YouSaid · the spoken record

Pillay

lines on the record: 139
first: 2010-07-07
most recent: 2014-08-21
sittings or episodes: 11
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

“Following the recent upsurge in inter-communal Violence between rival Nuer and Murle tribes in South Sudan's Jonglei state, thousands of civilians fled to the bush, where their access to humanitarian aassistance has been extremely limited. The authorities need to redouble efforts to create a secure environment that would allow civilians to return to their towns and Villages. I welcome the resumption of direct peace talks between Israel and Palestine. That process can only achieve a tangible result if the protection of the human rights of all Palestinians and Israelis is placed at its centre. Ensuring accountability for all human rights and humanitarian law violations is essential in that regard. The illegal blockade of the Gaza Strip imposing restrictions on the enjoyment of fundamental rights must be lifted.”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source
“States Members and the United Nations should make conserted efforts to ensure that the protection of civilians integrates, in a complimentary and mutually reinforcing manner, humanitarian access and full respect for the norms of international human rights, humanitarian and refugee laws. In a recent joint statement, Under-Secretary- General Valerie Amos and I urged all parties to the conflict in Syria to allow humanitarian organizations safe access to all people in need. Today I renew my call to the Syrian Government to grant representatives from my Office and the Commission of Inquiry on Syria full access to the country.”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source
“As part of our active monitoring and documenting of violations in conflict situations and making information available to the Security Council and beyond, earlier this year my Office published the shocking results ofa study into the number of individuals killed in the conflict in Syria. Providing humanitarian access and ensuring accountability for violations of international human rights and humanitarian law are obligations grounded in international law. They are not only morally imperative but also legal requirements. That was clearly recalled in the report of the Secretary-General's internal review panel on the United Nations action in Sri Lanka.”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source
“As regularly demonstrated, undertaking monitoring, causality checking, analysis and reporting of violations of international human rights and humanitarian law is critical for informing appropriate responses. In that regard, I welcome both the increasing use by United Nations bodies of international commissions of inquiry and fact-finding missions to investigate violation in conflict situations and the Council's developing practice of referring to their findings. Currently, my Office is supporting the international commissions on the Syrian Arab Republic and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source
“I am deeply concerned about the recent resumption of Violence in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic ofthe Congo. The Office ofthe United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights within the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo reported that the latest fighting between the Mouvement du 23 mars and the Forces armees de la Republique democratique du Congo resulted in at least 200 cases of sexual Violence, as well as many other gross human rights violations. The Office has increased field Visits and advised on mission strategies to protect civilians. United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights Flavia Pansieri will visit the Democratic Republic of the Congo next week.”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source
“I appeal to the Council to urgently authorize the deployment to the Central African Republic of a large multinational force with a strong protection mandate, as stressed by Assistant Secretary-General Simonovic' in his 14 August briefing to the Council (see S/PV.7017). In Mali, 25 human rights officers have been deployed within the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission, to monitor, investigate and report on compliance with international human rights and humanitarian law. Human rights mobile teams have been dispatched to critical areas to document and analyse patterns of violence and to advise on action to prevent further violations. The human rights component is also playing an essential role in devising the Mission's strategy for the protection of civilians.”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source
“Throughout the past year, my Office and human rights components of peace operations and political missions have continued to work in key country situations on the Council's agenda to improve respect for international human rights and humanitarian law. In coordination with the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in the Central African Republic, we are closely monitoring the situation in that country. Recently, I dispatched a fact-finding mission to collect information on human rights Violations, and I am working to increase the number of human rights officers on the ground.”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source
“I draw the attention of the Council to the important recommendations concerning the protection of civilians made at the recent Oslo conference, which gathered 94 States and various organizations, including my Office. They reiterated that all parties to a conflict must apply and respect both international human rights law and international humanitarian law. The protection of civilians is necessarily norm-based. In that respect, I welcome the adoption, by the General Assembly, of the international Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). I hope that the ATT will become a powerful tool for the protection of civilians in armed conflict and the prevention of human rights Violations. I strongly encourage States to ratify it as soon as possible.”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source
