steps to address obstacles to women's access to justice, including by creating an enabling environment in which women can easily report incidents of violence without fear or intimidation. Furthermore, we urge all States to strengthen the capacity of their national criminal justice systems in order to serve victims fairly and with dignity.”

    2018-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8234 (2018) · source

13. “In this connection, we welcome the Secretary-General's launch in 2017 of the Plan of Action for Religious Leaders and Actors to Prevent Incitement to Violence that Could Lead to Atrocity Crimes. We recognize the key role that religious leaders have in influencing mass followers, and thus their vital role in using their moral authority to support specific strategies to prevent incitement to violence in conflicts. We remain convinced that more needs be done to address these ongoing atrocities, and my delegation also wishes to emphasize the responsibility of States to comply with their relevant obligations to end impunity and effectively use all available means to enforce accountability by prosecuting all perpetrators of such crimes.”

    2018-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8234 (2018) · source

14. “To that end, I wish to express the support and appreciation of my delegation for the good work of UN-Women and the effective implementation of the mandates of the Secretary-General's Special Representatives on Sexual Violence in Conflict and Children and Armed Conflict. While also recognizing the existing normative framework established under resolutions 1261 (1999), 1325 (2000), 2272 (2016) and other subsequent resolutions dealing with women, peace and security and children and armed conflict, Botswana shares the belief that efforts to address sexual violence in conflict should be consistent with and complementary to the United Nations wider efforts. In this regard, we underscore the need for greater coordination and collaboration with all relevant stakeholders to strengthen global efforts in addressing sexual violence.”

    2018-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8234 (2018) · source

15. “We recognize in today's world the urgent need to undertake concrete measures to combat intolerance, negative stereotyping, stigmatization, discrimination, incitement to violence and violence against persons based on their gender, identity, religion or belief. In this regard, we commend the United Nations system for making an invaluable contribution to and playing an important role in addressing these challenges at the global, regional and national levels and in assisting Member States in their efforts to eliminate and prevent all forms of violence against women and children.”

    2018-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8234 (2018) · source

16. “Furthermore, preventing sexual violence is part of conflict prevention and sustaining peace. In that regard, we welcome efforts by the Security Council and the General Assembly to build on the existing zero- tolerance policy and improve the system-wide approach to preventing and responding to sexual exploitation and abuse. I reaffirm my delegation's continued support for women's empowerment and gender mainstreaming in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), As SDG 5 rightly acknowledges, women and girls from anywhere in the world deserve equal rights and opportunities to live free of violence and all forms of discrimination. We also agree that achieving gender equality and women's empowerment is essential to achieving sustained, inclusive and equitable economic growth and sustainable development.”

    2018-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8234 (2018) · source

17. “Allow me to begin by reaffirming the importance that Botswana attaches to the protection and promotion of the rights of women and children and its commitment to addressing all forms of violence against women, including support for preventing sexual violence in conflict. Sexual violence in armed conflict represents one of the most serious forms of violation or abuse of international humanitarian law and international human rights law. Ending violations of women's human rights is therefore a moral imperative, and one that we must collectively address. That heinous crime is especially rampant in armed conflict and is used as a tactic of war and terrorism. As a result, its prevention and eradication amounts to upholding universal human rights and maintaining international security.”

    2018-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8234 (2018) · source

18. “We congratulate you, Mr. President, and your country, Peru, on assuming the presidency of the Security Council for the month of April. We also thank you, Sir, for convening this thematic debate. We thank the Deputy Secretary-General, Ms. Amina Mohammed, for her briefing on the Secretary-General's recent report (S/2018/250) on conflict-related sexual violence. We also commend Ms. Pramila Patten, the Secretary-General's Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, for her insightful briefing. We align ourselves with the statement delivered earlier on behalf of the African Union.”

    2018-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8234 (2018) · source

19. “We maintain that peace and security are fundamental prerequisites for promoting economic and social development and long-term political stability. Against that backdrop, we must be steadfast in our commitment to the principles of democracy, accountable and inclusive governance, respect for the rule of law and the promotion and protection of human rights for all. With that, Mr. President, I thank you very much for the opportunity you have given me.”

