YouSaid · the spoken record

Pedersen

lines on the record: 597
first: 2012-10-15
most recent: 2023-12-21
sittings or episodes: 54
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

“There is a desperate need to meet the humanitarian and protection needs of Syrians, whose suffering is not limited to refugees and displaced persons - millions of Syrians all across the country face a critical shortage of commodities, including fuel, that is approaching crisis levels. The 73,000 people in Al-Hol, 92 per cent of whom are women and children, are facing a terrible situation. Humanitarian needs and protection concerns remain acute. I remain deeply concerned about the situation in Rukban. We continue to pursue principled and durable solutions, in coordination with all stakeholders. Most civilians who have recently left have been able to relocate from temporary shelters. Most residents of Rukban remain in the settlement and are in dire need of assistance, including food and essential medicines.”
2019-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8520 (2019) · source
“We have also received reports of growing tensions and violence in the south-west. Many threats of renewed escalation, and even threats to international peace and security, remain outstanding in Syria. I would like to remind the Council that resolution 2254 (2015) calls for a nationwide ceasefire. Terrorist groups listed by the Council remain a major threat. Only last week, the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant took credit for attacks on Syrian Government forces in the desert. Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham still controls large swathes of territory. I would like to stress, however, the Secretary-General's reminder that counter-terrorism operations cannot override the responsibility to protect civilians. Even where violence has abated, the toll of suffering remains staggering.”
2019-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8520 (2019) · source
“That has also been my message to international stakeholders in recent weeks, but I would like to reiterate - action and tangible progress, not just dialogue, are needed. I need not remind the Council that the situation for Syrians remains dire. We have seen a very troubling surge in violence in recent weeks in and around the Idlib de-escalation zone, some of which led to civilian casualties and further displacement. I welcome the recommitment of the Astana players to fully implement the Idlib memorandum, including through coordinated patrols, but more must be done. De-escalation must be consolidated. Idlib is not the only part of Syria that remains heavily militarized or where Syrians continue to suffer. The situation in the north-east is calmer for now but its underlying dynamics remain unresolved.”
2019-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8520 (2019) · source
“I also met twice with the Syrian Negotiation Commission's leadership in Riyadh and Geneva; they also demonstrated a positive attitude that enabled us to advance the issues. In both sets of interactions I stressed the importance of working on the full range of issues addressed in resolution 2254 (2015). I stressed the need to make a tangible difference in Syrians' lives. Both the Government and the opposition remained open to discussing a broader range of issues. It is my hope that such regular engagement will continue to build trust and confidence and will evolve into a sustained dialogue that leads towards building a safe, calm and neutral environment and brings about peace.”
2019-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8520 (2019) · source
“To that end, I have been seeking to advance the five priorities I outlined to the Council in February (see S/PV.8475), which are grounded in a comprehensive approach to my mandate pursuant to resolution 2254 (2015). I remain absolutely committed to engaging the Syrian Government and the Syrian Negotiation Commission in a sustained comprehensive dialogue. Such a dialogue is the very foundation of a Syrian- led and Syrian-owned process, in line with resolution 2254 (2015), that fully respects Syria's sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity. In March and April, I engaged in positive shuttle consultations. Foreign Minister Al-Moualem hosted me twice in Damascus; he demonstrated a positive attitude and we were able to advance certain issues.”
2019-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8520 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pedersen: I thank you, Sir, for this opportunity to brief the Security Council for the second time. I have spent the past eight weeks shuttling between the Syrian Government and the opposition and consulting with key players. I am doing everything I can to move forward on rebuilding trust and confidence and opening the door to a political process in Geneva between the Syrian Government and the opposition, a process that can begin to build a new future for all Syrians - women and men - and between Syria and the international community. After eight years of conflict, that process will be long and difficult, but I think that it is possible to move forward step by step.”
