YouSaid · the spoken record

Sauer

lines on the record: 63
first: 2014-12-18
most recent: 2021-11-16
sittings or episodes: 11
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

“We hope that by strengthening system-wide cooperation within the United Nations system and improving our tools for early warning, we can build a true culture of prevention and deliver on the promise of the United Nations Charter to “save succeeding generations from the scourge of war”.”
2021-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8906 (2021) · source
“In his report Our Common Agenda, the Secretary- General pays special attention to enhancing conflict prevention by investing in prevention and peacebuilding and by strengthening international foresight. He also calls for better preparedness, partnerships, digital cooperation and a more participatory United Nations, to name but a few of the Secretary-General’s proposals, which can all contribute to more comprehensive and effective conflict prevention. The Nordic countries support that broad approach to peace and security, and we will do our best to help to turn these commitments into concrete actions.”
2021-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8906 (2021) · source
“We urge the Security Council to strengthen its engagement with the Peacebuilding Commission and its unique advisory role. Interaction and cooperation with Human Rights Council and the wider human rights architecture are also crucial, as human rights violations are often the first sign of an emerging conflict. The International Court of Justice contributes to the prevention and resolution of international disputes, in accordance with its mandate. The submission of a dispute to the Court should not be regarded as an unfriendly act. It is, rather, an act to fulfil the obligation of all States to settle their international disputes peacefully. We call upon States that have not yet done so to consider accepting the jurisdiction of the Court.”
2021-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8906 (2021) · source
“Effective conflict prevention is not possible without a comprehensive approach, underlining the importance of understanding the political realities of a context and including all relevant stakeholders in the process. To that end, we need the long-term commitment and cooperation of all actors regarding the development- humanitarian-peace nexus, Moreover, the protection of civilians and civilian objects should be at the centre of crisis response in order to achieve sustainable peace and reconciliation. The principal organs of the United Nations all have key roles to play in preventing conflicts and sustaining peace within their respective mandates. We encourage closer cooperation between the Security Council and the Peacebuilding Commission, as well as with the Human Rights Council and the Economic and Social Council, respectively.”
2021-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8906 (2021) · source
“Recent events have underlined the need for better preparedness, strategic foresight and, above all, enhanced cooperation and coordination to enable effective early action. As we speak about conflict prevention, the pacific settlement of disputes, namely, political, diplomatic solutions, should always be the first option. That applies to whether we are talking about active peace mediation in the event of a crisis or more long-term, structural work to address the root causes of conflicts. Inclusive political structures and processes should also be ensured, with the full and meaningful participation of women and young people. As violent conflicts become more complex, the need for integrated multisectoral approaches that link conflict prevention, human rights, protection and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development are vital.”
2021-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8906 (2021) · source
“I have the pleasure to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic countries: Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and my own country, Finland. We thank the briefers for their valuable insights, and we welcome this exchange organized by the Mexican presidency of the Security Council on preventive diplomacy and how the principal organs of the United Nations can work together to achieve that common objective. Recently, we have witnessed several outbreaks and escalations of violent conflicts. Unfortunately, responses to crises have too often been reactive and sporadic rather than preventive. Vital signs may have been missed and the driving factors behind conflicts not properly understood or maybe our foresight and analysis were not sufficiently comprehensive and inclusive.”
2021-11-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8906 (2021) · source
“The EU stresses the importance of ensuring that journalists in Israel, the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and Gaza can perform their professional duties without undue interference. Lastly, the position of the European Union on the status of the Golan Heights has not changed. In line with international law and resolutions 242 (1967) and 497 (1981), the European Union does not recognize Israeli sovereignty over the occupied Golan Heights. International law affirms very clearly that borders cannot be changed by military force.”
2019-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8517 (2019) · source
“The EU will continue to grant financial support to projects proposed by both Israeli and Palestinian NGOs to address issues relating to human rights, equality and peacebuilding, as it does for similar proposals from all over the world. While upholding its policy of clearly distinguishing between the territory of the State of Israel and the territories occupied by it since 1967, the EU rejects any attempts to isolate Israel and does not support calls for a boycott against Israel. The EU stands firm in protecting the freedom of expression, the freedom of press and the freedom of association, in line with the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.”
