YouSaid · the spoken record

Osorio

lines on the record: 870
first: 2010-11-22
most recent: 2013-10-18
sittings or episodes: 138
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

“Furthermore, 60 per cent of the staff of the Office of the High Commissioner for Peace are women, which ensures that the cases being considered are treated with particular sensitivity to issues of gender and women's rights. Finally, I would like to stress that the strategies I have mentioned are a sample of the efforts being made by Colombian Government to protect women in the context of conflict, while working for their improvement, in accordance with the guidelines proposed by the Security Council and with an increasingly modern and strengthened institutional system operating within a framework of respect for the rule of law.”
2013-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7044 (2013) · source
“Additional actions are being developed, such as setting up institutions for the exclusive purpose of guaranteeing the rights of the victims and implementing an emotional recovery strategy, in which more than 3,000 women are taking part. Colombia understands that the role of women in a post-conflict situation is critical from the moment that an agreement to achieve peace is sought. In that regard, my Government has actively encouraged the participation of women in the ongoing peace process. For example, the first phase of the process, known as exploratory talks, was led by a group of five persons working on behalf of the national Government, two of whom were women.”
2013-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7044 (2013) · source
“In order to know the truth of what happened, understand the structures of criminal organizations and determine degrees of responsibility for illegal armed groups and their collaborators, cases of sexual violence have been given priority, resulting in the joining of legal actions and guidelines in the Colombian Attorney General's Office. As part of the plan of assistance, support and reparation, 339,000 persons have received compensation, 57 per cent of whom are women. Significant progress has been made. To meet those commitments, the Government invested an additional $750 million dollars through August 2013. Nonetheless, it should be noted that reparations are not limited to the payouts of resources and money.”
2013-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7044 (2013) · source
“The budget approved by the Colombian Government, which is a sign of its political commitment, is approximately $1.75 billion. Taking into account that 50 per cent of the total number of victims of conflict are women, the law on victims and land restitution has made significant gains. The law established a comprehensive reparations administration programme that enables major access to victims, including measures to fully compensate them for forced displacement and sexual violence in the context of armed conflict.”
2013-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7044 (2013) · source
“Focusing on the issue before us, with respect to the rule of law and transitional justice in conflict-affected situations, I would like to share the experience of our country, which is currently debating the subject, while striving to overcome armed conflict through a process of dialogue that we hope will lead to peace. On 12 March, the Government of Colombia approved the national policy on gender equity and a comprehensive plan to guarantee a life free of violence, which constitute reference points for the design and implementation of sustainable actions for the protection of women and to ensure the effective enjoyment of women's rights, with a focus on peacebuilding, cultural transformation and the promotion of the participation of women in positions of power and decision-making.”
2013-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7044 (2013) · source
“We would therefore suggest that the issues generated in that context should not only be guided by assessments and follow-up processes, but they should also place an emphasis on promoting successful experiences in the field of cooperation and exchange of know-how and best practices, giving priority constructive elements. In considering this issue, the Council and United Nations bodies should strictly adhere to the agreed terms of mandates in the resolutions on women and peace and security that are aimed at protecting women in situations of Violence, particularly sexual Violence, as well as decision-making in conflict and post-conflict situations.”
2013-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7044 (2013) · source
“In our country, Colombia, we are aware that the participation of women in decision-making processes in situations that affect them, especially in conflict and post-conflict situations, is of great importance for peace and security, and that States have the primary responsibility to protect their populations with a differential approach and a gender perspective. My delegation recognizes the important results that the Security Council has achieved in the field. It is necessary, however, to make a distinction between the Council's treatment of States that are making efforts to comply with their international obligations in the area but are not on the Council's agenda and its treatment of those States that are on its agenda.”
2013-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7044 (2013) · source
“Mr. Osorio (Colombia) (spoke in Spanish): At the outset, I would like to congratulate you, Mr. President, and to say how pleased we are to have you presiding over the Security Council. I would also like to thank you for organizing this open debate on women, the rule of law and transitional justice in conflict-affected situations. We are grateful for the report presented this morning by the Secretary-General (S/2013/525) and the briefings by the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the representative of the NGO Working Group on Women, Peace and Security, who have given us a clear idea of the situation under discussion.”
