YouSaid · the spoken record

Pildegovičs

lines on the record: 135
first: 2018-11-09
most recent: 2023-08-03
sittings or episodes: 20
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

“The use of polymer frames and the manufacturing of modular weapons and 3-D printed weapons are just a few examples of developments that affect the marking, record-keeping and tracing of small arms and light weapons. All of those aspects were at the forefront of discussions during the seventh Biennial Meeting of States to Consider the Implementation of the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects in July. Serving as a Vice-Chair of that meeting, Latvia contributed to the efforts of States parties to agree on a substantial outcome document (A/CONF.192/BMS/2021/1). Now, it is important to focus on its implementation and the preparations for the next meeting, which will take place in 2022.”
2021-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8909Resumption1 (2021) · source
“Latvia welcomes the steps taken by the Security Council to address this challenge, including by integrating language related to small arms and light weapons in country-specific resolutions. Furthermore, Security Council-mandated missions continue to play an important role in monitoring and disrupting the illicit flows of arms and ammunition. Those efforts should be redoubled. Taking a step forward, we would like to encourage a gender-sensitive approach by streamlining efforts to control small arms and light weapons with those related to women, peace and security, as well as gender- based violence. Furthermore, the Security Council should pay particular attention to the implications of new technological developments.”
2021-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8909Resumption1 (2021) · source
“Mr. Pildegovičs (Latvia): Latvia aligns itself with the statement to be delivered by the observer of the European Union (EU). Latvia agrees with the stark assessment of the Secretary-General that the illicit traffic in small arms and light weapons, as well as their ammunition, remains a defining factor that undermines peace and security at the national, regional and global levels. The diversion and trafficking of small arms and light weapons fuel conflicts, contribute to organized crime and heighten the risk of terrorism. This challenge demands the continued attention and active engagement of the Security Council. Therefore, we applaud Mexico’s initiative to organize today’s open debate.”
2021-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8909Resumption1 (2021) · source
“It is important to note that women occupy positions at all levels and positions of the respective structures, from special forces operators to executive leadership roles. That was achieved by making military and police fully open to women and by acknowledging their integral role in the future of those structures. We believe that is the approach that should be promoted at national, regional and international levels.”
2021-10-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8886Resumption1 (2021) · source
“As an elected Member State of the Commission until 2025 and as a Vice-Chair of the Commission’s Bureau for the next two sessions, Latvia is committed to continue playing an active role in shaping and re-enforcing global standards and policies for gender equality. The efforts to include women in peacekeeping and peacebuilding begin at the national level. Latvia has demonstrated a strong track record in that regard. We have adopted and are implementing Latvia’s national action plan on women and peace and security for the term 2020 to 2025. More than 15 per cent of military personnel in Latvia’s national armed forces are women. Meanwhile, women make up 30 per cent of our State police.”
2021-10-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8886Resumption1 (2021) · source
“We also welcome the fact that, for the third consecutive year, the Peacebuilding Fund has allocated 40 per cent of its annual investment to gender equality and women’s empowerment. Latvia is determined to be a strong voice of the equal rights and full participation of women as a member of the PBC in 2022. Latvia already contributes to facilitating the international debate on this topic. During this year’s session of the Commission on the Status of Women, Latvia organized a side event on women’s participation in the military and peacekeeping. The discussion aimed at encouraging women to reach their full potential as decision-makers and leaders in the military and peacekeeping.”
2021-10-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8886Resumption1 (2021) · source
“We support the commitment demonstrated in the Action for Peacekeeping Plus initiative to streamline the gender perspective in all aspects of peacekeeping. It is important to facilitate an environment conducive to the broader participation of women in every position in peacekeeping missions. Furthermore, we should not only increase protection for peacekeepers against security threats but also maintain focus on accountability for peacekeepers, not least with respect to any form of sexual abuse and exploitation. Latvia welcomes the efforts within the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) to strengthen the role of women in the post-conflict phase. The adoption of the PBC’s gender strategy in 2016, as well as its action plan, constitutes an important step in that regard.”