2019-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8517 (2019) · source
“Human rights must be respected on both sides. The EU recalls the importance of a thriving and diverse non-governmental organization (NGO) sector and broader civil society sector and the vital role that they play in open and democratic societies. We are concerned that, in the current political landscape, the efforts of those on all sides who seek to bridge the gap between Israelis and Palestinians are being undermined. The EU recalls the importance of the unhindered work of civil society organizations, in particular human rights organizations, both in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory, as they contribute to finding common ground and work towards the achievement of the two-State solution. In that regard, we urge Israel to allow Mr. Omar Shakir and Human Rights Watch to continue their human rights advocacy work unimpeded.”
2019-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8517 (2019) · source
“The European Union is concerned by the findings in the report of the United Nations Independent Commission of Inquiry (A/HRC/29/52), in particular that there are reasonable grounds to believe that the use of live ammunition by Israeli security forces against demonstrators may be unlawful. The Commission is of the opinion that the Israeli Government has consistently failed to meaningfully investigate crimes and violations committed against Palestinians. We urge the Israeli Government to carry out meaningful investigations. The EU recalls that compliance with international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law, by States and, when applicable, by non-State actors is a cornerstone for peace and security. All those responsible for non-compliance with those norms must be held accountable.”
2019-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8517 (2019) · source
“In addition, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), which supports over 5 million Palestinian refugees, is facing serious financial challenges for 2019. The majority of Gaza's population is directly dependent upon UNRWA'S food support for their basic needs. The Agency lacks sufficient funds to meet its food delivery to Gaza past June. UNRWA is key to regional stability. We would like to commend UNRWA's efforts to overcome the recent financial crisis. We firmly support UNRWA's mandate and encourage others to also demonstrate their support for its work.”
2019-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8517 (2019) · source
“The EU pays tribute to the efforts led by Egypt and the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process to avoid further escalation and attempt to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza. We welcome Israel's decision to increase part ofthe fishing zone from 12 to 15 nautical miles off Gaza's coast. We hope that decision will lead to additional steps towards the further lifting of restrictions. As the health system in Gaza continues to be under severe strain, we urge all parties to facilitate the entry of much- needed personnel and medical supplies. The lifting of restrictions on the movement of people, including to benefit those in need of medical care, services and goods - in particular many goods designated as dual-use items - is essential for reconstruction, service delivery and required infrastructure projects.”
2019-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8517 (2019) · source
“A single, legitimate and democratic Palestinian Authority, with a common national vision and full control over the whole Palestinian territory, including Gaza, is critical for fulfilling the national aspirations of the Palestinian people and achieving a viable Palestinian State. We reiterate that there is no State of Palestine without Gaza, or with Gaza alone. In that context, the EU encourages the prompt establishment of a date for the planned Palestinian elections. We continue to follow the situation in Gaza with great concern. We have repeatedly called on all parties to take swift steps to bring about a fundamental change in the humanitarian, political, security and economic situation in the Gaza Strip, including the end of the closure and the full opening of the crossing points, while addressing Israel's legitimate security concerns.”
2019-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8517 (2019) · source
“The EU wishes to express its concern regarding the recent funding crisis of the Palestinian Authority, which has been exacerbated by Israel's decision to withhold a percentage of the revenues it collects on behalf of the Palestinian Authority and the latter's subsequent refusal to accept any clearance transfers unless the full amount is reinstated. Israel must fully implement its obligations under the Paris Protocol. The EU also supports the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee for the Coordination of the International Assistance to Palestinians, which contributes to safeguarding the two-State solution, and it encourages the parties to closely coordinate with the donors. The EU reiterates its call upon all Palestinian factions to engage in good faith with a view to reconciliation.”
