YouSaid · the spoken record

Perceval

lines on the record: 1,097
first: 2012-11-26
most recent: 2015-04-15
sittings or episodes: 125
sources: un-security-council

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“All genocide raises the most important of questions: where lies the ever-present, dark abyss of humankind, wherein the roots of our own society are found? At the same time, we know that all human tragedy is, collectively and individually, an impetus for a new beginning. Rwanda knows that, as do we peoples who have suffered genocide, State terrorism, massacres and mass killings. We know that tragedy means a new beginning. It demands one. It is an opportunity to think anew about what it means for us to build a society. We know that transitions are not easy or the same, nor do we undergo them in the same way. Here, too, one cannot impose on a people that it build memory in a single way. One question leads to another and it seems there are no definitive answers. Like victims, memory is unique. Memory is creative.”
2014-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7155 (2014) · source
“We do so when, as in this case, we have no doubt that the international community must set aside its feint-heartedness to raise its voice in the certainty that only memory, truth, justice and reparations will prevent the repetition of massive crimes of atrocity such as the genocide that took place in Rwanda in 1994 - and not just in Rwanda, but throughout the entire world. We do so when not doing so would run counter to the legal and moral imperative we have as Members of the Organization and of the Security Council, but especially as men and women who share a common humanity. In the face of the horror he faced, an Argentine thinker said that genocide was the context in which, with dark and monstrous evidence, one could see the absolute evil that naked power was able to do to other human beings.”
2014-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7155 (2014) · source
“Mrs. Perceval (Argentina) (spoke in Spanish): First of all, Madam President, I would like to convey the solidarity of the people and the Government of Argentina to the people and the Government of your country, Nigeria. Humankind has no right to suffer. Argentina does not sponsor draft resolutions for reasons of technical or timely factors that may or may not be present in a given draft resolution. As in this case, we do so when the goal of the draft resolution entails reaffirming the absolute validity and unquestionable force of the purposes and principles of the United Nations, in particular the promotion and protection of human rights and the individual freedoms of all without distinction of any sort. We also do so because that is State policy in our country.”
2014-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7155 (2014) · source
“We reiterate that the international community should concentrate its efforts on establishing dialogue. We stress that Ukrainians must have a democratic and peaceful outcome to the situation.”
2014-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7154 (2014) · source
“Maximal self-restraint must be shown, and constructive dialogue sought and established on an urgent basis in order to de-escalate the situation and address the parties' differences. In conclusion, Argentina will continue to promote dialogue and a peaceful settlement of the crisis. It is essential to step up efforts to create the conditions necessary for urgent dialogue to begin so that solutions can be found to the parties' differences and the interests of all minorities are taken into account. The multilateral meeting among the United States, the Russian Federation and the European Union that is planned for Thursday, 17 April will present an opportunity to do so. We hope that those main actors will be able to achieve the agreement necessary.”
2014-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7154 (2014) · source
“The delegation of Argentina reiterates that it is essential that we adhere to the principles that we subscribe to as Members of the United Nations. In particular, we must remember our commitment to non-interference in the internal affairs of States, whether militarily, politically or economically. In that respect, we believe that the action of any State or international organization must duly respect Ukraine's handling of its own affairs. As we have expressed on several occasions, the situation will not be resolved through any kind of unilateral action. It is crucial that the use of force be avoided. We join the Secretary- General today in calling on all parties to endeavour to bring calm to the situation.”
2014-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7154 (2014) · source
“Mrs. Perceval (Argentina) (spoke in Spanish): I, too, would like to thank Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs Oscar Fernandez-Taranco for his briefing on the developments in Ukraine and on the involvement of the United Nations. I also welcome the presence of the Permanent Representative of Ukraine at this meeting. Argentina continues to follow the situation with concern, in particular in the east of Ukraine. Undoubtedly, the situation has deteriorated, with further tensions and violence, and we cannot remain indifferent to that. We are deeply concerned that the tension and violence may continue and indeed worsen. We are also concerned about the consequences for Ukraine and the region.”
