YouSaid · the spoken record

Rishchynski

lines on the record: 389
first: 2011-09-12
most recent: 2015-10-08
sittings or episodes: 51
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

“(spoke in French) The conflict in Syria continues to have a devastating impact on the civilian population. Canada continues to call on all parties to conflict to adhere to their international obligations, as well as to provide full, safe and unhindered access to humanitarian actors seeking to provide emergency relief to affected populations. We also demand, in the strongest terms possible, that parties refrain from attacking hospitals, medical facilities and health-care workers, which are protected under international law. (spoke in English) The crisis in Syria is but one of many examples where civilians are not only suffering from the devastating impacts of conflict, but are also being denied access to lifesaving humanitarian assistance and protection.”
2014-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7109 (2014) · source
“Opportunities to strengthen civilian protection in that regard should include creating stronger political barriers to the use of indiscriminate explosive weapons and building recognition among parties to conflict that the use of such weapons should be avoided, particularly in densely populated areas. We furthermore condemn the intentional targeting of schools, teachers and students as a tactic of war and the practice of using schools for military purposes during armed conflict. That practice has a clear negative impact on children's safety and access to education, and we call on parties to armed conflict to refrain from such military use of schools. We also encourage States that have not yet done so to take appropriate measures to restrict the use of schools for any military operations.”
2014-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7109 (2014) · source
“In that regard, we call on United Nations agencies to do more to ensure that the protection needs of vulnerable religious communities are addressed. (spoke in English) We wish to draw special attention today to the urgent need to address the impact of the indiscriminate use of explosive weapons, and in particular their impact on children. As the report of the Secretary-General highlights, in Syria and in far too many other conflicts, tens of thousands of civilians have been targeted or subjected to indiscriminate attacks, including the widespread use of explosive weapons in densely populated areas.”
2014-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7109 (2014) · source
“Even in times of conflict, the promotion of accountability, including by increasing the capacity to prosecute perpetrators of such acts, is important. Canada remains committed to advocating for the rights of religious communities in situations of armed conflict, who are often persecuted for their beliefs. We are deeply concerned about situations where individuals from religious communities experience difficulty in their ability to practice their faith in peace. In the face of such injustice, including when pilgrims have been killed, churches or mosques attacked and religious leaders taken hostage, Canada has not been silent. And we have not sat idly by. We are speaking out on behalf of religious communities that are under threat.”
2014-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7109 (2014) · source
“We are principally concerned with addressing the protection needs of the most vulnerable in these contexts - including women, religious communities and children. (spoke in French) In conflict situations, women and girls, men and boys, can become victims of abuse. Women and girls in particular continue to face increased risks of sexual violence, including rape and early and forced marriage. Canada remains at the forefront of efforts to prevent and address violence against those most vulnerable, and in promoting their empowerment. We must continue to work closely to strengthen efforts and coordination to prevent and respond to sexual violence, such as rape as a weapon of war, sexual slavery, enforced prostitution, forced pregnancy, forced abortion and enforced sterilizations.”
2014-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7109 (2014) · source
“In too many places, civilians are deliberately targeted and continue to suffer from unspeakable violations. Canada welcomes this open debate on the protection of civilians in armed conflict in order to highlight situations where civilians are in danger and. more important, to identify opportunities where more can be done to ensure their protection in line with legal obligations. As the 2013 report of the Secretary-General (S/2013/689) points out, parties to conflict, States, the United Nations and other partners all have a responsibility to do more to ensure that civilians enjoy the protection they so rightly deserve under appropriate laws. Over the years, Canada has sought to encourage and facilitate serious work on improving how the United Nations prevents and responds to situations of armed conflict.”
2014-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7109 (2014) · source
“(spoke in English) However, the Afghan people have demonstrated that they are resilient in the face of ongoing instability and are determined to build a better future for themselves and their children. In that context, Canada is committed to supporting those that are working to build that better future. That is why we announced in 2012 a commitment of $227 million in development assistance to Afghanistan for the period between 2015 and 2017. Together with the Afghan people, we will help strengthen the country into one that is more secure, stable and prosperous and never again a haven for terrorists or one that embraces transparency, accountability, human rights and the rule of law.”
