YouSaid · the spoken record

Odera

lines on the record: 30
first: 1998-08-13
most recent: 1999-08-25
sittings or episodes: 6
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

“A holistic, integrated, action-oriented approach which combines the elements of social policy, political will and economic and financial commitment is one way the international community can make a positive difference in dealing with this complex problem. Finally, it is well known that the road to hell is paved with good intentions. So unless we support the initiatives and activities of the Special Representative as he continues to work closely with the relevant programmes, funds and agencies of the United Nations system, our best intentions will not translate into action. In this regard, every effort needs to be made to mobilize adequate funds to support his efforts on behalf of this special category of children. On our part, we will continue to lend all the support we can, especially in the context of the group of Friends.”
1999-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4037Resumption1 (1999) · source
“My delegation considers this a positive development intended to reaffirm the obligation of Member States to prosecute those responsible for grave breaches of international humanitarian law. Increasingly, we need to look beyond disarmament and demobilization of child soldiers. We need to consider how to establish and encourage training and capacity- building in trauma counselling and rehabilitation at local levels for those who deal with children in post-conflict situations. We must be able to assess and address the impact of the emotional damage resulting from the Violation of children's rights. To paraphrase a nursery rhyme, let me add that Humpty Dumpty has had a great fall, but we must put him together again.”
1999-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4037Resumption1 (1999) · source
“How do we help heal not only the physical wounds of chopped limbs, but also the emotional ones of violent sexual crimes? How, indeed, do we restore their confidence in humanity when that humanity itself is absent? Only decisive action can arrest this pattern and cycle of violence. The Security Council has the capacity to take a lead not only in preventing the recruitment and use of child soldiers, but also in ensuring the protection of their rights as children. In fact, since the Security Council's presidential statement on the involvement of children in armed conflict was issued on 29 June 1998, some progress has been made in defining elements of crimes under the Statute of the International Criminal Court, including crimes which affect children in armed conflict situations.”
1999-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4037Resumption1 (1999) · source
“We also know that for every child whose life is brutalized, there is a likelihood that unless dramatic changes occur for the better, that child will in turn one day abuse or attack another vulnerable human being. A vicious cycle of Violence is created, which leads to the type of revenge attacks and massacres which have sadly become a common feature of our news broadcasts and newspaper columns. The media have helped highlight unspeakable crimes which are committed against the voiceless - against children in armed conflict. Who has not tried to blot out the image of raped, maimed or malnourished victims from their minds? Most often, they are Victims who have been robbed of their childhood. Having been robbed of that precious gift which we take for granted in times of peace, how do we reintegrate them into society?”
1999-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4037Resumption1 (1999) · source
“Olara Otunnu, not only in familiarizing himself first-hand with the situation of these special children, but also in trying to publicize their plight to the world at large, logistical and administrative constraints notwithstanding. We encourage Mr. Otunnu and his team to continue their good work. I recall that a little over a year ago, in a similar debate, delegation after delegation expressed outrage at the sheer numbers involved and the extent of the atrocities in situations of conflict, where children were the primary Victims. Unfortunately, despite widespread condemnation of the senseless targeting of innocent children in armed conflicts, the international community is still witnessing repeated accounts of such horrors in many parts of the world.”
1999-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4037Resumption1 (1999) · source
“Mr. President, Kenya warmly applauds the presence of a great son of Africa here today. Your country's courageous struggle for freedom, which you actively reinforced here in the United Nations as the South West Africa People's Organization's representative is well known. We are therefore delighted to see you preside over a discussion which we hope can contribute towards the freedom of children from participation in armed conflict. Allow me to join other delegations in thanking you for taking the initiative to convene this debate on a subject with which, alas, we are all too familiar in our continent. I also wish to express my delegation's deep appreciation for the tireless efforts of the Secretary-General's Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, Mr.”
1999-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4037Resumption1 (1999) · source
“It is the conviction of my delegation that, on the contrary, post-conflict peace-building activities are within the proper scope and mandate of the Council, precisely like diplomatic efforts, negotiations, mediation, good offices and fact-finding missions, because they have the same objective of preventing conflict. The Security Council should therefore rise to the occasion and support such efforts to the extent possible, in order to ensure the successful conclusion of its tasks in a given conflict situation.”