    2017-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8144 (2017) · source

20. “Individual countries have a responsibility to ensure sound and effective institutions of governance, social cohesion, citizen economic empowerment and a whole range of other issues geared to improving the well- being of their citizens. While we advocate for the free flow of goods and services and the free movement of people across international boundaries, we are cognizant of our collective accountability for effective border management controls, which help to reduce the incidence of crime and insecurity and thereby limit the prevalence and scope of contemporary peace and security threats. Finally, Botswana attaches great importance and value to sustainable peace in countries in our region and beyond.”

    2017-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8144 (2017) · source

21. “From my own experience at SADC, we have structures - such as the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation and the Southern African Regional Police Chiefs Cooperation Organization - that are tasked with addressing peace and security challenges in the subregion. They play a key role in conflict resolution and management and preventive diplomacy, as well as in negotiations and the coordination of deployments of SADC military forces within the region. I would be remiss if I did not highlight the importance of individual countries' contributions to international peace and security, particularly in addressing contemporary security challenges.”

    2017-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8144 (2017) · source

22. “The existence of partnerships such as those between the African Union and the European Union, and the United Nations and the African Union, is also a welcome development. It is incumbent on all of us to ensure their effectiveness and fitness for the people. Our enhanced engagement and coordination with these organizations, and their engagement and coordination with one another, will go a long way to addressing conflict and security challenges. The role of subregional entities such as Southern African Development Community (SADC), the Economic Community of West African States and the East African Community, among others, cannot be overemphasized. They are critical building blocks for the continent's peace and security architecture.”

    2017-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8144 (2017) · source

23. “However, we cannot place the burden of responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security solely on the United Nations. My delegation is of the View that continental bodies such as the European Union, the African Union, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, among others, should play a critical role in safeguarding international peace and security within their respective regions. Because they are on the ground, they are better placed in terms of time and space to appreciate and address security challenges as they arise. Coordination and cooperation at this level are vital, as they greatly enhance the global reach of the United Nations in response to complex emergencies and threats.”

    2017-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8144 (2017) · source

24. “As envisaged in its Charter, the United Nations has remained a cornerstone of international and multilateral efforts to maintain international peace and security. At the same time, Article 24 of the Charter specifically mandates the Security Council to play a leading role in realizing that objective. In that undertaking, it is incumbent upon the Council to act proactively to identify and address security challenges before they deteriorate into full-blown conflicts. In that regard, it is imperative for the Council to deploy all the necessary tools at its disposal to effectively deal with emerging threats. It is also important that the United Nations act as a whole and as a coordinated entity in order to derive the maximum benefit from the utilization of its wide range of assets.”

    2017-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8144 (2017) · source

25. “In discussing contemporary threats to peace and security, I wish to highlight some of the issues facing us, which include, but are not limited to, international terrorism, cyberwarfare, human trafficking, transnational organized crimes, the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons and environmental challenges, including trans-border crime. Those issues take place in every corner of the world and their repercussions are felt by many, irrespective of where the incident may have occurred. No country is ever truly immune to the direct or spillover effects of such phenomena. Those constantly growing trends of interconnected instability and insecurity pose a serious threat to international peace and security. It is therefore necessary for us to act collectively, as members of the international community, to address them.”

    2017-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8144 (2017) · source

26. “My delegation joins other representatives in sincerely congratulating Japan on its assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of December. We also express our appreciation to you, Mr. President, and to your delegation for the initiative to convene this very important debate today. You will agree with me that we cannot exhaust this debate today given the limited time at our disposal, as it is a subject that involves a wide range of cross-cutting issues that are characterized by volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity. Furthermore, those scenarios occur within the context of complex interdependency, often with far-reaching implications for humankind.”

    2017-12-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8144 (2017) · source

27. “In conclusion, I wish to reaffirm Botswana's commitment to international and regional instruments that promote and protect the rights of children, such as the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child and Africa's Agenda for Children 2040: Fostering an Africa Fit for Children. It is the duty of us all to secure the future of our children and spare them the agony of conflict.”

    2017-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8082 (2017) · source

28. “We also support the development and implementation of norms and standards, the zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse, the United Nations code of conduct, the deployment of child protection advisers in United Nations peacekeeping operations, and the safeguarding of the rights of children in peace processes, peace agreements, post-conflict recovery and reconstruction programmes. Botswana strongly condemns indiscriminate attacks on schools, hospitals and homes. We are deeply concerned that such attacks have been on the increase. The United Nations estimated in 2016 that 753 schools had been attacked that year. To demonstrate our commitment to safeguarding education during armed conflict, in June Botswana signed the Safe Schools Declaration.”

