YouSaid · the spoken record

Sarki

lines on the record: 258
first: 2012-09-19
most recent: 2016-04-18
sittings or episodes: 39
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

“However, it is clear that the Palestinian people will not benefit from that set of goals without a viable land to call their home and country and without a lasting peace to enjoy the fruits of their labour and industry. The Security Council must, as a matter of duty and necessity, ensure that the Palestinian people are not left behind and alienated from the stream of global peace, prosperity and the full enjoyment of liberty, freedom and human rights.”
2016-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7673Resumption1 (2016) · source
“Both sides must take concrete steps to return to negotiations on the basis of the relevant Security Council resolutions, the Quartet road map, the Madrid terms ofreference, the Arab Peace Initiative and the relevant agreements between the parties. Nigeria supports the efforts of the international community aimed at establishing an environment conducive to a return to meaningful negotiations on ending the occupation and resolving the long-running conflict. The adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (General Assembly resolution 70/ 1) serves to underscore that no one should be left behind in the legitimate expectation of the enjoyment of the right to development for all people.”
2016-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7673Resumption1 (2016) · source
“It is evident that a departure from the current crisis and a revival of the peace process are hardly achievable without ending the policy of settlement expansion in the occupied Palestinian territories. We believe that there are a number of specific actions that are necessary in order to foster mutual respect and compromise, build confidence and pave the way for the realization of the two-State solution. The international community, in particular the Security Council, has the responsibility to constructively address that issue before it is too late. In that regard, we urge Israel to take concrete steps to freeze all its settlement-related activities in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. The current stalemate in the Middle East peace process is neither ideal nor sustainable.”
2016-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7673Resumption1 (2016) · source
“We must avert a scenario where extremists dictate the political agenda, as that could provide fuel to the conflict and complicate the difficult search for peace even further. Provocations and hostile rhetoric must be avoided. The status of all the holy sites must be respected and protected against hostile actions. Nigeria takes note of the latest report issued by the Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process. We share the concern of the Special Coordinator that the viability ofa two-State solution is in danger owing to the negative trends on the ground, including the recent escalation in violence, ongoing settlement activities, demolitions, incitement and the absence of Palestinian unity.”
2016-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7673Resumption1 (2016) · source
“We welcome his recent visit to the region, during which he met with high-level officials in furtherance ofhis good- offices efforts. The surge in the violence and senseless killings in the occupied Palestinian territory, perpetrated by extremists and so well described by previous speakers, is deeply worrying. Fears have been expressed that, if the situation is not contained, there is a possibility of further escalation, with its attendant predictable consequences. The international community must therefore work in a concerted manner to avert another catastrophe in the region. We condemn the indiscriminate killings in the strongest possible terms. They are unjustifiable.”
2016-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7673Resumption1 (2016) · source
“At the outset, Nigeria aligns itself with the statements delivered by the representative of the State of Kuwait on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and by the representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran on behalf of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries. We wish to thank the Permanent Representative of Namibia for delivering a statement on behalf of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People. We also wish to thank the delegation of China for convening today's debate, which provides an opportunity for reflection on the seemingly intractable situation in the Middle East. Furthermore, we thank Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for his briefing and commend him for the moral voice that he has lent to the search for peace in the Middle East.”
2016-04-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7673Resumption1 (2016) · source
“We pay tribute to peacekeepers, humanitarian workers, non- governmental organizations and other stakeholders for their hard work, often in difficult circumstances, to ensure the safety and the security of civilians.”
2016-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7606 (2016) · source
“Attacks on humanitarian workers and their families, the seizure of humanitarian supplies and other acts that inhibit the delivery of aid and negatively impact the welfare of civilians in need are grave violations of international humanitarian law, which we condemn in the strongest terms. Nigeria shares the view that considering political solutions to conflicts in a manner that is inclusive would aid the effort to protect civilians. Nigeria urges the Council to bring its influence to bear in that regard, with a View to achieving political settlements that lead to lasting peace and thereby enhance the protection of civilians in a sustainable manner. Protecting civilians in conflict situations remains a critical challenge, not only for the United Nations but also for the entire international community.”
