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

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

“I reached out to a great number of men leaders in Governments and the business community, and religious leaders. We have been working to eliminate these practices. However, we see now that we have been neglecting our own in-house concerns. This has happened in-house, and we have to take greater responsibility for this matter. I appointed the first Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, and I have a Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict. And I have appointed most recently Jane Holl Lute. Appointing special representatives or responsible persons may be helpful, but I need the support of everybody - all Member States, the Secretariat, and people working in the field. We all must work together. As I have presented in my report (A/70/729), I think this matter should be addressed comprehensively.”
2016-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7642 (2016) · source
“At the same time, despite the shamefulness of the issue, we must honour the integrity, sacrifice and hard work of the tens of thousands of peacekeepers and police officers who are working under very difficult and often dangerous circumstances. We have lost a lot of peacekeepers. We really have to honour them. Their reputation, integrity and honour should not be tarnished by this small number of people. I am really commiting myself on this matter. During my term as Secretary-General, which began in 2007, the issue of ending violence against women has been one of my top priorities. Council members may remember that I launched the Unite to End Violence against Women campaign in 2008. Then, in 2009, knowing that the mentality of men must be changed, I established the Network of Men Leaders.”
2016-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7642 (2016) · source
“I apologize for not having taken more thorough care on this matter. I thank the Council for presenting clear guidelines and directions to the Secretariat, myself and the world. The United Nations is very committed. As Ambassador Samantha Power has so eloquently, passionately and emotionally stated, this matter greatly affects our reputation. Why were we unable to address this issue much, much earlier? Only a few people are responsible for the problem. There is a saying that a small mudfish can make an otherwise clean stream dirty. We must eliminate thse practices. We must get rid of those mudfish, and I am very much committed to working with the Council on this matter.”
2016-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7642 (2016) · source
“First I would like to thank the President for taking the initiative to organize a debate on this very important subject, which has a lot to do with our reputation and future work. The open discussion on this shameful issue will create a sense of urgency with regard to and raise awareness of the need to take immediate action based on the principles of accountability and transparency. This issue has not only humbled me; it has left me feeling very regretful and ashamed as the Secretary- General of the United Nations. I am sure that the message that the Council has conveyed strongly and unambiguously will help to strengthen my commitment as well as that of the senior advisors of the United Nations engaged in this area. Again, I feel deeply sorry for the victims, in particular those minors whose human rights and dignity have been abused.”
2016-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7642 (2016) · source
“The United Nations is firmly determined to work with Member States to ensure that national judiciary proceedings make it possible to implement the principle of accountability and to fight impunity. (spoke in English) This is a global issue. It is not confined to any one region, mission or nation. I am determined that the United Nations must lead by example. Sexual exploitation and abuse by United Nations personnel demand nothing less than decisive and bold action. I am committed to working with Member States to confront that criminal conduct and to justify the trust of the people we serve to ensure that this Organization remains a beacon of hope for the most vulnerable.”
2016-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7642 (2016) · source
“We are increasing our support for predeployment training by Member States. We will also consider imposing new rules to curtail the social activities of peacekeeping contingents, including by designating certain geographical areas as out-of- bounds. (spoke in French) Those efforts constitute an important step forward towards ending such crimes and the terrible suffering they inflict on their victims. We can ensure the implementation of the principle of accountability, and in particular criminal accountability, only if the troop- and police-contributing countries quickly and carefully investigate such allegations and if the responsible parties are duly punished.”
2016-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7642 (2016) · source
“Accountability demands that Member States live up to their responsibility to bring to justice those who have committed crimes while serving with the United Nations. We expect them to impose sanctions commensurate with the seriousness of the offence. I have asked Member States to establish on-site court martial proceedings and to ensure that domestic legislation applies to sex crimes committed by their nationals while they are serving within United Nations peace operations. I have also called for the collection of samples of the DNA of alleged offenders. We also continue to emphasize prevention. Significantly, this year for the first time, we will be able to vet all uniformed personnel for previous allegations of misconduct while in the service of the United Nations.”