2013-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7044 (2013) · source
“Colombia reiterates its commitment to fully supporting Haiti and to the process of strengthening its institutions and promoting development.”
2013-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7024 (2013) · source
“It is important to mention that Colombia is also developing an agenda for bilateral cooperation with Haiti that includes projects such as strengthening the coffee production chain, which aims to establish a sustainable and inclusive value chain that increases the income of small producers, strengthens the cooperative system and increases the export of good quality coffee; developing processes for integrated solid waste management, which began the implementation of a solid-waste plant in the Cabaret area; contributions towards recovery and strengthening food security and nutrition, in response to a request by the national food security coordinator in Haiti; strengthening Haiti's national vocational training institute by way of our national job training service model workshop, including developing a cooperative initiative to strengthen the institute; and, lastly, a community, neighbourhood and housing recovery initiative that aims to contribute to the organizational plan carried out by Haiti, mainly in Port-au-Prince.”
2013-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7024 (2013) · source
“I should like to point out that, at this very moment, the MINUSTAH Police Commissioner, Mr. Luis Carrilho, and the Director-General of the Haitian National Police, General Godson Orelus, are on a Visit to Colombia's national police to gain field experience on good practices and lessons learned from Colombia's programme on strengthening institutions that could be adapted for the work being done by the Haitian National Police.”
2013-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7024 (2013) · source
“On the bilateral level, with the cooperation of the Government of the United States, Colombia has trained 100 personnel in specific areas such as extortion and kidnapping, sniffer dog handlers in the detection of illicit substances, criminal intelligence and strategic analysis and management. The Government of Colombia, in accordance with appeals by the Security Council to increase the role of women in peacekeeping, is training 10 women from the Haitian National Police as part of a year- long programme whose curriculum includes learning Spanish. The programme will continue to grow in order to fulfil two objectives, namely, training staffto ensure that the Haitian National Police can continue to assume responsibility for the country's security and providing better tools for confronting security challenges from a gender perspective.”
2013-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7024 (2013) · source
“We welcome the establishment of the joint task force between the Government and the Mission, a mechanism for establishing criteria and determining the best timing and ways to transfer responsibilities. The Government of Colombia has emphasized that the solution of the problems in Haiti must come from the Haitians themselves. As their friends, we must contribute to that process. We have therefore focused on strengthening national capacity. My Government has supported MINUSTAH since September 2006. We currently have a police contingent in Haiti that includes experts in various areas, including community policing and the fight against drugs and transnational organized crime.”
2013-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7024 (2013) · source
“Colombia takes this opportunity to welcome Ambassador Sandra Honore, whose excellent credentials make her an outstanding person for the work being conducted in Haiti, especially at this defining moment for the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH). We wish her much success in her role and reiterate to her our full support. Our country supports the recommendations of the Secretary-General, in particular with regard to the extension of the Mission's mandate until October 2014. We also support the initiative for the Mission's possible downsizing in the near future, with a focus on a gradual and orderly transfer of responsibilities that serves to strengthen institutions and security in Haiti.”
2013-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7024 (2013) · source
“I would also like to associate myself with the statement made by the representative of Uruguay on behalf of the Group of Friends of Haiti. When we see the progress in Haiti, we note that the country is moving along the right path, although a lot of issues and challenges in different spheres need to be addressed. The consolidation of the physical and political reconstruction of the country will depend upon institutional stability, the strengthening of the State and the increased entrenchment of democracy in Haiti. We therefore respectfully call on the Government and all political institutions to guarantee the holding of partial local and legislative elections. Haiti cannot backtrack on its process ofpolitical and institutional stabilization.”
2013-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7024 (2013) · source
“Mr. Osorio (Colombia) (spoke in Spanish): I would like to start by congratulating the Argentine presidency for its initiative to hold a debate on the situation in Haiti, an issue accorded the greatest importance by my country. I also wish to acknowledge your presence here in New York, Sir, to preside over the debate, an effort that, as you said in your statement, demonstrates Argentina's support for Haiti, the same support that the entire Latin American and Caribbean community gives to Haiti. I welcome the new Permanent Representative of Haiti, Mr. Denis Regis, and extend to him our full cooperation. I also congratulate and thank Ms. Sandra Honore' for the report she has presented to the Council (S/2013/493).”
