YouSaid · the spoken record

Rugwabiza

lines on the record: 277
first: 2016-12-08
most recent: 2023-10-26
sittings or episodes: 25
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

“With regard to the early release of genocide convicts, at his sole discretion the former President of the Mechanism imposed an arbitral set of criteria for the early release of genocide convicts upon or soon after having served two-thirds of their sentences. None of the applications for early release, with the exception of three cases in 2018, has ever been reported to the Government of Rwanda, the representatives of genocide survivors, the communities in which they committed crimes or witnesses, who provided evidence of the crimes committed, at great personal risk. The grounds on which early release applications were lodged, considered and approved have also been withheld from the Government of Rwanda, genocide survivors and other relevant stakeholders.”
2019-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8576 (2019) · source
“Secondly, none of the remaining eight fugitives indicted by the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) for crimes committed during the genocide against the Tutsi has been arrested or brought before the court. Thirdly, 23 genocide convicts sentenced by the ICTR have appealed their sentences and have either been acquitted or seen their sentences significantly reduced after retrial. Fourthly, nine genocide convicts released or acquitted by the court currently live comfortable live in Arusha and their living allowances and accommodation are paid from the budget of the Mechanism. That is, in sum, the appalling legacy of the previous leadership. I wish to elaborate on some of those points.”
2019-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8576 (2019) · source
“First and foremost, I congratulate you, Sir, on assuming the presidency of the Security Council for this month and assure you of my delegation's full support. I thank Judge Agius and Prosecutor Brammertz for their reports (S/2019/417, annexes I and II) and briefings today. We congratulate Judge Agius on his recent appointment as the President of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals. That transition of leadership is an opportune time to reflect on the legacy of the Mechanism over the past seven years. From our perspective, that legacy can be summarized in four points. First, 11 genocide convicts were released before the end of their sentences.”
2019-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8576 (2019) · source
“Lastly, the illicit proliferation and possession of small arms and light weapons in Africa, including in countries on Security Council arms embargoes and sanctions lists, help perpetuate armed conflict on the continent. More effective monitoring of the implementation of arms embargoes will certainly contribute to creating an environment that is more conducive to conflict resolution. The guns cannot be silenced nor can peace be sustained without development, inclusive governance and inclusive and effective institutions, as has been underlined by many speakers before me. The implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Agenda 2063 of the African Union remains the most effective way to prevent conflict and build lasting peace.”
2019-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8473 (2019) · source
“That is our own experience as a country that has successfully reintegrated more than 70,000 former combatants who operated mainly - and some still operate - in the eastern part ofthe Democratic Republic ofthe Congo, causing chaos and insecurity for local populations. Our recommendation therefore is that demobilization, disarmament and reintegration (DDR) need to be carried out at all stages of conflict resolution and post- conflict peacebuilding. Central to successful DDR is effective support for former combatants to reintegrate into civilian life. DDR is and should be perceived to be part and parcel of the political process to consolidate peace and stability.”
2019-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8473 (2019) · source
“In many instances conflicts escalate or re-erupt as a result of weak or less resilient institutions and non-inclusive governance systems, which are not capable of taking over the management ofpeace once it has been achieved. We need to focus our efforts and actions on the structural causes of conflict with the aim of strengthening the institutions and social mechanisms of States and communities, assisting affected States to develop more robust and inclusive institutions that can address the causes of conflict and prevent future ones. Strengthening our efforts and strategies related to demobilization disarmament and reintegration is one such strategy that can significantly contribute to silencing the guns in Africa.”
2019-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8473 (2019) · source
“The recent positive developments arising from conflict resolution in the Horn of Africa and the recent peace agreements in South Sudan and the Central African Republic are important contributions to silencing the guns in Africa, even though the latter agreements have yet to be translated into the voluntary disarmament of armed groups under inclusive national security institutions. Rwanda's contribution to today's debate will focus mainly on conflict prevention and resolution, security sector reform, peacebuilding and sustaining peace, albeit very briefly. Preventive diplomacy and mediation are integral parts of conflict resolution and prevention. It is true that progress has been made in the prevention, management and resolution of conflicts on the continent.”