2013-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7085 (2013) · source
“We all know that that path is difficult and there are those who are actively working to reverse the progress made to date. That is why it is important that the international community recognize the progress made, while not losing sight of the challenges that remain. Ungoverned spaces remain havens for terrorists, and we condemn the actions of States that sponsor terrorism as an extension of their policy. We also note with concern from the Secretary-General's report (S/2013/721) that poppy cultivation has increased by more than one third over the past year, with production increasing by more than 49 per cent. That illicit activity serves only to strengthen the insurgency and undermine the rule of law.”
2013-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7085 (2013) · source
“It is also essential that the rights ofwomen and girls be taken into account in all legislation being developed, including the Afghan Penal Code and the Criminal Procedure Code, and in discussions regarding a peaceful settlement to the current conflict. Without those efforts, the gains that Afghan women have made in the past 12 years are at risk of being stripped away. The future success and stability of Afghanistan will be a result of the integration and leadership of women. Afghanistan's success will come hand in hand with the realization that women are an essential resource necessary for the country's development. (spoke in French) The coming months represent a critical time for the democratization and future stability of Afghanistan.”
2013-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7085 (2013) · source
“Such numbers show how widespread the problem of violence against women is in Afghanistan and underscore the importance of fully implementing the law on the elimination of violence against women. Canada remains committed to advancing the rights of Afghan women and girls and looks forward with interest to the Afghan Government's report on the implementation of that law - a key commitment under the Tokyo Mutual Accountability Framework. (spoke in English) It is crucial that the Government of Afghanistan take concrete steps to implement that law by providing training to police, prosecutors and judges and by strengthening investigative units to ensure that those responsible for carrying out the law have the tools they need to do so.”
2013-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7085 (2013) · source
“However, for those funds to be effective, there must be a clear framework for international support in place. We urge President Karzai to sign the bilateral security arrangement with the United States, which was endorsed overwhelmingly by the members of the consultative loya jirga, so that planning for a post-2014 NATO support mission can begin. (spoke in French) The progress being made should not make us lose sight of the challenges still faced by Afghan women and girls. We are deeply troubled by the latest figures from the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission, which indicate that it received more than 4,100 reports of violence against women in the first six months of 2013. We must be clear - sacrificing the safety and security of women cannot be viewed as an acceptable compromise for stability.”
2013-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7085 (2013) · source
“The coming year will also see the end of the International Security Assistance Force's mandate and the transition of the United States and NATO missions in Afghanistan. The Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) have taken over the lead and are now consolidating responsibility for security across the entire country. Through that transition, the ANSF must demonstrate that it is becoming ever more capable and professional in confronting security challenges, which originate from both within Afghanistan and within neighbouring countries. However, the ANSF still requires continued support and training to be able to carry out its operations effectively. Canada has pledged $330 million between 2015 and 2017 to improve the capacity and sustainability of the ANSF.”
2013-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7085 (2013) · source
“The announcement of the final list of candidates for the presidential and provincial council elections is a first step, and the Independent Election Commission (IEC) and the Independent Electoral Complaints Commission (IECC) did thorough work in vetting the candidate lists. Canada is committed to supporting efforts to ensure transparency and accountability in the electoral process. That is why we recently announced that we are providing more than $1.8 million to train election observers, with a specific focus on training women. As elections preparations proceed, we encourage the IEC and the IECC to maintain transparency in their activities to enhance the credibility of the democratic process and ensure that all Afghans have the opportunity to make their voices heard.”
2013-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7085 (2013) · source
“I thank you, Mr. President, for the opportunity to address the Security Council. Let me begin by expressing the condolences of the United States of America for the loss of lives in today's helicopter accident in Afghanistan. (spoke in French) The coming year will be one of milestones for Afghanistan that will involve Afghans taking on an increasing responsibility for the security and development of their country and set the stage for further democratization, stability and peace. (spoke in English) The April 2014 presidential election will mark the first democratic transition of power from one leader to another in Afghanistan's history.”
