YouSaid · the spoken record

Petersen

lines on the record: 123
first: 2001-11-12
most recent: 2017-10-31
sittings or episodes: 14
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

“Sixthly and finally, but perhaps most urgently, we need to ensure that traumatized children and children affected by radicalization receive the attention they need. We need to tailor specific programmes for the reintegration of such children into society, including psychosocial support. We must ensure that children are protected and treated as children and in accordance with juvenile justice systems.”
2017-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8082 (2017) · source
“We need to identify and stop online radicalizers who target our Children and our youth. Fourthly, we must ensure a comprehensive and balanced implementation of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. More emphasis on eliminating conditions conducive to terrorism and on the respect for human rights and the rule of law is necessary, as are efforts across the United Nations system to ensure the prevention of violent extremism. Fifthly, child protection concerns must be included in all efforts to end conflicts. That includes United Nations missions, where training in child protection for civilian and military personnel should be a key priority. The role of child-protection advisors must be protected.”
2017-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8082 (2017) · source
“First, we need to strengthen our efforts to provide high-quality education to children in times of conflict. Access to safe schools and education is a human right and a precondition for development. We need to provide children with the tools necessary to develop critical thinking, a vital part of preventing radicalization and violent extremism. Secondly, it is imperative that we share best practices and increase cooperation on all levels. We must support and learn from non-governmental stakeholders, such as civil society, women's organizations, youth organizations, scholars and practitioners, in order to adapt to new challenges. Thirdly, we need to work together with private entities, establish good global solutions to prevent the proliferation of online propaganda material and the recruitment of children to engage in violent extremism.”
2017-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8082 (2017) · source
“We need to address all forms of violent extremism through a variety of preventive and long-term international, national and local measures. Let me stress that such measures must always be in conformity with applicable international law, including human rights law and rule of law principles. Jordan and Norway recently launched the Group of Friends of Preventing Violent Extremism, which is now active in the United Nations. The aim of the Group is to seek balanced implementation of the four pillars of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, with appropriate attention to all of its pillars. That initiative has the full support and participation of the Nordic countries. On behalf of the Nordic Countries, please allow me to emphasize six challenges facing the international community in addressing this issue.”
2017-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8082 (2017) · source
“We note that some military responses against non-State armed groups perpetrating violent extremism have raised challenges with regard to the protection of children. In some cases, State-allied militia and vigilante groups have been mobilized and used children in support roles or even as combatants. When responding to violent extremism, Member States should ensure that their rules of engagement take into account that children may be living in areas under the control of armed groups or may be used on the front lines following their abduction or recruitment. We need to deal with this problem urgently. We need a long-term perspective to prevent more children from being recruited and used by non-State armed groups, including violent extremist groups.”
2017-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8082 (2017) · source
“At the same time, we must not forget the children who travel to and return from conflicts with their families, in addition to children born in the context of conflict. Preventing and combating the radicalization of children is an issue that concerns us all. Although the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant is now losing territory, the threat of that group's ideology and propaganda remains. As part of the aftermath, we will continue to face a new generation born in conflict or radicalized. That is only one example, and it raises a number of challenges that we need to address. We know that kinship, forced recruitment, slavery, lack of education, and online and offline propaganda are all important explanatory factors for radicalization and violent extremism.”
2017-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8082 (2017) · source
“I have the honour of making this statement on behalf of the Nordic countries: Finland, Iceland, Sweden, Norway and my own country, Denmark. First, let me reiterate the full support of the Nordic countries for the 2007 Paris Commitments and Paris Principles and express the appreciation of our countries for the report of the Secretary-General on children and armed conflict (S/2017/821) and the statement made by the Special Representative, Ms. Gamba, this morning. The Nordic countries strongly condemn the recruitment and use of children by any party to conflict. Non-State armed groups, including violent extremist groups, use children to perpetrate acts of violence. All children associated with armed forces or armed groups must be considered primarily as victims.”
2017-10-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8082 (2017) · source
“The Nordic countries are supporters of the efforts of the AU in that regard. We welcome a strengthening the peace and security architecture of the AU and we hope it will bring greater coherence and high-level focus to such important issues.”
2017-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8006Reprise1 (2017) · source
“Accountability and inclusive peace processes lead to better and more sustainable results. In the peace processes where women and young people are included and exert real influence, peace agreements are more likely to be reached and the peace is more likely to last. Where women are involved in peacekeeping, the operations gain more trust from communities and respond more effectively to the needs of the local population. The Nordic countries support the AU and many African countries in their endeavours to train more women, and to ensure that their police forces are responsive to the needs of women. Enhancing African capabilities in the area of peace and security is a key contribution to regional and global security, and it is a key contribution to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustaiable Development.”