2016-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7606 (2016) · source
“In that regard, we will continue to take all the necessary measures as a country, in full compliance with international humanitarian law and human rights law, to protect civilians in the context of our war against the terrorist group Boko Haram. The Federal Government of Nigeria has no higher priority today than that of defeating Boko Haram and rescuing all kidnapped persons, including the Chibok girls. We are utilizing all the resources at our disposal in that effort, and we have seen positive outcomes, as the Nigerian military has rescued hundreds of civilians held hostage by Boko Haram, including women and girls. Humanitarian access to those in need is another important dimension of the protection of civilians in conflict situations.”
2016-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7606 (2016) · source
“Situations where women and girls are forced to provide for their families expose them even more to exploitation and abuse. We acknowledge the Security Council's commitment to the protection of women and girls in conflict and post- conflict situations, as exemplified by the adoption of resolutions 1325 (2000), 1960 (2010) and 2122 (2013). We believe that those resolutions provide suitable frameworks for the security Council to enhance the protection for women in conflict and post-conflict situations. Nigeria recognizes the primary responsibility of States to protect civilians within their national jurisdictions.”
2016-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7606 (2016) · source
“Nigeria aligns itself with the respective statements delivered by the Permanent Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran on behalf of Movement of Non-Aligned Countries and by the Permanent Observer of the African Union on behalf of the African Union. Conflict situations expose civilians to killings, kidnappings, torture, sexual exploitation, trafficking and other grave dangers. That is particularly so when non-State armed groups are involved. Their complete disregard for international law and international humanitarian law underscores the challenge they pose to the protection of civilians. It is an unfortunate reality that women and girls suffer the most in conflict situations. They face sexual violence, sexual enslavement, trafficking and other forms of exploitation and degradation.”
2016-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7606 (2016) · source
“Nigeria congratulates you, Sir, on the commencement of your country's two-year term on the Security Council and on your assumption of the presidency of the Council. We also congratulate Egypt, Japan, Senegal and Ukraine on their membership of the Security Council. My delegation also thanks you, Mr. President, for convening this important debate on the protection of civilians in armed conflict, as well as for the excellent concept note (S/2016/22) that your delegation has provided to guide our deliberations. Our appreciation also goes to Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson, the Vice-President of the International Committee ofthe Red Cross, Ms. Beerli, and the Senior Humanitarian Policy Advisor ofOxfam, Ms. Rooijmans, for their briefings.”
2016-01-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7606 (2016) · source
“His recent announcement of the Sudanese Government's commitment to extending the cessation of hostilities to a permanent ceasefire if the armed groups lay down their arms and join the national dialogue is a clear demonstration of the President's commitment in that regard. We encourage the armed groups to stop fighting and work with the Government of the Sudan, the African Union and the international community to end the conflict in the region.”
2015-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7582 (2015) · source
“We are aware of the efforts of the Government of the Sudan to contain the effects of fighting between different ethnic groups. We believe that more needs to be done to address the root causes of the tensions, and by so doing facilitate permanent reconciliation among the communities. There can be no military solution to the conflict in Darfur. The path to lasting peace, stability and security in the region lies in dialogue and negotiation. The Doha Document for Peace in Darfur provides a viable framework for achieving this. We welcome the efforts of His Excellency President Omar Hassan Al-Bashir to seek a political solution to the conflict.”
