YouSaid · the spoken record

Rishchynski

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389
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2011-09-12
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2015-10-08
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un-security-council

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  1. This year's report of the Secretary-General continues to document grave violations and abuses being committed against girls and boys, including the killing and maiming ofchildren, rape as a weapon ofwar and attacks on schools and hospitals. Such despicable actions must be stopped. Canada remains deeply committed to the work of the Security Council on this issue. Since the establishment of the groundbreaking and comprehensive monitoring and reporting mechanism, and the adoption last year of resolution 1998 (2011), the data and evidence for grave violations against children have improved. As a result, more perpetrators have been held accountable, including with respect to attacks on schools and hospitals.

    2012-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6838Resumption1 (2012) · source

  2. Finally, the Group of Friends believes that the issue of persistent perpetrators is one of the fundamental challenges for this protection framework. More than half of the parties on the Secretary-General's list are chronic violators of children's rights. To put it another way, they have been on the list for more than five years. The Group of Friends urges the Security Council to take action to ensure that grave Violations against children are punished by sanctions. (Spoke in English) In an international environment, where persistent perpetrators of serious crimes against children affected by conflict are not held to account, the Council must protect the framework for action it has established and strengthen it. I will now speak in my national capacity.

    2012-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6838Resumption1 (2012) · source

  3. The Group of Friends firmly believes that the Secretary- General must continue to provide an annual report on children and armed conflict to the Council, including the two annexes therein that list the parties that recruit or use children, kill or maim them, commit rape or other forms of sexual violence against them or engage in attacks on schools or hospitals. The listing of perpetrators, the monitoring and reporting mechanism on children and armed conflict established by resolution 1612 (2005), the dialogues and resulting action plans, the efforts of the Special Representative, and the work of UNICEF, working groups and various other partners in the field, form the well-established international framework to better protect the world's children caught in conflict.

    2012-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6838Resumption1 (2012) · source

  4. We call on the Security Council to ensure that she regularly and directly briefs the Council and its Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict, including on emerging situations such as Libya, Syria, the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and northern Mali. (spoke in French) The Group of Friends also welcomes the recent annual report of the Secretary-General on children and armed conflict (S/2012/261). Reporting on an annual basis ensures that the Council is regularly seized of this matter and better able to protect children affected by armed conflict and hold perpetrators accountable.

    2012-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6838Resumption1 (2012) · source

  5. Since the adoption of the first resolution on that specific issue in 1999 (resolution 1261 (l999)), the Council has established a unique and robust system of protection through no less than eight consensus resolutions and countless presidential statements. The Group of Friends welcomes the recent appointment of Ms. Leila Zerrougui as Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, and looks forward to working closely with her and her office. The contributions of the Special Representative to the work of the Security Council are fundamental to its work.

    2012-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6838Resumption1 (2012) · source

  6. Mr. Rishchynski (Canada) (spoke in French): Allow me to thank you, Sir, for providing me with the opportunity to participate in today's Security Council debate. (Spoke in English) At the outset, allow me to state, in our capacity as Chair of the Group of Friends on Children and Armed Conflict, that the 38 States members of the Group of Friends, representing all five regional groups of the United Nations, reaffirm in the strongest terms their support for the work of the Security Council to ensure the full protection of children from the grave violations committed against them in armed conflicts.

    2012-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6838Resumption1 (2012) · source

  7. The Peacebuilding Commission could, and stands ready, to play a potentially useful role by helping to ensure overall coordination. Sustained multilateral and bilateral assistance will be especially important in the period before revenues from the extractive sector reinforce Sierra Leone's budget position. The configuration intends to engage more extensively with those issues in the coming months. Let me conclude by noting that much has been invested and much gained in Sierra Leone in the past years. The forthcoming elections and transition period present risks, but also constitute an opportunity to further consolidate peace, deepen democratic governance and lay the foundations for a prosperous future. Sierra Leoneans have demonstrated tremendous determination in rebuilding their country after a devastating civil war.