2019-04-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8520 (2019) · source
“I have one final thought - Syrians have every capacity to live together in peace, and a political settlement is plainly needed if we are to see real and genuine reconciliation. There is no military solution and the true victors will be those who can move beyond slogans and paint a hopeful picture of what Syria could look like in 10 years - a picture that all Syrians can support, even if the road towards it will be long and hard. I have spent much of my career working with problems that seemed totally intractable and dynamics that seemed eternally frozen. But I know, first hand, that history can bend in directions that nobody anticipated.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8475 (2019) · source
“I will engage all, in good faith, with five goals in the period ahead: first, to begin and deepen a sustained dialogue with the Syrian Government and the opposition on building trust and confidence towards a safe, calm and neutral environment; secondly, to see more concrete action on detainees, abductees and missing persons through engagement with the Astana players, the Syrian parties and all concerned; thirdly, to engage a wide range of Syrians as I proceed and involve them in the process; fourthly, to convene a credible, balanced and inclusive constitutional committee as soon as possible; fifthly, to help the international parties deepen their own dialogue towards the common purpose of a credible and sustainable political settlement of the Syrian conflict that can enjoy international legitimacy.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8475 (2019) · source
“At present, different discussion formats are contributing, and the United Nations has engaged judiciously with all who seek to help, but I believe that there are real possibilities for strengthening international support and that we need to be creative in that regard. I will work diligently to that end. If we are to see how issues can be unblocked and how to help the parties move forward in a Syrian-led and-owned process, we may need a common forum where key States engage seriously on those issues. In conclusion, my engagements with all parties, without exception, have been positive and forward- looking, but of course, as we get deeper into the issues, the parties' willingness to move from good words to real talks will be put to the test.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8475 (2019) · source
“Beyond crisis management, I note well that key international players express emphatic support for a political settlement for Syria under United Nations auspices and affirm resolution 2254 (2015). They agree on the need to counter Security Council-listed terrorist groups and the need for peace and stability. They support a political settlement that meets the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people and preserves Syria's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. They share an appreciation of the realities of 2019 and understand that real diplomacy is needed to address them.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8475 (2019) · source
“Likewise, Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham's advances in Idlib and escalations in the area underscore the need to uphold the fragile ceasefire arrangements for Idlib, protect its civilians and counter the Council-listed terrorist groups and foreign fighters that have been such a scourge on Syria, while also addressing the root causes and conditions in which they thrive. I welcome the fresh impetus of the recent Sochi Congress to fully implement the Russian-Turkish memorandum and I urge for it to be a continued focus in the lead-up to the next Astana meeting. Meanwhile, the international community must ensure that international norms against the use of chemical weapons are respected and enforced. On another note, I would add that the growing risk of further confrontations between Israel and Iran in Syria should not be overlooked.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8475 (2019) · source
“That involvement, of course, clearly extends beyond the military sphere to a range of other spheres as well. That brings me to my fifth point - the need to focus on improving international dialogue and cooperation. Some challenges must be addressed urgently. Otherwise, Syria will be engulfed in renewed escalations that would have immense human costs, derail any progress on the political front and risk regional spillover. Intensive diplomacy is under way, but even more is needed regarding the situation in the north-east. The way forward must - to paraphrase the Secretary- General - ensure the unity and territorial integrity of Syria and take into account the security concerns of neighbouring States, while recognizing and giving voice to different components of Syria's population.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8475 (2019) · source
“I also believe that it is now well understood that a package of understandings is needed to ensure that the Syrian Government and opposition are on board on essential principles of procedure to guide the work of the constitutional committee. It is my hope we will be able to finalize the rules of procedure and the composition of the committee in the near future. I will do everything possible to facilitate its credible composition, including a minimum 30 per cent female representation. As we focus on developing a real Syrian-led process, we must all acknowledge that external intervention has been a significant factor in the conflict. Five national armies operate across Syria's land and airspace, in tension or even conflict, generating daily risks of international escalation.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8475 (2019) · source