2017-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8006Reprise1 (2017) · source
“The Nordic countries are particularly encouraged by the emphasis on prevention and root causes, strong themes in our countries' long- standing partnerships and cooperation with African partners. The Nordic countries have supported, among other things, African mediation and early- warning capabilities. When the rule of law prevails and the voice of the people is heard, conflict can be avoided. The peaceful transition in The Gambia demonstrated that. Together with Economic Community of West African States, a number of African countries stepped in with decisive support for a peaceful solution for the people of The Gambia. That support is an important signal of African unity and regional ownership of a process leading to a more prosperous and democratic continent.”
2017-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8006Reprise1 (2017) · source
“We believe the strengthened cooperation on peace and security between the AU and the United Nations is key to enhancing our efforts and address the challenges. The next step is to ensure predictable and sustainable support to AU operations. The report of the Secretary-General (S/2017/454) issued on 26 May sets out useful options for support and joint decision-making. The Nordic countries strongly encourage the Security Council to give its consent to use, on a case-by-case basis, United Nations assessed contributions to finance AU peace support missions mandated by the Security Council. That will also entail close United Nations involvement, as highlighted in the report of the Secretary-General. We welcome the signing in April of the United Nations-AU Framework for an Enhanced Partnership in Peace and Security.”
2017-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8006Reprise1 (2017) · source
“The African countries shoulder their part of the burden when the African Union (AU) assumes responsibility for peace operations, along with regional economic communities; when African countries join hands to create multinational forces, like the Multinational Joint Task Force to fight Boko Haram in the Lake Chad region and the Group of Five for the Sahel joint force to combat terrorism and transnational crime in the Sahel; and when African countries make vital contributions to United Nations peacekeeping operations to keep them engaged, despite very complex situations. In the Nordic countries, we welcome those efforts to meet the challenge of terrorism, radicalization and instability.”
2017-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8006Reprise1 (2017) · source
“I am honoured to speak today on behalf of the Nordic countries: Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and my own country, Denmark. The threats posed by terrorism, radicalization and instability constitute a challenge to all countries. Addressing them requires strong cooperation between all the parties involved. African countries are on the front lines in meeting those challenges, along with their partners, including the Nordic countries.”
2017-07-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8006Reprise1 (2017) · source
“Let me conclude by affirming that the Nordic countries are pleased to bear witness to the ongoing process in the United Nations and by reiterating the unique mandate and the role of the Organization in securing a sustainable and peaceful Africa.”
2016-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7750 (2016) · source
“Experience shows that empowering women and supporting their full and active participation in peace-related, political and economic decision-making leads to more inclusive and lasting agreements. That has to be the central component in any mediation and conflict prevention effort. Finally, we must remember that to achieve sustainable peace and long-term development, real inclusiveness is the key. The entire country has to be heard, respected and involved, and including civil society is the best way to do this. The people ofBurkina Faso showed recently how a powerful and active civil society can be the key to maintaining stability and democracy.”
2016-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7750 (2016) · source
“In order to counter the emergence of new threats - internal or regional - strong governance structures are required. As we work to adapt and revitalize the United Nations structures to conform to the realities of today, it is important to note that the African Union has in fact developed and operationalized its own peace and security architecture and its governance architecture. Reinforcing the strong linkages between those African structures and the United Nations peacebuilding architecture is, of course, essential. In addition, further progress on implementing resolution 1325 (2000) and resolution 2242 (2015) is imperative. Women remain the single most underutilized resource in effective peacebuilding.”
2016-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7750 (2016) · source
“The African Union and the regional organizations are usually the first responders to crises in Africa, dispatching troops on short notice, often into dangerous environments and sadly, sometimes with tragic losses. We fully acknowledge the need to look for more predictable financial solutions for African Union peace missions, and we welcome the historic unanimous decision in Kigali, as mentioned by others, to finance the African Union and the African-led peace operations. We see that decision as an important step, and we look forward to supporting its implementation. We also note the appointment of President Kagame of Rwanda to lead the ongoing institutional reform of the African Union aimed at further improving its effectiveness.”
