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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“The peculiarity of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation is that it is not a regional organization, since its ranks include countries from various parts of the world whose common bond lies in a vision and values that are shared among its partners. It has already accumulated valuable experience in cooperating since 1969 with the United Nations throughout our Organization's various incarnations as an institution, chiefly through the General Assembly and the Security Council, as well as in the area of humanitarian assistance. We commend its performance in recent years and at various levels in the areas of conflict prevention, peacekeeping, peacebuilding and combating terrorism.”
2013-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7050 (2013) · source
“We congratulate him on his constructive management at the head of the organization. We come from a country and a subregion that greatly value intraregional cooperation. Our delegation has therefore always supported the Security Council partnerships cited in Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations. The core of such partnerships is founded on the comparative advantages that each party brings to the arrangement. The Security Council represents the highest level of multilateral diplomacy working to ensure international peace and security. The regional and subregional organizations, for their part, are more intimately acquainted with the countries they are made up of, which makes them strategic partners in conflict prevention.”
2013-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7050 (2013) · source
“Mr. Rosenthal (Guatemala) (Spoke in Spanish): Mr. President, we thank you for convening today's ministerial briefing to discuss cooperation between the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), as well as the concept paper circulated by your delegation (S/2013/588). We also appreciate your presence among us here today, Sir. Allow me to thank the Secretary-General for his statement, in which he gave us a broad vision of the cooperation established between the two organizations. Similarly, we express our appreciation to the Secretary- General of the Organization ofIslamic Cooperation for the information presented to us on the affinities of the work of that organization and of the Security Council in the general area of conflict prevention, including mediation.”
2013-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7050 (2013) · source
“It is important that the leadership of the opposition work to keep the unity of the groups belonging to it so as to have a strong and representative interlocutor in that conference. We also believe that the Geneva conference should incorporate an obligation on all parties to lay down their weapons. Doing so will alleviate the humanitarian catastrophe that has resulted from the conflict. It should also be clear that the perpetrators of all crimes committed in Syria should be punished for their actions. Impunity must not be allowed to prevail in a post-conflict Syria. Finally, Guatemala reiterates that the reconciliation of opposing positions requires holding a constructive dialogue. That is the only way to avoid greater harm which, should the trends continue, would eventually undermine the stability of the entire Middle East.”
2013-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7047 (2013) · source
“In this context, we also welcome the recent presidential statement issued by the Council calling for unhindered humanitarian access to populations in need of assistance in Syria (S/PRST/2013/15). At the same time, we are aware the activities of the Joint Mission will not end the conflict. It is therefore important for the parties to hold a dialogue and seek definitive solutions to their differences, including the establishment of a transitional government. We believe that the long-delayed convening of a second conference in Geneva, which is now being announced for late November, could provide just such an opportunity. We are therefore concerned at the continuing reports of deep divisions among the Syrian opposition groups.”
2013-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7047 (2013) · source
“We are encouraged that, despite the fact that it is working in a conflict situation and carrying out a highly dangerous task, the Mission has been able to complete inspections of almost half of Syria's chemical arsenal. We hope that its work will continue at the same pace and can lead to the complete destruction of the chemical weapons programme in Syria by mid-2014. We also believe that it is important to have complete and timely information on the establishment, functioning and operations of the Joint Mission. We understand that this Mission has no precedent and therefore must blaze its own trail. However, it could be argued that transparency and monitoring are therefore even more important. We also hope that all matters relating to the protection and safety of the personnel of the Mission are reported on.”
2013-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7047 (2013) · source
“We hope that the parties demonstrate their commitment to the principles that unite us and overcome the differences blocking progress towards a peaceful solution. Regarding the situation in Syria, our message is short and simple - the violence must stop immediately. All parties must cease the use ofmilitary force to achieve their political objectives. Likewise, the international community as a whole must stop arms transfers to any of the warring parties in Syria. We welcome the creation of the Joint Mission of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and the United Nations, as well as the recent appointment of its Special Coordinator, Ms. Sigrid Kaag.”
