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 Security Council and the United Nations system should act systematically and comprehensively to address gaps and challenges in its work on women, peace and security, as well as to monitor the commitments by parties to conflict to prevent and address conflict-related sexual violence. The recent report of the Secretary-General (S/2013/l49) details the global scope of conflict-related sexual violence, including many instances of early and forced marriage of women and girls. Canada is gravely concerned about reports of forced marriage, rape and sexual slavery and condemns the early and forced marriage of women and girls in all situations, including the practice of forcing rape survivors to marry their perpetrators or other family members.”
2013-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6984 (2013) · source
“Canada, which is a proud member and Chair of the Group of Friends against Sexual Violence in Conflict, recognizes that women's social, political and economic empowerment, their equality with men and the active participation of men and boys in combating all forms of violence against women are central to long-term prevention efforts. Preventing sexual violence requires promoting and protecting the human rights of women and girls. Prevention also requires supporting survivors on their path to recovery from such crimes, assisting their access to justice and holding perpetrators to account.”
2013-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6984 (2013) · source
“Mr. Rishchynski (Canada) (spoke in French): I thank you, Mr. President, for this opportunity to take the floor. (spoke in English) Canada wishes to thank the United Kingdom for holding this open debate on the prevention of conflict- related sexual Violence, an issue of great importance to our country, as it includes the despicable acts of rape, sexual slavery, forced prostitution, forced pregnancy, forced sterilization and any other form of sexual violence of comparable gravity. Those acts are deplorable, prohibited by international law, and constitute an impediment to conflict resolution, development and transition to peace and democracy.”
2013-06-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6984 (2013) · source
“The evidence is clear that responsible governance practices ensure that natural resources contribute to lasting, positive impact on economic growth and poverty reduction. As such, Canada welcomes the inclusion of these issues in relevant mission mandates. United Nations missions can play an important role by helping to build national institutions, manage related conflict risks, and ensure inclusive participation. (spoke in English) For that reason, we are very pleased that the Security Council is renewing its consideration of this very timely subject, and we are committed to working with the international community and all partners to encourage responsible natural resource development.”
2013-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6982Resumption1 (2013) · source
“To cite several examples, we are continuing to implement Canada's corporate social responsibility strategy and support many international initiatives, such as theExtractive Industries Transparency Initiative, the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the Kimberley Process certification scheme, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development multi-stakeholder forum on implementing due diligence, and others. The recent establishment of the new Canadian International Institute for Extractive Industries and Development will encourage policy innovation on how Governments, companies and others can contribute to improving development outcomes in the future.”
2013-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6982Resumption1 (2013) · source
“As an example, by encouraging conflict-sensitive business practices in fragile and conflict-affected situations, donor Governments can sensitize their extractive companies to local conflict dynamics, and help them find ways to structure their operations to contribute to positive peacebuilding and development outcomes. To advance such tools, it is essential that all the right actors be at the table, including communities, civil society and the private sector. It is also important to address core sources of instability, such as by providing employment opportunities for youth and bolstering Government finances for basic service provision. Canada's commitment to promoting responsible natural resource governance features prominently in our efforts abroad.”
2013-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6982Resumption1 (2013) · source
“In recognition of the importance of that issue, on June 12 Canada's Prime Minister announced that Canada will be establish new mandatory reporting standards for Canadian extractive companies. The new reporting regime will improve transparency, ensure that Canada's framework is consistent with existing international standards, ensure a level playing field for companies, enhance investment certainty, and help reinforce the integrity of extractive companies. While we recognize the need for transparency initiatives, we also want to ensure that the debate today and discussions that follow also identify other tools available to strengthen the links between natural resource development and conflict-prevention.”
2013-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6982Resumption1 (2013) · source
“There is an increased international acknowledgement that economic growth is fundamental to long-term stability in fragile and conflict-affected States. Benefits from extractive sector activities have the potential to transform economies and can be important drivers of sustainable economic growth and job creation. (spoke in French) Supporting mechanisms that ensure responsible resource development is a priority for the Government of Canada. We understand the potential benefits of natural resources for a country. One important element of sustainable resource development, highlighted by the United Kingdom at this year's Lough Erne Summit of the Group of Eight, is transparency and accountability in the extractive sector.”