“Its members have already been in touch to convey that there will be no sustainable peace in Syria unless all Syrians are included in shaping the future of their country. I look forward to hearing their views on how to advance the women's rights agenda and strengthen the meaningful participation of women in the political process. That brings me to my fourth point. As I have deepened the dialogue with the parties, I have sensed broad acceptance of the notion that convening a credible, balanced, inclusive and viable Syrian-led and -owned constitutional committee, under United Nations auspices in Geneva, can be important for revitalizing the political process. It can open doors to deeper dialogue and genuine negotiations.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8475 (2019) · source
“Engaging Syrians from different walks oflife reminds me ofwhat is at stake for civilians in this conflict. It reminds me of Syrians' resilience in responding to the overwhelming needs generated by this conflict and of their stake in the political process. Over the past two months, my team has consulted with more than 200 Syrian civil society actors inside Syria and in the diaspora. I have been carefully studying the insights and reflections of those Syrians to inform my thinking, and I remain committed to ensuring that a broad spectrum of Syrian civic actors are heard and included in our efforts to promote sustainable peace. Next week, the Syrian Women's Advisory Board will be in Geneva.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8475 (2019) · source
“This was the second release operation conducted by the Russian Federation and Turkey within the framework of the Working Group on the release of detainees/abductees and handover of the bodies as well as the identification of missing persons. At the same time, we need to scale up and prioritize action on that issue, which is of immense humanitarian importance and is also an essential part of building confidence. We are intensively engaging on that issue with the parties and in key capitals. We are eager to see more meaningful progress unlocked in the period ahead, and we are in concrete discussions on how to do so. Thirdly, the full spectrum of the Syrianpeople -not just the formal parties - needs to be engaged and involved in the effort to build confidence and trust, and search for peace.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8475 (2019) · source
“Socioeconomic challenges are acute, with major challenges in service delivery, including gas shortages. After eight years of war, Syrian society has undergone a profound transformation that has also dramatically impacted Syrian women. Many have assumed new responsibilities as the primary breadwinners of their families. Others have faced increased forms of violence specifically targeting women. Syrians - men, women and children - are suffering enormously. Part of my mandate is to try to find ways to address that issue. Syria remains volatile for those who remain in the country and for those who wish to return. Secondly, I was encouraged by the recent release of 42 detainees/abductees.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8475 (2019) · source
“Council members know the figures: 5.6 million refugees, 6.6 million internally displaced persons, 80 per cent of Syrians living below the poverty line, and half of the population unemployed. Some 11.7 million Syrians need humanitarian assistance. I was pleased that, with the engagement of the United States and Russian Chairs of the International Syria Support Group and the facilitation of the Syrian Government, we recently saw the largest, single humanitarian convoy of the conflict reach 40,000 internally displaced persons in Rukban. Let me emphasize that the United Nations stands ready to support a durable solution for the people of Rukban - one that abides by core protection standards and that must be coordinated with all relevant partners.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8475 (2019) · source
“I welcome the readiness of the parties to engage with me in this regard. And I look forward to returning to Damascus in a few weeks and to seeing the Syrian Negotiation Commission again after that. It is not for me here to prejudge what can be built in a deeper dialogue. But I believe that there is a shared sense that battlefield developments might be Winding down. Nevertheless, the conflict is far from over. And the challenges of winning the peace are staggering in scale and complexity. Large tracts of territory remain outside of Government hands. The Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant is nearly defeated territorially but experience suggests that it can re-emerge. Syrians yearn to see the issue of detainees, abductees and missing persons meaningfully addressed. Around half of Syria's pre-war population has been displaced.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8475 (2019) · source
“President, we are not starting from scratch - that we have 12 living principles developed by the Syrians in Geneva and affirmed in Sochi, and baskets that have formed an agreed agenda of intra-Syrian talks under United Nations facilitation. But beyond that, let me share five core thoughts with Council members on the way ahead. First, it is essential for me as a United Nations mediator and facilitator to have a direct and effective engagement with the Government of Syria, and, of course, the opposition. This is needed to build confidence and trust and to develop sustained dialogue with the parties. It is needed to bring the Syrians to a real negotiation under United Nations auspices to end the devastating conflict in the country and to make a new beginning so that Syrians can together win the peace - a peace for all Syrians.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8475 (2019) · source
“They affirmed their readiness for a sustained dialogue on the basis of resolution 2254 (2015) towards a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process under United Nations facilitation. I have also appreciated the frank, practical and constructive engagements with all international stakeholders, including visits to Moscow, Cairo, Ankara, Tehran, Paris, Berlin and Brussels, and meetings with senior officials of key countries in Geneva, at Davos, and recently in Munich. I will be in Washington, DC, on Tuesday, and other capitals in due course, including London, Beirut, Amman and Beijing. I have recalled to all my interlocutors - and I remind you, Mr.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8475 (2019) · source