2013-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7085 (2013) · source
“Even in the face of such callous cruelty, however, the Afghan people have remained strong and are committed to the goal of rebuilding their country and ensuring that Afghanistan will never again be a safe haven for terrorists, and resist the proxy wars of its neighbours through terrorism. (spoke in English) There is no question that this path toward democracy, stability and peace is a long road and that there are many who would like to see Afghanistan reverse course. But Canada continues to support those who are working to build a better future in the face of those ongoing risks. We remain committed to helping move the country forward on this path towards greater security, fiscal stability, economic growth, improved governance and full respect for human rights.”
2013-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7035 (2013) · source
“Secondly, Afghan women and girls continue to await progress on the implementation of the Elimination of Violence Against Women (EVAW) law and the publication of the Government of Afghanistan's report to its citizens on implementation of the law, which is a deliverable under the Tokyo Mutual Accountability Framework. (spoke in French) We recognize that there are those who seek to pull Afghanistan back from the path it is on, as witnessed by the relentless targeting of the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF). Yet the ANSF continues to demonstrate its professionalism and preparedness in responding to such attacks. The past few months have also seen a marked increase in the number of attacks on civilians, including humanitarian workers, Government contractors and politicians, particularly women.”
2013-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7035 (2013) · source
“As the AIHRC prepares for its review by the International Coordinating Committee of National Human Rights Institutions in November, we urge the commissioners to remain vocal in pressing for greater respect for human rights throughout Afghanistan, including the rights of women and girls, and greater protection for freedom of speech, religion and belief. The Afghan Government needs to work to uphold its human rights commitments, which its people expect. Two issues in particular will be critical this fall. First, we urge the Government of Afghanistan to exert all possible efforts to support the AIHRC to ensure it retains its "A" status.”
2013-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7035 (2013) · source
“As the campaign process gets under way, we expect the Afghan Government to provide those institutions with the resources and independence that they need to fulfil their mandates, including the full vetting of candidates and the investigation of all complaints of electoral meddling or fraud. To succeed, it will be essential for all eligible Afghans, especially women, to have an opportunity to exercise their democratic rights. A stable democracy also requires Government institutions and a strong civil society that are committed to protecting the rights ofthe most vulnerable, especially women and girls, in Afghanistan. At the Tokyo Mutual Accountability Framework senior officials meeting in July, Canada acknowledged the appointment of nine commissioners to the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC).”
2013-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7035 (2013) · source
“The free and fair election of a Government with popular legitimacy is the best guarantor of stability in the coming years. A stable democracy requires institutions that are open, transparent and accountable to the people. Over the past three months, the Government of Afghanistan has taken steps to strengthen the foundation for such institutions. We welcome the passage of the electoral law and the Independent Election Commission (IEC) structure law, which have clarified the electoral process as well as the structure and mandate of Afghanistan's key electoral institutions. We also welcome the appointment of commissioners to the IEC and to the Electoral Complaints Commission.”
2013-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7035 (2013) · source
“Mr. Rishchynski (Canada) (spoke in French): I thank you, Mr. President, for this opportunity to address the Council. Let me also thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for his report. I also welcome Ambassador Tanin of Afghanistan. In the months since our previous meeting (see S/PV.6983), we have seen the Afghan people - ever- resilient in the face of ongoing instability - planting their feet firmly on the path to democracy, prosperity, stability and peace. They are working to move forward into a better future for all Afghans. It is our fervent hope that their Government will reflect that very aspiration. (spoke in English) The upcoming 2014 elections present a historic opportunity to witness Afghanistan's first peaceful democratic transfer of power. It will be a vital step.”
2013-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7035 (2013) · source
“UNIPSIL's drawdown should be seen as a transformation of international support rather than its culmination. It is vitally important that the international community continue to devote the attention and resources necessary to build on the impressive progress already achieved by Sierra Leoneans.”