2015-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7582 (2015) · source
“Humanitarian workers and peacekeepers continue to face great challenges in the course of their work in Darfur. Abductions and attacks are complicating what is already a difficult operating environment. We deplore all hostile acts against peacekeepers and humanitarian workers. Some of those acts have, unfortunately, resulted in loss of life. We offer our deepest condolences to the families of peacekeepers and humanitarian workers who have lost their lives in Darfur. We look forward to seeing a determination as to whether these hostile acts constitute crimes under the Rome Statute. The impact of intercommunal clashes on the lives of the civilian population in Darfur is a matter of concern to us. The fact that these clashes accounted for half of the 760 deaths in the reporting period underscores the urgent need for measures to prevent them.”
2015-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7582 (2015) · source
“First of all, I welcome Ms. Fatou Bensouda, Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), and thank her for her briefing. Nigeria takes due note of the twenty-second report of the Prosecutor, pursuant to resolution 1593 (2005), and the judicial activities undertaken by the Court and the Office of the Prosecutor over the past six months. According to the report, the Office of the Prosecutor is currently monitoring several trends in Darfur that could constitute crimes under the Rome Statute. Those include alleged sexual crimes. We are appalled by the widespread nature of the sexual crimes outlined in the report. We condemn in the strongest terms all forms of sexual violence against women and girls, including underage girls. It is important that the perpetrators be identified and brought to justice.”
2015-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7582 (2015) · source
“Nigeria will therefore continue to encourage the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to maintain, and indeed strengthen, its engagement with the Human Rights Council and the treaty bodies, with a view to promoting and protecting the rights of its citizens.”
2015-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7575 (2015) · source
“The issue of human rights must also not be linked to the issue of the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons and the testing of missiles. In the framework of one of its three main pillars, the United Nations has established appropriate mechanisms for promoting and protecting human rights throughout the world. Those mechanisms, which include the Human Rights Council, special procedures, the Universal Periodic Review and treaty bodies, have been shown to be relevant in dealing with human rights issues, as they concern all United Nations States Members. We note that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea participated in the first and second cycles of the Universal Periodic Review. We also note that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea has ratified several key international human rights treaties.”
2015-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7575 (2015) · source
“I also thank Under-Secretary- General Jeffrey Feltman and United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein for their presence. Nigeria attaches great importance to respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms everywhere. We consider it an obligation for States to promote and protect the rights of their citizens. Human rights are essential in ensuring that all human beings live in dignity. We agree with the Under-Secretary-General that there are different perspectives on the issue of human rights and international peace and security. We believe that independent and sovereign States must be engaged with on all matters, including human rights, on the basis of mutual respect and constructive dialogue.”
2015-12-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7575 (2015) · source
“With the Mission's focus on institutional reform, as well as the right to truth, justice and reparations, we are hopeful that reconciliation among the different communities in Kosovo will be attained and sustained.”
2015-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7563 (2015) · source
“The confidence-building projects initiated by UNMIK have been appropriately designed to achieve that objective. They are facilitating dialogue - not only between faiths, but also between cultures - and, in our View, are already yielding positive results. We encourage further reconciliatory efforts in the overall interest of peace and stability. With regard to the issue of missing persons, we are concerned that the non-appointment of the Chair of the Pristina delegation is hampering the work of the Belgrade-Pristina Working Group on Missing Persons. As 1,670 persons are still listed as missing as a result of the Kosovo conflict, it is important that that post be filled without further delay. Finally, we wish to note that the role of UNMIK remains vital to the promotion of security and stability in Kosovo.”
2015-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7563 (2015) · source
“The territorial delineation agreement as related to promoting regional cooperation between Kosovo and Montenegro remains a contentious issue among some factions of the Parliament. We urge all those concerned to express their disagreements in an orderly, constructive and democratic manner. The five-year strategy for the prevention of violent extremism and radicalization is a laudable step in the fight against terrorism. The law prohibiting individuals from joining armed conflicts outside Kosovo is crucial to addressing the threat of potential foreign terrorist fighters. We commend the authorities of Kosovo for their commitment to combating all forms of extremism. Reconciliation remains crucial to strengthening cohesion and laying the foundation for peace and progress in Kosovo.”
