YouSaid · the spoken record

Sangqu

lines on the record: 799
first: 2007-04-25
most recent: 2012-12-10
sittings or episodes: 107
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

“In resolution 1265 (1999) on the protection of civilians in armed conflict, the Council expressed its willingness to consider how peacekeeping mandates might better address the harmful impact of conflicts on civilians. We are therefore pleased to note that United Nations peacekeeping mandates not only address the protection of civilian in conflict situations, but are also specific in addressing the protection needs of the most vulnerable groups, such as women and children. This year, South Africa celebrated its ten years of participation in peacekeeping within the Southern Africa region, on the continent and in the world at large. This afforded us the rare opportunity to assess our contribution, take stock and plan for the future.”
2009-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6216Resumption1 (2009) · source
“While the United Nations cannot be an absolute guarantor for the safety and security of civilians within its areas of operations, all Member States have the responsibility to ensure that civilians are protected during armed conflict. The deliberate targeting of civilians in armed conflicts, together with the indiscriminate use of force, gender-based violence, forced displacement, lack of safety and access to humanitarian personnel, all have a devastating effect on civilians and wide ramifications for their societies. As we mark the tenth anniversary of the consideration of the protection of civilians in armed conflict by the Security Council, we should seize this important opportunity to take stock of the progress made on the efforts to enhance protection, help those in need and address the major challenges that lie ahead.”
2009-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6216Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Allow me to congratulate the Austrian delegation on its assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of November. We also express our thanks for the convening of this open debate on this important matter. We wish to welcome the personal participation of the Austrian Minister for Foreign Affairs and also thank Mr. Holmes for his briefing. The primary responsibility for the protection of civilians lies with sovereign States. But in situations of conflict, the protection of civilians lies at the heart of United Nations activities and operations, including its peacekeeping missions. The ability of the United Nations to protect civilians is widely seen as a test of the Organization's relevance and legitimacy in the eyes of ordinary people in times of crisis.”
2009-11-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6216Resumption1 (2009) · source
“In conclusion, South Africa supports the presidential statement to be adopted today by the Security Council. We eagerly await the establishment of the African Union-United Nations task team and its subsequent report on the implementation of the Secretary-General's recommendations.”
2009-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6206 (2009) · source
“The proposed recommendation on financial mechanisms also warrants particular attention and further exploration. Whereas those developments are to be welcomed and could form the basis for continued support and engagement, they should not result in complacency. Rather, in working with the African Union, the United Nations should continue to review and seek ways of ensuring predictable, flexible and sustainable financing for peacekeeping operations undertaken by the African Union. It is my delegation's view that the General Assembly also could demonstrate its willingness to strengthen Africa's peacekeeping capacity and capability by considering the recommendations of the Secretary-General on financing options, just as the Council is doing here today.”
2009-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6206 (2009) · source
“The report provides useful proposals and a detailed assessment of the recommendations contained in the report of the African Union-United Nations panel. The report of the Secretary-General characterizes the role of the African Union and its regional organizations in supporting the Security Council under Chapter VIII of the Charter as a welcome development and makes important recommendations on how the United Nations and the international community could further ensure the sustainability and predictability of Africa's peacekeeping efforts that are mandated by the United Nations. The report provides clear guidelines and recommendations for ensuring a structured and strategic relationship between the United Nations and the African Union, which are worthy of serious consideration and immediate implementation.”
2009-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6206 (2009) · source
“That support cannot be rationalized by advancing bureaucratic arguments to prevent us from doing what is morally and politically correct. A clear commitment and unambiguous message by this Council will dispel the perception of many Africans confronted by conflict that the international community is apathetic and indifferent and, at worst, places financial considerations above the interests of people's lives. It is in this context that the current report of the Secretary-General is to be welcomed. In acting on the mandate of the Security Council as articulated in its presidential statement of 18 March 2009 (S/PRST/2009/3), the Secretary-General reported on practical ways to provide effective support for the African Union when it undertakes peacekeeping operations.”
