YouSaid · the spoken record

Quinlan

lines on the record: 1,257
first: 2009-06-26
most recent: 2014-12-30
sittings or episodes: 160
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

“As the Secretary-General's report outlines, the Timorese Government has made very real progress in addressing the many security and development challenges that the country faces and - in particular - in further consolidating the vital legislative and institutional elements of the State. The level of political maturity that has emerged is very welcome and will continue, of course, to be decisive. In the past year, poverty has decreased by 9 per cent and the non-oil sector of the economy has averaged strong annual growth since 2008. Despite those improvements, however, as we know difficult challenges inevitably remain. Poverty is high, the health of women and children is poor, and there are limited jobs for a growing population. In particular, youth unemployment is rising, risking violence and social instability.”
2010-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6405 (2010) · source
“Australia keenly appreciates the Council's continued attention to the situation in Timor-Leste and the opportunity to speak in the debate. We are very pleased to see you presiding over this meeting, Sir. I would like to thank the Secretary-General for his report (S/2010/522) and his Special Representative, Ms. Ameerah Haq, for her briefing this morning. We equally welcome the statement by the Permanent Representative of Timor-Leste, Ambassador Borges. We recognize the continuing importance of the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT), very well led by Special Representative Haq. I would, of course, also like to convey our condolences on the death of Deputy Special Representative for Security Sector Support and Rule of Law, Mr. Kawakami.”
2010-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6405 (2010) · source
“But we must not lose sight of the reality that those developments will be of very limited value without direction from the Security Council itself and without the support of Member States to ensure that all those involved in the formulation, development and implementation of peacekeeping operations that have protection of civilians mandates have the guidance, the training and the resources necessary to ensure that peacekeeping lives up to the expectations that all of us here share. To conclude, peacekeeping is one tool to improve the lives of civilians affected by conflict on the ground, and peacekeeping missions obviously have a very special responsibility for the physical protection of civilians. It is therefore critical that we continue to support those endeavours and, frankly, do a better job in doing that.”
2010-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6354Resumption1 (2010) · source
“For its part, the Council must clearly articulate its expectations of the peacekeepers it mandates to protect civilians. Peacekeepers on the ground are asking unambiguously for that clarity and that guidance, which does not necessarily mean the development of even more lengthy, detailed or intricate mandates. In turn, the development of measurable benchmarks will go a long way towards ensuring the implementation of the mandate and towards the management of expectations. As we look to the future, we are encouraged, I have to say, by the work under way to develop a strategic framework and the mission-wide strategies, which is a marked improvement on the tools available to implement protection of civilian mandates a decade ago.”
2010-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6354Resumption1 (2010) · source
“Despite some of the positive normative developments, which have been explained to us, to support the ability of peacekeepers to protect civilians when mandated as part of a peacekeeping operation, the deteriorating situation on the ground, which has been plainly made clear to us, means that there is still very significant work that needs to be done to ensure that what we think is a shared understanding of what the protection of civilians means actually does result in improved conditions for civilians on the ground. The drawdowns in recent peacekeeping operations have been highlighted by many speakers today. Both the Council and the host Government have critical roles to play in ensuring that civilians are protected, including during mission drawdowns.”
2010-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6354Resumption1 (2010) · source
“And most recently, we have been very pleased to support the United Nations Development Fund for Women, United Nations Action Against Sexual Violence and the DPKO in the development of an analytical inventory for peacekeepers to respond to conflict-related sexual violence. The inventory was launched here in New York last week. As noted by the Joint Special Representative for the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur, Mr. Gambari, at the recent General Assembly thematic debate on peacekeeping, regional organizations have a critical role to play in peacekeeping efforts. Australia has been pleased to work with the African Union (AU) to assist with the consideration of draft operational guidelines on the protection of civilians for AU peace support operations.”
2010-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6354Resumption1 (2010) · source
“In January, we were pleased to again partner with Uruguay in hosting a workshop here in New York to discuss the recommendations of the independent study - jointly commissioned by the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs - on the protection of civilians. In April, as one of 17 member countries of the Challenges Partnership, Australia hosted the third International Forum for the Challenges of Peace Operations, which examined the challenges of strengthening the protection of civilians in multidimensional peace operations.”
