YouSaid · the spoken record

Rosenthal

lines on the record: 930
first: 2000-03-23
most recent: 2017-08-29
sittings or episodes: 146
sources: un-security-council

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“Based on the proposals of the Peacebuilding Support Office, and with the full involvement of the members elected by the General Assembly, the Economic and Social Council and the Security Council, this mechanism could go a long way to fostering cooperation and coherence in the way each of these principal organs contributes to sustaining peace in targeted countries. At the same time, the mechanism would respect the Charter-mandated purview of each. In conclusion, as a result of recent developments, the United Nations appears much better equipped than it was two years ago to do justice to the purposes and principles of the Charter, adapted, of course, to the needs of the twenty-first century. Hopefully, with a clear road map to guide them, both the Secretariat and the Member States will rise to the challenge.”
2017-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8033 (2017) · source
“As the Deputy Secretary-General has already pointed out in her remarks, it consists in fully embracing the potential represented by the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) and its subsidiary bodies to propose a bridging of the inputs required by all three intergovernmental principal organs in order to address the root causes of violent conflict and promote sustainable peace. In that regard, we should recall that the PBC is an advisory body to the three principal intergovernmental organs, and that two thirds of its 31 members derive from those organs, with seven members coming from each of the three.”
2017-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8033 (2017) · source
“Still, the fundamental contradiction thatI referred to earlier - the fragmentation of responsibilities assigned to each of the principal intergovernmental organs - persists. Furthermore, even the reform proposals whose outlines have already been announced put the accent on coherence within each of the main pillars - peace and security, sustainable development and human rights - rather than fully addressing cross- pillar coherence. However, a practical, albeit partial, solution to this dilemma appears in resolution 2282 (2016).”
2017-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8033 (2017) · source
“The fourth was the General Assembly's adoption on 21 December 2016 of resolution 71/243, which contains the quadrennial comprehensive policy review mandates, along with the subsequent Secretary-General's report (A/72/124), in June 2017, on repositioning the United Nations development system; and the last is the Secretary-General's imminent proposal regarding the restructuring of the Organization's peace and security pillar, based on the preliminary documents already circulated as part of a broader internal review on restructuring the Secretariat. Building on those five major developments has promising prospects for improving the performance of the United Nations in its overarching goal of sustaining peace.”
2017-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8033 (2017) · source
“The five major developments that I would like to highlight are, first, the high priority that Secretary-General Guterres assigned to conflict prevention and sustaining peace even before he assumed office and that he has pursued very decisively since. The second was the adoption, on 25 September 2015, of the landmark 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which not only offers a strategic framework for the work of the United Nations moving forward but incorporates into the Sustainable Development Goals a specific commitment to promoting peaceful and inclusive societies. The third was the Security Council's adoption of resolution 2282 (2016) on 27 April 2016, simultaneously with the General Assembly's adoption of its resolution 70/262, completing the review of United Nations peacebuilding activities.”
2017-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8033 (2017) · source
“Thirdly, and picking up on my previous point, what really deserves priority is preventing violent conflicts in the first place by addressing the grievances that lead to such outcomes. The fact is that while we have all argued that sustaining peace requires putting the accent on conflict prevention rather than acting when the train has already left the station, a review of the Council's activities over the years reveals that, in practice, the opposite has usually been the case. Those, then, were the contradictions or dilemmas we faced. Much has transpired in the two years since the 2015 reviews were presented.”
2017-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8033 (2017) · source
“Secondly, while we were arguing that sustaining peace requires that interventions be made during all the various phases of a potential conflict - before, during and after-the Council has continued to act on the broad assumption that there is some unalterable sequencing in the dynamics that lead to violent conflicts, referring to peacemaking, peacekeeping and peacebuilding as if they are part of a natural continuum. Indeed, the Council still attaches the adjective "post-conflict" to the word "peacebuilding", subliminally relegating the whole concept - and the issue of addressing many of the root causes of conflict - to a relatively peripheral role, because ending a war always takes priority over other matters.”
