YouSaid · the spoken record

Oshima

lines on the record: 900
first: 2001-04-23
most recent: 2007-06-22
sittings or episodes: 95
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

“At the same time, we remain concerned about the arbitrary detention of people solely on the grounds of their political affiliation, as the report of the Secretary-General points out. We believe that that is neither advisable nor condonable, as such action will not serve to facilitate the national dialogue and is in direct contravention of fundamental human rights principles. The consolidation of peace in Haiti requires not only national dialogue, but also an improved humanitarian and economic environment. For the success of the elections scheduled for November, prompt disbursement of the funds pledged at the international donor conference on Haiti held last July is also essential. All three of the projects in the areas of health, food and agriculture pledged by Japan have already been implemented.”
2005-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5110 (2005) · source
“It is of great importance that the Haitian people take steps towards promoting a process of meaningful national dialogue, with a full sense of ownership, to create a more stable political environment. The Transitional Government is expected to continue to call for national reconciliation and to promote quick-impact projects. For the medium to long term, political and economic restructuring and corruption-prevention measures, as well as development policy measures that contribute to the improvement of people's lives, should be vigorously pursued. That will be the surest path for the Government to follow to gain the broad support of the people. From that point of view, the support of the Special Representative and of MINUSTAH is critically important; we call for their active initiative in this matter.”
2005-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5110 (2005) · source
“That being said, we welcome the efforts of the Transitional Government of Haiti to stabilize its political situation with the support of the international community. Japan would also like to commend the proactive steps taken by MINUSTAH and the Transitional Government of Haiti, particularly to improve the security situation, including their recent joint operations in Port-au-Prince and in other areas, and we expect that such initiatives will continue. Progress in disarmament, demobilization and reintegration is manifestly important, not least for the success of the forthcoming national and local elections. Although we welcome the statement of Prime Minister Latortue to move on that issue, we would like to call upon the Transitional Government to make strong efforts to be proactive in that area, making use of the support of MINUSTAH.”
2005-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5110 (2005) · source
“Haiti should serve as yet another good lesson for the future more generally as we ask some relevant questions: How do we set up a more effective early-warning mechanism as part of the efforts aimed at conflict prevention and at the prevention of a recurrence of crisis? What sort of preventive measures can be realistically taken by the international community in general and by the United Nations in particular? How can we best organize ourselves to undertake such activities? The report of the High-level Panel on Threats, Challenges and Change commissioned by the Secretary-General (A/59/565) offers some clues and ideas that the Organization will soon address in a serious way. We hope that important steps forward will be taken as a result.”
2005-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5110 (2005) · source
“Prevention is wiser than cure, and it is less painful and often less costly. I had an opportunity to pay a visit to Haiti in mid- 2003, when I was still in the service of the humanitarian arm of the United Nations. By early 2003, it was already recognized in the international aid community in Haiti that the situation in the country might be quickly reaching an extremely dangerous stage. Unfortunately, early warnings of possible impending crisis went largely unheeded by the United Nations and the international donor community, and little concrete action was taken until the crisis had materialized.”
2005-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5110 (2005) · source
“A combination of widespread poverty and joblessness in society, disease, weak or failing governance and institutions, social injustice, corruption and so forth, and the resultant sense of frustration, anger and despair among the population constitute a certain prescription for tension in society and political instability, which can eventually blow up in one form or another. Sometimes the situation is made worse, as we have seen in many other countries throughout the world, by natural disasters of one kind or another - earthquakes, drought, floods, hurricanes, tsunamis - that expose and accentuate vulnerabilities and cause what would otherwise be avoidable damage, suffering and misery. International sympathy and assistance are needed in many of these cases, and needed in time - not after the blowout.”
2005-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5110 (2005) · source
“We commend the efforts of Ambassador Valdes and his team in the multifaceted United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) for securing safety, promoting stability and undertaking many activities in a variety of areas, including humanitarian and electoral support, development aid, civil affairs and others. I also pay respect to all the countries concerned, especially the Latin American countries, which have contributed significantly to the Mission in Haiti by providing personnel, technical expertise and financial resources, as well as political and moral support. Haiti presents yet another example of a country where the fundamental issue of the interlinkage between development and peace arises.”