2019-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8473 (2019) · source
“The theme of this debate involves one of the African Union's aspirations under Agenda 2063 - a peaceful and secure Africa. Africa's quest is to build a secure and peaceful environment that is conducive to social and economic development for the benefit of all Africans. Silencing the guns in Africa is an ambitious yet achievable goal that can be reached by taking integrated approaches that extend across the nexus of peace and security, governance and development. Success in meeting that goal will require greater policy coherence and political commitment from all of us to implement the available mechanisms and tools. The African Union Master Road Map of Practical Steps for Silencing the Guns in Africa by 2020 is an important framework that, once implemented, will contribute to an Africa free of violent conflicts.”
2019-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8473 (2019) · source
“I congratulate Equatorial Guinea on its very productive presidency of the Security Council for this month, and I thank you, Sir, for organizing today's open debate, which is of the utmost importance to Africa, as it should be to the Security Council. I also thank Ms. Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, His Excellency Mr. Ramtane Lamamra, African Union High Representative for Silencing the Guns in Africa by 2020, and Mr. Vasu Gounden, Founder and Executive Director of the African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes, for their valuable and informative briefings. At the outset, Rwanda associates itself with the statement delivered by the representative of Benin on behalf of the Group of African States.”
2019-02-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8473 (2019) · source
“We expect all Council members - current and incoming - to lead by example by matching their pronouncements of commitment to international justice with tangible steps, either by prosecuting fugitives themselves or by fulfilling their international obligations through effective cooperation with the Prosecutor of the Mechanism. The meeting rose at 12.45 pm.”
2018-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8416 (2018) · source
“In addition, Rwanda's capacity to ensure high standards ofjustice is seen in a number of cases from other States being successfully referred to Rwanda for trial. It is now evening in Kigali. As we speak, a Rwandan genocide suspect, Mr. Wenceslas Twagirayezu, who sought refuge in Denmark, is being extradited to Rwanda to face justice. He is landing in Rwanda now, as we speak. Finally, we take note of the Prosecutor's progress in tracking genocide fugitives. We join him in calling on Member States to cooperate with the Mechanism in order to locate and apprehend the remaining fugitives. These fugitives have not left for outer space; they are living peacefully and quietly in host countries, many of which are members of the Council, and some of which are incoming members of the Council starting early next year.”
2018-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8416 (2018) · source
“We will gladly share details with whomever is interested. Sending genocide convicts to serve out the remainder of their sentences in Rwanda would be beneficial to the Mechanism, to Rwanda and to the broader membership. It would help alleviate the funding constraints faced by the Mechanism, but more importantly, the rehabilitation of convicts would be accelerated by serving out their sentences in Rwanda, where they committed their crimes. The success of Rwanda's restorative justice system has been well documented. Our focus on restorative justice, rather than retributive justice, has enhanced our ability to reconcile and live together in unity, even after the genocide and after such horrible crimes.”
2018-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8416 (2018) · source
“Having a comprehensive and rigorous approach to conditional early release would ensure that the Court grants conditional release only to those who have demonstrated adequate rehabilitation, and avoid the repeated occurrence of what has been reported by the Prosecutor, that "those granted early release often deny the crimes and their criminal responsibility immediately upon release" (S/2018/1033, annex 11, para. 30). The Mechanism should also step up its efforts aimed at monitoring the activities of genocide convicts who have benefited from early release, and who are nevertheless indulging in activities that propagate genocide ideology and genocide denial. We continue to witness groups purporting to speak on behalf of genocide convicts, sometimes involving individuals who once worked with the Tribunal.”
2018-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8416 (2018) · source
“At this stage, we commend the leadership of the Permanent Representative of Peru as the Chair of the Informal Working Group on the International Tribunals. My Government takes note that, as an initial result of the implementation of resolution 2422 (2018), conditions for early release have been applied by the Mechanism to one convict seeking early release. That is encouraging, but, again, we note the lack of consistency. What is the justification for this ad hoc approach? Why only one? We urge the Mechanism to put in place comprehensive, consistent and rigorous provisions for all grants of conditional early release, based on clear eligibility requirements. We once again point to the Residual Special Court for Sierra Leone as a best practice.”