2015-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7563 (2015) · source
“Nigeria takes positive note of the continued progress in technical talks between the parties, within the framework of the 19 April 2013 First Agreement on Principles Governing the Normalization of Relations between Belgrade and Pristina. We encourage both sides to utilize that crucial bilateral platform to address and resolve all outstanding issues related to the Agreement. We welcome the adoption of the legislation on the establishment of the specialist court. It is a positive development in the administration of justice in Kosovo. Deliberate efforts should be made to support the activities of the court in the quest for justice and accountability. We are concerned, however, by the recent violent actions by opposition groups that have disrupted parliamentary action on the autonomy of the Serb- dominated areas of Kosovo.”
2015-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7563 (2015) · source
“First of all, we would like to thank His Excellency Mr. Zahir Tanin, Special Representative of the Secretary-General, for his briefing on recent developments in Kosovo. We congratulate him on his appointment as Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) and assure him of our full support. We are confident that he will bring his wealth of experience as former Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Afghanistan to the United Nations to bear in the performance of his duties. We also thank His Excellency Mr. Ivica Daeic', First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, and Ms. Vlora Citaku for their statements.”
2015-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7563 (2015) · source
“To conclude, we would like to conclude by thanking you, Mr. President, and your delegation for the astute manner in which you have presided over the Council this month. We extend our best wishes to the delegation of Jordan, the incoming presidency, and assure it of our support and cooperation during that country's presidency of the Council in the month of April.”
2015-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7422 (2015) · source
“Resolution 2213 (2015) underlines the importance of the principle of national ownership in seeking a solution to the conflict in Libya. It rightly identifies a national unity Government and an agreement on interim security arrangements as necessary for the stabilization of the country. Resolution 2214 (2015) is an indication of the Security Council's determination to address the issue of terrorism in Libya, which has become more urgent with the expansion of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant to Libya. The presence and activities of terrorists in Libya represent a grave threat to international peace and security, particularly in the Sahel region, where Al-Qaida and other terrorist groups are already active. There is clearly an urgent need to address that situation in a holistic manner.”
2015-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7422 (2015) · source
“Resolution 2211 (2015), on the Democratic Republic of the Congo, extended the mandate of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), including its Force Intervention Brigade, for an additional year, while resolution 2212 (2015) authorized an increase in military, police and corrections personnel for the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA). Both resolutions demonstrated the Council's firm commitment to stabilizing the two countries. We have acknowledged the critical role of MONUSCO in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and of MINUSCA in the Central African Republic, and we pay tribute to the leadership and staff of both missions for the effort they are putting into the achievement of their mandates.”
2015-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7422 (2015) · source
“The debates on Afghanistan and Haiti allowed the Council to assess the situation in those countries. Nigeria is pleased to note the progress they have made politically, economically and socially. It is important that efforts be made to consolidate the gains recorded to date in those two countries. We are aware that challenges remain, and that international support will be vital in meeting them. We therefore urge donors and development partners to continue to support those two countries. During the past month, the Council adopted resolutions on the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Central African Republic and Libya.”
2015-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7422 (2015) · source
“In Addis Ababa, the Council held its annual consultative meeting with the African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council. The consultations covered a wide range of issues, including the enhancement of the collaboration between the African Union Peace and Security Council and the Security Council on conflict prevention in Africa. We are pleased that the AU Peace and Security Council and the Security Council partnership has facilitated effective exchange of information and analysis on conflict prevention. This has allowed for improved coordination and better understanding of their respective roles in managing peace processes. We commend you, Sir, for your joint leadership of the AU Peace and Security Council and the Security Council meeting at the AU headquarters.”