    2012-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6829 (2012) · source

  8. It will also be especially important to ensure sustained support for those areas of UNIPSIL's current engagement that will require continuing attention in the context of a reconfigured United Nations presence in Sierra Leone. (spoke in English) Secondly, as the configuration's consideration of the second joint progress report on the Agenda for Change has demonstrated, Sierra Leone has developed a clear, coordinated and nationally owned approach. The United Nations has played a key role in helping to align international actors behind the single national strategy. It can and should continue to play that role, even as strategic priorities and institutional arrangements evolve. Thirdly, transitions inevitably risk producing strategic and funding gaps.

    2012-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6829 (2012) · source

  9. Given this context, I would like to offer three general points that merit consideration during the post-elections period. (spoke in French) First, several of the outstanding peacebuilding challenges are long-term in nature. Addressing youth unemployment, fighting corruption and combating transnational crime will take sustained effort over a substantial period of time. Progress in these areas will also depend on developments outside Sierra Leone, both in terms of the global economy and with respect to the transnational threats plaguing West Africa. Even as Sierra Leone increasingly prioritizes socio-economic development, these issues must continue to be addressed. In that regard, it is promising that the Agenda for Prosperity will likely include pillars on employment, natural resources management and governance.

    2012-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6829 (2012) · source

  10. While there, we intend to stress the need to maintain open, inclusive dialogue and to abide by outstanding commitments made in the 2009 joint communique and the political Declaration of May 2012. We shall share the conclusions of that visit with the Security Council upon our return, including with respect to any areas requiring the attention of the international community. While elections will remain the primary focus in the near future, Sierra Leone also stands poised to transition out of the immediate peacebuilding phase. This will involve a number of important processes. A successor to the Agenda for Change is under development by the Government, the United Nations presence is likely to change significantly, and Sierra Leone is piloting the New Deal for Engagement in Fragile States.

    2012-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6829 (2012) · source

  11. The United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Sierra Leone (UNIPSIL) deserves great credit for addressing these challenges, particularly by following up on the 2009 joint communique, supporting non-State actors, and facilitating the Declaration agreed by political parties in May. These efforts have helped to establish a common understanding of the parameters of legitimate electoral competition, and it is now up to Sierra Leoneans to exercise their democratic rights and accept the resulting outcome. With respect to the PBC, we intend to travel to Freetown in late October to take stock of the situation and engage with all relevant stakeholders, with a particular focus on the political parties, civil society and media.

    2012-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6829 (2012) · source

  12. Toyberg-Frandzen has just outlined in greater detail, the necessary logistical and financial arrangements are largely in place. There is good reason to expect technically sound and well-managed elections. (Spoke in English) But the greatest challenge is political. All national stakeholders must fulfil their responsibility to create an environment conducive to successful elections. In each of the Commission's previous visits, interlocutors have raised concerns about persistent tensions between the major political parties, the role of unprofessional media willing to exacerbate political divides, and the risk that irresponsible actors will encourage young people to engage in politically-motivated violence.

    2012-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6829 (2012) · source

  13. I thank you, Sir, for this opportunity to express the opinions of the Sierra Leone configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission and its States members. In response to the Security Council's letter of 6 September, I intend to focus my remarks on the path forward for Sierra Leone and the anticipated contribution of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC). Sierra Leone faces an important moment in its history. The elections scheduled for November represent a crucial test and are widely viewed as a core benchmark for peace consolidation. The Peacebuilding Commission has monitored developments over the past year, including through regular contact with Freetown and by inviting the Chair of the National Electoral Commission to New York to brief on preparations. As Mr.

    2012-09-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6829 (2012) · source

  14. Humanitarian workers, including medical volunteers, have lost their lives in the performance of their duties. The Council must continue to exercise the full range of options at its disposal to prevent and put an end to violence against civilians in armed conflict.

    2012-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6790Resumption1 (2012) · source

  15. In that regard, we encourage key United Nations stakeholders to develop strategies that allow them to better take into account the persecution of religious minorities with a View to preventing their displacement. (spoke in English) In far too many contexts, humanitarian access is politicized and constrained. Civilians in need of assistance are held hostage to the whims of Governments and non-State armed groups. The Secretary-General and the International Committee of the Red Cross have highlighted the fact that health-care providers and facilities continue to come under attack in situations of conflict and violence. In too many contexts, hospitals are routinely targeted, and the wounded choose not to seek treatment for fear of detention, torture or death.