2013-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6982Resumption1 (2013) · source
“Let me start by adding Canada's voice in deploring the events today in Somalia. Terrorism has once again struck, seeking to deny Somalis the right to move forward in their future and making the United Nations a target for the work that it undertakes on behalf of its members and all Somalis. I would like to commend you, Sir, for refocusing the Security Council's attention on conflict prevention and natural resources by organizing this debate. Canada welcomes a fulsome discussion of the role of effective natural resources management in conflict prevention. Without sound management, extractive sector development can lead to increased corruption, poor development outcomes, illicit trafficking and, in certain circumstances, the fuelling of armed conflict and human rights violations.”
2013-06-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6982Resumption1 (2013) · source
“Another means by which accountability measures can be reinforced, and by which the Council can make a direct positive difference in the lives of the world's children caught in conflict, is to strengthen provisions for the protection of children in all the relevant Security Council mission mandates. The Group of Friends further calls for the Council to ensure that child- protection advisers are deployed in sufficient numbers to carry out a mission's child-protection tasks, and that they have direct access to senior mission leadership.”
2013-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6980 (2013) · source
“(spoke in French) Concrete measures for holding perpetrators to account for grave violations against children continue to be rare, as indicated by the Secretary-General in his annual report; yet, holding perpetrators to account is a crucial element for protecting children's rights. The Group of Friends encourage Member States to strengthen national accountability mechanisms and judicial capacities, including by developing child- protection legislation that criminalizes all serious violence perpetrated against children. In those cases where national authorities are unwilling or unable to hold perpetrators to account, due, for instance, to a lack of capacity or resources, international justice mechanisms, including through the work of the International Criminal Court or ad hoc and mixed tribunals, can and should play a complementary role.”
2013-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6980 (2013) · source
“We welcome the recent discussions in the Security Council Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict on options for increasing pressure on persistent perpetrators. In that regard, we call for a Secretary-General's report specifically addressing perpetrators and how to hold them accountable. The Group of Friends also calls on the Council to ensure that the Special Representative regularly briefs the Security Council Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict, the Council's relevant Sanctions Committees and the Security Council directly, especially on emerging situations such as Libya, Syria, the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and northern Mali.”
2013-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6980 (2013) · source
“(spoke in English) The next true test of the Council's work in halting violations against conflict-affected children is how the Council deals with the category of parties listed by the Secretary-General as persistent perpetrators. Those parties to conflict, which chronically violate children's rights and which have been listed in the Secretary- General's annexes for more than five years, make up more than half of the parties listed by the Secretary- General. The Group of Friends reiterates its call for the Council to ensure that grave violations against children trigger the imposition of sanctions in all the relevant Sanctions Committees, to take decisive action against persistent perpetrators and, in those cases where there is no designated Sanctions Committee, to consider how to address that gap through proactive means.”
2013-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6980 (2013) · source
“We applaud the work of the Special Representative to promote the conclusion and implementation of action plans with listed Governments and now call on the Special Representative to redouble her efforts with non-State actors. The Group of Friends further urges the relevant Member States to allow for dialogue between the United Nations and non-State actors in order to influence them to cease violations against children and conclude and implement action plans to that end. The Group of Friends also wishes to see greater transparency in action plans and calls for signatory parties to widely disseminate action plan commitments to facilitate community-wide efforts to monitor and support implementation efforts.”
2013-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6980 (2013) · source
“In that regard, the Group of Friends welcomes the recent annual report of the Secretary-General (S/2013/245) on children and armed conflict and reiterates the importance of such annual reporting, so that the Council may better protect children affected by conflict and hold perpetrators to account. (spoke in French) The Group of Friends welcomes the recent signing of action plans by the Governments of Myanmar, Somalia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In that regard, the Group of Friends calls on Member States to establish local groups of friends, such as the one established in Kinshasa, to support the Governments concerned and the United Nations in the implementation of the action plans.”