“Last week, Deputy Special Envoy Ramzy returned to Damascus and held good discussions with Deputy Foreign Minister Mekdad, reaffirming an agreement to keep up a sustained dialogue on peace in Syria, on the basis ofresolution 2254 (2015), with the aim ofbuilding confidence and a view towards a Syrian-led and Syrian- owned and United Nations-facilitated political process. I visited the Syrian Negotiation Commission, led by Coordinator Naser Al-Hariri, at its office in Riyadh and met with all components. I greatly appreciated their positive response to my message and their commitment to engaging and seeking dialogue and negotiations towards implementing resolution 2254 (2015). My senior advisers had follow-up discussions with them a few days ago.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8475 (2019) · source
“These are the means by which the Syrians, and no one else, should determine their future. It speaks of safe and voluntary refugee returns and of reconstruction, which are issues that present themselves on a major scale and require serious discussion. In short, resolution 2254 (2015) takes a comprehensive View of the issues that need to be addressed to end the conflict and bring stability and genuine peace. My first and most important priority has been to engage with the Syrian Government and the Syrian Negotiation Commission and seek their views and cooperation. In Damascus, I was received very well by Foreign Minister Al-Moualem. He responded positively to my core message, expressed interest in the success of my mission and welcomed my intention to return.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8475 (2019) · source
“The resolution begins by respecting the sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity of Syria and provides a road map for a truly Syrian-led and Syrian- owned political process, which is key, because I am convinced that a real peace process in Syria needs to be owned by the Syrians, including over half the population - Syrian women - for it to be sustainable. Resolution 2254 (2015) demands compliance with international law, stresses protection of civilians and unfettered humanitarian access, cessation of hostilities, addressing terrorism, implementing confidence-building measures, and releasing detainees and abductees. All of these are vital if we are to see Syrians moving out of conflict. It further addresses the issues of governance, a constitutional process and United Nations-supervised elections.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8475 (2019) · source
“But I can promise the Security Council that I will work impartially and diligently to discharge the mandate given in resolution 2254 (2015) to facilitate the political process. To achieve that end, the cooperation of all Syrian and international parties will be required. It will require the readiness of everyone to deal seriously with the realities of the conflict and work together to move things step by step in a positive direction. In my initial engagements, I have reminded all parties that resolution 2254 (2015) contains all the elements required for a political solution.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8475 (2019) · source
“Mr. Pedersen: It is a pleasure to see so many old friends around the table. I am also looking forward to developing new friendships. It is a real honour for me to be here. It is also an honour for me to brief the Security Council for the first time in my capacity as the Special Envoy for Syria some eight weeks into my mandate. I have taken up this task with all humility, conscious of the profound grief and suffering of the Syrian people everywhere. I am also aware of the need to end this conflict for the sake of Syria, the region and the world. I know Council members all understand the scale and difficulty of my task. It is not for lack of talent that my predecessors did not achieve more, and it will, of course, not be possible to satisfy every party on every issue.”
2019-02-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8475 (2019) · source
“The Nordic countries are active in the broader partnership. We have contributed financially to the Secretariat's work on resolution 1540 (2004). At the latest Nuclear Security Summit, held in Washington, DC, in 2016, individual Nordic countries made national pledges, such as working towards minimizing the use of highly enriched uranium in the civilian sector and enhancing the nuclear-detection architecture. We are also engaged in long-standing technical cooperation with several countries on both nuclear safety and nuclear security. Other examples of relevant cooperation projects include the training of chemists from developing countries and assisting States in building their capacity to prevent and counter biological threats. Resolution 1540 (2004) is clearly a key component of the international security architecture.”
2017-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7985 (2017) · source
“We need to do more to ensure that domestic legislation and enforcement measures are adequate for addressing the current challenges. That is primarily a national responsibility, but the Nordic countries recognize the need for international support and assistance, and we provide such support in various ways. Since its adoption by the Security Council, resolution 1540 (2004) has become more firmly anchored within the United Nations system and is complemented by work under relevant multilateral treaties. Such extensive ownership is crucial, since no nation is immune to WMD terrorism. Over the past decade, a broader international architecture of initiatives and partnerships has emerged to fight WMD terrorism. It is of the greatest importance that all such efforts be mutually supportive.”