“Ms. Pillay: On this anniversary, Ijoin the Secretary- General in paying tribute to our fallen colleagues, including my predecessor, High Commissioner for Human Rights Sergio Vieira de Mello, and support the call of the Secretary-General for greater protection of humanitarian and human rights workers. As we mark this day, civilians in many conflict zones face unacceptably high levels of threat to their lives, security and dignity. This past July was the deadliest month in years in Iraq, as Violence killed more than 1,000 people. In Afghanistan, in the first half of 2013, 1,319 deaths as a result of conflict were reported. In Syria, more than 100,000 people have been killed since the fighting began. The number of Victims of the ongoing violence in the Central African Republic is still unknown, but reports give rise to concern.”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source
“There will always be some disagreement within the international community as to how to respond to a given situation, but when tens of thousands of civilian lives are threatened, as is currently the case in the Syrian Arab Republic, the world expects the Security Council to unite and act.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917 (2013) · source
“The use of large peacekeeping operations can be deployed later where needed. Fourthly, both the Rwanda and the Petrie reports are clear in stating that the single most important element for United Nations protection of civilians is early political consensus among Member States acting through the United Nations. I hope that we in the Secretariat can better support Member States in their efforts to reach early consensus. Effectiveness, integrity, courage and accountability are what the people we are trying to protect expect from us. That is what should guide our interactions when dealing with the killing of many people.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917 (2013) · source
“The Petrie report points to the problematic tendency of United Nations entities to compartmentalize our approach to a situation rather than providing Member States with a holistic analysis. Compartmentalization not only leads to duplication, but can also side-line human rights concerns. Thirdly, the United Nations should offer a wider range of tools for intervention on the ground. Small and discrete models of field operations with short lifespans can be deployed quickly at limited cost and in close consultation with the regional States and national authorities. Such deployments provide a non-intrusive means of United Nations action that may be attractive where States wish to support an early United Nations response to serious concerns with regard to the protection of civilians, so long as it is light and limited.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917 (2013) · source
“While information technology facilitates early warning, it cannot replace impartial, reliable and timely expert monitoring and reporting on respect for international law. Far too often, before monitoring and reporting on human rights violations, the United Nations waits many months until we deploy staff on the ground. Sometimes access is denied expressly to prevent reporting. United Nations protection of civilians cannot be held hostage to delayed deployments or a lack of access. We must have the capacity and structures to monitor from Headquarters, when needed, and to provide Member States and policy makers with the best available information. Secondly, the United Nations can strengthen its sense of common purpose and management.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917 (2013) · source
“I wish to thank the Secretary-General and Deputy Secretary-General for their leadership in launching a follow-up process to the Petrie report, which reviewed United Nations action in Sri Lanka. The report highlights systemic failings that extend across responses to many situations and indicates that important recommendations of the 1999 United Nations independent inquiry on Rwanda have not been implemented. It is time for us to find a way to do better. In that context, my Office looks forward to working towards addressing this issue. Let me highlight four areas where there is need for improvement. First, early and credible information on human rights and international humanitarian law violations can make it easier for the Council and the wider United Nations system to reach consensus and make informed decisions.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917 (2013) · source
“Given the ongoing conflict in Somalia and recent events in the Central African Republic, independent and stronger human rights monitoring is essential also in those countries. Human rights information will allow the Council to measure progress against its mandated objectives in those countries. I also urge the Council to provide for a stronger human rights monitoring capacity in the peacekeeping mission in Abyei. That would help the mission and the international community to respond proactively to the fragile situation in the border area. The recent expulsion of a human rights officer by the South Sudanese Government, without any valid justification, sets a dangerous precedent that does not facilitate the mission's efforts to protect civilians. I join Special Representative Johnson in asking the Government to reconsider its decision.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917 (2013) · source