2021-10-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8886Resumption1 (2021) · source
“Broad and meaningful involvement by women is a prerequisite to resolve conflicts in a sustainable way and to build lasting peace. Today the situation is particularly worrisome in Afghanistan, where women and girls risk losing their hard-earned rights over the past 20 years. It is the collective responsibility of the international community, and in particular of the Security Council, to prevent the looming scenario in which women would irreversibly lose equal access to education, employment and participation in decision-making. That will not only worsen the status of women and girls but also undermine prospects for the long-term stability and future development of Afghanistan. The efforts to ensure women’s role in peacekeeping and peacebuilding must be stepped up in all conflict and post-conflict situations.”
2021-10-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8886Resumption1 (2021) · source
“Mr. Pildegovičs (Latvia): Latvia commends Kenya for convening this important open debate. I thank the briefers — Ms. Sima Sami Bahous, from UN-Women; Ms. Bineta Diop, from the African Union; and Ms. Celia Umenza Velasco, from the NGO Working Group on Women, Peace and Security — for their leadership in advancing the women and peace and security agenda. Latvia aligns itself with the statements made on behalf of the European and the Group of Friends of Women, Peace and Security. Latvia is a firm supporter of the women and peace and security agenda, which is a key element in the efforts to strengthen international peace. The call expressed by the Secretary-General in his report Our Common Agenda to place women and girls at the centre also fully applies to United Nations peacekeeping and peacebuilding activities.”
2021-10-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8886Resumption1 (2021) · source
“In conclusion, we should not stop striving for universal respect for the principles of international law and the Charter of the United Nations, as those are essential for maintaining international peace and security against a backdrop of serious threats and growing turmoil in many regions of the world.”
2020-01-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8699 (2020) · source
“Similarly, Russia’s annexation of Ukrainian Crimea, as well as its covert and overt actions in Eastern Ukraine, violate the fundamental principle of the Charter of the United Nations of territorial integrity. Latvia welcomes the commitment reached at the Normandy format summit to stabilize the situation in the Russia-Ukraine conflict area, as well as the recent exchange of detainees. In that regard, we call on Russia to implement the Minsk agreements in full and restore Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Moreover, other so-called frozen conflicts in Abkhazia and South Ossetia, Transnistria and Nagorno Karabakh should be resolved by peaceful means and based on generally recognized principles of international law, sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
2020-01-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8699 (2020) · source
“The Security Council should speak with one voice in rejecting impunity regarding the human suffering and mass atrocities that have taken place in Syria, Myanmar and Yemen. While we welcome the adoption of the Secretary-General’s funding proposal for the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism to Assist in the Investigation and Prosecution of Persons Responsible for the Most Serious Crimes under International Law Committed in the Syrian Arab Republic since March 2011, the rigorous implementation of all parts of its mandate to ensure accountability for the most serious crimes committed in Syria is crucial. We also express our support for the Syrian Constitutional Committee. At this stage, it is essential that all international and regional players support it so that a genuine political transition can be achieved.”
2020-01-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8699 (2020) · source
“That is the only way forward to achieve a regional political solution and lasting peace while upholding international law and the role of the United Nations in the process. The credibility of the entire international system depends on our ability to effectively prevent grave violations of international law and respond to the multitude of new challenges. Here, the Security Council carries a special responsibility as the gatekeeper of international peace and security. However, the Security Council has not always lived up to the challenge, as indicated by escalating humanitarian crises and erupting conflicts. Furthermore, the use of the veto should never be acceptable in situations involving mass atrocities.”
2020-01-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8699 (2020) · source
“Effective multilateralism and the rules-based international system have been long-standing priorities for Latvia. This year’s seventy-fifth anniversary of the United Nations is the right time to revisit and reconfirm our commitment to principles that alleviated the sufferings of the past century and promised a better future for the next generations. They constitute indispensable principles of international cooperation, the peaceful settlement of disputes, human rights and the rule of law, as well as the only viable way to achieve lasting global peace and security. We are deeply concerned about the latest flare-up of violent confrontations in the Middle East. For the sake of preserving regional and global security and stability, it is essential to halt further escalation and create space for diplomacy.”
