YouSaid · the spoken record

Rasi

lines on the record: 135
first: 1999-08-25
most recent: 2007-10-23
sittings or episodes: 15
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

“Finally, I would like to assure you, Sir, of Finland's commitment to close cooperation with you and the Members of the United Nations in the implementation of the 2008-2009 System-wide Action Plan.”
2007-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5766Resumption1 (2007) · source
“In this context, I would like to refer to the important work towards a just and sustainable peace undertaken by the International Women's Commission, founded by a group of Palestinian and Israeli women leaders and the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM). The President of Finland, Tarja Halonen, is one of the honorary Chairs of the Commission. The Commission has stressed the importance of involving women in the peace process between Israel and the Palestinians, and works to include gender equality and a gender perspective in the attempts to solve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In the 3 same vein, other locally initiated dialogues, such as the face-to-face meetings of the Kosovo Women's Network and Serbia's Women in Black, should be recognized and encouraged.”
2007-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5766Resumption1 (2007) · source
“Let me also highlight the need for increased attention to facilitating women's equal and active participation, from conflict prevention to peace negotiations to reconstruction and political participation. As providers, professionals, mothers and spouses, women feel the impact of conflicts more strongly and often better understand the different dimensions of conflict. Without women's involvement there will be no sustainable peace and we may risk losing the support and respect of the majority of the population. We, the international community, are in a key position to promote gender-balanced participation by all parties.”
2007-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5766Resumption1 (2007) · source
“The action plan will pay special attention to the development of a gender perspective for national capabilities. The fact that United Nations peacekeeping missions and crisis management operations of the European Union and other regional organizations are dependent on national capabilities means that it is crucial that a gender perspective be integrated into the training of national forces and civilian personnel. We will also pay attention to women's recruitment for crisis management operations. We should not underestimate the power of example in crisis areas. Attention will also be paid to women's and girls' rights and protection. Finland will also consider setting up a pool of experts trained in gender issues.”
2007-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5766Resumption1 (2007) · source
“During the Finnish European Union presidency in 2006, the Council of the European Union decided that gender aspects would be incorporated in all activities of the European Security and Defence Policy. To facilitate that task, all European 07-55957 Union member States developed a checklist on mainstreaming gender into the European Security and Defence Policy. The adoption of those two instruments was an important step in the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000). Finland is now in the process of drafting a national action plan for the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000). We, in close cooperation with civil society, are committed to doing our part to ensure that women's full potential is utilized in the work for better security.”
2007-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5766Resumption1 (2007) · source
“First of all, let me thank the Secretary-General for his recent report on women and peace and security (S/2007/567). As the report demonstrates, progress has been made in a number of fields in implementing Security Council resolution 1325 (2000). Yet, as we all know, a lot of work still remains to be done in order to overcome institutional and organizational challenges and gaps. Those challenges have been identified accurately in the System-wide Action Plan for 2008-2009. For more than 50 years, Finland has participated in peacekeeping operations. Finland also has a long history of advancing women's rights, both nationally and internationally.”
2007-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5766Resumption1 (2007) · source
“In that respect, we were pleased to hear Secretary-General Kofi Annan affirm in his speech to the General Assembly on 21 September (see A/59/PV.3), and again today, that he would make strengthening the rule of law and transitional justice a priority for the rest of his term of office. Finland wants to express its commitment to continue working towards strengthening the rule of law and transitional justice and calls on other interested Member States to join in this process.”
2004-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5052Resumption1 (2004) · source
“Effective coordination among all those involved in the rule of law and transitional justice projects, including those of UNDP, in conflict areas could ensure complementarity of action and success in delivering positive results. More cooperation is also needed to provide the United Nations with competent staff to deploy to its operations. Finland hopes the report of the Secretary-General will enable the United Nations to further develop its action in the area of rule of law and transitional justice. To that end, it is crucial that the various recommendations laid out in the report be effectively implemented. We want to emphasize that the report can lead to results only if matched by a commitment on the part of the United Nations and Member States to provide adequate resources and political support.”