1998-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3954 (1998) · source
“The multidisciplinary nature of the post-conflict peace-building situation requires effective and politically sensitive coordination in order to put in place the requisite strategic framework to deal with this special situation. Lessons learned from recent United Nations experiences in post-conflict peace-building situations point to the need for the Secretary-General to set up a peace-building support structure to coordinate these activities. In such a situation, the ideal person to head such an office would be a political representative of the Secretary-General, preferably assisted by the United Nations Development Programme Resident Coordinator. Such an arrangement must have the full support of the Security Council. It has been argued elsewhere that such support from the Council would be outside its mandate.”
1998-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3954 (1998) · source
“Those programmes and measures are today popularly categorized under the subject of post-conflict peace- building activities. They may also include economic programmes. In his report entitled "The causes of conflict and the promotion of durable peace and sustainable development in Africa", submitted to the Security Council in April 1998, the Secretary-General rightly pointed out: "Where a country's capacity to develop and implement a comprehensive economic programme has been disrupted by conflict, consideration must be given to relaxing the normally strict financial conditions imposed by international lending institutions." (S/J998/318, para. 67) He goes on to say that some conditionalities may be antithetical to the peace process, and suggests that peace- friendly programmes be tailored to fit the particular situation.”
1998-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3954 (1998) · source
“The objective is to encourage the delicate process of nurturing peace and, more important, to prevent a recurrence of the forces of conflict. There are many kinds of actions that need to be taken at the end of a conflict in order to consolidate peace and prevent the recurrence of armed confrontation. Such actions include efforts aimed at national reconciliation; the establishment of national unity; the safe, smooth and early repatriation and resettlement of refugees and displaced persons; the reintegration of ex- combatants and others into productive society; the establishment of well-managed regulatory institutions; and the establishment of a fair and reliable legal and judicial system and of a civilian police force.”
1998-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3954 (1998) · source
“At the end of the cold war it became immediately practical for the Security Council to agree on a more proactive definition that included other efforts not entirely falling within the confines of Chapter VI. Thus peace enforcement, which is now more and more in use under Chapter VII, has gained regard as a necessary and regular aspect of international consensus. Today there is a growing realization that societies emerging from situations of conflict are themselves in conflict situations, and that specific measures are needed at the national and international levels to deal with those situations. Certain specific measures and programmes are required to be put in place to address the critical priorities involved.”
1998-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3954 (1998) · source
“My delegation, too, welcomes the decision to hold a debate on this important topic, in particular given its relevance to our continent, and we wish to thank you, Mr. President. Primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security rests with the Security Council. International consensus on a proper Security Council response to situations of conflict is evolving. For a long time in the past the most obviously acceptable definition and the most practical measure in the hands of the Security Council in responding to a conflict situation was the deployment of peacekeepers within the limits of Chapter VI of the United Nations Charter. That was in addition to preventive measures such as diplomatic efforts, negotiation, mediation, good offices and fact-finding missions.”
1998-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3954 (1998) · source
“We know at first hand the social implications and environmental degradation caused by a high concentration of refugees in designated areas, and now we urge the international community to assist by enhancing local capacity for provision of humanitarian assistance. Today, our greatest contribution to refugees and displaced persons is to ensure that access to this assistance remains neutral and impartial. In this respect, we call upon the Security Council to continue to play a decisive role in humanitarian operations.”
1998-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3932 (1998) · source
“We wish to rise to the challenge to both States and non-State actors to comply with existing international legal instruments that are designed to assist and protect civilian populations from harm and that outline urgent measures to ensure that refugees, displaced persons and other affected people in conflict situations have access to international protection and assistance. In this regard, my delegation welcomes the adoption of the guiding principles for the protection of internally displaced persons, as noted by the Economic and Social Council at its substantive session of 1998. In our capacity as a host country, we in Kenya have always endeavoured to ensure that refugees, displaced persons and other civilians have safe and unimpeded access to such assistance as a right.”
1998-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3932 (1998) · source
“Today, all the taboos concerning conflict have been violated, as we witness whole societies being mobilized for war, children as young as nine being recruited and trained to fight and civilian populations including women and children being specifically targeted. In the recent past, the civilian character of refugee camps has changed; such camps now include, in some cases, armed elements, militias, mercenaries and child soldiers. In addition, a culture of impunity has developed, as violators of human rights and humanitarian law continue to wreak havoc unpunished. In this regard, Kenya welcomes the recent establishment of an International Criminal Court, which will ensure accountability of those who violate international law by stressing the individual responsibility of such violators.”