2013-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7034 (2013) · source
“This analysis and planning will be distilled into a transition strategy for the Peacebuilding Commission, on which we intend to consult with the Security Council in early 2014. Finally, let me conclude with two comments. First, transitions represent critical moments during post- conflict peacebuilding processes. They have potential to either lay the foundations for sustainable progress or create new challenges. For this reason, Executive Representative of the Secretary-General Jens Toyberg- Frandzen, the United Nations country team, and the United Nations system deserves great credit for their careful stewardship of the process to date. Secondly, at a time when the Security Council faces significant challenges, Sierra Leone reminds us of what it is possible to achieve. Yet consolidating peace is a long-term endeavour.”
2013-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7034 (2013) · source
“An initial review of peacebuilding in Sierra Leone will be conducted later this year. This exercise will examine progress to date, evaluate outstanding challenges and assess areas potentially requiring additional support. These findings will inform a technical mission to Sierra Leone later in the fall, which will begin to establish the parameters of the Commission's own transition process. We then plan to conduct a Chair's visit in early 2014. That visit will provide a valuable opportunity to discuss progress on the United Nations transition and the Agenda for Prosperity. It will also serve to finalize agreement with the Government of Sierra Leone on the nature and duration of the Commission's support.”
2013-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7034 (2013) · source
“Pillar eight proposes a series of important initiatives to combat Violence against women, improve economic empowerment, and increase participation in political decision-making. In addition, the challenge of youth unemployment features in several other pillars dedicated to socioeconomic development. Given this focus, the Peacebuilding Commission intends to hold a high-level meeting in the coming months to discuss, promote and disseminate the Agenda for Prosperity. (spoke in English) Resolution 2097 (2013) requested that the Peacebuilding Commission review its engagement in Sierra Leone "with a view to scaling down its role". Discussions on the design of this process, the first of its kind in the Peacebuilding Commission, have begun within the configuration.”
2013-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7034 (2013) · source
“As we noted in our previous briefing (see S/PV.6933), the Peacebuilding Commission stands ready to help marshal any additional resources that may be required. (spoke in French) The Government of Sierra Leone officially launched its Agenda for Prosperity in July 2013. The strategy outlines a Vision for socioeconomic development based on effective management of natural resources and private sector-led growth. The programme also includes several elements relating to peacebuilding. For example, pillar seven on governance and public sector reform includes commitments to strengthening anti-corruption efforts, protecting and promoting human rights, enhancing access to justice, continuing the reform of key security sector institutions, and building public sector capacity.”
2013-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7034 (2013) · source
“If managed successfully and inclusively, the forthcoming constitutional review also has the potential to be a transformative process, especially if it advances equality between women and men and provides a new basis for mitigating Sierra Leone's winner-takes-all politics. Those issues will require continued attention and support. I am pleased to note that the response to date from the United Nations and Sierra Leone's international partners has been extremely positive. Funds are either in place or anticipated to be available to cover most of the costs associated with each of the core transition areas. We also understand that the Peacebuilding Fund is prepared to address some of the residual gaps through its Immediate Response Facility.”
2013-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7034 (2013) · source
“(spoke in English) As the Executive Representative of the Secretary- General has outlined, UNIPSIL is on track to depart Sierra Leone in March 2014. The United Nations transition process is well under way, with a clear plan in place for UNIPSIL to gradually transfer core responsibilities to members of the United Nations country team. While Sierra Leone has made significant progress in recent years, some challenges will linger. United Nations planning reflects those needs, with continued investment required in the areas of conflict prevention, security sector reform and human rights.”
2013-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7034 (2013) · source
“Mr. Rishchynski: I would like to express the appreciation of all the members of the Sierra Leone configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission for the opportunity to come before the Security Council to brief it on the situation in Sierra Leone. (spoke in French) It is my pleasure to brief the Security Council in my capacity as Chair of the Sierra Leone configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission. I intend to focus my remarks on three topics: the drawdown of the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Sierra Leone (UNIPSIL) and the transition to a United Nations country team, the Government of Sierra Leone's Agenda for Prosperity, and the future of the Peacebuilding Commission's engagement.”