2004-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5052Resumption1 (2004) · source
“For that purpose, Finland has prepared a non-paper, together with Germany and Jordan, reflecting upon the possibilities for future institutional structures in the United Nations. The non-paper has just been presented to the Council by my German colleague, and it was circulated to all the Permanent Missions prior to this Security Council debate. Our sincere hope is that the ideas presented in the non-paper can provide a starting point for future Executive Committee on Peace and Security deliberations on enhancing arrangements by the United Nations system for supporting the rule of law and transitional justice. The United Nations should strengthen partnership arrangements with regional organizations, individual Member States and civil society organizations, which often have valuable expertise and resources in this area.”
2004-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5052Resumption1 (2004) · source
“We especially hope to see the capacity of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) enhanced in this area, as we recognize that it is vital that the issues relating to the rule of law are addressed from the beginning of an operation. In DPKO, resources are perhaps most urgently needed in the Criminal Law and Judicial Advisory Unit, the currently two-person Unit responsible for the judicial and corrections components of a growing number of United Nations peace operations, as well as in the Civilian Police Division. Meeting the growing challenges also requires effective cooperation within the entire United Nations system. Finland therefore strongly believes that rule- of-law and transitional justice issues warrant their own dedicated entity in the United Nations Secretariat.”
2004-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5052Resumption1 (2004) · source
“The impact of the ICC will have to be measured also by its indirect effect in encouraging States to incorporate and apply the rules of the Statute in their national jurisdictions. One could speak of the role of the Court in mainstreaming accountability for the most serious crimes and in building local rule of law. That term also emphasizes the role of the ICC in setting standards for national jurisdictions, including a high level of due process rights for defendants. Finland believes that the increase in the demand for the involvement of the United Nations in rule-of- law and transitional justice-related issues should be met by enhancing the capacity of the Organization. To that end, adequate resources should be created at United Nations Headquarters. We hope to see proposals from the Secretary-General on that matter in the near future.”
2004-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5052Resumption1 (2004) · source
“The International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia and the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda have played a significant role in ensuring accountability where national judicial systems have failed to do so. As for deterrence and prevention, the impact of the ICC may well be even more important. The ICC has the great advantage of being available when need arises. That means, among other things, that enhancing respect for the rule of law must not be left to the post-conflict phase, but should be addressed while a conflict is still raging. At the same time, the ICC is an institution for exceptional situations only. The primary responsibility for bringing offenders of international crimes to justice continues to rest with States.”
2004-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5052Resumption1 (2004) · source
“Any strategy should aim to strengthen the capacity of State institutions. After all, there is no long-term stability if national institutions are unable to take over when the international presence ceases. We view the rule of law and respect for human rights as essential to achieving long-term sustainability. Without the rule of law and respect for human rights there is a risk that a State could revert to conflict. Dealing with atrocities against civilian populations - and especially against women, children, minorities and refugees - becomes a core issue in the process of establishing trust in the judicial system in States emerging from conflict. In that connection, Finland wishes to give its full support to the International Criminal Court (ICC) and to ad hoc tribunals.”
2004-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5052Resumption1 (2004) · source
“It has given the United Nations a chance to consider the lessons learned in this area and, perhaps even more importantly, to reflect upon what should be done in the future. The report recognizes that the Organization has in recent years increased its focus on transitional justice and rule of law issues in its efforts to bring peace and stability to conflict-torn societies. There is an increased demand for United Nations action, which has been responded to, inter alia, by including rule of law and justice components in the recently established United Nations peace operations in Liberia, C6te d'Ivoire and Haiti. In planning the United Nations response, it is important that the strategy be based on national needs and that local actors are fully engaged in the planning and implementation process.”