2013-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7047 (2013) · source
“In the same vein, we believe that the involvement of the Quartet and regional actors in the process will contribute to the attainment of a definitive solution to the conflict. We encourage both parties to continue negotiating in good faith with a view to achieving a mutually acceptable solution, and the international community to support this process. We therefore believe that both sides should refrain from any act that may jeopardize the negotiations or the prospects for a peaceful solution to the conflict. We emphasize once again the need to cease the expansion of existing settlements and the approval of new ones, settler violence, the launching of rockets into Israel and,in general,the use of inflammatory language by both sides.”
2013-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7047 (2013) · source
“With regard to the Middle East peace process, Guatemala views it as a positive sign that the authorities in Israel and Palestine continue to seek a negotiated two-State solution through dialogue. We are aware of the immense challenges that the negotiation process presents for both parties, at the national and international levels alike. Paradoxically, the more we advance in the negotiations, the pending issues seem ever-more insurmountable. However, a viable option for peace and security would, at the end of the day, be of enormous benefit to both parties. In other words, this is not a zero-sum game, but rather a win-win situation for all. We hope that the parties can work positively to meet the deadlines that have been set.”
2013-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7047 (2013) · source
“Seeking solutions by means other than those established under the of international law not only creates dangerous precedents, but runs counter to the very foundations of the Organization. Each of the situations that has drawn international attention, whether on the Council's agenda or not, such as those in Syria, Palestine, Yemen, Egypt and elsewhere, has its own unique roots. But in all cases, in our view, it is important to promote open and inclusive dialogue among all the parties concerned and to push together to contain the violence and prevent further clashes. On this occasion, I will refer to only two matters: the Middle East peace process and the conflict in Syria.”
2013-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7047 (2013) · source
“Mr. Rosenthal (Guatemala) (spoke in Spanish): I would like to thank Mr. Jeffrey Feltman for his briefing on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question. His presentation was, as ever, extremely useful in its overview of the general situation in the region, the accelerated changes occurring there and the opportunities that they offer. The situation in the Middle East is characterized by its volatility and the serious challenges that are threatening to destabilize the regionty. At the same time, over recent months we have seen some encouraging signs, and how one decision may open the door to greater opportunities for negotiation. Guatemala believes that diplomacy and dialogue are the best means for achieving long-term solutions in each of the conflicts that persist in the Middle East.”
2013-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7047 (2013) · source
“In that sense, preventing conflicts is the best way to protect all civilians from the horrors that accompany armed conflicts, in particular women and girls. Finally, we believe that the fifteenth anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000), in 2015, will provide not only the Security Council but the entire United Nations system an opportunity to review the levels of implementation of that resolution and to renew commitments to combat violence, including sexual violence. We urge all Member States and the United Nations system to facilitate greater participation by women in that area.”
2013-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7044 (2013) · source
“Moreover, my country wishes to acknowledge the work of UN Women, whose establishment was a singularly important institutional step forward, among other things to promote the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000). We support greater participation by women in peacebuilding and strengthening civil capacity after conflicts to be consistent with the issue of women and peace and security. We believe that it is necessary to recognize women as builders of peace and stability. The resolution that we adopted today contributes to reducing the vulnerability of women and girls in armed conflict and post-conflict situations. We recognize the need to receive timely information in order to intervene early and save lives.”
2013-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7044 (2013) · source
“Therefore, we think it is of the utmost importance to advance the fight against impunity, improve access to justice for women and strengthen the justice system infrastructure to deal with such crimes, both nationally and internationally. With regard to our own country, we have adopted legislation on femicide and established courts for the prosecution of that crime, as well as justice centres for onsite legal, judicial and medical services, including psychosocial support for women and their children. We agree with the Secretary-General's recommendation that we must step up efforts to meet and fund the recovery needs of women and girls, especially those who have become heads of households.”
2013-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7044 (2013) · source
“Although so far the Council has held seven debates on the issue of the rule of law, there is still a way to go to achieve overall accountability for crimes affecting women and girls. Nor have we made sufficient progress in achieving women's full participation in the processes of transitional justice. Similarly, there is room to improve the analysis of sex-differentiated effects on women and girls when the rule of law is violated during and after conflicts. We have previously said that, based on our own experience, the boundaries between peacebuilding, peacekeeping and economic, social and legal transformations are not clear.”