2015-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7422 (2015) · source
“Before going into those, I would like to commend your delegation, Sir, for inviting your Foreign Minister all the way from Paris, disengaging him from his very busy schedule, to attend the crucial meeting on the situation of minorities in the Middle East (see S/PV.7419). We also think other members whose ministers attended that meeting. First, the briefing on cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations (see S/PV.7402) underscored the important role of the European Union as a key partner of the United Nations and various regional organizations in the maintenance of international peace and security. We see that partnership is exemplary and encourage both sides to continue to strengthen it. The Security Council mission to Central African Republic, Ethiopia and Burundi was very significant.”
2015-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7422 (2015) · source
“Steady hands and a cool head; these are two requirements of a captain navigating a ship in turbulent waters. During the past month, you, Sir, have exhibited in both characteristics of a competent, experienced and knowledgeable captain. You have steered the ship of the Council over the past month with steady hands and a very cool head. My delegation therefore wishes to thank you enormously for your efforts and your leadership. We also thank you for having organized today's wrap-up session, which provides us with an opportunity to assess the work of the Council in the month of March. There can be no doubt that it has been a very busy month, during which the Council addressed a wide range of issues.”
2015-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7422 (2015) · source
“The 1999 Constitution of Nigeria recognizes and accommodates our diversity as a nation along ethnic and religious lines. The Constitution provides an inclusive framework in which every citizen is guaranteed the enjoyment of full freedom and liberty as a right. Nigeria stands shoulder to shoulder with your country, Mr. President, and with the rest of the international community in the fight against terrorism, violent extremism and other forms of negative and destabilizing influences.”
2015-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7419 (2015) · source
“It has caused massive destruction of social fabrics and displaced large numbers of people, including ethnic and religious minorities, from their homes, thereby triggering avoidable humanitarian disasters. The atrocities of ISIS underscore the urgent need for the international community to scale up the fight against terrorism, violent extremism and other forms of intolerance and xenophobia. A strong and clear message needs to be sent to all terrorist organizations acting with utter impunity and callous disregard for life and property. The international community, led by the Council, must also show resolve in fighting the forces of unscrupulous violence and destabilization, and support all affected populations through the immediate delivery of humanitarian and other forms of assistance.”
2015-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7419 (2015) · source
“Nigeria has always espoused tolerance, mutual respect and understanding as the glue that binds together multiethnic, multi-religious and multicultural societies. Where this is lacking, problems are bound to occur. Ethnic and religious minorities form part of the social fabric of the Middle East. They belong to the region and have lived there for millenia. They have the right to continue to live in their communities without let or hindrance, in peace, safety and dignity. The right to maintain their religious identities and ways of life is inalienable. The atrocities committed by ISIS are unprecedented. It haskilledandenslavedinnocentpeopleindiscriminately, often with minorities being deliberately targeted. It has destroyed valued religious and cultural structures and symbols.”
2015-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7419 (2015) · source
“We therefore welcome the Secretary-General's announced initiative to address the issue of violent extremism. We also thank France for its leadership and commend Spain for the proposals that it has put forward. Nigeria hopes to contribute further to this initiative. We have put in place a soft approach to countering violent extremism in our country that we can share with other interested parties. It is a multidimensional and multifaceted framework that recognizes that counter-terrorism and countering Violent extremism must not be limited to military action alone, but should also consist of other initiatives that offer incentives to win young people away from the lure of terrorism and extremist ideology.”
2015-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7419 (2015) · source
“The effective imposition of sanctions on proliferators of weapons of mass destruction must be expeditiously considered by the Council. The Arms Trade Treaty, which has come into force, must also be universally ratified and implemented to check the further spread of this scourge. The observance of existing international human rights and international humanitarian law is a basic prerequisite for the maintenance of international peace and security and the protection of all minorities in our regions. Human rights, treaty bodies and relevant conventions of the United Nations have a role to play in that regard. We also believe that the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action offer a platform for combating discrimination, intolerance and xenophobia. The Security Council's relevant resolutions are equally critical to addressing this problem.”