2016-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7750 (2016) · source
“In that effort, we need strong African leadership, and we have to place peacebuilding at the core of all of our actions. The African Union and the various regional groups, institutions and dialogues, as well as the European Union and United Nations, each have a unique role to play in facilitating political processes. The Nordic countries highly commend the African Union on its efforts to advance peace and security in the African continent, including the roles played by the AU's Panel of the Wise, high-level panels, high representatives and special envoys. We also commend the willingness of many African countries to contribute troops and other types of personnel.”
2016-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7750 (2016) · source
“The experience of the Nordic countries, for example, in supporting peacebuilding efforts in the Sahel, is a case in point, emphasizing the nexus between peace, security and development, and targeting the root causes of conflict. The inclusion of Goal 16 in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (General Assembly resolution 70/1) is a political testament to that. Political solutions must be at the centre of any peace process, and for any credible political solutions to be found and adhered to, accountable, transparent and inclusive political leadership is needed. The most recent experiences from Somalia, Mali and South Sudan have once again made that clear. Despite the progress made, we must place still greater emphasis on conflict prevention and solution.”
2016-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7750 (2016) · source
“I have the honour of speaking on behalf of the Nordic countries - Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and my own country, Denmark. Let me start by welcoming the adoption by the Security Council and the General Assembly of resolutions 2282 (2016) and 70/268, respectively, on peacebuilding in April. They were nothing less than a landmark. Let me also applaud the recent reviews undertaken by the United Nations of its peace operations and extend our full support to the continued process of implementing their recommendations. The diversity and complexity of the various peacebuilding efforts in Africa call for a differentiated and comprehensive whole-of-government and whole-of- United Nations approach.”
2016-07-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7750 (2016) · source
“Inspired by these, we must ensure that the resolution and its follow-up resolutions are enacted, so let us get to work now.”
2015-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7533Resumption1 (2015) · source
“Denmark has identified a number of 1325 commitments, of which I will mention only a few. We will focus on promoting women as peacebuilders in Danish-funded programmes in fragile and conflict-affected States. Our military deployments to peacekeeping missions will all receive mandatory training on the role of gender in peace-support operations. We will immediately investigate suspected criminal misconduct during deployments and, when relevant, ensure the prosecution of alleged perpetrators. We will continue to focus on the recruitment of Danish female officers, including police officers, to international missions, including for leadership functions. The global study on the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) contains an excess of excellent proposals for action.”
2015-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7533Resumption1 (2015) · source
“As described in the global study, progress has been made and should be recognized. The incorporation of gender perspectives into peace processes is emerging, although too slowly. All countries must develop national action plans. The root causes of war and conflicts must be addressed. Again, as described in the global study, while the wars immediately after the Second World War were nationalist wars or political wars based on political ideology, many of today's wars are religious or ethnic in origin. Often the ideologies we see are deeply conservative and reactionary towards women and their rights. The global community needs to address these issues. Resolution 1325 (2000) is a strong resolution, and we all have an obligation to implement it effectively at both the national and international levels.”
2015-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7533Resumption1 (2015) · source
“We seek to involve women actively, on an equal basis, in the prevention and resolution of conflicts, in peace negotiations, peacebuilding and peacekeeping, in humanitarian response and in post- conflict reconstruction. We commit to concrete actions in order to achieve those ends. It is widely acknowledged that the absence of women from early peace negotiations and reconstruction measures can have a long-lasting negative impact on the development of good governance. No society can afford the luxury of excluding half of their population from decision-making processes. Therefore, the Security Council must send a strong message in support of women's political participation in the peace and development processes for the benefit of all women and men. In that regard, we applaud the adoption yesterday of resolution 2242 (2015).”
2015-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7533Resumption1 (2015) · source
“Ithank you, Mr. President, and Spain for convening this important meeting and for ensuring that we all stay engaged in our goal of achieving the full implementation of resolution 1325 (2000). I would also like to thank the Secretary-General for having facilitated the comprehensive global study on the implementation of the resolution 1325 (2000). As others have already underlined, it provides an excellent overview of gaps and challenges, emerging trends and proposed priorities. Denmark remains as committed as ever to implementing resolution 1325 (2000). Denmark was among the first countries to formulate a national action plan for implementing the resolution, and last year we adopted our third national action plan, for the period 2014-2019. We emphasize using the untapped potential of women.”