2019-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8517 (2019) · source
“The European Union's position on the Israeli settlement policy is clear and remains unchanged: we will continue to consider Israeli settlements and their expansion in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, as illegal under international law. The settlement policy erodes the viability of the two-State solution and the prospects for a lasting peace, as reaffirmed by resolution 2334 (2016). The EU also expects the Israeli authorities to take steps to restrain the increasing settler violence. The situation in the occupied Palestinian territory has continued to deteriorate, with no clear political horizon in view. The EU firmly condemns all acts of violence, terrorism and incitement to violence and hate, which are fundamentally incompatible with advancing a peaceful two-State solution.”
2019-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8517 (2019) · source
“It remains our first priority to keep the two- State solution alive and, to that end, to safeguard the possibility of new peace negotiations being held. We hope that both the new Palestinian Government and the future Government of Israel will share with us the importance of resuming the peace process. In order to achieve a just and lasting peace, any future plan for Israel and Palestine must recognize and build upon the internationally agreed parameters. Israeli settlement construction has continued unabated in recent months; plans for more than 4,600 new housing units were advanced by the Israeli authorities only last week.”
2019-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8517 (2019) · source
“Our position is determined on the basis of what we believe is in the best interests of peace and stability in the region, as well as our adherence to international law and the relevant Security Council resolutions. We see no viable alternative to a negotiated two- State solution that falls within the internationally agreed parameters set out in the European Council conclusions of July 2014; fulfils the legitimate aspirations of both parties, including both Israeli and Palestinian security needs and Palestinian aspirations for an independent, democratic, contiguous, sovereign and viable State of Palestine; ends the occupation that began in 1967; and resolves all final-status issues, including the status of Jerusalem as the future capital of both States.”
2019-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8517 (2019) · source
“I have the honour to speak on behalf of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom. The full written version of these remarks will be circulated in the Chamber. The situation in the Middle East continues to deserve full international attention. The European Union (EU) wishes to express its serious concern about the current trends on the ground, which threaten the viability of the two-State solution and are dismantling it piece by piece. As already recalled in recent debates, the Middle East peace process remains a key priority for the European Union. The EU's position has been consistent and remains unchanged.”
2019-04-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8517 (2019) · source
“Our development aid in the field of meteorology is the second-highest in the world. Improved capacity to produce high-quality weather and climate information will help countries to respond to the increased climate-related risks. In conclusion, the most important way to reduce climate-related risks in the future is to enhance mitigation. Ifthe Paris Agreement on Climate Change is to truly deliver, we must raise the level of our ambitions. We look forward to the Secretary-General's climate summit next September, which will be an opportunity for us to show our determination to keep the increase in global temperatures below 1.5Â°C.”
2019-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8451 (2019) · source
“We have seen encouraging examples of young people taking the lead on climate, and we should do more to support this. Climate-related disasters cause tremendous human suffering and economic loss. While enhancing mitigation remains the most important way to reduce future risks, we must also do more to respond to storms, floods and droughts today. As attested by the briefing earlier in this meeting, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has increased the global impact of the Organization. Finland commends the role of the WMO in finding solutions to climate challenges and thereby participating in the conflict-prevention efforts of the Secretary-General. Finland has stressed the importance of hydrometeorological cooperation and facilitated collaboration between the WMO and national meteorological institutes around the globe.”
2019-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8451 (2019) · source
“An average rise in temperature of only 1.5Â°C degrees is still dangerous, but 2Â°C would be devastating. Responding to the findings of the IPCC report Global Warming of ].5Â°C, I would like to inform the Council that, this morning in Helsinki, the Prime Ministers of the five Nordic countries - Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden - signed a declaration to work together towards carbon neutrality. Conflicts over natural resources, such as water, are often the root causes of armed conflict. From a conflict- prevention and mediation perspective, addressing these issues inclusively is crucial. Women are often among the first to suffer from climate change-related risks, and women's contribution to peaceful solutions is decisive. Engaging youth is equally important.”