“Currently, according to UNAMA, insurgents' indiscriminate use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) account for 53 per cent of all civilians killed or wounded. I call again on all anti-Government groups in Afghanistan to cease targeting civilians and stop the use of IEDs and other illegal tactics. In the eastern part of the Democratic Repulic of the Congo, the human rights component of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has reported to the Council on recent large-scale and serious violations. To end that cycle of Violence, I encourage the Council to include an accountability element in its interaction with all parties in that country and in neighbouring countries.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917 (2013) · source
“The Council is increasingly making use of human rights components in peacekeeping and special political missions, often in response to concerns for the protection of civilians from human rights abuses. Human rights components provide fundamental support to the overall mandate ofpeace missions through strong, impartial and independent human rights monitoring and reporting. Through that, they bring critical information to the Council and support local authorities in directly addressing human rights concerns. In Afghanistan, the Council's decision to provide a strong human rights mandate to the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) allows the international community to have an authoritative account of the protection-of-civilians challenges and the responsibility of all parties for protecting them.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917 (2013) · source
“It could also have a very significant preventive effect. In contrast, the Council has achieved political consensus regarding the situation in Mali. I welcome the Council's provision for United Nations human rights monitoring there. The protection of human rights is key to stabilizing the situation. My Office is deploying human rights officers in the country, with the first having arrived in Bamako at the end of last week. As the situation evolves, attacks and reprisals risk driving Mali into a catastrophic spiral of violence. I call on all parties to the conflict to abide by international human rights and humanitarian law and to prevent retaliation.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917 (2013) · source
“Ms. Pillay: Let me follow the words of the Secretary-General by beginning with with Syria. At my latest briefing to the Security Council, 60,000 people had already been killed. That figure is probably now approaching 70,000. The Security Council is at its best when it acts with a unified voice. The lack of consensus on Syria, and the resulting inaction, has been disastrous. Civilians on all sides have paid the price. We will be judged against the tragedy that has unfolded before our eyes. The Council, as well as those of us in key positions within the United Nations, will be rightly asked what we did. One immediate action that the Council could take is clear, namely, refer Syria to the International Criminal Court. That would send a clear message to both the Government and the opposition that there will be consequences for their actions.”
2013-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6917 (2013) · source
“Thorough consultations with civil society groups will be critical in developing lasting solutions to today's challenges. Finally, I would like to reiterate my Office's commitment to continuing to support the Libyan people in realizing their rights. Working together, UNSMIL, the Human Rights Section and OHCHR headquarters are ready to respond to requests for technical assistance, for example, in the area of legal and institutional reform; to help in consultation processes; to build capacities, including those of key State institutions, such as the police, the judiciary and penitentiary institutions; and to monitor and report on human rights developments. Ultimately, the task of the Libyan people is to forge their own future on a firm basis of respect for the rule of law and international human rights standards.”
2012-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6707 (2012) · source
“First, urgent steps need to be taken to put an end to current abuses, particularly those occurring in detention. Secondly, I welcome the priority attention given by the authorities to transitional justice processes and mechanisms, and encourage them to expeditiously make their commitment to transitional justice a reality. The processes and mechanisms must address abuses committed both by the former regime and by all actors during the conflict, and must be established after an informed national consultation. Thirdly, in the major undertakings of the coming weeks and months, the authorities should use civil society activists and organizations, including women's and youth groups, as a key resource in addressing a range of social and political challenges.”
2012-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6707 (2012) · source
“In addition to providing Secretariat support to the commission, in October, I sent two senior OHCHR staff members to Tripoli, Benghazi and Misrata on a one-week mission to assess needs and to assist in setting the priorities of the human rights component within UNSMIL. Particular attention was given to the issues of transitional justice, detention, women's rights, minorities, migrants, racism and xenophobia in their discussions with Government representatives and emerging civil society actors. With the establishment of the Human Rights Section within UNSMIL, headed by my representative, I deployed OHCHR staff members on a temporary basis to bolster capacity. I have initiated a consultancy to strengthen civil society capacity in monitoring and advocating for human rights protection. Allow me to conclude by stressing the following points.”
