YouSaid · the spoken record

Rock

lines on the record: 178
first: 2004-02-26
most recent: 2006-06-28
sittings or episodes: 19
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

“Canada welcomes the efforts of the Transitional Government to begin to address the issue of former members of the Haitian armed forces. That problem continues to have serious implications for the security situation, in particular with regard to the capacity of the Haitian National Police and MINUSTAH to operate effectively in Haiti. Canada welcomes the intent and actions of the Transitional Government of Haiti in tackling that issue, including through its plan to establish a national commission on DDR. But we suggest that it must be addressed as a matter of utmost urgency.”
2005-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5110Resumption1 (2005) · source
“Canada would respectfully suggest that Haiti currently faces three fundamental and pressing challenges. The first challenge is to establish and sustain security and implement comprehensive disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR). The second is to ensure economic and social reconstruction. And the third is to promote national reconciliation and relaunch the democratic process in Haiti. While efforts to respond to those three areas must of course be made in parallel, it seems clear that without a secure environment economic and social reconstruction cannot happen, reconciliation will remain but a hope and the democratic process eventually leading to fair and free elections cannot proceed. Let me first deal briefly with the security challenge.”
2005-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5110Resumption1 (2005) · source
“The efforts of the Council - first by authorizing the deployment of the Multinational Interim Force and, subsequently, by establishing the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) - have provided important support to the Transitional Government of Haiti and to its efforts to re-establish stability and security, promote reconciliation and relaunch the democratic process. We believe that, under United Nations leadership, a coordinated approach between national actors and regional and international partners will ensure a better future for all Haitians. We wish to say a word in particular about Juan Gabriel Valdes, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, who has worked so effectively and who has won the confidence and respect of all actors with his frankness, his skill and his evident commitment.”
2005-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5110Resumption1 (2005) · source
“Let me say at the outset how much the Government of Canada appreciates the opportunity to take part in this discussion today. This initiative on the part of the Government of Argentina furnishes us with additional evidence of the sincerity of that Government's commitment to the cause of Haitian reconstruction. The involvement today of so many senior Government representatives from this hemisphere and elsewhere demonstrates the truly international and interregional nature of this cooperative work. Almost one year has passed now since former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide left Haiti, a country then in a state of turmoil and on the brink of civil war.”
2005-01-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5110Resumption1 (2005) · source
“(spoke in English) We look forward to the next report of the Secretary-General, which, we hope, will report further progress and which can once again be used as the basis from which to take stock and for measuring progress towards improving our collective ability to protect the world's most vulnerable, so that we might live up to the inspiring words of the very resolutions whose anniversary we observe today.”
2004-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5100Resumption1 (2004) · source
“When required, the Council must also be ready to provide effective political backing for United Nations teams in their dealings with Governments and non-State actors. In that regard, the work being done by the working group on protection in northern Darfur is a good model of collaboration, and it should be replicated in other similar contexts. (spoke in French) We have come a long way in the last few years. Five years ago, Security Council resolutions still focused on protecting convoys rather than people. That has changed. Now we must take this initiative to the next level, building on the progress that has been made. Our success is best measured by the number of lives saved, the number of displacements averted, and in the mitigation or reduction of conflicts. Canada intends to actively seek to fill the gaps that have been identified.”
2004-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5100Resumption1 (2004) · source
“Here again, Canada believes that effective responses require the Security Council to be more proactive - for example, by adopting a systematic approach to addressing the range of natural resources known to be linked to armed conflict. We urge the Council to formalize the expert panel mechanism and to press for the genuine enforcement of targeted sanctions regimes through national enforcement mechanisms. Sixthly and finally, we suggest that the capacity of United Nations country teams to lead and coordinate on protection issues must be strengthened. That is a key core weakness that must be urgently addressed if we are to be successful in respecting the rights and enhancing the safety of civilians whose lives are affected daily by conflict.”
2004-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5100Resumption1 (2004) · source
“We have learned valuable lessons in Iraq, Liberia and Afghanistan about how to effectively implement targeted sanctions. We believe that the guidelines reflect those lessons and that they will ensure a rapid and appropriate needs assessment by humanitarian staff to assist Security Council actions. Fifthly, the Council has taken important steps with respect to the illicit exploitation of natural resources, including commissioning panels of experts and imposing targeted sanctions. The link between the illicit exploitation of natural resources and the intensity and persistence of armed conflicts is clear, as are the horrific implications for the safety of civilians.”