2016-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7642 (2016) · source
“I also urge Member States to cooperate with the Office of Internal Oversight Services in the conduct of investigations. I am strongly committed to monitoring accountability for violations. Where appropriate, that will include taking action up to and including the repatriation of commanders or of whole contingents. We have already put that into practice in repatriating troops serving in the Central African Republic, owing to alleged sexual exploitation and abuse. When I requested the resignation of my Special Representative for MINUSCA in August 2015, I further signalled that the Organization would hold itself accountable for such violations. I will also consider ending the deployment of uniformed personnel from specific Member States if there is prima facie evidence of widespread or systemic exploitation and abuse.”
2016-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7642 (2016) · source
“We will follow up vigorously to ensure that children who are born as a result of these terrible abuses receive the support they need. Member States must also consider how they will respond to claims from victims who pursue legal action to seek redress. Thirdly, accountability demands the conduct of solid investigations that can withstand judicial scrutiny in disciplinary and criminal proceedings. That will require developing uniformly high standards of investigation. It will entail building the capacities of immediate response teams to gather and preserve evidence. All investigations should be concluded within six months at most, with the most urgent cases concluded within three months. I urge Member States to adopt this standard.”
2016-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7642 (2016) · source
“That will hold accountable and enable the United Nations and Member States to address every allegation of sexual exploitation or abuse in a thorough and timely manner through proper investigation and just punishment. Secondly, the victims, many of whom are children, need our protection and support. We are finalizing the establishment of a trust fund that will provide them with the medical, psychosocial and legal services that they need. I have asked Member States to approve the transfer to the trust fund of payments that will be withheld in substantiated cases of sexual exploitation and abuse. I encourage Member States to make voluntary contributions to the fund. I have also urged all troop- and police-contributing countries to designate paternity focal points.”
2016-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7642 (2016) · source
“My report proposes strong new initiatives in three key areas: first, ending impunity; secondly, helping and supporting victims; and thirdly, strengthening accountability, including through action by Member States. First and foremost, to end impunity, greater transparency is critical. This year for the first time, my report names the countries of alleged perpetrators. Country-specific information is publicly available on the website of the Conduct and Discipline Unit of the Department of Field Support. I intend to expand that information to cover all outstanding allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse, including the status of referrals for criminal accountability.”
2016-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7642 (2016) · source
“That reflects an increase in allegations within United Nations peacekeeping operations, with multiple allegations against the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) and increases in allegations from the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the United Nations Operation in Cote d'Ivoire and the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali. Further allegations have continued to come to light this year. In the face of that disturbing trend across a number of our peacekeeping operations, it is imperative that our collective response be more effective.”
2016-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7642 (2016) · source
“Lute will support me in reviewing and advancing the implementation of the panel's recommendations and in strengthening our response to such abuse. Let me turn to my latest annual report to the General Assembly on special measures on protection from sexual exploitation and abuse (A/70/729). The report shows an increase in the number of new allegations in 2015, with a total of 99 for the United Nations system. Sixty-nine of those allegations were lodged against United Nations personnel serving in peace operations.”
2016-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7642 (2016) · source
“In that context, I appointed a high- level external independent review panel on sexual exploitation and abuse by international peacekeeping forces in the Central African Republic. The panel was led by Justice Marie Deschamps, with two other eminent persons. In mid-December 2015, the Panel submitted its report, which depicted a United Nations that uncovered the abuses but failed to respond meaningfully and with the speed, care or sensitivity required. A number of the panel's recommendations are already being implemented, while those that have far-reaching implications or that require action by legislative bodies, Member States and partners are being considered. Given the importance of addressing the systemic weaknesses that the panel's report exposes, I have appointed a Special Coordinator, Ms. Jane Holl Lute. Ms.”
2016-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7642 (2016) · source
“It undermines the trust between the United Nations and its beneficiaries, betrays the values and principles that the United Nations purports to advance, and tarnishes the credibility of United Nations peacekeeping operations and the United Nations as a whole. The impact is not limited to the location of the abuse, but reflects on the efforts of tens of thousands of peacekeepers and civilian staff working tirelessly to save lives and protect people around the world in difficult and often dangerous conditions. In June 2015, I, like the Council, was deeply dismayed by allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse of children by foreign military forces in the Central African Republic and the United Nations response to those allegations.”