2005-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5110 (2005) · source
“I should like first of all to say that, as one of the new elected members of the Security Council, which include Argentina, Japan looks forward to working closely with the delegation of Argentina, as well as with other members of the Council, in the coming months. I should also like to say that my delegation feels privileged to see the Foreign Minister of Argentina presiding over today's meeting. We commend the strong commitment and the active and ceaseless efforts of the countries of Latin America and the Organization of American States in taking the lead to deal with the situation in Haiti, which is on our agenda today. I thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ambassador Valdes, for his comprehensive and enlightening briefing.”
2005-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5110 (2005) · source
“Those mechanisms are being set up, and we wish to ensure that they produce specific, concrete results. That is our intent as we plan to report to the Council a revised, refined road map and the updated aide- memoire in the next briefing to the Council, in December. In conclusion, I wish to thank the Council for the support you have shown and the commitment that has been expressed very positively around the table on this very important issue.”
2003-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4777 (2003) · source
“I mentioned that through those protection frameworks - including the establishment of working groups on protection in such countries as Burundi, Afghanistan and, more recently, in Iraq - the aide-memoire is being applied in a practical way to report and address protection issues in those countries. Finally, there were proposals to better implement the recommendations put forward by the Secretary- General in his first two reports. The Ambassador of Guinea suggested some sort of interdisciplinary group to review the state of implementation, and this is very welcome. It is precisely the thinking behind the establishment of the Member States support groups on the protection of civilians, as well as the implementation group within the Executive Committee on Humanitarian Affairs, to promote those objectives.”
2003-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4777 (2003) · source
“In addition, we heard important suggestions concerning the work done by OCHA in close cooperation with other humanitarian agencies, as well as with political and peacekeeping departments within the Secretariat, on the protection of civilians. Specific questions were raised by Ambassador Greenstock and other members. On mainstreaming, I acknowledge the importance of this issue and would like to highlight the fact that we are addressing it by establishing shared training on the protection of civilians jointly with, and involving staff from, DPA, DPKO and OCHA. We would welcome the participation of members of the Council's missions in this event. Clearly, the most important mainstreaming issue for the protection of civilians is demonstrated by the establishment of collaborative inter-agency protection frameworks in the field.”
2003-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4777 (2003) · source
“The delegation of Pakistan mentioned the possibility of a global workshop programme. We welcome this suggestion to move from individual, occasional workshops to a more systematic and multiple-year programme. We will evaluate this proposal and the financial and personnel resources it requires once we have completed the current round of workshops. Ambassador Greenstock, leader of the Security Council mission to West Africa, asked us to share the report of the recent workshop in Accra. We are of course happy to share with all members of the Council the report of the West Africa workshop, as well as the report of another that was recently held in Fiji. We will soon finish the reports of these workshops and will be happy to share them with all the members, as well as with the leader of the West African mission, Ambassador Greenstock.”
2003-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4777 (2003) · source
“I thank him very much for his support and cooperation. May I also say a few words in response to some of the questions posed and suggestions made today concerning the implementation of the aide-memoire and some aspects of the work done in promoting the agenda of protection of civilians. First, the Ambassador of Mexico proposed that the next report of the Secretary-General on the protection of civilians in armed conflict be moved forward from next June. This suggestion is welcome, and we would like to look into the possibility and explore the opportune timing with the Council President. As indicated earlier, my Office is ready anytime to provide country-specific briefings on the situation of civilians to the Council, as well as bilateral briefings to delegations.”
2003-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4777 (2003) · source
“Mr. Oshima: I would like first of all to thank the members of the Council for their very warm words to me and to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). I also thank the members of the Council for their continued commitment to the agenda for the protection of civilians, which has again been very clearly stated today. I trust that the members of the Council will extend the same support and cooperation to my successor, Jan Egeland of Norway. If you would allow me, Sir, I would like to join members of the Council in expressing appreciation to Ambassador Traore, because I, too, have had the pleasure and great honour of working with him - particularly during Guinea's presidency of the Security Council, but at other times as well - and especially on problems relating to West Africa.”