2004-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5100Resumption1 (2004) · source
“That is, after all, what the Council committed itself to do in resolution 1265 (1999). We therefore welcome the High-Level Panel's endorsement of the collective international responsibility to protect, as well as its conclusion that the proper authority to approve action in such cases is the Council. The report outlines basic criteria for the authorization of the use of force, providing elements of a critical framework for Council action. Canada believes that the Council should review those criteria with a view to adopting them. Fourthly, in cases where sanctions are imposed, we believe that the Council must continue to strengthen its enforcement and monitoring mechanisms for arms embargoes and other targeted sanctions. It should also endorse the guidelines developed by OCHA on the humanitarian impact of sanctions.”
2004-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5100Resumption1 (2004) · source
“Secondly, we believe that, in order to strengthen the future implementation of the civilian-protection agenda, the Council needs a more systematic assessment of the lessons learned from recent protection mandates in peace-support operations. Canada intends both to work actively with the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and to invite Council members in the course of coming months to participate in a series of workshops to support the development of such assessments. Thirdly, we suggest putting in place better defined trigger mechanisms for Council action to ensure it responds immediately when civilians are directly targeted, when humanitarian aid is deliberately obstructed and where gross violations of human rights and international humanitarian law occur with impunity.”
2004-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5100Resumption1 (2004) · source
“Canada wishes briefly to highlight six specific areas where we believe the Council's actions on protection issues can be improved. First, if the Council is to adopt credible and timely preventative measures it must be more proactive in identifying countries at risk of crisis and potential threats to peace that are not yet on the Council's agenda. For that reason, we support the recommendation contained in the report of the Secretary-General's High-Level Panel on Threats, Challenges and Change (A/59/565) to create a peacebuilding commission to identify countries at risk of conflict and instability. We also endorse the need for the United Nations to develop a strong, clear normative framework for dealing with armed non-State actors.”
2004-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5100Resumption1 (2004) · source
“In the case of Darfur the time is past due for the Council to create a monitoring mechanism for the arms embargo put in place against all non-Government entities and individuals. The time is past due for the Council to consider other targeted measures, including the imposition of asset freezes and travel sanctions against all offending parties to the conflict in Darfur. For it is only by taking steps, monitoring compliance and demonstrating a willingness to take further effective action that the Council will foster the authority and credibility that set it apart as a body of unique stature. Let me turn briefly to our observations about the future, because occasions such as this provide an opportunity to draw from the experience of the past to plan for more effective responses in the years to come.”
2004-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5100Resumption1 (2004) · source
“Furthermore, in our respectful view, the Council must be steadfast and consistent in the messages it sends in response to war crimes and crimes against humanity. There must be follow-through when it threatens to impose measures unless conditions are met. In those cases in which measures are imposed, those measures must be monitored. The Council must not tolerate a failure by parties to conflict to comply with its resolutions. In the case of Darfur, for example, the Secretary- General has provided four reports to the Council. The last three have noted the absence of compliance with its previous resolutions. Most recently, the Secretary- General expressed concern about an upsurge in violence - that despite the fact that all parties to the conflict in Darfur had recently signed on to both humanitarian and security protocols.”
2004-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5100Resumption1 (2004) · source
“We need look no further than Darfur, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda to see that there is a significant gap between the principles expressed in the thematic resolutions and the practical steps taken by the Council to respond to protection challenges. While the milestone resolutions contemplate early, systematic and bold action, the Council's resolutions are too often ad hoc, seldom timely and rarely proactive. Of course, all the tools and instruments at the Council's disposal are of no value unless the Council can summon the political will to employ them. Effective and timely recourse to the full range of measures available to the Council is essential to ensure the protection of vulnerable populations. Where the complex challenges require the Council's sustained attention over the long term, that attention should be given.”