2014-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7154 (2014) · source
“We agree with the Secretary-General that the assistance of international partners is still needed, and we reiterate his call to shore up the funding for the poverty-reduction strategy in Sierra Leone, the Agenda for Prosperity for 2013-2018. Congratulations are also in order for the work that has been carried out by the Peacebuilding Commission and for Executive Representative Toyberg-Frandzen. We fully endorse the draft presidential statement before us.”
2014-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7148 (2014) · source
“We celebrate the successful handing over of power from UNIPSIL to the United Nations country team, according to the plan established for the transition. In conclusion, I wish to mark this noteworthy and exemplary moment. It reflects a key part of the success of the mission. The capacity that has been developed by UNIPSIL to break the vicious cycle fear in society and uncertainty among people that we have seen when most mandates of United Nations missions come to an end is praiseworthy. I wish to emphatically recognize how UNIPSIL approached the issue of finding work for local staff so as to ensure that it was able to ensure jobs for half of its local staff. We again thank the United Nations country team for its assistance to the Government in very different areas.”
2014-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7148 (2014) · source
“Sustained economic growth, the proper use of natural resources and the establishment of conditions conducive to investment will undoubtedly lead to the creation of decent jobs and reducing poverty, improvements in health and education, and inclusive conditions for the people of Sierra Leone. We know that those are Sierra Leone's challenges, but they are also challenges in our own countries and as members of the international community. In conclusion, we believe that it is critical that the ongoing distrust among the most important political parties be overcome. While we recognize that the electoral cycles are coming to an end, we welcome the initiative of President Koroma to meet with the leaders of the political parties that are legally registered.”
2014-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7148 (2014) · source
“The law on human rights that has been passed with the aim of ensuring the equality of women and gender equality, preventing, eradicating and punishing violence against women, and strengthening their political participation, in addition to other laws that the Parliament has approved with regard to the rights of the child and persons with disabilities, are also encouraging. We know that the Government will and must continue along the path of ensuring the rule of law, strengthening security institutions and taking measures, as other colleagues have said, to resolve the high level of youth unemployment.”
2014-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7148 (2014) · source
“Due attention should be paid and particular focus given to the monitoring and promotion of respect for human rights and the rule of law, the fight against poverty and inequality, implementing the corresponding reforms to ensure good governance, the eradication of corruption, support for the work ofthe Peacebuilding Commission, and inclusive dialogue between the political parties and various social partners. Those are key in order to consolidate the achievements made. It is very encouraging to know that, according to the report of the Secretary-General (S/2014/192), 70 per cent of the 1,800 cases that were submitted to the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone for consideration since it was established seven years ago have been resolved.”
2014-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7148 (2014) · source
“That is essential in order to ensure that the people are once again able to trust their democratic Government institutions. In that regard, we welcome the recent announcement of the Government of Sierra Leone of its intention to strengthen the Anti-Corruption Commission. We know that corruption endangers fundamental rights, exacerbates marginalization, perpetuates poverty and affects the most vulnerable groups. The people and Government of Sierra Leone know that they must continue to fight the deep-seated causes that led to internal fighting and civil war for so many years. In that regard, the support of the international community and the cooperation of the United Nations, working shoulder to shoulder with the Government and people of Sierra Leone to help them to meet their national goals, are indispensable.”
2014-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7148 (2014) · source
“Its political leaders and its society are clearly aware that economic growth alone will not be sufficient, but that the best ideas and innovative practices must be implemented in order to guarantee a more inclusive, free and egalitarian society. Without a doubt, the situation has turned around and we hope that the Government of President Koroma and whoever follows him will continue along that path, which begins with the closure of UNIPSIL. We know that the challenges have to be dealt with in a timely and responsible manner in order to move forward. In that respect, efforts must be multiplied to overcome problems related to corruption, an evil that remains to be overcome with political decisiveness and efficient mechanisms to ensure transparency, accountability and the active control of society.”