2004-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5052Resumption1 (2004) · source
“Finland fully associates itself with the statement made by the Netherlands on behalf of the European Union. Finland played an active role in the process leading to the publication of the report of the Secretary-General on transitional justice and the rule of law in conflict and post-conflict societies, which is under discussion today. Together with the United Kingdom, other interested delegations and the International Center for Transitional Justice, Finland organized a series of seminars bringing together interested Member States, the Secretariat and civil society, thereby facilitating inclusive discussions on themes central to the report. Finland views the report of the Secretary-General as an important milestone.”
2004-10-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5052Resumption1 (2004) · source
“Once again, Madam President, I welcome your initiative to have this exchange of views to find synergies among the main bodies of the United Nations. Creating conditions for sustainable development and for protecting the vulnerable who suffer from violent conflicts are our common tasks. Neither the United Nations nor Governments can accomplish them alone.”
2004-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4993 (2004) · source
“Earlier this year, for instance, the Commission on the Status of Women adopted conclusions on women's equal participation in conflict prevention, management and resolution and in post-conflict peace-building, which is undoubtedly relevant to today's topic. As a concrete example, the Economic and Social Council's Ad Hoc Advisory Groups on Guinea-Bissau and on Burundi have engaged with civil society organizations in their efforts to consolidate peace- building with international support in the societies of those countries. A dialogue with civil society has been introduced to United Nations development activities as a basic principle. In addition, the World Bank, in its evolving post-conflict agenda, recognizes that the dynamics of civil society in countries affected by conflict pose a particular challenge.”
2004-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4993 (2004) · source
“Transition and development are receiving greater attention in the activities of the Economic and Social Council. Recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction are regularly discussed with the humanitarian and operative agencies. The Economic and Social Council is uniquely placed to interact and consult with civil society at the United Nations. Likewise, the Council's various subsidiary bodies - the functional commissions - have established close contacts with non-governmental organizations and with other private entities to hear their views on the topics that the intergovernmental bodies are addressing.”
2004-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4993 (2004) · source
“The importance of civil society in preventing conflicts should also be part of our discussion, as it is another dimension of the conflict-related work of the United Nations. Early understanding of a potential outbreak of conflict requires that we understand its signals. Again, we should encourage networks with the capacity to analyse, monitor and share information. Collaboration among Governments, international organizations and non-governmental organizations would enhance the ability to create an early response. To that end, assisting in the development of regional civil society networks is therefore worth considering. However, the deeper causes of conflicts require a long- term preventive focus and addressing the basic conditions of socio-economic development and poverty.”
2004-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4993 (2004) · source
“The protection of human rights is vital in a vulnerable post- conflict society. A diversified civil society means reducing destabilization and bolstering support for State institutions, so that peace-building efforts and economic and social development can progress. Lack of resources and capacity hinders reconstruction efforts, and adequate assistance is required for post-conflict needs, including fostering civil society. Effective local capacity-building should be supported across sectors and communities as well as a wide range of civil society organizations. External donor strategies always need to keep in perspective the broader context and the specificity of a post-conflict situation and the appropriate roles of the various actors.”
2004-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4993 (2004) · source
“Transition from relief work towards post-conflict reconstruction and rehabilitation requires a shared understanding of the longer-term commitments. Conflict networks between external governmental and non-governmental partners working on conflict- related issues facilitate the sharing of knowledge and experiences so as to enable them to act together in a more effective way. Donor coordination is a constant theme of Economic and Social Council deliberations. Civil society institutions play a vital function in the reconciliation process and in building national consensus, and, through them, key social, religious, professional and political interest groups are included. A space is needed for civil society actors to participate and to play a peace-building role. The media can serve as a social educator to defuse potential conflicts.”
2004-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4993 (2004) · source
“NGOs are significant actors in crisis and post-crisis situations. Their number, diverse mandates and varying operational capacities make coordination essential to ensure the coherence and impact of their combined efforts. Many donors rely on NGOs as channels for their assistance, and, in that function, they are expected to follow agreed policies and standards of behaviour. In violent conflicts, NGOs are the principal delivery vehicles, and other agencies, including the United Nations, rely on them as implementing partners. NGOs thus face particular challenges, and international organizations and Governments should support them in their efforts. Necessary coordination between the actors can be improved through information exchange, regular consultations and joint needs assessments in the field.”