2017-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8033 (2017) · source
“First, while we were arguing that sustaining peace requires a coherent and comprehensive United Nations approach, the segmentation of responsibilities assigned to each of the principal intergovernmental organs in the Charter has led instead to a fragmented and muddled approach. As we all know, while the Security Council's purpose is to maintain international peace and security, it is the Economic and Social Council and, of course, the General Assembly, that deal with human rights, development and governance issues. While there is considerable overlap in the execution of those functions, the traditional pillars of peace, human rights and development generally do operate in the proverbial silos that, sadly, we have all become accustomed to.”
2017-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8033 (2017) · source
“Mr. Rosenthal: I thank you, Mr. President, for inviting me in my capacity as Chair of one of the three major 2015 reviews on how the United Nations deals with its remit on peace and security. I thank you, also, for the concept paper prepared by you (S/2017/692, annex), which offers guidance for today's deliberations. All three ofthe reviews, and perhaps most of all the review on the UnitedNationspeacebuilding architecture, struggled with a fundamental contradiction rooted in the Charter of the United Nations. That contradiction takes on at least three different expressions.”
2017-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8033 (2017) · source
“I should mention, however, that our recommendations are not limited to the institutions established in 2005; they cover as well detailed policies to make the Peacebuilding Commission, the Peacebuilding Fund and the Peacebuilding Support Office useful elements in a systemic approach on the part of the United Nations to achieve what we call sustainable peace. I should end by stating that our conceptual framework is very much consistent with Goal 16 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (General Assembly resolution 70/1). In other words, we place peacebuilding in the broader context of the United Nations central mission.”
2016-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7629 (2016) · source
“Sixthly, peacebuilding requires long-term development financing, which will invariably be a good investment owing to its intrinsic benefits and to the degree that it contributes to preventing conflicts. The United Nations will not be called upon to be a source of significant financial assistance, but clearly it can be hugely important as a catalyst for such assistance, especially through more intense use of the Peacebuilding Fund. Finally, the report includes numerous specific recommendations to round out the points I have mentioned, but I cannot delve into those owing to the lack of time.”
2016-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7629 (2016) · source
“Fourthly - and this is something obvious, but not always sufficiently understood - reconciliation, capacity-building, institution-building and strategic planning can take only place in situ, led by domestic stakeholders through what we call inclusive national ownership. The United Nations can enable, but it cannot build, peace on its own. Fifthly, the United Nations is usually not the only, or even often the most important, external actor in peacebuilding situations. It must improve its capacity to partner with regional organizations, as well as with bilateral and multilateral financial institutions. It must also interact with non-State actors that are present at the request of the host Government and with domestic stakeholders.”
2016-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7629 (2016) · source
“We believe that the Peacebuilding Commission, in its capacity as an advisory body to all organs, can play a key role in proposing how that coordination can be brought about in operational and practical terms. Those include regularly convening a broader array of actors for inclusive conversations about the challenges of sustaining peace over the longer-term and distilling that advice for the use of all organs. Thirdly, our discussions on peacebuilding centre too much on the institutional and organizational aspects in New York, when building sustainable peace can happen only on the ground - where we found that, in spite of some progress achieved towards delivering as one, the United Nations still faces very serious challenges in enhancing its effectiveness and relevance.”
2016-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7629 (2016) · source
“But we found that, regrettably, that has not been the case. Secondly, what makes that broader view somewhat dysfunctional in relation to the present arrangements regarding the purview of each of the principal inter-governmental organs is that we seem to live in a culture of virtual silos. As we all know, the Security Council deals with international peace and security, and the General Assembly and Economic and Social Council address, among other aspects, issues that fall in the domain of the human rights and development pillars. But distinct areas of preventing conflict or dealing with post-conflict situations fall within the purview of different organs. In our report, we stress the need for all three organs to discharge their responsibilities in a coordinated and coherent manner, each keeping within the confines of its mandates.”