2003-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4777 (2003) · source
“It is the father who is too powerless to protect his family from brutal attacks; the mother who has no access to medical care and is helpless to save her sick child; the young child who wakes up each morning faced with the trauma of war and violence and a life without a future; the teenage girl who has been brutally raped and may never fully recover from the injuries she has suffered. Those are the people who are depending on us. They will judge our success - success that will be determined by the number of people we are able to protect as a result of swift and decisive action. That is the ultimate purpose of our work: the humanitarian imperative. The Council's continued commitment to that shared goal is vital.”
2003-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4777 (2003) · source
“The recognized norms and principles of international law, most notably the Geneva Conventions and the 1951 Geneva Refugee Convention, need to be fully respected and implemented. On the advocacy side, further regional workshops to disseminate analysis and awareness on the protection of civilians are needed, with an expanded focus on workshops in zones of conflict. In concluding, I would like to remind all of us that the culture of protection urges us to put the individuals in need of protection at the centre of our efforts. It is the millions of voiceless that require our attention and commitment.”
2003-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4777 (2003) · source
“Also, by bringing together the mandates and skills of departments and agencies across the United Nations system, and even beyond, the document has already contributed to a more effective and coherent humanitarian response in this area. To remain a living document, however, the aide- memoire must continue to reflect the evolving nature and actual needs of protection. Therefore, I would like to recommend that an update of the aide-memoire be presented to the Council, along with the road map, at the next briefing on this issue in December. Yet, much more clearly needs to be done. More support is required to facilitate the incorporation of the Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement into national legislation and to implement it.”
2003-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4777 (2003) · source
“While greater awareness is not always reflected in a greater observance of principles, it is nonetheless the key element in pushing for change. I am therefore reassured that the framework for the protection of civilians initiated by this Council on 12 February 1999 (S/PRST/l999/6) is now well established within the United Nations system. The aide-memoire is becoming a regular point of reference for the Security Council in its considerations and has started to guide the drafting of mandates of peace operations. An even more systematic application will ensure that the culture of protection called for by the Secretary-General is reflected in all aspects of the work of the Organization relating to peace and security.”
2003-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4777 (2003) · source
“While recognizing the difficult challenges faced by the Government in addressing that very complex crisis, the current anti- terrorist measures have raised certain concerns. Those operations must not result in restricting humanitarian access or call into question the civilian character of the population in targeted areas. Before concluding, I want to take the opportunity of my last briefing to the Security Council to reflect briefly on the progress achieved over the past few years in the area of the protection of civilians and to suggest some action that is still necessary towards that end. I have been privileged to witness how much work has been done to promote the greater sensitivity and responsibility of Member States towards the pleas of civilians caught in conflict.”
2003-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4777 (2003) · source
“While the promising peace processes in Angola and the Sudan have allowed humanitarian assistance finally to reach most internally displaced populations in those countries, generally speaking, internally displaced persons remain the group that has the least access to protection and humanitarian aid. That was again confirmed during my recent mission to Colombia last week, where I was able to witness first-hand a situation that easily ranks among the worst internally displaced persons crises in the world. Over the past decades of conflict in Colombia - a conflict that has come to involve trafficking of illicit narcotics and terrorist-related issues - an estimated between 1 and 3 million civilians have been forced to flee their homes, as illegal armed groups are deliberately targeting civilians.”
2003-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4777 (2003) · source
“In that connection, I welcome the codes of conduct regarding the prohibition of sexual abuse and/or exploitation that have been adopted by the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) and the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL). Thirdly, several Member States have complemented the United Nations policy by formally adopting - or being in the process of adopting - policies requiring the incorporation of the six core principles into their funding agreements with operational partners. I commend Member States that have taken that essential action and would like to encourage others to follow their example. Finally, allow me just a brief observation on the status of the internally displaced.”
2003-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4777 (2003) · source
“Specifically, there are three significant developments to note in that respect. First, as has already been reported, last July the Inter-Agency Standing Committee adopted a plan of action that established six core principles representing the minimum standards of behaviour expected of all United Nations civilian staff members. A Secretary- General's bulletin that will incorporate those core principles into the codes of conduct and staff rules and regulations of all member organizations will soon be issued. This will have the effect of applying the core principles to all United Nations civilian personnel. Secondly, peacekeeping missions have started to incorporate these issues into their rules. Obviously, that is a very important step.”
