YouSaid · the spoken record

Secretary-General

lines on the record: 2,998
first: 1995-09-26
most recent: 2021-05-16
sittings or episodes: 363
sources: un-security-council

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“The Secretariat is working to support the Council in this by providing better analysis of threats and better advice and recommendations on the most effective course of action, depending on the context. As I told the General Assembly yesterday, we are reviewing our administrative and logistical procedures to see how we can best support peace operations, and looking at policies to make us more flexible and responsive. The Secretariat is also doing its utmost to support missions through a renewed focus on performance and accountability. We will continue our efforts to prevent and address abuses committed by peacekeepers. Working with troop and police contributors, we are generating peacekeeping forces and police in a way that matches capabilities with requirements.”
2016-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7711 (2016) · source
“The political engagement of civilian staff and their dialogue with the parties to conflict-affected communities and with partners is essential. Civilian staff also monitor and investigate abuses - which is the only basis for accountability. Likewise, United Nations police make an important contribution. United Nations police are currently protecting tens of thousands of internally displaced people at peacekeeping mission bases in South Sudan. I urge the Security Council to give precedence to political strategy and whole-of-mission approaches when it considers mandates to protect civilians. Those can be even more critical than military assets and troop numbers.”
2016-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7711 (2016) · source
“These reports, reviews and events all stressed the political, legal, moral and operational imperative of protecting civilians and the primary responsibility of national authorities. They underscored the modest but vital role that United Nations peace operations can play in protecting civilians, and they stressed the need for a concerted effort by the Council, Member States and the Secretariat to further strengthen this contribution. Protecting civilians is an overarching responsibility, involving all the critical functions of the United Nations: human rights, humanitarian, political and peacekeeping. In the same way, peacekeeping operations are most effective in protecting civilians when protection is considered a mission-wide activity, driven by a sound political strategy.”
2016-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7711 (2016) · source
“I thank you, Sir, for this opportunity to address this important subject. (spoke in English) This is the right moment to address the contributions of United Nations peace operations to the protection of civilians. My latest report on the protection of civilians in armed conflict (S/2016/447) underlines the urgent need for concrete measures and makes recommendations to that end. Enhancing the protection of civilians was a key focus of the World Humanitarian Summit and the Agenda for Humanity (A/70/709, annex). It was one of the dominant themes to emerge from the recent reviews of peace operations, the peacebuilding architecture, and the women, peace and security framework.”
2016-06-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7711 (2016) · source
“I call for the immediate release of all those taken captive, and for care and support for those who return, who can suffer from social isolation and depression. Women and girls with children may need special medical and psychosocial support, which must extend to the children themselves, who can suffer complete rejection. The shame and social stigma faced by those women and children should be redirected towards the brutal perpetrators of violence. We must continue to speak up for the women, girls, men and boys whose bodies for too long have been considered the spoils of war. I look forward to a strong and unified response from the Council to the concerns raised in my report.”
2016-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7704 (2016) · source
“My latest annual report (S/2016/36l) covers 19 situations of concern and lists dozens of parties that systematically commit such crimes. One extremely disturbing aspect is the use of sexual violence as a tactic of terrorism. Da'esh, Boko Haram and other extremist groups are using sexual violence as a means of attracting and retaining fighters, and to generate revenue. It is estimated that the Yazidi community gave Da'esh up to $45 million in ransom payments in 2014 alone. Abducted women, men, girls and boys suffer the most terrible trauma through brutal physical and sexual assault, child and forced marriages and sexual slavery on a massive scale. The abduction of more than 200 girls from Chibok, Nigeria, more than two years ago, is one of the most horrific examples of the use of sexual violence as a tactic of terrorism.”
2016-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7704 (2016) · source
“Today, we and our partners are supporting thousands of survivors whom we were not reaching a decade ago, with practical measures ranging from reporting hotlines to community-based care. Those policies not only help survivors, they enable societies to begin their own recovery. Internationaljurisprudence has also been developed around sexual violence in conflict, leading to landmark cases against political and military leaders. The recent conviction of Jean-Pierre Bemba Gombo by the International Criminal Court was the latest sign that the era of impunity for sexual violence as a tool of war is over. The past decade has shown that progress is possible, even in the most difficult and intractable situations. However, we still face serious challenges.”