2013-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7044 (2013) · source
“Navanethem Pillay for her valuable contributions to the topic in the Council today, and I especially thank Ms. Brigitte Balipou for providing so eloquently a collective vision of civil society organizations, whose participation we have consistently supported. I also note that we value the concept paper prepared by the presidency (S/2013/587, annex). Each year the Council has continued to build upon the core premise of resolution 1325 (2000), because we are convinced that without women's security, there can be no lasting peace. We think that the timely theme of today's debate, on women, rule of law and transitional justice in conflict-affected situations, will generate added value.”
2013-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7044 (2013) · source
“Anecdotally, it brings back memories of my presidency of the Council exactly one year ago, when a presidential statement was adopted (S/PRST/2012/23) even before the debate was held, for it was postponed until November due to Hurricane Sandy, which caused so much damage to the city that it prevented the scheduled meeting. That is why we welcome the convening of the debate and the adoption of the new resolution, which strengthens the conceptual framework of the Council's groundbreaking resolution 1325 (2000) on the issue, as well as several subsequent resolutions and presidential statements. We thank the Secretary-General for his report (S/2013/525) and for presenting it to the Council. We also thank the new Executive Director of UN Women, Ms. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, for her presentation. I thank Ms.”
2013-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7044 (2013) · source
“Mr. Rosenthal (Guatemala) (spoke in Spanish): Before delivering my statement, I would like to say that this morning, my delegation had requested the right to explain its vote. I would like to believe that an unintentional error caused that opportunity to be lost. Our motive was not to explain why we voted in favour of resolution 2122 (2013), but rather to explain why we did not sponsor it, which would have been our normal inclination, given our strong commitment to resolution 1325 (2000). The reason was that despite my delegation's reiterated proposals for a slight nuance in the language of the eighth preambular paragraph, to accommodate it in our national legislation, our proposals were not heeded, and we merely wanted to have that recorded. I now turn to my statement. I wish to thank you, Sir, for convening this open debate.”
2013-10-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7044 (2013) · source
“That high-level visit from the Organization seemed to us to be timely and relevant. We associate ourselves with the key message delivered by Mr. Jan Eliasson during his visit, encouraging all Afghans to preserve the progress made to date and to continue to work for peace, development and human rights. In that regard, the United Nations is playing a fundamental role in Afghanistan, particularly at the critical juncture of the transition and in the elections to be held next year. Guatemala will continue to support a robust United Nations presence to ensure that Afghanistan will be able, with the support of the international community, to successfully face the year 2014 and the challenges that will follow.”
2013-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7035 (2013) · source
“On the one hand, we welcome the completion of the transfer of security functions to the Afghans. At the same time, however, we note the upsurge in terrorist attacks and we regret the new statistics according to which the number of civilian casualties continues to rise. In addition, two predominant factors are undermining security efforts and will persist after 2014. I refer to international terrorism, on the one hand, and to drug trafficking, on the other. The ongoing support of the international community for the Afghan security forces and the strengthening of cross-border cooperation will be indispensable to eradicating those phenomena. Finally, in July, we had the opportunity to hear an informative briefing from the Deputy Secretary- General on his visit to Afghanistan.”
2013-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7035 (2013) · source
“We continue to be concerned at issues relating to the protection and representation of women. The recent attack in Helmand province against a senior police officer as part ofa trend of violence against women officers in high-ranking positions is alarming. We condemn those attacks, particularly at a time when the Afghan Government is assuming full responsibility for security throughout the country. For that reason, it is important that we firmly defend human rights and that the Government redouble its efforts to ensure the participation of women in the electoral and reconciliation processes, and that they continue to join the Afghan armed forces in order to promote trust among the population. Thirdly, I would like to refer to the security situation in the country.”