2010-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6354Resumption1 (2010) · source
“The development of a draft operational concept late last year in response to calls from the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations and the Security Council in its resolution 1894 (2009) was a significant step forward in closing that gap, although more needs to be done. This year, the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations subsequently requested the Secretariat to develop a strategic framework which, importantly, will contain elements and parameters for mission-specific strategies to guide senior mission leadership, to develop training modules, and to outline resource and capability requirements. As part of Australia's own continuing engagement on this practical agenda, we have been pleased to engage with other Member States to further contribute to the efforts of peacekeepers to protect civilians.”
2010-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6354Resumption1 (2010) · source
“From the numbers of internally displaced persons to the horrifying statistics on sexual violence, it is very clear that the international community needs to do much more to ensure that innocent and vulnerable civilians in armed conflict situations are protected. Given today's time constraints, I would like to focus my remarks on one aspect discussed in the briefings - the issue of protection of civilians in the context of peacekeeping operations. When the Council debated this issue in November last year (see S/PV.6216), there was still a wide gap in the understanding among Member States of the meaning of protection of civilians in the context of a peacekeeping operation.”
2010-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6354Resumption1 (2010) · source
“Australia very much welcomes the opportunity today, especially under the Nigerian presidency, to discuss this critical issue before the Council. First, I would like to thank the Secretary- General, the High Commission for Human Rights, Ms. Pillay, and the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Sir John Holmes, for their presentations. It is essential, of course, that the Council and the United Nations system generally keep this compelling matter within its sights. I especially want to recognize the role of Under-Secretary-General Holmes in helping candidly to keep us honest about this imperative, which, of course, goes to the core of why we created the United Nations. The presentations today remind us tellingly that the plight of civilians in modern conflict remains very dire.”
2010-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6354Resumption1 (2010) · source
“Afghan women hold almost a quarter of all seats in Afghanistan's National Assembly, which, I should say, is above the average of 18 per cent right across the world when one does an aggregation. This is a stark contrast to conditions under the oppressive Taliban rule. The number of teachers has almost doubled since 2002 and access to education has, of course, grown dramatically. We need to extend and intensify that progress, but there is progress. In conclusion, it is obviously important that the Afghan Government and its international partners, including Australia, remain committed to and focused, with fortitude and resolve, to use the words of Ambassador Tanin, on the task at hand: fighting the insurgency, combating corruption, and improving governance and the delivery of essential services to the Afghan people.”
2010-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6351 (2010) · source
“As the Special Representative and others have emphasized today, regional cooperation involving all Afghanistan's near neighbours is vital to securing stability in Afghanistan and regional stability, including combating transnational issues, such as the narcotics trade and the illegal movement of people. UNAMA's efforts to encourage regional countries to cooperate in halting those activities and to support Afghanistan in its own efforts to achieve security and stability are very welcome. We share the assessment of the Secretary-General that this is a critical year for Afghanistan. There have been setbacks and there will be more, but we are also seeing real progress. In 2002, 9 per cent of Afghans had access to health care; today, 65 per cent do.”
2010-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6351 (2010) · source
“The Government needs to press ahead with key electoral reforms, with a focus on strengthening anti-fraud measures and improving the capacity of the Independent Electoral Commission and the Electoral Complaints Commission. Those reforms will obviously be critical to building a strong democratic foundation for the elected Government. We strongly support Afghan-led reconciliation and reintegration. We believe that work in that area, at both the grass-roots and the political levels, is critical to ending the conflict, and we will contribute $25 million to the Peace and Reintegration Trust Fund. We greatly welcome the Afghan Government's draft peace and reintegration plan, and we believe that it obviously marks an important step towards Afghan ownership of the reintegration process.”
2010-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6351 (2010) · source
“We strongly support UNAMA's focus on the three-plus-one priorities, namely, support for elections, reconciliation and reintegration and regional cooperation and aid coherence. We welcome the work under way in preparation for the September Afghan parliamentary elections. We also note that, vitally, that process is Afghan-owned and Afghan-led. The United Nations of course retains a necessary and very important role in coordinating international support for that electoral process. As Ambassador Tanin has said today, it is important that the Afghan Government learn from the experience of the 2009 elections. Progress to date has been promising, but there is of course, always, more to be done.”