2004-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4993 (2004) · source
“If we take a look at certain areas to which the United Nations and the Security Council itself have attached importance in their activities, we find that civil society organizations (NGOs) are increasingly an indispensable partner. I could mention rehabilitation and reintegration at the local level, human rights, the rule of law, health and other social programmes, physical infrastructure, and the environment. The non- governmental organizations help to implement demobilization programmes, protect children from involvement in armed conflict, and confront problems caused by landmines. United Nations agencies and other multilateral organizations are often called upon to assume wide responsibilities in relation to international cooperation for relief and development assistance.”
2004-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4993 (2004) · source
“Ms. Rasi: I would like to thank the Security Council President for the initiative to bring to light the important role that the civil society can play in post- conflict societies. I am very pleased to take part in this debate in my capacity as President of the Economic and Social Council. There are different perspectives on the role of the civil society, whether we refer to non-governmental stakeholders, whose efforts complement the work of international organizations and of Governments, or whether we analyse the contribution of local actors, which contribute to the peace-building process. All these dimensions are very well reflected in the concept paper provided by the President. I can touch upon only some of the questions from the perspective of the Economic and Social Council and in terms of development concerns.”
2004-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4993 (2004) · source
“There are important ongoing discussions regarding external donors and conflict-related assistance, and this will surely be reflected in the various segments of the Economic and Social Council as well. In conclusion, I would like to draw the attention of the Council to the upcoming Economic and Social Council event on 12 July, as part of its substantive session, on the transition from relief to development. That event is a significant start and the first initiative of its kind at the intergovernmental level. It deserves an inclusive follow-up in some form. I trust that the debates at, and outcomes of, that event will also be of great relevance to the Security Council, as they will contribute to improved United Nations interventions in this critical phase of crisis situations.”
2004-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4980 (2004) · source
“Cross- cutting issues of gender and human rights must be taken into account in all planning and action. Questions related to justice and rule of law issues are often at the core of conflicts, and their importance is becoming increasingly recognized in planning the response of the international community to various crisis situations. As addressing issues related to the rule of law is necessary throughout the conflict cycle, the development of an effective response by the United Nations system to the challenges posed by complex crisis situations would benefit from increased cooperation between our respective bodies and throughout the United Nations system. Adequate, flexible and sustained funding is required.”
2004-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4980 (2004) · source
“The report on transition issues is based on experience from very different countries. It reflects a number of variations of transition and reveals clearly the problems in the system-wide response. Key findings of the report, for which we now need to find concrete solutions, include the following. Humanitarian assistance, rehabilitation, recovery and reconstruction can and will overlap. These actions must often be accompanied by continuous crisis mitigation and prevention to avoid setbacks. Peacekeeping and security must be part of a coherent approach. Ownership at the central Government level and the local level in the affected country is essential. As the responsibility rests with the country itself, capacity-building, a participatory approach and strengthening of the decision-making process are key elements of a real transition.”
2004-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4980 (2004) · source
“I am pleased that our respective bodies are interacting in a more frequent and coherent way, as illustrated by the reference to the Economic and Social Council Groups in the Security Council's presidential statements on issues of common concern. We must not lose this progress through which our two Councils, with their respective roles and responsibilities under the Charter, can make the comprehensive approach to peace and development that the United Nations system has called for a reality. The United Nations Development Group/United Nations Executive Committee on Humanitarian Affairs working group on transition issues, established by the Economic and Social Council in response to the Secretary-General's 2002 report on strengthening the United Nations (A/57/387), recently submitted its report.”
2004-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4980 (2004) · source
“Working relations between the Economic and Social Council and those institutions are a reality today in the financing for development process and in the debates on sustainable development. They remain less systematic in the security and political fields, and could be strengthened so that Bretton Woods institutions' analysis and capacity of action can be fully used in synergy with United Nations efforts. The role of those institutions in the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of ex-combatants, as in the case of Burundi, also awaits stronger ties between us. To ensure coherence, these initiatives by the Economic and Social Council must be linked to the work of the Security Council.”