2004-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5100Resumption1 (2004) · source
“I shall first look back to an assessment of the last five years that shows that significant progress has been made. The Security Council now has in its repertoire a wide range of remedies and a comprehensive framework of resolutions dealing with the protection of civilians and the related issues of children and armed conflict; women and peace and security; and conflict prevention. As a result, there is now increasing acceptance of the need, for example, to structure peace-support operations so that they can respond to a range of protection matters. There is now a preparedness to anticipate the humanitarian impact of sanctions, and there is now a willingness to implement comprehensive field-based protection training initiatives. Yet, despite that important recent progress, a backward glance also reveals significant shortcomings.”
2004-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5100Resumption1 (2004) · source
“Some five years have now passed since the Council adopted resolutions 1265 (1999) and 1296 (2000). That anniversary provides a timely opportunity to assess the effectiveness of the Council's use of the tools that those resolutions put at its disposal in addressing violence against civilians. This is also an opportune moment to discuss further steps that can be taken to build upon those two milestone resolutions and to render the Council's actions to protect civilians timelier and more effective. Canada is grateful for the opportunity to take part in this discussion. I hope, Mr. President, that you know the depth and sincerity of our commitment to these fundamental issues. Today, we would like to make observations and suggestions in two directions: looking back and gazing forward.”
2004-12-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5100Resumption1 (2004) · source
“(spoke in French) Canada would also like to take this opportunity to welcome the adoption, at the initiative of the Russian Federation, of resolution 1566 (2004). The United Nations plays a central and coordinating role in the global fight against terrorism. We therefore appreciate the efforts of the Security Council to involve States not members of the Council in these issues. We trust the Council will continue these efforts to provide opportunities such as today for all Member States' views to be heard and taken into account. Transparency and inclusiveness, wherever and whenever possible, strengthen the effectiveness of the Organization's efforts in the fight against terrorism.”
2004-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5059Resumption1 (2004) · source
“The objective of the programme will be to provide training, technical and legal assistance and expertise to enable partner countries to prevent and respond to terrorist activity in a manner that respects international human rights norms and standards. This Canadian programme is intended to respond to the call in Council resolution 1456 (2003) for States to assist one another to improve their capacity to prevent and fight terrorism. The Government of Canada takes this responsibility very seriously, recognizing that this global threat requires a global response. We will work closely with the CTC, with participants in the Group of Eight's Counter-Terrorism Action Group and with others to engage in joint activities to ensure that this assistance is provided in a coordinated manner.”
2004-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5059Resumption1 (2004) · source
“The CTED will now permit the Committee to take its organizational plan, adopted in August, to the next stage. The Executive Director will have flexibility in taking that work forward, and we anticipate the implementation of the plan, along with the setting of priorities and objectives, because the critical work of the CTED must have a clear sense of direction. We also understand that positive consideration is being given to hiring a human rights expert. Canada welcomes that development. We strongly support such a step. Part of the work of the Directorate will clearly be to coordinate technical assistance. In that respect, allow me to say that Canada is establishing a counter- terrorism capacity-building programme as part of our new national security policy.”
2004-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5059Resumption1 (2004) · source
“Canada welcomes the report today of the Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) with respect to its structure and activities. We want to congratulate the Chairman and the members of the CTC for their very productive work. Canada also welcomes this occasion for an open debate. We understand what an investment of time it is by the Council, but we do regard it as a valuable opportunity, not only to generally remind States of our collective responsibility in relation to terrorism, but also to permit us to give an account of our own activities that are consistent with the priorities identified by the Council. We very much appreciate the progress the CTC has made, particularly in taking its work into a new phase with the establishment of the Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate (CTED).”
2004-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5059Resumption1 (2004) · source
“The international community can reinforce their effectiveness by ensuring that the development agenda and the security sector reform agenda in Afghanistan move forward hand in hand. Enduring success will require a professional and reformist Government backed by sustained commitments to shared development objectives. Canada will continue, working in cooperation with Afghan and international partners, particularly the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, to develop creative and credible solutions. We are particularly grateful to be able to participate today in this helpful discussion on the way forward.”