2020-01-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8699 (2020) · source
“Mr. Pildegovičs (Latvia): I would like to begin by congratulating the five newly elected non-permanent members of the Security Council, namely, Estonia, Viet Nam, the Niger, Tunisia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Latvia wishes them every success in their duties. Let me also express our deep condolences to the families and friends of the victims of the Ukraine International Airlines flight that crashed en route from Iran to Kyiv yesterday. There must be an independent and transparent investigation of the accident. I thank the Vietnamese presidency of the Security Council for organizing this timely debate. I also thank the Secretary-General and the Chair of The Elders for their briefings. Latvia aligns itself with the statement to be delivered by the observer of the European Union.”
2020-01-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8699 (2020) · source
“The Security Council must view this matter as a priority when addressing situations of concern, and it must remain an important component of United Nations peacekeeping mandates. We reiterate our call on the permanent members of the Security Council to refrain from the use of the veto in situations of atrocity crimes. In conclusion, I would like to emphasize the fundamental legal obligation and our common interest to promote and ensure the effective protection of civilians from the devastating consequences of armed conflict. Impunity for disregarding humanitarian principles in present-day conflicts must not become the new normal. In the absence of accountability for serious violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law, such violations will only continue to proliferate.”
2019-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8534 (2019) · source
“The facts on the ground show that greater compliance with international humanitarian law by all parties to armed conflicts in protecting civilians is necessary. We therefore support the recommendations of the Secretary-General contained in his latest report on how to strengthen the practical impact of the protection agenda. Those recommendations should be addressed with a sense of urgency. As the current President of the fifth Conference of States Parties of the Arms Trade Treaty, Latvia is pleased to see that the report also addresses the context of arms exports and transfers, and encourages all States to become parties to the Arms Trade Treaty and similar regional instruments without delay. Latvia believes that promoting the protection of civilians in all United Nations activities is essential.”
2019-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8534 (2019) · source
“The use of air-launched, explosive and - more deplorable - chemical weapons in populated urban areas, forced displacement, sexual and gender-based violence, starvation, sieges and the denial of much-needed humanitarian assistance have become frequently used methods of warfare. Latvia strongly condemns attacks on civilian objects, as well as on humanitarian and health-care infrastructure and personnel in armed conflict, which unfortunately continued at a high rate last year. We welcome all efforts by the Security Council to address that serious issue. Regrettably, increasing humanitarian needs will likely continue, including conflict-related forced displacement. In that regard, Latvia emphasizes the need to allow safe, timely and unimpeded humanitarian access to populations in need.”
2019-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8534 (2019) · source
“The legal framework is solid and relevant. Yet, despite those developments, civilian protection in armed conflicts has not been sufficient. The latest report of the Secretary-General once again confirms that far too many civilians continue to be robbed of their lives, health, future prospects and homes. Challenges remain to the protection of civilians in diverse conflict-affected areas, including Syria, Yemen, Libya and Ukraine, to name but a few. It is extremely worrisome when parties to a conflict fail to spare the civilian population and civilian objects in the conduct of military operations, as required under international humanitarian law. Latvia is deeply concerned that the civilian population is often deliberately targeted by parties to an armed conflict, illegal armed groups and terrorist organizations.”
2019-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8534 (2019) · source
“The protection of civilians during armed conflict is a cornerstone of international humanitarian law, which is binding for all parties to armed conflict, State and non-State alike. International humanitarian law also identifies and protects particularly vulnerable civilian groups, such as women, children and displaced persons. The Security Council has strengthened the framework for the protection of civilians through its relevant resolutions, including prioritizing the issue in peacekeeping mandates. We believe that the international community has grown more aware of the need to prevent and stop violations against civilian populations during conflicts, especially owing to the nature and media coverage of contemporary conflicts. It must be noted that the Council has heard many moving testimonies by survivors of conflicts.”
2019-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8534 (2019) · source
“I would like to thank the Indonesian presidency for organizing a debate on this important topic. I also thank the Secretary-General for his report (S/2019/373) and the representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Center for Civilians in Conflict for their respective briefings. Latvia aligns itself with the statement delivered by the observer of the European Union. As we reflect today on the progress made over the past 20 years since the protection of civilians in armed conflict was prioritized by the United Nations, Latvia agrees with the previous speakers that there have been important advancements, especially in the normative framework.”