2017-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7985 (2017) · source
“It is therefore important that we continuously update our tool box for combating WMD terrorism. That must be an important task for the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004), as well as for the Council itself during its regular deliberations on WMD-related issues. States that have the necessary legislation and enforcement measures in place are better placed to benefit from ongoing technological advances. Hence, the full implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) also contributes to social and economic progress. The comprehensive review of resolution 1540 (2004), undertaken last year, showed that considerable progress has been made in both the outreach and the implementation of the resolution. Initial reporting from Member States has clearly improved, but progress has been uneven.”
2017-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7985 (2017) · source
“Hence, we agree with the President's view that the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) is a long-term task. It requires the continued vigilance and active participation of all relevant stakeholders, such as States Members of the United Nations, relevant international and regional organizations, the private sector and other civil-society partners. Our efforts must be dynamic. New threats are emerging, such as cyberthreats relating to weapons of mass destruction. The biological and chemical sectors require more attention, as significant gaps remain there as well. It is crucial that we take into account the rapid pace of technological development. Technological advances may, on the one hand, facilitate our efforts to implement resolution 1540 (2004), but new technologies may also lead to new threats.”
2017-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7985 (2017) · source
“I have the privilege of speaking on behalf of the Nordic countries, namely, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Sweden and my own country, Norway. Security Council resolution 1540 (2004) and subsequent resolutions, such as resolution 2325 (2016), supplement agreements on disarmament and on the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD). It fills a critical gap in terms of preventing non-State actors, notably terrorist groups, from developing, acquiring, manufacturing, possessing, transporting, transferring or using nuclear, chemical or biological weapons and their means of delivery. The resolution's continued relevance is underscored by recent reports of use of chemical weapons in Iraq and Syria. Efforts to prevent non-State actors, including terrorists, from acquiring and using weapons of mass destruction is an ongoing process.”
2017-06-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7985 (2017) · source
“We must actively involve women in political and economic decision-making. Women and men must be heard and respected equally. Seventh and finally, we must address the root causes of conflict, violent extremism and terrorism. That entails ensuring respect for human rights, upholding the rule of law and striving for sustainable development and socioeconomic opportunities without discrimination of any groups.”
2017-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7951 (2017) · source
“Fourth, we must meet the humanitarian challenges posed by the historically high number of irregular migrants, refugees and internally displaced persons. Our humanitarian response must be effective, efficient and fully able to meet urgent humanitarian needs and promote sustainable solutions. Fifth, States must fulfil their responsibility to protect children from armed conflict and take action to address violations and abuses. That includes protecting the right to education and schools from attacks. Our children deserve the right to pursue a better future through education, even when their grown-ups cannot make peace. We urge all States to join the Safe Schools Declaration, now endorsed by 65 Member States. Sixth, we must recognize that gender equality and women's participation are critical to peaceful societies.”
2017-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7951 (2017) · source
“We share the concern of the Secretary-General and call on State and non-State parties to armed conflicts to prevent civilian harm resulting from the use of wide-area explosive weapons in populated areas. Second, we must ensure that those who violate international law are held accountable. If States are unwilling or unable to prosecute such crimes, they must be referred to the International Criminal Court. Third, parties to a conflict must allow and facilitate the rapid and unimpeded passage ofhumanitarian relief. The international community must unequivocally condemn and take effective measures against attacks on health care personnel and facilities. The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement Health Care in Danger initiative should be universally supported.”
2017-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7951 (2017) · source
“International law protects the delivery of humanitarian aid; providing medical care, it mandates the protection of refugees, displaced persons and migrants and protects civilians from harm. Compliance with international law is therefore paramount. We remain committed to the joint initiative on the part of Switzerland and the International Committee of the Red Cross on strengthening compliance with international humanitarian law. We must enhance respect for international law by the parties to armed conflict. This requires that we understand the changing nature of conflict. Armed conflicts are increasingly being fought in urban areas with devastating consequences for civilians.”