2003-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4777 (2003) · source
“By further restricting humanitarian access, these acts ultimately aggravate the suffering of the civilian population. I would therefore like to encourage the Security Council mission to West Africa to stress to the parties once again - Governments and armed opposition groups alike - the obligation to ensure the safety and security of humanitarian personnel and to ensure that those responsible for the attacks are promptly brought to justice. Specifically, I would like to ask the mission to demand, as a matter of urgency, the safe return of the missing United Nations and NGO workers in Liberia. The important issue of protection from sexual exploitation and abuse by humanitarian workers and peacekeepers has remained a priority for the United Nations and its implementing partners.”
2003-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4777 (2003) · source
“Recent months have witnessed ongoing threats and horrific attacks against humanitarian personnel in Liberia, C6te d'Ivoire, the occupied Palestinian territory, Chechnya, Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia and Sudan, among others. The death of six humanitarian workers in Liberia and C6te d'Ivoire at the beginning of the year, the deadly attack on an ICRC colleague in Afghanistan, the fate of some 100 humanitarian workers who remain unaccounted for in Liberia since an attack on the border town of Zwedru in March 2003, and the kidnapping of many other humanitarian colleagues mark a disturbing trend of blatant disregard for humanitarian principles and of deliberate targeting of humanitarian workers for political or tactical purposes.”
2003-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4777 (2003) · source
“The disarmament of combatants - including the thousands of child soldiers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, for example - is a key prerequisite to the protection of a civilian population tormented by years of war. I would therefore like to use this opportunity to ask the Council to give serious consideration to more proactive disarmament measures aimed at curtailing the violence against civilians in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, thereby stabilizing the peace process in that war-torn country. Safeguarding the security of their humanitarian personnel remains a key challenge for the United Nations and its humanitarian partners.”
2003-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4777 (2003) · source
“In situations of transition, therefore, it is crucial that law and order - including police, courts and prisons - be re-established quickly and as a measure of utmost priority, in order to enable civilians to regain a semblance of normalcy in their lives. It has become almost commonplace in recent years to recall that the disarmament, demobilization, reintegration and rehabilitation (DDRR) of combatants is a complex challenge. However, I would like to reiterate that DDRR is fundamental to the protection of civilians, particularly during the transition to peace. Demobilization and reintegration cannot happen if disarmament does not take place.”
2003-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4777 (2003) · source
“As recent weeks have again shown, situations of armed conflict are invariably accompanied by a general breakdown in security and law and order. For example, it was palpable during my recent mission to Iraq that the desire for a quick restoration of security and law and order was the foremost concern of all parties, including Iraqis with whom I met. In the security vacuum that has evolved, looting and violent crimes have become persistent obstacles to the resumption of normal life, and have exacerbated the suffering of an already vulnerable population. Hospitals have gone unprotected, electrical and water sanitation plants have become open supply grounds for looters, and humanitarian assistance has been held back. In short, the breakdown in law and order has severely disrupted all sectors of public and private life.”
2003-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4777 (2003) · source
“The need to separate civilians from combatants also remains one of the key protection challenges. The presence of combatants in camps for refugees and internally displaced persons drastically increases the vulnerability of civilians. A particularly disturbing development in that context is the continuing use of refugee camps in West Africa as recruiting grounds for armed groups, and in particular for the forcible recruitment of children. Resolution 1479 (2003), which explicitly mandates the United Nations military liaison group attached to the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General to monitor the security of Liberian refugees in C6te d'Ivoire, is an important step in better addressing this issue.”
2003-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4777 (2003) · source
“For example, in Ituri and elsewhere in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, mass rapes and other severe atrocities against women and girls have been committed on a chilling scale. Women are punished as outcasts and are vulnerable to contracting HIV/AIDS. Strong cultural sensitivities make it even more difficult to address the issue in protection terms. Nevertheless, their moral repugnance demands our fullest engagement to end such acts, to support local initiatives to help victims and to bring perpetrators to justice. I need not remind the Council that such acts constitute serious violations of international humanitarian, human rights and criminal law. I would therefore like to ask the Council to investigate this issue further.”