2019-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8451 (2019) · source
“We welcome this open debate and thank the Dominican Republic for drawing our attention to this topic. We also thank the briefers for their contributions. The threat of climate change and climate-related disasters posed to international peace and security is real. Climate change affects food and water security and multiplies risks related to conflicts and forced migration. We must tackle those global challenges in an integrated manner and strengthen the bridge linking early warning, preparedness and early action. We believe that the Security Council has a role to play in addressing this question. As the current Chair of the Arctic Council, Finland has treated climate change with its implications to the Arctic region as a priority issue. The recent wake-up call from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is clear.”
2019-01-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8451 (2019) · source
“We continue to seek to improve due-process guarantees with regard to Security Council sanctions and to support efforts by the Council to enhance the fairness and transparency of its sanctions regimes. Fair and clear procedures make United Nations sanctions regimes more effective and credible. The establishment of the Office of the Ombudsperson for the Da'esh and Al-Qaida sanctions regime was a considerable achievement. It is worrisome that the post of the Ombudsperson has been vacant since August. We therefore urge the Security Council to complete the appointment procedure without delay.”
2018-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8175 (2018) · source
“Holding informal briefings for all Member States on the programme of work by the President of the Council also increases the flow of information. Open debates, informal interactive dialogues and Arria Formula meetings can be useful forums as well. Increased interaction within the Council is important. All members should be given an equal chance to participate in the work of the Council. How to further develop the concept of the penholder and co-penholder is important. In conclusion, Finland is a member of the Group of Like-Minded States on Targeted Sanctions, and was also one of the sponsors of the high-level review of United Nations sanctions.”
2018-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8175 (2018) · source
“The Hitting the Ground Running retreat has also earned its place as a central forum for informal discussions, specifically on the Council's working methods. In addition to encouraging earlier elections and introducing more informal meeting formats, important discussions on co-penholdership and elections of Chairs of subsidiary bodies have also been taken forward at the retreat. Finland stands ready to continue and further develop this well-established practice in future. We support increased interaction and cooperation between the Council and non-Council member States as well as United Nations actors, regional organizations and non-governmental organizations. We welcome inviting non-governmental organizations as briefers.”
2018-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8175 (2018) · source
“In that regard, we should build upon the work of Japan that resulted in the revised note by the President S/2017/507. The preparation of newly elected members to serve on the Council is one important aspect also considered in note 507. We believe that it is essential to support incoming members in preparing for their tenure in a comprehensive and effective manner. Finland, in close cooperation with Professor Edward Luck of Columbia University, and other partners, such as the Security Council Affairs Division of the Department of Political Affairs of the Secretariat, has for the past 15 years supported the preparation of non-permanent members to the work and practices of the Council by hosting an annual workshop.”
2018-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8175 (2018) · source
“I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for convening today's debate on the working methods of the Security Council. Finland also commends the valuable contributions of the Accountability, Coherence and Transparency group, and we align ourselves with the group's statement made earlier by the representative of Switzerland. We would also like to thank Mr. Ian Martin for his briefing and acknowledge Security Council Report as an institution that has provided significant data on the Security Council - a recent example being the report on working methods published last month. We commend the work of the Security Council Informal Working Group on Documentation and Other Procedural Questions and hope to see further progress under Kuwait's presidency of the Council.”
2018-02-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8175 (2018) · source
“Two international framework conventions - namely, the 1992 Water Convention, of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, the so-called Helsinki Convention, and the International Watercourses Convention, adopted by the General Assembly in 1997 - are now in force. Transboundary water cooperation and the related water conventions function as confidence-building mechanisms to prevent conflicts with a long-term View. In conclusion, I would like to thank the delegation of Senegal for highlighting this important aspect of conflict prevention and to assure the Council of Finland's commitment to do its share in promoting the important discussion of the interlinkages of water, peace and security.”
2016-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7818 (2016) · source
“The steering committee of the Group of Friends of Water in New York, of which Finland is a member, has been a strong advocate for the comprehensive water agenda to ensure the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 6 and all water-related targets of the 2030 Agenda. Our own experiences show that institutional arrangements such as river commissions and international water conventions, together with very concrete measures such as regulation of water flows and fish stocks, measures to reduce pollution and the monitoring of water quality can be agreed upon in a manner that benefits all parties to those agreements and arrangements. In 1966, theInternationalLaw Association adopted the Helsinki Rules on the Uses of the Waters of International Rivers.”