2018-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8416 (2018) · source
“First, the force and effect of international criminal law must be strengthened by instituting a comprehensive provision for conditional early release of genocide convicts who are deemed eligible for early release. Secondly, we must combat genocide ideology in all its manifestations and forms, including genocide denial by those who have been convicted of genocide and have benefited from early release. Thirdly, we must step up our efforts and collaboration among States to apprehend fugitives that remain at large. Fourthly, we must send the genocide convicts still in the custody of the Mechanism to serve out the remainder of their sentences in Rwanda. Those are the four simple recommendations that my Government wishes to make.”
2018-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8416 (2018) · source
“The point we are making here seems like very basic common sense; however, recent years have shown us that common sense has at times eluded the Mechanism, not least in its treatment of early releases of genocide convicts. The lack of consistency is the widest avenue to partiality. We find it strange that our consistent demands for consistency and accountability have at times been considered as carrying political connotations. Consistency and accountability have never undermined the independence of judicial processes; if anything, they actually protect it. As a Member State and a stakeholder in the Mechanism, Rwanda cannot overstate the importance of improved transparency and accountability in the Mechanism. I wish to make four simple recommendations, all of which my Government has consistently articulated but are yet to be implemented.”
2018-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8416 (2018) · source
“Frameworks are only frameworks; they do not implement themselves; institutions and people do. They require consistent implementation and enforcement by national institutions. We also note that this is the final briefing by Judge Theodor Meron. This is a time for us to look at what has been achieved, but more importantly this is a point of transition that provides us with an opportunity not only to take stock of the work done by the Mechanism but also offer the incoming President recommendations that Rwanda believes can strengthen the work of the Mechanism. Of pivotal importance, we expect the next President to improve the methods of work of the Mechanism by making them more transparent, accountable and inclusive of all stakeholders' views.”
2018-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8416 (2018) · source
“In another recent development in Rwanda, in September more than 2,000 inmates convicted ofvarious crimes, including genocide denial, were granted early release. That is further evidence of Rwanda's choice to pursue restorative justice rather than retributive justice. These developments remind us that the pursuit ofjustice for crimes of genocide requires a long-term commitment - a commitment that necessitates resolve, consistency and an understanding of the essential contribution of justice to ending a culture of impunity. As we mark the seventieth anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, let us all remember that it is not for lack of legal frameworks that the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda was perpetrated.”
2018-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8416 (2018) · source
“I also take this opportunity to thank Prosecutor Brammertz for the cooperation between his Office and the Office of the Prosecutor General of Rwanda and other judicial authorities, particularly with regard to recent judicial activities relating to cases of contempt of court and incitement to commit contempt of court in which five Rwandan nationals, including a former investigator on one of the genocide convicts defence team, have been charged with participating in a joint criminal enterprise to overturn the conviction of Augustin Ngirabatware, a genocide convict who was a Minister in the Government that abetted the genocide in 1994. Many others who have spoken before me have referred to that case.”
2018-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8416 (2018) · source
“Mr. President, I thank you, Sir, and Cote d'Ivoire for organizing today's debate. Since the beginning of Cote d'Ivoire's presidency last week, this is the third debate you have organized and the third time I am addressing the Council this month. It is a testament both to your productive presidency and to the vital pertinence to Rwanda of the issues you have focused on. I thank Judge Meron and Prosecutor Brammertz for their briefings.”
2018-12-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8416 (2018) · source
“The crux is that there is clearly agreement on the urgency of improving the international peace and security architecture to address today's security challenges and to reach a consensus solution to predictable and sustainable financing for African Union-led peace-support operations authorized by the Security Council. I believe that the problem lies in our different understanding of the sense of urgency and of the best way to exercise our collective responsibility to prevent and respond to conflicts. Rwanda believes that a well-funded and predictable African Peace and Security Architecture is not only an African priority; it is our collective priority for the promotion and maintenance of peace and security.”