2013-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7034 (2013) · source
“Canada was pleased to note the progress made by the Haitian National Police in recent years as it assumes increasing responsibility for security for the Haitian people. We thank MINUSTAH for its support to Haiti's security institutions and encourage the Mission to build upon the progress achieved thus far. We also appreciate the relevant efforts of the Haitian Government and strongly urge it to continue to implement the police development plan. The rule of law and a professional and capable police force are critical for Haiti's security and its future. I can assure you, Mr. President, that Canada will continue to support Haiti in that regard.”
2013-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7024 (2013) · source
“Canada urges all political actors to work together to find the path towards a transparent and continued operation of key institutions of democratic governance and to ensure political stability. In that context, the submission by the President of the draft electoral law to Parliament yesterday is a welcome development. (spoke in French) Canada continues to support the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti and thanks MINUSTAH for its contribution and all its efforts to bring stability to Haiti. With respect to the evolution of the MINUSTAH force, it is important not to sacrifice the security gains made thus far on the security front and that the decisions taken in this area be based on the situation on the ground and the capacity of the Haitian State to guarantee security for its population.”
2013-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7024 (2013) · source
“In that context, we note with concern that the long overdue senatorial, municipal and local elections prescribed by the Constitution still have not taken place, despite repeated calls by Haitian political actors and members of the Security Council that they be held this year. Moreover, such delays significantly disrupt the normal operations of Haiti's Parliament, and therefore the country's governing institutions. It is critical for all political actors to spare no effort to carry out the elections in a free and transparent manner as soon as possible. Entering yet another phase of political and institutional instability would undermine the development and security gains made by Haiti thus far and compromise further progress.”
2013-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7024 (2013) · source
“Initiatives in the Haitian tourism sector have shown what can be achieved when the Government and the private sector work together. Accountability, economic competitiveness and diversification are essential to achieving poverty reduction and increased revenue generation for the Government. We encourage continued action in improving the business environment, which can transform Haiti's economic potential into concrete outcomes for the Haitian people. For Haiti to succeed on the path of development in accordance with its own objectives and plans, it is necessary to have a supportive environment and, in particular, institutional and political stability.”
2013-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7024 (2013) · source
“(spoke in English) Minister Paradis" visit, as well as the visit of our Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. John Baird, earlier this year, reflects our interest in the future of Haiti. Those visits have also helped to inform the review we are presently conducting of our long-term engagement in Haiti. We are looking forward to completing that review so that we can maximize our investments to support accountable and sustainable results for the Haitian people, especially those most in need. Haiti has made broad-based economic development, including through trade and investment, a top priority. Canada welcomes the spirit of those efforts and strongly encourages actions that lead to further gains in transparent governance, economic development and sustainable job creation.”
2013-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7024 (2013) · source
“He met with Haitian Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe and other Government officials, as well as some of the Haitian people who are benefitting from Canada's development assistance. He witnessed the impacts that natural disasters have had and the humanitarian needs that continue to challenge Haiti. He also witnessed the strength of the Haitian people and the resolve of their Government to move towards greater stability and long-term development. During his Visit, Minister Paradis reiterated his wish that Haiti assume strong leadership and accountability for its own development. He also announced that Canada stood ready to support the Government of Haiti in better coordinating the non-governmental organizations, donors and partners currently operating in the country through Haiti's new development coordination mechanism.”
2013-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7024 (2013) · source
“Through our stabilization and reconstruction task force, the Government of Canada has contributed to Haiti's ongoing security sector reform by focusing on increasing the capacity of the Haitian National Police (HNP). We have done so by rebuilding or refurbishing police commissariats and by providing equipment and training to HNP officers. Those contributions help empower Haitians to provide for their own needs in security. For Canada, Haiti remains a priority in the Americas and worldwide. That is why Canada's new Minister of International Development, Mr. Christian Paradis, chose Haiti for his first official Visit, thus demonstrating Canada's commitment to Haiti. Minister Paradis arrived on Monday in Port-au-Prince and leaves today, having had a number of successful and informative meetings and discussions in the country.”