2012-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6707 (2012) · source
“I call upon all sides, including NATO, to cooperate fully with the commission of inquiry in the current final phase of their investigations into those and other issues. In that phase of the commission's investigations, members of the Secretariat and the commissioners are currently in Libya to conduct the last of three missions. On 9 March, the commissioners will discuss the findings of their final report with members of the Human Rights Council. Following the publication of that second report, the focus should be on the implementation of all recommendations issued by the commission. With the support of my Office, the Human Rights Section within UNSMIL, as mandated by the Council, will play an important role in that regard.”
2012-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6707 (2012) · source
“Furthermore, there remain outstanding questions regarding possible civilian deaths resulting from NATO operations. The commission of inquiry is currently investigating such allegations. Any findings that it reaches will be important in shedding light on the extent to which NATO forces took all feasible measures to protect civilians in all their military operations. Information so far indicates that NATO made efforts to keep civilian casualties to a minimum, but where civilians have been killed and injured, the Alliance should disclose information about all such events and the remedial actions undertaken. Current investigations by the commission also seek to deepen initial findings into the question of sexual violence, in particular, to ascertain the extent and whether cases were linked to incitement by the command of either side.”
2012-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6707 (2012) · source
“Acts amounting to the mere exercise of freedom of expression and association frequently resulted in the death penalty, including after unfair trials before the People's Court and, later, the State Security Court. I commend the Libyan authorities' stated commitment to transitional justice processes and mechanisms, as they would enable Libya to deal with such abuses. We stand ready to provide assistance. Those processes should lead to the legislative and institutional reforms, including within the security sector, required to ensure justice, accountability and reparations for victims and guarantees of non-repetition, in compliance with international human rights standards. Moreover, international law requires the prosecution of individuals who may be criminally responsible for international crimes.”
2012-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6707 (2012) · source
“Those include violations committed during the former regime, as well as violations of international human rights and international humanitarian law committed during the conflict, as documented in the first report of the international commission of inquiry on Libya, mandated by the Human Rights Council (see A/HRC/17/44). We must not forget that the Libyan people rose up in order to remove a tyrannical ruler whose regime committed atrocious human rights violations against its people. Torture, unlawful killings and enforced disappearance were widely practised. The families of the disappeared, including over 1,200 prisoners allegedly killed in the 1996 Abu Salim prison massacre, continue to wait for the truth and for justice to be done.”
2012-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6707 (2012) · source
“Let us not forget the situation of women in Libya. Despite some gains for women's rights in previous years, inequality and discrimination in many areas of women's life persist in law and practice. Diverse views exist within Libyan society as to the status of women and their role in society. In the light of the recent decision of the National Transitional Council not to stipulate a minimum percentage for the representation of women in the National Congress, I would like to emphasize that facilitating their stronger representation in public life will be an essential step towards ensuring that the revolution brings meaningful achievements for women and girls across the country. In addition to addressing ongoing human rights concerns, Libyans are faced with the enormous challenge of addressing past abuses.”
2012-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6707 (2012) · source
“However, detainees continue to be held in unacceptable circumstances outside any legal framework or the protection of the State. The situation of persons subjected to internal forced and involuntary displacement also remains an area of concern. The United Nations estimates that, as of January, 60 per cent of Libyans have been able to return to their homes in the towns of Bani Walid and Sirte since the end of the fighting. However, several other groups are unable to return home for fear of reprisals. For example, some 35,000 residents of Tawergha who are accused by residents of the nearby town of Misrata of involvement in serious crimes are housed in camps or other accommodation across the country. Many of the men are held by revolutionary brigades in detention, where many have reported being subject to torture.”
2012-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6707 (2012) · source
“It is therefore urgent that all detention centres be brought under the control of the Ministry of Justice and the General Prosecutor's Office. Moreover, a structure and process for the judicial screening of detainees should be put in place immediately so that those detainees held without any legal basis can be released, while others receive a fair trial. The interim Government has made some effort to address the existing legal vacuum. For example, on 29 November 2011, the Minister of the Interior issued a decision stipulating which authorities have jurisdiction to arrest, detain and investigate. In addition, in December, the Minister of Justice reported that the judicial police had assumed control over six detention facilities.”