2004-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5025 (2004) · source
“After the elections it will be incumbent on the Government of Afghanistan and on the international community to develop a forward- looking plan that extends the vision of Bonn: setting new benchmarks, key to democratic development. But without security, particularly outside Kabul, the prospects for successful elections and overall stabilization remain seriously endangered. It is time to intensify our focus on key areas of concern to ensure that they do not put our overall engagement in jeopardy. Those key areas include warlords, militias, narcotics and insurgents. With continuing support from the international community, Afghanistan's new Government, army, police and security institutions are showing that they are equal to these tasks. But there is still a long way to go.”
2004-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5025 (2004) · source
“As the report of the Secretary-General confirms, while voter registration figures are positive, additional attention must be devoted to under- represented regions, including certain areas to the south, as well as to out-of-country voters. We strongly support the verification of political rights now under way by the joint effort of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission. We - neighbours and partners of Afghanistan alike - must also all rededicate ourselves to prevent any and all acts of violence aimed at disrupting the electoral process in Afghanistan: all such acts run dramatically contrary to the aspirations of the Afghan people themselves, which have now been clearly expressed. Elections are the final phase contemplated by the Bonn Agreement.”
2004-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5025 (2004) · source
“We must also be prepared to support sanctions against those who remain non-compliant with national priority reforms, such as DDR and heavy-weapons cantonment. That, of course, will require resolute action to renew the authority of Government institutions in the eyes of the populace, as well as to disarm and decommission those militias that have been pursuing political ends by shows of force. The international community must now consider how best to continue to support Afghanistan in this effort in the coming months. In the immediate term, our paramount goal is to ensure that the presidential and subsequent parliamentary elections go smoothly: as freely and as fairly as possible. The upcoming elections mark a milestone on the road to establishing a broad-based, gender-sensitive, multi-ethnic and fully representative Government.”
2004-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5025 (2004) · source
“Both supported and insulated by lucrative customs revenues and the profits from the narcotics trade, many warlords are capable of autonomous action and are often impervious to standard incentives in the context of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR). It is clear that these circumstances represent the single greatest obstacle to stability and progress in Afghanistan and that, if allowed to continue, they threaten to undo the progress made over nearly three years. That has happened before and it can happen again. The Afghan authorities and the international community must make it clear that this behaviour is unacceptable. We must deny support and legitimacy to those who choose to pursue their own parochial interests ahead of the interests of Afghanistan.”
2004-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5025 (2004) · source
“Indeed, Afghanistan, with the help of the international community, has made giant strides: a new constitution, strengthening institutions, massive voter registration, continuing verification of political rights and steady progress in disarmament and heavy weapons cantonment. However, the gains that have been made are not yet irreversible. Without security and credible, accountable governance institutions in Afghanistan - without a growing private sector and national income - the goal of becoming a democratic and self- sustaining State will remain elusive. Our efforts are being threatened by the mutually reinforcing threats posed by warlords, resurgent Taliban and their supporters, and narcotics. That is a volatile mix.”
2004-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5025 (2004) · source
“We have maintained 2,000 troops in Afghanistan until recently with the transfer of the ISAF command. Following the drawdown of our current troop contribution, Canada will sustain the presence of approximately 700 troops in ISAF. But of course, our engagement goes beyond military deployments and involves complementary commitments in the areas of diplomacy and development. We know that, in order to bring about sustainable change, more must be done. For that reason, Canada has committed an additional $250 million in development assistance to Afghanistan for the period through 2009, bringing our total commitment to more than $600 million since 2001.”
2004-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5025 (2004) · source
“We agree with the conclusion of the report of the Secretary General on the situation in Afghanistan: in order for the "peace process to move forward, extremism, factionalism and the illicit drug trade must be addressed resolutely" (S/2004/634, summary). The report highlights the fact that we are at a crucial stage in the pursuit of the goals agreed to in Bonn: national reconciliation, lasting peace, stability and respect for human rights. (spoke in English) For our part, Canada's commitment remains steadfast. We have been with Afghanistan since the beginning on the path to security and prosperity. In fact, for the past six months, the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) has been under the capable command of Canadian General Hillier, which was so generously acknowledged by my colleague from Afghanistan.”
2004-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5025 (2004) · source
“To begin with, Mr. President, Canada wishes to add its voice to those of the many colleagues who have expressed sincere sympathy, particularly to the families and friends of those who perished in the tragedy that befell Russia and its people yesterday. (spoke in French) Canada is grateful for the opportunity to address the Council on this important issue. We would like to thank Mr. Arnault for providing us with such a candid snapshot of the situation on the ground. The United Nations presence in Kabul provides an invaluable coordinating mechanism and a meaningful contribution to Afghanistan's rehabilitation, including through institution-building.”