2016-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7642 (2016) · source
“I thank you, Sir, for this opportunity to brief the Council on the important steps being taken and the measures being put in place to end the exploitation and abuse of vulnerable people by the United Nations personnel sent to protect them. For many people caught up in poverty and conflict around the world, the United Nations represents their final hope for a better future. When sexual exploitation and abuse are perpetrated against these individuals by the United Nations personnel authorized to protect them, it further victimizes and violates them and inflicts untold harm on already fragile communities.”
2016-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7642 (2016) · source
“When we see massive loss oflife and cross-border flows ofpeople, that would seem to merit the Council's attention. We must not avert our eyes from these or other such situations, no matter how complex or contentious they might be to discuss. And the world must see that the Council is addressing the situations that matter most to most people. The Security Council has many tools with which to encourage and seek to secure the peaceful resolution of disputes before they escalate, but ultimately the unity of the Security Council is the crucial factor. We have seen what heights are possible when unity is visible, and we have seen the depths that are inevitable when unity has vanished. We look forward to working with Council members to best serve we the peoples in the enduring spirit of the Charter.”
2016-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7621 (2016) · source
“Article 99 has been formally invoked only rarely in United Nations history, but that does not mean it is no longer operative or relevant, or that it cannot be invoked in the future. It remains a key mechanism. Whether or not Article 99 is formally invoked may be secondary. First and foremost is our responsibility to alert the Council when we see situations that we feel require its engagement. I will continue to act in that spirit. When considering which items reach the agenda of the Security Council, my further hope is that we will be driven by the Charter, not by geopolitical rivalries or other external dynamics. When a Member State uses an overly broad definition of terrorism to monopolize power at the risk of long-term stability, that would seem to merit the Council's attention.”
2016-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7621 (2016) · source
“I know that at times Member States feel that such efforts are a form of interference that undermines national sovereignty, but it is violence and conflict - and not our attempt to help Member States prevent them - that threaten State sovereignty. It is violations of human rights by the State that erode the legitimacy of the State. In its engagements, the United Nations seeks to reinforce sovereignty, not challenge or undermine it. Article 99 of the Charter empowers the Secretary- General to "bring to the attention of the Security Council any matter which in his opinion may threaten the maintenance of international peace and security". The General Assembly has recognized this as well.”
2016-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7621 (2016) · source
“We continue to offer assistance in building up national capacity to identify and address the precursors of genocide and other grave crimes. The Human Rights Up Front initiative is helping the United Nations system to coordinate better across the peace and security, development and human rights pillars, and to engage with Member States at early stages of crises. We are placing a growing focus on prevention through both early warning and early action. We should all much prefer to assess early information than to wait for the warning signs of disaster. We should be open to modest steps that could address situations of concern before they grow more serious and complex. Our engagement with Member States on these matters will continue to be based on cooperation, transparency and respect for sovereignty.”
2016-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7621 (2016) · source
“We have seen that conflict-affected countries generally experience the highest poverty rates and were the least likely to achieve the Millennium Development Goals. We know that human rights abuses are our most effective early-warning signs of the instability that often escalates into atrocity crimes. The primary responsibility for preventing conflict and protecting human rights lies with Member States. It is clearly established in the Charter and reiterated in numerous resolutions adopted by the Council, as well as by the General Assembly. But in some situations, Member States may lack the capacity to fulfil their obligations. In others, it is Member States themselves that are the main violators of human rights. The United Nations can help Member States meet these national challenges and uphold their responsibility to protect.”