    2017-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8082 (2017) · source

29. “Botswana also commends the Security Council for establishing the monitoring and reporting mechanism to gather and provide timely, objective, accurate and reliable information on the recruitment and use of child soldiers, including documenting violations and abuses committed against children in conflict situations. My country fully supports the initiatives adopted in recent years to end the recruitment and use of child soldiers, and to protect and promote the rights and welfare of children in armed conflict. In that connection, Botswana reaffirms its support for the mandates of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children and the UNICEF Children, Not Soldiers campaign.”

    2017-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8082 (2017) · source

30. “Consequently, the number of child casualties and cases of sexual violence against children has also been increasing. It is also alarming that the estimated number of child casualties in the Democratic Republic of the Congo increased by 75 per cent last year, while Afghanistan had the highest recorded number of child casualties, standing at 3,512 during the armed conflict. The conflict in Yemen has affected over 11 million children, with reported cases of grave violations of international humanitarian law and human rights, including atrocities against children. Given the gravity of that matter, Botswana applauds the Council for adopting the historic resolution 1612 (2005), on children and armed conflict, and for convening open debates on the topic for the past 12 years.”

    2017-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8082 (2017) · source

31. “Equally, I wish to thank the respective briefers, including Ms. Gamba, who is here with us, for their very insightful contributions to the topic under discussion. The report of the Secretary-General provides a harrowing account of the recruitment and use of child soldiers and of the increasing number of children killed and maimed in armed conflict. The United Nations has estimated that in 2016 more than 8,000 children were killed or maimed and that there were over 14,500 violations of international norms and standards on the protection of children in armed conflict. It is also disturbing that the recruitment and use of child soldiers has been prevalent in war-torn countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia, South Sudan, Syria and Yemen.”

    2017-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8082 (2017) · source

32. “Allow me to join others in congratulating the French Republic on its assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of October and to sincerely thank it for having convened yet another open debate on children and armed conflict, shortly after having organized the open debate last week on realizing the promise of the women and peace and security agenda. In that regard, I would like to commend you, Madam President, for your outstanding work, for the leadership and commitment that you have demonstrated during your tenure and for placing on the global agenda matters that have a bearing on the welfare of women and children, as they are among the most vulnerable in society. Let me also take this opportunity to thank the Secretary-General for his briefing and for his annual report on children and armed conflict (S/2017/821).”

    2017-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8082 (2017) · source

33. “In conclusion, I wish to applaud the Security Council for regularly convening open debates on women and peace and security since 2000, which has ensured that this matter remains at the top of the global agenda. We also support the work of various stakeholders towards the advancement of the women and peace and security agenda. I pledge Botswana's continued support for these endeavours.”

    2017-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8079 (2017) · source

34. “In that regard, we emphasize the primary responsibility of States to comply with their obligations to end impunity and effectively use all available means to enforce accountability by prosecuting all perpetrators of such crimes and abuses. We call on States to take practical steps to address obstacles in women's access to justice, including by creating an enabling environment where women can easily report incidents of violence without fear or intimidation. We furthermore urge all States to strengthen the capacity of their national criminal justice systems in order to facilitate victims' access to justice. Botswana recognizes the critical importance of gender equality and its mainstreaming in national development agendas, including of course in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”

    2017-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8079 (2017) · source

35. “Through those initiatives, thousands of women and girls have been assisted in various countries around the globe. Regrettably, women continue to bear the brunt of armed conflicts, domestic violence, sexual abuse, rape and humanitarian crises. The participation of women in conflict prevention and resolution, peacemaking and peacebuilding still remains low at the national, regional and international levels, although studies show that women's increased participation would significantly contribute to sustainable peace and stability. The international community has to continue to address social norms that perpetuate sexual violence and abuse against women, and promote respect for international human rights law and humanitarian law.”