2004-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4980 (2004) · source
“The Groups have had to rely on them all to have a clear picture of the situation, make policy recommendations and propose mechanisms to support those countries. By doing so, the intergovernmental process has advocated and pushed for greater coherence in the work of the United Nations system. The Economic and Social Council, as an open forum involving United Nations agencies, civil society and, increasingly, the private sector, is in a unique position for this task. In addition, the Groups have engaged in close interaction with the Bretton Woods institutions, a major aspect of the evolution of the work of the United Nations in the economic and social fields.”
2004-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4980 (2004) · source
“Although the Groups are mandated to work on countries emerging from conflict, the lessons learned from their work are also relevant to other crisis situations, as what is at stake here is to ensure a coordinated approach between major stakeholders and proper consideration of the multiplicity of causes behind a conflict. The Economic and Social Council's Ad Hoc Advisory Groups have fostered a coordinated approach to the situations in Guinea-Bissau and in Burundi within the United Nations system at large: the Secretariat and its political, economic and social and humanitarian branches; the heads of United Nations political offices in the countries concerned; the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), both at headquarters and at the field level; and the funds, programmes and specialized agencies of the United Nations.”
2004-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4980 (2004) · source
“This involvement materialized with the creation of Ad Hoc Advisory Groups on Guinea-Bissau and on Burundi, whose mandate is to examine the humanitarian and economic needs of the countries in question, review international support programmes, provide advice on their effectiveness and make recommendations for a long-term programme of support based on a comprehensive approach to peace, security and stability. The Economic and Social Council has started to assess the work of these Groups in preparation for the debate to be held at the substantive session of the Council in July. The discussions held so far have clearly highlighted the relevance and usefulness of the Groups as mechanisms for promoting a comprehensive approach to peace and development and mobilizing support for the countries to avoid their relapse into conflict.”
2004-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4980 (2004) · source
“Ms. Rasi: Thank you very much, Mr. President, for inviting me to participate in this important discussion in my capacity as President of the Economic and Social Council. It is indeed an honour for me to be here today. I warmly welcome today's debate on complex crises, which continues and consolidates the Security Council's debates held over the past years focusing on individual aspects of complex crises and international response. Complex crises necessitate collaborative responses in which the various organs of the United Nations have a complementary role. Recently, the most important contribution of the Economic and Social Council to the response by the United Nations to countries in crisis has been its involvement in African countries emerging from conflict.”
2004-05-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4980 (2004) · source
“This is something we should discuss, as we should also discuss how we can, within the United Nations system, have closer cooperation in these fields. On my behalf, I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for this very important and valuable initiative, and I do hope that we will continue this important debate.”
2004-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4943 (2004) · source
“Ms. Rasi: As has been stated by the two previous speakers, there is a lot one could say, but at this late stage I will only raise a few issues. It was mentioned by many, if not all, speakers that sustainable economic growth is indeed a key to conflict prevention. This is an area where we need very good cooperation among the United Nations family, Governments, civil society, non-governmental organizations and the private sector. The question is how, in the years and months to come, do we bring these multi-stakeholders together so that we can really work together in promoting these good ideas? When we, in this building, discuss conflict prevention and peace-building, how can we then have the other stakeholders sit together with us around the same table?”
2004-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4943 (2004) · source
“But much more can be done by the General Assembly, the Security Council and the Economic and Social Council working together to develop a comprehensive and a more rapid-response capacity for countries in special situations, where speed, scale and time are of the essence. We must also develop together a sufficiently long-term perspective towards both sustainable development and conflict prevention. We are confident that the setting up of the High- level Panel on Threats, Challenges and Change will help the Organization undertake reform measures that will make it more agile and more flexible in responding to the challenges of the twenty-first century. We in the Economic and Social Council stand ready to play our part in contributing to strengthening the United Nations in this strategic area.”