2013-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7024 (2013) · source
“1 of 2012, which guarantees that, when an armed conflict ends, perpetrators of crimes against humanity will be held accountable and the rights of victims upheld. We express our thanks for today's very timely debate today and wish to conclude by stating that the measures taken in our country reflect our deep conviction ofthe need to devise responses and solutions that make it possible to protect the civilian population and to achieve national reconciliation and peace for the benefit of all.”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source
“We are training public officials and members of the forces of law and order in matters relating to the rights of victims to truth, justice and full reparation; women's rights; the implementation of a differentiated approach; sexual violence; and the need to coordinate and publicize the various protection programmes. We also believe that to promote the protection of civilians in armed conflict, it is necessary to devise and implement measures that are aimed, inter alia, at making the administration of justice more flexible, ensuring coherence among transitional justice structures, guaranteeing equitable and full reparation to victims, and prosecuting perpetrators. Colombia has initiated a peace process based on Law No.”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source
“Following the invitation in the concept note (S/2013/447) prepared by the presidency, I should like to reiterate that Colombia deems essential measures aimed at prevention, protection and the guarantee of non-repetition for victims in situations ofarmed conflict. My Government believes that the rights of victims must be guaranteed and reflected in assistance, attention and reparation measures. We are therefore establishing a risk map as a means of identifying organizations and communities at risk, including women's organizations. We are also establishing a network of observatories for human rights and international humanitarian law.”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source
“Moreover, while we understand that compliance with international humanitarian law by illegal armed groups is essential for the protection of the civilian population, nonetheless we feel that contacts with United Nations organs and agencies does not necessarily guarantee that their actions will conform with existing legislation on the protection of civilians in armed conflict. For that reason, the international community must bring the requisite pressure to bear to ensure that such groups repudiate violence and pursue their objectives through the institutional channels offered by a democratic State. Colombia therefore stresses that the appropriateness of such approaches should be analysed on a case-by-case basis; it is certainly a matter that should be decided by the States involved in a sovereign, autonomous and independent manner.”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source
“Abiding by those principles while appropriately channelling collective efforts in support of national authorities takes on particular importance when such cooperation is taking place with countries that have democratic institutions and legitimately constituted Governments. My delegation would also like to reiterate how important it is for United Nations bodies to have clear information regarding the efforts of national Governments in terms of the protection of civilians, in establishing the priorities of their work, and in informing the United Nations about their respective situations. Verified, objective, balanced and impartial information includes the identification of shortcomings and challenges but also the identification and recognition of the progress made in each country.”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source
“That conference is intended to establish synergies between the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-personnel Mines and on Their Destruction, the Convention on Cluster Munitions, Protocol V on explosive remnants of war and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in order to deal with the issue of assistance to victims adopting a holistic approach. We emphasize that international assistance in this field must conform to the conditions and principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence, as enshrined in General Assembly resolution 46/182.”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source
“Mr. Osorio (Colombia) (spoke in Spanish): Colombia deems it very appropriate that the Council is continuing to reflect on experiences and good practices in connection with States' commitment to protect civilians in armed conflict. This issue is particularly relevant to our country in that it has had to deal for nearly five decades with illegal armed groups that have engaged in terrorist activities and attacks against civilian populations. Colombia restates its commitment to human rights, international humanitarian law and refugee law for the protection of civilians in armed conflict. As a demonstration of its commitment, Colombia is preparing a major high-level international conference on assistance to victims, to be held next year.”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source
“As can be seen and has been underscored by the Secretary-General in his reports, Colombia has different measures and safeguards that mark a decisive step forward in its efforts to comprehensively and consistently address that problem.”
2013-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6984 (2013) · source
“For example, our National Council for Economic and Social Policy has used about $1 million to coordinate all the institutional forces within our country to implement the national public policy for gender equality and the comprehensive plan to ensure a life free of violence for women by implementing the law on reparations for victims. Strengthening the role and ability of women and promoting the enjoyment and observance of their rights is particularly important to the Government of Colombia. In that regard, the contribution of the United Nations system and the international community is key within a framework of respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of all States.”