2014-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7148 (2014) · source
“That is why today, as we close the door on a very sensitive and painful stage in the development of the country, characterized by recurring human rights violations and a serious humanitarian situation in which pain and suffering became routine, a promising horizon is emerging in Sierra Leone. Of course, there will be difficulties; we all have them. But at the same time, they will be peacefully addressed and resolved because Sierra Leone has managed to rebuild the rule of law. It has a Constitution and democratic institutions. It has been able to achieve peace within its borders, and it enjoys an extremely promising economic situation with a predicted growth rate for 2014 of 14 per cent of the gross domestic product.”
2014-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7148 (2014) · source
“Sierra Leone is a clear example of the fact that human beings and communities are not condemned to failure and that it is always possible to pick oneself up from the worst tragedies and most difficult situations, such as civil war, which for 10 years led to deaths, the displacement of hundreds of thousands of persons and refugees, and the deploymen of 17,000 United Nations peacekeeping troops in that country. Clearly this did not come about by pure magic. What has happened has come about because of the resolve and perseverance of the people of Sierra Leone and the cooperation of the United Nations and the countries of the region.”
2014-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7148 (2014) · source
“Mrs. Perceval (Argentina) (spoke in Spanish): First of all, I would like to welcome the presence of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sierra Leone, Mr. Kamara, and Mr. Jens Anders Toyberg-Frandzen, Executive Representative of the Secretary-General for the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Sierra Leone (UNIPSIL). We are also grateful for the briefing by the Chair of the Sierra Leone configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission, Ambassador Guillermo Rishchynski.”
2014-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7148 (2014) · source
“With that passion for football and for democracy, I am sure that the United Nations and the Council will, when the time is right, neither remain forever nor withdraw too early but do so gradually, thereby showing that it is possible for a United Nations mission, working with the people and the Government of the country in question, to achieve its goals: democracy, human rights, security and peace - if it also achieves equality, all the better.”
2014-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7147 (2014) · source
“Clearly, progress has been made by the people of Haiti and MINUSTAH, and it should be recognized. It was a major challenge for the region. A peace force went to work in cooperation and solidarity with the people of Haiti. It was a group formed in solidarity by the peoples ofthe region. I believe that is one ofthe lessons learned. Not everything has been resolved. The strategy of the Mission was not to remain there forever, however. The shared plan was to go to help to stabilize the country and gradually withdraw, but also not prematurely. The earthquake and the health problems have without a doubt created difficulties for the Mission. However, we Latin Americans and Caribbeans share with the Haitian people two major passions: soccer and democracy. Haiti was the first democracy in Latin America.”
2014-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7147 (2014) · source
“With regard to popular demonstrations, we are seeing those throughout the world - in developed countries, in emerging countries, in countries in crisis, and in countries with stable institutions. These demonstrations are calling for economic and social rights and the right to education, so they do not have a special significance in Haiti. But what should be taken into account in Haiti is that legitimate demonstrations in which citizens call for the exercise of their rights must take place in a safe environment and settled democratically, and that the institutions of the rule of law must be respected. When I was a national senator in 2005, after the Security Council adopted resolution 1542 (2004) establishing MINUSTAH, I accompanied our first troop contingent to Port-au-Prince and Gona'i'ves.”
2014-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7147 (2014) · source
“In our region of Latin America and the Caribbean, we know that when the possibility of progress is considered from the viewpoint of adjustments, we do not need to make adjustments; rather, we need to consolidate and continue to make progress in strengthening the institutions and the political and security context in Haiti. In conclusion, we are convinced that the future presence of the United Nations in Haiti must be based on a detailed assessment of the Mission's capacity and should be carefully planned after we have analysed the impact on the ground of any potential decision. We understand that any future debate on the Mission should enjoy the full participation of the Government, as it is essential to take into account the position of any country in which the United Nations is carrying out its activities.”