2009-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6206 (2009) · source
“Recalling resolution 1809 (2008), we are cognizant that despite the demonstrated political will to resolve conflicts, the availability of predictable resources remains the most important constraint on Africa's capacity to give effect to those commitments and help resolve its own conflicts. The increase in peacekeeping operations in the past few years and the increasingly important role regions play in preventing, resolving and managing necessitate the continuation of dialogue between the United Nations and the AU to address that challenge. We expect the Security Council, in acknowledgement ofAfrica's efforts, to play its role as the primary body responsible for the maintenance of international peace and security, as provided for in its Charter.”
2009-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6206 (2009) · source
“The comparative advantage is increasingly allowing the AU to respond to conflicts in a proactive and rapid manner, limiting the escalation of conflict and human suffering in cases where the United Nations processes take a long time to decide and deploy while the situation on the ground is deteriorating. The comparative advantages of such an approach are clearly evident in the recent interventions by the African Union in the Sudan and Somalia, as well as through its mediation efforts and peace support operations, thus clearly demonstrating its political will and commitment to confronting peace and security challenges. The African Union continues its efforts to implement the African Peace and Security Architecture to deal with conflict prevention in a sustainable manner.”
2009-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6206 (2009) · source
“The United Nations Charter, as emphasized at the 2005 World Summit, recognizes the importance of forging predictable partnerships and cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations in order to confront current and future peace and security challenges. This recognition is articulated in accordance with the provisions of Chapter VIII of the Charter. Our efforts towards a strategic partnership between the United Nations and the African Union (AU) in the maintenance of peace and security on our continent are informed by the reality that regional organizations have a comparative advantage in confronting such challenges within their regions, as recognized by the Secretary-General in his report.”
2009-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6206 (2009) · source
“We thank you, Mr. President, for allowing us to participate in this important debate today on peace and security in Africa. My delegation joins others in welcoming the presence of His Excellency Mr. Romano Prodi at this important debate. We also welcome the participation of Under- Secretaries-General Le Roy and Malcorra, and we thank them for introducing the report of the Secretary- General on support to African Union peacekeeping operations authorized by the United Nations (S/2009/470). We also wish to thank the Permanent Observer of the African Union (AU) for his statement. Our appreciation also goes to the Secretary-General for his report and for his assessment of the important recommendations contained in the report of the African Union-United Nations panel (S/2008/813) chaired by Mr. Prodi.”
2009-10-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6206 (2009) · source
“South Africa, working with other partners, is ready to join the international community to assist the people of Timor-Leste in their effort to consolidate the progress made so far. We are convinced that Timor- Leste can succeed only to the extent to which the international community provides political support and much-needed resources for development.”
2009-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6205 (2009) · source
“We continue to reiterate our view that the international community must make a long-term commitment to assist the Government of Timor-Leste to achieve sustainable peace and prosperity. It is also crucial that bilateral and multilateral partners continue to assist the country to develop and strengthen its institutions and further build capacities in various sectors, in line with the country's prosperities. For their part, the leadership of Timor-Leste should continue to seize the opportunity to work with all segments of society in building national unity, reconciliation, promotion of human rights, justice and peace. I wish to conclude by paying tribute to Mr. Atul Khare for his excellent service in UNMIT and, above all, for his dedication to the people of Timor-Leste. We wish to commend the invaluable work of UNMIT under his leadership.”
2009-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6205 (2009) · source
“We support the increased efforts to strengthen the country's security and justice institutions. In this context, we note with appreciation the gradual resumption of primary policing responsibilities in some districts by the national police. We believe that the significant strides made thus far in Timor-Leste now require that its people, in partnership with the international community, must focus on the economic development of the country. Peace must be anchored in development. We therefore support the measures taken by the Timorese Government to further improve basic education and health and to enhance rural development. The bilateral and multilateral partners should align their support and programmes with the Government's development strategies and priorities.”