    2012-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6790Resumption1 (2012) · source

  16. While all civilians deserve equal protection, it is important that efforts toward international protection take into account the particular vulnerabilities and capacities of targeted individuals and groups. What is more, as recognized in resolution 1325 (2000), ensuring that women are full, active and constructive participants in peace processes can significantly contribute to the maintenance and promotion of peace and security. Furthermore, we must take action to defend the rights of vulnerable religious minorities who are persecuted for their beliefs in situations of armed conflict. Canada is in the process of establishing an office within Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada that will promote the protection of freedom of religion worldwide.

    2012-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6790Resumption1 (2012) · source

  17. (spoke in French) While the crisis in Syria is perhaps the most prominent example of current challenges to the protection of civilians, it is far from unique. The Secretary-General's report also highlights the deplorable effects of violence and conflict on women and children, including the prevalence of sexual violence in many emergency situations. Canada is, for example, deeply concerned by the deteriorating security situation in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and the abuses faced by vulnerable populations there, including killings of civilians and sexual violence. We must be persistent in denouncing violence directed against women and girls and in promoting their empowerment.

    2012-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6790Resumption1 (2012) · source

  18. In Syria, hundreds of men, women and children have been massacred in Houla and Hama. The use of heavy weapons in population centres, the excessive use of force, including firing from helicopters, the lack of respect for medical services and the denial of humanitarian access are of grave concern. While we hope that agreement to the Syria response plan will bring improvements in the ability of humanitarian actors to assist those in need, the plan cannot resolve the crisis in Syria. The Security Council must act swiftly and decisively to ensure compliance with Joint Special Envoy Annan's six-point plan, or move to implement other diplomatic solutions to the crisis. We urge the adoption of tough and targeted sanctions against Al-Assad and his regime.

    2012-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6790Resumption1 (2012) · source

  19. In such circumstances, Member States, and particularly the Security Council, must redouble their efforts to protect the world's most vulnerable and ensure that those responsible for violations are brought to justice. More than a year ago, the Council made clear its concrete support for the protection of civilians in armed conflict by adopting resolution 1973 (2011), which authorized decisive action to protect civilians and civilian populated areas in Libya. Canada took critical political and military actions in support of that Council-endorsed effort to protect civilians against a cruel and oppressive regime. Through its firm response to the threat in Libya, the Council demonstrated its commitment to protecting civilians both in principle and in practice. Yet for every success there are many examples where more could be done.

    2012-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6790Resumption1 (2012) · source

  20. Mr. Rishchynski (Canada) (spoke in French): Allow me, Mr. President, to thank you for the opportunity to speak. (spoke in English) Canada commends the Secretary-General for his most recent report on this important topic (S/2012/376). The report highlights for us all that respect for the protection of civilians is non-existent in far too many contexts. In Syria, civilians are massacred by their Government. Around the world, women and girls continue to be victims of sexual violence, including through rape as a weapon of war. Hospitals and health-care workers are subject to attacks, and people in desperate need are denied lifesaving humanitarian assistance.

    2012-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6790Resumption1 (2012) · source

  21. We commend the progress that has been made and encourage continued reforms. Canada urges both parties to take further confidence-building measures, avoid unhelpful unilateral actions and combat violence and incitement to violence in order to create an atmosphere conducive to negotiating peace. We encourage both parties to stop debating about the negotiations and sit down at the table unconditionally and negotiate a final agreement. There is no viable alternative to a negotiated two-State solution.

    2012-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6757Resumption1 (2012) · source

  22. Concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Canada remains wholly supportive of the Quartet's efforts and we welcome its recent attempts to encourage the parties to resume direct peace negotiations without delays or preconditions, in accordance with the Quartet's statement of 23 September 2011 (see SG/2178). We share the goal of a negotiated outcome to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that can result in two States living side by side in peace and security. The Quartet is calling on donors to step up to support the progress made to date by the Palestinian Authority to build State institutions and provide security. In that area, Canada remains committed to implementing its assistance package of $300 million over five years, in support of security and justice reforms by the Palestinian Authority.