2016-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7629 (2016) · source
“In spite of the fact that the Council recognized as early as 2001 that peacebuilding can and should occur during the full cycle of conflict -before, during and post- we keep addressing the matter as something that should occur after the guns fall silent, which unfortunately has meant its relegation to the end of the line in priority- setting. We propose the term "sustainable peace" as preferable and as the needed evolution in mindset, but any other expression will do. The main point is that the United Nations as a whole must put a much greater accent on preventive measures. In fact, much of the present peacebuilding efforts aim to address root causes in the broader context of pre-empting a lapse or relapse into violent conflict. The determination in 2005 was to ensure that such efforts became central.”
2016-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7629 (2016) · source
“That is as it should be, because what we conventionally think of as peacebuilding has roots in the mandates of not only the Council but also of the two other principal inter-governmental organs. We will also recall that the review of the peacebuilding activities of the United Nations contemplated two phases. Our report provides the collective and unvarnished opinion of seven independent specialists on how the United Nations is performing its peacebuilding activities. Our rather critical conclusions and recommendations are aimed at improving that performance. What are our main conclusions? First, we need to rethink what we mean by peacebuilding. Both of the previous briefers touched upon that. In fact, in the agenda items of the Council the term is always preceded by the adjective post-conflict.”
2016-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7629 (2016) · source
“I thank you, Mr. President, for having invited me to participate in this open debate of the Security Council and for the concept note (S/2016/104, annex) that you have presented to us. Speaking first in a personal capacity, I am pleased to be back in the Chamber, where my last appearance was as a representative of a Member State, a little over two years ago. I shall now speak on behalf of the seven members of the Advisory Group of Experts. (spoke in English) In a five-minute statement, I can touch only on some of the most salient features of what is now known as the report (see S/2015/4990) of the Advisory Group of Experts. As will be recalled, the report was initiated by Member States through a joint resolution of the Security Council and the General Assembly.”
2016-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7629 (2016) · source
“Nor is it appropriate to evaluate the different mechanisms that could have an influence on the parties on the basis of the speed with which they can bear fruit. What is important is to find a formula that reduces mistrust, keeps the channels of negotiation open and limits the recourse to violence in each particular case. In conclusion, strengthening and perfecting a combination of mechanisms for preventive diplomacy and the peaceful resolution of disputes should better respond to the growing demands of Member States, particularly in terms of flexibility, agility and coherence. Ultimately, the effectiveness of those commitments will depend on a variety of factors, including the commitment of the parties, the existence of political freedom to operate and the decisive support of the international community.”
2014-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7247 (2014) · source
“With respect to the second matter, if the existing prevention mechanisms enable rapid responses, we must bear in mind that every situation has unique features, and that is why we cannot logically apply the same prevention model to all cases. The past experiences we have accumulated as well as the lessons learned can also provide important clues, including with regrd to the need to focus on the main causes of tension and their mitigation, as well as the need to adopt multidimensional approaches. In that way, the response capacity of the mechanism will not depend exclusively on how the mechanism was designed or conceived, but rather on factors such as capability, experience and the presence on the ground of those who apply it.”
2014-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7247 (2014) · source
“Nevertheless, in dealing with the dilemma, mistrust, a lack of knowledge or a lack of political will may be such that very often Governments and other actors are reluctant to heed warnings of potential conflicts. That explains, in part, why those mechanisms often have not been mobilized more frequently. For that reason, we believe that the work of regional offices and regional organizations can be invaluable, since their early and timely involvement is crucial. All preventive actions must begin as soon as possible so as to reduce the likelihood that tense situations will degenerate into violent conflict.”
2014-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7247 (2014) · source
“We agree with that trend, which at the same time raises new questions. The first has to do with the role that the Council has played in using the various tools at its disposal. Secondly, we ask ourselves if those tools are appropriately suited to the current complexities and, perhaps more important, whether or not they enable us to undertake the early consideration of situations that can degenerate into armed conflicts. As for the first aspect, we believe that any action that is undertaken in the area of conflict prevention must support and complement initiatives undertaken by the national Governments directly involved and their immediate neighbours.”