2004-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4943 (2004) · source
“In recent years the Economic and Social Council has taken a more active role in developing a capacity to respond to the countries emerging from conflict and thus to help prevent human conditions from worsening. The Council continues to address the roots of conflict throughout its work. At its substantive session this year the Council will concentrate on the least developed countries. In the preparations, we have also focused on those countries that are emerging from conflict. In the light of their experiences, the private sector is essential as a development partner, with the support of the international community in backing recovery efforts when necessary. I am happy to note that the Economic and Social Council and the Security Council have begun to collaborate in these endeavours.”
2004-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4943 (2004) · source
“We must promote transparency of natural resource revenues and the extractive industries, assist in strengthening the rule of law and effective enforcement, target corruption, promote economic diversification, encourage the development of local business and reduce exposure to price shocks. Resuming normal economic activity is severely impeded without a central bank or a revival of commercial banks and insurance companies. The provision of bank finance for working capital, fixed investment and residential reconstruction must also restart. Prior to the start of major violence, financial systems are often insolvent. The involvement of all economic actors is vital, while basic functions need to be put in place.”
2004-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4943 (2004) · source
“The private sector can have a particularly positive role in providing jobs during and after the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration process. Private companies can also support social development programmes concerned with wider development and conflict prevention issues. The key constituencies to be engaged in the peace- building process are the local businesses, as they have a true vested interest in peace and stability. More concrete work is required in looking into the political economy of violent conflicts and identifying conflict-sensitive investments.”
2004-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4943 (2004) · source
“It should also be noted that some industries have engaged in self-regulation, with varying degrees of success. Peace-building requires a huge economic investment and the involvement of investors. The key challenge is to rebuild economies in such a way that the benefits of recovery are spread as widely as possible across society. Such an enabling environment of broad-based recovery requires considerable institution-building. Encouraging the private sector to stimulate local development, job creation and basic social infrastructure can contribute to long-term social stability and improved local livelihoods. However, private business cannot be forced to invest in post-conflict areas. An environment should be created to attract private business into the area and to contribute to stabilizing social situations.”
2004-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4943 (2004) · source
“In the spirit of corporate citizenship and civic- mindedness, the private sector itself must assume responsibility, including in uncertain conditions, to help prevent and mitigate conflict. The actions of private companies during conflicts, and the corporate ethics behind those actions, and sensitivity to human rights are important in this regard. Today conflict is too often caused by the struggle to exploit natural resources. The private sector contributes towards instability and conflict if it provides a source of financing to armed groups in exchange for natural wealth - diamonds, gold and timber. In this regard, Security Council resolution 1306 (2000), banning the import of uncertified rough diamonds from Sierra Leone, was a major step in recognizing the role of the private sector in conflicts.”
2004-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4943 (2004) · source
“There is also an emerging understanding about the need to bring business, as one of the actors, to the table where we discuss conflict prevention, post-conflict peace-building and recovery in fragile, conflict-prone societies. We need partnerships and multi-stakeholder approaches among Governments, civil society institutions and corporations. It is worth noting that in 2001 development ministers of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development encouraged trends towards partnership with business - domestic and international - to raise awareness of how firms can be good corporate citizens, avoid feeding the negative dynamics of conflict and make positive economic and social contributions to preventing Violence.”
2004-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4943 (2004) · source
“Moreover, environmental degradation may also contribute to social eruption and conflict. The causes and prevention of poverty overlap substantially with the causes and prevention of open violence and complex humanitarian emergencies. We may distinguish between short-term and long-term prevention. Long-term efforts include undertaking structural and institutional change, building capacity and spurring economic and political development. Short-term measures are often political and military, but also developmental and humanitarian to ameliorate potential conflict. Today, it is widely accepted that the private sector has a primary responsibility in building economic and social well-being.”