2016-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7818 (2016) · source
“It creates a framework for resolving disputes that centre on natural resources. As experience has shown, water can also serve as a basis and an entry point for collaboration instead of for conflict. To achieve that, it is of vital importance to prove the win-win proposition in sharing resources and negotiated solutions. Approximately 40 per cent of the world's population lives in areas that share water resources with two or more countries, but only a third of transboundary river basins are covered by proper cooperation mechanisms. It is therefore of the utmost importance that the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development includes a target to promote cooperation on transboundary waters at all levels, as appropriate. We need strong commitments to implement that target.”
2016-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7818 (2016) · source
“One of the key prevention tools is mediation. Through our co-chairmanship of the United Nations Group of Friends of Mediation, as well as in similar groups in the Organization for Security and Cooperation and in the EU, Finland has worked hard to strengthen the normative and institutional basis for mediation. We aim at equipping mediators with better skills, tools and partnerships. As part of those efforts, we supported the joint guidance note entitled Natural Resources and Conflict: A Guide For Mediation Practitioners, published by the United Nations Department of Political Affairs and the United Nations Environment Programme in February 2015. The guide translates decades of experience in natural-resources-related dispute resolution into concise and practical advice, with specific chapters on water.”
2016-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7818 (2016) · source
“Finland aligns itself with the statement of the European Union (EU). Finland welcomes the initiative to discuss the interlinkages between water, peace and security at this important forum. While conflicts have globally decreased in number, they have also become more complex in nature. The root causes of different conflicts vary, but competition over natural resources is likely to increase in the future. Demand for fresh water is expected to increase by more than 50 per cent by 2050. At the same time, climate change, together with environmental degradation, is putting more pressure on the availability of natural resources - especially water. The growing interest in resources is a potential driver for conflict, and the Security Council, together with the Secretary- General, should assume its responsibility in terms of preventive response.”
2016-11-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7818 (2016) · source
“Effective and impartial institutions and judicial and security sectors are essential for peacebuilding. We must do more to create responsive institutions based on the rule of law. To conclude, I want to reiterate the commitment of the Nordic countries to the review of the peacebuilding architecture. The Security Council can count on us to be engaged also in the next phase as we move towards the actual implementation of the reforms.”
2016-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7629 (2016) · source
“Fourthly, the genuine participation of women in all aspects of peacemaking and peacebuilding is an indispensable foundation for solid peace and sustainable development. Women's participation is crucial to the success of economic recovery, political legitimacy and social cohesion. Women bring to the table questions and concerns that are important to the entire population. Promoting gender equality and women's empowerment is an investment in the stability of societies and the prevention of conflict. Finally, I would like to highlight the critical importance of strengthening the rule of law in countries emerging from conflict in order to help stabilize the situation, end impunity, tackle the underlying causes of conflict and build lasting peace.”
2016-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7629 (2016) · source
“Another common message stemming from the peace and security reviews is the need for a more people-centred approach. This leads to my third point: inclusiveness. Inclusive national ownership is crucial to a successful peacebuilding process. The participation of local communities and civil society, including women and youth organizations, in peace and reconciliation processes must be given higher priority. The potential of youth as agents of positive change must be recognized, and we welcome Security Council resolution 2250 (2015), on youth, peace and security, adopted last December. The responsibility and accountability to ensure this widest possible inclusion remains with every individual country.”
2016-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7629 (2016) · source
“There is also a need for a coordinated planning process of peacekeeping and peacebuilding activities, in order to ensure a smooth transition from peacekeeping operations to longer-term development. Secondly, the message from all recent United Nations reviews and processes is clear. We must once and for all put prevention of conflict at the centre and guarantee adequate resources for preventive action; otherwise, we will continue aiming our resources at curing symptoms. In the long run, prevention not only saves money, but, most importantly, it saves human lives and alleviates suffering. Peacebuilding not only prevents countries from relapsing into conflict but also from lapsing into conflict in the first place. Peacebuilding is an inherently political process, and, as such, an important answer to the call for the primacy of politics.”