2010-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6351 (2010) · source
“The focus of this effort remains on mentoring and training the Afghan National Army's fourth brigade in Uruzgan province so that it can conduct independent security operations and provide security for the Afghan people. Our military personnel are also involved in providing force protection for civilian efforts and in conducting and supporting operations more broadly across regional command south. We would like to recognize and thank the Netherlands for its achievements in Uruzgan. Australia looks forward to working with the United States as the future lead in the province, as well as with our other ISAF partners, Slovakia and Singapore, to assist in stabilizing the province. We also look forward to continuing engagement with the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) in expanding civilian efforts across Afghanistan.”
2010-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6351 (2010) · source
“We recently welcomed the decision by ISAF to establish new multinational arrangements, for instance in Uruzgan province to replace the Netherlands lead in that province from 1 August. Most of Australia's troops are in that province. We will continue to play a substantial role in those new arrangements. We will provide a senior civilian to head the provincial reconstruction team as well as the core members of the civilian elements of the team, including diplomatic and development assistance and policing personnel. Those new civilian enhancements will build on our military contribution, which overall totals some 1,550 Australian defence personnel.”
2010-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6351 (2010) · source
“Australia believes that the basic International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) strategy - which emphasizes protecting the population, increasing and integrating civilian activity within a truly civilian- military approach and focusing on building Afghan capacity - provides a sound basis for addressing those priorities. We look forward to working with General Petraeus in furthering that strategy's implementation. Equally, of course, we look forward very much to the results of the Kabul Conference in July, which should be seminal for determining how Afghanistan sees its own future. Australia remains fully committed to doing its part in international efforts in Afghanistan.”
2010-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6351 (2010) · source
“The Secretary-General's report and today's briefings underline some crucial and evident factors: the need for an intelligent, hard-headed political vision for Afghanistan's future and a credible political process to achieve that vision; the fact that while military efforts alone will not resolve Afghanistan's conflict, we cannot lose sight of the importance of security to making progress in other areas, such as governance, development and human rights; the indispensability of a credible and effective partner in the Afghan Government itself that can provide basic services and take action against corruption; and the obvious need to give priority to developing Afghan capabilities in order to transition to Afghan ownership.”
2010-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6351 (2010) · source
“Australia welcomes Special Representative of the Secretary-General de Mistura's presence here and his briefing this morning. We also appreciate the latest quarterly report of the Secretary-General on Afghanistan (S/2010/318), the presence of Ambassador Tanin of Afghanistan and the briefings provided today on the recent Security Council mission to Afghanistan. That level of direct engagement in the field by the Council is very reassuring.”
2010-06-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6351 (2010) · source
“Finally, Australia is firmly committed to the need to end impunity for the most serious crimes, and is a strong supporter of the central role of the International Criminal Court in this regard. The relationship between the Court and the Council clearly has the potential to develop into a very powerful and mutually supportive alliance for the maintenance of international peace and security. Where the Security Council refers a situation to the Court, it is beholden on the Council to use the tools at its disposal under Chapters VI, VII and VIII of the Charter to encourage, cajole and, if necessary, find a 10-4285] way to compel Member States to cooperate with the Court. This is obviously very much a current challenge for the Council.”
2010-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6347Resumption1 (2010) · source
“That is in recognition of the fact that a sustainable peace must be firmly grounded in respect for the rule oflaw. The challenge, however, is of course to ensure that effective implementation of such mandated tasks actually happens on the ground. We understand that work is under way within the Secretariat, in the context of implementing the Secretary-General's 2009 report on peacebuilding in the immediate aftermath of conflict (S/2009/304), to clarify the roles and responsibilities of the various United Nations actors in the rule of law area. This is clearly an important step towards improving coherence and predictability in the delivery of such mandates, and we would very much encourage the very early completion of that work.”