2018-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8414 (2018) · source
“The draft resolution proposed by the African members of the Security Council has embedded within it important elements that are of mutual concern, such as accountability, compliance of policies related to human rights and cases of sexual exploitation, conduct, discipline and coordination. Africa is ready to play its part. Indeed, it is already doing so in many ways. Apart from the significant reforms and Peace Fund governance arrangements in place, the continent currently hosts the largest number of United Nations peacekeeping operations, and the majority of peacekeeping personnel are from Africa. With more sustained and predictable financing for African Union-led peace-support operations, we can significantly improve our capacity to prevent, respond to and manage crisis situations in a timely and efficient manner.”
2018-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8414 (2018) · source
“I believe that the co-financing of African Union-led peace-support operations authorized by the Security Council on a case-by-case basis is an opportunity for us all to enhance our partnership in the spirit of the United Nations-African Union partnership framework, based on the principles of mutual respect, shared values and comparative advantage. In that respect, the African Union has called on the African members of the Security Council to propose and to champion a draft resolution on financing African Union-led peace-support operations that are authorized by the Council. That is in the spirit of building on what has been achieved through resolutions 2320 (2016) and 2378 (2017).”
2018-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8414 (2018) · source
“This comes at a time when the current international peace and security architecture is under extreme pressure given the complexity of the peace and security challenges that the world is facing today. Building an effective partnership between the two organizations is therefore strategic for collective security. My country appeals for an enhanced form of partnership, which must be based on the respective authorities, competencies and capacities of the two organizations. That partnership must observe the principles of burden-sharing, consultative decision-making processes, comparative advantage and division of labour, as well as mutual accountability. The continent is not seeking handouts or charity but a partnership of collective responsibility in addressing conflicts on the continent.”
2018-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8414 (2018) · source
“The Fund entails three core aims: first, mediation and preventive diplomacy activities; secondly, capacity- building; and thirdly, peace-support operations. The Fund will certainly allow the African Union to meet its commitment to finance 25 per cent of its budget for peace operations, while also enabling it to finance mediation and preventive diplomacy activities. Rwanda believes that, while African Union member States are primarily responsible for financing the Peace Fund, that does not preclude the role of partnership in supporting peace and security activities of the African Union. Strengthening cooperation with partners such as the United Nations in the context of Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations remains highly relevant and imperative.”
2018-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8414 (2018) · source
“That was reinforced by the Joint United Nations-African Union Framework for an Enhanced Partnership in Peace and Security, which was signed in New York on 19 April 2017 and has been mentioned by many speakers. Accordingly, let me take this opportunity to commend the work done by the United Nations Secretariat and the African Union Commission to follow up on the relevant provisions of resolution 2320 (2016), particularly the consultative process undertaken between March and April 2017. I am delighted to note that the consultative process was conducted in a true spirit of partnership and cooperation. I look forward to the realization of deeper cooperation between the African Union and the United Nations on more substantive matters of mutual interest. Last month, the African Union relaunched its Peace Fund.”
2018-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8414 (2018) · source
“The Security Council welcomed the efforts of the regional organization to establish a predictable cost-sharing structure for the funding of peace-support operations authorized by the Council and led by Africa. My remarks focus on the progress made by Africa with a View to strengthening its capabilities to streamline its partnership with the United Nations in the areas of conflict prevention, mediation, conflict resolution and sustaining peace in a predictable and sustainable manner. Building on previous arrangements, the Chairperson of the African Union and the Secretary- General further demonstrated strong commitment towards strengthening the strategic partnership between the two organizations.”
2018-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8414 (2018) · source
“I am honoured to make this statement at a time when the African Union is making remarkable progress in the effort to strengthen its cooperation with the United Nations. I believe that this debate comes at the right time, as the African Union seeks the Security Council's endorsement of a predictable cost-sharing framework for the funding of peace-support operations led by Africa and authorized by the Council. On a number of occasions in this Chamber, members of the Security Council and Member States have called for effective United Nations cooperation with regional bodies, particularly the African Union. We may recall that in November 2016 the Council held a debate on modalities of stronger cooperation on peace and security between the United Nations and the African Union (see S/PV.7816).”