    2012-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6757Resumption1 (2012) · source

  23. Our desire is not to punish the Iranian people, but rather to persuade the Iranian leadership to abide by Iran's obligations. Canada also remains concerned by the failure of the Iranian Government to take adequate steps to improve the human rights situation there. We continue to see reports of Iran's failure to live up to its domestic and international human rights obligations, particularly with respect to deficiencies in its judicial system. We will continue to work with the international community to ensure that the rights of the Iranian people are not forgotten or overshadowed by the nuclear issue.

    2012-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6757Resumption1 (2012) · source

  24. We view the first round of discussions between Iran and the P5+1 as a constructive first step towards addressing the international community's outstanding concerns regarding Iran's nuclear activities. (spoke in English) With all eyes now on the second round of that process, in late May, we urge Iran to engage in good faith and take meaningful steps towards complying with its international nuclear obligations. The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons must form the basis of any eventual agreement between Iran and the international community. Iran's full compliance with its international nuclear obligations is the only measure that will lead to the easing of international sanctions against it. As Canada and others have stated before, implementing international sanctions is not a step we take lightly.

    2012-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6757Resumption1 (2012) · source

  25. It is time for all Security Council members in a position to influence Syria to urge him to fully honour his commitments to the Joint Special Envoy. If he does not, his lack of good faith will be clear to all, and the Council should act decisively to end the bloodshed in Syria. Canada remains unwavering in our view that President Al-Assad must end the violence, relinquish power and enable a peaceful transition to a free and democratic Syria that respects the human rights of all its people, including religious and ethnic minorities. Turning to Iran, Canada welcomes the leadership shown by the five permanent members of the Security Council and Germany (P5+1) in opening discussions with Iran over its nuclear programme, and we acknowledge Iran's decision to engage in talks with the international community without preconditions.

    2012-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6757Resumption1 (2012) · source

  26. We encourage the Secretary- General to deploy the Mission as soon as he judges security conditions conducive to doing so. We urge President Al-Assad to respect his commitments to the Joint Special Envoy, withdraw Syrian forces from populated areas, end the bloodshed and honour his agreement to allow the United Nations observers freedom of movement throughout the country, including in the war-torn city of Horns. We also call on the opposition to show restraint and respect the ceasefire. (spoke in French) Up until now, President Al-Assad has cynically exploited peace initiatives in order to stall for time, rather than taking the opportunity to end this crisis by acknowledging the legitimate demands of the Syrian people.

    2012-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6757Resumption1 (2012) · source

  27. Canada applauds the efforts of the Joint Special Envoy of the United Nations and the League of Arab States to resolve the crisis in Syria. We welcome Syria's acceptance of his peace plan, but we want to see its words backed by actions. We are gravely concerned by the fact that violent incidents have continued since the ceasefire took effect, on 12 April, and we are disturbed by reports of Government forces firing on peaceful protesters, forcing United Nations observers to evacuate to safety. Canada welcomes resolution 2043 (2012), unanimously adopted by the Security Council on Saturday, which authorizes a United Nations Mission to supervise the ceasefire. The presence of United Nations observers is vital to helping stabilize the situation on the ground.

    2012-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6757Resumption1 (2012) · source

  28. The configuration will report back to the Security Council in due course. In closing, let me note that Sierra Leone has made tremendous progress since the end of its civil war. It is one of the success stories of United Nations peacebuilding. Yet the process is not quite finished, as repeated incidents of political violence over the past year have demonstrated. The Security Council should continue to pay close attention to peacebuilding in Sierra Leone and stand prepared to offer any necessary support. The Peacebuilding Commission will do the same by working in close partnership with all relevant national and international stakeholders towards meeting that goal.

    2012-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6739 (2012) · source

  29. The United Nations, with strong leadership from UNIPSIL, has developed an innovative and integrated approach - a best practice in the truest sense of that term. Successful mechanisms should be retained and any transition designed to produce minimal shocks to existing practices. Some of the functions currently performed by UNIPSIL will need to be replaced by reinforcing other aspects of the country team. Similarly, Sierra Leone will continue to face significant development challenges and some of the underlying causes of conflict will linger until long- term economic development truly takes hold. International support must, in our judgment, reflect those realities, and the Peacebuilding Commission will shortly begin considering how its own engagement should evolve as part of that transitional process.