2013-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6980 (2013) · source
“The 38 Member States that constitute the Group of Friends on Children in Armed Conflict reaffirm their support in the strongest terms for the work that the Security Council has undertaken to ensure the full protection of children from the grave violations committed against them in armed conflict. Since 1999, the Security Council has established a robust system of protection that has been tirelessly implemented by the Council's partners in the field, including the Office ofthe Special Representative ofthe Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, UNICEF, the task forces and civil society organizations. Part of the system of protection is ensuring that the Security Council is seized of and receives information concerning the situation of children affected by armed conflict.”
2013-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6980 (2013) · source
“The Friends of Children and Armed Conflict thank the United Kingdom presidency for holding this debate and thank the Special Representative and the other briefers for providing the Security Council with timely information and analysis on the impact of armed conflicts on children around the world. In that regard, however, the Group of Friends regrets that today's debate could not be held in an open format, as has been the case in the past. The traditional open debate provides all Member States with the opportunity to publicly reconfirm their commitments to the protection of children in situations of armed conflict throughout the world and to provide advice and recommendations to the Security Council for further concerted action from the wider membership on an issue relevant to all of us.”
2013-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6980 (2013) · source
“I thank you, Sir, for the opportunity to address the Security Council on behalf of the Friends of Children and Armed Conflict. The 38 Member States that make up this informal network, representing all five regional groups of the United Nations, are Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Benin, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Ghana, Guatemala, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Liechtenstein, Mali, Mexico, Namibia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Peru, Portugal, San Marino, Slovenia, Slovakia, South Africa, the Republic of Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Republic of Tanzania and Uruguay.”
2013-06-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6980 (2013) · source
“However, more must be done to increase understanding and awareness of the law and its application and to end practices that imprison victims of sexual violence while allowing perpetrators to go free. (spoke in English) In conclusion, allow me to reiterate that Canada is committed to working with the international community on preventing and responding to conflict- related sexual violence in all of its forms, including rape as a weapon of war and early and forced marriage, in order to advance human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, including women and girls. We call on the Security Council to strengthen its response in that regard as well.”
2013-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6948 (2013) · source
“(spoke in French) Canada's contribution to the prevention of sexual violence in conflict situations includes $18.5 million over the next five years to support victims, as well as to contribute to investigations and prosecutions of perpetrators in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where rape has been used as a weapon of war. Canada has also supported special training investigators of sexual violence, who can be rapidly deployed to post-conflict areas around the world. On 11 April, Canada's Minister for Foreign Affairs, John Baird, announced an additional contribution of $5 million towards tackling sexual violence against women and girls. We welcome the Government of Afghanistan's efforts to implement a law on the elimination of violence against women.”
2013-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6948 (2013) · source
“We call on the Council to adopt a systematic approach to addressing reports of conflict-related sexual violence and to ensure that Sanctions Committees include criteria pertaining to acts of rape and other forms of sexual violence. We welcome the recent agreement between the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the United Nations to strengthen efforts to tackle conflict-related sexual violence. We urge its implementation and look forward to seeing improvements on the ground very soon.”
2013-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6948 (2013) · source
“Because of its devastating and enduring effects on the women and girls who are subjected to such crimes, as well as on their families and communities, rape and other forms of sexual violence in conflict remain a huge barrier to peace, security and development. (spoke in English) Following the harrowing accounts of sexual violence in Mali reported by the Secretary-General, Canada urges the Council to ensure that the Mali mission mandate specifically addresses sexual violence. The Council should ensure that preventing and addressing conflict-related sexual violence is included in all mission mandates. Perpetrators of sexual violence must be held to account. We support the prosecution of those who have perpetrated or who have a command responsibility for such crimes.”
