YouSaid · the spoken record

Ruzicka

lines on the record: 75
first: 2014-01-29
most recent: 2017-02-13
sittings or episodes: 10
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

“Let me also express my appreciation of the fact that the Ministry of the Interior of Afghanistan continues to take steps to better protect and to empower female police and Ministry staff in fulfilment of its goal of recruiting and training a total of 10,000 female officers. The progress mentioned has, to a great extent, been achieved with the assistance, performance and outreach of UNAMA. We note and highly appreciate not only internal activities assisting the Afghan authorities in the transition but also the regional outreach of UNAMA. It proves that the Mission pays the necessity attention to promoting fruitful collaboration among all countries of the region in facing threats that surpass their individual capacities. That approach is important, especially in fighting terrorism, cross-border trafficking and illegal trade.”
2014-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7139 (2014) · source
“The Commission on the Status of Women, which concluded its fifty-eighth session a few days ago, was enriched by a number of side events. Of those, I would like to note the event organized by my colleague, Ambassador Jarmo Viinanen of Finland, on 12 March. On that occasion, we had the opportunity to welcome a group of politically active Afghan women, led by Afghan Deputy Minister for Women's Affairs Her Excellency Mrs. Fawzia Habibi. For those who cast doubt on the progress achieved in Afghanistan, such a workshop on security and the role of women, with the active participation of prominent Afghan representatives in New York, would have been unthinkable 13 years ago.”
2014-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7139 (2014) · source
“We would like to express our appreciation for the efforts of the Afghan authorities with regard to the preparations for the upcoming elections, which remain on track for the scheduled polling date of 5 April. We hope that all candidates and election workers will be able to perform their duties in the run-up to the elections without being threatened by those who seek to disrupt the firm will of the Afghan people to live peacefully in their country and to choose their own destiny and political leaders. The right of all Afghans to enjoy freedom and basic human rights, privileges and responsibilities should be protected and fought for. We are pleased at the increasing participation of women in the transition process.”
2014-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7139 (2014) · source
“I wish to reiterate the long-term commitment of the Slovak Republic to providing assistance and training to the Afghan National Security Forces. I would also like to encourage the Afghan forces to continue in their transition at what the Secretary-General described in his report as a greater operational tempo, despite targeted attacks by anti-Government elements on Afghan forces. The prevention and management of security challenges will be crucial, especially ahead of and during Afghanistan's national elections next month. In that regard, we fully support the calls of the Special Representative, Mr. Kubis, on the Afghan authorities and the independent electoral bodies to ensure that the polls are credible, that any concerns are voiced prior to the elections and that the level of transparency is as high as possible.”
2014-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7139 (2014) · source
“In my national capacity, allow me to briefly make a few comments on some important elements of the current situation in Afghanistan with regard to the following challenges. Overall security remains the most important precondition for continued development in Afghanistan - political, economic and cultural. In that regard, the Slovak Republic strongly condemns not only the attack on a restaurant in Kabul on 17 January, which took lives, including those of four members of the United Nations family in Afghanistan, but also all use of force and violence in any form against anyone. Once again, I would like to express my condolences to the families of all victims, as well as my appreciation for the work of UNAMA's staff.”
2014-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7139 (2014) · source
“Thank you very much, Madam President, for this opportunity to participate in the debate of the Security Council on the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) . Let me assure you of my delegation's support for your leadership in our deliberations. I would also like to thank the Secretary-General for his comprehensive report (S/2014/163), and the Special Representative for his briefing. I believe this is an appropriate moment to express appreciation for the work of His Excellency Mr. Zahir Tanin in his relentless diplomatic efforts and wisdom in many areas contributing to better understanding and stability in Afghanistan. Slovakia aligns itself with the statement just delivered by the observer of the European Union.”
2014-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7139 (2014) · source
“We welcomed the Secretary-General's proposals for further strengthening United Nations mandates on the protection of civilians, and we call on Security Council members to act consistently across all relevant situations, while using a broad range of tools to improve the actions of the United Nations.”
2014-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7109 (2014) · source
“Seven, we should concentrate on the elimination of post-conflict effects on the mortality rate of children and women as an indirect cause of war. In ongoing conflicts, men die more frequently in direct armed actions, whereas women die more frequently in the post-conflict period. Eight, when appropriate and when on-site developments require it, we must consider taking action in the humanitarian field separately from political, security or military decisions. In conclusion, as a small step for the United Nations but a leap for the Security Council, we commend France for its initiative designed to limit the use of the right of the veto in cases of genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing or crimes against humanity. We suggest that other members of the Council give serious consideration to that initiative.”