2013-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7035 (2013) · source
“They also test the viability of a peaceful transfer of power between the leaders of the country and ensure that the democratic process is accountable to the Afghan population. We pay tribute to the authorities of the country for the recent progress they have made in their preparations for elections, which seem to be moving in the right direction, particularly with the adoption of the legislative electoral framework and the recent appointment of the commissioners of the Independent Election Commission and the Independent Electoral Complaints Commission. Nevertheless, we must express our disappointment at the fact that the legislation adopted has reduced the quota for women's representation from 25 per cent to 20 per cent. That leads me to my second point.”
2013-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7035 (2013) · source
“Mr. Rosenthal (Guatemala) (spoke in Spanish): Once again, we would like to welcome Mr. Jan Kubis, whom we thank for introducing the report of the Secretary-General (S/2013/535). We would also like to thank Ambassador Tanin for his statement. I have four comments. First, we hope that the year 2014 will see the holding of credible presidential elections that will be accepted by all and conducive to providing viable and sustainable solutions to the social, economic and political problems of Afghanistan. As Mr. Kubis pointed out to us, we cannot underestimate the importance of the elections for the future of the country. They constitute the best basis for establishing internal legitimacy. They are key to maintaining international commitments. They confer on Afghans a feeling of ownership with regard to their democracy.”
2013-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7035 (2013) · source
“To conclude, we affirm the primacy of resolution 1244 (1999) as a legal framework applicable to Kosovo, as well as the importance of full respect for international law. We thank the Special Representative for his continued efforts to promote reconciliation among Kosovo's communities.”
2013-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7026 (2013) · source
“Moving on to the work of the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) special investigative task force on the inhumane treatment of migrants and organ trafficking, we note with interest the information included in the report on EULEX activities annexed to the Secretary-General's report. We follow its progress with attention. We take very seriously the Secretary-General's comment on the importance of the international community's continued commitment to move towards reconciliation and to help heal wounds created by the conflict. We agree that the tasks of resolving the legacy of the conflict must remain a priority, including pending cases of missing persons and accountability for war crimes and other crimes.”
2013-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7026 (2013) · source
“We welcome the fact that UNMIK is intensifying its efforts and its cooperation with all the relevant parties when it comes to major problems in the field. We support UNMIK's efforts to carry out mediation and facilitation functions in northern Kosovo and to serve as a channel of communication between municipal representatives and minority communities to ensure the effective provision of public and social services. There is a broad range of activities in which UNMIK continues to use its capacity and resources to help reduce tensions and incidents. That is why it is important for UNMIK to continue enjoying all the necessary support to strengthen its presence in Kosovo, especially in the north.”
2013-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7026 (2013) · source
“Despite that progress, the report also indicates that there are persistent tensions in northern Mitrovica with regard to the construction of houses for internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Kosovo and Albania. We are concerned that, according to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), in April and May there were only 36 cases of IDPs returning to Kosovo, in comparison with 159 during the same period in 2012. According to UNHCR, a lack of sufficient funding to assign either housing and/or land continues to be one of the main obstacles to voluntary return. As we mentioned in the latest debate on this topic (see S/PV.6979), we believe that he United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) has a central role to play during this new phase of implementing the 19 April agreement.”
2013-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7026 (2013) · source
“Likewise, Pristina should complement those efforts and conduct activities to disseminate those agreements and provide assurances to the local population. We agree with the Secretary-General that, in order to avoid tensions and achieve success, it is important for Kosovo Serbs to see themselves as co-participants in the process. Moreover, it appears to be positive that in the north of Kosovo the frequency of incidents related to the use of explosive devices has decreased significantly. We note that there has also been a decrease in the number incidents affecting minority communities across Kosovo, in comparison with the previous period. We also note that the application of the integrated management agreement on crossing points continues without major problems.”
2013-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7026 (2013) · source
“Mr. Rosenthal (Guatemala) (spoke in Spanish): We thank the Special Representative of the Secretary- General, Mr. Farid Zarif, for presenting the report of the Secretary-General (S/2013/444), which in many respects is hopeful. That should encourage us to exert even greater efforts in Kosovo. We are also grateful for presentations given by Minister Ivan Mrkie and by Mr. Enver Hoxhaj. The Security Council will have to follow closely the implementation of the 19 April agreement. This is a critical moment in relations between the parties. The support of the international community and its commitment to Kosovo continue to be essential. We hope that the parties will continue to do everything within their reach to implement the agreement. The Belgrade agreement with the Kosovo Serbs continues to be important in that regard.”