2013-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6948 (2013) · source
“(spoke in French) Canada welcomes the Secretary-General's recent report and thanks the Secretary- General and his Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict for their briefings. Canada supports the Special Representative's activities to ensure the prevention of and response to conflict-related sexual violence and to ensure the health, security and dignity of survivors and their access to justice. Conflict-related sexual violence is of great concern to Canada. Canada places high priority on advancing women's full participation at all levels of society - a condition that is essential for maintaining the health, justice and prosperity of communities.”
2013-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6948 (2013) · source
“The Group of Friends also recognizes that women's human rights defenders face particular risks in conflict situations in the course of their work, as that work can include frontline protection, service provision, monitoring, fact-finding and documenting cases of sexual violence and empowering survivors of sexual violence in conflict to pursue judicial and other remedies. The Group of Friends strongly encourages Member States to take steps to ensure that women's human rights defenders are afforded greater protection to carry out their work without risk. On behalf of the Government of Canada, I wish to thank the Rwandan presidency for convening this open debate on conflict-related sexual violence.”
2013-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6948 (2013) · source
“Zainab Hawa Bangura, and strongly supports her efforts aimed at preventing and addressing conflict-related sexual violence, while underlining women's empowerment and equal participation as prerequisites for tackling the underlying causes of sexual violence in conflict. The Group of Friends also welcomes the adoption by the Commission on the Status of Women during its fifty-seventh session, from 4 to 15 March, of its agreed conclusions entitled "The elimination of violence against women and girls". As mandated by the Security Council in resolution 1888 (2009), the Group of Friends urges the further and timely deployment of women protection advisers to Security Council-mandated missions. Missions must plan and budget for women's protection advisers in all the relevant situations of concern.”
2013-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6948 (2013) · source
“The Group of Friends welcomes the recent report of the Secretary-General (S/2013/149) on this issue and calls on the Security Council and the United Nations system to act systematically and comprehensively to address gaps and challenges to, and accelerate progress in, its work on women, peace and security, and to monitor commitments by parties to conflict to prevent and address conflict-related sexual violence. We further urge the Security Council to ensure that its mandated missions consistently evaluate the level of protection and promotion of women's human rights. The Group of Friends welcomes the work of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Ms.”
2013-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6948 (2013) · source
“Mr. Rishchynski (Canada) (spoke in French): First, let me say a few words on behalf of the Group of Friends of Women, Peace and Security, an informal network of more than 40 interested States Members of the United Nations that is chaired by Canada. (spoke in English) The 45 members of the Group of Friends, which represent all five regional groups at the United Nations, reaffirm their support, in the strongest terms, for the work of the Security Council aimed at preventing and responding to conflict-related sexual violence.”
2013-04-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6948 (2013) · source
“A stronger rule of law will promote not only investor confidence but also the ability of small and medium- sized Haitian entrepreneurs to succeed. Haiti's leaders must devote themselves to delivering the reforms that they have promised. Haitians expect a Government where the public interest is respected, the rule of law prevails, human rights are protected, the economy grows stronger and development is sustainable. The Haitian people and their partners in Canada expect no less.”
2013-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6936 (2013) · source
“We are pleased that the current Government has adopted its new police development plan for the 2012-2016 period. We urge the Haitian authorities to make all necessary efforts for its implementation, and we stand with them. (spoke in French) The Government of Haiti has repeatedly asserted that Haiti is open for business. Canada welcomes this spirit and underlines that realizing that intent and achieving concrete outcomes will require a series of actions. To make that openness for business clear to the international community, steadfast political will is needed to establish a true rule of law in Haiti. Actions leading to further gains in economic development will also help provide the bedrock for future growth.”
2013-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6936 (2013) · source
“In the coming months, Canada will be closely involved in the discussions regarding MINUSTAH's conditions- based consolidation plan, which entails a narrowing of MINUSTAH's activities to a core set of mandated tasks in the areas of security and stability, democratic governance and State legitimacy, and the rule of law, with respect for human rights. This year again, we would like to commend MINUSTAH on its efforts to improve the security situation in Haiti and on its work to ensure that Haiti's security institutions are well equipped, so that they can play a greater role in standing up for the freedom and security of Haitians themselves. In that regard, efforts must, in our judgement, continue seriously to focus on the capacity of the Haitian National Police as the primary security force in Haiti.”