2013-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7024 (2013) · source
“Canada has also provided substantial humanitarian assistance to meet the immediate needs of the Haitian population after the 2010 earthquake. In March of this year, we responded to the 2013 consolidated appeal to help provide life-saving humanitarian assistance, addressing immediate needs in emergency food assistance, health services, water provision, sanitation and cholera prevention. Meanwhile, our development assistance continues to help women and children gain access to health facilities and enjoy a better quality of life. Their well-being is essential to the successful development of key Haitian institutions. Those are the kinds of results we want to continue seeing in Haiti.”
2013-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7024 (2013) · source
“Mr. Rishchynski (Canada) (spoke in French): I would like first to thank you, Mr. President, and the delegation of Argentina for having organized this debate on Haiti. I would also like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ms. Sandra Honore, for her briefing and to assure her of Canada's continued support to her and the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH). Canada has shared a partnership with Haiti for decades and is one ofthe most generous donors to Haiti. Since 2006, Canada has provided Haiti with more than $1 billion in support to Haitian development priorities, in particular with respect to economic growth, food security and maternal and child health, through Canada's commitments undertaken in the framework of the Group of Eight's Muskoka initiative.”
2013-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7024 (2013) · source
“Therefore, it is essential that the Council undertake all efforts, through close coordination with the Secretariat and troop-contributing countries, to provide United Nations missions with well-defined and achievable mandates for the protection of civilians, as well as adequate resources for carrying out such tasks. (spoke in English) We underline that the Council must exercise the full range of options at its disposal to prevent and halt the perpetration of violence against civilians in armed conflict. We must all step up our efforts to protect the world's most vulnerable people and ensure that those responsible for violations are brought to justice. I can assure you, Madam President, that Canada will not remain silent when it comes to identifying and condemning those who commit deliberate and barbaric attacks on civilian populations.”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source
“Civilians are in need of assistance and are held hostage to the whims of Governments and non-State armed groups trying to achieve their own political goals. Those who commit violence and deadly attacks against civilians, including aid workers, must be held to account. The protection of civilians is one of the most important functions of United Nations peacekeeping operations. Success or failure in the protection of civilians is perhaps the most visible and tangible indicator ofa mission's success and of the effectiveness of multilateral action.”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source
“We call on the Security Council to implement effective economic sanctions against the Al-Assad regime and to adopt a resolution allowing for the cross-border delivery of humanitarian assistance. While the crisis in Syria is perhaps the most prominent example of current challenges to the protection of civilians, it is far from unique. One need only look at the situations in Afghanistan, the Sudan and South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, inter alia, to see that threats to people's basic human rights, physical security and lives in general continue unabated. Such emergencies should serve as stark reminder of the work that remains to be done. (spoke in French) In too many instances, humanitarian access is politicized and deliberately obstructed.”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source
“(spoke in English) The brutal conflict in Syria is also a stark example of how much work remains to be done to better protect civilians who have routinely suffered as victims of deliberate and targeted attacks, as have hospitals, medical facilities and health-care workers. The result is that people in desperate need are denied lifesaving humanitarian assistance. The worsening situation is taking a heavy toll on the civilian population, which accounts for the vast majority of the more than 100,000 casualties to date. Canada calls on all parties to the conflict in Syria to refrain from attacking civilians and other protected persons and facilities, in accordance with their obligations under international law.”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source
“We are disquieted by recent attacks on religious institutions in that country, in particular the unconscionable attacks on Coptic Orthodox and Anglican churches and on Baptist and Franciscan institutions. Attacks on places of worship are totally unacceptable. Canada calls on the Egyptian authorities to protect worshippers and religious sites from any type of violence or intimidation. We call for an end to the violence and for the launching of meaningful political dialogue for the good of all Egyptians. Our thoughts go out to the families and friends of those killed in the violence, and we wish a speedy recovery to the injured.”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source