2014-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7147 (2014) · source
“The Secretary-General also highlights that work has continued to be done with the Government of Haiti to advance progress towards the four jointly agreed stabilization benchmarks outlined in the Mission's conditions-based consolidation plan. We are therefore grateful to the Secretary-General for his presentation of a series of options for the United Nations presence in Haiti as elements for the discussion on the future of the Mission, depending on conditions on the ground. We understand that it is important to consolidate the progress made in terms of security and stability and to avoid jeopardizing those achievements with hasty decisions that might be based solely on budgetary considerations.”
2014-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7147 (2014) · source
“Despite that, although we recognize that the incidence of cholera has been reduced in the past year, we are concerned that Haiti has the highest number of cholera cases in the world. We call on the United Nations and the international community to continue supporting the Government of Haiti in its fight against the epidemic. The Secretary-General's report recognizes that MINUSTAH has continued to assist the Haitian Government in ensuring a secure and stable environment, in addition to enabling the delivery of humanitarian assistance and preparing for disaster response, supporting the Haitian National Police and conducting the tasks that the Council has entrusted it with.”
2014-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7147 (2014) · source
“It is therefore a shared challenge to train the people who are in or will become part of the police force, as well as those in the justice system and the prison system. All public institutions must maintain a comprehensive and holistic View that incorporates a focus on human rights and gender equality. To that end, the democratic stabilization and sustainable human development must prioritize the economic, social, cultural and political independence of women and youth - an institutional cultural change that is needed in order to eradicate all forms ofviolence, not only in Haiti, but in Haiti as well. I would also like to underscore the progress made on the humanitarian front as 90 per cent of the population displaced by the earthquake of 2010 had left the camps by late 2013 as a result of the return and relocation programmes.”
2014-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7147 (2014) · source
“In particular, we are concerned by the situation in the area of sexual violence, violence against women and gender- based violence, and the response of the judiciary and the police to those cases. It is a fundamental issue in the context of the training of the Haitian National Police, among other institutions. We hope that the international community will continue to support Haiti in building the necessary capacity to ensure the appropriate investigation of all cases and the necessary assistance and follow-up for the victims. We also wish to underscore that this is not a new situation. Sexual violence, gender-based violence and violence against women are not new or exclusive to Haiti, but they also exist in Haiti.”
2014-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7147 (2014) · source
“In that regard, we wish to underscore the decision of the Port-au-Prince Court of Appeal ordering investigations into charges of crimes against humanity committed during Duvalier's presidency. We understand that this is an important step forward on the path towards justice, truth and reparation for the victims. We are also encouraged by the international accreditation on 4 December 2013 of the Haitian Office of the Ombudsperson as a national human rights institution by the International Coordinating Committee of National Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights, as well as the coming into force of the interministerial commission on human rights. At the same time, we understand that Haiti continues to face major challenges in that area.”
2014-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7147 (2014) · source
“We would also like to thank General Guerrero for his performance as Deputy Force Commander for the Mission over the recent years. On 14 March, we saw the conclusion of a historic agreement in Haiti that could have a significant impact on the institutional stability of Haiti and the strengthening of democracy. It was an agreement that was reached between Haitian men and women and coordinated by the women and men of Haiti. We welcome the expression of political will for the holding of legislative, municipal and local elections in 2014. We trust that MINUSTAH will provide the necessary support for the elections to be held this year, and that the holding of those elections will take place in a context of safety and security and be free, fair and transparent. We also note the progress of recent months in the area of human rights.”
2014-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7147 (2014) · source
“Mrs. Perceval (Argentina) (spoke in Spanish): I would like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Haiti, Ambassador Sandra Honore, for her briefing on the report of the Secretary- General on the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (S/2014/162). I would also like to recognize her work, her efforts and the results she is achieving as she contributes to strengthening dialogue and, through dialogue, Haiti's institutions. I would like to welcome the presence of the Permanent Representative of Haiti and his active delegation. We would also like to acknowledge the work of Lieutenant General Pujol as the head of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) and welcome Lieutenant General Jose Luiz J aborandy.”