2010-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6347Resumption1 (2010) · source
“The creation of that function, the ongoing review of the listings and the publication of narrative summaries are vital steps in improving the listing and de-listing procedures and the legitimacy and overall effectiveness of the sanctions measures. Secondly, Security Council peacekeeping mandates continue to develop in recognition of the importance of the rule of law. Rule of law components are now a familiar aspect of peacekeeping operations, from the Democratic Republic of the Congo to Haiti, from Liberia to Timor Leste. Such rule of law tasks are an illustration of the early peacebuilding activities that are increasingly being undertaken within peacekeeping missions and must progressively become a much more decisive part of them.”
2010-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6347Resumption1 (2010) · source
“The first is the issue of targeted sanctions. Member States have a legal obligation under the Charter to accept and enforce sanction measures created by the Council, pursuant to Chapter VII. Australia takes that obligation very seriously. However, as we have seen in recent years, the legitimacy and effectiveness of such measures depend in large part on perceptions of procedural fairness. 8 As such, we welcome the major improvements that have progressively been introduced in that regard, first in relation to the Al-Qaida and Taliban sanctions regime through resolutions 1822 (2008) and 1904 (2009). In particular, we welcome the appointment of Judge Kimberly Prost of Canada as the Ombudsperson for the Al-Qaida and Taliban regime.”
2010-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6347Resumption1 (2010) · source
“The Security Council clearly has a range of powerful tools at its disposal to promote and strengthen the rule of law, from the imposition of sanctions to the mandating of United Nations missions with rule of law tasks and the use of judicial mechanisms to combat impunity. In utilizing those tools, it is again obvious that the Council itself must demonstrate respect for the rule of law. Consistent with the Secretary-General's exhortation that the United Nations as a whole must be the model of the rule of law if it is to be effective in promoting it, axiomatically the Council is most legitimate and most effective when it too, of course, submits itself to the rule of law. There are three areas on which I would like to focus my remarks, guided by the very helpful concept note that Mexico has prepared (S/2010/322).”
2010-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6347Resumption1 (2010) · source
“Australia very much welcomes this debate on the Council's role in promoting and strengthening the rule of law, and I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for your leadership in bringing it before us. It is, of course, self-evident that the absence of the rule of law can be a driver of conflict. Peace is threatened by corruption, the abuse of power, discrimination and exclusion. Injustice obviously can drive people to take up arms. It is therefore important, indeed expected, that the Council periodically reflect on its performance in the promotion and strengthening of the rule of law as a central component of its mandate to prevent conflict and maintain peace and security.”
2010-06-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6347Resumption1 (2010) · source
“We are pleased to see in the Secretary- General's report that continued operation of the supplemental understanding complaints mechanism has produced some results for the protection of children in Myanmar's conflict areas. In conclusion, Australia welcomes the improvements reported by the Secretary-General. But, along with many other Council members, we caution that further robust efforts and commitments by all Member States are essential. The failure to protect and rehabilitate children from harm and exploitation in situations of armed conflict simply condemns us all.”
2010-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6341Resumption1 (2010) · source
“Measures taken by Thailand to protect the safety and enhance the development of children in its southern border provinces are to be commended, including its efforts to significantly reduce attacks on schools, which is a grave violation against children. Effective information on the prevalence of this violation and strategies for prevention are clearly crucial. Of course, the gains that have been made must not obscure the fact that there is much more work to be done. The continued inability of the United Nations to gain access to non-State groups in Myanmar in order to make progress in discussions on action plans remains of particular concern. That being said, we recognize that the International Labour Organization continues to have a positive and effective presence on ground in Myanmar.”
2010-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6341Resumption1 (2010) · source
“The news of the recent release of the last Sri Lankan former child soldiers from rehabilitation centres demonstrates the capabilities of the Council mechanism. That those former child soldiers will be provided with the skills and opportunities that they will need to forge a sustainable future is particularly pleasing. With Sri Lanka now looking towards a more hopeful future, we trust that those children represent a new beginning for their country. In the Philippines, Australia supports UNICEF in providing education for children in areas affected by armed conflict. We are encouraged by the Secretary- General's finding that the Moro Islamic Liberation Front has taken measures to operationalize its action plan within its ranks, thereby translating words into action.”