2013-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6936 (2013) · source
“During their visit, the ministers reiterated Canada's determination to support the Haitian Government in its resolve to better coordinate the efforts made by non-governmental organizations, donors and those partners that are present in the country. Canada is currently reviewing its long-term commitment in Haiti, as is the case with governmental programmes as a whole, so as to achieve sustainable results for the Haitian people, especially those most in need. (spoke in English) Canada continues to support the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH).”
2013-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6936 (2013) · source
“Those are the kinds of results we want to continue seeing in Haiti. Members of the Canadian Government have recently made several high-level visits to Haiti. In November 2012, our Minister of International Cooperation, Mr. Julian Fantino, and in February this year, our Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. John Baird, and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ms. Diane Ablonczy, visited Haiti to see the country's development first-hand. They met with President Martelly and Prime Minister Lamothe to discuss both the successes achieved and the existing challenges in the areas of the rule of law, security, governance and sustainable development, as well as the need to strengthen accountability and transparency.”
2013-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6936 (2013) · source
“Canada has contributed to Haitian development priorities in a wide variety of areas - such as economic growth, food security and maternal and child health - through Canada's Muskoka initiative. Canada has also provided substantial humanitarian assistance following natural disasters to alleviate suffering of the Haitian people and meet their immediate needs. Since February 2012, for example, we have been pleased to assist over 5,500 Haitian families displaced by the 2010 earthquake in relocating from the Champs de Mars camp, with the help of case workers, and in moving into safe accommodations. Likewise, our development assistance is helping women and children who cannot afford health-care services to gain access to health facilities and thus enjoy a better quality of life.”
2013-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6936 (2013) · source
“However, the ongoing stalemate in the organization of the long-overdue senatorial and municipal elections raises serious questions about the capacity of Haiti's democratic institutions. By encouraging a legitimate and credible electoral council to organize those elections, Haitian leaders have the opportunity to reaffirm their commitment and demonstrate their respect for democratic principles. If elections are not held in 2013, it will become increasingly difficult for the international community to accept excuses and delays. The long-awaited elections must be held in 2013, and as soon as possible. Canada's partnership with Haiti has been in place for decades, and we are one of that country's most generous backers. Canada has provided the country with more than $1 billion in support since 2006.”
2013-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6936 (2013) · source
“Mr. Rishchynski (Canada) (spoke in French): Mr. President, I would like to begin by thanking you and the delegation of the Russian Federation for having organized today's debate on Haiti. We are having this debate at a time when, more than three years after the devastating earthquake that struck Haiti, the country is facing important choices for its future. In 2012, we were once again reminded that Haiti remains vulnerable to natural disasters when Hurricane Sandy and Tropical Storm Isaac hit the country. Canada responded by providing emergency humanitarian assistance to those most in need in Haiti. The past year also brought some progress in reconstruction and development.”
2013-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6936 (2013) · source
“It is never appropriate to politically posture over the fallen or under the tragic circumstances of innocent lives lost. As the transfer of lead security responsibility to the Afghan forces is under way, it is equally essential that the Afghan people be aware of where accountability rests. We look forward to the final stage of the transition, where Afghans will assume full security responsibility for the entire country by the end of 2014. Canada has worked closely with the Government of Afghanistan and our international partners to train and prepare the Afghan National Security Forces to take over security responsibility. We remain committed to ensuring that the people of Afghanistan can access the security and democracy that they have been promised by their leaders.”
2013-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6935 (2013) · source
“(spoke in English) Canada fully supports firm action against terrorists who seek to undermine peace through indiscriminate attacks on Afghan civilians. For that reason, we welcome the United Nations listing of the Haqqani Network as an entity that constitutes a threat to the stability and security of Afghanistan. We will ensure that, in Canada, the full legal weight of that listing is brought to bear on members and supporters of the Haqqani Network. We encourage all United Nations Members to do the same in their national jurisdictions. Security will remain a key challenge for Afghanistan during the transition phase. Canada finds the obfuscations of truth or statements lacking hard facts during the security transition to be deeply troubling.”