    2012-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6739 (2012) · source

  30. Stronger and more outcome-oriented engagement with regional organizations, such as the Economic Community of West African States, as well as increased support for regional programmes such as the West Africa Coast Initiative, is very much needed. The United Nations Office for West Africa plays a vital role in those issues and warrants continued strong support from the Council. Thirdly, Sierra Leone will face two transitions - one that is shifting from end-stage peacebuilding to a focus on longer-term development, while at the same time the Security Council may wish to consider drawing down UNIPSIL following successful elections later this year. Those processes need to be handled with great care.

    2012-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6739 (2012) · source

  31. von der Schulenburg's strong leadership and the considerable contribution he made during his years of service in Sierra Leone. At the personal level, I would like to say that it is a pity that he will not have the opportunity to see the conclusion of that excellent work. (spoke in English) The Security Council has recently focused more closely on transnational threats to peace and security. That is a welcome development, but much more is needed. Sierra Leone has taken impressive steps towards fighting transnational crime, yet it is hampered by the slower pace of progress elsewhere in the subregion.

    2012-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6739 (2012) · source

  32. The United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Sierra Leone (UNIPSIL) must continue to have a unique legitimacy and mandate with respect to enabling a favourable political environment. That should be the mission's immediate priority as we approach the elections. The Security Council and the wider United Nations system should stand ready to provide any necessary support to UNIPSIL's efforts. In that respect, the configuration looks forward to working closely with Mr. von der Schulenburg's successor, because the departure of Mr. von der Schulenburg has created an unfortunate vacuum. The configuration encourages the Secretary-General to fill that position as quickly as possible. I would also like to take this opportunity to commend Mr.

    2012-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6739 (2012) · source

  33. It is also crucial to better convince the public that all relevant stakeholders will behave in a professional and responsible manner. Political leaders have a particular responsibility to demonstrate their commitment to free, fair and peaceful political competition, including collectively through interparty mechanisms and at public events. As electoral campaigning begins in earnest, all parties must redouble their efforts to implement their commitments under the joint communique of 2009. The international community has a clear and constructive role to play in support of the electoral process. Sierra Leone's partners should respond favourably to the Government's requests for electoral observers.

    2012-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6739 (2012) · source

  34. I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for the opportunity to take the floor. In late January, I travelled to Sierra Leone to take stock of progress on peacebuilding. Let me express my gratitude for the warm welcome, strong support and frank engagement of all national and international interlocutors. Drawing on the findings of that visit, this morning I would like to offer advice on three important issues for Sierra Leone, namely, the forthcoming elections, regional challenges to peacebuilding, and the transition process that will take place in the country. First, technical and financial preparations for the elections are on track. At the same time, there is a clear need to encourage more open dialogue, both among the political parties and with the national electoral institutions.

    2012-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6739 (2012) · source

  35. In this respect, Canada supports an inclusive national peace dialogue that encourages the participation of Afghan civil society, victims' groups and, especially, Afghan religious and ethnic minorities and women in determining the shape of what we all hope will be a peaceful and stable Afghanistan. Permit me to conclude by noting that Canada remains committed to our common goal of a peaceful, sustainable Afghanistan led by Afghans with vision, confidence and hope in their future. In order to achieve this vision, Canada stands ready to continue working with the Government of Afghanistan, as well as all our international partners in meeting this goal.

    2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source

  36. Canada would like to underline the importance of tolerance and pluralism in establishing a peaceful and cohesive Afghan society, based on the principles established by the Afghan Constitution. Afghanistan has accomplished impressive progress towards developing a representative and sustainable democracy. Canada recognizes that Afghanistan's democratic development faces many challenges, and we encourage the Government of Afghanistan to renew its commitment to transparency and impartiality in all electoral and appointment processes. An important element in ensuring sustainable Afghan peace still resides in the achievement of an Afghan-led reconciliation process, the outcome of which must be in accordance with the principles confirmed at the Bonn Conference.