2003-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4777 (2003) · source
“Moreover, I was concerned by recent policies by Government authorities suggesting constraints on the delivery of international humanitarian assistance in that province. After sharing my concerns with the Indonesian authorities, I am encouraged by this week's decree by the President of Indonesia clarifying the presence and operations of humanitarian organizations. I am hopeful that, as a next step, we will be able to agree to the establishment of appropriate mechanisms and terms of engagement with humanitarian agencies in order to secure adequate humanitarian access to all vulnerable populations and to ensure the impartiality and independence of humanitarian assistance. Consider the widespread use of rape and other atrocities committed against women and girls as a brutally devastating weapon of war.”
2003-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4777 (2003) · source
“With most international humanitarian workers out of the country, the current humanitarian system can no longer adequately address the rapidly spiralling needs of the population. Immediate international intervention is required to stabilize the security situation and to allow humanitarian agencies to assist the vulnerable, and thus to prevent a further deterioration of this most desperate humanitarian situation. Equally, the humanitarian situation in the occupied Palestinian territory has further deteriorated over the past six months, with closures and curfews continuing to impact harshly on almost the entire civilian population. In Aceh, Indonesia, optimism about a peaceful resolution of the conflict has proven to be premature.”
2003-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4777 (2003) · source
“Despite the courageous efforts of ICRC, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and United Nations national staff, humanitarian access to internally displaced populations remains severely limited. There are also reports of widespread abuse, which includes rape and summary executions. There are also reports of acts of reprisals against internally displaced persons by Government forces, who accuse them of collaboration with rebel groups. As a result, the humanitarian situation is becoming literally overwhelming. In the last few days some 70,000 internally displaced persons have concentrated in Monrovia's city centre, in deplorable conditions. Increasing occurrences of diarrhoea and other major communicable diseases provide an immediate threat to the lives of thousands of people, including children.”
2003-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4777 (2003) · source
“I would now like turn to the second part of my briefing, using the aide-memoire to highlight key patterns of protection concerns. Restricted access, or the lack of it, remains the primary concern in most conflict areas around the world. In West Africa severe restrictions on humanitarian access are increasing the suffering of an already traumatized population. Hundreds of thousands of civilians across the region cannot be reached by humanitarian agencies. They are denied potable water, shelter, medical assistance and food, and are subject to indiscriminate attacks. I particularly wish to draw the Council's attention to the current situation in Liberia.”
2003-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4777 (2003) · source
“We shall continue to pursue this issue in the coming months, and we are grateful to the Governments of Norway and Switzerland for their support. Lastly, building upon the existing international legal framework, the aide-memoire has proved to be an important tool in establishing a stronger common base of analysis and assessment on key protection-of- civilians requirements and responses within the United Nations system as a whole. Also, the aide-memoire has been used as a practical tool in the field to develop an active collaborative framework for protection undertaken on an inter-agency basis in countries such as Burundi and Afghanistan, and more recently in Iraq. This practical use of the aide-memoire has also contributed to increased and systematic reporting and monitoring of protection issues in conflict situations.”
2003-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4777 (2003) · source
“In May of this year, OCHA convened the most recent discussion, which explored ways to apply protection principles to the impact of terrorism and counter-terrorism on civilian populations in armed conflict, an issue that had been raised in the Council in December. The discussion by representatives of Member States, of United Nations agencies, of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and of select non-governmental organizations reflected the complexity of this issue. While no general agreement was reached on how to move the process forward, there was consensus on the need for counter-terrorism policies and measures to be undertaken in accordance with recognized principles of international humanitarian and human rights law.”
2003-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4777 (2003) · source
“The Pacific Islands Forum made a similar commitment following our most recent regional meeting of Pacific island States, held in early June in Fiji. Following the workshop, the Solomon Islands - which has experienced years of civil conflict - formed its own protection-of-civilians mechanism between political and civil society leaders to address the problems. A number of the countries participating in these workshops have identified the need for training- of-trainer programmes on the protection of civilians, which could help to make the aide-memoire understood at the community level. We appreciate the support that we have received from Member States for the holding of these workshops, which we hope will continue. Moreover, in line with the need to keep the protection agenda current, OCHA has organized a series of round tables since 2001.”