2013-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7026 (2013) · source
“The situation of those displaced by the catastrophe three years ago needs to be regularized. With the oncoming hurricane season, the situation is of particular importance and we need to support the 2013 humanitarian action plan. Now and in the future, we face challenges in the maintenance of peace and security in Haiti in order to guarantee the continuity of an irreversible stabilization process. Guatemala is honoured to have been part of MINUSTAH since its inception. We will remain committed to both Haiti and to the United Nations peacekeeping operation as long as it is deemed necessary. We hope that by acting jointly we can give back to Haiti the future that Haitians deserve.”
2013-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7024 (2013) · source
“The Government of Haiti, both the executive and the legislative branches, as well as the international community, must all demonstrate that they have the political will and ability to combat extreme poverty and to improve the socioeconomic conditions prevailing in Haiti. As we can observe, the architecture of the international support has changed. It now reflects the transition from a crisis phase to that of fashioning the institutional mechanisms that allow for the assistance provided for development to be adapted to Haiti's national priorities. In the humanitarian context, it is correct to acknowledge that, after long delays, today almost 82 per cent of the 1.5 million persons displaced after the earthquake have returned to their homes or have been relocated.”
2013-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7024 (2013) · source
“Experience has shown us that the United Nations must maintain an adequate level of presence in Haiti, both through MINUSTAH and the United Nations country team. Our withdrawal from the country must therefore be responsible to ensure that, when that time comes, the Mission will never have to return. At the same time, it should be recalled that the crux of the instability problems facing Haiti does not have a military solution alone. We must seek out the root causes of instability, poverty, unemployment and social inequality. For that reason, we believe that the socioeconomic dimension cannot be overlooked.”
2013-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7024 (2013) · source
“While the current consolidation plan remains in place and while we have no certainty as to the logistical requirements for the elections, we trust that any further reduction in the capacity ofthe forces assigned to the Mission would be based on objective criteria, and that such a reduction would be applied in a gradual and progressive manner. Fifthly, the level of security personnel has remained relatively stable since 2004, now that the abrupt increase provoked after the earthquake has drawn down. That is an explicit acknowledgment by the Security Council that long-term stability can be achieved only if individual rights are protected and collective threats to more vulnerable populations are eliminated.”
2013-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7024 (2013) · source
“We acknowledge that some promising steps in that regard have been taken. Fourthly, the upcoming mandate renewal is a unique opportunity to carefully consider the priorities and critical tasks of the Mission. We continue to examine the consolidation plan of MINUSTAH and reiterate that the Mission's evolution must be flexible and adapted to the realities on the ground. From the report of the Secretary General (S/2013/493), we gather that the Mission has considerable work from now until 2016, including the task of fulfilling specific targets related to the capacity of the Haitian National Police and the preparation for presidential elections.”
2013-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7024 (2013) · source
“Secondly, we continue to believe that it is necessary to define a governance pact that will foster a climate that is conducive for transparent, democratic and participatory management of public affairs. Without an understanding among Haitians that puts a true national accord into place, it is difficult to imagine that the present political impasse can be overcome. Thirdly, I wish to refer to the reform of the Haitian National Police (HNP), which tends to be the main criterion against which MINUSTAH's performance is measured. Maintaining the operational capacities of the HNP is certainly essential to developing the institutions necessary for strengthening the rule of law. However, the professionalization of the police force is not enough by itself. The judicial system also needs to be strengthened.”
2013-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7024 (2013) · source
“Although some steps have been taken towards holding the elections, including that taken yesterday by President Martelly by submitting a draft electoral law to Parliament, those measures appear to be insufficient. There is a delay of almost 18 months, and we still do not have a precise timeline on the horizon. That is extremely worrying, since it relates to fundamental aspects of the Haitian constitutional system. Preserving the integrity of the electoral process is crucial for the legitimacy of the Government, the future stability of Haiti and the development of Haitian society. For those reasons, we trust that the electoral framework will promptly be approved.”