2013-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6984 (2013) · source
“From the outset, we have believed that the ownership and autonomy of the Government are essential in this process, as an any outside intervention lacking the consent of the Colombian Government would negatively interfere in that process. When we believe support or mediation to be appropriate, we will make that known. Therefore, we are grateful for offers of good offices, and we welcome those voices that support the peace process and the international pressure to put an end to those violent acts and in particular those against women. Along those lines, it is worth mentioning some of the good practices introduced by Colombia to prevent, investigate and sanction sexual violence in armed conflict.”
2013-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6984 (2013) · source
“It is clear that in order to ensure that those cases are managed properly, information has to be gathered by United Nations agencies on the ground in a timely, precise, reliable and objective way. In that way, the United Nations entities can address each case individually, conduct related criminal investigations, and ensure due process and follow-up, as required. The resolutions that have been referred to in the framework of this debate call up the Secretary-General to conduct dialogues, "as appropriate", with the parties to armed conflict. Currently, the Government of Colombia is holding a peace dialogue with the spokespersons ofan illegal armed group.”
2013-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6984 (2013) · source
“We believe it necessary for international cooperation in this field to be developed and implemented, not just in a constructive way, but also on the basis of an open dialogue with the Governments concerned, so as to ensure that effective solutions are found and that national institutions and processes are strengthened, while respecting States' policies and priorities. Colombia also joins in the repeated condemnations by the Security Council of violations of international humanitarian law committed against women and girls, and the need to bring tojustice those who are responsible for such crimes, in particular the perpetrators of sexual violence against women. We also underscore the importance of enhancing the role of women in peacebuilding and in providing assistance to victims, in particular the victims of sexual violence.”
2013-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6984 (2013) · source
“My country deplores the fact that these situations continue to arise in armed conflict in various parts of the world, and believes that the international community should adopt an attitude of strict condemnation and seek, through all means, to abolish violence, ensure the protection of and reparations for victims, and see to it that perpetrators are brought to justice. Colombia is aware of the impact of sexual violence in conflicts on international peace and security, and believes that we must not lose sight of the fact that the primary responsibility to put an end to that scourge and to protect the victims lies with States.”
2013-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6984 (2013) · source
“Mr. Osorio (Colombia) (spoke in Spanish): At the outset, allow me to congratulate the United Kingdom on its presidency of the Security Council for this month. I would also like to thank the Secretary- General, the Special Envoy of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ms. Zainab Hawa Bangura, for their briefings, as well as others who spoken today. Colombia endorses the repeated rejections by the Security Council of all acts of sexual violence and other forms violence against civilians in armed conflict, in particular against women and children.”
2013-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6984 (2013) · source
“To the same end, the various agencies of the United Nations must continue to strengthen coordination, decrease duplication of effort and build a coherent approach in the field in order to assist the Security Council in its consideration of appropriate measures.”
2013-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6948 (2013) · source
“Also, work is under way, in coordination with the United Nations, the Presidential High Commissioner for Women's Equality and 22 Colombian State agencies, to outline additional preventing measures, in line with the experience in the field and international standards. The establishment of provisions for monitoring, analysing and reporting on sexual violence in conflict situations should seek primarily, on the basis of accurate, impartial objective and verifiable information, to promote the adoption of measures to prevent sexual violence in conflict situations and to provide effective responses for the benefit of victims. In that regard, it is imperative to assist States in developing and implementing early-warning mechanisms and procedures to facilitate the reporting, collection and verification of data.”
2013-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6948 (2013) · source
“552 of 2012, which established the intersectoral commission for the prevention of recruitment and use of children, adolescents and young people by illegal organized groups. With regard to the justice sector and the armed forces, as the report indicates, Colombia has adopted a zero-tolerance policy. It is supplemented by a manual and protocol that serve as a guide for members of the armed forces in addressing sexual violence that may occur as a result of armed conflict. That document is widely disseminated among members of the armed forces. As can be seen, and as the Secretary-General underscores in his report, Colombia has varying policies and guarantees that mark a breakthrough in the State's efforts to address that complex problem comprehensively and consistently.”