2018-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8414 (2018) · source
“Mrs. Rugwabiza (Rwanda) (spoke in French): I would like to thank the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, the Secretary-General and the President of the Commission of the Economic Community of West African States for their briefings. (spoke in English) I once again congratulate Cote d'Ivoire on its presidency of the Security Council for this month, and I thank you, Mr. President, for organizing today's open debate, which is of the utmost importance not only to Member States but also to the Security Council. At the outset, I would like to say that my delegation aligns itself with the statement delivered by the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, which fully represents the views of African Member States on the topic that we are debating today.”
2018-12-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8414 (2018) · source
“Rwanda's experience shows that when we invest in people, inclusive and accountable institutions and sustainable development, peace, security and stability can become an irreversible reality.”
2018-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8413 (2018) · source
“In that sense, supporting countries that are emerging from conflict situations by investing in their development efforts is really an investment in maintaining peace and security, not only in those countries but in the regions to which they belong. Through the investments made in Rwanda, we have been able to lift millions ofpeople out ofpoverty. Within a very short period, we have been able to double the country's life expectancy. Those investments must therefore be concrete and very tangible. All the elements that I have briefly mentioned are complementary, not sequential. They must all be put in place and they cannot be put in place by countries alone. While they of course require the ownership and leadership of countries, they also require support, including the support of this institution.”
2018-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8413 (2018) · source
“In order to achieve that, the rule of law had to take root, the fight against impunity and corruption had to succeed, and we needed to ensure that all people were served equally. The reconstruction process must be inclusive if it is to take hold. We know that bringing women to peace processes adds value to the agreements reached. It is equally important to bring women on board and ensure that they are involved from very early on in post- conflict reconstruction efforts. Finally, people have to enjoy the development dividends of security and stability, which must bring changes to people's living standards if they are to really support the Government's efforts.”
2018-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8413 (2018) · source
“Those ex-combatants had been involved in truly damaging conflict, such as killings. Re-engaging them and reintegrating them into our communities was not an easy undertaking because it also required the Government to ensure the security of local communities. However, those are the kinds of decisions that I was alluding to when speaking of leadership that is courageous enough to make some very difficult decisions and choices. You have demonstrated, Mr. President, that you are ready to make those difficult choices and decisions. The second priority for Rwanda in post-conflict reconstruction was to rebuild our institutions in such a way that they would deliver services to all citizens.”
2018-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8413 (2018) · source
“The second pillar is building our institutions, which were completely destroyed. The third pillar is ensuring that people will feel and soon enjoy the development dividend. The ultimate aim of any post-conflict reform is to create conditions conducive to self-sustaining economic growth and human development while addressing the major risk factors for conflict relapse. One of the key concerns must be ensuring inclusive processes. Very early on, we ensured that women and youth were fully included in the reconstruction process. The linchpin for post-conflict reconstruction is ensuring the restoration of security for all citizens and the stability of the nation. In the early years, we were able to demobilize and reintegrate more than 10,000 ex- combatants into our communities.”
2018-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8413 (2018) · source
“We cannot overemphasize the centrality of strengthening State institutions to make them inclusive and accountable. The fourth pillar is partnerships, as has been emphasized by many speakers. It is in the fragile phase of the few years after the end of armed conflict that the support of the international community is needed more than ever. However, that support should be informed by national efforts and support national priorities. I would now like to share a few observations regarding Rwanda's post-genocide reconstruction experience that, we believe, could also be useful to other nations. In the early reconstruction phase, we focused our efforts on three pillars. The first 4 security, peace and stability 4 is the foundation for any possible reconstruction effort.”
2018-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8413 (2018) · source
“We have observed that nations that have been successful in post- conflict reconstruction efforts share four pillars. The first is leadership - leadership that is ready to make difficult decisions to help people live and work together again, side by side, as mentioned by another delegation. Leadership is central in making sure that post-conflict reconstruction will hold. It must be able to convince people that even if they can exact revenge, it is the worst idea ever for post- conflict reconstruction. The second pillar is ownership. Post-conflict reconstruction processes can be sustained only if they are owned and led by people, local communities and Governments that concretely and tangibly express the will to truly rebuild and bring people together. The third pillar is institutions.”