2016-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7704 (2016) · source
“I launched my UNiTE Campaign to End Violence against Women and created the post of Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict. Through the work of my Special Representative, the United Nations has agreed frameworks of cooperation and joint communiques with Governments and regional bodies. The deployment of women protection advisers to peacekeeping and political missions has strengthened the monitoring, analysis and reporting of conflict-related sexual violence and engagement with parties to conflict, which are vital steps towards accountability. The United Nations will continue our own efforts to ensure that peacekeepers uphold the highest standards of integrity towards the people they serve.”
2016-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7704 (2016) · source
“It is rightly seen as a threat to international peace and security, a serious violation of international humanitarian law and human rights law and a major impediment to post-conflict reconciliation and economic development. The Council has played a significant role in ushering in this change, in particular through several landmark resolutions that confirm sexual violence as a war crime, a crime against humanity and a constituent act of genocide. The designation of 19 June as the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict is a further sign of heightened engagement and commitment. Over the past decade, I have sought to do whatever I could to end sexual violence in conflict and to uphold the rights of women and girls everywhere.”
2016-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7704 (2016) · source
“It is a pleasure for me to join the Security Council today for this debate on sexual violence in conflict. All over the world, we are witnessing an appalling number of acts of sexual violence in wartime. No region can escape this scourge, which continues to plague women, girls, boys and men. However, an unprecedented political momentum has made it possible to make clear progress in the fight against such crimes. The international community has finally broken the silence and taboo surrounding the issue. (Spoke in English) Sexual violence is widely recognized as a deliberate strategy used to shred the fabric of society, to control and intimidate communities and to force people from their homes.”
2016-06-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7704 (2016) · source
“We need the full engagement and commitment of all partners, Governments and non-governmental organizations. We can strengthen humanitarian response and fulfil that duty to the world's most vulnerable only by working together. The success of the Summit is in your hands. Finally, I appeal to Member States to work with greater intensity to find political solutions to end bloodshed and suffering. As the skies over Aleppo and other parts of Syria continue to be filled with barrel bombs and artillery fire, we must all work relentlessly to rescue the cessation of hostilities. That is crucial for saving lives and for the credibility of the political process and, indeed, once again, that of the Council.”
2016-05-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7685 (2016) · source
“Affirming our common humanity will be a key theme at the World Humanitarian Summit to be held in Istanbul on 23 and 24 May, and it serves to highlight the importance and timeliness of that first-of-its- kind event. I encourage Member States to seize the opportunity of the Summit to take concrete action to uphold the norms that safeguard humankind. Our world confronts disasters of staggering size and complexity. One hundred and twenty-five million people need humanitarian assistance, and at least 60 million people have been forced to flee their homes or countries. The World Humanitarian Summit is the moment to come together to renew our commitment to preventing and ending crisis and to show that we are steadfast in reducing suffering and vulnerability.”
2016-05-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7685 (2016) · source
“Every day, civilians are deliberately or indiscriminately killed or injured. Densely populated towns and cities are pummelled by air strikes and heavy shelling. Millions of people have fled their homes into perilous and uncertain futures. Impunity compounds the crime. Last October, President Peter Maurer of the International Committee of the Red Cross and I issued a joint statement calling on States to take urgent action to uphold international law and address human suffering. I repeat that call in the Chamber today. Even wars have rules; it is time to uphold and enforce them. No Government should stand by and watch the erosion of safeguards for the protection of civilians in conflict. The international community must never become numb to flagrant abuses.”
2016-05-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7685 (2016) · source
“The resolution that the Council has just adopted demonstrates the Council's determination to strengthen the protection of health care in armed conflict. For the sake of humanity, I urge all Member States, parties to conflict and other relevant actors to heed the Council's demands, facilitate humanitarian access, develop domestic legal frameworks that protect health facilities and medical workers, train armed forces so that they understand their obligations, and prosecute those responsible for such attacks and other violations. The growing insecurity of medical services is part of a broader trend of blatant disregard for international law in armed conflict. Across the world, parties to conflict are disregarding the most basic rules of international humanitarian law and human rights law.”