2004-08-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5025 (2004) · source
“When that is complemented with support from, and dialogue with, the international community, effective and positive energy is demonstrated for post-conflict peace-building. As the General Assembly has already acknowledged, civil society is a powerful force for peace-building and conflict prevention. Let us together ensure that its full potential is mobilized in the cause of sustainable peace, the search for which unites us all.”
2004-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4993Resumption1 (2004) · source
“In fragile post-conflict situations, institutions and procedures designed to manage differences and potential conflicts in a non-violent manner and in a spirit of compromise are particularly essential. As is highlighted in the Panel's report, one of the key principles of representative democracy is connecting citizens to the decisions that affect them and ensuring public accountability for those decisions. In post-conflict societies, if citizens are not connected to their Government; to the peace processes that will deeply affect their future; or, no less importantly, to one another, new sources of grievance and conflict will emerge. (spoke in English) Time and again we see that leadership and advocacy for democracy comes from civil society at the local level.”
2004-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4993Resumption1 (2004) · source
“Canada stands firmly behind those commitments, and we will continue to work with our colleagues to consistently make women's equal participation in all post-conflict peace-building efforts a reality. (spoke in French) Before concluding, I should like to emphasize another important aspect of the peace-building process, one in which civil society plays a pivotal role and in which women's participation is particularly crucial - that is, democratic institution-building. Democratic governance is key to building a society that can manage conflict without resorting to violence - a society in which opposing points of views can be expressed, debated, and even passionately disputed, without undermining the system as a whole; a society in which differences can be managed peacefully.”
2004-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4993Resumption1 (2004) · source
“Understanding and addressing gender differences and inequalities is fundamental to both building sustainable peace and identifying effective responses. For that reason, Canada's efforts to build sustainable peace place great emphasis on the inclusion of women as equal partners in all aspects of conflict prevention and resolution and in peace-building. Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) is, of course, a landmark. We all know about its impact. That resolution not only provides us with a framework for supporting the participation of women, including displaced women and local and international women's groups, but it also obliges us to use that enormous resource.”
2004-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4993Resumption1 (2004) · source
“In each of those areas, civil society organizations have galvanized efforts to take concrete measures at the national and international levels. While the number of inter-State conflicts has declined in the last 25 years, we have seen a proliferation of civil conflicts within States, and civilians are paying the heaviest price for that change. In that context, peace-building from the top down is a recipe for failure. Stable futures must be built from the level of the community up. Involvement of civil society is therefore a natural and fundamental element if those efforts are to succeed. In that respect, one area that Canada would draw to the attention of the Council is the vital role of women in conflict prevention, in humanitarian action and in the process of peace-building.”
2004-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4993Resumption1 (2004) · source
“Whether it has been in disarmament, demobilization or reintegration efforts or by actually developing ceasefire or peace agreements, whether it has been in post-conflict confidence- building or peacekeeping, it is clear that they have a unique contribution to make. In addition to galvanizing global support for causes such as the Ottawa Convention banning anti- personnel landmines or the creation of the International Criminal Court, civil society organizations have also been instrumental in generating sustained international attention on issues such as the plight of children affected by armed conflict; women, peace and security; and the proliferation and misuse of illicit small arms and light weapons.”
2004-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4993Resumption1 (2004) · source
“It seems to us that such sessions can enable NGOs to make timely and effective interventions when the Council is dealing with a range of issues and a range of countries. Recent conflicts have demonstrated the importance of civil society organizations having access to the Council to highlight concerns, especially with respect to violations of international law and of human rights. Access by NGOs to the Security Council is essential not only in the context of active conflicts but also in cases of fragile peace. The involvement of civil society organizations has proven essential in a number of contexts, many of which have been referred to by my colleagues in their presentations this afternoon. The range of areas in which civil society organizations has been helpful is truly impressive.”