2013-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6948 (2013) · source
“Allow me therefore to reiterate that Colombia's policy is that any dialogue between the United Nations and illegal armed groups operating in the country can take place only with the Government's prior and explicit consent. The Colombian State attaches the greatest importance to the prevention, investigation and prosecution of sexual violence in armed conflict. It is therefore willing to address that complex problem. We have launched a number of public policies. We have taken specific steps to protect the rights of victims of sexual violence in armed conflict, such as Act No. 1257 of 2008, on the prevention and punishment of acts of violence and discrimination against women, Act No. 1146 of 2007, on the prevention of sexual violence and the comprehensive care of sexually abused children and adolescents, and Decree No.”
2013-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6948 (2013) · source
“It should be understood that, in making that call, the report ofthe Secretary-General is referring to the situations listed in the annex to the report, that is, those situations that are under consideration by both the Security Council and the Sanctions Committees established in connection with such situations, in accordance with the provisions of the paragraph 3 of resolution 1960 (2010). That would mean acting in accordance with the mandates set out and endeavouring to establish clear distinctions among those situations and the situations mentioned in the body of the report that are not on the Security Council's agenda. We reiterate our position on the possible establishment of talks with State and non-State parties to obtain commitments. Such talks should always respect national laws and policies.”
2013-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6948 (2013) · source
“Colombia believes that, in order for our authorities to take the appropriate preventive and corrective measures, the kind of information contained in the report must be more accurate. We are surprised that some examples of the situation in Colombia mentioned in the report do not include sufficient information on the incidents that took place. While for Colombia it is critical to fight all forms of sexual violence against women, children and young people, we underscore that it is of great concern that the report speaks generically about increasing the pressure on perpetrators of sexual violence in conflict, including the individuals, parties and States named in the reports. Iwould like to give a clear explanation here.”
2013-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6948 (2013) · source
“Colombia supports the work of the Security Council, which complements the results achieved on the basis of various international agreements, such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. Those agreements and various forums and conferences recognize and promote the human rights of women. However, we deplore the fact that situations continue to occur in different parts of the world. With regard to the Secretary-General's report on sexual violence in conflict (S/2013/l49), which we are considering today, I would like to recall that, in accordance to resolution 1960 (2010), information collected on sexual violence should be timely, accurate, reliable and impartial.”
2013-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6948 (2013) · source
“Mr. Osorio (Colombia) (spoke in Spanish): Allow me, first of all, to congratulate Rwanda on its assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of April. I would like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ms. Zainab Hawa Bangura, and the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Rwanda, Ms. Louise Mushikiwabo, for their presentations. This is also an opportunity to express our greeting of solidarity with Rwanda, which this month marks the nineteenth anniversary of the genocide. I also want to mention our particular recognition of the work that Ms. Bangura has been doing and of the progress in implementing the provisions of resolution 1960 (2010).”
2013-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6948 (2013) · source
“Consequently, we strongly believe that the peace talks currently under way are founded on a solid domestic legal basis and a strong political will on the part of the Government, which are compatible with the international obligations that we have undertaken and consistent with the aim of protecting the civilian population.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“Colombia, with 200 years of democratic institutions and a modern regulatory framework, has spared no effort to enhance and complement its efforts in that field, as can be see in the adoption of ambitious initiatives to seek peace and reconciliation. Examples of this include the transitional justice system incorporated into the Justice and Peace Law of 2005, which has allowed for the demobilization and reintegration into society of over 54,200 members of illegal armed groups; the establishment of an innovative mechanism of indemnities and restitution of land established under the Victims and Restitution of Land Law of 2011; and the constitutional reform that has established a legal framework for peace.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“Any serious analysis will indicate that international humanitarian law obligates military forces to adjust themselves to humanitarian imperatives, without implying that such efforts may not occasionally control, for obvious security reasons in the middle of a conflict, the movement of people and properties. Colombia supports the idea expressedby the Security Council in the presidential statement on the protection of civilians in November 2010 (S/PRST/2010/25), that the promotion of peace processes, the achievement of peace and sustainable development, and respect for human rights and the rule of law are of the utmost importance to protect the civilians in the medium and long terms.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“Another issue that we wish to highlight is the recommendation to establish commissions of inquiry and fact-finding missions, as contained in the Secretary-General's report, the concept paper before us (S/2012/75, annex) and the presidential statement (S/PRST/2013/2) . We understand that, by definition, these mechanisms may be applicable only to countries on the agenda of the Security Council, and otherwise only by prior arrangement with the State concerned. My Government agrees that the alternatives raised in the report to reach populations in need of humanitarian assistance - such as temporary cessation of hostilities, humanitarian pauses, humanitarian corridors and days of tranquillity - must be adapted to the circumstances of each conflict.