2010-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6341Resumption1 (2010) · source
“We reaffirm our own readiness to support national efforts to do so. Australia is pleased to assist the United Nations and other partners to address the situation of children in armed conflict in very practical ways - particularly in Asia, where a significant portion of the work of the Council mechanism is focused. The value of identifying best practices and developing field manuals and training toolkits must be recognized, particularly to help identify tangible ways United Nations country teams can address children's welfare. UNICEF's June 2009 all-African workshop was an excellent initiative in that regard, and we were pleased to support it. We value our continued partnership with UNICEF in this area, including in Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and the Philippines.”
2010-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6341Resumption1 (2010) · source
“The Secretary-General's recommendation to include the issue of children in armed conflict in the mandates of all relevant sanctions committees is also welcome, as is his proposal to include child protection advisers in the expert groups that inform them. Ms. Coomaraswamy's briefing on 21 May to the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1533 (2004) concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo set a very positive precedent in that regard. Positive signs of progress in the Secretary- General's report are a testament to the real change that the Council mechanism can effect, in particular the recent release of children in Nepal and the signing by parties in Nepal and the Philippines of time-bound action plans. We express our hope that those and other such action plans will be translated into genuine action on the ground.”
2010-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6341Resumption1 (2010) · source
“That figure, and the fact that the numbers for listing on those bases could be higher in future reporting periods, is obviously of very serious concern. All parties to conflict must take urgent action to address those and other grave violations against children. For that reason, the names of persistent violators should continue to be published. The Council should utilize the full range of tools available to it and take vigilant measures in response to these grave and ongoing violations. Those who abuse children in times of conflict simply must not go unpunished. We support the Secretary-General's call for improved synergies between the Council's Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict and its sanctions committees.”
2010-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6341Resumption1 (2010) · source
“I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for Mexico's continuing leadership on this critical matter. Australia appreciates this opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to what must be a robust international framework to address the situation of children in armed conflict. As a member of the Group of Friends for children and armed conflict, we are pleased to associate ourselves with statement delivered by the representative of Canada on behalf of the Group. Australia welcomes the report of the Secretary- General (S/2010/ 181). For the first time, as we know, the report lists parties to conflict on the basis of sexual violence and killing and maiming. In the four months of the reporting period in which those triggers for listing were activated, 10 parties were listed on those grounds.”
2010-06-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6341Resumption1 (2010) · source
“It is indispensable to future stability. In Afghanistan, our military efforts in Oruzgan province are complemented by similar development programmes. Our efforts to meet the population's needs have highlighted the inextricable link between military, diplomatic and development efforts in establishing a sustainable peace. Finally, Australia agrees with the Secretary- General's assessment that there is a need to broaden and deepen the pool of civilian experts, including from developing countries, to help develop national capacity in post-conflict societies. The Australian Civilian Corps was established in late 2009 to enable the rapid deployment of Australian civilians into post-conflict countries in coordination with the local Government and other international actors.”
2010-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6299Resumption1 (2010) · source
“Australia's efforts in Timor-Leste in the earliest stages placed priority, obviously, on stabilizing the security situation, responding to humanitarian needs and helping the new Government to start immediately to rebuild the institutions it needed to govern. However, with the benefit of hindsight, we now recognize that a much earlier transition to also ensuring visible, tangible benefits to the poor living in the countryside and the very large numbers of people Without jobs throughout all of Timor-Leste was desperately needed. Our new country strategy seeks to correct this imbalance, placing most emphasis on working with the Government to deliver health and education services, improve agricultural productivity and address employment challenges for youth. This last need is perhaps the most imperative of all.”
2010-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6299Resumption1 (2010) · source
“Australia's long-term approach to helping post-conflict countries aims to address security, development, economic and political issues in this kind of comprehensive and sequenced way. In Timor-Leste, the United Nations Mission and the Australian-led International Stabilization Force are not only helping to create and sustain peace and security, but moreover significantly providing Timor- Leste with the space to develop its Government and security institutions so that there will not in the future be any need for such an international security presence. They are also providing the space for economic and social development and investment in human resources, both of which will be decisive for the long- term future of Timor-Leste.”