2003-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4777 (2003) · source
“These workshops have proved to be an extremely useful basis for identifying major regional concerns on the protection of civilians. The workshop in West Africa was the first such workshop held in a zone of conflict. As members know, there is an urgent need for improved protection in that region. The practical recommendations, therefore, focused on new mechanisms to secure humanitarian access, to screen and separate combatants and non- combatants, to strengthen disarmament and demobilization programmes, and to control the flow of small arms. Member States in the region have shown a commitment to following those recommendations through their regional organizations, including the African Union and ECOWAS.”
2003-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4777 (2003) · source
“In the past months, both groups have met a number of times and have begun to identify key areas of responsibility. They intend to complete their work towards the end of this year, and we hope to present a final version of the road map to the Security Council in December. Secondly, the process of dissemination and advocacy among Member States and concerned parties has been undertaken through a series of regional workshops. Three workshops, covering Southern Africa, East Asia and Europe, were held over the course of last year. So far this year, two further workshops have been held - one in West Africa and the other in the Pacific region. Three more workshops are planned for the remainder of this year; they will be held in Central and Latin America, in South Asia and in the Middle East.”
2003-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4777 (2003) · source
“The third element involved establishing a stronger common base of analysis, assessment and response within the United Nations system around the aide-memoire adopted by the Council in March 2002. I turn first to the road map issue. The Council may recall that the last report of the Secretary-General presented an initial version of the road map that grouped actions under common themes. Since then, we have been assisted in defining the road map, making it a more practical and time-bound document through the establishment of two bodies. First, within the Secretariat, we have established an implementation group for the protection of civilians under the auspices of the Executive Committee on Humanitarian Affairs, which I chair. In parallel to that, a Member States support group for the protection of civilians has been formed.”
2003-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4777 (2003) · source
“As Council members will recall, the main emphasis of the Secretary-General's 2001 report (S/200l/33l) was to make the culture of protection a practical reality. As the Council itself has recognized, this is the time to move from words to action. The report outlined three key approaches. The first approach was to develop an agreed action plan that would allocate responsibility for the implementation of the recommendations contained in the first two reports of the Secretary-General on this subject. This road map tries to establish a shared commitment among Member States, the United Nations system and concerned international organizations to a timetable for action. The second element was to establish a strong programme of dissemination and advocacy with Member States and concerned parties on the relevant principles and responsibilities.”
2003-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4777 (2003) · source
“I therefore hope that, through the closer collaborative relationship that is developing among the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO), the Department of Political Affairs (DPA) and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), we shall be better able to provide members with the analysis necessary to promote appropriate Council action. In the first part of my briefing, I shall outline progress made since the last report of the Secretary- General was submitted to the Council, in December. In the second part, I should like to review a number of current country-specific situations against key themes of the aide-memoire (S/PRST/2002/6, annex). In my concluding comments, I should like to reflect briefly on some of the progress made over the past two years.”
2003-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4777 (2003) · source
“It recognizes the paramount importance of ensuring the protection of civilians where they are deliberately targeted by parties to the conflict who have seemingly demonstrated indifference to their own responsibilities for protection. I appreciate the fact that incorporating the protection of civilians into the role of peacekeepers is not a straightforward task. Nevertheless, we are increasingly confronted with situations where we are left with few alternatives but to explore that option; Liberia is the most recent example.”
2003-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4777 (2003) · source
“I also hope that the framework provided by the protection of civilians will assist the Council in its assessments and will establish a more effective basis for protection in areas of conflict. The recent Security Council mission to Central Africa provided a considerable impetus for addressing protection issues, and I hope that the mission to West Africa will do the same. In the case of Cote d'Ivoire, the practical results of the Council's increased engagement in the protection of civilians are enshrined in resolution 1464 (2003). That resolution explicitly mandates the forces of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and of France in Cote d'Ivoire to ensure the protection of civilians.”