2017-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7951 (2017) · source
“States are responsible for implementing resolution 2286 (2016). That requires putting in place the requisite legal and operational measures. The Nordic countries are committed to the Secretary-General's recommendations on implementing resolution 2286 (2016). We call on all Member States to do the same. Attacks against medical personal must be understood as part of a broader trend where civilians increasingly are subjected to attacks in armed conflict and that becomes a tactic of war. Our common resolve to confront such acts must be unequivocal. There are no simple solutions. Our response must be carefully calibrated and effective. Let me emphasize seven points of particular importance. First, we must ensure full respect for international law, especially humanitarian law, human rights law and refugee law.”
2017-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7951 (2017) · source
“I am delivering this statement on behalf of the Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Sweden and my own country, Norway. I will not read out the full statement. As highlighted in the Secretary-General's report (S/2017/4l4), recent armed conflicts have seen State and non-State armed groups defying international law by directly targeting civilians and civilian objects. That has led to indescribable acts of violence and brutality and caused human suffering and carnage on an unprecedented scale. The backdrop for our current debate is the one-year anniversary of the Security Council's adoption of resolution 2286 (2016) on health care in armed conflict. The resolution sent a resounding message. The wounded and sick, medical and humanitarian personnel, as well as hospitals and other medical facilities, must be respected and protected.”
2017-05-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7951 (2017) · source
“In cooperation with key partners, Norway recently started to develop a handbook for military staff in United Nations operations on preventing and responding to sexual violence in conflict. We thank the Secretary-General for his leadership in working to ensure that the zero- tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse in United Nations peacekeeping operations, and we hope it will become a reality. The Nordic network of women mediators is evolving, and more such networks are forming. We must draw on their experience and competence. The need for gender competence and inter-regional exchange is growing as people are on the move and facing new vulnerabilities as they seek new opportunities. It should spur us all to act more strategically and forcefully.”
2017-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7938 (2017) · source
“Female peacekeepers play an especially crucial role, and increasing the number of women serving in peace operations is therefore also vital from that perspective. We deploy many women police and are striving to increase the number of women in our military contingents, because we want the best, irrespective of gender. A diverse team delivers better. We train our military and police personnel before deployment and in-mission on sexual and gender-based violence, and support the African Union and African countries in their efforts in this area. The Nordic Centre for Gender in Military Operations is a resource, as is Sweden's handbook for gender mainstreaming in operations.”
2017-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7938 (2017) · source
“States have a primary duty to prevent, investigate and prosecute sexual violence. We value the work of the United Nations Team of Experts on the Rule of Law and Sexual Violence in Conflict and the unique capacity of Justice Rapid Response, in cooperation with UN-Women, which provide the needed expertise for investigating sexual and gender-based violence. We support the Call to Action on Protection from Gender-based Violence in Emergencies, led by Sweden, and appreciate the work of civil society, which remains key. Also, United Nations peacekeeping operations must have the capacity to prevent and respond to conflict-related sexual violence and other human rights violations in communities where they operate.”
2017-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7938 (2017) · source
“It destroys the future, as well as the present, for many more than those directly affected. That fact should serve to mobilize our whole peace and security architecture. If we are serious about sustaining peace, we must ensure that prevention is not just a priority but the main priority. And when we have been unable to prevent abuse, our approach must be focused on those who have suffered the crime. We must fight the stigma, investigate and prosecute. Our response to conflict-related sexual violence must be firm and all-encompassing. Impunity is unacceptable, and perpetrators must be held accountable. The International Criminal Court plays a central role at the international level in the fight against impunity, but the capacities of national authorities must also be strengthened.”
2017-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7938 (2017) · source
“I am delivering this statement on behalf of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Sweden and my own country, Norway. The persisting impunity for perpetrators of sexual violence is intolerable. The numbing stigma must be dealt with. When people flee to safety, we should make it our priority to ensure that they are not exposed to new abuse. The problem of sexual violence must be addressed in ceasefire agreements. It must be on the table in peace negotiations, part of our analysis in humanitarian efforts and at the forefront in our peacekeeping operations. We must deal with inconsistencies. Rape is often treated as a burden that the woman must bear by herself, while a gun wound is a matter of national security. Yet sexual violence undermines the societies that we are striving to stabilize and rebuild.”