2014-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7247 (2014) · source
“Mr. Rosenthal (Guatemala) (spoke in Spanish): I would like to congratulate you, Mr. President, for organizing this very important debate and for the concept note (S/2014/572, annex) that you have prepared. I would also like to thank the Secretary-General and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights for the comments that they have shared with us. As we all know, the Security Council has been entrusted, since its inception, with the primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security. To achieve that, there has been recognition of the need for a set of mechanisms and tools that are applicable depending on the situation or circumstances. In most cases, they have been used to stop conflicts rather than to prevent them, but in recent decades we have seen a greater emphasis placed on prevention.”
2014-08-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7247 (2014) · source
“In that context, we join our voice to the urgent calls from various sectors for an immediate cessation of all acts of violence and reiterate that the only lasting solution must be sought in a negotiation on the basis of two States, Israel and Palestine, living in peace and under secure borders. We are aware of the enormous challenges that a political solution may entail for the parties, both nationally and internationally. However, we insist that it is the only way left. Continuing along the present course will only deepen divisions, preventing the desired goal of peace.”
2014-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7222 (2014) · source
“For example, what is on everyone's mind, for the central role it plays in the region, is the escalating violence in Israel and the Gaza Strip. Again the civilian population is threatened; once again we are faced with clashing narratives with regard to the origin of violence. While the recriminations cross and shares of responsibility are assigned, that which it is found, with amazement and horror, is the high cost that events have left, especially for the defenceless Palestinian civilian population. Not only do we deeply deplore the material and human losses occurred, but we are convinced that such actions will bring about a further escalation of the conflict, together with unpredictable consequences for both parties.”
2014-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7222 (2014) · source
“Our grief only increases with the addition of the recent events in the Gaza Strip to the situation in Syria, the situation in Iraq, its impact on neighbouring countries, such as Lebanon and Jordan, and the sudden rise in the activities of jihadists from the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant. Despite what I have just said, Guatemala remains steadfast in maintaining that diplomacy and dialogue are the best way to achieve a long-term solution in each ofthe conflicts that undermines the Middle East. While the extent of the current intransigence and hostilities could suggest that it is naive, we continue to believe that political solutions to the disputes that have divided the region for years are the only way to achieve lasting stability and the possibility of returning to the path of progress.”
2014-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7222 (2014) · source
“Mr. Rosenthal (Guatemala) (spoke in Spanish): I would like to congratulate you, Sir, on your leadership and your work as President of the Security Council during this particularly busy month. I would also like to thank the Secretary-General for his briefing this morning. When Guatemala took its seat on the Council in January 2012, the shadows of the emerging conflict in Syria and the long-standing tensions between Israel and the Palestinian Authority were somewhat eased by the hope sown in the region by the so-called Arab Spring. Although we remain confident that the legitimate demands of the peoples will ultimately produce results, for now there is only despair. Every week, the violence escalates, divisions increase and the humanitarian disaster grows.”
2014-07-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7222 (2014) · source
“We call for improved coordination and consultation among the Security Council, the Secretariat and the troop- contributing countries in the decision-making process, and we affirm that we will continue to provide personnel meeting the highest standards of efficiency, competence, discipline and integrity for peacekeeping operations.”
2014-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7196 (2014) · source
“The analysis should devote particular attention to the lessons learned, as well as to the legal, operational and financial policy implications imposed on troop-contributing countries. In conclusion, I reiterate the central role of United Nations peacekeeping operations for the maintenance of international peace and security, as well as the importance that we attach to strengthening their operational capacity and organizational structure. We stress the importance of maintaining the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations as the only forum for discussing the Secretariat's policies on matters relating to peacekeeping operations.”