2018-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8413 (2018) · source
“While the balance sheet of Africa's peace and security dividend is not where we, as Africans, would like it to be, there are major positive developments that point to a bright future for the continent. Let me touch on a few continental issues before turning to a few observations based on Rwanda's experience. The economic and political consequences ofviolent conflicts are enormous. They outweigh by far any conceivable investment in post-conflict reconstruction. Those consequences include the loss of life, property and infrastructure; the collapse of State institutions; insecurity; and often, a completely fractured social fabric. That is what we are dealing with when we look into what is needed to ensure that countries emerging from conflict do not relapse into conflict.”
2018-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8413 (2018) · source
“Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, for their briefings. Rwanda fully associates itself with the statement delivered by Mr. Faki Mahamat. As many have said today, the theme of today's debate is of central importance to our continent. Your country, Mr. President, serves as an example of a nation successfully rising out of conflict. Africa and Rwanda are very proud of what Cote d'lvoire has achieved within a very short period. The theme for this debate 4 "Post-conflict reconstruction and peace, security, and stability" 4 reflects a reality of what is taking place not only in your country, but also in several African countries. It is therefore worth taking stock of lessons learned from your own experience.”
2018-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8413 (2018) · source
“Mrs. Rugwabiza (Rwanda) (spoke in French): The delegation of Rwanda joins other delegations in conveying its heartfelt condolences and those of our Government to the Government and the people of the United States of America on the passing of President George H. W. Bush. His memory and exemplary qualities have been extolled here by several delegations and we align ourselves with their remarks. (spoke in English) It is my distinct honour to convey the congratulations of His Excellency Mr. Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda and Chairperson of the African Union, to C6te d'Ivoire and to you, President Ouattara, for presiding over the Security Council for the month of December. We also thank you for presiding over today's debate. I would also like to thank the Secretary-General and Mr.”
2018-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8413 (2018) · source
“We therefore really need an assessment and a strong accountability mechanism, both for ourselves as members and as to how this agenda is implemented here at Headquarters and in peacekeeping and political missions in the field. Last, but not least, we fully concur with the recommendations of the Secretary-General, and we will spare no effort on our part to implement them.”
2018-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8382 (2018) · source
“I would like to conclude with three simple recommendations. First, we really need to make more effective use of existing platforms. We have a number of very useful platforms. We cannot mention them all here, but they include FemWise-Africa, the African Women Leaders Network, as well as existing networks at the national, regional and global levels. We need to encourage women to make use of such networks and increase their meaningful participation in the area of peace and security. Secondly, as was also underlined by the Secretary- General this morning, in Rwanda we fully believe that what is not measured never gets done.”
2018-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8382 (2018) · source
“Those numbers are well beyond the constitutional quota requirement, which is over 30 per cent. The quota requirement was used as an entry point concerning the rights of women, but women have been able to deliver to the citizens and the constituencies, earning women the trust and support of the population that allows them to go far beyond the constitutional requirement. I would like to say that key to the turnaround that is often spoken about regarding Rwanda is women's participation. It is the backbone of Rwanda's ongoing social and economic transformation. On that we can speak from experience. Without women's full participation, we would never have been able to achieve what we have achieved in the areas of peace and security and on the political and economic fronts. Women's participation has now become ingrained in our way of life.”
2018-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8382 (2018) · source
“We see the clear link between the pillars of prevention, participation, protection and recovery. It follows that women's participation in conflict prevention necessitates their participation at the decision-making table where agendas are set and agreements crafted. That requires the full involvement of women at all levels of governance. Just last week, the President of the Republic appointed a fully gender-balanced Cabinet, and we were happy for once to be able to compete with our brothers and sisters from Ethiopia. That builds on Rwanda's already exemplary track record of women's empowerment in other sectors. Women occupy 61 per cent of seats in the Rwandan Parliament. Fifty per cent of our judges are women, and 50 per cent of our provincial governors are women.”