2004-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4993Resumption1 (2004) · source
“Madam President, your paper, coupled with the publication yesterday of the report of the Panel of Eminent Persons on United Nations-Civil Society Relations appointed by the Secretary-General (A/58/817) underlines the importance of our collective and ongoing consideration of the role of civil society in post-conflict peace-building. Canada welcomes the recommendations of the Panel, in particular its recognition of the need for stronger mechanisms to permit interaction between non-governmental organizations and members of the Security Council. We are pleased at the trend towards more frequent resort to the Arria-formula meetings. We welcome the recommendation for Security Council seminars with non-governmental organization (NGO) participation, and we support it.”
2004-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4993Resumption1 (2004) · source
“Before anything else, permit me to express on behalf of the Government and the people of Canada our sense of horror and our condemnation of the brutal and barbaric act of terrorism that today has taken the life of the citizen of the Republic of Korea in Iraq. We also express our sincere condolences to the family of the victim and to the people of Korea in this difficult hour. Madam President, it is a pleasure to see you presiding in this Chamber. I thank you and your Government for the initiative of putting this important subject on today's agenda and for the very helpful paper that you have provided to members.”
2004-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4993Resumption1 (2004) · source
“This morning, the Emergency Relief Coordinator reminded us of the international community's failure to exercise our collective responsibility to protect civilians in Rwanda a decade ago. Clearly, much work remains to be done to ensure that a similar tragedy will never happen again. The Council will ultimately be judged on its ability to prevent such circumstances and to protect the most vulnerable. It is a challenge that we simply must meet.”
2004-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4990Resumption1 (2004) · source
“In that regard, we call on the Council to consider adopting a new resolution on the protection of civilians in armed conflict - one that will be aimed at addressing gaps in the current agenda. Canada, Australia and New Zealand will remain actively engaged and supportive of those efforts. Ultimately of course, Member States themselves must take primary responsibility for ensuring the protection of their own people. Indeed, as argued in the recent report of the International Commission on Intervention and State Sovereignty, entitled The Responsibility to Protect, this is a responsibility implicit in the very concept of State sovereignty. Much more can and should be done by Member States. But when they fail to assume their responsibility, the Security Council must act. It is evident that the Council can and must do more.”
2004-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4990Resumption1 (2004) · source
“The implementation of a culture of protection also requires that attacks against civilians be recognized as crimes and that those guilty be punished. The Security Council and Member States bear a special responsibility, requiring them to ensure that those who perpetrate crimes against civilians participating in United Nations operations are brought to justice. In that connection, we vigorously support efforts to extend the scope of the Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel so that civilian personnel employed in United Nations operations will enjoy the protection provided by the Convention. (spoke in English) In conclusion, Canada, Australia and New Zealand urge the Council to give full consideration to the report before it and to respond quickly to those areas identified for follow-up.”
2004-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4990Resumption1 (2004) · source
“Canada is proud to work with the African Union on the establishment of an African Union special representative for the protection of civilians. The creation of that office opens up the possibility that there will be an engaged and effective African advocate for war-affected populations across the continent. We regard that as an exciting development, and we encourage the Security Council to establish ongoing communication with the new mechanism. (spoke in French) The Secretary-General has outlined many concrete measures that can be taken to strengthen the Council's ability to respond to threats to civilians in armed conflict. However, tools such as enhanced monitoring are useful only to the extent that the information transmitted is acted on. Allow me to address the question of impunity.”
2004-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4990Resumption1 (2004) · source
“A key issue that must be addressed in this context is the presence of armed elements and combatants in refugee camps and settlements and its potential to undermine regional stability. Again, my own country, Canada, was pleased to fund the experts meeting noted in the Secretary-General's report, and we encourage United Nations agencies to bring this issue to the Council for its information and action, when needed. Regional institutions and mechanisms must also be strengthened and engaged on the protection agenda. In the Pacific, Australia and New Zealand, together with other members of the Pacific Islands Forum, have been active in mounting regional responses to security crises, including most recently in the Solomon Islands.”
2004-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4990Resumption1 (2004) · source
“The creation of a culture of protection requires that norms developed by the Council be adapted to regional realities and be reflected in coherent frameworks for action. My own country, Canada, has therefore been pleased to work with the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in sponsoring regional seminars on the protection of civilians, the most recent of which was held with hemispheric partners in Mexico this past March. We fully endorse the Secretary-General's call for the Security Council to commission a study aimed at improving the monitoring and reporting of cross-border issues in crisis and post-conflict situations. With reliable data, the Council, in partnership with regional actors, will be better placed to respond in a more effective and timely manner to violence against civilians.”