2013-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7024 (2013) · source
“In the current phase of evolution of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), we find encouraging indicators, as well as risks that could destabilize the real, but fragile, progress made in Haiti. That is why, in order to maintain the positive momentum, Haiti must continue occupying a privileged place on the international agenda, including that of the Council. More specifically, I would like to first refer to the holding of local, municipal and legislative elections. On 28 January, the Council underscored the importance of Haiti holding elections before the end of the year. Meeting that commitment in a timely manner is of fundamental importance for both the democratization process and stabilization process, both of which are central elements in MINUSTAH's mandate.”
2013-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7024 (2013) · source
“Mr. Rosenthal (Guatemala) (spoke in Spanish): We are grateful to the Argentine delegation for organizing this debate on a topic of such importance to our region. We value your personal participation in the meeting, Mr. President. We also appreciate the presence of the new Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Haiti, Ambassador Sandra Honore. We wish her every success in her endeavour and have no doubt that she will continue the excellent performance of her predecessors. We also thank the Secretary-General for his report (S/2013/493), which forms the basis of today's debate. And we extend a warm welcome to our new colleagues, namely, Ambassador Denis Regis of Haiti and Ambassador Liu Jieyi of China.”
2013-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7024 (2013) · source
“Missions have increasingly been charged with such tasks in situations of armed conflict that, more often than not, pit Governments against non-State armed groups from their own civilian populations, or in States that are experiencing inter-ethnic or inter-communal conflicts. Apparently, the rich trove of lessons learned from that diverse collection of experiences has not been translated into corresponding improvements in our performance in the field. In addition, we have doubts as to whether the most recent innovations aimed at focusing missions on the imposition of peace will improve or worsen the situation. In any case, we have a robust arsenal of instruments and policies at our disposal that, at very least, has the potential of improving our performance in the matter of protection of civilians.”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source
“Finally, I would like to say that the use of modern technology, such as drones and remotely operated weapons, complicates efforts to implement the fundamental norms of international humanitarian law concerning the distinction between combatants and non-combatants or civilians. It also complicates the issue of proportionality in asymmetric conflicts, in which forces that are very unequal in terms of military or technological capacity are deployed. And it hampers the precautions that must be taken, in choosing the means and methods of attack, so as to ensure that all feasible measures are employed to avoid or at least reduce the number of dead and wounded among the civilian population. In conclusion, almost 15 years have passed since our peacekeeping operations were first charged with the protection of civilians.”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source
“Ajoint investigation by the Office for the Coordination ofHumanitarian Affairs and the Department of Peacekeeping Operations criticized the Council for not having offered clearer and more detailed guidance that would have enhanced the United Nations capacity to offer effective protection to civilian populations and develop local capacities to make its own role transitory. Furthermore, when we have not achieved consensus on a clear path of action, as is the case with the Syrian Arab Republic, the humanitarian consequences have been catastrophic. We believe that we ourselves carry the burden of responsibility for that flagrant failure to protect innocent civilians, including women and children.”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source
“For our part, we have firmly supported not only the rigorous observance of international humanitarian law and human rights, but have also insisted on the particular usefulness of the Rome Statute and the International Criminal Court in holding individuals and collective groups accountable in certain cases. In the same sense, we value the mechanism of the independent international commissions of inquiry established by the Human Rights Council. The third failure in enhancing the protection of civilians in armed conflict situations can be found within the Security Council.”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source
“We know relatively little about how to encourage such diverse groups - the majority of which are anarchical in nature - to comply with international norms regarding the protection of civilians, especially the most vulnerable civilians. We have cases on our agenda in which not only did the States fail to fulfil their most basic responsibility, but the armed rebel groups have also committed mass atrocities against civilian populations. Although we usually include in our statements and resolutions language demanding that the perpetrators of such acts be held accountable before justice, that rarely occurs.”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source