    2017-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8079 (2017) · source

36. “The United Nations has made great strides in the promotion of the women and peace and security agenda through the establishment of UN-Women, which amplified women's voices and created momentum for women's leadership in the area ofpeace and security. In addition, the establishment of the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, the appointment of the Victims' Rights Advocate, the creation of the Trust Fund in Support of Victims of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, and the Circle of Leadership on the prevention of, and response to, sexual exploitation and abuse in United Nations operations will go a long way in addressing the challenges faced by women in the field and also in combating and preventing sexual exploitation and abuse.”

    2017-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8079 (2017) · source

37. “My country reaffirms its commitment to the implementation of landmark resolution 1325 (2000), on women and peace and security, which this organ adopted 17 years ago. The resolution contributes significantly to efforts aimed at women's empowerment and participation in peace and security initiatives, particularly with regard to conflict prevention, peace and confidence-building measures. In furtherance of this noble objective, in 2015 a global study on the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) was undertaken. In the same year, the Secretary-General produced his report on women and peace and security (S/2015/716). Above all, the Global Acceleration Instrument for Women, Peace and Security and Humanitarian Action was adopted.”

    2017-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8079 (2017) · source

38. “Let me to join others in thanking you and in congratulating you, Madam President, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for this month. I also commend you for convening this open debate on women and peace and security. I also wish to thank the Secretary-General for his very comprehensive report (S/2017/861), which highlights the main achievements and challenges in advancing the women and peace and security agenda. Similarly, on behalf of my delegation, I wish to thank all the briefers for their very insightful contributions to the subject matter under discussion today. Botswana fully supports the clarion call by the Executive Director of UN-Women to increase women's participation across the peace and security continuum, including in conflict prevention and resolution.”

    2017-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8079 (2017) · source

39. “My Government also provides significant support to election observation in our region, including supporting political, and development activities that focus on the smooth transfer of power and contribute to sustainable peace. We also recognize ongoing efforts and collaboration between the United Nations and the African Union through the Joint United Nations- African Union Framework for an Enhanced Partnership in Peace and Security, which was recently signed by the Secretary-General and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission. Let me conclude by reaffirming Botswana's commitment to playing its part and to our unwavering support for efforts by the international community aimed at the promotion and protection of international peace and security.”

    2017-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8033 (2017) · source

40. “Furthermore, in view of our own values and principles relating to democracy, good governance, accountability and strong institutions, Botswana has also been instrumental in promoting dialogue. The country played a leading role in mediation efforts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mozambique and Lesotho, to mention only a few. Botswana also continues to share its experiences and knowledge on those issues, as is evident in our involvement in South Sudan. Members of the Council will recall that our former President, His Excellency Mr. Festus Mogae, who is a familiar figure in the Council in his capacity as Chair of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission on South Sudan, is making a significant contribution to facilitate the resolution of the conflict in that country.”

    2017-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8033 (2017) · source

41. “We have and remain actively involved in efforts to bring about sustainable peace in countries in our subregion and beyond. Botswana has in the past provided military and police personnel to United Nations and other multilateral operations in countries such as Somalia, Rwanda, Mozambique, Lesotho and Darfur, to mentionjust a few. Although Botswana is not a troop- or police-contributing country, we have, over the years, faithfully maintained our contributions to the United Nations regular budget, as well as the peacekeeping budget, as a testament to our unwavering commitment to the United Nations system and to contributing, in our own small way, to the maintenance of international peace and stability.”

    2017-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8033 (2017) · source

42. “Addressing the root causes, building the foundations for peaceful, inclusive societies, assisting parties to end hostilities, ensuring national reconciliation and working towards recovery, reconstruction and development are critical to preventing and resolving conflict. Such efforts should, therefore, be the number-one priority for us as the international community. Peacekeeping in itself should complement existing national, regional and international efforts aimed at advancing and encouraging dialogue and national reconciliation and strengthen national capacities and institutions for sustaining peace. As for Botswana, our desire to see peace prevail in our region and beyond has been one of the key objectives of our foreign policy.”

    2017-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8033 (2017) · source

43. “It is our view that the full participation of women is essential to the success of any peace process. We therefore agree that it is the responsibility of the United Nations to ensure that political solutions promote preventive approaches, mainstream human rights and foster inclusive engagement and empowerment of women and girls. In our support for resolution 2282 (2016) on post- conflict peacebuilding, we wish to emphasize that in order to bring about sustainable peace in a society emerging from conflict, some of the key activities should be efforts to prevent the escalation, continuation and recurrence of conflict. We therefore support a wide range of activities that extend from conflict prevention to the maintenance of sustainable peace and are included within the scope of United Nations peace operations.”