2016-05-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7685 (2016) · source
“Intentional and direct attacks on hospitals are war crimes. Denying people access to essential health care is a serious violation of international humanitarian law. All State and non-State parties to conflict are bound by a strict obligation to respect and protect medical personnel, facilities and vehicles, as well as the wounded and sick. Parties to conflict must allow and facilitate the rapid and unimpeded passage of impartial humanitarian relief, including medical missions. These obligations are at the very heart of international humanitarian law. The Council and all Member States must do more than condemn such attacks. They must use every ounce of influence to press parties to respect their obligations. They must press for perpetrators to be held fully accountable.”
2016-05-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7685 (2016) · source
“When so-called surgical strikes end up hitting surgical wards, something is deeply wrong. Explanations ring hollow to parents burying their children and communities pushed closer to collapse. All too often, there is no respect for the sick and no sanctity for those who provide care. All too often, attacks on health facilities and medical workers are notjust isolated or incidental battlefield fallout, but rather the intended objective of the combatants. This is shameful and inexcusable. In Syria, Government forces systematically remove medical supplies from humanitarian convoys. In Syria and elsewhere, Governments impose cumbersome procedures that restrict access to health care. This is strangulation by red tape. It is violence by bureaucratic means rather than force of arms, but it is just as devastating. Let us be clear.”
2016-05-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7685 (2016) · source
“More than 600 medical facilities have closed because of damage sustained in the conflict and shortages of supplies and medical workers. Last year, the United Nations verified 59 attacks against 34 hospitals. In January this year, coalition air strikes hit the Shiara hospital, which serves around 120,000 people in Sa'dah governorate. Following the attack, pregnant women were reportedly forced to give birth in caves rather than risk travelling to the hospital. And last October in Kunduz, Afghanistan, a bombing by United States military destroyed another MSF hospital and killed dozens as patients were burned alive in their beds. These patterns are repeated in other conflicts, including in Iraq and South Sudan, where violence against health care is multiplying the difficulties of already fragile health systems. Such attacks must end.”
2016-05-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7685 (2016) · source
“He was reacting to an air strike, by all accounts by the Government of Syria, that destroyed a hospital, killing at least 20 people, including three children and the area's one and only pediatrician, Dr. Mohammed Wassim Maas. Yet this appalling act was only the latest wartime assault on health care in Syria. Since the beginning of the conflict, Physicians for Human Rights has documented more than 360 attacks on some 250 medical facilities. More than 730 medical personnel have been killed. Today, almost half of all medical facilities in Syria are closed or only partially functioning. Millions of Syrians lack life-saving health care. A similarly pattern of systematic destruction of health facilities is evident in Yemen.”
2016-05-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7685 (2016) · source
“Let me begin by welcoming the presence of Mr. Peter Maurer, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and Ms. Joanne Liu, International President of Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF). The ICRC and MSF are our good partners, playing unique and vital roles in conflict and disaster areas. Through their leaders here today, I want to thank and commend all of their personnel for their professionalism and dedication in serving people in danger and distress across the world. Last week, MSF's head of mission in Aleppo underscored the urgency and importance of efforts such as resolution 2286 (2016), which has been adopted today. "No corner is being spared", he said. And he added: "Aleppo is already a shell of what it once was; this most recent assault appears determined to eliminate even that".”
2016-05-03 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7685 (2016) · source
“Through the Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism and the Capacity-Building Implementation Plan, the United Nations system has come together through an all-of-United Nations approach to provide support to Member States in their struggle. As we look ahead to this year's General Assembly review of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy on its tenth anniversary, I hope that Member States will find consensus on a strong outcome resolution that reinforces international unity in the face of the divisions that terrorist groups and violent extremists seek to create. The Security Council has a key role to play, and I look forward to continuing our shared efforts to address this global menace.”