2012-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6707 (2012) · source
“Light and heavy weaponry in the hands of such brigades pose a threat to public security and the protection of the human rights of the population. A related area that I am extremely concerned about is the conditions of detention and treatment of detainees held by various revolutionary brigades. The International Committee of the Red Cross visited more than 8,500 detainees, in approximately 60 places of detention, between March and December 2011. The majority of the detainees are accused of being Al-Qadhafi loyalists and include a large number of sub-Saharan African nationals. The lack of oversight by the central authorities creates an environment conducive to torture and ill-treatment. My staff have received alarming reports that that is happening in the places of detention that they have visited.”
2012-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6707 (2012) · source
“I commend the Libyan authorities for their sense of urgency in addressing pressing issues by means of strengthening the legal framework. Before new laws are enacted, care needs to be exercised to ensure their compliance with international human rights standards and to undertake wide consultation on their provisions with all relevant actors and stakeholders. At the same time, the human rights situation remains of concern and requires increased vigilance by, and sustained assistance from, the international community. Undoubtedly, immense challenges lie ahead. The interim Government still does not exercise effective control over the revolutionary brigades, and that has human rights repercussions in a number of areas.”
2012-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6707 (2012) · source
“In November 2011, Interim Prime Minister Abdurrahim El-keib told the media that his Government would "build a nation that respects human rights and does not accept the abuse of human rights". He noted that they need time to put that into practice. As Mr. Martin said, in December the National Council for Public Liberties and Human Rights was established. 12-21455 In addition, the authorities have begun undertaking the arduous task of legal reform and the adoption of new legislation. Of relevance in that regard is the adoption of a law on transitional justice, as yet to be made public, on which the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) provided extensive comments through our staff in the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).”
2012-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6707 (2012) · source
“Ms. Pillay: I thank the Council for the invitation to brief it on human rights developments in Libya. I welcome the ongoing attention given by the Council to this fragile country situation. Through their courage and resilience, the Libyan people have emerged from 42 years of systematic human rights violations. In the weeks that followed the declaration of liberation, the challenge before them has been to create the conditions necessary for achieving long-term stability and security and to ensure respect for the rule of law and human rights. In that regard, the development and implementation of inclusive, transparent and victim-centred transitional justice policies is essential. Importantly, the interim authorities have repeatedly expressed their commitment to human rights and have taken some encouraging steps.”
2012-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6707 (2012) · source
“They provide a solid basis for informing international action and national processes on justice, truth and reconciliation. I would therefore encourage the Council to play a more active role in securing follow-up to the recommendations of these mechanisms. My Office participated in last week's workshop convened by Portugal and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs on enhancing the role of the Security Council in ensuring accountability for violations. The Council has an important role to play in ensuring practical arrangements to secure accountability: the establishment of facts, the identification and prosecution of perpetrators, and, importantly, the right to reparation for gross violations of human rights. Without it, impunity emboldens perpetrators and breeds more violations that undermine peace and progress.”
2011-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6650 (2011) · source
“As the Council is aware, the United Nations no longer has a human-rights monitoring presence, and even temporary access is refused. In the absence of any credible national investigations, I reiterate my call for a thorough and independent international investigation into violations of human rights and international humanitarian law. Where national authorities fail to investigate credible allegations of the most serious violations, it is incumbent on the international community to rigorously establish the facts. Over the last two decades, my Office has supported more than 30 commissions of inquiry and similar mechanisms set up by the Security Council, the Human Rights Council, the Secretary-General and by myself under my own mandate. We have strengthened our capacity to support such mechanisms.”
2011-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6650 (2011) · source
“In June, the Council charged the Secretary- General with ensuring effective human-rights monitoring of the situation in Abyei (resolution 1990 (2011), para. 10), following massive displacement of people and the burning and looting of Abyei town in May. Effective monitoring requires monitors on the ground. Given that my Office's repeated requests for access to Abyei have been denied, the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) should include a civilian human rights component to carry out the Council's mandate. Since my briefing to the Council last summer, I have continued to receive disturbing reports from credible sources on the ground about serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law in Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile state.”