2015-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7419 (2015) · source
“The general instability engendered in the region by foreign occupation, civil wars fuelled by external interference, forceful changes of Government, the delegitimization of national leaders, the imposition of sanctions and other punitive measures, the free flow of dangerous and sophisticated armaments to rebels and terrorists, the financing of anti-Government forces, prolonged occupation and injustices meted out to people and several other factors have contributed to the sorry state of affairs that we are witnessing in the Middle East today. The proliferation of small and light weapons and deadly ordnances of war must also be linked to the atrocities that are being committed by terrorists like the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIS) and other illegal armed groups in the Middle East.”
2015-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7419 (2015) · source
“Turning to the Middle East, if history is to be an accurate guide, we recall that during the centuries of Ottoman rule in the region a policy of tolerance and harmony was established by means ofthe millet system. To a large extent, the miller system accorded ethnic and religious minorities the freedom to practice their religions and to live in freedom and relative security. The harmonious system lasted until the dismemberment of the Ottoman Empire. If we are to do justice to this subject, we must look at the root causes of the phenomenon in the region.”
2015-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7419 (2015) · source
“Based on the realization that the deteriorating situation in the Middle East poses a grave threat to many communities in the region, we welcome the participation of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in this debate. We call upon his Office and the Human Rights Commission to intensify their efforts to offer protection to all endangered minorities everywhere in the world. We also hope that the scope of this debate will be extended in the future to cover the situation of all minorities everywhere, including racial minorities, such as Africans, people of African descent and indigenous peoples. The protection of religious and ethnic minorities must extend beyond the Middle East and encompass all other parts of the world.”
2015-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7419 (2015) · source
“Allow me to commend the presidency for the exemplary leadership that it has given to the Security Council during the course of this meeting and to welcome His Excellency the Foreign Minister personally to this meeting. Allow me to also welcome the Foreign Ministers of Angola and Spain, the Under Secretary of State from the United Kingdom, the Director General from Chile, Patriarch Sako, and Mrs. Dakhil from Iraq. We also welcome the participation of the Secretary-General and commend him for his leadership. For as long as we can recall, this is the first time that a religious matter has been debated in the Security Council in this manner, outside the framework of an Arria formula meeting. We welcome this initiative of the delegation of France.”
2015-03-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7419 (2015) · source
“Finally, Nigeria believes that the Council should continue to pay attention to the issue of children and armed conflict. It is a growing problem that requires a collaborative approach involving multiple stakeholders - States, international organizations, regional organizations and non-governmental organizations - in order for it to be addressed effectively. We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the protection of the rights of children in conflict situations. We are taking all the necessary measures to meet the threat caused by Boko Haram to the welfare of children. Together with our neighbours and international partners, we are winning the war against the terrorists and we are resolutely determined to bring those captured alive to justice.”
2015-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7414 (2015) · source
“We wish to take this opportunity to assure the Security Council and the entire international community that the Nigerian military remains a professional force that is conscious of its domestic and international obligations. There has never been an attempt to recruit underage children nor use them in any other capacity in the prosecution of the current war against Boko Haram. The neighbourhood watch groups were created by youth in different communities across north-eastern Nigeria to defend themselves and their neighbourhoods against the deadly attacks of Boko Haram. We would like to make it clear that membership in these groups is voluntary and without any form of assistance, inducement or coercion by the Nigerian military or security forces.”
2015-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7414 (2015) · source
“Nigeria is firmly committed to meeting its obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and its Optional Protocol on the involvement of children in armed conflicts, as well as the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child. These instruments have been incorporated into our laws at both the national and state levels. They contain extensive provisions against abusive practices against children, and we are determined to enforce them. We are aware of allegations made by certain entities about the purported enlistment and encouragement of children and young persons by Nigerian authorities to serve in neighbourhood watch groups, popularly referred to as civilianjoint task forces.”