2014-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7109 (2014) · source
“Second, we need to accelerate the acceptance of the 2000 Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, on the involvement of children in armed conflict. Third, we must improve the ability of national and international units to reach people living in areas affected by conflicts. Fourth, the safety of humanitarian volunteers and workers when accessing people in need must be improved. Fifth, a ban on the use of public facilities in war must be fully implemented. It is unacceptable to tolerate the use of civilian facilities such as hospitals or schools as shields or covers for military operations, not to mention using civilians as human shields. We must stand firm against the recruitment of child soldiers. Six, more effective mechanisms to monitor the use of explosive weapons in heavily populated areas must be created.”
2014-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7109 (2014) · source
“In many instances, attacks against civilian populations could amount to crimes against humanity or war crimes. It is necessary that the individuals responsible for such crimes be held accountable and tried by an independent and impartial court of law. If authorities at the national level are unwilling or unable to adequately address the issue, the International Criminal Court should step in. There are many areas in which we may improve the situation of protecting the innocent and vulnerable. Let me mention just a few of them. First, global adherence to the Geneva Conventions should be improved, especially to the Additional Protocols of 1977, as well as to the protocols prohibiting the use of certain weapons.”
2014-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7109 (2014) · source
“The perennial problem of many operations is summarized very well by the Brahimi report from 2000 (see S/2000/809): peacekeepers may not be able to justifiably use force against attackers in order to protect civilians when they feel morally compelled to do so. In the world of continuous globalization and growing interdependence between national developments and regional stability, we should look more deeply into the concept of national sovereignty when dealing with internal conflicts and should seek the highest possible international legitimacy for our much needed action. In that context, the role of an international body for post-conflict justice and for taking action against impunity for crimes against humanity should be reinforced.”
2014-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7109 (2014) · source
“Since the first peacekeeping operation was mandated to protect civilians in 1999, we have accumulated substantive information about possibilities and limitations. While the Security Council has the key role to mandate peacekeeping operations, we have to face reality and seriously discuss the way forward. Numerous challenges and shortcomings impede peacekeepers' capacity to effectively protect civilians on the ground. As Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon recently acknowledged, the relevant actors continue to struggle over what it means for peacekeeping operations to protect civilians, in both definition and practice.”
2014-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7109 (2014) · source
“Nevertheless, more than 1 million people have been forced from their homes, and the humanitarian situation is alarming. The security situation there is still very fragile and, even with the deployment of European Union forces on the ground in the next few weeks, stabilizing the country will be a challenge. To date, the conflict in Syria has cost 100,000 human lives, and, since March 2011, more than 6.2 million have been internally displaced. More than 9.3 million people are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. Through various channels, Slovakia has, as an emerging donor, helped to lessen the suffering of refugees from Syria and Mali. Last year, we joined the family of donors in the Peacebuilding Fund, which supports countries emerging from conflict.”
2014-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7109 (2014) · source
“By failing to take decisive action, we betray those hopes, the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and the essence of humanity. But above all, we betray ourselves. The number of civilian casualties in current conflicts is extremely disturbing. According to the report of the Secretary-General (S/2013/689), 1.1 million people remain displaced in Somalia. More than 2.6 million have been internally displaced in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Civilians are also targeted in other conflict and post-conflict zones, such as Mali, Yemen, the Sudan and South Sudan. In those conflicts, even United Nations peacekeepers have been under attack. In the Central African Republic, it was probably only the swift action of the Security Council that prevented the worst-case scenario from occurring.”
2014-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7109 (2014) · source
“But we should ask ourselves: can we take immediate and well-focused action to ease suffering and provide effective assistance? Can we protect volunteers, United Nations employees and other dedicated women and men who are providing or trying to provide humanitarian assistance and relief, often putting their own lives in danger? What is the price of overcoming political divergences, national interests and global objectives in situations where we see millions of people suffering, when they are internally displaced, forced to flee their homes or killed in military action? How do we protect children recruited to fight, women used as human shields, girls who are being sexually abused? Blue Helmets and United Nations symbols are, perhaps more often than we think, the only safe haven they can hope for.”
2014-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7109 (2014) · source
“The protection of peace and the prevention of war are among the most important objectives of the United Nations. Not long ago, we discussed in this Chamber the lessons of war and the search for a permanent peace in post-conflict areas (see S/PV.7105). In today's discussion we tackle another question: how to achieve substantial progress in two equally important tasks - the prevention of war and the protection of civilians once a conflict breaks out. In the event that we fail to prevent wars or conflicts, we must combine our efforts, capacities, means and resources to protect those who are most vulnerable, namely, women, children, older persons and persons with disabilities. Those groups are always the easiest targets in conflict situations and the most likely victims.”
2014-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7109 (2014) · source
“We salute the initiative of the Lithuanian presidency to bring this important topic, highlighted by the recent crises in Syria, the Central African Republic, Mali and other countries, to our attention. It is worth noting the symbolism of holding our discussions today on the International Day against the Use of Child Soldiers. Slovakia would like to express its appreciation for the work of Under-Secretary- General for Humanitarian Affairs Valerie Amos, High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay, Under- Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Herve Ladsous and Director-General of the International Committee of the Red Cross Yves Daccord. At the outset, I would like to align myself with the statement made by the observer of the European Union.”