2009-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6205 (2009) · source
“My delegation is also encouraged that most of the country's critical challenges, such as the issue of the petitioners and internally displaced persons, have been resolved in an amicable manner, and we welcome the efforts made by the Government of Timor-Leste to address the outstanding challenges. South Africa underlines the continued importance of a holistic and comprehensive approach to the review and reform of the security sector in Timor-Leste under the full national ownership of the country. We encourage the Government of Timor-Leste to continue to intensify and enhance its efforts towards developing a national security policy. My delegation also reiterates its backing for the protection and promotion of democratic governance, human rights and justice in Timor-Leste.”
2009-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6205 (2009) · source
“South Africa welcomes the positive developments in Timor-Leste as reflected in the current report of the Secretary-General, which include progress in security, dialogue and reconciliation, as well as in amicably resolving the issues of the petitioners and internally displaced persons. My delegation supports continued efforts to foster dialogue and national reconciliation at both the national and the local levels among various stakeholders in Timor-Leste. We congratulate the Government and people of Timor-Leste on their celebration of the important milestone of the tenth anniversary of the popular referendum, as noted in paragraph 3 of the report.”
2009-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6205 (2009) · source
“Thank you very much, Mr. President, for organizing this meeting. We thank the Secretary-General for his latest report (S/2009/504) on the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT), and we are also grateful to Mr. Atul Khare, the Secretary-General's Special Representative, for his briefing today. We also welcome the personal presence and participation here of Mr. Guterres, the Deputy Prime Minister of Timor- Leste. South Africa is pleased with the progress made by Timor-Leste since the 2006 crisis. Both the people and the political leadership of Timor-Leste have risen to overcome those events, and have ultimately made many strides towards restoring normalcy and bringing sustainable peace and stability to their country. We particularly applaud the personal efforts and leadership of President Ramos-Horta.”
2009-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6205 (2009) · source
“South Africa continues to support a negotiated solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, in line with international resolutions and initiatives such as Council resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1973), 1397 (2002) and 1515 (2003), General Assembly resolution 194 (III) and the Arab Peace Initiative. We look forward to a day when the bloodshed ends and two States, Palestine and Israel, are able to coexist in peace and security, within internationally recognized borders.”
2009-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6201Resumption1 (2009) · source
“09-55901 South Africa has consistently demonstrated our unwavering support for the right of the Palestinian people to a viable State of their own. We believe that a vision of peaceful coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians, based on the creation of a Palestinian State coexisting peacefully alongside Israel on the basis of the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, is the only sustainable solution to this conflict. We remain convinced that negotiations are the only way to end the conflict and the occupation of the Palestinian and other Arab territories.”
2009-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6201Resumption1 (2009) · source
“As Justice Goldstone has said, "a culture of impunity in the region has existed for too long. The lack of accountability for war crimes and possible crimes against humanity has reached a crisis point". We therefore call upon the Security Council to discharge its Charter-mandated responsibilities with respect to this crisis, which has gone on for far too long. This year marks the sixtieth year anniversary of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). We commend UNRWA for its invaluable humanitarian and development assistance to the Palestinian refugees over the past six decades. South Africa remains committed to contributing to the UNRWA General Fund on an annual basis in recognition of the Agency's invaluable assistance to the most vulnerable Palestinians.”
2009-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6201Resumption1 (2009) · source
“However, we regret that its findings and recommendations have yet to be implemented. The South African Government has studied the report (A/HRC/12/48) of the United Nations Fact- Finding Mission on the Gaza Conflict in detail. My delegation wishes to acknowledge with appreciation the outstanding manner in which Justice Richard Goldstone and other members of the Mission discharged their mandate under difficult circumstances. South Africa unequivocally endorses the findings and recommendations contained in the report. We reiterate our full confidence in Justice Goldstone, recalling the prominent role he played in our country's transition to democracy and his work on many other international issues, including the International Criminal Tribunals for the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda.”