1998-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3932 (1998) · source
“Coming in the wake of the Council's discussion of 21 May 1997 and the subsequent presidential statement of 19 June 1997, which invited the Secretary-General to study the matter of protection for humanitarian assistance further, this report represents a clear and succinct study of the main aspects of the problem and takes note of such important elements as the increasingly violent environment in which refugees, displaced persons and other victims of conflict find themselves. It also reminds us of the disregard for humanitarian norms and the high risks faced by humanitarian personnel. The African continent holds the unenviable record of having the highest number of refugees and internally displaced persons. The situation is aggravated by changing patterns of conflict.”
1998-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3932 (1998) · source
“My delegation welcomes the report of the Secretary-General on protection for humanitarian assistance to refugees and others in conflict situations and is pleased to participate in today's formal meeting. We attach much urgency and importance to this 1ssue. As conditions for the provision of humanitarian assistance become increasingly precarious around the world, the international community has a collective responsibility to ensure the safety and security of the personnel of the United Nations, non-governmental organizations and other humanitarian organizations.”
1998-09-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3932 (1998) · source
“We support the Secretary-General's approach in encouraging the international community to speak with one voice regarding the road map that needs to be followed. We also think that UNSMA's idea of a step-by- step process in confidence-building is worth following up. In fact, the idea of convening a genuine Grand Assembly, or Loya Jirgah, to promote a political settlement may also need to be considered. We believe that the principles of national reconciliation it embodies are positive and would enhance a true process of healing and peace. In conclusion, my delegation would like to thank the Russian delegation for coordinating negotiations on this draft resolution, which we will support. We hope that the combatants will this time take heed and listen to the unanimous voice of the international community.”
1998-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3921Resumption1 (1998) · source
“We join in the strong condemnation of this terrible act and join the international community in calling upon the Taliban to investigate this crime. During this time of sorrow Kenya conveys its deepest condolences and most heartfelt sympathies to the family and friends of military adviser Lieutenant-Colonel Carmine Calo of Italy, and to Political Affairs Officer Eric Lavertu of France its best wishes for a quick recovery. We share the disappointment expressed by others, that the Steering Committee adj ourned without completing its work. We believe that the strategy the Secretary- General has laid out, and which was being implemented by Ambassador Brahimi and the United Nations Special Mission to Afghanistan, is worth pursuing. UNSMA should not give up in frustration, and we encourage it to continue its efforts.”
1998-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3921Resumption1 (1998) · source
“Indeed, in his last report on Afghanistan, the Secretary- General noted that this increasing support had made the Taliban and the United Front believe that they could achieve their goals by force. This deep concern is well expressed in the preambular section of the draft resolution, which deplores the fact that despite repeated pleas by the Security Council, the General Assembly and the Secretary- General for a halt to the involvement of foreign military personnel and the supply of arms and ammunition to all parties in the conflict, such interference continues unabated. We strongly urge those involved to stop in the interests of long-lasting peace. This military conflict and its attendant excesses has injured two officials of the United Nations Special Mission to Afghanistan (UNSMA), claiming the life of one.”
1998-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3921Resumption1 (1998) · source
“This approach by the Taliban may seem successful in the short term, but history teaches us otherwise. Indeed, if the Taliban insist on a military approach these short-term gains will eventually unravel, leading to even more turmoil in the country and the region. This is a cause of great concern for us. Kenya has joined in sponsoring the draft resolution before us because we believe that the Security Council must again convey a clear, unequivocal message to the combatants that the problem in Afghanistan has to be resolved by peaceful means, through negotiation, and not by military means. We are also fully aware that the flow of arms, money and other supplies into Afghanistan has definitely exacerbated the crisis in Afghanistan. Several attempts to address this problem have not been successful.”
1998-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3921Resumption1 (1998) · source
“When we last discussed the situation in Afghanistan, my delegation expressed disappointment at the stalemate in the peace process and expressed the fear that the Taliban had determined that a military solution was the only way to resolve the many political, religious and cultural differences in Afghanistan. That determination has increased the already great suffering of the people of Afghanistan. The Security Council's calls for restraint and negotiation and its appeals for an end to all foreign involvement in the form of overt military and financial support, have fallen on deaf ears. We meet again today under even more disturbing circumstances. The will to negotiate a peace has given way to an overwhelming need to impose a military solution on a political problem.”
1998-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3921Resumption1 (1998) · source
“We appeal to the leaders of Angola to look within themselves, set aside their political differences and come together to build a peaceful, united and prosperous Angola. This is the main concern of the Council. It is also this concern that motivated the Secretary-General to quickly dispatch his Special Envoy, Ambassador Lakhdar Brahimi, to the region. We have to quickly build on the immense progress made by the late Maitre Alioune Blondin Beye to ensure that these gains are not lost for ever. We welcome the timely appointment of Mr. Issa Diallo as the new Special Representative of the Secretary- General to Angola. We wish him great success and assure him of our complete cooperation. We do this not only as a member of this Council and chair of the sanctions Committee, but also as an African nation. The cooperation of the parties with Mr.”