2015-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7533Resumption1 (2015) · source
“At the Global Media Freedom Conference 2015 held in Copenhagen last month, the Danish Minister for Trade and Development launched two initiatives aimed at strengthening free media in developing countries and in fragile States, both of which include strong components for the protection ofjournalists - a programme worth approximately $2 million through the World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers, and an additional $750,000 through International Media Support in cooperation with the International Federation of Journalists. I would like to conclude by echoing what other colleagues have already underlined: Freedom of opinion and expression are indeed fundamental rights of every human being. Today's debate and the adoption of resolution 2222 (2015) mark an important contribution to our common efforts.”
2015-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7450Resumption1 (2015) · source
“Last year alone, as was mentioned earlier today, 61 journalists were killed, and this year the reported death toll has already reached 25. The United Nations Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity, adopted in 2012, was an important step in addressing the individual safety of journalists globally. However, the protection ofjournalists and the free media is an ongoing effort that cannot achieve success only through such top- down initiatives, which need to be combined with actual action on the ground.”
2015-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7450Resumption1 (2015) · source
“Denmark believes that journalists must be protected to be able to carry out their work without fear of retribution, attack or worse. In too many countries, the State uses media laws to keep media from criticizing those in power. This is deeply worrying, although it is not a new phenomenon. But what is a new and equally deeply worrying trend is the fact that journalists are now being deliberately targeted, not only by oppressive regimes, but also by terror organizations and militia groups such as the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant. Not since the end of the Second World War have we witnessed such a distressingly large number of armed conflicts in and between countries. Sadly, this is also reflected in the number of journalists killed.”
2015-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7450Resumption1 (2015) · source
“I would like to align myself with the statement made earlier today on behalf of the European Union, but I would like to add a few additional remarks. First of all, let me thank the Lithuanian presidency of the Security Council for bringing this important issue back to the Council. As others speakers have done, I also wish to congratulate Lithuania on today's adoption of resolution 2222 (2015). Denmark's efforts to support media freedom, including the protection of journalists, are an integral part of our long-standing efforts to enhance civil society and human rights. The rights of journalists and the free media need to be protected all over the world. Unfortunately, persecution of journalists is not a phenomenon restricted to only a few countries.”
2015-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7450Resumption1 (2015) · source
“Finally, on behalf of the Nordic countries, I wish to express our appreciation to Australia for taking the initiative to arrange this timely debate.”
2014-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7316 (2014) · source
“The Nordic countries believe that our strongest counter-narrative is a firm commitment to democracy, human rights and equality. We consider those values end goals in themselves, as well as key drivers of economic development. They are the cornerstones of inclusive societies in which no one should feel marginalized or be attracted to violent extremism. The Nordic countries place great value on United Nations efforts to facilitate information-sharing and the exchange of best practices. We strongly support the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and other efforts to enhance the capacity of States to counter terrorism within the rule of law. We support United Nations efforts to explore additional ways to counter violent extremism and terrorism.”
2014-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7316 (2014) · source
“We are convinced that terrorism and the problem of foreign terrorist fighters can be defeated only through deradicalization efforts - that is, by addressing the complex and diverse motivations for radicalization and violent extremism. Preventing the spread of terrorism requires local efforts on a global scale. The role ofwomen as agents for conflict prevention needs to be fully acknowledged and further explored. Early preventive efforts are essential to understand the the motivations for radicalization and recruitment to terrorist organizations. Civil society organizations, religious leaders, social workers and teachers are examples of those who can make a difference on the ground. The narrative of terrorism is that of hate and intolerance. Countering that narrative and creating resilience is essential.”
2014-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7316 (2014) · source
“Censorship is not a solution. Young people from many different countries, including the Nordic countries - some of them only teenagers - are being attracted by ISIL's effective propaganda. The Nordic countries therefore strongly supportenhancedinternationalcooperationtostrengthen existing border controls and information-sharing aimed at stopping the recruitment and flow of foreign terrorist fighters, as well as terrorist financing, into Syria and Iraq. Relevant legislation needs to be adopted and fully applied. Information must be shared effectively. Likewise, we must address the issue of foreign terrorist fighters returning to their country of origin or traveling to other areas of conflict.”
2014-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7316 (2014) · source
“We need a broad approach in order to defeat ISIL and other terrorist groups. We need to support an inclusive political process in Iraq, and we need a strong political engagement to solve the conflict in Syria. We must also continue to contribute extensively with humanitarian assistance to the millions in desperate need of food, shelter and medical care. The Nordic countries fully support the crucial work being carried out by United Nations entities on the ground, not least by the United Nations Special Representative, Staffan de Mistura. Our common fight against terrorism must always comply with international law, including human rights law and, as applicable, humanitarian law. Terrorists' use of social media as a means of communication is of great concern and must be countered without infringing on freedom of expression.”