2016-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7670 (2016) · source
“We must also be sure that our approaches to preventing violent extremism and countering terrorism respect our shared values, as reflected in the Charter of the United Nations, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and international human rights and humanitarian law. Too often, this basic understanding has been broken or ignored. We must also have the courage to address certain difficult situations, such as the support that violent extremists and terrorists may receive - directly, indirectly and perhaps even unintentionally - from Governments. We must also recognize that, too often, Government counter-terror strategies are so heavy-handed and discriminatory that they end up being counterproductive, generating further alienation among targeted communities and even more terrorists than there were beforehand.”
2016-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7670 (2016) · source
“Resolution 2178 (2014) called on all Member States to cooperate in this effort and, at the request of the Security Council, the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force (CTITF) developed the United Nations Foreign Terrorist Fighters Capacity-Building Implementation Plan, which includes 37 mutually reinforcing project proposals to be carried out by 12 CTITF entities. The Security Council also called on Member States to provide the needed financial assistance. While the Counter-Terrorism Centre will support several of these projects with catalytic funding, more funding will be required for implementation.”
2016-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7670 (2016) · source
“We must also curtail the ability to abuse and misuse the Internet and social media to radicalize and recruit young people by identifying global and regional solutions that involve Governments, private enterprise and civil society. Strategies to counter the threat of online radicalization will also require legislative and law enforcement measures at the national level. We also need an effective approach to strategic communications, moving beyond counter-narratives to reinforcing the values of peace and tolerance. The United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre has made this a priority area in its new five-year programme. To stem the flow of foreign terrorist fighters, we need to intervene at all stages - from their initial radicalization to their travel and return.”
2016-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7670 (2016) · source
“These foreign terrorist fighters also pose a significant security threat to their home or third countries when they return. We need to focus on implementing the relevant provisions of Security Council resolutions 1373 (2001), 2178 (2014), 2199 (2015) and 2253 (2015), and other resolutions and measures that sanction terrorist groups and individuals. We also need to implement all four pillars of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in a comprehensive and balanced manner, recognizing that security and respect for human rights are mutually reinforcing. Member States need to take more concrete steps to stop fundraising through the smuggling of oil and gas, the illicit trade in cultural artefacts, kidnapping for ransom and donations from abroad.”
2016-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7670 (2016) · source
“We know that violent extremism flourishes when groups are marginalized, political space shrinks, human rights are abused and people lack prospects and meaning in their lives. My Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism asks each country to develop a national plan that engages key communities and focuses on conflict prevention. The Plan also calls for the resolution of long-standing conflicts, which would give hope to those enduring oppression and eradicate the breeding grounds of violent extremism and terrorism. Da'esh is adept at raising funds through nefarious activities and has shown an ability to radicalize and recruit disaffected youth, including women and girls, through strategies involving the Internet and social media. More than 30,000 people from all over the world have joined Da'esh's campaigns in Iraq and Syria.”
2016-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7670 (2016) · source
“Two weeks ago, the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington, DC, adopted an important action plan in support of the key role that the United Nations can play in mitigating the threat and managing the response to the possible use by terrorists of nuclear, chemical, biological and radiological materials. Recent attacks around the world have destroyed lives, heightened fear and defied all norms of international law and our common humanity. Terrorism and violent extremism are global threats, transcending cultures and geopolitical boundaries. They should not be associated with any one religion, nationality or ethnic group. While recognizing the importance of measures to counter terrorism, we also need to engage earlier and address the drivers of violent extremism.”
2016-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7670 (2016) · source
“I thank His Excellency Ambassador Liu Jieyi, President of the Security Council, for convening today's open debate on countering terrorism. It is clear that both terrorism and the violent extremism that can be conducive to it are at the top of the international agenda. I have just returned from Switzerland, where, together with Swiss Foreign Minister Didier Burkhalter, I co-chaired the Geneva Conference on Preventing Violent Extremism. It was encouraging that many ministers and heads of regional and United Nations organizations, as well as civil society, came together to focus on solutions.”
2016-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7670 (2016) · source
“Progress in implementing the strategic framework will greatly contribute to sustainable peace and development in the region. I call on the Security Council, the States of the Great Lakes region and the donor community to endorse the strategic framework and extend their full support to its implementation. (spoke in French) Let us work together to bring stability, dignity and opportunities for the future for the peoples of the Great Lakes region.”