2014-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7196 (2014) · source
“Fourthly, regarding inter-mission cooperation, while we recognize its relevance, we also believe that it is necessary to consider issues of timing, the requirements that must be met, the impact on the missions affected and their effective implementation. In that context, we believe that the Council should be careful, when using that tool, to respect the mandates of each of the missions, as well as the memorandums of understanding that troop-contributing countries signed previously with the United Nations in relation to each operation. Finally, my delegation considers it necessary to carry out a cost-benefit analysis of the implementation of each one of those issues.”
2014-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7196 (2014) · source
“The deployment of peace-enforcement forces raises various questions, in particular, how to reconcile their functions with the basic principles of peacekeeping. Thirdly, although we recognize the added value of the use of modern technologies, such as unmanned aerial vehicles, as part of the efforts to protect civilians in peacekeeping operations, we also recognize the risks involved, especially in the application of the basic norms of international humanitarian law in the context of maintaining the distinction between combatants and non-combatants, and the distinction between using those technologies for the maintenance of peace in contrast to peace enforcement. It is therefore essential that the use of modern technologies adhere to the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations.”
2014-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7196 (2014) · source
“However, the increase in the number of tasks that lack clear prioritization could potentially fragment or overburden the work of troops on the ground, thereby limiting and even diverting their attention from the main goal of their presence. Therefore, we have insisted that all peacekeeping operations have clear, achievable and verifiable mandates adapted to each specific situation. Secondly, we remain seriously apprehensive about the implications and scope of the so-called robust peacekeeping operations, as noted in our explanation of vote when the Council considered resolution 2098 (2013) on the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in March 2013 (see S/PV.6943).”
2014-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7196 (2014) · source
“Mr. Rosenthal (Guatemala) (spoke in Spanish): 1 would like to begin by congratulating the Russian Federation on organizing this open debate and by thanking you, Mr. President, for the concept note prepared on this important topic (S/2014/384, annex). We also thank the Secretary-General for his observations. As a former member of the Council and a troop-contributing country, we consider it essential to hold a discussion on the recent trends in peacekeeping operations under the United Nations flag. My delegation offers the following observations. First, in general we support complex multidimensional mandates, including those contemplating a wide range of tasks designed to stabilize countries in conflict.”
2014-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7196 (2014) · source
“We are aware of the enormous challenges that this process presents for both sides, both nationally and internationally. We therefore hope that they find a way to work positively in order to comply with existing agreements and commitments. At the same time, the parties should make a serious commitment to advance on all the issues that would constitute a possible final agreement. We believe that the involvement of the international community, in particular that of the Quartet and regional actors, is indispensable throughout the process. We urge both sides to refrain from any and all acts that could endanger the discussions currently underway.”
2014-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7164 (2014) · source
“The refusal to undertake formal negotiations, the insistence on not modifying traditional positions and, in general, the tendency to take unilateral decisions that undermine all possibility ofprogress, suggest little interest and will in reaching a two-State solution with both sides living in peace within secure borders. We believe that the recent agreement signed between Fatah and Hamas putting an end to the divisions that have separated them for seven years could have a positive effect, so long as they maintain the premise of an eventual unity Government that will continue to respect the two-State solution as the basis of all negotiations. Palestinian reconciliation has the potential to lead to an environment of peace and reconciliation in Palestine, so that any peace agreement will yield its hoped for fruit.”
2014-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7164 (2014) · source
“With respect to the Middle East peace process, recent developments are not encouraging. We commend the efforts of the United States Secretary of State to keep alive the hope of a two-State solution. In that regard, we hope that it will still be possible to reach an agreement to extend the deadline for negotiations. We have watched with great alarm Israel's refusal to continue to comply with the agreement reached at the beginning of the negotiations, as well as the actions to which that has led on the part of the Palestinian State.”
2014-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7164 (2014) · source
“Given the current context of violence and conflict in Syria, the concept of holding elections is irrational. Indeed, without claiming to judge the legal framework under which the elections have been called, we believe that the present circumstances make it impossible to convene a democratic process in which all citizens can freely vote and be elected or express their free will without fear of reprisals. For that reason, we believe that conversations between the parties must resume. The efforts to achieve agreement on partial ceasefires are a first step that can be replicated in other areas. It is also imperative for there to be compliance with the resolutions already adopted by the Security Council and, where relevant, for the necessary measures to be implemented by all parties.”