2015-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7414 (2015) · source
“Nigeria urges both institutions to continue to strengthen their win-win collaboration on this important issue. At the subregional level, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has shown a strong commitment to promoting the well-being of children affected by conflict through its Accra Declaration on War-affected Children in West Africa, which was adopted as far back as April 2000. The Declaration commits ECOWAS member States to taking a broad range of measures to protect and rehabilitate war-affected children. In order to live up to their commitments under the Declaration, ECOWAS member States must continue to enhance their domestic competencies and capabilities in order to respond effectively in a multidisciplinary way to the varying needs and vulnerabilities of children in conflict situations.”
2015-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7414 (2015) · source
“They must also refrain from actions that impede children's access to education, including the military use ofschools in clear contravention of applicable international law and the relevant Security Council resolutions. For our part, we have launched a safe schools initiative that aims to provide a safe and secure learning environment for children all over Nigeria. As we have heard this morning, regional and subregional organizations have an important role to play in addressing the plight of children affected by armed conflict. In that regard, we welcome the growing cooperation between the United Nations and the African Union. This important partnership is anchored in the September 2013 agreement between both institutions aimed at taking measures to protect African children from the impact of armed conflict.”
2015-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7414 (2015) · source
“They can be found operating in the Sahel region, the Middle East, the Great Lakes region, Central Africa, the Horn of Africa and, regrettably, in my own country, Nigeria. It is also becoming increasingly clear that they are responsible for grave violations of human rights law and international humanitarian law. Their activities show that they indeed pose a serious threat to the well- being of children. Nigeria condemns in the strongest terms possible the mass abductions of children by non-State armed groups, including those carried by Boko Haram and the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant. We call for the immediate and unconditional release of all abducted children. We demand that parties to armed conflicts immediately cease unlawful attacks and threats of attacks against schools, students and teachers.”
2015-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7414 (2015) · source
“We also believe that holding perpetrators of crimes and violations of the rights of children responsible, wherever they may, be is an obligation incumbent upon States Members of the United Nations. Conflict situations put children at great risk, especially when non-State armed groups are involved. Children risk getting abducted, maimed and even killed, and are vulnerable in other ways as well. They face sexual abuse, recruitment as soldiers, trafficking, slavery and other atrocities committed by armed groups. This situation underscores the need for States, the United Nations, regional organizations and other stakeholders to take urgent measures to enhance the protection of children in conflict zones. It is a sad fact that armed non-State actors are active in many parts of the world today.”
2015-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7414 (2015) · source
“Junior Nzita, whom we thank for their very constructive marks, particularly with regard to the impact on the psychology and physical trauma caused by the hardship experienced by abducted children. We also listened very carefully to the statements of other representatives who have spoken before us. We thank them for the concern they have shown with respect to the plight of children in conflict areas in north-eastern Nigeria. We associate ourselves in advance with the statement to be delivered on behealf fo the African Union. As the President of the Council has noted 4 and as others have also said - the protection of children is a core human rights issue.”
2015-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7414 (2015) · source
“My delegation commends you, Mr. President, for convening this very important debate, which focuses on children as victims of non-State armed groups. We commend the Secretary-General also for his remarks and thank him for his unceasing efforts to ensure that children are given protection in situations of armed conflict. We also thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ms. Lelia Zerrougui, for her commitment to this cause. She was recently in Nigeria, where she engaged in discussions at very high levels with Government officials, both at the federal and state levels. The suggestions and advice she gave were taken into consideration very carefully and are being factored into Government policy, activities and actions. We listened very carefully to our briefers, namely, Ms. Yoka Brandt from UNICEF, Ms. Julie Bodin and Mr.”
2015-03-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7414 (2015) · source
“The ceasefire is a critical confidence-building measure, an important first step towards the implementation of the political, economic and governance aspects of the package of measures for the implementation of the Minsk agreements. In our view, the agreements represent a comprehensive framework for a political solution that will hopefully return Ukraine to a state of normalcy and peace and ensure the respect for its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.”
2015-03-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7400 (2015) · source