2016-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7653 (2016) · source
“I am particularly pleased with the Conference's recommendation that private investors should support business ventures that promote livelihoods for women and youth, with a special emphasis on capacity-building and skills-development. Finally, today's meeting marks the official launch of the United Nations Regional Strategic Framework, which seeks to better align the work of the United Nations in the Great Lakes region with the objectives of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework. The Strategic Framework has six pillars, namely, sustainable natural-resource management, economic integration, cross-border trade and food nutrition security, mobility, youth and adolescents, gender and sexual and gender- based violence, and justice and conflict prevention.”
2016-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7653 (2016) · source
“I ask the Security Council and the leaders of the region to help us to maintain political stability in the Democratic Republic of Congo by quickly finding a solution to the current impasse. (spoke in English) While we often focus on political, security and humanitarian issues as we discuss conflict prevention and resolution, we should remind ourselves that peace and security go hand-in-hand with human and economic development. That is why I am very pleased with the success of the Great Lakes Private Sector Investment Conference held in Kinshasa in February. The Conference gave Great Lakes leaders a rare opportunity to engage with private investors and business leaders from around the world to discuss how to improve the business and investment climate in the region.”
2016-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7653 (2016) · source
“It is also our shared responsibility to prevent the militarization of refugee settlements, which must retain their civilian character. (Spoke in French) I am also very concerned about the continuing impasse in organizing the upcoming elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo. During my recent visit to the country, in February, I urged all stakeholders to resolve their differences through dialogue and to create conditions conducive to the holding of timely and credible elections, in accordance with the Constitution. In the past, political crises in the Great Lakes region have led to widespread violence and serious security problems. We must prevent such a scenario from materializing.”
2016-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7653 (2016) · source
“As the Democratic Republic of the Congo enters a delicate electoral period, we are concerned about the risk of election-related violence, which. could worsen an already grave humanitarian situation. The rapidly deteriorating security situation in Burundi is also of concern. More than 1 million people, including some 25,000 internally displaced persons, are in need of assistance in Burundi. In addition, some 250,000 Burundian refugees are being hosted in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. I commend Member States for their hospitality in receiving refugees from neighbouring countries. I also remind Member States of their international and moral obligation to protect and provide asylum to refugees. Under no circumstance should States use refugees for political purposes.”
2016-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7653 (2016) · source
“In addition to the Violence perpetrated by the many armed groups operating in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, the past months have seen a sharp increase in intercommunal and inter-ethnic conflicts. This is an alarming trend that requires our urgent attention. Attending to the needs of the most vulnerable people in conflict-affected areas is a key component of the United Nations strategy to promote sustainable peace and security in the Great Lakes region. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo alone, 7.5 million people are currently in need of humanitarian assistance, including more than 1.5 million internally displaced persons. Due to the threat posed by armed groups, population displacements and human rights violations occur on a daily basis in some parts of the country.”
2016-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7653 (2016) · source
“There is no doubt that eliminating negative forces will be more challenging if these forces continue to harvest and trade in natural resources from the region. The illegal exploitation and trade in natural resources is worth billions of dollars. It is urgent that these economic lifelines be cut. I am therefore encouraged that my Special Envoy is working with the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region to help improve the governance of natural resources. I call on the Governments of the Great Lakes region to formulate sound strategies to turn their States' natural resources into powerful drivers of human and economic development. I am worried about continued violations of human rights and international humanitarian law in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and other parts of the region.”
2016-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7653 (2016) · source
“In this regard, I have welcomed the decision of the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to resume joint military planning and operations with the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to eliminate negative forces, notably the Forces democratiques de liberation du Rwanda and the Allied Democratic Forces. I urge participants in today's debate to agree on tangible recommendations to accelerate the disarmament and demobilization of all armed groups still operating in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. I also call on the members of the Security Council to reach out to relevant actors and to support our efforts to fully implement the Nairobi Declarations, which ended the M-23 insurgency.”