“By the same token, those States, instead of respecting the norms of international humanitarian law and human rights law, are deliberately violating them. It is for that reason that, together with the palliative work of the peacekeeping operations, a greater complementary effort in capacity-building is needed, both for State and non-State institutions. In that regard, there is a crucial role for the United Nations Development Programme and the multilateral financial institutions. Furthermore, we believe that the norms of international humanitarian law must continually be analysed in the light of new circumstances or difficulties that arise in the field. A second serious failure can be attributed to militias and rebel groups revolting against national Governments, which is a subject of extraordinary complexity.”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source
“We would do well, then, to ask ourselves collectively, "Why?" One first, obvious answer lies in the serious shortcomings of the Governments of the countries in conflict, which frequently do not have the political will or the institutional or organizational capacity to fulfil their primary responsibility to ensure security and the right to life for their own civilian populations. Clearly, United Nations contingents cannot replace the State in the fulfilment of such a basic commitment, although they can sometimes contribute to mitigating the situation. In addition, we have specific cases on the agenda of the Council where States, far from helping humanitarian aid reach the victims, prevent it from doing so.”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source
“We expressed our Views during the debates held on 12 February and 17 July (see S/PV.6917 and S/PV.7003). We do not wish to reiterate the points made in those statements, and there have been no major changes in the situation on the ground to date, with the exception of the signing of the Arms Trade Treaty. We will therefore limit ourselves on this occasion to make some observations concerning the questions raised in the concept note. The starting point of the note focuses on shortcomings in the protection of civilians since the Security Council adopted its pioneering resolution 1265 (1999). That point is reflected in the key phrase contained in the most recent report of the Secretary- General (S/20l2/376) and quoted in the concept note, which describes the situation of the protection of civilians as "abysmal".”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source
“Mr. Rosenthal (Guatemala) (spoke in Spanish): We thank the delegation of Argentina for having convened this open debate under your presidency, partly to mark World Humanitarian Day and also to commemorate the events that took place exactly 10 years in Baghdad, when 22 members of the Secretariat made the ultimate sacrifice while pursuing the noble humanitarian mission of the United Nations. We would also like to thank you, Madam President, for the concept note (S/2013/447) circulated by your delegation, which contains valuable guidance for today's debate. We are also grateful to the Secretary- General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, as well as to Navi Pillay, Valerie Amos and Philip Spoerri for their respective presentations. This is the third time this year that we have addressed the issue of the protection of civilians in armed conflict.”
2013-08-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7019 (2013) · source
“Naturally, the firing of rockets from the Gaza Strip into Israeli territory must cease totally. At the same time, we hope that in the short term the economic restrictions being placed on the Gaza Strip will be reduced, since they undercut any prospects of progress. Finally, we believe that the international community, through the United Nations, is duty-bound to condemn all and any violation that may undermine the peace process. The parties involved cannot be expected to act responsibly when the international community ignores flagrant violations committed by either.”
2013-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7007 (2013) · source
“The involvement of other actors also demonstrates the sense of urgency with which a search for a definitive solution to the conflict between Israel and Palestine is being pursued. We hope that both parties can show the leadership and responsibility necessary to continue their commitment to the peace process. We believe that the involvement of the Quartet in this initiative is essential. As we have done on previous occasions, we maintain our position that both parties must avoid any act thatjeopardizes the prospects of a peaceful solution to the conflict. Such acts only undermine any prospect that both peoples can live in peace and security. We believe that the construction of new or the expansion of existing settlements falls within this category and constitutes a violation of international law.”
2013-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7007 (2013) · source
“We also reiterate our admiration and respect for the Governments of Jordan and Lebanon, both of which, despite the enormous pressure they are enduring, have maintained their borders open to the refugees from the Syrian conflict. They more than deserve the support of the international community. As regards the peace process in the Middle East, including the question of Palestine, steps have been taken in recent months suggesting that it may still be possible to reach a mutual agreement between the parties and to salvage the two-State solution. The bases that could lead to renewed talks have recently been agreed to in the context of the diplomatic initiative of the Secretary of State of the United States, and supported, we trust, by the Quartet, the League of Arab States and the European Union.”
2013-07-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7007 (2013) · source