    2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source

  37. Although we noted President Karzai's remarks on 11 March reiterating his full support of Afghan women's religious and constitutional rights, Canada will remain vigilant. We expect the Government of Afghanistan to uphold its Constitution and to distance itself from those outrageous remarks. The protection and advancement of women's rights has been and continues to be a key pillar of Canada's foreign policy. That is especially true in Afghanistan, where promoting and protecting fundamental freedoms, including women's rights, is a central theme of Canada's post-2011 engagement. Respect for the freedoms and rights of all Afghan citizens is fundamental to Afghanistan's security and its future prosperity. All Afghans must, in our View, also have the right to practice personal religious beliefs in safety and security.

    2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source

  38. To that end, Canada will continue to promote regional cooperation as one of its four pillars of engagement over the next two years, in particular through the ongoing facilitation of the Afghanistan- Pakistan cooperation process - which we continue to believe can make tangible progress in strengthening the management and security of the Afghanistan-Pakistan border region. (spoke in English) Among the most notable successes in Afghanistan of the past decade are the tremendous gains made by Afghan women and girls. Those gains must not be lost. Canada views the status and role of women as a key barometer by which the success of Afghanistan's progress will be measured. The recent Ulema Council statement, as well as cases of heinous abuse of Afghan women, represents a dramatic step backwards for Afghan women.

    2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source

  39. That will require the constructive support of its regional partners in promoting stability, security and prosperity in both Afghanistan and the region. In that regard, we commend the recent consensus in the context of the Istanbul Process to focus on a series of confidence- building measures aimed at strengthening an agenda based on mutual benefit and trust. We also look forward to the fifth ministerial meeting of the Regional Economic Cooperation Conference on Afghanistan. Canada strongly believes that regional leadership in the planning and execution of a common prosperity agenda must be at the centre of Afghanistan's continued transformation.

    2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source

  40. To that end, the real long-term measure of success will be determined by the extent to which Afghanistan can create wealth by attracting and retaining private-sector investment, both from within Afghanistan and abroad, and appropriately leverage it to benefit the Afghan population in a just and broad-based manner. Furthermore, in order to be sustainable, Afghanistan's economic growth must be accompanied by poverty reduction and increasing productive employment, as well as improved access to education and health care. However, Afghanistan's economic potential reaches beyond its borders and its prosperity will, in large measure, be influenced by the extent to which it can harness its strategic position at the crossroads of markets in the heart of Asia.

    2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source

  41. (spoke in French) Canada believes that sustainable economic growth and constructive regional cooperation are essential to ensuring a secure and prosperous future for Afghanistan and the region. Economic growth will only be sustained by concrete efforts on the part of Afghanistan to establish a business-friendly environment and enact measures to strengthen effective and transparent economic governance. In that connection, Canada recognizes the commitments that the Government of Afghanistan has made with regard to that goal in its economic transition strategy. Canada of course continues to support Afghanistan in pursuit of its development goals. The country must never again become a haven for terrorists and a breeding ground for terrorism.

    2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source

  42. We are confident that, at the Group of Eight and NATO summits, as well as at the Tokyo conference, we will continue to build on the strategic consensus reached in Bonn this past December - a consensus based on accountability and the assumption of leadership by the Afghan Government in its own security, good governance, and development. In cooperation with our partners, Canada continues to endeavour to support Afghanistan in its efforts to undertake the remaining challenges of transition. In doing so, Canada continues to invest in the future of Afghan youth through programming in health and education; to advance security, the rule of law and human rights, including through a significant contribution to the NATO training mission; to promote regional diplomacy; and to support the delivery of humanitarian assistance as needed.

    2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source

  43. Mr. Rishchynski (Canada) (spoke in French): I would like to begin by thanking Mr. Jan Kubis for his briefing this morning. I also thank Afghan Ambassador Zahir Tanin for his statement. (spoke in English) Canada welcomes the diligent work of the Secretary-General in conducting a comprehensive review of the activities of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) over the past year. The next four months will present Afghanistan and the international community with a series of critical decision points, which will define how we continue to progress together towards our common goal of a peaceful and sustainable Afghanistan through the transition period and into the transformation decade. Canada looks forward to working with its partners to further advance those shared objectives.