2017-05-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7938 (2017) · source
“The Nordic countries will continue to promote the effective participation of women and the agenda on women and peace and security wherever there are discussions of peace and security. We urge the Council to work to ensure that gender equality and women's rights are an integral part of its work, as they increase legitimacy and the possibilities for lasting peace.”
2017-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7886 (2017) · source
“The resumption of the 5-1-2 negotiations on Transnistria has demonstrated the value of an OSCE-led small- steps approach. In the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, the international community intervened successfully to assist national authorities after an early warning from the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities, which probably prevented a wider conflict. An ounce of prevention was worth a pound of cure. In Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina, the active presence of the United Nations, the EU, the OSCE, NATO and others has provided security and facilitated reconciliation between peoples. Regional cooperation is the key to development and prosperity.”
2017-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7886 (2017) · source
“In many conflicts, multilateral organizations are hindered from fulfilling their role. In Abkhazia, the United Nations Observer Mission in Georgia was terminated, and other institutions have not been allowed meaningful access. The Geneva international discussions must continue, and the Security Council resolutions on Nagorno Karabakh must be implemented. The United Nations has been directly engaged in Cyprus from the start of the conflict. The Secretary- General's good offices and patient support have now produced real prospects for genuine progress. We commend him for his focus on diplomacy for peace. We remain convinced that when allowed to fulfil its mandate, the Security Council can play an important role in conflict prevention and in upholding a rule-based international order. The OSCE is also playing a unique role in Moldova.”
2017-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7886 (2017) · source
“Apart from the unique role played by the OSCE and the support provided by the European Union, international efforts have not been sufficient. We call on the Security Council, the Secretary-General and the whole United Nations to assess what more can be done to restore security and respect for Ukraine's sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. We must see concrete steps taken to implement the Minsk agreements. We commend and fully support the Normandy format efforts. Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity have been severely compromised, in breach of the Charter of the United Nations. We call for access for international human rights mechanisms to Georgia's breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.”
2017-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7886 (2017) · source
“A robust, comprehensive and inclusive security architecture with the European Union (EU), the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), NATO and the Council of Europe has ensured peace in most of Europe since the close of the Second World War. The United Nations must cooperate closely with all those partners in order to address ongoing conflicts and prevent future ones. However, Europe is now facing serious challenges and attempts to undermine that rule-based order. Russia's aggression against Ukraine, as demonstrated in its ongoing violations of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity and illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol, constitutes a clear violation of international law.”
2017-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7886 (2017) · source
“I would first like to express my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and colleagues at the Russian Mission on the passing of Ambassador Vitaly Churkin. Ambassador Churkin was a highly respected colleague who sought to find solutions through compromise and great diplomatic skill. I always appreciated our conversations. We have lost an extraordinary diplomat and friend. May he rest in peace. I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Sweden and my own country, Norway. Europe has seen much conflict but also groundbreaking cooperation.”
2017-02-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7886 (2017) · source
“It provides an important framework in which to resume the United Nations-led negotiations in Geneva on 8 February. Resolutions 2254 (2015), 2268 (2016) and 2336 (2016) must be fully implemented. It is time to get back to work and agree on a peaceful future for Syria.”
2017-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7863 (2017) · source
“It is also critical for delivering basic public services, such as water and energy, to the Palestinian people. With regard to Syria, all sides should grasp 2017 as an opportunity to find a way out of the destructive cycle of escalation and counter-escalation. The conflict has already resulted in an economic loss of $275 billion, and the estimated cost needed to reconstruct Syria is a daunting $180 to $200 billion. The reconstruction of Syria is intricately linked to the ceasefire and political negotiations. We are therefore pleased that the ceasefire is holding, thereby ensuring somewhat improved humanitarian access. But the numerous alleged Violations are of great concern. We hope that the Astana meeting will focus on securing a lasting ceasefire to further reduce violence. The ceasefire is also important for confidence-building.”
2017-01-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7863 (2017) · source