“Through our humanitarian assistance, we support humanitarian actors who assist in the protection of women and girls in conflict situations. Those efforts are complemented by other initiatives, such as training African women security personnel, helping women participate more fully in peace processes and assisting victims of sexual violence by improving access to the courts and truth commissions. We urge the Council to ensure that provisions for the prevention of and response to sexual violence be included in its mandates and resolutions and to ensure that such provisions are fully implemented. (spoke in French) Canada is deeply concerned by the deadly violence occurring in Egypt.”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source
“In that regard, we strongly encourage United Nations agencies to better take into account the needs of persecuted religious communities, including members of the Christian community, which have been targets of persecution and forced to flee from conflicts in the Middle East. (spoke in English) Women and girls around the world continue disproportionately to be victims of sexual violence in armed conflict situations. We must therefore persevere in our efforts to prevent sexual violence, including rape as a weapon of war, sexual slavery, enforced prostitution, forced pregnancy, forced abortion and forced sterilization. Canada remains deeply committed to denouncing violence against women and improving the lives of women and girls.”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source
“(spoke in French) Canada is pleased to participate in today's open debate on the protection of civilians in armed conflict. The Secretary General's 2012 report on the subject (S/2012/376) highlights the many protection challenges faced by civilians in today's conflict situations. In many cases, civilians continue to be denied the protection they are entitled to under international and domestic law. All civilians deserve protection from deliberate violence and abuse. We must take action to defend the rights of vulnerable religious communities that are persecuted in situations of armed conflict for their beliefs.”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source
“As Canada's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UnitedNations, I am both honoured and humbled to come before the Security Council on World Humanitarian Day and the tenth anniversary of the attacks on the United Nations Canal Hotel headquarters in Baghdad on 19 August 2003. That event has particular resonance for Canadians, as two Canadian citizens perished in the attack. We were moved this morning by the words of Jason Pronyk, a Canadian staff member of UNICEF, who spoke on behalf of the survivors. Those who perished in Baghdad and who have perished United Nations missions around the world were there working on behalf of the protection of civilians, which stands at the very heart of both the values and the actions of the Organization.”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source
“Canada urges all Member States to join the international effort and we look forward to working together to stop sexual violence.”
2013-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6984 (2013) · source
“Further action at the international level is imperative to end sexual violence in conflict, to tackle the lack of accountability that exists for those crimes and to provide comprehensive support services to survivors. For its part, Canada is active in the prevention and response to sexual violence in conflict. For example, Canada is contributing $18.5 million to the United Nations Development Programme to support the fight against sexual violence in the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In addition, at the London launch of the Group of Eight declaration on preventing sexual violence in conflict, Canada announced an additional $5 million contribution to international efforts to be programmed this year.”
2013-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6984 (2013) · source
“Canada welcomes the engagement of the Security Council on the issue of preventing sexual violence. We urge the Council to ensure the inclusion of prevention and response to sexual violence in its mandates and resolutions and to ensure that those elements are implemented. The Council should take concrete measures to support women's opportunities for equal participation and decision-making in all conflict- prevention and -resolution processes. It must ensure the health, safety, human rights and dignity of survivors and should hold perpetrators to full account. In that regard, Canada calls on the Council to ensure that Sanctions Committees add criteria pertaining to acts of rape and other forms of sexual violence to their existing criteria.”
2013-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6984 (2013) · source
“We welcome the efforts of the Secretary-General to focus attention on the practice of early and forced marriage in the context of armed conflict. (spoke in English) The primary responsibility for the prevention of sexual violence in conflict lies with national Governments as well as with the leadership of non-State armed groups. Where those leaders fail to respond to sexual violence or are party to the crimes, they must be held to account. Often, however, Governments lack the capacity to respond adequately. Conflict significantly weakens national justice systems, resulting in a limited number of perpetrators facing justice. In such cases, Member States could request the assistance of trained experts for investigations and prosecutions and to strengthen the capacity of local law enforcement.”
2013-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6984 (2013) · source