2014-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7164 (2014) · source
“With respect to the conflict in Syria, Guatemala continues to believe that the first step in any dialogue must be the cessation of violence. Such a premise is certainly beyond dispute in Syria. For more than three years, that conflict has destroyed an entire people, the value of human life, respect for human rights and even the cultural heritage of that great country. Armed struggle is simply not an option. We have viewed with horror the constant news of human rights abuses that have been committed in Syria. We cannot but add our voice to the calls for all violations and crimes to be investigated and brought to justice in due course. Similarly, we are concerned by the call for presidential elections that have been announced for 3 June.”
2014-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7164 (2014) · source
“Mr. Rosenthal (Guatemala) (spoke in Spanish): I would like to congratulate you, Mr. President, for your leadership and for your work as President of the Council. I would also like to thank Mr. Robert Serry for his briefing on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question. Guatemala firmly believes that diplomacy and dialogue are the best path to achieve a long-term solution to all the conflicts that persist in the Middle East, even though each situation has distinct characteristics that prevent the use of one-size-fits-all formulas. With that in mind, I will briefly touch upon two of the conflicts that in our view are of particular importance - the one in Syria and the Middle East peace process, including the Palestinian question.”
2014-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7164 (2014) · source
“The World Bank has indicated that no low-income, fragile or conflict-affected State has so far achieved the Millennium Development Goals, which suggests that stability and security are important prerequisites for establishing an environment conducive to development. In our region and in our own country, insecurity and violence have had an adverse impact on economic growth, the quality of life of our people and the sustainable management of natural resources. The establishment of an effective, accountable and professional security sector is a critical element to laying the foundations for lasting peace and sustainable development. We hope that the draft resolution to be adopted today will assist in achieving those goals.”
2014-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7161 (2014) · source
“Thirdly, we believe that the role of the United Nations, in cooperation with bilateral, regional and subregional partners, can provide technical assistance for security sector reform through peacekeeping operations when a country so requests and according to its specific needs. For example, we recognize the important role that the African Union plays in ensuring regional stability. The crises in Mali and the Sahel region show that international threats often transcend the borders of a single country and that more interaction with regional and subregional mechanisms is therefore necessary. Finally, we believe in the promotion of comprehensive security sector reform that recognizes its link to development.”
2014-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7161 (2014) · source
“Achieving mutual trust between citizens and their security institutions * the police and/or army, for example - remains a challenge for States. Secondly, the United Nations and the international community have played an important complementary role in assisting States to build and strengthen effective security systems. We consider it important to continue to promote coherence and coordination in the efforts and activities of all relevant stakeholders. The Organization has accumulated a wealth ofexperience, especially since the establishment in 2008 of the inter-agency Security Sector Reform Task Force, which has created the ability to provide support in the field and at Headquarters. We consider it important to continue developing guidelines in all relevant respects, in close consultation with Member States.”
2014-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7161 (2014) · source
“Mr. Rosenthal (Guatemala) (spoke in Spanish): I thank the Nigerian presidency for having organized this open debate and its concept note (S/2014/238, annex) and for your personal participation, Mr. Minister. We also thank Secretary- General Ban Ki-moon for his briefing and for his second report on security sector reform (S/2013/480). We wish to highlight four points that relate to the challenges and opportunities related to security sector reform (SSR). First, we believe that such reform is the primary responsibility of States and must be a process driven by national needs and priorities. We recognize that there is no single model of SSR, since the approach depends on the culture, the level of development and the historical relationship between the people and State institutions, among others.”