2016-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7629 (2016) · source
“Allow me to highlight five aspects to which the Nordic countries pay particular attention: integration, prevention, inclusiveness, gender equality and institutions. First, we need a more effective and integrated United Nations system. This means breaking the silos and bringing the three pillars of the United Nations system together. Cooperation must be seamless. Peacebuilding is inherently about linking security and development better together. Only through this comprehensive approach can we truly address the root causes behind fragility and conflict, while subsequently also enhancing the effectiveness of our work with our partner countries. Political analytical capabilities should be enhanced and our analysis of conflict drivers improved.”
2016-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7629 (2016) · source
“I align myself with the statement made earlier by the observer of the European Union. I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic countries: Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and my own country, Finland. In today's world, conflicts are not only increasingly present, but also more complex. The need for rapid, flexible and preventive peacebuilding work is greater than ever. We must therefore ensure that the tools at our disposal are sharp and fit for purpose. We have a collective responsibility to make the whole United Nations system deliver better - before, during and after violent conflicts. The review of the peacebuilding architecture provides us with an excellent opportunity to move this agenda forward.”
2016-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7629 (2016) · source
“Finland is supporting through participation in NATO- and European Union-led crisis management by providing significant amounts of humanitarian assistance and development aid, as well as cooperation in trade and diplomacy. We recognize that long-term and comprehensive international engagement is essential. In order to strengthen stability and economic development in Afghanistan and its neighbouring countries, we wish also to express our support for regional cooperation via the Istanbul Process. It remains difficult to make a precise estimate of the mid-term outlook for the development of Afghan society. The most likely path includes gradual progress with occasional setbacks. What ultimately counts is the unity and commitment of the Afghan leadership and its ability to pursue the most urgent reform measures.”
2015-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7591 (2015) · source
“Civilians, women and children in particular, always pay the highest price in conflicts. We should therefore also give women a voice in designing the peace. We see women's equal and active participation in peace processes as crucial, and we sould like to commend the Government of Afghanistan for its launch of the National Action Plan for Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000) on women and peace and security last June. We look forward to the Plan's full and swift implementation. Finland welcomes continued Afghan efforts in the fields of improving governance, anti-corruption and the rule of law. We encourage the Afghan Government to live up to the commitments in the Self-Reliance through Mutual Accountability Framework, presented recently by President Ashraf Ghani.”
2015-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7591 (2015) · source
“I wish to align myself with the statement made earlier by the observer of the European Union. At the outset, let me thank the Special Representative Nick Haysom for his briefing, and the Secretary- General for his comprehensive and realistic analysis of the situation in Afghanistan. The situation in Afghanistan remains very fragile. While security is key to stability, it is only one of many challenges that need urgently to be addressed. Economic opportunity and social development are equally important elements of sustainable stability. Job creation is of particular importance. Encouraging the participation of women in creating conditions for security and development should be one of the primary measures in building a stable and just society in Afghanistan.”
2015-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7591 (2015) · source
“As an example of this cooperation, Finland has supported Afghanistan in the preparation of its recently launched national action plan, and we stand ready to support the implementation process as well. The implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) is our collective responsibility. Only effective implementation at the international, regional and national levels will lead to sustainable peace and the empowerment of women.”
2015-10-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7533 (2015) · source
“Today's meeting is important for keeping up the momentum, strengthening our commitment and pressing for more results. The support for UN-Women needs to be increased in order for it to fulfil its leadership role in the promotion and implementation of the women and peace and security agenda. As one of UN-Women's top donors, Finland remains committed to supporting this goal. We need to allocate more funds to the women and peace and security agenda. Accordingly, I would like to note that 52 per cent of funding by Finland to fragile States is directed to activities with a gender focus. Finland is continuing partnership cooperation on national action plan processes.”