    2017-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8033 (2017) · source

44. “Over the years, peacekeeping has proven to be the most effective tool employed by the United Nations to provide transitional support to war-torn countries. It has also provided such countries an opportunity to transition from conflict to sustainable peace. However, we acknowledge that the scope, objectives and nature of peacekeeping have been highly dynamic and have evolved over the years, in parallel with the changes in the nature of conflicts, thereby making the success of any operation less guaranteed. In that sense, my delegation welcomes the fact that one of the main focuses of Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' term of office has been the review of peacekeeping operations, peacebuilding and the involvement of women and children in conflict.”

    2017-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8033 (2017) · source

45. “My delegation joins others in congratulating the Arab Republic of Egypt on its assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of August. We also commend you, Mr. President, for convening this very important open debate today on the topic "United Nations peacekeeping operations: their potential contribution to the overarching goal of sustaining peace". We also thank today's briefers for the invaluable insights they have shared with us on this subject. My delegation aligns itself with the statement delivered by the representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela on behalf of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries. It is the considered view of my delegation that United Nations peacekeeping operations play a critical role in building and sustaining peace and international security.”

    2017-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8033 (2017) · source

46. “In conclusion, Botswana reiterates that a stable and peaceful Middle East, free of violence with the two States living side by side in harmony, is not only good for peace and security in the region, which has enormous potential, but will also provide a conducive environment for a prosperous and peaceful Middle East. It is therefore pertinent for all of us to create the conditions for a return to negotiations to solve all final status issues on the basis of relevant United Nations resolutions, mutual agreements and international law. My delegation wishes to reaffirm our Government's solidarity with the Palestinian people and reiterates our resolve to find a lasting solution that will shape the Middle East landscape in order to improve the quality of life of the innocent people in that country.”

    2017-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8011Reprise1 (2017) · source

47. “In this respect, we welcome continued efforts of the United Nations, the United States, Russia, the European Union and regional partners who continue to work tirelessly for progress in the quest for solutions in the peace process in the Middle East so as to achieve a peaceful, fair, negotiated and lasting solution in line with international law. Botswana's long-standing position on the Middle East peace process remains unequivocal. We support a negotiated solution that embraces the coexistence of Israel and Palestine as sovereign States, living side by side, that share not only a border, but also a common desire for peace, security and prosperity. We continue to call on both parties to resume dialogue as soon as possible without preconditions as an essential step towards achieving peace and a two-State solution.”

    2017-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8011Reprise1 (2017) · source

48. “In our view, this is the only viable solution to a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. We therefore call for the immediate and complete halt of any settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, which are in violation of these resolutions and also a breach of international law. If achieving a negotiated two-State outcome is indeed the only way to lay the foundation for an enduring peace in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, all stakeholders must take responsibility to ensure that this cause is achieved.”

    2017-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8011Reprise1 (2017) · source

49. “It is sad that the lack of progress in the dialogue between the parties, continued illegal settlement activities, violence and increased radicalization still engulf the Middle East to this day. In this regard, Botswana condemns the ongoing violence and continued documented settlement-related activities in the occupied Palestinian territory, which regrettably undermine all international efforts towards the achievement of a lasting solution. We believe that previous actions ofthe Council since 1967, including the adoption of resolution 242 (1967), resolution 338 (1973) and most recently resolution 2334 (2016) are positive steps in the right direction on the path towards delegitimizing the Israeli settlements and reiterating the call for the achievement of a two-State solution.”

    2017-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8011Reprise1 (2017) · source

50. “We join others in strongly condemning these acts of terror on innocent people and regret the loss of innocent lives and hope for a speedy recovery to those who are wounded.As the tension in occupied East Jerusalem continues to escalate and the people of Palestine continue living in the face of an unrelenting human tragedy of multiple conflicts and rising tension 50 years on, my Government wishes to reiterate the urgent need for the international community to swiftly address this rapidly deteriorating situation. We regret that over the half century since Israel's occupation of the West Bank, the Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem, there has been little progress achieved to bring about a viable solution to the Palestinian quest for control of the occupied territories.”

    2017-07-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8011Reprise1 (2017) · source