2009-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6201Resumption1 (2009) · source
“14 The South African Government has condemned the acts of aggression, as well as the gross and systematic violations of human rights, in the occupied Gaza Strip during the incursion by the Israeli Defense Forces there in the latter part of December and earlier this year, leading to massive loss of innocent lives and the displacement of thousands of Palestinians. In an act of disregard for its obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law and towards the international community, the Israeli Defense Forces attacked the school facilities of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East and destroyed Palestinian infrastructure. We welcomed the decision of the Secretary-General to establish and dispatch a Board of Inquiry to Gaza.”
2009-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6201Resumption1 (2009) · source
“South Africa condemns the continuing Israeli blockade of Gaza and the ongoing construction and expansion of illegal settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. The continuing construction of the separation wall and intensified home demolition programmes that we are currently witnessing in East Jerusalem constitute serious violations of international law, as definitively clarified in the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice of 9 July 2004. My delegation is also concerned about the recent Israeli provocations in East Jerusalem. These activities undermine all efforts to achieve peace between the Palestinian and Israeli peoples.”
2009-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6201Resumption1 (2009) · source
“The current situation in the Middle East should be understood in the context of the ongoing Israeli military occupation of the Palestinian territory and other Arab territories, which dates back to 1967, and the associated denial of the right to self-determination of the Palestinian people. Israel's track record of disregarding international law and the failure of the Security Council to take any meaningful action in response are the key factors contributing to the lack of progress in the peace process. It is essential to the maintenance of international peace and security that all parties fully respect and meet their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian and human rights law, and that the Security Council discharge its mandate under the United Nations Charter without selectivity or double standards.”
2009-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6201Resumption1 (2009) · source
“We wish to congratulate you and your country, Mr. President, on your assumption of the presidency of the Council this month. We welcome the opportunity to participate in this debate on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question. South Africa aligns itself with the statement delivered by the Permanent Representative of Egypt on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement. We thank Mr. Lynn Pascoe for his briefing to the Council this morning; we also wish to express our appreciation for the presence of the Palestinian Foreign Minister and to thank him for his statement.”
2009-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6201Resumption1 (2009) · source
“The international community has an obligation to ensure that the rights of women and children are protected, especially in conflict-affected areas. The equal and effective participation of women and their full involvement in decision-making and peace processes will contribute to the promotion and maintenance of peace and security. Only through the concerted efforts of all stakeholders, including the United Nations, can sexual violence against vulnerable groups be stopped.”
2009-08-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6180 (2009) · source
“South Africa supports the recommendations by the Secretary-General on the need to establish more and better data collection systems in order to enhance the understanding of various forms of sexual violence in conflict situations and their aftermath. South Africa remains deeply concerned at the plight of children caught in armed conflict. We welcomed and associated ourselves with the adoption of Security Council resolution 1882 (2009) on 4August 2009, which, in paragraph 3, requests the Secretary-General to expand the criteria of the triggers to "killing and maiming of children and/or rape and other sexual violence against children". In conclusion, South Africa remains committed to the full implementation of Security Council resolutions 1325 (2000) and 1820 (2008).”
2009-08-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6180 (2009) · source
“In that regard, urgent intervention is required that will prioritize the promotion of sound systems in the areas of transitional justice, the rule of law and reform of the judiciary so as to ensure that countries put an end to impunity and prosecute those accused of all forms of sexual violence and violence against women and children in armed conflicts. My delegation advocates the strengthening of existing mechanisms in order to make them effective and credible and the investigation of sexual violence and crime in conflict situations, including reviewing the effectiveness of programmes and prevention 30 strategies.”
2009-08-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6180 (2009) · source
“Related to that is the importance of ensuring that the institutional structures at the United Nations have the capacity to monitor implementation of resolutions 1325 (2000) and 1820 (2008). In that regard, South Africa would like to commend the establishment of the coordination group, which includes all relevant organizations and agencies, to pay special attention to those issues so that momentum is not lost. We also commend the Office of the Secretary-General for its global campaign "Unite to end violence against women". Sexual violence is deeply dehumanizing and inflicts intense mental and physical trauma; victims always find it very difficult to easily disclose their experiences. The impunity associated with sexual violence is of great concern to my delegation.”