2014-03-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7147 (2014) · source
“We stress the importance of entries being supported by sufficient data to allow Member States to properly identify them in applying sanctions. For that reason, we support the Chair's efforts to improve the quality of the Committee's list and, consequently, the sanctions' effectiveness.”
2014-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7146 (2014) · source
“In that regard, we believe that it is essential that Iran cooperate actively with the Agency on all pending issues, particularly with regard to the possible military dimensions of Iran's nuclear programme - on which there has not yet been significant concrete progress, according to the report - and that it comply with its obligations, including Security Council resolutions. With regard to the Committee's work, as Ambassador Quinlan indicated the sanctions imposed by the Security Council are still in effect and should be implemented by Member States. In that regard, I reiterate my delegation's concern with regard to the quality of the lists of persons and entities subject to sanctions developed by some Committees.”
2014-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7146 (2014) · source
“We are also pleased that the P5+l and Iran have requested the IAEA to carry out the nuclear energy- related monitoring and verification activities that are necessary in order to implement the joint action plan, and that the Board of Governors of the IAEA approved the Agency's carrying out ofthose tasks at its session in January. In that regard, we believe it important for the Agency to have the necessary capacity to carry out its work effectively. While we welcome the progress achieved in recent months in the negotiations, we have taken careful note of the Director General's conclusion that there is still much to be done to resolve pending issues.”
2014-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7146 (2014) · source
“Moreover, we believe that it is auspicious that the Agency and Iran have agreed to the next seven steps to be implemented before 15 May and that the report also recognizes that Iran has fulfilled its obligations with regard to the measures of the joint action plan agreed with the P5+l. As we said in the Council in December (see S/PV.7082) and in other forums, we understand that the agreement between the P5+1 and Iran reaffirms the value of diplomatic measures and represents a significant step forward in the area of Iran's nuclear programme. We therefore congratulate the Governments of the United States, Iran, France, China, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom and Germany on the entry into force of the agreement on 20 January.”
2014-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7146 (2014) · source
“Mrs. Perceval (Argentina) (spoke in Spanish): At the outset, I would like to thank Ambassador Quinlan for presenting the quarterly report on the work of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006) and for his dedicated and devoted leadership of the Committee. We have received the most recent report of the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), dated 20 February. In that regard, I would like to underscore that, according to the report, in the specified three-month period, Iran implemented the initial practical measures contained in the annex to the framework for cooperation with the IAEA.”
2014-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7146 (2014) · source
“We understand that this situation cannot be resolved by unilateral acts. We therefore stress that actions that complicate the situation and that lead us further away from a political and peaceful solution to the crisis must be avoided.”
2014-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7144 (2014) · source
“In that context, we urge that human rights and international humanitarian law be scrupulously observed and that the rights of all minorities - be they ethnic, linguistic, cultural or religious - be upheld. We are concerned about the past violence and the current violence - and the possibility that it might worsen. We regret that, despite repeated calls, the rhetoric of confrontation has not been abandoned in Ukraine. It is incumbent upon all of us to refrain from encouraging dissent or escalating confrontations that could become a threat to international peace and security. Indeed, it is the most influential actors who should be calling for constructive diplomacy. Finally, we support the mediation efforts that are being undertaken by various United Nations officials, as well as the good offices of the Secretary-General.”
2014-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7144 (2014) · source
“Therefore, in speaking in support of the draft resolution that was put to a vote on 15 March, I said that my country had sustained that principle throughout its history, even before the existence of the United Nations, and it will continue steadfastly to do so. Argentina does not comment on the internal developments in Ukraine that have led to the current institutional crisis in the country because we understand that all countries should refrain from intervening militarily, economically or politically in the internal affairs of other States and should adjust its actions so that they are in strict compliance to international law and the Charter of the United Nations.”
2014-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7144 (2014) · source
“Mrs. Perceval (Argentina) (spoke in Spanish): First of all, I wish to thank Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson and Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights Ivan Simonovie for their respective briefings. I also thank the Permanent Representative of Ukraine for his participation in today's meeting of the Security Council. Argentina is following with great concern the unfolding of the situation in Ukraine. The delegation of Argentina once again reiterates the fundamental importance of adhering to the principles that we have all subscribed to as Members of the United Nations. For Argentina, it is essential to respect the primacy of the principle of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and political independence of all States.”