2014-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7316 (2014) · source
“I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic countries: Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and my own country, Denmark. The Nordic countries stand firmly behind the United Nations fight against terrorism. We welcome today's discussion and the Security Council's focus on countering violent extremism and terrorism through resolutions 2170 (2014) and 2178 (2014). International terrorism, such as that practised by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and Al-Qaida and their affiliates, is a serious threat to international peace and security. The horrendous crimes committed by those groups continue to cause immense human suffering in Syria and Iraq. As underlined by many previous speakers, other terrorist groups are causing similar suffering in other countries and regions.”
2014-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7316 (2014) · source
“The Secretary General's mechanism to investigate allegations of the use of biological weapons should be strengthened, and biosecurity awareness should be raised around the world. With that in mind, Denmark will increase its efforts to contribute to international biosecurity. A pilot project is about to start that will aim to transfer Danish biosecurity experiences and best practices to partners in East Africa. Non-proliferation is an ongoing effort on all levels, from a rural veterinary laboratory in a developing country to the NPT Review Conference in New York next year. Resolution 1540 (2004) has helped us to focus our attention and pool our commitments. It is appropriate to celebrate its tenth anniversary while underlining that the work today is just as relevant as in 2004.”
2014-05-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7169 (2014) · source
“However, in order to finish thejob, it is vital that the remaining substances be transported out of Syria without further delay. We call for full cooperation from all parties, not least the Syrian regime. As the world's attention focuses on nuclear and chemical weapons, we should not forget the threat from the proliferation of biological weapons either - a weapon much easier to acquire than, for example, nuclear weapons. In the hands of actors with malicious intent, such weapons could cause unimaginable devastation. They are rightfully referred to as weapons of mass destruction on a par with the two other categories. We have a joint obligation to ensure that such a situation never arises.”
2014-05-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7169 (2014) · source
“In the Nuclear Security Summit, process we have committed ourselves to securing nuclear installations and materials to ensure that nuclear terrorism never happens. We believe that the IAEA plays a central role that should be enhanced, and we have this year pledged an additional â‚¬1.1 million to the Agency's Nuclear Security Fund to further strengthen efforts in developing countries. There are other WMD threats than nuclear proliferation. The identification and destruction of Syria's chemical weapons remain a vital task for the international community. Denmark is leading the task group in charge of the maritime transportation of the declared chemical substances out of Syria for their destruction. Less than 10 per cent of the declared substances now remain inside Syria.”
2014-05-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7169 (2014) · source
“With regard to Iran's nuclear programme we share the hope and optimism brought about by the joint plan of action agreed between the E3+3 and Iran in November. That is an important first step, but the focus must continue to be on achieving a comprehensive, long- term settlement that restores international confidence in the exclusively peaceful nature of the programme and the absence of any military dimensions. Denmark continues to support the international community's efforts in that regard and has this year donated â‚¬270.000 in support of the IAEA's work to monitor and verify the implementation of the joint plan of action. The risk that nuclear materials could fall into the hands of terrorists or other none-State actors should be taken most seriously.”
2014-05-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7169 (2014) · source
“The catastrophic consequences that would ensue if we were to fail in those efforts would be of a global and cross-sectorial scale, with damage to the environment, socioeconomic development and health for generations to come. We must continue to work for the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons within the framework of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). We are deeply concerned that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea has withdrawn from the Treaty and continues down its dangerous and irrational path of ballistic missile launches, nuclear tests and nuclear-weapon material production, in flagrant violation of its international obligations. The international community must continue to make clear that this behaviour is not acceptable and will have consequences.”
2014-05-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7169 (2014) · source
“Denmark associates itself with the statement made on behalf of the European Union. Denmark strongly welcome's today's debate. The presidency's initiative to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the adoption of the resolution 1540 (20040) and to hold an open debate on the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) is most pertinent. The Proliferation of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons and their means of delivery is one of the most serious threats to international peace and security in the twenty-first century. Since its adoption, in 2004, the resolution has been a vital instrument in our efforts to prevent WMD proliferation, blackmail and terrorism.”