2004-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4990Resumption1 (2004) · source
“We recognize that not all actions can or should be public. Other measures can be considered, such as discreet Council fact-finding missions and communications between the Council President and the parties to a conflict. Canada, Australia and New Zealand also fully support the graduated approach outlined by the Secretary-General in paragraph 39 of his report. Some existing Council resolutions help identify needed triggers for response. One thinks of paragraph 10 of resolution 1265 (1999) in that regard. We fully believe that the Council can meet these important challenges; the report of the Secretary-General lays out several key recommendations in that regard. Canada, Australia and New Zealand welcome the attention given in the Secretary-General's report to regional dimensions and responses in the protection of civilians.”
2004-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4990Resumption1 (2004) · source
“Such inexcusable delays put at risk the lives of those that the Council is charged with protecting. The Council's moral authority is underpinned by its willingness to respond effectively and promptly to threats to international peace and security. To preserve and to enhance that authority, it must demonstrate greater resolve in addressing even sensitive and politically challenging situations. We stress that some of the key tools required for a more effective response are already at the disposal of the Council. We encourage the Secretary-General and the Emergency Relief Coordinator to continue to bring to the Council's attention serious situations that are not on its formal agenda, as was recently done in the case of northern Uganda. In urging more resolute action, we also hope to prompt more creative efforts.”
2004-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4990Resumption1 (2004) · source
“We appreciate that the Security Council is now seized of the situation in Darfur. We hope and expect that the Council will follow up appropriately. In our view, the Security Council should call on the parties to do everything in their power to end war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in that region, to prevent the commission of further crimes and to bring to justice those who are responsible. The Security Council should also call on the parties to the conflict in Darfur to respect international obligations on the protection of civilians in armed conflict, to grant safe and unhindered humanitarian access, to disarm the militias and to ensure the safe and voluntary return of the displaced persons. In our respectful View, the Security Council has been too slow to respond to the emergency in Darfur.”
2004-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4990Resumption1 (2004) · source
“This sends a troubling message with respect to impunity and compliance with international norms. The situation in Darfur, the Sudan, is a particularly egregious example of that reluctance. On 25 May the Security Council finally adopted a strong presidential statement (S/PRST/2004/18) on the conflict in Darfur, but that was more than five months after aid agencies had begun actively raising the alarm and two months after fact-finding experts of the Commission on Human Rights and the Emergency Relief Coordinator had expressed their gravest concerns. Prior to the statement's adoption, the Council had in fact received only informal briefings on the crisis, and the presence of relevant actors to provide those briefings was facilitated grudgingly and only after considerable procedural wrangling.”
2004-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4990Resumption1 (2004) · source
“These problems are worsened by the absence of monitoring mechanisms to enforce arms embargoes and by the Council's all too infrequent use of both monitoring and such embargoes to suppress conflict and to sanction those who would seek to benefit from the economy of war. Thirdly, the Council's failure to systematically condemn widespread instances of sexual and gender- based violence in specific conflicts also means that actions to address such violence, including improved monitoring and reporting and physical protection, remain unsupported. Fourth, and still more troubling, is the fact that the Council continues to resist responding to conflicts of which it is not formally seized, despite documented evidence in many cases of grave violations of human rights and of humanitarian law.”
2004-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4990Resumption1 (2004) · source
“But even in situations such as that in Afghanistan, where five aid staff working for Medecins sans frontieres were recently murdered, a declaration of exceptional risk has not been made, despite the Council's August 2003 commitment (see resolution 1502 (2003)) to make better use of this tool. Accordingly, Canada, Australia and New Zealand urge the Council to make such declarations in appropriate cases. The second example is the issue of the Council making more frequent use in appropriate cases of powers within its authority to assist efforts on the ground. For example, in West Africa rebels continue to move across borders, and there are difficulties in implementing sustainable disarmament, demobilization, rehabilitation and reintegration programmes.”
2004-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4990Resumption1 (2004) · source