2014-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7144 (2014) · source
“Turning to the issue of women, children and young people, my philosophy professor used to say that it is not enough simply to include women in the electoral process in order to build a democracy. Democratic elections in which women participate are not sufficient. Women should have the right to vote. However, there must also be economic, social and political gender- empowerment and ownership among women for them to truly participate freely and equally in decision-making processes. They can then once again raise Children who have seen their future destroyed, not without hope but as equal human beings.”
2014-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7143 (2014) · source
“We thank the Deputy Secretary-General for his assessment of the implementation of the priorities identified by the Council in 2012. I also thank Ms. Clark. She is aware of how much I respect her not only on a personal level but also owing to the fact that the United Nations Development Programme introduced the aspect of human development on the basis of lasting and sustainable economic, social, cultural and environmental development. The work of UNDP in post-conflict situations provides a time-based, cultural and strategic bridge for the alleviation of the urgent needs of hunger and poverty through humanitarian development assistance from a situation of desperation to the hope of building or rebuilding a country, from the fragmentation ofa country to its social cohesion. Those are of course enormous challenges.”
2014-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7143 (2014) · source
“How can we ensure that cultural, ethnic, gender-based, racial and religious diversity is not crushed and does not become a victim of uniformity? I think that, in our efforts for post-conflict peacebuilding, we need to work and provide assistance and cooperation to ensure that the social compacts that arise from the multifaceted identities of the various countries include, woven into their very structure, that which is non-negotiable, namely, respect for human rights. There should be a democratic debate on what is actually negotiable, that is, the diverse and pluralistic identity of a country. I am very grateful to you, Madam President, for the opportunity to hold this debate. We continue to support the principles that other colleagues have highlighted.”
2014-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7143 (2014) · source
“In the Council and in the Peacebuilding Commission, the United Nations Development Programme shows us that the local level and the national level have to be incorporated into the regional level, and the regional level into the international level. It is no longer possible to think in any other way, not simply because of the Internet, but because the world is interdependent. We are interconnected, and human rights have become universal. This is another area of tension that we are discussing today in the Council, and also in the Assembly. How can we ensure that universal human rights, which must be included in the very essence of building and rebuilding the rule of law in post-conflict societies, are not subject to opinion?”
2014-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7143 (2014) · source
“The paradox is that we have learned that and know it clearly, but the belief that man is a wolf to his fellow man and the hegemonic insistence that there is only one way forward persist, even in post-conflict societies, like a trap that we must seek to remove. I have allowed myself to reflect on those abstract ideas because this kind of meeting allows us to reflect on things. Often we make decisions as if we were firemen putting out fires. I think the Peacebuilding Commission has an enormous preventive role. The idea is to consolidate peace in order to prevent violence from resuming, hate from becoming entrenched and war from destroying. I would recall Mr. Brahimi's concept of the three circles when he told us how he saw the situation in Syria.”
2014-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7143 (2014) · source
“We in the Peacebuilding Commission and the Council need to ask ourselves which States need which kind of democracy, and which kind of democracy is needed for peace. We have also learned that building or rebuilding a State in the post-conflict stage cannot be based on a logic of power, on the idea that "man is a wolf to his fellow man" or on enduring conflict or dissent. We have also learned that, in a post-conflict society, authoritarianism, uniformity and a hegemonic belief that there is only one right way are not the path to lasting peace. We have learned that the path to lasting peace is through a democracy that is founded on deliberation, equality and liberty and a just and inclusive society, with full respect for human rights.”