2019-05-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8534 (2019) · source
“Last December, the United Nations Climate Change Conference, held in Katowice, Poland, adopted a balanced package of decisions. It is our urgent task to fully implement them in order to operationalize the Paris Agreement. Now, in anticipation of the United Nations climate action summit, to quote the Secretary- General, "We are at a defining moment". We truly are, and the survival of our planet is at stake. This is an issue we must all care about deeply. We must act for the sake of future generations.”
2019-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8451 (2019) · source
“We will promote the effective implementation of the Paris Agreement in that framework. We will also focus on the pollution problems of the Baltic Sea. Chemical pollution and plastic waste have emerged as one of the growing threats to the Baltic Sea basin ecosystem over the past decade, which calls for an immediate solution. Latvia strongly believes that mitigation and adaptation to climate change, especially finding concrete solutions, is a common responsibility at all levels. However, it is crucial to build trust among various stakeholders, especially to send a strong signal to the private sector to advance innovation and investment in the green economy. That will require many changes in sectoral policies, and, above all, in people's mindset.”
2019-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8451 (2019) · source
“The Paris Agreement on Climate Change provides clear guidance on what we must do before it is too late. Latvia is fully committed to the long-term goals of the Agreement. Latvia's obligations will be to implement the commitment made by the European Union's nationally determined contribution to collectively reduce greenhouse-gas emissions by at least 40 per cent by 2030 as compared to 1990. Latvia is now working on its National Long-term Low-carbon Development Strategy 2050 and its National Plan for Adaptation to Climate Change 2030. Moreover, Latvia is developing a detailed national energy and climate plan for the period 2021-2030. At the regional level, Latvia, currently holds the presidency of the Council of the Baltic Sea States and prioritizes dialogue and cooperation in the field of climate adaptation and low-emission development.”
2019-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8451 (2019) · source
“Only with joint multilateral efforts and cooperation is it possible to combat climate change by reducing greenhouse-gas emissions and building resilience and through better preparedness for the negative impacts of climate change, including more frequent climate-related disasters. Climate action has a clear interlinkage with the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Latvia is strongly convinced that reaching the Sustainable Development Goals is the ultimate prevention agenda, as they address the drivers and root causes of instability and conflict. Therefore, investing in human dignity, eradicating poverty, fostering climate resilience and promoting economic and social progress will reduce the incidence ofconflict, instability and despair.”
2019-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8451 (2019) · source
“We also applaud the Secretary-General for his strong commitment to putting climate change high on the United Nations agenda, in particular this year in preparation for the United Nations climate summit in September. The effects of climate change are becoming increasingly evident and more severe. Last summer, we again witnessed record-breaking heat all around the world. Like other countries, Latvia is experiencing the effects of climate change. Records of average air temperature in Latvia ShOW a long-term trend of warming. Every storm causes flooding and great distress to the people living in coastal regions. And the threat of coastal erosion along the Baltic Sea could intensify in the future.”
2019-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8451 (2019) · source
“Climate-related disasters threaten populations and the stability of whole regions, particularly countries in Central America and the Caribbean, as well as South, Central and South-East Asia. We are well aware of the particular vulnerability of many small island developing States to climate change and sea-level rise. Latvia fully welcomes the fact that the Security Council is discussing the issue. We believe that climate-related security risks should be mainstreamed in the Council's conflict-prevention and peacebuilding efforts. Deepening our understanding of the implications of climate change on international security will help countries and individuals to step up climate action.”
2019-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8451 (2019) · source
“I thank the Dominican Republic, as President of the Security Council, for organizing today's debate. The perspective of your country, Sir, as it is directly affected by climate change, gives us a particular sense of urgency. I also thank all of the briefers for their useful updates in that regard. Latvia fully aligns itself with the statement to be delivered by the observer of the European Union. Climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time, faced by all countries. Undoubtedly, it also affects geopolitical stability and security, while acting as a threat multiplier, especially for the most vulnerable regions - in some cases reinforcing the conflicts.”