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“The validity of the rights of civilians in hostilities requires no contact with non-State armed groups, but only the decision of the latter either to abandon violence and pursue their goals through democratic debate, or, if they decide to pursue armed conflict, to give full effect to international humanitarian law, without exception. Our Government has always welcomed and been grateful for the work of the International Committee of the Red Cross in facilitating the release of those kidnapped by illegal armed groups. In recent years, the Colombian Government has succeeded, with the active collaboration of the International Committee of the Red Cross and in some cases with the support of friendly Governments and civil society organizations, in helping many people to recover their freedom.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“Colombians have already been down that road, with meagre profit. We thank the States Members of the United Nations and the Organization itself for understanding and respecting that policy and for their offers of cooperation, which will remain in effect until the illegal armed groups operating in the country decide to change their behavior and fully respect the international norms described. The existence or absence of United Nations contacts with these groups does not affect the viability of the law applicable to armed conflicts, because what counts is the will of the parties. When that is lacking, States should have solid institutions for prosecution and due punishment. Focus on the possible approaches of certain actors towards illegal armed groups diverts our attention from the fundamental issue, which is the lack of political will.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“Based on its recent historical and painful experience, and in relation to the particular circumstances of the Colombian conflict, the Government of President Santos Calderon has adopted a policy to ensure that no dialogue with an illegal armed group that has been designated internationally as a terrorist organization will take place without its prior explicit consent - that is, when the national Government of Colombia considers such dialogue appropriate. Furthermore, while the Government is determined to ensure that those groups and their leaders take specific actions to comply with the rules and principles of international humanitarian law, it also firmly believes that such compliance should not include independent contact by those groups with United Nations representatives.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“We believe that the concern to ensure that non-State armed actors comply with international humanitarian law and other relevant law is valid, but we also believe that this concern is fully covered by the cardinal principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution during an attack. For that reason, it is necessary to consider very carefully the recommendation that State Members should refrain from adopting policies or other measures with the effect of preventing humanitarian actors from working with non-State armed groups for humanitarian purposes, and in particular from carrying out activities to promote respect for international humanitarian law. That recommendation must be based on principles of cooperation and coordination with a concerned State on the basis of its national sovereignty.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“From our point of view, it is hard to identify a unique formula applicable to all cases. Each situation is different and must be addressed by taking into account its own special circumstances. In the particular case of policies towards non-State armed actors, and in order to ensure that such policies are compatible with those adopted by the Colombian Government in the context of peace negotiations, in the current circumstances we consider it essential to preserve ownership by the State and its Government in driving the process, without external interference.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“We also agree that respect for international law should be promoted by all parties to a conflict; that the protection of civilians by United Nations peacekeeping missions and other relevant missions should be strengthened; that access to humanitarian assistance should be improved in coordination with States on the Council's agenda; and that accountability should be promoted when the law is violated. The report of the Secretary-General (S/2012/376) refers to the importance of enhancing compliance by non-State armed groups, implying that such compliance depends on existing direct contact between the United Nations and non-State armed actors. The practice of identifying a formula that can work or that has worked in certain specific situations and elevating it to a generalized category can cause difficulties.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“This is an issue of particular relevance to the Colombian State, which has been defending its democratic institutions from the attack of illegal armed groups whose strategies of war openly violate those rules. My country shares the concern of the Secretary- General and other delegations over the situation of civilians in armed conflicts in some parts of the world, and over the recurrent failure of parties to conflict to fulfil their duty to respect and protect civilians in accordance with international law.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source
“Mr. Osorio (Colombia) (spoke in Spanish): At the outset, allow me to congratulate you, Sir, and the Republic of Korea on assuming the presidency of the Security Council this month. We thank the Secretary- General, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Director for International Law and Cooperation of the International Committee of the Red Cross for their statements. Once again, the Security Council is addressing the issue of the protection of civilians in armed conflict from the perspective of the duty to observe the relevant regulations of international humanitarian law in order to reduce the impact of armed conflict on civilians.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917Resumption1 (2013) · source