2016-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7653 (2016) · source
“The past several years have also seen some progress in stabilizing the security situation in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. The defeat of the Mouvement du 23 mars (M-23) and the successful conclusion of the Kampala dialogue in December 2013 have helped to improve the region's security situation. Nonetheless, major peace and security challenges persist in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the region, and require our continued attention. Sustained efforts are required to neutralize all negative forces, including by finding sustainable solutions for former combatants and extending State authority into areas reclaimed from armed groups.”
2016-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7653 (2016) · source
“I am pleased to join the Security Council today for this important and timely debate on the prevention and resolution of conflicts in the Great Lakes region. I thank Angola, as President of the Security Council and Chair of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region, for organizing this meeting. Significant advances have been made over the past 16 years since the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo was first deployed to that country. These include the withdrawal of foreign armed forces, the reunification of the country, the establishment of a transitional Government, the organization of two national elections, and the signing of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Region in February 2013.”
2016-03-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7653 (2016) · source
“The United Nations will continue to work with the Government to ensure that more concrete steps are taken to improve the human rights situation and that all stakeholders are willing to engage in a genuine and inclusive dialogue in good faith. There is no alternative to a political settlement of the Burundian crisis. The international community must shift its approach from a focus on crisis response to a culture of early action and prevention. That can be achieved only if regional and international actors jointly focus their energy, attention and resources, and work together without delay to support a nationally owned inclusive political process in Burundi.”
2016-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7652 (2016) · source
“During my meeting, President Nkurunziza asked for United Nations assistance in securing the safe and unhindered return of the refugees. Pursuant to resolution 2248 (2015), my Special Adviser, Mr. Jamal Benomar, has deployed a team to Burundi. I would like to thank the Burundian authorities for the cooperation and access extended to my Special Adviser and his team. I also welcome the letter of President Nkurunziza to the Security Council of 24 January, expressing the willingness of the Government to work closer with my Special Adviser and his team on issues of dialogue, security, disarmament, human rights and development. This is a complex set of issues and challenges, one on which we stand ready to fully support Burundi and for which we will require adequate capacities.”
2016-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7652 (2016) · source
“I cannot stress enough the profound humanitarian consequences that political unrest, violence and impunity carry for the population. Recent humanitarian assessments suggest that harvests in crisis-affected areas have fallen short, and that nearly 700,000 people now suffer from severe food insecurity in Burundi. Since the beginning of the crisis, more than a quarter of a million people have fled Burundi and sought refuge in neighbouring countries, which have shown commendable hospitality and solidarity. Despite the assurances provided by Burundian officials that refugees are eager to return and that some have already started doing so, the current number of refugees is indicative of the distress felt by Burundians over the continuation of violence and intimidation in their country.”
2016-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7652 (2016) · source
“I expressed my profound worry at the potential for the violence spiralling outward, ending in civil war. I urged the Government to take measures to address the continued violence and the impunity that fuels it. The Government sought to assure me that the situation was gradually stabilizing. However, in my meetings with civil-society organizations and opposition parties, I was presented with a very different picture. I heard deeply disturbing allegations of continuing Violence and human rights violations, including acts targeting women and children. Clearly, that is an unacceptable situation, one that requires the utmost attention to ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their acts. The High Commissioner for Human Rights will provide a more detailed briefing on the human rights situation.”
2016-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7652 (2016) · source
“Burundi's political leaders must summon the necessary courage and confidence to launch a credible political process and build a future where the people of Burundi can once again live in peace and enjoy their fundamental rights. As I reiterated to President Nkurunziza, the international community stands ready to support Burundi in advancing a credible and inclusive dialogue process. The East African Community, the African Union and the United Nations must work together to provide the dedicated and professional mediation support that Burundi needs and deserves during this challenging time. The appointment of former President of Tanzania Benjamin Mkapa as East African Community facilitator is an encouraging development. During my visit, I underlined my deep concern about the volatile situation in the country.”
2016-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7652 (2016) · source
“In order to promote confidence-building, the Government announced, prior to my visit, the annulment ofthe arrest warrants against 15 opposition figures. The Government also decided to reopen two media outlets that had previously been banned. Following my meeting with him in Bujumbura, President Nkurunziza agreed to release up to 2,000 detainees. We now look forward to the full implementation of those measures and expect further steps in the same direction, including the release of all political prisoners and an end to restrictions on civil society and media organizations. At my invitation, key political actors from the Government, the ruling party and opposition parties sat together with me to discuss the future of the country. Nothing prevents Burundian political actors from continuing on that essential course.”