2009-08-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6180 (2009) · source
“It further committed that the organs of the African Union, the regional economic communities and member States should use the frameworks of resolutions 1325 (2000) and 1820 (2008) to integrate their gender policies, programmes and activities on conflict resolution processes. It further calls for the creation of regional consultative platforms for information and knowledge exchange and harmonization of strategies. Consequently, it is our View that United Nations Member States should develop enhanced policies and strategies for local ownership and implementation of resolutions 1325 (2000) and 1820 (2008), with the objective of empowering women at various stages of conflict and its aftermath, as recommended in the Secretary-General's report.”
2009-08-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6180 (2009) · source
“South Africa's ratification of Southern African Development Community, African Union and international gender mainstreaming instruments is a strong indicator of our country's commitment to gender equality in general and, in particular, to gender mainstreaming in conflict prevention, resolution and management and in post-conflict reconstruction and development. Consistent with those efforts and in order to promote effective participation of women in peacekeeping, peacebuilding and security, the African Union has declared the period 2010 to 2020 as the African Women's Decade.”
2009-08-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6180 (2009) · source
“Specifically, on 9 August we celebrate the heroic contribution of women in the struggle against the oppressive laws of the apartheid regime, marked by the march by women of all races to the Union Buildings 53 years ago. Our democratic Government has made big and serious strides in advancing the cause of the development of women. Furthermore, during this Women's Month, South Africa will strengthen its partnership in the 365 Days of Activism campaign for no violence against women and children. South Africa's legislative framework gives impetus to our international commitment to gender equality and our commitment to conflict management and resolution.”
2009-08-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6180 (2009) · source
“From the beginning of a war, women and girls are besieged not only by combatants and other armed elements, but also by new societal pressures and expectations brought about by the new conflict environments. Sexual violence in conflict areas is inextricably linked to gender inequality, and it is imperative that we strongly advocate for the equal participation and full involvement of women in all efforts for the maintenance and promotion of peace and security. In South Africa, August is Women's Month. During this month, we celebrate and commemorate the role of women in the struggle for a free, non-racial and non-sexist South Africa.”
2009-08-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6180 (2009) · source
“We remain convinced that women are active agents of change and play a meaningful role in the recovery and reintegration of their families and communities. Women are central in promoting democracy, good governance and reconciliation and in building peace and development after the guns fall silent. Their participation should thus be promoted in the whole continuum of the resolution of conflicts, from early warning, mediation, peace talks and peacekeeping to post-conflict recovery and peacebuilding. The United Nations therefore should be encouraged to promote the effective participation of women in decision-making, peace talks and other processes towards the resolution of conflicts. The present reality, though, is that women and girls are the first casualties of war.”
2009-08-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6180 (2009) · source
“South Africa wishes to express its appreciation for the Secretary-General's briefing and welcomes his report, contained in document S/2009/362, on the implementation of resolution 1820 (2008). Last year, we were a sponsor of Security Council resolution 1820 (2008) because of our principled resolve resolutely to address sexual violence against women and girls in conflict-affected situations and to ensure more effective protection and assistance for survivors. This first report of the Secretary-General, which addresses widespread and systematic sexual violence in armed conflicts, provides yet another opportunity for us to assess the concrete and specific efforts made in the implementation of both resolutions 1325 (2000) and 1820 (2008) and the role of the United Nations in such efforts.”
2009-08-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6180 (2009) · source
“Those arrangements, in our view, could facilitate a smooth transition from peacekeeping to peacebuilding and might serve as a stimulus for participation in DDR and SSR in the post- conflict period. Finally, my delegation would like to reiterate its firm support for the cause of peacekeeping. We assure everyone of our cooperation in that regard. We will continue to work with others in taking concrete measures that advance global peace and stability.”