2015-10-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7533 (2015) · source
“A coordinated and integrated approach, with the leadership and empowerment of women, are needed for countering extremism. Sexual violence and abductions of women and girls are used as a weapon of war and a tactic of terror. The critical need to address sexual violence in conflict and to step up efforts to eliminate impunity has been forcefully recognized across the world. Finland has been a staunch financial supporter in this area and will continue to be one. We have provided multi-year financial support to the International Criminal Court Trust Fund for Victims. Finland has also contributed financially to the Justice Rapid Response initiative, the United Nations Team of Experts on the Rule of Law and Sexual Violence in Conflict, and the Coalition for the International Criminal Court.”
2015-10-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7533 (2015) · source
“Our training institutes for military and civilian peace operations personnel have adopted resolution 1325 (2000) as part of their training curriculum. Finland commits to continuing to provide gender training for all Finnish personnel deployed to peace operations. I would like to stress the importance of abiding by the Secretary-General's zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse by mission personnel. We must take more robust measures in tackling these cases in order to make the zero-tolerance policy into a zero-case reality. We have committed ourselves to investigating and punishing all cases. The implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) is facing new challenges, such as violent extremism, which has a dramatic impact on women and girls.”
2015-10-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7533 (2015) · source
“It is undisputed that increasing the number of women in peacekeeping operations enhances the effectiveness and operational capacity of these operations. Strengthening the gender architecture of peace operations, both in the field and at headquarters, is crucial. Finland will continue deploying women to peacekeeping operations as military experts in numbers at least equivalent to the proportion of women in our national defence forces. We also aim to increase the number of Finnish female police officers seconded to United Nations peacekeeping operations. As a new commitment, we stand ready to deploy a specialized unit of 3-4 female police officers to the United Nations by the end of 2016. Gender training of peacekeeping staff, including senior management, is crucial for the effective mainstreaming of the gender perspective.”
2015-10-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7533 (2015) · source
“Finland is currently implementing its second national action plan. Next year we start the preparations for the third national action plan, taking into account the recommendations of the global study and the high-level review. We welcome the fact that the United Nations reviews - the global study and the reviews of peace operations and the peacebuilding architecture - bring conflict prevention and mediation to the fore and stress the importance of the participation and leadership of women. Finland continues to promote conflict prevention and the role of mediation, and strives to effectively and meaningfully involve women in peace and mediation processes. Finland is committed to a joint Nordic initiative called Nordic Women Mediator's Network, to be established this year.”
2015-10-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7533 (2015) · source
“I wish to align myself with the statement made by the observer of the European Union. I thank you, Mr. President, for convening this important meeting to mark the fifteenth anniversary of resolution 1325 (2000) on women and peace and security. I also welcome the newly adopted resolution 2242 (2015), which Finland is proud to co-sponsor. We congratulate UN-Women for its leadership, and Ms. Radhika Coomaraswamy and the high-level advisory group for the comprehensive global study to be officially launched tomorrow. I would like to highlight some of our priorities and how we will strengthen our commitment. Finland has been a dedicated supporter of the women and peace and security agenda. This is reflected in the new Government programme setting out the implementation of 1325 (2000) as a priority.”
2015-10-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7533 (2015) · source
“The event also coincides with the fiftieth anniversary of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. I believe that we all share great respect for all those journalists who risk their lives in order to report on the injustices of our world. We owe it to them to provide the protection they need to carry out their work.”
2015-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7450Resumption1 (2015) · source
“The idea of the platform is to offer a transparent early warning mechanism and provide information for the use of Council of Europe bodies. Finland strongly believes that all human rights also apply online. Respect for human rights and international law is also crucial to all activities in cyberspace. Finland supports openness and transparency online and equal access to the Internet. For journalists these are an imperative. The Internet provides an important means for enhancing the participation of civil society, including human rights defenders and non- governmental organizations. In May 2016, Finland will be proud to host the main event of the UNESCO World Press Freedom Day, with a focus on the freedom of information and tackling questions related, inter alia, to freedom online and the issue of impunity.”
2015-05-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7450Resumption1 (2015) · source