2016-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7621 (2016) · source
“While we celebrate these achievements, we must also recognize that 2015 was one of the most troubled and turbulent years in recent history. Civil wars ravaged Syria and Yemen. Violent extremism spread. The blatant disrespect for fundamental principles of international human rights and humanitarian law defies our common humanity and challenges the Security Council in fulfilling its duties under the Charter. For the millions living amid war and extreme poverty, and for countless others whose rights are violated or neglected in other ways, the ideals and aspirations of the Charter remain elusive. Bringing the promise of the Charter to the most vulnerable must continue to be our goal. Decades of experience have validated the Charter's vision. We understand better than ever that peace, development and human rights are intrinsically connected.”
2016-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7621 (2016) · source
“I thank the presidency of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela for having organized this open debate on a theme of great importance to the United Nations. (Spoke in English) Today's event continues the useful discussion initiated last year under the Chinese presidency. The year 2015 saw important steps taken to uphold the values and advance the vision set out in the Charter of the United Nations. Reviews of the international peace and security architecture provided valuable ideas for strengthening our work in conflict prevention, peacemaking, peacekeeping and peacebuilding. The adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development ( General Assembly resolution 70/1) and the Paris Agreement on climate change demonstrated our capacity to overcome divisions and chart a course towards the common good.”
2016-02-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7621 (2016) · source
“Upholding and implementing that vision - two States living side-by-side in peace and security - offers the only means by which Israel can retain both its Jewish majority and its democratic status. As the wider Middle East continues to be gripped by a relentless wave of extremist terror, Israelis and Palestinians have an opportunity to restore hope to a region torn apart by intolerance and cruelty. I urge them to accept this historic challenge in the mutual interest of peace. The support of regional partners in that pursuit is essential. The Arab Peace Initiative provides a valuable basis for broader support. Finally, the whole international community must be ever-more committed to actively helping Palestinians and Israelis to rebuild trust and achieve an enduring peace before it is too late.”
2016-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7610 (2016) · source
“A lasting agreement will require difficult compromises by both the Israeli and Palestinian leaders - yes - but what are the alternatives? The continuing deadly wave of terror attacks and killings? The possible financial collapse of the Palestinian Government? Ever-greater isolation of the Israeli Government? A further deterioration of humanitarian conditions in Gaza and the agonizing build-up to another terrible war? A hollowing of the moral foundation of both Israeli and Palestinian societies alike? A creeping moral blindness that ignores the suffering - indeed the humanity - of one's neighbour? More unilateral acts by each side, intentionally designed to pre-empt negotiations and provoke the other side? The parties must act - and act now - to prevent the two-State solution from slipping away forever.”
2016-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7610 (2016) · source
“All parties have a responsibility to uphold the cessation of hostilities and to ensure full respect for resolution 1701 (2006). On the Golan, it remains critical that parties to the Disengagement Agreement maintain liaison with the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force. They must refrain from actions that could escalate the situation across the ceasefire line. Some may say that the current volatility across the region makes it too risky to seek peace. I say that the greater peril lies in not seeking a solution to the Palestinian question. Some say that the two sides are entrenched in their respective positions. I say that we must not succumb to passivity, resignation or hopelessness that a comprehensive resolution of the conflict is not achievable.”
2016-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7610 (2016) · source
“In an already tense regional environment, it is imperative to promote and consolidate stability wherever possible. In Lebanon, I urge all political leaders to work with Prime Minister Tammam Salam and to intensify efforts to resolve the presidential crisis. The Syria donors conference on 4 February in London will be an important opportunity to mobilize support. This must include meeting the huge humanitarian, infrastructure and stabilization needs of neighbouring countries in light of the refugee crisis. We are all aware of the strains on Lebanon, Jordan and Turkey. I welcome the resumption of calm along the Blue Line and in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon area of operations following the serious incidents of 20 December and 4 January.”
2016-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7610 (2016) · source
“Healing Palestinian divisions is also critical so that Palestinians can instead focus their energies on establishing a stable State as part of a negotiated two-State solution. Genuine unity will also improve the Palestinian Government's ability to meet pressing economic problems that are adding to the frustration and anger driving Palestinian violence. The international community also has a responsibility, not least by responding generously to the recent emergency appeal by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East for over $400 million to support vulnerable Palestinians. And as we continue to uphold the right of Palestinians to self-determination, let us be equally firm that incitement has no place, and that questioning the right of Israel to exist cannot be tolerated.”