2018-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8382 (2018) · source
“However, that works only when we have a social fabric that is still in place and that we can still mobilize. I am emphasizing that point because I believe that, as we work towards the implementation of the agenda under discussion, we really should put in efforts to involve the guardians of peace, who are usually the women and elders in society, to revive the traditional mechanisms of conflict resolution and mediation. Locally owned mechanisms would ensure ownership in the community and increase the chances of successful conflict resolution. External support and partnerships are more effective and more sustainable when they complement and build on local and home-grown solutions. Women's meaningful participation in the social and political life in Rwanda has reaped benefits and dividends of peace and social and economic gains.”
2018-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8382 (2018) · source
“Another measure that substantively contributed to conflict prevention in Rwanda is the revision of all land reform laws, including inheritance laws. That has ensured equal rights to access and ownership of land for women and men. As a result, today in Rwanda more women than men own land titles and land-related conflicts have drastically dropped. Impact assessments of our land reforms have shown that land ownership by women has contributed significantly to the economic empowerment of families and local communities. It is important to recognize the importance of home-grown solutions and traditional mechanisms for conflict resolution. Wherever armed conflict breaks out, the social fabric breaks down. With that breakdown, we find ourselves more often reverting to traditional mechanisms of conflict resolution.”
2018-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8382 (2018) · source
“In the immediate aftermath of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, and as the entire Great Lakes region was mired in instability, my country faced an insurgency that threatened to spoil the reconstruction and national cohesion efforts that were under way. To deal with that threat at the time, the Rwandan Government turned to women whose relatives had joined the insurgents, in an innovative programme that we called "Come and see, go and tell". Those women would act as emissaries to reach out to their brothers, their husbands and their relatives who had joined the insurgency and would make a case for them to return home. They took ownership of the programme and their actions were vital to the successful disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of former combatants.”
2018-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8382 (2018) · source
“This debate gives us an opportunity to take stock of the progress made, but also to discuss concrete measures we need to take collectively to ensure more meaningful participation by women in peace and security - not because it looks good or because it will make us look good, but because the meaningful participation of women in the prevention, mediation and resolution of conflicts, as well as in the negotiation of peace agreements, is the only way to resolve conflicts durably and to accelerate post-conflict recovery. We know that women shoulder the the heaviest human burden of conflicts. They therefore have the highest incentive for peace. In that regard, Rwanda believes that women not only should but must absolutely be part of all peace processes.”
2018-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8382 (2018) · source
“The Security Council has adopted several resolutions on women's political and economic empowerment, and women's increased participation in efforts aimed at ending conflict. Indeed, since the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000), we now have a comprehensive framework consisting of four pillars - prevention, participation, protection and recovery.”
2018-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8382 (2018) · source
“I congratulate you, Mr. President, and Bolivia on your presidency of the Security Council this month, and I thank you for organizing today's debate. It is not a surprise that Bolivia has chosen the theme "Promoting the implementation of the women and peace and security agenda and sustaining peace through women's political and economic empowerment", given Bolivia's achievements and commitment to inclusiveness and gender equality. It is a pleasure to note that Bolivia has the third-highest percentage of women in Parliament, after Cuba and Rwanda. I also thank the Secretary-General, the Under- Secretary-General and the Executive Director of UN- Women, as well Ms. Randa Siniora Atallah, for their statements and informative briefings this morning.”
2018-10-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8382 (2018) · source
“I have outlined a few interventions at the policy level in which the Security Council and the Secretariat play a particularly important role. I have also mentioned the Kigali Principles on the Protection of Civilians and what has informed them. I have provided a few suggestions as to how the Secretariat, the Security Council and troop- contributing countries can respond in cases of failure. In short, I believe that, on this specific subject, we know what needs to be done to improve performance. We have the means to do so; we know the challenges. I think that, at this stage - without intending to promote a well-known company here - we need to just do it.”
2018-09-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8349 (2018) · source