2014-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7143 (2014) · source
“To allow that kind of belief to grow is not only illegitimate, ethically speaking, but it institutionally reproduces a mentality of dependence, which defines people and countries as beneficiaries of aid and at the same time prevents people and communities from becoming subjects of change, with rights and responsibilities that they have freely taken on in order to build or rebuild a social compact and lasting peace. In another refugee camp, a woman told us that for her, peace was a fleeting moment between two wars. That is the myth of eternal return. For her, it will always be that way - a fleeting instant between two wars. Our responsibility must be to overcome such a defeatist attitude, such a fatalistic stance. That is our responsibilty. I would like to note the important reports that we have received and read.”
2014-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7143 (2014) · source
“But in our Organization, we cannot work in post- conflict societies by looking in the rear-view mirror at a past that never existed. It is precisely the empowerment of members of society that enables them to remember the past, even painfully, in order to be able to face the difficulties of the present moment and meet its challenges, in order to build the future that they needed and deserve. Another myth that we encountered - again in a refugee camp, but in the Sudan - and that causes ethical tension for us, is when the presence of the United Nations or other international organizations on the ground gives rise to or permits a growing belief that the future of that community will be resolved through that presence and thanks to it, and that the possibility for those people to live in a happy society is in the hands of those saviours.”
2014-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7143 (2014) · source
“Being a member of the Security Council has enabled us to grasp, on the ground, the need to move away from the myths and fictions that could lead us down dead- end streets or into ineffective actions to achieve peace in post-conflict situations. One example of that, which Council members have certainly heard of, is the myth of a lost paradise. In a refugee camp in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, one often hears women say that in the past they were happy, but they lived well and were never victims of violence, and there were no problems in their communities. I think that is an idealization of a past that never existed. It can be understood as a way of grieving, and that is the way that we should understand it.”
2014-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7143 (2014) · source
“We have learned that, in our post-conflict peacebuilding efforts, it is our responsibility to begin any process of change with questions, and with the ability to listen and to watch. That will lead us to an understanding of who and what causes or motives led that specific society, at a specific point in time, to actually choose to destroy its prospects for the future. That has enabled us to understand that peacebuilding is a process that cannot be imposed or administered from the outside, but rather one that must arise from the capacities and hopes and interests of each society. National ownership of that process must take place in a progressive manner. That is not only the most respectful way of achieving our goals, but also a precondition for achieving true peace.”
2014-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7143 (2014) · source
“There are no universal approaches for working on a coordinated plan for peacebuilding, since a set of uniform practices might not adequately reflect, include or express the reality in a specific society. We all know of examples where post-conflict assistance policies have become, or been experienced as, an imposition, or have worked on the basis of a "remote control" approach in which certain generic programmes or actions are applicable, in the abstract, to any country in the world. We know that from experience; it is one of the lessons we have learned. Such cooperation is not really transformational, but rather is profoundly inefficient, as it is not sensitive to the concrete social, economic and cultural conditions in which it seeks to achieve lasting peace and sustainable development.”
2014-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7143 (2014) · source
“I say that because, as we have seen from our field visits with the Security Council, at the time peacebuilding work begins after a conflict, we have noted the existence of certain myths and fictions at the point of departure. We believe that post-conflict peacebuilding has to do with communities and "doing" - that is to say, that it must take place in a concrete context that involves power and social relations, where peace is no longer clear-cut or indisputable. Although we could begin our peacebuilding undertaking with uniform, universal approaches, we would be doing so in the dark and while ignoring the underlying causes and specific reasons that led a given society to conflict. That has been a lesson that we have learned.”
2014-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7143 (2014) · source
“The report also points out that such work requires developing efforts at humanitarian assistance, establishing or re-establishing the rule of law, drafting and implementing security and justice policies, promoting sustainable development and a rigorous, democratic policy for protecting, promoting and ensuring human rights. No doubt, that continues to be an existing challenge. Having had an opportunity to serve as a non-permanent member of the Security Council and to actively participate in the Peacebuilding Commission makes it possible for us to reflect upon profound and valuable experiences. The first that I would like to share with you, Madam, President, and with my colleagues has to do with the value of peace, which can be evaluated on the basis of its relationship with the persistence ofinequality, violence and oppression.”
2014-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7143 (2014) · source