2016-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7610 (2016) · source
“However, none of this can be accomplished without the critical support of donors, the fulfilment of pledges from the Cairo Conference and the full return of the Palestinian Authority to Gaza. I continue to strongly believe that conditions in Gaza pose a severe threat to long-term peace and security in the region. Palestinians must also demonstrate commitment to addressing the divisions among Palestinians themselves. I strongly urge the Palestinian factions to advance genuine Palestinian unity on the basis of democracy and the Palestine Liberation Organization principles. Reconciliation is critical in order to reunite the West Bank and Gaza under a single legitimate Palestinian authority.”
2016-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7610 (2016) · source
“The Bedouin community in particular is paying a heavy price. I reiterate the United Nations call for an immediate end to Israeli plans to forcibly transfer Bedouin communities currently living within the occupied Palestinian territory in the Jerusalem area. At the same time, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains perilous. Eighteen months after the end of hostilities, conditions have not significantly improved. I condemn the continuing rocket fire into Israel from militant groups in Gaza. Chronic security and governance challenges and funding shortages have slowed the pace of reconstruction. Much work remains to be done. Meanwhile, the people of Gaza face dire unemployment and water and electricity needs. Meeting these concerns must be a top priority.”
2016-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7610 (2016) · source
“I am deeply troubled by reports today that the Israeli Government has approved plans for over 150 new homes in illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank. This is combined with its announcement last week declaring 370 acres in the West Bank, south of Jericho, as so-called State land. These provocative acts are bound to increase the growth of settler populations, further heighten tensions and undermine any prospects for a political road ahead. I urge the Israeli Government not to use a recent decision of the Israeli High Court affirming a large tract of land south of Bethlehem as State land to advance settlement activities. The demolitions of Palestinian homes in Area C of the occupied West Bank continue, as do the decades- long difficulties of Palestinians to obtain building permits.”
2016-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7610 (2016) · source
“They reiterated the urgent need for significant steps, in line with previous agreements, to strengthen Palestinian institutions and security and economic prospects, while addressing Israel's security concerns. Changing Israeli policies is central to advancing this goal, particularly in Israeli- controlled Area C, which comprises 61 per cent of West Bank territory and is home to some 300,000 Palestinians. Approvals of master plans for Palestinian sectors of Area C would allow for much-needed growth in these areas and prevent demolitions. Progress towards peace requires a freeze of Israel's settlement enterprise. Continued settlement activities are an affront to the Palestinian people and to the international community. They rightly raise fundamental questions about Israel's commitment to a two-State solution.”
2016-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7610 (2016) · source
“Palestinian frustration is growing under the weight of a half century of occupation and the paralysis of the peace process. Some have taken me to task for pointing out this indisputable truth. Yet, as oppressed peoples have demonstrated throughout the ages, it is human nature to react to occupation, which often serves as a potent incubator of hatred and extremism. So-called facts on the ground in the occupied West Bank are steadily chipping away the viability of a Palestinian State and the ability of Palestinian people to live in dignity. In an effort to overcome the political impasse, Quartet Envoys met with Israeli and Palestinian officials on 17 December 2015.”
2016-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7610 (2016) · source
“I thank you, Sir, for this opportunity to briefthe Council on the situation in the Middle East. (Spoke in English) Sadly, 2016 has begun much like 2015 ended - with unacceptable levels of violence and a polarized public discourse across the spectrum in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory. Stabbings, vehicle attacks and shootings by Palestinians targeting Israeli civilians - all of which I condemn - and clashes between Palestinians and Israeli security forces have continued to claim lives. But security measures alone will not stop the violence. They cannot address the profound sense of alienation and despair driving some Palestinians, especially young people. The full force of the law must be brought to bear on all those committing crimes, with a system of justice applied equally to Israelis and Palestinians alike.”