2016-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7652 (2016) · source
“I am pleased to have this opportunity to brief the Security Council on my Visit to Burundi late last month, which came on the heels of the Council's own travel to the country. After a devastating civil war that claimed the lives ofhundreds ofthousands of people, the signing of the Arusha Agreement in August 2000 put Burundi on the path towards peace and reconciliation. The effort that ended the civil war hinged on the willingness of former battlefield adversaries to sit at the same table and become partners in Burundi's common future. During my recent visit to the country, I urged all Burundian stakeholders to remember that lesson from their past and show genuine commitment to an inclusive political dialogue as the only means to peacefully resolve the crisis.”
2016-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7652 (2016) · source
“I again commit myself to confronting any country that continues to permit such crimes. Particularly at the United Nations, we have to clean house; only then can I go out to Member States worldwide to eradicate sexual violence against women. That is my strong commitment, and I really count on the strong engagement and support of Member States. I truly appreciate the fact that the Security Council has raised this issue.”
2016-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7642 (2016) · source
“Without the strong engagement and commitment of the Member States, it will be extremely difficult for the Secretariat to manage these cases alone. As Secretary-General for the past many years, I have directly confronted many Heads of State, face to face, and told them: "You cannot go on like this". Some Heads of State have made excuses, saying that the alleged crime was not committed by their people. I am talking about national crimes of sexual violance, not United Nations-related. They say that the crimes are committed by rebels. "But Mr. President," I reply, "Are you not the leader of a sovereign State? Whoever commits these crimes within your territorial boundaries is your responsibility. You have to be accountable." I have gone face to face in my fights with Heads of State.”
2016-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7642 (2016) · source
“That is why last year we returned the personnel of certain Member States, whose names have already been publicized, and established a conduct and discipline website where we are making all the names of the countries and cases available at all times to Member States and the international community. There may always be a question about whether naming and shaming is a good policy or not at this time. Sometimes we need to make it known to the public so that they will also be motivated to improve their way of conducting their business. In that regard, as most speakers today have explained and expressed, it is extremely important for troop-contributing countries to offer firm and strong predeployment education and training on the importance of respecting human rights, particularly gender empowerment and balance.”
2016-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7642 (2016) · source
“For example, the persons involved may be suspended from the mission or confined to the barracks, or assigned to another mission, which will then have to confine that person within the mission. And of course, salaries will be withheld as much as possible. Now, during the course of discussions some Member States have stated - and of course I agree with them - that the honour and reputation of troop- contributing countries should be respected. We have tried to do that by not disclosing the names of countries until most recently. However, we have realized that this is not very helpful.”
2016-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7642 (2016) · source
“From 2010 through 2015, we received 407 cases of alleged abuse. Eighty per cent of them have been concluded. As ofthe end of 2015, we still had 54 cases pending. I believe that a large number ofthose 54 cases were reported in 2015. We have concluded all investigations up through 2012. We still have three cases from 2013 and three cases pending from 2014. We will make sure to expedite the investigations as much as possible. Out of 407 cases, we have concluded 353. However, 48 cases remain . I will make sure that investigations are expedited. Although I suggested a six-month investigation period, we will shorten the process further. Once allegations have been reported or a report has been received, we will take interim measures.”
2016-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7642 (2016) · source
“First and foremost, we have to do much more to end this violence and help the victims. I appreciate the willingness of Member States to provide financial and other material support to a trust fund. At the same time, I am also grateful that Member States agree to my proposal to withhold the salaries of those that have committed violence and to transfer those salaries to a trust fund. That is a a small effort, but I do need the strong support of Member States. Measures to ensure accountability should be formulated, strengthened and implemented. Without an accountability process firmly established in mindsets as well as in our system, I regret to say that we will see this kind of crime continue. In that regard, I am making sure that our investigations of currently pending cases are expedited.”
2016-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7642 (2016) · source