2010-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6299Resumption1 (2010) · source
“Australia learned this lesson the hard way in Timor-Leste, most obviously with the need in 2006 to return peacekeepers who had been withdrawn too quickly. We need to be cognizant of and able to respond to the rapidly changing political and security context and, of course, be prepared to see a challenge through to its conclusion. Thirdly, while creating and sustaining peace and security is a critical component of peacebuilding, it also requires efforts at State-building. This requires all international actors - whether political, security, humanitarian or development - to develop a shared understanding of all the factors affecting a nation's ability to build a sustainable peace. They need to align their respective efforts with Government priorities and harmonize their activities to get the best results.”
2010-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6299Resumption1 (2010) · source
“As such, the planning of peacekeeping missions should not be seen, of course, as a military task alone, but rather as one that demands a multifaceted effort that combines political, humanitarian and development considerations with the security dimension. This also demands a closer and more organic relationship between the Council and the Peacebuilding Commission throughout the Council's consideration of a situation. Secondly, there are of course no quick fixes to intractable problems. The transition from post-conflict to what we might call normal, while unique in each case, typically takes a long time. There is an imperative to balance the need for rapid and flexible responses to short-term issues against our steady efforts on longer- term goals. Scaling back our engagement too quickly can result in relapse into conflict.”
2010-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6299Resumption1 (2010) · source
“I would like to focus today on only a few overarching points that have been borne out of Australia's engagement in addressing current peacebuilding challenges in Timor-Leste, Afghanistan, Solomon Islands, earlier in Bougainville, and more recently through our engagement with Sierra Leone through the work of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC). We are contributing further to this debate through the current review of the PBC. First, we think that peacebuilding needs to be considered at the inception of a peacekeeping mission. There is increasing international recognition that beginning recovery efforts as early as possible in post- conflict situations is critical to helping countries stabilize and provide essential services to their population.”
2010-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6299Resumption1 (2010) · source
“It is an especially encouraging moment for Australia to speak today before the Council under Japan's presidency, and you, Mr. President, are to be commended for convening today's debate. There is a lot of discussion, as we know, currently under way in different forums about the importance of peacebuilding. It is essential that that discussion also continue in the Security Council, since peacebuilding is a necessary - and often the most difficult - element in preventing future conflict and in consolidating the gains achieved by peacekeeping missions. Both of these tasks, of course, are central aims of the Council's work.”
2010-04-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6299Resumption1 (2010) · source
“In conclusion, Australia supports the recommendation of the Secretary-General that the UNMIT mandate be renewed for another 12 months, with some modest reductions in staff numbers and some reconfiguration based on the technical assessment mission recommendations.”
2010-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6276 (2010) · source
“The Australian-led International Stabilisation Force (ISF) has continued its shift in focus from security support to helping to develop the capacity of the Timor-Leste military. The past few months have seen a reduction in ISF numbers to approximately 540 Australian and New Zealand Defence Force personnel. That reduction, of course, does not mean any reduction in our commitment to supporting Timor-Leste and the United Nations Mission. On the contrary, the ISF restructure allows for an enhanced capacity-building effort while maintaining the ability to respond to security threats and the needs of UNMIT, consistent with the level of security in Timor-Leste.”
2010-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6276 (2010) · source
“Other major developments include the commencement of the force-wide promotions process for PNTL officers, the ongoing consideration by Parliament of draft laws on the national security framework, and additional consultations on the draft national security policy. Work in this latter area is critical to ensuring that there is a clear understanding of the respective roles of the security forces and an established framework for civilian oversight of these institutions. There have also been several security incidents involving PNTL officers that have given some cause for concern, and we encourage the relevant authorities to deal with those issues appropriately and swiftly so as to ensure that community goodwill and trust in the PNTL are strengthened.”
2010-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6276 (2010) · source
“There is a lot of work to be done if the resumption process is to be completed by the end of the year, including by the Government in ensuing the PNTL has the supporting infrastructure needed to undertake its work. My own Government, as a donor, is very prepared to continue working with the Timor-Leste Government in that process. We also support the assessment mission's recommendation that there be a reconfiguration within UNMIT to enable deployment of United Nations police with skills directly relevant to their new role, following resumption, as mentors and monitors. For our part, our bilateral Timor-Leste Police Development Program continues to work with its PNTL counterparts to strengthen systems and procedures.”