2019-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8451 (2019) · source
“At the same time, the United Nations as an Organization must be able to change in order to respond accordingly to twenty-first-century challenges. Latvia supports the reforms of the Secretary-General in order to bring the United Nations closer to the people and be able to respond to their needs for security and well-being. The United Nations can and must be a significant global player, a community of nations proud of its values and committed to multilateralism and the principles of international law. Multilateral diplomacy can be challenging, but even with differences between Member States great compromises in the form of international agreements have been achieved while putting people and our planet at the centre of what we do. With more unity and collective action, we can strengthen the principles of multilateralism.”
2018-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8395 (2018) · source
“Since permanent members ofthe Council are granted a special privilege - the veto power- in order to protect the Charter of the United Nations and the international order, they also bear a special responsibility that this power be used in the interests of common peace and security. We also believe that Security Council reform is long overdue. We should all focus on strengthening the legitimacy of this important body. In order to strengthen the role of the United Nations, serious efforts should be made to uphold the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. Territorial integrity and sovereignty, as enshrined in the purposes and principles of the Charter, must be respected by all Member States.”
2018-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8395 (2018) · source
“Far too often, the United Nations has been unable to prevent conflicts, build peace or stop atrocities. Too often resources are spent on responding to and managing crises instead of preventing them. In that regard, Latvia champions the Secretary-General's gender-responsive agenda, including on conventional and light weapons. That is why Latvia has selected gender-based violence as the theme of its presidency of the Arms Trade Treaty. The Member States of the Security Council have a particular responsibility in maintaining international peace and security. Inaction by the Security Council when mass atrocities are taking place runs counter to the spirit of the Charter of the United Nations.”
2018-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8395 (2018) · source
“They are even more relevant now as the United Nations and its States Members advance the implementation of the bold 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Goals. Conflict prevention has its rightful place at the centre of the United Nations agenda. Also, early action by the United Nations in situations of concern is critical. Latvia strongly believes that respect for human rights, the rule of law and good governance are key to maintaining peace and security. Therefore, it is important to act early and effectively where serious human rights law and humanitarian law violations take place. They can be an early indication ofa descent into conflict or an escalation of conflict. However, the potential of the United Nations to prevent the outbreak, continuation or resurgence of conflicts has not been used effectively.”
2018-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8395 (2018) · source
“Since regaining its independence and acceding to the United Nations, in 1991, Latvia has been a strong supporter of multilateralism. Latvia has always been a staunch supporter of international law and a promoter of international principles of democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Those principles are fundamental for maintaining international order based on predictability, stability and the security of States. For us, the United Nations is the core of the multilateral system 4 the proper place for finding global solutions to global problems. Current pressing issues - such as conflicts, terrorism, climate change and migration, to name a few - serve to underscore the relevance and increased interdependence of all three pillars of the United Nations: peace and security, human rights and development.”
2018-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8395 (2018) · source
“History shows that a strong multilateral, inclusive and rules-based international order is essential for the maintenance of global peace and security. It must be our joint responsibility to defend and strengthen it. The United Nations was created because the world had paid too high a price for the absence of a credible and functional international system. It was necessary to put an end to the world where might makes right, where big Powers dominate and dismember their neighbours. Latvia is convinced that only genuine respect for the Charter of the United Nations can prevent the world from plunging into chaos. The relations between States must be exclusively based on law and dialogue, and not on force and coercion.”
2018-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8395 (2018) · source
“Mr. Pildegovics (Latvia) (spoke in Chinese): At the outset, allow me to congratulate you, Mr. President, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for this month. I very much support the theme of multilateralism. (spoke in English) I would like to thank the Chinese presidency of the Security Council for organizing this open debate in order to reflect on the need to strengthen multilateralism. I also thank the Secretary-General for his statement in that regard. Latvia aligns itself with the statement delivered by the observer of the European Union. In an interdependent and globalized world we can address and resolve global problems only through multilateral means, including dialogue and international cooperation.”
2018-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8395 (2018) · source