2009-08-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6178Resumption1 (2009) · source
“South Africa also feels strongly that a robust mandate in peacekeeping should at all times ensure the adequate protection of human' and humanitarian rights, the protection of women and children in armed conflict and the protection of civilians, and should act resolutely against the perpetrators of rape and other forms of sexual violence against civilians. There must also be strict adherence to the policy of zero tolerance vis-a-vis United Nations peacekeepers. In conclusion, we remain convinced that peacekeeping is not an easy task and cannot be an end in itself. It has to be a tool towards the creation of better conditions for sustainable development and good governance. We will argue for an integrated approach that incorporates peacebuilding during the start-up of a peacekeeping operation.”
2009-08-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6178Resumption1 (2009) · source
“In that regard, my delegation wishes to reiterate that peacekeeping operations must be in consonance with the principles and purposes enshrined in the United Nations Charter. The principles of the consent of parties, the non-use of force except in self-defence, a clear and robust mandate and impartiality must be faithfully adhered to. The emphasis should also be on making full use of political processes and integrated functions, instead of a military function alone. In that way, a peacekeeping mission can help to maintain long-term goals in maintaining peace and security in its task area.”
2009-08-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6178Resumption1 (2009) · source
“All our efforts have been anchored in the United Nations Charter, particularly Chapter VI, Article 33. Thus, mediation has become more important than ever before. Recognizing the challenges of multidimensional integrated peacekeeping,' South Africa supports efforts to effectively link peacekeeping with broad peacebuilding strategies. Disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) programmes, closely synchronized with the implementation of security sector reform (SSR), have become indispensable pillars of effective peacebuilding and also contribute to sustainable post-conflict reconstruction. However, we believe that the need for multidimensional peacekeeping operations should be viewed against the need for peacekeeping to focus on its core business.”
2009-08-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6178Resumption1 (2009) · source
“That would require that the United Nations re-energize its political machinery with full capacity and work hand in glove with regional and subregional organizations, focusing especially on enhancing early warning capacities. Our experience in the AU is that, with the establishment of the Peace and Security Council and the subregional initiatives mandated by the AU, we have utilized mediation to show that regional efforts are crucial to address regional conflicts. Subregional organizations, such as the Southern African Development Community, continue to deploy their mediation efforts in the resolution of conflicts in Zimbabwe and Madagascar. In that regard, regional and subregional organizations have a crucial role to play and have comparative advantage, mostly due to proximity.”
2009-08-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6178Resumption1 (2009) · source
“We hope that the report of the Secretary-General to be submitted in September will go beyond the recommendations outlined in the Prodi report and provide political space for advancing options for the financing of AU peacekeeping missions, including through assessed contributions. The Secretariat non-paper makes the important observation that peacekeeping is not always the right answer. My delegation concurs with that view and would agree that mediation and the peaceful settlement of disputes is far more cost-effective in terms of both resources and human life and should always be the first, best option to peacekeeping deployment.”
2009-08-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6178Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Through various subregional and regional efforts, including in Burundi, Cote d'Ivoire and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the AU has shown how peacekeeping operations support the political settlement of disputes. All of that has happened despite the limited resources at the Union's disposal. Clearly, for those AU efforts to work and to contribute towards robust and successful United Nations peacekeeping operations, we need to seriously consider the issue of flexible, predictable and sustainable resources. In that regard, South Africa is encouraged by the Prodi report (see S/2008/813) and its recommendations, in particular its focus on the need for a strategic relationship and stronger coordination between the AU and United Nations.”
2009-08-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6178Resumption1 (2009) · source
“In that context, we are encouraged by the ongoing partnership and cooperation between the AU and the United Nations, as recently witnessed in the cases of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur and the African Union Mission in Somalia, as well as continued cooperation between the AU Commission and United Nations Secretariat. The issue of flexible, predictable and sustainable resources for peacekeeping operations, especially as it relates to the African continent, is critical to peacekeeping. With the evolving complexity of modern peacekeeping, it is important to recognize the leading role that the African Union has played over recent years in the prevention, management and resolution of conflicts on the continent, in line with Chapter VIII of the United Nations Charter.”