2016-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7610 (2016) · source
“Nearly two years have passed since the Geneva II Conference. The people of Syria have suffered enough. I call on them to show vision and leadership in overcoming their differences. A fleeting opportunity for peace has emerged. Their duty is to seize it.”
2015-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7588 (2015) · source
“This morning, I urged the International Syria Support Group to apply the necessary pressure on the Syrian parties to immediately implement the following confidence-building measures: first, to stop the indiscriminate use of weapons against civilians, including barrel bombs, which have continued despite the Government's pledge to refrain from such assaults; secondly, to allow unconditional and unimpeded access for aid convoys - tens ofthousands ofpeople in besieged areas have been forced to live on grass and weeds, and that is outrageous; thirdly, to halt attacks on medical and educational facilities and lift all restrictions on medical and surgical supplies from humanitarian convoys; and, fourthly, release all detainees ~ reports indicate that prisoners face torture and atrocious conditions.”
2015-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7588 (2015) · source
“As the Government and opposition delegations are getting ready, the United Nations stands ready to relaunch intra-Syrian talks mediated by my Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura. As set out in the Geneva communique' (S/ZOlZ/SZZ, annex), the parties must ensure the full and effective participation of women in those talks.”
2015-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7588 (2015) · source
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the Ministers for their great leadership and for participating in this meeting. At the two recent meetings in Vienna, the International Syria Support Group made two major requests of the United Nations: first, to convene formal negotiations in January between the Syrian Government and opposition representatives, focused on a Syrian-led transition process; secondly, in parallel, to determine the requirements and modalities of a nationwide ceasefire. The United Nations stands ready to undertake those important tasks. We welcome the meeting convened in Riyadh that brought together a broad spectrum of the Syrian opposition.”
2015-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7588 (2015) · source
“The Syrian conflict began with peaceful popular demands for political change, but it soon became defined by internal, regional and international divisions, including in this very Council. Almost five years later, we see a country in ruins, with millions of its people scattered across the world and a whirlwind of radicalism and sectarianism that challenges regional and global security. I therefore welcome the critical initiative of the International Syria Support Group. In particular, I recognize the statesmanship of United States Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. I also welcome the draft resolution that the Security Council will adopt at this meeting. As the first resolution to focus on the political path to resolving the crisis, this marks a very important step on which we must build.”
2015-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7588 (2015) · source
“The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (General Assembly resolution 70/1) includes commitments to making the transfer of remittances faster, cheaper and safer, while fully recognizing measures to combat the financing of terrorism. Let us work to ensure that measures to stop illicit financial flows do not undermine the achievement of the sustainable development goals. I once again welcome today's draft resolution and this unprecedented demonstration of global commitment. I urge the Council to complement its effort today with concrete action to ensure that today's historic meeting shuts down funding channels for terrorist groups, prevents attacks and builds a safer, more secure world for all.”
2015-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7587 (2015) · source
“Fourthly, I intend to lead, as requested by the Council, strategic-level discussions within the United Nations on the gravity of the threat including on the sources of financing of these groups, and report back to the Council within 45 days on our conclusions. Fifthly and critically, as we fight terrorists, let us also take special measures to ensure that we do not harm migrants or refugees and their communities of origin. Last year, developing countries received over $400 billion in remittances from migrants living abroad. That is more than three times the total of global official development assistance. Remittances sent home by migrant workers are a lifeline. The average Somali family, for example, receives 60 per cent of its income from abroad.”
2015-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7587 (2015) · source
“That body coordinates the activities of several entities in this area, such as the Counter- Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the Monitoring Team of the Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999) and 1989 (2011) concerning Al-Qaida and associated individuals and entities. The United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre will also now focus on programming in countering the financing of terrorism. Thirdly, we should work more closely with the private and charitable sectors to identify suspected transactions and invest in credible and manageable regulatory systems to block terrorist funds.”
2015-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7587 (2015) · source
“First, we should increase international cooperation and share information and expertise, especially in stopping the illegal transfer of and trade in cultural artefacts. Where States lack the knowledge and resources to strengthen their systems, the international community should offer effective capacity-building. Secondly, we will expand United Nations programming on countering the financing of terrorism, which currently includes the United Nations Counter- Terrorism Implementation Task Force Working Group on this subject.”