2013-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6935 (2013) · source
“We reiterate our insistence that women's rights not be forsaken for the sake of stability, as well as our support for an Afghan-led and -owned process. More can and should be done to ensure that the opponents of peace do not derail the reconciliation process through acts of terrorism. (Spoke in French) All countries of the region should implement substantial and agreed commitments in order to improve security in Afghanistan. In particular, they should firmly deal with the threat posed by the extremist insurgent groups operating on both sides of the border that undermine the stability of South-East Asia. The people of Pakistan and of other countries of the region who wish to see peace with their Afghan neighbour in the context of shared prosperity in Central and South Asia should see those wishes respected.”
2013-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6935 (2013) · source
“The Accountability Framework is essential to empowering the Afghan people, promoting lasting trust among the Afghan people, and upholding the trust of donor countries throughout the transition period. Canada also views positively the efforts ofthe Heart of Asia countries to move forward a regional process comprising specific and cooperative measures to overcome the current challenges with regard to security and the economy. The constructive participation of Afghanistan's neighbours in the country's long-term stability and development is absolutely essential to realizing that region's significant potential during the transformation decade. (spoke in English) Canada welcomes the progress made in recent months in the peace and reconciliation process.”
2013-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6935 (2013) · source
“We caution and stress that those appointments should be merit-based, transparent and inclusive, lest the Government be seen to actively subvert the Afghan people and their emerging democracy. (spoke in French) On the occasion ofthe Security Council meeting on Afghanistan held in September 2012 (see S/PV.6840), Canada emphasized the importance of improving Government transparency and accountability to ensure that the funds pledged by the international community at the Tokyo Conference are used effectively and appropriately. Since then, Canada has worked with the Government of Afghanistan, UNAMA and other members of the Accountability Framework technical and steering committees to ensure that Afghanistan and the international community respect their mutual agreements undertaken in Tokyo.”
2013-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6935 (2013) · source
“However, elections alone do not make a vibrant, inclusive and democratic society; the Government of Afghanistan must also deliver on its rule of law and human rights commitments. UNAMA's most recent report on the elimination of violence against women noted that there remained a disturbing under-reporting of incidents of violence against women, and a lack of serious investigation into credible allegations. More needs to be done to implement the important provisions of that law. More must be done to uphold the integrity of the relationship between Afghan women and their laws. The Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission is essential for the defence of these rights, among others, and the Government of Afghanistan must move forward with the appointment of commissioners.”
2013-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6935 (2013) · source
“We note with concern that the likelihood of irregularities and fraud remains high and must be mitigated well in advance of elections. It is essential, in our view, that the democratic opposition be able to exercise its full rights, as prescribed by the Constitution and as affirmed by Afghans themselves. To that end, we encourage the Government to ensure that the process is transparent and inclusive. We welcome the upcoming debate within the Afghan Parliament to finalize the electoral and IEC structure laws, and we remain committed to working with the Government of Afghanistan's executive and legislative branches to ensure that the voices of all Afghan citizens, including women, will be heard and honoured.”
2013-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6935 (2013) · source
“Mr. Rishchynski (Canada) (spoke in French): I thank you, Sir, for this opportunity to address the Council. (spoke in English) This meeting is particularly timely, given the renewal of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) mandate today. The year ahead will be a crucial test for Afghan leaders. The future of a sustainable and functional Afghan democracy can rest only upon credible and constitutional elections. We welcomed the Independent Election Commission's announcement last fall that the next presidential elections will take place on 5 April 2014, and Canada notes that President Karzai's tenure is coming to a close at the end of his second mandate. Canada encourages the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) and the Afghan Government to press forward with the strengthening of the electoral process.”