2011-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6650 (2011) · source
“My Office provided recommendations on amendments aimed at guaranteeing international standards and the participation of international judges and prosecutors. I am very pleased to note that the Government has accepted my Office's proposal to hold a national conference on transitional justice. Today the Joint Human Rights Office published a report on police and intelligence services' arresting, assaulting and threatening opposition activists, journalists and human rights defenders in the run-up to the elections to be held at the end of this month in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is urgent that the Government ensure that the electoral process is not tainted by violence and that it lives up to the standards set by resolution 1991 (2011).”
2011-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6650 (2011) · source
“In recent months, my office in the occupied Palestinian territory has observed an increase in the frequency and severity of violence perpetrated by Israeli settlers against Palestinian civilians in the West Bank. I urge Israeli authorities to do more to prevent such attacks and to hold perpetrators accountable. A little more than a year ago, my Office released a mapping report on serious violations that were committed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo between 1993 and 2003. Actors flagged in the mapping report, including in the army and intelligence services, continue to be implicated in serious violations up to this day. The Government's initiative to send a bill to Parliament that would establish special chambers to try the most serious crimes is encouraging.”
2011-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6650 (2011) · source
“I draw the Council's attention to the systematic torture of suspected insurgents in many National Security Directorate and police detention facilities, which has been documented in a comprehensive report prepared by the UNAMA Human Rights Unit. In Iraq and Somalia, our human rights components in the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq and the United Nations Political Office for Somalia continue to observe patterns of indiscriminate bombings and targeted killings of civilians. I strongly condemn indiscriminate rocket attacks from Gaza, which flagrantly violate international law. I am also concerned that Israeli raids in Gaza are placing civilians at grave risk.”
2011-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6650 (2011) · source
“In the meantime, I intend to seek the agreement of Yemeni authorities for the deployment of a follow-up mission. I will report to the Human Rights Council next March. I am concerned that the number of civilians killed in Afghanistan is increasing, in a climate characterized by a lack of accountability for serious violations of international law. In the first half of 2011, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) Human Rights Unit tracked a 15 per cent increase in conflict-related civilian deaths. Among the 1,462 civilian deaths recorded, 80 per cent could be attributed to anti-Government forces. Civilian deaths for which the Afghan army and other pro-Government forces are responsible have declined to 14 per cent, due to improved safeguards.”
2011-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6650 (2011) · source
“An assessment mission to Yemen carried out by my Office in June found that civilians were at risk due to the lethal intersection of two separate struggles - the Government's suppression of peaceful protesters, on the one hand, and its conflict with armed opponents, on the other. Government security forces have continued to deploy excessive and lethal force against civilians, using live ammunition and even snipers. The situation is exacerbated by armed opponents bringing weapons to otherwise peaceful demonstrations. The Government has not initiated the type of credible independent investigations referred to in resolution 2014 (2011). I remain convinced that we need an international investigation and a human rights presence on the ground to lay the groundwork for accountability - rather than amnesty - for international crimes.”
2011-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6650 (2011) · source
“A human rights monitoring presence can help to ensure that. The international community must insist that the Government end the killing of civilians, release all those arbitrarily detained for their peaceful protest and finally provide full and unimpeded access to the International Commission of Inquiry, which was established by the Human Rights Council in August and will report before the end of the month. At the same time, a credible spectre of criminal accountability may lead individual military commanders and political decision-makers to pause, reflect and change course.”
2011-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6650 (2011) · source
“Since I briefed the Council in August on the findings of the fact-finding mission I established pursuant to Human Rights Council resolution S-l6/l, Government military and security forces have continued to commit serious violations. Well over 3,500 people have been killed since March. Tens of thousands of people, including doctors, nurses and wounded patients, have been arbitrarily arrested, and many remain detained incommunicado, placing them at serious risk of torture. However, in today's world, facts cannot be incarcerated, thanks not least to local human rights defenders reporting through social media. While I welcome the commitments Syria most recently made to the League of Arab States, I am concerned that the killing of civilians has not stopped. We have to see actual progress on the ground.”