2004-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4943 (2004) · source
“In this regard, there must be constant efforts to better mobilize the whole United Nations system. The General Assembly, the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council and other bodies must all have a role in conflict prevention. Institutional gaps should be filled, and the division of labour among United Nations bodies should allow for complementary considerations of countries in turmoil within the respective areas of competency of each body. We also need more thorough analysis of the various causes of conflicts, whether political, economic, social or cultural. Sources of conflicts and violence are manifold, but economic elements are often decisive. Overcoming economic vulnerability and insecurity is central to helping prevent violent conflict.”
2004-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4943 (2004) · source
“Ms. Rasi: I have the honour to speak at this meeting today in my capacity as President of the Economic and Social Council and to talk about the role of business in conflict prevention, peacekeeping and post-conflict peace-building. I also wish to thank you for inviting me to participate in this important meeting. Let me start by referring to the recent report of the United Nations Commission on the Private Sector and Development entitled "Unleasing entrepreneurship: making business work for the poor". The report recognizes the importance of the private sector in many spheres of economic and social life, including in the alleviation of poverty. Overall, the report emphasizes the private sector's contribution to sustained economic growth. It is my strong conviction that sustained economic growth is one of the keys to conflict prevention.”
2004-04-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4943 (2004) · source
“Finally, Finland hopes that the two Security Council meetings that have been held on the subject of justice and the rule of law will mark the beginning of a process that makes the issue an established part of the work of the Council and of the wider United Nations system. We appreciate the proposals made by Secretary-General Kofi Annan at the ministerial-level meeting of the Council that took place on 24 September, and we look forward to the report that is being prepared. Finland would like to reaffirm its commitment to the process of taking the rule of law further in the United Nations. Finland is dedicated to continue its efforts to that end.”
2003-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4835 (2003) · source
“After all, they will be responsible for upholding and implementing the principles of the rule of law after an international presence comes to an end. The relationship between the United Nations and local institutions must be based on partnership. In non- executive missions mentoring, training and monitoring could enhance the capacities of national institutions. National reconciliation is crucial in countries emerging from conflict. Dealing with past crimes becomes a core issue in the process of establishing trust in the judicial system. In that connection, Finland gives its full support to the functioning of the International Criminal Court and ad-hoc tribunals. Finland believes that there should be no impunity for serious crimes such as genocide and crimes against humanity.”
2003-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4835 (2003) · source
“If that is not the case, steps should be taken to improve the situation. For successful implementation, necessary funding needs to be secured. As compared to military and policing costs, considerable improvements can be achieved in judicial and corrections institutions with minimal resources. The failure to provide them with the necessary resources can, however, significantly reduce the effectiveness of the funding spent on the military and police aspects. It must also be remembered that any improvements made will remain superficial unless they enjoy the support of local populations. Multidimensional peace operations should place special emphasis on strengthening national rule-of-law institutions.”
2003-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4835 (2003) · source
“No single unit has the experience, expertise, resources and mandate to secure the successful implementation of the principles of the rule of law in the peace-building process. Rule-of-law aspects should be included in the mandates of current and future multidimensional peacekeeping operations. Rule-of-law experts should participate actively in planning new operations, as happened in the lead-up to the newly established United Nations Mission in Liberia. A comprehensive approach should be taken in which not only police but also judicial and corrections aspects are included in plans when appropriate. When the mandate of an existing operation is reviewed, a multidisciplinary internal United Nations working group should be formed to analyse whether rule-of-law aspects have been effectively addressed in the existing mandate.”
2003-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4835 (2003) · source
“At the moment, there is one judicial and one corrections staff member in the Criminal Law and Judicial Advisory Unit of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO), although the Secretary-General has recommended a more substantial number of posts. The focal-point network consisting of representatives of other United Nations and related departments provides important information and support, but it is not in a position to carry out the substantive day-to-day work of the Unit. Increasing the capacity of the Criminal Law and Judicial Advisory Unit in conformity with the recommendations of the Brahimi Panel would enable it to meet the needs of the DPKO and of peacekeeping operations. However, the success of the rule-of-law strategy requires a coordinated approach by all United Nations agencies.”
2003-09-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4835 (2003) · source