2010-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6276 (2010) · source
“Timor-Leste's recognition of the problems of corruption and lack of capacity in the public sector and the introduction of measures taken to address them are welcome. We note the recent appointment of an Anti-Corruption Commissioner, who will head up the new Anti- Corruption Commission. We have also been pleased to support the Government in its efforts to establish a new Civil Service Commission. In the security sector, we note in particular the further progress in the process of resumption of policing responsibility by the Policia Nacional de Timor-Leste (PNTL). We acknowledge the very natural desire by the Timor-Leste Government that this process be expedited, but we would encourage both the United Nations and the Government to pursue the process within the agreed framework requiring benchmarks to be reached prior to resumption.”
2010-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6276 (2010) · source
“I want to be brief; these efforts by Australia are outlined briefly in my statement as distributed. One area I would like to particularly flag, which needs serious attention - and quickly - is the critical issue of youth unemployment. Disaffected young men in particular remain a potential threat. As the Secretary- General's report itself notes, finding a place for youth in the country's economic life, civic institutions and democratic processes is absolutely critical to stability. Much more needs to be done by all of us to help create job opportunities for youth. There have of course been a number of noteworthy developments since the Council last considered the situation in Timor-Leste.”
2010-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6276 (2010) · source
“Australia welcomes the ongoing positive developments in Timor-Leste, which are detailed in the report of the Secretary-General (S/2010/85) and to which the Deputy Prime Minister referred this morning. But, as we all know of course, there is still a significant amount of work to be done by the Government and the people of Timor-Leste, assisted by their partners, before we can confidently say the country will be remain stable and secure over the long term. Australia sees the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) as continuing to have a decisive role to play in that and remains committed to strong partnership with the United Nations mission and of course, as a close neighbour and friend, with Timor-Leste and its people themselves.”
2010-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6276 (2010) · source
“Australia welcomes the opportunity to participate once again in the Security Council's deliberations on Timor-Leste. I would like to thank Special Representative Haq and Deputy Prime Minister Guterres for their presentations. The Deputy Prime Minister's presence is especially valued. I would also like to commend the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for her very strong start in her role, and to note that her good offices role in particular will remain very important into the future. The recent visit of the technical assessment mission led by former Special Envoy Ian Martin was particularly welcome and has provided an especially valuable assessment for the Council.”
2010-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6276 (2010) · source
“That resolution invited all relevant organs of the United Nations, including this one, to intensify our efforts in considering and addressing climate change, including its possible security implications. The subsequent report of the Secretary-General (A/64/350) has further underlined the urgent need for an effective global, regional and national effort to mitigate and adapt to climate change as the best way to minimize its impacts, including its serious security- related consequences. This remains a compelling initiative. The Pacific islands and the Pacific Islands Forum stand ready to work with the Security Council to address all of these challenges.”
2010-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6257 (2010) · source
“In Fiji, the Forum has been unwavering in its commitment to the primacy of democratic principles and has sought to work constructively with all parties for the restoration of democratic institutions after the coup. In that regard, the Forum particularly welcomes the Security Council's principled call for an early return to democracy in Fiji. Of course, the Forum has also begun to address non-traditional security challenges, as it must. Climate change represents an existential threat for a number of Forum members. This is not threat for the future: it is a threat to them today. On 3 June last year, the General Assembly adopted by consensus its historic resolution 63/281, on the link between climate change and security.”
2010-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6257 (2010) · source
“The Bougainville peace process was an illustration of successful cooperation between the United Nations and the Forum, with the Council- endorsed Peace Monitoring Group working alongside the United Nations Observer Mission in partnership, and with the Papua New Guinea Government and other Governments in the region to bring peace and stability to Bougainville following nearly 10 years of conflict. The Forum's Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands has played a critical role in supporting the stabilization and reconstruction of Solomon Islands after a very debilitating ethnic conflict in the late 19905 and throughout the early 20005. The mission remains in place today.”
2010-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6257 (2010) · source