2011-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6650 (2011) · source
“With the full support of my Office, the International Commission of Inquiry on Libya will continue to investigate alleged violations by all sides until presenting its final report to the Human Rights Council in March. An advance team began work in Libya at the end of October, and the Commission itself will be in Libya in early December. Where basic human rights are trampled and peaceful demands for change are met by brutal force, people are eventually compelled to have recourse to rebellion against tyranny and oppression. It happened in Libya; it may happen in Syria. More and more soldiers refuse to become complicit in international crimes and are changing sides. There is a serious risk of Syria descending into armed struggle.”
2011-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6650 (2011) · source
“In South Sudan, violent clashes between heavily armed communities and the related resurgence of armed activity by rebel factions are undermining the stability of our newest Member State and pose a serious threat to civilians. In order to stop the cycle of violent reprisals, the Government needs more support to better control small arms, prosecute perpetrators of serious violations and ensure reparations to victimized communities who have lost their livelihoods. In Libya, my Office has held initial discussions on transitional justice and will continue its engagement through the United Nations Support Mission in Libya. Given the seriousness and extent of the crimes committed in the past, the needs are colossal and pressing.”
2011-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6650 (2011) · source
“In Cote d'Ivoire, I have called on the Government to investigate and prosecute serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law committed by all sides. My Office supported the Commission of Inquiry established by the Human Rights Council earlier this year. Its findings, and those of previous commissions, provide a point of departure to end impunity, including with respect to elements in the new armed forces who continue to commit summary executions, rape and torture. Accountability, reconciliation and comprehensive security sector reform, including the vetting of officers, must be priorities at this juncture.”
2011-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6650 (2011) · source
“Ms. Pillay: I am very grateful for the opportunity to address the Security Council on the protection of civilians in armed conflict and other situations of violence. Since the Council last debated the subject in May (see S/PV.653l), a people's spring has continued to thaw the global landscape. A few days after the May debate, we saw the inauguration of a new Government in C6te d'lvoire. Two months later, a new nation was born in South Sudan. The end of violent upheaval promises the beginning of a new era in Libya that, I hope, will embrace human rights. In all of those cases, progress has been made in responding to people's aspirations for peace, justice, human rights and democracy. It is critical to consolidate those gains by ensuring accountability and respect for the rule of law.”
2011-11-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6650 (2011) · source
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Choi for his leadership and to commend the work of the UNOCI Human Rights Division under difficult security conditions. Let me conclude by suggesting that Cote d'Ivoire is another striking example of the inextricable link between peace, justice and human rights. Rights, justice and accountability will bolster the prospects for sustainable peace, an outcome to which the people of Cote d'Ivoire are entitled. They deserve our full support.”
2011-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6513 (2011) · source
“The commission has been mandated to investigate the facts and circumstances surrounding the allegations of serious abuses and violations of human rights committed in the aftermath of the 28 November 2010 elections. Yesterday, the President of the Human Rights Council announced the appointment of three high-level experts as members of the commission of inquiry. They are Mr. Vitit Muntabhorn of Thailand, who will serve as Chair of the commission, Mr. Suliman Baldo of the Sudan and Mrs. Reine Alapini-Gansou of Benin. The independent commission of inquiry was asked to report back to the Human Rights Council at its next session, in June. We hope that the commission of inquiry will receive full cooperation.”
2011-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6513 (2011) · source
“Perpetrators must be held accountable for crimes committed regardless of their affiliation, and all should be treated with dignity and respect for human rights, including the right to a fair trial. I am particularly concerned about the climate of entrenched division and distrust among the communities after years of discrimination and violence, which has been further exacerbated through the propagation of inflammatory messages and the wave of retaliation killings reportedly committed by both sides. Rebuilding social cohesion and fostering reconciliation between communities will need to be one of the main priorities of the Government and will require the support of the international community. In response to the human rights crisis in Cote d'Ivoire, the Human Rights Council established an independent commission of inquiry.”
2011-04-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6513 (2011) · source