2003-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4777 (2003) · source
“For the moment, much of the world's attention is focused on Iraq and on the hardships faced by the Iraqi population. We must, however, remind ourselves that the plight of civilians in armed conflict remains a considerable and grave problem in many other parts of the world. Sadly, this year has witnessed some of the more horrendous acts of violence carried out against civilians. In the past year, Security Council missions to areas of conflict have proved their value by bringing international attention to bear on situations where the lives of civilians have been at the utmost risk. I hope that such missions become an established feature of the workings of the Council.”
2003-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4777 (2003) · source
“Mr. Oshima: I thank you, Mr. President, for providing me once again with the opportunity to brief the Security Council on the protection of civilians in armed conflict. I appreciate the commitment that the Council has shown to the protection-of-civilians agenda by establishing regular dialogue on this increasingly important issue. The Secretary-General's most recent report to the Security Council (S/2002/l300), which was submitted in December 2002, was the third report on this topic and outlined the practical means by which the United Nations could promote and develop a culture of protection. This briefing is part of the semi-annual briefing process that provides the Council with updates on progress made and on changes in the protection environment.”
2003-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4777 (2003) · source
“Finally, I wish to say a word regarding the working relationship with the Iraqi people themselves. As has been noted by a number of members today and by my agency colleagues, there is a considerable amount of reliable and capable human resources, high skill levels and an institutional base available in Iraq. It has been disrupted momentarily, but it can be redeployed quickly once the security situation permits and salaries are paid. Already, Iraqi professionals and senior ministerial officials - some of whom I met in Baghdad - have expressed their expectation that they will be consulted and involved early on and at all levels in the priority- setting and planning exercises for the revision of the humanitarian appeal and subsequent reconstruction project. I believe that this wish should be respected as far as possible.”
2003-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4762Resumption1 (2003) · source
“That working relationship is being duplicated in various areas and in certain governorates in the north, centre and south of Iraq. With regard to the Flash Appeal, as the Deputy Secretary-General mentioned in her remarks, we are looking at revising the Flash Appeal that was launched shortly after the outbreak of the conflict, at the end of March, with a view to revising it in the light of the new situation on the ground, as well as in the light of the resolution adopted by the Security Council today. To the extent possible, we will be conducting a needs assessment, covering as wide an area of the country as possible in order to come up with an appeal that will be sufficient to deal with current humanitarian problems. We intend to launch that revised humanitarian appeal some time in the second half of June.”
2003-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4762Resumption1 (2003) · source
“I would like to mention that, as far as the coordination of humanitarian relief activities in Iraq is concerned, I believe that we have a reasonably well functioning mechanism in place, starting with the Humanitarian Coordinator, who is responsible for overall coordination, both within the United Nations system and between the United Nations system and other important actors, which of course include non- governmental organizations, our colleagues in the ICRC and, most important, ORHA. I believe we have a good team there working for the same objective, which is to bring relief and assistance to the people in need in Iraq. Along with ORHA, the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator and his team have established a cordial operational relationship that is functioning in Baghdad.”
2003-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4762Resumption1 (2003) · source
“The security situation in Iraq, coupled with the serious salary, electricity and fuel problems, among others, clearly raises the prospect of a declining humanitarian situation that, if not addressed rapidly, could soon develop into serious humanitarian problems. We therefore all welcome the measures that have been taken or are being planned by the coalition authorities. Those measures have been explained today by the representatives of the United States and the United Kingdom. They have also been explained to me in my meetings with Ambassador Bremer of ORHA, as well as by the military representatives of the United Kingdom at Basra. This is a welcome step, and we all hope that these additional measures to improve the security situation will really begin to bear fruit soon.”
2003-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4762Resumption1 (2003) · source
“My own recent visit to Baghdad, Basra and Umm Qasr, and my meetings with many of the actors involved and with the representatives of organizations, including the Office of Reconstruction and Humanitarian Assistance (ORHA) in Baghdad, confirm the key issues that have been touched upon repeatedly in today's discussion. Those issues are, first, security- related problems; secondly, the law and public order situation; and, thirdly, problems related to meeting recurrent costs, including the payment of salaries. My visit also confirmed the impression that, while a humanitarian catastrophe has been averted in Iraq, there are nevertheless very acute humanitarian needs in a number of sectors that must be addressed speedily.”
2003-05-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4762Resumption1 (2003) · source