2014-04-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7161 (2014) · source
“In our own internal conflict, which ended more than 17 years ago, there remain victims and consequences of the atrocities committed, and that has helped us to produce legislation on violence against women and girls so that they can live in a stable and democratic society. Preventing violence against women is a priority for the Government of Guatemala, and in recent years legislation has been adopted and institutions and policies created to complete that mission. Finally, one of the legacies of our own presidency of the Security Council in October 2012 was the presidential statement S/PRST/2012/23, which addressed the need to eliminate obstacles to women's access tojustice in conflict and post-conflict situations. We are pleased to have made a contribution to the work of the Council in the matter.”
2014-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7160 (2014) · source
“Bangura, the application of provisions for monitoring, analysis and reporting arrangements, and the deployment of women protection advisers to numerous peacekeeping operations. Despite those achievements, however, the phenomenon persists, as we have sadly observed in such recent cases as Syria, Mali, the Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. For that reason, the Council should not stop insisting that States in conflict or post-conflict situations give priority to reforming the rule of law and strengthening the capacity of national institutions, including civilian and militaryjustice systems, because those weaknesses are the primary obstacles to ensuring accountability. That leads to a widespread impunity, which in turn has negative effects on access to justice and the safety of survivors.”
2014-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7160 (2014) · source
“Those issues have been very present in earlier debates of the Council, as well as those, in other contexts, in the General Assembly, including the work in progress on the post-2015 development agenda. States have adopted measures to confront the scourge and to protect women and children, who are the most vulnerable to sexual violence in situations of armed conflict. However, in each new report, the Secretary- General takes stock of horrendous situations caused by offenders, particularly those that appear as systematic violators in the annex of the report (S/2014/181). In addition, the United Nations has taken concrete measures, including, inter alia, the creation of the position now occupied by Ms.”
2014-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7160 (2014) · source
“Mr. Rosenthal (Guatemala) (spoke in Spanish): I thank the President for organizing today's open debate, which gives us the opportunity to address the Security Council on conflict-related sexual violence - a subject on which my country has been very active due to its deep conviction that we should keep fighting against all forms of violence against women and girls. I would also thank both Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Ms. Zainab Hawa Bangura for their briefings, and Ms. Rhoda Misaka, representative of the NGO Working Group on Women, Peace and Security, for the statement she made on behalf of civil society. Sexual violence is a repugnant and criminal phenomenon that is closely linked to insecurity and the impunity associated with a weak institutional framework for the rule of law.”
2014-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7160 (2014) · source
“In conclusion, we welcome the adoption this morning of resolution 2143 (2014), which addresses the concerns we have expressed earlier, carrying the votes that enable us to advance in the protection of children so that they will not be the most vulnerable group in armed conflicts.”
2014-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7129 (2014) · source
“It is alarming that schools continue to be used for military purposes, such as for barracks or weapons caches or as command, detention and interrogation centres. That is why we enthusiastically support the "Children, not soldiers" campaign, launched yesterday by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict and UNICEF, in collaboration with other agencies and programmes of the United Nations system, which seeks to end by 2016 the recruitment and use of children as soldiers for armed forces on the part of those Government security forces listed in the annexes to the Secretary-General's annual reports.”
2014-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7129 (2014) · source
“We therefore believe it is necessary to strengthen national capacities and support the reforms of the justice and security sectors, as well as the creation of specialized tribunals and mixed courts to combat mpunity for those who commit serious violations against children's rights, especially persistent perpetrators, who should not be given any amnesty or hold office in their respective Governments or armed forces. We attach importance to the complementarity of international justice to national mechanisms, such as the International Criminal Court, in bringing to justice those responsible for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes, especially as committed against children. In addition, our policies must evolve in accordance with changing circumstances.”
2014-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7129 (2014) · source
“We believe that the field visits of the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict are very illustrative. Our delegation had the privilege of participating in the visit to Myanmar in December 2013, which allowed us to consider the Government's political will to end the recruitment of children into the armed forces as a first step that must be reinforced subsequently through the implementation of mechanisms to verify age at recruitment centres, which requires having a universal registry of birth certificates, especially in remote rural areas.”
2014-03-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7129 (2014) · source