2014-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7109 (2014) · source
“Every human being is born free, has his or her dignity and is entitled to enjoy the right to live in peace. That is why we should not only take arms away from those who are fighting, but we should give them the prospect ofa decent life by providing stability, security, education and sustainable peace. Where, if not in the United Nations, do we have the capacity to do so? In conclusion, yes, we must learn from the past, we must understand the roots of conflicts and we must be strong enough to overcome differences. We must to do so if we want to live up to the challenges of the twenty- first century and prove that our civilization can take care of itself and of our planet - the only one we have.”
2014-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7105 (2014) · source
“The concept of security sector reform is rather complex and goes beyond the traditional understanding of post-conflict stabilization in the security field alone. It is also a political process that should be State-owned and State-led. Inclusivity and justice within society, as broadly based as possible, will ensure its sustainability. Security sector reform should go beyond narrow and simplistic definitions and reflect the experience, both good and bad, that the United Nations has acquired over decades of peacekeeping and peacebuilding. The main goal is to establish the four dimensions of security, namely, the civic, the legal, the social and the economic. If we succeed in doing that, then we can significantly decrease the risk ofa relapse into conflict.”
2014-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7105 (2014) · source
“Thirdly, I turn to the individual security of persons, which enables them to live in dignity and freedom. When people have basic rights and freedoms, enjoy free movement, live in mutual tolerance, have access to education and enjoy economic activities, then they might be much more reluctant to start a conflict that might deprive them of all of those freedoms. To build a sustainable future and peace in post- conflict areas, we have to develop a comprehensive approach, with the participation of all parts of society. Slovakia has for several years been a strong supporter of security sector reform. The need for security sector reform is omnipresent, especially in post-conflict, war-stricken countries.”
2014-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7105 (2014) · source
“Of course, peace might have come to our continent without the European Union - maybe. We will never know. But it would not have been of the same quality - a lasting peace, not a frosty ceasefire. The second point I would like to make is that regional cooperation and good neighbourly relations are the cornerstones of stability. The project of European cooperation can be an inspirational example. It may not necessarily be a universal model, but it has been working for more than 50 years. It shows that national security can be sustainable only if there is regional stability and cooperation, if neighbours want and are able to coexist and cooperate without prejudices and if they are able to join their efforts for the sake of the common interest and face challenges together. Without those foundations, progress cannot be sustainable.”
2014-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7105 (2014) · source
“Tolstoy's classic novel, War and Peace, indicates that history is not, after all, produced by the dramatic moves and posturing of leaders, but by complex combinations of large numbers of small actions by relatively unimportant people. Allow me to share with the Council three observations. First, reconciliation is a sign of strength, not of weakness. The Franco-German reconciliation - the understanding of European nations that war can no longer be an instrument for the implementation of policy - brought the perspective of a longer, more durable peace, at least in Europe. Herman van Rompuy said that Europeans did not wish for anybody else, in any region in the world, to have to endure such traumas as the First and Second World Wars in order to reach the conclusion that living peacefully together is by far the best option.”
2014-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7105 (2014) · source
“That may be the most difficult part - how to handle the injustices of the past without creating new injustices in the present and future. We have to have the strength to look directly into the cruel face of war and its consequences. We cannot hide from them. It has been said that time may fix all of the injustices of the past. But yet again, treating a wound may be relatively fast, but a cure requires dealing with the scars in the memories and the minds of people, which is much more difficult. Reconciliation may take decades or generations, and may always maintain the potential for conflict, but it cannot be achieved without individual accountability.”
2014-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7105 (2014) · source
“We spent more than $13.4 billion on humanitarian relief in 2013 alone, and expect approximately the same amount to be allocated this year. Are we not paying a price for the inconsistencies in our approach to the processes ofbuilding sustainable societies and peace in post-conflict areas? War is like an avalanche: once it picks up its full speed, it overcomes everything in its path and leaves behind only destruction, death and suffering. But the most important thing may not be to keep looking for the snowflake that caused the avalanche, but rather to seek to learn how to prevent it, tame it and create a better, sustainable peace on the ruins it leaves behind. To find answers for the future, we should find the courage to look into the past.”
2014-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7105 (2014) · source
“At the outset, let me welcome the timely initiative of devoting this thematic debate to such a sensitive, complex and often painful but extremely important topic. Allow me to start with some facts and questions. Several estimates suggest that there have been only 250 years of peace over the 3,400 years of the documented history of humankind - and those are optimistic estimates. The twentieth century was the most murderous in recorded history. The total number of deaths caused by or associated with its wars has been estimated at 187 million, the equivalent of more than 10 per cent of the world's population in 1913. Is our planet a safer place today, 100 years on from the outbreak of the First World War and 70 years from the end of the Second?”
2014-01-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7105 (2014) · source