1998-08-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3916 (1998) · source
“We are therefore happy to note that the downsizing of MONUA's military component has been temporarily suspended. We believe that MON UA's presence will continue to serve as a stabilizing component within the peace process. It is against this background that my delegation supports the draft resolution which extends MONUA's mandate for one month, until 15 September 1998. My delegation strongly supports the Secretary- General's appeal to the Government of Unity and National Reconciliation and, in particular, UNITA to renew their efforts towards national reconciliation and immediately institute confidence-building measures at national and local levels, including the expeditious reactivation of the joint mechanisms in the provinces. Without reconciliation a lasting and enduring peace will continue to be merely a dream.”
1998-08-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3916 (1998) · source
“Many Angolans have fled to neighbouring countries, as disease and lack of food and medical supplies continue to afflict the internally displaced population. We encourage the international community not to give up, but to continue its much- needed efforts to alleviate the plight of the Angolan people. These political and military developments have substantially eroded the confidence of both parties in upholding all the elements of the Lusaka Protocol, which is the heart of the peace process. We can only urge them to move quickly back to the negotiating table. This crisis has seriously affected the work of the United Nations Observer Mission in Angola (MONUA), and in the context of this perception among the parties that a military solution is feasible, the presence of MONUA has become even more important.”
1998-08-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3916 (1998) · source
“The situation in Angola has deteriorated rapidly, threatening not only the delicate stability of that nation but also regional peace and security. The Kenyan delegation is greatly perturbed by the lack of political goodwill, which has heightened the crisis in Angola. The military and security situations unfortunately seem to be leading towards renewed confrontation. We urgently appeal to both the Government and UNITA to exercise maximum restraint and move the people of Angola away from the brink of war. As the security situation deteriorates, the humanitarian situation has worsened. More and more people have become internally displaced to such an extent that now over 10 per cent of the country's population falls in this category.”
1998-08-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3916 (1998) · source
“Finally, let me take this opportunity on behalf of the Government of Kenya to express gratitude for the generous assistance and support promptly made available in the rescue efforts by Governments, international organizations and volunteers who came from far and wide.”
1998-08-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3915 (1998) · source
“The extension of these activities to our otherwise peaceful countries exemplifies the expanding reach and growing menace of the perpetrators of terrorist acts. Today's meeting of the Council, which has been convened in response to the two terrorist bombings, is a demonstration by the international community that such acts - regardless of whom they are directed at, wherever and by whomever they are committed - cannot be tolerated. The resolution just adopted is a resounding statement of condemnation and abhorrence of acts carried out against innocent people. The Government of the Republic of Kenya, on its part, will not rest until those responsible are convicted. We appeal to Member States to cooperate with the ongoing investigations, in Kenya and Tanzania and outside, aimed at bringing the culprits to justice.”
1998-08-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3915 (1998) · source
“Several others within the vicinity suffered extensive damage. A total of 67 buildings received collateral damage. Nothing can be more brutal and horrifying than this act which wiped out an entire classroom of students who were waiting for their final exams. This is what the perpetrators of this despicable crime did when they blew up and flattened Ufundi Cooperative House. The bombings in Nairobi and Dar-es-Salaam brought mayhem and terror of an untold magnitude to two countries that had hitherto considered themselves secure and far removed from threats and dangers posed by acts of terrorism. Alas, we were wrong. The two incidents make it abundantly clear that nobody is safe from or unaffected by this heinous practice.”
1998-08-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3915 (1998) · source
“My delegation welcomes this opportunity to express its outrage and condemnation of the criminal and unjustified terrorists bombings which occurred almost simultaneously in Nairobi and Dar-es- Salaam on 7 August 1998. Terrorist acts are by design ruthlessly indiscriminate, and the bomb blast in Nairobi, which occurred at one of the busiest locations in terms of human traffic and commercial activities, was no exception. It has so far claimed over 250 lives, and the death toll continues to rise. Many are either in critical condition in hospital or unaccounted for. Over 300 are still hospitalized, while some 4,500 innocent civilians have been treated for injuries suffered from the blast. The bombs caused damage estimated at over $500 million to property. One seven-storey building was completely destroyed.”
1998-08-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.3915 (1998) · source