2013-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6935 (2013) · source
“In the near term, the configuration for Sierra Leone will turn its attention to supporting the transition process, including by advocating for any necessary resources to fill gaps created by UNIPSIL's drawdown. In the longer term, the PBC will need to align its engagement with the Government of Sierra Leone's new priorities in the Agenda for Prosperity. As ever, those efforts will move forward in close partnership with the Government of Sierra Leone and the United Nations. Rest assured that I intend to keep the Security Council fully informed of the configuration's work. We look forward to further opportunities for cooperation with the Council.”
2013-03-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6933 (2013) · source
“Equally important, the nature of the United Nations transition in Sierra Leone must be communicated clearly to all national stakeholders. (spoke in English) Fifthly, there is a regional dimension to many of the challenges facing Sierra Leone. The Governments of the Mano River Union have invested new resources in the institution, leading to a corresponding increase in international cooperation and cross-border activities. The relevant configurations of the PBC intend to assess how they can further encourage those efforts. This situation also points to the need for United Nations political engagement at the regional level after UNIPSIL has completed its mandate. Finally, allow me to conclude with a few remarks on the Peacebuilding Commission itself.”
2013-03-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6933 (2013) · source
“Our visit corroborated the technical assessment mission's findings that many of UNIPSIL's current activities could be transferred to other actors, but it also highlighted the need for continued dialogue and political cooperation in a few specific areas. Specifically, many stakeholders stressed the importance ofUNIPSIL's assistance to the constitutional review process and the need to continue providing technical support to the security sector. Above all, the pace of transition should match the needs on the ground, especially given the potential for small investments at this late stage to make a substantial contribution to consolidating the hard-won peace. Without advocating for any undue delay, the international community must resist the temptation to prematurely declare victory.”
2013-03-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6933 (2013) · source
“At the same time, a wide range of interlocutors expressed growing concern about the potential for conflict at the community level if large-scale investments are not managed carefully. Like its neighbours in the subregion, Sierra Leone is vulnerable to the destabilizing aspects of transnational organized crime and drug trafficking. This leads us to the evident conclusion that now is not the time for the international community to turn away from Sierra Leone. Our continued assistance will be required to build on the gains achieved to date. Fourthly, the United Nations is viewed in a positive light in Sierra Leone. That is a testament to the central role played by successive missions in the peacebuilding process. It also speaks to the need for a measured transition.”
2013-03-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6933 (2013) · source
“For this reason, President Koroma has indicated his intention to undertake a much-delayed review of the Constitution, as originally proposed by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. While this politically sensitive process must be fully inclusive and national in character, it also offers an important opportunity to modernize a range of human rights and civil provisions in that document. (spoke in French) Thirdly, several outstanding issues will require effort over the longer term. Youth unemployment is a major challenge, but generating economic opportunities and rebuilding an effective educational system can only come from sustained Government investment. Likewise, the growth of Sierra Leone's extractive and agricultural sectors offers great promise.”
2013-03-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6933 (2013) · source
“In this respect, the Government's emerging priorities for the Agenda for Prosperity also reflect a welcome shift in emphasis towards fostering economic growth, improving social services and building human capital. Sierra Leone is developing a strategy to address its next priority development challenges and can look to the future with optimism. Secondly, notwithstanding those positive developments, several challenges remain. During our visit, His Excellency President Koroma, all major political parties, the relevant national authorities and civil society actors raised with us concerns about the winner-take-all nature of Sierra Leone's political system and the clear regional divide produced by the recent election.”
2013-03-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6933 (2013) · source
“The timing of the visit was also opportune. The Government of Sierra Leone in the midst of articulating its priorities for the next five years. The arrival of our mission soon after the recent United Nations technical assessment mission also allowed for an informed consideration of the forthcoming transition process. We would like to offer five observations based on the deliberations undertaken in the country. First, Sierra Leone should be commended for the very successful conduct of its elections in November 2012. The process was exceptionally peaceful, technically well organized and characterized by a high voter turnout. It demonstrated the growing capacity of Sierra Leone's national institutions and marked the crossing of a significant peacebuilding threshold.”
2013-03-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6933 (2013) · source