2009-08-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6178Resumption1 (2009) · source
“While many of us acknowledge the importance of our collective responsibility towards effective peacekeeping, that should be guided by political will and matched by actual actions on the ground. For that reason, we encourage the general membership of the United Nations to continue to generously contribute to all peacekeeping operations, with both personnel and equipment. South Africa supports ongoing United Nations efforts to strengthen its partnership and dialogue with relevant regional organizations, such as the African Union (AU) and the European Union, in the area of peacekeeping. We believe that those partnerships should be strengthened as they provide comparative advantages.”
2009-08-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6178Resumption1 (2009) · source
“In order to achieve that, all key stakeholders, including the Security Council, troop-contributing countries and the Secretariat, must be thoroughly consulted and engaged. While the current mechanism for consultation, such as the Council's meetings with troop-contributing countries, have provided a forum for engagement, frequent and substantive interaction could prove useful. In that regard, South Africa would like to emphasize the critical contribution made by the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations, the General Assembly's Fifth Committee and other stakeholders in enhancing United Nations peacekeeping efforts. We also recognize the important work conducted by the Peacebuilding Commission in post-conflict societies. South Africa is of the View that burden-sharing is key to dealing with the complex challenges of peacekeeping.”
2009-08-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6178Resumption1 (2009) · source
“We welcome the efforts of the Secretariat to review peacekeeping operations as outlined in its non-paper "A New Partnership Agenda: Charting a New Horizon for United Nations Peacekeeping". We hope that that non-paper, alongside other existing literature such as the Brahimi report (S/2000/809) and the 2010 reform agenda, will provide a basis for engaging in a meaningful discussion on the multifaceted challenges facing peacekeeping. In that regard, we would like to limit our focus to five key issues that we believe could chart a way forward on United Nations peacekeeping if given meaningful consideration. A comprehensive, coordinated and inclusive approach to improving the effectiveness of peacekeeping during the planning, in-theatre and exit stages of such operations should be enhanced.”
2009-08-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6178Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Peacekeeping is one of the major means at the disposal of the United Nations to fulfil its mandate of maintaining international peace and security. The Charter of the United Nations clearly mandates the maintenance of international peace and security as the primary responsibility of the Organization, in particular of the Security Council. Despite some shortcomings and challenges, United Nations peacekeeping operations have played an important role in helping countries emerge from conflict, consolidate peace, maintain stability and engage in national reconstruction, especially on our continent of Africa. We hope this debate will contribute to enhancing and improving the effectiveness, efficiency and continued relevance of United Nations peacekeeping.”
2009-08-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6178Resumption1 (2009) · source
“We congratulate the United Kingdom on its assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of August and commend Uganda for having successfully steered the work of the Council during month of July. We welcome the opportunity to participate and share our views in the Council's debate on United Nations peacekeeping. South Africa aligns itself with the statement delivered by the representative of Morocco on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement. We also thank the Under- Secretaries-General Le Roy and Malcorra and General Agwai for their briefings to the Council. This debate highlights once again the urgency of meaningfully and collectively addressing the complexities of peacekeeping today.”
2009-08-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6178Resumption1 (2009) · source
“In that regard, we call on all parties to fully implement resolution 1701 (2006). In conclusion, South Africa will continue to support and contribute to all efforts aimed at achieving a lasting peace in the Middle East, based on all relevant United Nations resolutions, the terms of reference of the Madrid Conference, the principle of land for peace, the Arab Peace Initiative and the Road Map.”
2009-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6171Resumption1 (2009) · source
“For its part, South Africa continues to support a negotiated solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, in line with international resolutions and initiatives, such as Security Council resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1973), 1397 (2002) and 1515 (2003), and the Arab Peace Initiative, which calls for the establishment of a Palestinian State existing side by side in peace with the State of Israel within internationally recognized and secure borders. South Africa welcomes the holding of successful parliamentary elections in Lebanon early last month. We commend the Government of Lebanon for its continuous efforts to stabilize the country in the aftermath of Israel's aggression and violation of its territorial integrity and sovereignty. We are also concerned about the explosions that occurred on 14 July 2009.”
2009-07-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6171Resumption1 (2009) · source