2015-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7587 (2015) · source
“The implementation of key Security Council resolutions on this subject remains weak in many parts of the world. The private sector and civil society are often left outside the circle of consensus-building and trust, thus becoming a potential weak link. In some cases, the misinterpretation and misapplication of international standards have resulted in violations of due process, undermining confidence and damaging the. partnerships with key communities needed to effectively address the problem. The draft resolution to be adopted by the Security Council today will help intensify our efforts, identify new vulnerabilities and advance stronger and more efficient regulatory regimes, with due regard for human rights. I would suggest at least five further areas of focus.”
2015-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7587 (2015) · source
“Social media outreach is exploited by Daesh not just for radicalization and recruiting, but also for fundraising. Other terrorist organizations around the world - from Boko Haram to Al-Shabaab to the Taliban - are following suit. They increasingly employ elusive tricks to raise and transfer funds, covering their tracks and leaving little evidence for Governments and the private sector to identify tainted resources or to follow the funding trail. Just as terrorist groups are innovating and diversifying, the international community must stay ahead of the curve to combat money-laundering and the financing of terrorism. Doing so will not be easy. Many States have yet to establish the necessary legal regimes, institutions and expertise to identify and freeze terrorist financing and assets.”
2015-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7587 (2015) · source
“More and more countries have adopted legislation to criminalize terrorist financing and build and strengthen regulatory systems to counter funding flows to terrorists. The focus and guidance of the Financial Action Task Force has expanded to include the spectrum of methods to fund terrorism. Still, more needs to be done. Terrorists continue to adapt their tactics and diversify their funding sources. Today, Daesh runs a multi-million dollar economy in territories under its control. Daesh terrorists raise money through the oil trade, extortion, undetected cash couriers, kidnapping for ransom, the trafficking of humans and arms. and racketeering. They loot and sell precious cultural property, shamelessly profiting from the destruction of humankind's common heritage.”
2015-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7587 (2015) · source
“They have have forged destructive and very profitable links with drug and criminal syndicates, among others, and they abuse charitable causes to trick individuals to contribute. They are agile and have been far too successful in attaining resources for their heinous acts. Through the years, we have made progress in identifying and limiting various methods of terrorist financing, in many cases developing measures to prevent the flow of funds to terrorists. Numerous Security Council resolutions clearly express the international community's determination to tackle terrorist financing. More and more Member States continue to sign and ratify the International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism.”
2015-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7587 (2015) · source
“Let me begin by thanking the Government of the United States for its leadership in convening this historic first-ever Security Council meeting of Finance Ministers. I salute your decision, Mr. President, to focus on countering the financing of terrorism. As Daesh and other terrorist groups disseminate their hateful propaganda and ratchet up murderous attacks, we must join forces to prevent them from acquiring and deploying resources to do further harm. We know the challenges before us. The terrorists take advantage of weaknesses in financial and regulatory regimes to raise funds. They circumvent formal channels to avoid detection and exploit new technologies and tools to transfer resources.”
2015-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7587 (2015) · source
“Taken together, those efforts can enable us to renew the instruments of the United Nations to address conflict, protect people and help countries find durable paths of peace. I hope that our discussion today will mark the first step in a continued engagement with all members of the Council in support of more effective and efficient United Nations peace operations. I stand ready to work with the Council in the months ahead.”
2015-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7564 (2015) · source
“I welcome the Council's recent dialogue with contributing countries, and I encourage members to consider my proposals for further strengthening triangular consultation. The recent adoption of resolution 2242 (2015) sets out an agenda for stronger implementation of the Council's landmark resolution 1325 (2000). Women and peace and security considerations have been fully mainstreamed throughout the peace operations initiative. My report on peace operations has also drawn upon and integrated recommendations from the Advisory Group of Experts on peacebuilding to ensure strong linkages. In that connection, consideration could be given to strengthening collaboration between the Council and the Peacebuilding Commission.”
2015-11-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7564 (2015) · source