2014-05-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7169 (2014) · source
“Comprehensive rule of law strategies for peacekeeping and peacebuilding missions should include assistance in the areas of access to legal institutions and legislative reform, alongside with support in the areas of policing and the justice chain. To make this effective, the peacekeeping operation in question must also receive the relevant resources and adequate training. In conclusion, the Nordic countries look forward to the upcoming report by the Secretary-General on this topic, and we would like repeat our previous call for the Secretary-General to regularly report on the state of play, improvements and implementation of the recommendations made in relation to the protection of civilians in armed conflict.”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source
“The responsibility to protect populations from genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing has emerged as an important global principle since the adoption of the 2005 World Summit Outcome. The principle makes clear that sovereignty can never be used as a shelter for committing mass atrocities, that all Governments have an obligation to protect their own population, and that the international community has an obligation to assist Governments in doing so and to react ifa State is manifestly failing to protect its population. In that regard, preventive actions and support to Governments in need from the international community will increase the protection of civilians. Capacity development in host countries is an important preventive tool.”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source
“Parties to a conflict should ensure proper documentation of the conduct of military operations, for example by mapping areas that may be contaminated by unexploded ordnance and by conducting systematic casualty recording. States and other parties to an armed conflict must also ensure, as our Chilean colleague just stated, that journalists' right to protection as civilians be respected at all times. They should find ways to improve the protection of journalists and other media actors reporting from conflict areas and respect their right to carry out their important work. The requisite preventive measures and full respect of international law are essential for ensuring that civilians are protected in armed conflict.”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source
“They are important mechanisms to verify and investigate allegations of serious violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law. Attention should also be drawn to the International Humanitarian Fact- Finding Commission, which regrettably has remained virtually unused by parties to armed conflict. In that connection, we welcome the initiative by Switzerland and the International Committee of the Red Cross concerning the possibility of establishing a mechanism to improve compliance with international humanitarian and human rights law. In order to protect civilians and promote accountability in post-conflict situations, securing documentation during and after an armed conflict is essential.”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source
“The Security Council must do its part to ensure accountability when violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law have occurred, as they have in Syria. On that note, we welcome the first open debate in the Security Council, held on 17 October 2012, on peace and justice and the role of the ICC (see S/PV.6849). We look forward to seeing regular follow-up on this topic, in particular on how the Council can lend stronger support to the Court in cases of non-cooperation with the ICC. Accountability requires facts and investigations. We welcome the international commissions of inquiry and fact-finding missions carried out under the auspices of the Human Rights Council and those initiated by the Secretary-General.”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source
“We must insist that those who commit war crimes, crimes against humanity and other violations of international law must be held accountable before the law. Impunity must not be an option. We recall that in every situation the State has the primary responsibility to maintain the rule of law and ensure accountability. If the State is unwilling or unable to investigate and prosecute these international crimes, the international community should offer its support. The International Criminal Court (ICC) and other international tribunals play a crucial role. In that context, we especially want to remind those in Syria who are responsible for atrocities and human rights violations and abuses that they will be held accountable.”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source
“Sexual assaults during warfare have horrendous implications for victims and entire communities and must simply stop. We re-emphasize the commitment by all Member States to end sexual violence in armed conflicts, and we welcome recent steps taken at the international level to that end. The inclusion of gender-based violence in the Arms Trade Treaty serves as an example. Women and girls who become pregnant after being raped as part of warfare in an armed conflict must have access to adequate sexual and reproductive health services, including access to emergency contraception and safe abortion. We need to eliminate the widespread impunity ofthe perpetrators of sexual violence in conflict, and we strongly support the work of Special Representative of the Secretary-General Bangura and other international initiatives to that effect.”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source
“In particular, we recall the obligation to respect the wounded and sick, health-care personnel and facilities and medical vehicles and to take all reasonable measures to ensure safe, prompt and unhindered access for the wounded and sick to health care. When addressing the global legal framework for the protection of civilians, it is important to mention the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) . We view the ATT as a means to reduce illicit trafficking and alleviate human suffering in armed conflicts, and we call for rapid ratification and implementation of the ATT by all States Members of the United Nations. During armed conflicts, the risks faced by civilians will always differ depending on the context and on whether they affect boys or girls, men or women.”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source
“In particular, the need to protect vulnerable groups in conflict, such as women, children, elderly people and persons with disabilities, must be respected at all times. Civilians affected by armed conflict need immediate humanitarian relief. Under international humanitarian law, the parties to an armed conflict have a legal obligation to allow and facilitate the rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian assistance, and to ensure safety from attacks for humanitarian aid workers and accountability for attacks against such workers. We call on all parties to armed conflicts around the world to respect that humanitarian obligation without exception or precondition.”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source