    2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source

  44. Haiti faces many governance challenges that need urgent attention - not the least of which are constitutional reform, and work towards the creation of a permanent electoral council so that the elections, which already have been delayed, can be organized. We all recognize that the wholesale change of the magnitude required in Haiti does not happen overnight, but it will not happen at all without steadfast political will. Haitian leaders need to demonstrate a firm and unwavering commitment to democratic principles and the rule of law in order to achieve the sustainable progress that the international community expects and the Haitian people deserve.

    2012-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6732 (2012) · source

  45. Two years after the earthquake, our thoughts are with the Haitian people, who are still struggling to rebuild their lives. Canada believes that the Haitian reconstruction process must be led by accountable political actors who prioritize and address the needs of the Haitian people and put those needs before issues of narrow personal and political interest. The process must be transparent and fair. We note that President Martelly moved quickly to designate a successor to Prime Minister Conille. We hope that the Parliament and the executive authorities will act expeditiously to reach an agreement on the nomination of the new Prime Minister, so that the work of the Government is not stalled further.

    2012-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6732 (2012) · source

  46. The Government must take firm steps against corruption, including through providing necessary support and independence to bodies such as the audit commission established to investigate contracts awarded following the earthquake, and to the independent experts commission mandated by the Minister of Justice to investigate unresolved assassination cases. (spoke in French) Canada's commitment to supporting Haiti is long- term, both in the delivery of humanitarian assistance as well as the ongoing reconstruction and longer term development efforts. From 2006 to 2012, Canada has committed more than $1 billion to Haiti. However, Haitian authorities must show real resolve to deal with the true problems still affecting their country.

    2012-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6732 (2012) · source

  47. We must not, on any account, distract ourselves from that objective, in which Canada, along with international and Haitian partners, has made a very important and massive investment. Moreover, only a sincere and hard-fought battle to eliminate corruption and establish the rule of law will realize the value of efforts to attract foreign investment and repair the country's image. Trust can only be built on concrete and significant action - on courageous action motivated by the public interest and based on democratic principles, and not simply on words. Canada will therefore look to the Haitian Government to urgently implement concrete actions.

    2012-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6732 (2012) · source

  48. They must fully assume their responsibilities to ensure continuity of governance, the proper functioning of democratic institutions, sound management of public funds and the strengthening of the rule of law. (spoke in English) Canada observes with great concern the mobilization of armed groups in Haiti. We note that President Martelly is moving forward to address the issue, and we hope that actions taken by the Haitian Government will allow for the dismantling of those groups to prevent them from destabilizing the country. We strongly remind the Council that the priority to which President Martelly has formally subscribed is the development of the Haitian National Police and the implementation of all its operational components.

    2012-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6732 (2012) · source

  49. Too many in the political elite remain indifferent to the dire needs of the average Haitian and the serious hardship Haitians face in rebuilding their livelihoods and their country. Canada welcomes the latest report of the Secretary-General on the situation in Haiti. We commend the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) for its vital contribution to the maintenance of overall security and stability in Haiti. As the Secretary-General highlighted in his report, there has been some progress, but daunting challenges persist and security gains remain fragile. As expressed in the report, Canada's sincere hope is that Haiti's political stakeholders in the legislative and executive branches will rise above partisan bickering.

    2012-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6732 (2012) · source

  50. Mr. Rishchynski (Canada) (spoke in French): I would like to start by addressing my most sincere thanks to you, Sir, and to the United Kingdom delegation for having organized this debate on Haiti. I also stress that we stand side by side with the people of Haiti, who yesterday relived the fear and chill of a new earthquake. I thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ambassador Mariano Fernandez, for introducing the Secretary- General's report (S/2012/128). Today's discussion is taking place at yet another moment of political instability in Haiti. That instability is most unfortunate. Prime Minister Conille resigned on 24 February after only four months in office. His appointment followed five months of political deadlock as the Government and Parliament squabbled over a nominee.

    2012-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6732 (2012) · source